Live in an apartment or home with a gorgeous but totally non-functional fireplace? We recently received a note from a reader asking us for help on decorating her non-working fireplace and decided to round up 15 of our favorite decor options. Be sure to stay tuned later this week for our own hack on adding a little personality and light to your non-working fireplace.
Trends come and go, but decor styles can stand the test of time with the right upgrade. Farmhouse modern, for example, has outlasted many home decor trends over the decade (RIP kitschy boho) and even inspired offshoots like cottagecore and coastal grandmother, proving we'll always crush on all things clean and cozy. Alice Arterberry of Austin-based design and architecture firm Arterberry Cooke and interior designer Anna Franklin of Milwaukee-based Stone House Collective helps us refresh the look with a few dos and don'ts... plus check out our style reminders to keep your home decor always on point.
Design: Arterberry Cooke
Mistake #1: Your lighting and fixtures are outdated.
Look for lighting and modern fixtures that suit a space in size, function, and style. “We wanted the design to reflect a timeless and classic look," says Arterberry of this Austin remodel, "that would stand the test of time and wouldn't feel outdated quickly, while still feeling modern and fresh." This kitchen features neutral tones and refined fixtures that can act as a perfect canvas for more color and accessories as trends take shape.
Design: Arterberry Cooke
Mistake #2: Your rugs are too small.
"The home is quintessential Austin with its classic yet contemporary feel," says Arterberry. Her design team decided to use a neutral palette throughout the main level, and the graphic rug enhances the overall aesthetic. Splurge on a generously sized rug for larger areas to tie the room together and create a seamless look. Even the most beautiful rug can look out of place if it doesn't fit properly, giving the impression that you're trying to cut costs. Choose a rug that is large enough to anchor the furniture, ideally allowing the front legs of major pieces to rest on it.
Design: Arterberry Cooke
Mistake #3: Your window treatments look cheap.
Thin, plastic blinds or low-quality curtains can detract from the overall look of a room. Invest in quality curtains, blinds, or shades that complement your decor and dress the windows completely.
Design: Stone House Collective
Mistake #4: Walls are painted in outdated colors.
Millennial pink, tangerine, light yellow, violet, and bright red are out, while more earthy tones are in, like this beautiful statement wall Franklin and team had painted in Shade Grown by Sherwin Williams. It adds a moody vibe that feels rich and modern, albeit farmhouse-inspired.
Design: Stone House Collective
Mistake #5: Using typographic signs in lieu of artwork.
Rustic typographic signs hint of a farmhouse decor past. "Although once a staple of farmhouse decor, replace typography signs with beautiful artwork that depicts a rural, landscape scene. In addition to being much more chic, these pieces will add a touch of color to an otherwise neutral aesthetic," says Franklin.
Design: Stone House Collective
Mistake #6: Decor lacks authenticity.
DIY farmhouse decor like the faux-antique window pane with chicken wire or mason jars glued to faux-distressed barn board can scream a little too country. "Instead opt for vintage, antique finds with a rustic flair," says Franklin. Look for a high-quality cream vintage rug; handmade, weathered pottery; and solid wood furniture. "Make a statement and incorporate an authentic, solid wood farmhouse dining table made of exposed wood. These dining tables are typically the star of the space, and will age beautifully over time," adds Franklin.
Design: Stone House Collective
Mistake #7: Clutter is everywhere.
A well-designed home, no matter what style, feels as good as it looks when the room is clean, comfortable, and clutter-free. Pare down to the basics and then add in warm features, like a rustic console and earthy lamps. For toys and things that always end up where they don't belong, invest in natural baskets and containers that suit your style.
Mistake #8: Your entry gets no love.
First impressions matter. Give your entryway a little love with a wood console table, a modern mirror at eye level, a durable rug, and simple accessories, like a vase with branches, small containers for keys and things, and coffee table books.
Design: Stone House Collective
Mistake #9: Plants look a little sad or overgrown.
Plants, large and small, can help clean air and bring the outdoors in, ultimately making a room feel alive. Be selective and think about scale. These plants play a subtle yet decorative role in a spare office -- the perfect spot for clear thinking and productivity. Plants to look out for include olive trees, ficus elastica, pilea, snake plants and calathea.
Design: Stone House Collective
Mistake #10: There is no symmetry and balance.
Multiples like these twin accent chairs add symmetry to a design, making a room feel more balanced. A rug large enough to reach all of the furniture makes a great impact too while adding to the balanced, cozy vibe.
Finally, add personal touches that make your home feel like you (vs. following the latest IG decor playbook). Bring in books you love, art that gives you all the feels, and personal mementos (travel souvenirs, family photos, etc.) to make a house, farmhouse or otherwise, a home.
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Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.
Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.
Venice, Italy
Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.Bali, Indonesia
Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.
Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
Machu Picchu, Peru
Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.
Tulum, Mexico
Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.
Santorini, Greece
Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.
Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)
This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.
Kyoto, Japan
Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.
Mount Everest, Nepal
The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.
Lisbon, Portugal
Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.
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Can you imagine a world without coffee tables? Not only would we be missing out on the joy of resting a full cup of joe within arms reach, but we’d be down a majorly decorative element in our living rooms and dens. From ultra-modern and colorful to boldly basic, scroll on to see just how much flair a knee-tall table can add to your space with these 40 insanely beautiful coffee tables. Find one for every budget + style below.
Anthropologie Targua Inlay Coffee Table ($1,248)
Inlaid bone has been used to decorate furniture surfaces for centuries and we see why: it adds instant luxury to your space atop a cylindrical brass base.
Pottery Barn Folsom Rectangular Coffee Table ($799)
There's something to be said about the beauty of simplicity. This solid pine wood coffee table is elegant, casual, and practical all at the same time. Try it in your coastal decor.
Anthropologie Brass Starburst Round Coffee Table ($998)
Beaming rays of antique brass on a rosewood base turns this coffee table into a conversation piece.
UO Aria Coffee Table (was $599, on sale $419)
A wavy wood base with a tempered glass adds a creative flair to your living room.
WE Monti Lava Stone Coffee Table ($599)
We love that this organic coffee table, made of lava stone, can be used indoors or out.
CB2 Santoro White Quartz Coffee Table ($1,099)
This statement coffee table has a polished round of solid white quartz over three acacia wood legs. Its timeless look feels super high-end without a crazy price tag.
Rove Concepts Sienna Coffee Table ($1,200 member price, $1,713 retail)
Here's another example of basic but not boring. This pedestal coffee table's soft curves made from concrete anchor your room in refined minimalism.
Etsy Turqueta Coffee Table ($315)
The shipping on this beautiful handmade coffee table will run you about $200 (it's made in Spain) but it will be worth it. This versatile piece will go anywhere in your space, even as you grow out of it.
CB2 Bovisio Square Smoked Glass Coffee Table ($1,500)
This 70s-era coffee table designed by Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini features a grey smoked glass top over tubular legs. CB2 reintroduced the classic design, made in Italy — just like the original.
Anthropologie Swirled Drum Reclaimed Coffee Table ($1,398)
Crafted from naturally fallen trees, the blond wood veneer of this drum coffee table is stunning and adds an organic vibe to your space.
Perigold Magari Kompei Coffee Table ($570)
Who says you need to go round or rectangle? This geometric coffee table shows off the natural warmth of the wood-grain base, topped with a dramatic midnight gray color.
Homary Lift-Top Coffee Table Set with Storage + Ottomans ($760)
This affordable modern coffee table comes with its own ottomans (that stow away underneath) and storage unit, perfect for your small-space needs!
Article Skane Coffee Table ($449)
This indoor-outdoor coffee table may look minimal and light but it's actually made of powder-coated metal. We love the idea of a colorful coffee table too.
Pottery Barn Terry Round Coffee Table ($759)
The cuffed neck and conical base of this solid, kiln-dried wood coffee table stands out as one of a kind.
Article Kera Coffee Table ($699)
Covered in ceramic tiles, this blocky piece is durable, splash-resistant (so you can use outdoors), and quietly demands attention.
Modern Drum Coffee Table In Sintered Stone ($499)
A stone tabletop with a beaded edge adds interesting details that keep this gorgeous coffee table from getting overlooked.
The Novogratz Voler Coffee Table ($106)
We love that you can score a Scandi-style piece like this (made from engineered wood in light oak finish) at an amazing price.
Modern Clear Acrylic Coffee Table ($225)
This transparent acrylic coffee table opens up your space while looking classic and modern. It's perfect for small spaces and works outdoors too.
Triangle Coffee Table, Walnut ($472)
This Noguchi-style coffee table is a design classic, available in walnut and natural finish.
WE Sintra Coffee Table ($349-$748)
Add an edge to your cozy living room with a metal frame in a bronze finish. This set of coffee tables is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory too.
WE Graphic Stripes Coffee Table ($1,449)
We never met a stripe we didn't like, paired with antique brass legs and we're in love.
Etsy Colorful Unlimited Design Coffee Table ($226)
These multi-functional tables come in a bunch of fun colors and can be a round coffee table, a long coffee table, or shelving in one. Take your pick!
Zeke Round Brushed Oatmeal Coffee Table ($400)
Seek a sleek coffee table for your modern decor? These legs posts curve around the table for a clean, minimal but cool design effect. We also like these rounded edge for family-friendly decor. Also available in oval.
Schoolhouse Andy Coffee Table ($849)
This round Saarinen-inspired table has an earthy, satin finish in two woody options on a cast aluminum base.
WE Solstice Coffee Table ($599-$799)
This bestseller is made with raffia over engineered FSC-certified wood (so it has a unique texture) in a water-based whitewash finish. We envision little dinner parties around it.
Blu Dot Circula Small Coffee Table ($895)
For when you want a pop of color in your living room, this sophisticatedly simply table does the trick and comes in a slew of stunning colors.
Hay Tray Coffee Table ($295)
Perfect for hosting, this bestselling coffee table has a removable tray top.
UO Inet Coffee Table ($499)
Looks like a contemporary art piece to us, you? This glass top is easy to clean and perfect for small spaces too.
Grovehill Round Coffee Table by Everly Quinn ($1,050)
This coffee table echoes an era gone by but feels totally modern too. Love the blue hue.
Japandi Round Wood Coffee Table with Rattan Base ($440)
Score an extra shelf for all your coffee table books.
Wendall Coffee Table (was $499, on sale $299)
This eclectic-modern piece features a circular glass top with colorful curved legs.
Juliette Coffee Table ($599)
This circular coffee table has a lift-up top where you can store blankets, books, remotes and more.
Sonali Oval Coffee Table ($1,498)
This sculptural design is functional art and will make a room standout.
Crispin Coffee Table ($499)
A little bit rustic with a whole lot of chic, this tripod table gives your decor a woodsy yet contemporary edge.
Carlo Coffee Table ($800)
This coffee table is a modern take on the farmhouse-inspired style with a leaf-like inlaid chevron pattern.
All Modern Xavier Coffee Table ($610)
This industrial-inspired coffee table has a wooden top on a steel asymmetrical base. So cool.
Mid-Century Modern Mini Swing Coffee Table ($112)
Magazine lovers will enjoy the handy storage pocket on this sleek swing coffee table, which is made of environmentally friendly rubber wood. The price is pretty lovable too.
LAZZO Rattan Coffee Table ($88)
Coffee tables with storage are perfect for clearing clutter instantly. This one has great style and an amazing price!
Check us out on Pinterest for more home favorites, plus decor hacks to upgrade your home!
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!
Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies
Brit + Co
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
- 6 tablespoons raw honey
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
For the frosting:
- 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
- 1/4 cup cacao butter
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- Plant-based food coloring
- Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!
How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies
Brit + Co
- Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
- Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
- While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
- After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!
Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!
Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.
Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.
If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.
The Noshery
Mantecaditos con Guayaba
These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)
Broma Bakery
Meringues
French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)
Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
Alfajores
Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)
Fancy Peasant
Melomakarona
These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)
Very Eatalian
Baci di Dama
The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)
Cooking Classy
Linzer Cookies
These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)
Olivia’s Cuisine
Basler Brunsli
If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)
Cilantro Parsley
Buñuelos
These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)
Chef Lindsey Farr
Apricot Kolachys
The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)
Life, Love and Sugar
Cutout Sugar Cookies
In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)
Saveur
Polvorones
You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)
A Healthy Life for Me
Pignoli
These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)
Fancy Peasant
Kourabiedes
These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)
Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.