8 Home Decor Ideas I’m Stealing From This Whimsical Nancy Meyers-Inspired Cottage Remodel
Dec 05, 2024
Cameron Diaz's home exchange in Nancy Meyers' The Holiday is a cozy girl's dreamy holiday escape. And while Jude Law totally crushed our dreams by telling us that house isn't actually real, I found an IRL home that's totally just as good. This charming cottage is straight out of a storybook, with stacks of books, a literal crackling fireplace, and vintage-style furniture that beg you to curl up with a cup of tea. Cue this 1923 sbtorybook cottage in Los Angeles. Kirsten Blazek of LA-based a1000xbetter leaned into her warm and cozy side and embraced whimsical wallpapers and comfy furniture when restoring the '90s-era remodel back to its original charm, while also making sure it made sense for a modern, young family.
See the quaint, Nancy Meyers-inspired cottage remodel here!
1. Rich, Warm Colors
Michael P.H. Clifford
Kirsten chose a cohesive color palette throughout the home to give the overall feeling of warmth. The home features classic prints, curated art, and furniture that nods to the home’s past.
2. Luxe, Comfy Furniture
Michael P.H. Clifford
Furnishings from home decor shops like Soho Home, Arhaus, and Maiden Home, paired with bold Morris & Co wallpaper and vintage rugs creates a warm, cozy, and inviting space. Think cottagecore but elevated!
3. Larger-Than-Life Bookshelves
Michael P.H. Clifford
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves frame the outdoors and give the home an old-world English cottage feel.
4. 1920s-Inspired Decor
Michael P.H. Clifford
But it's this bath that stopped me in my tracks. So stunning! The home hails from the roaring '20s and elements like unlacquered brass hardware, natural stone countertops, and a B&W silent film print make subtle calls to that era. I adore the scalloped backsplash.
5. Whimsical Wallpaper
Michael P.H. Clifford
"We wanted to choose a wallpaper for the child bedroom that was also whimsical but had a level of sophistication that meant it wouldn’t feel too young as the years progressed," says Kirsten.
6. Cozy Lamps
Michael P.H. Clifford
The Lawns Prospect Park Mural Wallpaper was the starting point for Kirsten's other choices in the room that include a vintage bed and table lamps from Amazon.
7. Vintage-Inspired Lighting
Michael P.H. Clifford
Vintage-style sconces and handmade ceramic tile in the master bathroom echo the past in a freshly designed bathroom. Love the idea of a table lamp here too.
8. Antique Furniture Accents
Michael P.H. Clifford
Kirsten chose an arched alcove around the bath with a tall vintage chair. "The alcove adds depth and interest to the room and felt aligned with the intrinsic architecture in the home," she says. What a happy ending!
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Ethan Slater's Ex-Wife Lilly Jay Just Opened Up About Their "Sudden" Divorce (& Ariana Grande)
Dec 19, 2024
Usually there's two sides to every breakup, but clinical psychologist Dr. Lilly Jay (and Ethan Slater's ex-wife) is showing there can be a third. As a refresher, Wicked star Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have a very public relationship that had quite a rocky beginning. Even now, some people aren't the biggest fans of their love story — and I doubt Lilly's latest personal essay on The Cut will help.
Lilly penned a very personal account of her divorce, divulging pretty intimate details of her experience unexpectedly in the spotlight. The clinical psychologist shared what this experience (and her divorce) taught her, showing she's ready to reclaim her story in the public eye. Here are the key takeaways!
Scroll down for the key takeaways from Lilly Jay's article on her divorce from Ethan Slater!
Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for Nickelodeon
1. Lilly Jay initially felt blindsided by her divorce from Ethan Slater.
No one ever wants to watch the world publicly see their ex with someone else. We don't know how we'd feel if our ex decided to move on with someone as famous as Ariana Grande, but we suspect we'd want to press pause on our social media intake.
Dr. Lilly Jay added, "No one gets married thinking they’ll get divorced, in the same way we don’t board a plane expecting to crash. But I really never thought I would get divorced. Especially not just after giving birth to my first child and especially not in the shadow of my husband’s new relationship with a celebrity [Ariana Grande]," (via The Cut).
2. Lilly's in the acceptance stage of her divorce with Ethan.
It can be embarrassing to watch others give their opinions about your 'failed' romantic relationship, but It's something Dr. Lilly Jay's working through. "In the countless hours I spend rocking my son to sleep, pushing his stroller, marveling at his sweaty little hands grasping a crayon, I work diligently on my private project of accepting the sudden public downfall of my marriage," she wrote. However, she's not looking to bury her head in the sand.
"This, I tell myself, is nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to hide."
Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions
3. Lilly Jay believes her happy ending is out there.
Some people cling to pessimism after feeling hurt by the person they love while others still look at the glass as half-full. Dr. Jay's choosing the latter which is impressive to us! She further wrote, "Slowly but surely, I have come to believe that in the absence of the life I planned with my high-school sweetheart, a lifetime of sweetness is waiting for me and my child."
That's right rockstar mom; focus on enjoying what else life has to offer!
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions
4. Lilly Jay does miss when her life was private.
Fully understanding Dr. Lilly Jay is a clinical psychologist, there's a certain level of disbelief at how much of the breakdown of her divorce has become public. Against her will, people found out about a delicate matter and it didn't help that the other parties involved were so giddy while she tried to make sense of what was taking place.
She said, "In this season of shock and mourning, over a year after the end of my marriage was made public, I deeply miss the life of invisibility I created for myself as a psychologist specializing in women’s mental health." Yet, she has hope that maybe something good can come from this even though she works at a "Children's Hospital."
"...while I still firmly believe in following my patients’ leads and not presuming to know what parts of my personhood resonate with them, the publicity I did not consent to increasingly feels like both a challenge and an opportunity," Dr. Jay insists.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions
5. But, Lilly's taking a chance by embracing this visibility.
There's not an easy way to accept everything Dr. Lilly Jay has experienced, but we truly think she's brave for expressing her fears, vulnerability, and hope in her The Cut essay. Her final caveats? She's "okay" and wants the world to get to know her on her terms.
"You know how a sponge is most effective at absorbing liquid when it’s already a bit wet? Maybe we can think about my messy not-so-personal life in that way: a dose of my own loss, rage, powerlessness, sadness that helps me hold yours."
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The recent trend toward warmer hues like burgundy, terra cotta, olive, and brown, has had me rethinking my blue-leaning home. I've been sprinkling in things like pale pink pillowcases, a burgundy throw blanket, and olive green rug, and loving my warmer aesthetic. But then Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn, of celeb-loved design firm House of Rolison, stopped me in my redecorating tracks with their latest bathroom renovation.
Take a look at this stunning blue bathroom renovation that I can't get enough of — plus tips on how to transform your own space!
Nils Timm
In the middle of an earthy 1940s Spanish Colonial home, this stunning cobalt blue bath alcove feels like a refreshing, bold and unexpected moment of calm. And I'm obsessed.
"Historically, Spanish-style homes did incorporate deep blues and greens and we wanted to honor that as well as just a fun play on words given the iconic street name, Bluebird Ave," says Amanda. I love that homage. Once a closet, the bath's arch opening creates a tucked-in feeling around the tub with Zia Tile in Night Blue as the dramatic facade.
Nils Timm
"We made sure to wrap the home in windows, which brought the landscaping into the color palette giving us the opportunity to mix greens, blues, reds and dusty olives into the design," says Taylor.
The pair took a fresh take on Spanish design while keeping the home's soul intact. A deep low-profile sofa sets the tone for its elevated yet warm and casual vibe. "We appreciate structural and architectural integrity while allowing every room to tell a story," says Amanda.
Nils Timm
Each room feels like a chapter in a book, woven together with earthy tones, Spanish Colonial charm, and sleek contemporary design. “We love to play around with various monochromatic palettes," adds Amanda. "Generally people stray from cold colors and right now burgundy and reds are trending, which fall very heavily on the warm scale. We found a way to compliment both."
Nils Timm
The design duo, who are also engaged!, used Viola marble throughout the home to add unique texture, a bold statement, and an organic feel.
Nils Timm
The rich hues create an old-world feel throughout, including in the master bedroom's lounge area. Black-framed windows and elements with darker tones pair perfectly with warm woods and the dramatic stone featured in the kitchen and bath.
Nils Timm
The result is a soothing palette designed for sleep, rest, and relaxation. The fireplace adds a cozy touch, while the room's connection to the outdoors creates a harmonious vibe.
Nils Timm
The rustic and moody dining room is the perfect counterbalance to the sunny outdoors of the Hollywood Hills home. I’m in love with the cozy intimacy of a round dining table, which draws everyone together vs. apart at the center.
Nils Timm
This deep red-hued bedroom hints to the home's Spanish influence while still feeling fresh and contemporary.
Nils Timm
House of Rolison's best bathroom renovation advice?
"Don’t be afraid to get a little weird! Have fun with it. We always say “cool or too weird?” Which is really an homage to how we look at them," says Taylor.
Amanda adds: "To us, a bathroom is like a pop of color or texture to a bedroom. It’s like the jewelry of the space. Use paint, wall texture, paneling, Roman clay, wainscoting et cetera to give the walls some movement. Pick stones that you like for no other reason than because you like them. You may have to trial and error complimenting colors, but it’ll come together. Bathrooms are an easy place to get creative and take risks."
Nils Timm
Each bedroom does feel like a reflection of the bathrooms, telling its own story but feeling cohesive to the space. I love this pop of reddish-brown in a sphere pillow paired with the striped bolster in an otherwise neutral space.
Nils Timm
The era of all-white homes is clearly fading. Drenching walls in rich color while balancing them with lighter tones creates a look that feels warm and welcoming rather than stark and cold.
Nils Timm
Thoughtful details, expressed by collaborator Olive Ateliers, like a three-light floor lamp in the reading nook, vintage artwork, and stone pots add character and charm to create an inviting guest room.
Nils Timm
The bar area in its own intimate nook complements the kitchen with the same bold marble and similar chain pendant.
Nils Timm
I spy a pop of blue tile near the pool in the backyard too!
Nils Timm
The dramatic entryway arch sets the stage for the style and character of the home's stunning interior. Thanks Amanda and Taylor for sharing this beautiful space, and congratulations!
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This Major 'Reputation (Taylor's Version)' Release Date Easter Egg's Been There The Whole Freaking Time
Dec 19, 2024
Taylor Swift has been teasing Reputation (Taylor's Version) for two years — or, at least, Swifties have been clowning over it for two years. When Tay showed up to the 2022 VMAs in a "Look What You Made Me Do"-inspired outfit, fans expected her to drop the first Rep (TV) single, but she announced Midnights instead. And history repeated itself at the 2024 Grammys, when Taylor showed up in black & white before announcing The Tortured Poets Department.
Even though some fans feel confused, NOT getting Reputation (Taylor's Version) in 2024 totally goes with the "2 re-recordings one year, 1 new album the next" pattern we've seen since 2021. But there's one huge Easter egg that's been pointing us to 2025 all along: it's the Year of the Snake.
Here's the one major Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date Easter egg that suggests Taylor Swift could drop it in 2025.
When is Reputation (Taylor's Version) coming out?
Let it be known we still don't have an official Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date yet, but after the "I Can See You" music video featured the number 2.16 (February 16), everyone eagerly awaited February 2024 with baited breath...only to receive nothing. But now I've turned my eyes to February 16, 2025 because DUH, releasing Reputation (TV) during the Year of the Snake (the icon associated with the entire 2.5-year era) makes more sense than anything.
"Some of us have been saying this since like 2022," one TikTok user jokes, while another rationalizes, "We had fearless, red in 2021 then speak now, 1989 in 2023 so reputation and debut in 2025."
The Year of the Snake officially kicks off January 29, meaning we could be in for a late-January announcement, but some fans think Taylor will announce the album on New Year's Day 2025 in honor of the closing track on the album. In my opinion, it makes total sense to get Reputation (TV) for the first half of the year, and to wrap up the re-recording era with Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) for the second half of the year before transitioning to her new movie (and a potential TS12, of course).
Will there be a Reputation (Taylor's Version)?
Yes, we're getting a Reputation (Taylor's Version)! Taylor Swift announced she'd be re-recording all of the albums leading up to Lover after she was unable to buy the rights to her music. In addition to more modern versions of all our favorite Taylor Swift songs, she's also added brand new tunes (called "From the Vault" tracks) as bonus songs for each album. Tracks like "When Emma Falls In Love (Taylor's Version)", "Timeless (Taylor's Version)", and "Is It Over Now? (Taylor's Version)" quickly became fan favorites!
Reputation has always been my favorite Taylor Swift album, and I can't wait to see what kind of vault tracks we get. At its core, Rep is a love album that also address fear and hope, and Reputation (TV) is going to be the one re-recording you won't want to miss.
Check out All The Pics From Taylor Swift's Sweet Eras Tour Party for more!
Finding new pieces for your wardrobe is wonderful, but what's even better is finding pieces that transition from season to season. While you're stocking your winter wardrobe, be sure you're buying pieces that you can carry with you into the spring. We've looked for the best transitional pieces on Amazon and found plenty that you're going to want to get your hands on. With these, you can stay stylish no matter what the weather is like.
Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.This Shirt Dress Can Be Layered
Amazon
The best thing about this button-down shirt dress is that it can be layered easily. During the winter, pull jeans or leggings on under it or a coat on over it and wear it on its own in spring and even in summer.
See it on AmazonThis Mock Neck Top Goes Well With a Cardigan
Amazon
Sure, this mock neck blouse looks incredible all on its own, but it looks amazing under your favorite chunky cardigan, too. Wear it all year long with or without your favorite layers.
See it on AmazonThis Cropped Button Up Is Springy and Fun
Amazon
Style this cropped top with your favorite winter jeans and jacket, or wear it with a flirty spring skirt. This top is warm enough for winter but not so warm that you'll overheat during those warmer spring days.
See it on AmazonThese High-Waisted Jeans Fit So Beautifully
Amazon
Wear these super comfortable drawstring pants with all your favorite outfits, no matter the season. This pair of high-waisted jeans is cozy for winter but not too heavy for spring.
See it on AmazonThis Furry Faux Zip-Up Is Cozy and Cute
Amazon
Pull this faux fur jacket on over whatever you're wearing, no matter the season. This jacket is warm and cropped beautifully to show off your favorite pair of pants or your cutest skirt.
See it on AmazonThese Baggy Boyfriend Jeans Are Stylish and Comfy
Amazon
You can't go wrong with a pair of baggy jeans, and these particular jeans are some of our favorites. The looser fabric and the slouchy silhouette make them a winner for any season.
See it on AmazonThis Top Has One Shoulder in Winter and One in Spring
Amazon
This beautiful cold shoulder top will see you through the winter and into spring in style. Show off your clavicle and keep yourself cool when it's warmer out. Choose from a handful of gorgeous colors.
See it on AmazonThis Oversized Sweater Vest Works for Any Occasion
Amazon
Whether you're dressing up for a fancy event or you're trying to keep it casual, this sweater vest works. The knitwear is casual and slouchy and looks great with anything from T-shirts to button-ups.
See it on AmazonThis Ribbed Sweater Clings Beautifully
Amazon
Create a gorgeous silhouette with this ribbed sweater. This quarter zip top works on its own, or you can pull it on as an extra layer over your favorite shell or under your go-to winter jacket.
See it on AmazonThis Drop Shoulder Sweater Is Wonderfully Slouchy
Amazon
This beautiful, chunky sweater is just oversized enough. The drop shoulder on the top keeps you looking elegant and style-forward without being too hot or sweaty for warmer spring days.
See it on AmazonThis Fleece Vest Is Baggy and Fun
Amazon
Stay warm and stay stylish with this oversized vest. The outer layer looks fantastic with your favorite pair of jeans and long-sleeve top but looks just as great with a T-shirt thrown under it.
See it on AmazonThis Shacket Rings in the Spring
Amazon
Most shackets are a darker brown or orange, making them great for the fall. However, this jacket in the blue and white colors makes it the perfect transitional piece for winter to spring.
See it on AmazonLayer This Dress Up for Warmth
Amazon
This flowy t-shirt dress is made with long sleeves to keep you warm on top but cool on the bottom. Add jeans, leggings, or even palazzo pants under it to keep you warm on cooler days.
See it on AmazonThis Short Sleeve Sweater Is Young and Fun
Amazon
You can wear this thick sweater with practically anything. The thick knit of the top keeps you warm, while the lack of sleeves keeps you from getting too hot. Choose from a handful of great colors and patterns.
See it on AmazonThese High-Waisted Cargo Pants Are Just Baggy Enough
Amazon
You're going to love styling these baggy cargos with anything in your wardrobe. The stretch in the pants makes them a far more comfortable option than any of your usual go-to bottoms.
See it on AmazonWe're Obsessed With the Sweetheart Neckline on This Top
Amazon
This sweater top isn't as thick as it looks, which makes it far more breathable for warmer days. The sweetheart neckline is to die for, adding so much class and depth to any of your outfits.
See it on AmazonThis Dressy Cardigan Levels Up the Look
Amazon
No matter what you're wearing, this dressy cardigan levels up your style. The jacket works for more laidback outfits with sweats or your favorite office wear with slacks and thick sweaters.
See it on AmazonThis Waffle Knit Button Down Works Well for Layering
Amazon
Layer up your favorite outfits with this button-down. This outer layer is flexible, breathable, and so fun to style. Choose from a handful of gorgeous colors, including one bright, bold pink.
See it on AmazonStay Cool in This Striped Sweater
Amazon
Not all sweaters have to be thick and toasty. This T-shirt sweater helps you go from winter into spring, working well under your favorite jackets but keeping you cool when it starts to get warm out.
See it on AmazonThe Internet Is Obsessed With These Drawstring Pants
Amazon
Don't worry; the drawstring pants trend isn't going anywhere. These comfortable, baggy pants come in all sorts of colors, including a great palette of options for the spring season.
See it on AmazonThis Sweater Top Is Light and Breezy
Amazon
Wear this top with anything. The sweater is light, breezy, and also still thick enough to keep you warm during that strange in-between every year when the winter turns to spring.
See it on AmazonThis Sleeveless Sweater Top Goes Well With a Long-Sleeve
Amazon
Pull on your favorite long-sleeve top, and then add this sweater shirt over it. The top is a great way to add some cozy layers without overwhelming or overheating yourself.
See it on AmazonThis Cropped Sweater Vest Looks Great With Jeans
Amazon
This sweater vest also looks fantastic with your favorite winter dress or a nice button-up and slacks combo. Choose from a handful of gorgeous, classic colors to fit your wardrobe's color scheme.
See it on AmazonThis Casual Cardigan Is a Great Combo of Fun and Elegant
Amazon
If you're looking for a cardigan you can wear dressed up or down, this collared cardi is the way to go. The single button keeps your sweater secure without it feeling tight and constrictive.
See it on AmazonThis Top Is the Ultimate Layering Piece
Amazon
This skin-tight long-sleeve shirt was made for layering. The lighter fabric means you can easily pull jackets and sweaters on top of one of these tops in any of the many gorgeous colors.
See it on AmazonThese High-Waisted Pants Are Elegant
Amazon
Style these corduroy pants with your favorite tops, all through winter and spring. The material is flexible and breathable and looks fantastic with sweaters, button-ups, and even T-shirts.
See it on AmazonWe Love This Faux Suede Skirt
Amazon
This gorgeous skirt is just long enough, looks fantastic with a tall pair of boots and a nice, chunky sweater, and is the perfect fabric texture to take you from freezing winters to chilly springs.
See it on AmazonTry This Elevated Tee
Amazon
If you love a good jeans and T-shirt combo but want something a little more elegant, style this ribbed top with your go-to jeans. The top is cozy without being hot and looks great in winter and spring.
See it on AmazonWe're in Love With These Sleeves
Amazon
Give your outfit an infusion of style with the gorgeous sleeves on this top. This silky, button-up blouse might be a little too thin for winter, but pull on a cardigan, and you're good to go!
See it on AmazonWe Love the Cut on These Jeans
Amazon
The hem of these wide-leg jeans is so stylish and fun. The oversized boyfriend look makes them effortlessly chic and stylish, making them a must for your transitional wardrobe.
See it on AmazonThis Bomber Is One of Our Favorites
Amazon
You're going to love this fantastic bomber jacket and the shiny texture of the fabric. Choose from a few great colors and patterns to find just what you need to fill that transitional spot in your wardrobe.
See it on AmazonEnjoy This Thinner Sweater
Amazon
You don't always have to have a thick, chunky sweater just to stay warm. This thinner sweater top is a beautiful choice for the days when the seasons start to turn from frigid to chilly.
See it on AmazonThese Wide Leg Pants Are Flexible and Slouchy
Amazon
You're going to love this gorgeous pair of slouchy pants. These are a great option for staying warm and elegant at the same time. Choose from a handful of neutral, classic colors.
See it on AmazonThis Sweater Top Is Fun and Different
Amazon
Go with something totally different with this beautiful bolero-style top. The crossed design makes your outfit look a little texture and a whole lot of fun, adding extra warmth to any 'fit.
See it on AmazonWe Love the Texture on This Button-Down
Amazon
This awesome button-down top is one of our favorites, and it's totally unexpected in your closet. The textured pattern adds depth and dimension to all your favorite outfits.
See it on AmazonThese Baggy Boyfriend Jeans Are In Right Now
Amazon
And we think they'll stay that way. These distressed jeans are a great option for the trending oversized look. Pull your favorite oversized sweatshirt on to warm up this pair of pants.
See it on AmazonThis Striped Sweater Vest Is Very Coastal
Amazon
Go with the coastal vibes with this beautiful striped sweater vest. The lightweight layer looks really great with your favorite button-up tops or looks good on its own with oversized jeans on warmer days.
See it on AmazonThere's No Shortage of Patterns With These Palazzo Pants
Amazon
These gorgeous pants are a beautiful option for adding style and pattern to any of your outfits. The wide-leg look is a great option for staying in style no matter how much trends change.
See it on AmazonThis Elevated Polo Is So Fun for Transitional Seasons
Amazon
Take this elegant, upscale polo with you from winter to spring and again from fall into winter. The collared top is beautiful and figure-hugging, showing off your curves and looking great with a nice skirt.
See it on AmazonThis Denim Jacket Is a Classic
Amazon
You really can't go wrong with a denim jacket, and this one is a classic. The jacket works with dresses, blouses, tank tops, and more to offer a little extra warmth without sacrificing style.
See it on AmazonThis Flowy Top Is Luxurious and Fun
Amazon
The wide, bell sleeves on this gorgeous top, coupled with the fun color choices and the funky texture, make it a luxurious, exciting choice you're going to love styling every chance you get.
See it on Amazon