How To Paint IKEA Furniture For All Your Dreamy DIYs

IKEA remains a prominent home decor source around the world given its affordability, uniqueness, and customization. If you’ve scrolled for any period of time on your social media app of choice, you’ve undoubtedly seen an “IKEA Hack'' or two. One of the coolest things about IKEA’s often unpronounceable products is the ability to make it your own with a few simple changes, like switching the color, adding a unique texture, or swapping out hardware. But if you’ve ever poured blood, sweat, and tears into a cute little DIY, only for it to scratch immediately, I promise you’ve made a very common mistake. Among those tailored options are a few important rules to remember that could make or break your DIY project.

Different Types Of IKEA Materials

Before I share my tips, let’s identify a few key materials that IKEA sells because the treatment of each will vary. ☝️

Image via Mackenzie Edwards

Wood

While IKEA lists wood as the first source on their “choosing materials” page, I've yet to own a real wood piece from IKEA. They do sell “untreated,” or “raw” pine products like this IVAR Cabinet which can be used as is or easily painted or stained to your desired color. Ordinary primer, paint, stain, and sealant are all you need to transform these pieces with ease.

Image via Mackenzie Edwards

Composite

However, more likely than not, if you’ve purchased any IKEA piece in the past, it’s been made of a composite material — which is just a combination of two or more materials. The Swedish superstore says they use composite because “it’s strong, low maintenance, low price, and light.” All of which are true, however, composite cannot be treated as wood or any of its components.

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Replying to @allybee05 those $45 bookcases? Those are made of MDF! It’s sturdy and affordable however is not water proof, can’t be sanded the same way as wood, and can split under stress. Many MDF pieces are laminated giving them that smooth, shiny surface that paint just doesn’t like to stick to without primer #mdf #basicwoodwork #diybasics #mdfboard

IKEA’s famous BILLY line — with an estimated purchase of once every 5 seconds — is made of a myriad of materials including particle board, fibreboard, and melamine. This gives it that classic shiny, smooth surface that’s synonymous with affordable furniture.

Unlike wood, composite can’t be painted, stained, or even sanded. The laminated surfaces of these kinds of pieces require special attention if you want to make it your own.

IKEA sells these pieces as “finished,” meaning they’re non-absorbing — a trait you typically want in brand-new furniture. However, this means that any paint added to its surface will simply sit on top of the composite finish, rather than soaking in. You may also notice that they’re more likely to chip, scratch, and show more overall wear than traditional wooden furniture or other single material furniture. This, of course, will likely lead you down a paint rabbit hole to revive them.

How To Prepare Your IKEA Furniture For Paint

While it’s not impossible to paint, whether to save an older piece or customize a new one, it does require a few extra steps before cracking open a paint can.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Drop cloth
  • Fan or respirator mask
  • Painter’s tape
  • Paint brush and paint roller
  • Deglosser or liquid sandpaper OR a high-grit sanding block (around #150-180)
  • Primer
  • Paint

Prep Your Workspace

You will be using several products with high fumes and the potential for spills, so I recommend placing your IKEA piece on a drop cloth, in a highly ventilated area or outside. Otherwise, I suggest using a fan or respirator to protect yourself.

Reminder: The higher the grit number, the smoother the finish. You typically want to start with a lower number and work your way up. The lower grit numbers are coarser, removing dirt, grime, paint, and any shiny materials, while a higher grit number is for finishing and leaving a smooth surface.

Say Goodbye To Shine

Since these materials are designed to repel water and other materials, they will repel paint too. To knock back some of the shine and prepare the surface for paint, use liquid sandpaper, a deglosser, or simply sand the surface until you get the piece to a flat or matte finish.

Image via Mackenzie Edwards

Keep in mind that this is composite and not actual wood, so you don’t want to sand too hard and expose the “center” below the thin layer of laminate or melamine. The goal is simply to remove the “waterproof” layer without damaging the structural integrity of the piece.

Clean The Surface

Next up, you want to remove all that dust or residue that comes from step 2. To do this well, I recommend using a lint-free, microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution like vinegar and hot water or mineral oils.

My secret weapon for any painting project is tack cloth. It’s a sticky, mesh cloth that you can get for a few dollars at any hardware store, and it grabs any lingering sawdust, hair, or dust in general, ensuring that your surface is clean.

Prime With Shellac

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That inexpensive, MDF furniture that’s super slick? Paint will slide right off that. Shellac primer will help it stick so this is a NON-NEGOTIABLE when updating your IKEA furniture #ikeabookshelves #billybookcasefromikea #paintingmdf #diypaintingtips

There are plenty of paints that claim to be both a primer and paint in one, and while this works beautifully for ordinary wood or drywall interiors — I highly advise against it when it comes to IKEA composite materials. It may save you some time upfront, but in my experience, any paint without the correct primer scratches off far too easily.

Best practice is to use a shellac-based primer. You'll see three main types of primer at the store: oil-based, latex, and shellac primer. Shellac is by far the most expensive and smelliest of the three, but it works wonders in preparing previously un-paintable surfaces. I recommend using Zinsser B-I-N Shellac Primer.

Next, you'll want to roll the primer with a high-density foam roller. These rollers are designed for smooth surfaces and won’t leave paint roll lines the way a roller with a nap would. You should only need one coat, unless your piece has significant damage or you’re covering a darker color.

Be Patient

Another common mistake when prepping IKEA furniture for paint is rushing through this process. While you may only need one coat of shellac primer, you still need to give it proper time to dry and adhere, which often means waiting until the next day to actually roll on the paint. Each primer will have its own specific instructions on dry-time, but a good rule of thumb is to wait 6 hours for it to dry before applying paint.

Finally Time To Paint

If you’ve prepped the piece properly, you’re free to use latex, acrylic, or even chalk paint. I prefer an ordinary interior latex paint — the same stuff I use on our walls — because it’s affordable and I usually have it on hand already. That’s the beauty of shellac-based primer: you can then customize it to your heart's content with any color or kind of paint.

Get Inspired To Customize Your IKEA Furniture!

A quick search for IKEA hacks online will yield millions of results. In addition to paint, here are a few of my favorite ways to take your IKEA piece from basic to brilliant.

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IKEA HACK: Add hardware to furniture #homedecor #tiktokartists #diy #howto #learnontiktok #fyp #foryoupage #decor #beforeandafter

New Hardware

Hardware is so inexpensive and can really elevate a standard piece of furniture. Even if you’re just looking to refresh an older piece, you can often get an entire set of new door knobs or handles for under $40. Many of IKEA pieces come without hardware and it’s a simple DIY anyone can do with just a drill and measuring tape.

www.tiktok.com

LET’S JUST PRETEND THE CROWN MOULDING IS INSTALLED OKAY? 🤪 #fyp #diy #builtins #ikeahack #homedesign #homedecor #cozyathome #wallpaper #taylorsversion #ts

Wallpaper

I’ve seen so many creative uses of wallpaper and contact paper when it comes to IKEA hacks. Whether you utilize a textured wallpaper for dimension or add a surprisingly pop of color inside your drawers, you have plenty of options to choose from!

www.tiktok.com

IKEA HEMNES Nightstand Hack #ikeahack #ikeaflip #furnitureflip #furnituremakeover #furnitureflipper #beforeandafter #ClearGenius

Pole Wrap/Wood Texture

Pole wrap has made a big splash in the DIY scene, but it can be pricey. Adding any sort of molding, trim pieces, or wood texture to your IKEA piece will make it look custom and high-end without breaking the bank. Whether you add something simple like this or cover the entire face of your cabinets or drawers, new texture will breathe new life into any piece.

www.tiktok.com

Here goes another Ikea Havsta hack, this is PT. 1 Next is paint and new hardware! Feeling inspire by this audio 💛 #ikeahack #diyproject

Built-In Look Or Adding Height

Custom cabinets or bookcases can run you into the tens of thousands, but IKEA pieces like the BILLY bookcase, can be customized to look “built-in.” You can add arches, unique trim, or other decorative elements to create a similar look for much less.

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Penny has us wrapped around her paw. See our progress here 👉🏼@Mack & Chance | DIYs & Home #catdoor #diybookshelves #cathangout #diydogdoor

Functionality Hacks

One of my favorite DIY projects was an IKEA hack I did for a friend. She wanted built-in bookcases with arches with plenty of space. While we were busy working in her home, her four cats made it known how much they also loved the bookcase. So naturally...we built a cat door into the bookcases and added a magnetic front for kitty safety and easy cleaning.

Image via Mackenzie Edwards

As you decorate your home, don’t write off IKEA as the college-kid starter pack it used to be. There are so many ways to elevate these simple pieces and achieve designer looks for less. Think of these budget-friendly finds as starting blocks for your creativity to run wild. From color to function, you can make these pieces your own with a little DIY elbow grease.

The sky is truly the limit when it comes to transforming these seemingly boring pieces. Tag us in your IKEA DIYs on Instagram!


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Header image via Mackenzie Edwards

Brand-new gift sets, foodie gifts, beauty gifts, and the like are sure to bring joy this year, but if you're planning to give something with a personal twist, handmade gifts are *the* way to go. The possibilities are truly endless when you employ your creativity and craft items that your gift recipients have maybe seen (or received) before – hats, cards, coasters, picture holders, and more await.

Check out these entirely homemade gifts that will spark your next holiday idea! Some components of these handmade gifts can even be thrifted, saving you some cash along the way.

Here are the best handmade gift ideas to give your loved ones this holiday season.

Anete Lusina / PEXELS

1. Start simple and make them a personalized card.

Nothing communicates your love, time, and effort behind a gift more than personalized cards. Even if you can’t DIY the gift itself, having a handmade card (with a thoughtful message inside) as a prelude to the unwrapping ritual will touch everyone’s heart. Make sure to craft yours on some hardy cardstock so they feel *extra* special. Peep some of these stellar holiday card ideas for inspiration!

@miascozycorner i inadvertently seem to have to fallen into a purple theme?? #christmascrafts#diychristmasdecor#diychristmasornaments#claycreations#tiktokdiy#christmas♬ original sound - mia 🍒

2. Sculpt some cutie gift toppers.

Handmade gift wrapping elements will also step up your holiday game. These darling little gift toppers that @miascozycorner made out of polymer clay are sure to inspire your own designs! Decorate the shapes you make with paint pens and coat them in Liquitex for durability, then attach them to your gift box or bag using some cute ribbon or yarn.

Riley Williams

3. Use air-dry clay to make picture holders.

Clay is your BFF for making handmade gifts. This idea from @rileyrosestudio lets your giftee display pictures, memories, cards, or even recipe cards in the form of their favorite food! Go for a trendier take by sculpting an olive or tomato out of air-dry clay, or opt to craft something as intricate as a burger or pizza slice – no matter what shape it is, they’re sure to love it. Riley usesgesso to prime her air-dry clay pieces, then an acrylic sealant to make sure those lovely designs stay put.

Meredith Holser

4. Make an orange garland for them.

A dried orange garland takes an entire day (and sometimes more) to make, so your recipient should definitely feel special knowing you put hours of love into this handmade gift. Though they look intricate, you only need to follow a few steps (and have few materials: orange slices, twine, and a thick yarn needle) to achieve the cozy garland. Luckily, there are tons of citrus garland tutorials on social media to assist in your creation. B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith, tied cutie little pink ribbon bows on her homemade garland.

Krissy Derrick

5. Craft a candle holder using clay.

You could use a pottery kitlike these convenient ones to make anything, really, but this wavy candelabra from @modeletto.store will make one of the most unique handmade gifts! Don’t forget to *also* gift somecandlesticks alongside it.

Mariam Antadze / PEXELS

6. Make coasters out of air-dry clay and gift them alongside thrifted glassware.

To make some handmade coasters, roll out some air-dry clay, let it dry, and coat it with gesso before you get to painting! The canvas is yours with this gift idea, but here are a few concepts to get the creative juices flowing: smiley faces, rainbows, spirals, initials, and fruits or vegetables. Ensure that your hard work stays in place with a sealant that’ll repel moisture. Some thrifted glassware pieces to give alongside your handmade coasters would be the absolute cherry on top!

Meredith Holser

7. Create a collage out of old magazines.

Magazines are really not hard to come by, and if you're looking for a sustainable gift, you can find some especially unique ones at re-sell bookstores or thrift stores to make your own collage. Some of the best ones to start with are Vogue and National Geographic. There are a lot of different techniques and themes you could run with, so we recommend doing some visual research on Pinterest beforehand to nail down your collage's concept. Maybe it's full of imagery that reminds you of your relationship, or a jumble of words that form a sweet poem – it's really up to you! Just have glue, an X-Acto knife, and a cutting board on-hand for the process. Complete this artsy handmade gift by signing your work and framing the collage in a nifty frame.

Meredith Holser

8. Thread a handmade necklace using thrifted or secondhand beads.

Got a necklace you don’t love? Deconstruct that baby using small wire cutters or scissors so that you can use the leftover beads and charms to make something entirely new! If you don’t have them on-hand already, you will need some beading cord, bead clamps, jump rings, clasps, and pliers.

Brit + Co

9. DIY your very own body care line.

Making your own body scrubs or balt salts is *a lot* easier than you’d think. Some recipes only call for ingredients you’d find in your kitchen! Make a range of self-care products at home, then package them up in thrifted jars with ribbon and a handmade tag to really impress.

Ron Lach / PEXELS

10. Repurpose cans and tins by pouring candles into them.

Fish tin candles are in, but you can really use any vessel to pour your own candles in. All you need is some candle wax, wicks, and a scent of your choice to create something super unique! Try your first handmade candle with an empty, clean tinned fish tin, then get adventurous with soda cans or crushed tomato cans to bring out that Tomato Girl energy for your gift recipient.

Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

11. Make a batch of jam.

If foodie gifts are their thing, then there’s no better item to give than, well, food! We have an amazingly tasty fig jamrecipe, but you can take the reins on what fruity flavor you’ll whip up. This is a convenient handmade gift, too, because the result won’t go bad or spoil before the big day.

Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

12. Make a batch of spice mix.

In the same vein of shelf-stable foodie-snacky gifts, spice mixes are always a good idea, and really easy to make at home. Mix together some cajun seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, ranch, or everything bagel seasoning in no time before packing it up in small thrifted jars to gift!

Roman Odinstov / PEXELS

13. Make a batch of chili oil.

Chili oil is very buzzy at the moment, but instead of dropping a bag on a single jar, make your own at home to yield a few! Our recipe uses neutral oil, star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorns, salt, chili flakes, garlic and soy sauce.It only takes a moment to make, but you’ll want the mixture to sit for a week or so, that way the nuanced flavors can all sink in. You could even gift a few recipe cards (like these delectable feta fried eggs) alongside a jar, since chili oil is exceptionally yummy on a ton of dishes.

Anete Lusina / PEXELS

14. Knit or crochet a hat, scarf, or another garment you know they’d like.

Having knitting and/or crochet skills is invaluable when it comes to gifting season. You can easily find patterns online for creating beanies, blankets, scarves, leg warmers, balaclavas, mittens, and more, so your giftee can stay stylishly warm beyond the holidays in a bespoke garment that *you* made!

Damir / PEXELS

15. Make magnets out of air-dry clay for their fridge.

Again, air-dry clay rules the world of handmade gifts. For a smaller project, make some fridge decorations by painting on air-dry clay shapes. You can make hearts, stars, foods, faces, animals, and more! To make your designs magnetized, super glue some small magnet tabs on the back of them.

小龙 魏 / PEXELS

16. Paint a glass bottle with your own design to gift a plant cutting.

You can easily thrift a glass vessel (or use one you already have), paint a unique design on it using glass paint, then fill it with a little bit of water to gift a small plant cutting! This way, you’re giving them a stylish home decor piece along with a heirloom piece of nature that they’ll admire every day as it grows.

Brit + Co

17. DIY an ornament (or a few) for them.

Tree ornaments are 100% on-theme for the holidays, so if you feel a little lost on what to gift, try DIY-ing some ornaments of varying styles! We have some DIYs for punnyones and minimalistones, but there are also a ton of other tutorials on social media that can guide you in the direction you want to take.

Mati Mango / PEXELS

18. Burn a CD full of tracks they’d like.

It may seem a little old-school now, but the gift idea of burning a CD will appeal to every gift recipient that’s old enough to remember portable CD players. They can play it in their car or through their at-home speaker system to jam out. Just grab a pack of blank CDs that come with covers, and let the nostalgic process take you away.

In addition to making your own playlist to gift, you should definitely consider designing an album cover and tracklist for that personalized touch – platforms like Canva are a great option for doing this. The music-lover in your life will surely appreciate the time you took to craft each and every detail of the CD – and maybe they’ll even discover some new tunes along the way!

Brit + Co

19. Bake them a big batch of cookies.

You just can’t go wrong with sweets during the holidays! Whatever form they come in – vegan, gluten-free, paleo – cookies are sure to satisfy your giftee. We have a ton of recipes you could check out (I highly recommend the Taylor Swift chai cookies), but if you already have a method to your madness, whip up whatever dessert recipe you have in mind. Just make sure they’re fairly fresh when you hand them over.

If you don’t have a neat cookie tin on-hand, run to your nearest thrift store. It’s guaranteed that you’ll find a cute one to house your cookies!

Brit + Co

20. Decorate a plant pot with pops of color.

If your gift recipient has a green thumb, it’s not a bad idea to gift them a few plant-related things. Luckily, handmade gifts have a stake in this – just grab a terracotta pot (you can easily thrift one or find one for cheap at the dollar store) and some chalk pens, then decorate the exterior however you like.

To get some ideas flowing, you could include illustrated motifs of your relationship with this person, write their name out in bubble letters, or just doodle random designs. Matching their interior design aesthetic is definitely recommended.

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This post has been updated.

It's almost time to return to Cousins! The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 is coming this summer, and Prime Video just gave us a first official look at Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad. The new episodes will open at the end of Belly's freshman year of college, and in addition to seeing the evolution of our favorite characters, author and co-showrunner Jenny Han says "there are going to be surprises" in the final season. Eek!

Here's your first look at Lola Tung, Gavin Casalegno, and Christopher Briney in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3, coming to Prime Video July 2025!


Jenny Han says 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' fans are in for a few surprises.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

"There are the things that [fans] know and then there are things they think they know, and then there's going to be, hopefully, things that surprise them," Jenny Han tells Entertainment Weekly. Listen, I am a very proud member of Team Conrad, and seeing how cozy Belly and Jeremiah are in these pics (not to mention the set leak that's definitely not in the third book), I'm starting to wonder if Prime Video is teasing I should switch teams.

But no matter which team you're on, Lola Tung promises the season won't let you down.

Team #JellyFish will get their time this season.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

"The one thing I've always admired about Jenny is that every season and every decision about what's coming next is purely to serve the story," Lola says. "She's never going to do anything that doesn't make sense for the story. It's all about this beautiful world she's created and giving the fans something really, really special and giving us something really special to work with."

And that includes some sweet moments which Jeremiah and Belly, who "are, at their core, best friends," Lola adds. "That relationship is something that's so special and so unique to them, so it's exciting to see this season and how their relationship blossoms."

And 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' images also feature Conrad.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

But don't worry Conrad fans, we also get a look at the elder Fisher brother who "we know that he went to Stanford, and so he's continuing on his journey to become a doctor, as you can see from that white coat," Jenny says. "I think people won't be surprised to see that."

Keep reading for more images from The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3!

Erika Doss/Prime Video

Jenny Han also teases this image is actually a flashback, "so do with that what you will." BRB, I'm off dreaming of a beach vacation. I also can't help but point out the warm color grade of this season! The golden look makes everything feel warmer and more magical — and offers a youthful glow as Belly gets older.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

But for those of us who care more about Steven and Taylor (Sean Kaufman and Rain Spencer) than the main love triangle, we got this single crumb from the new images. And I'm more than happy about it, thank you very much.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

Belly (Lola Tung) gets cozy on campus in a hoodie and sunglasses.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

And Belly and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) get cozy with each other at a party.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

But they work as hard as they play! I have this exact outfit Belly's wearing, and you best believe I'm adding it into my fashion rotation.

How many episodes will The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 have?

Erika Doss/Prime Video

Great news! The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 will have 11 episodes instead of 7 or 8 like seasons 1 and 2 did. Stay tuned for the official release schedule.

Who's in the cast?

Prime Video

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 cast features all your favorites:

  • Lola Tung as Belly Conklin: a beach-loving volleyball player who's always dreaming of summer.
  • Christopher Briney as Conrad Fisher: Belly and Steven's lifelong friend who Belly's always had a crush on.
  • Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah Fisher: Conrad's sunny younger brother.
  • Sean Kaufman as Steven Conklin: Belly's older brother.
  • Rain Spencer as Taylor Jewel: Belly's best friend.
  • Jackie Chungas Laurel Park: Belly and Steven's mom and Susannah Fisher's best friend.

Meet The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Cast before the new episodes air on Prime Video this July!

I've always loved a pop of blue, red, or yellow in an otherwise neutral space. And while I admire anyone who can masterfully combine all three, blue has always been my clear favorite. Now, IKEA has officially crowned 'Electric Blue' as their 2025 Color of the Year. Inspired by the seas and skies, Electric Blue is a hue that IKEA describes as “contemplative and calm, yet versatile enough for modern and traditional spaces.”

Whether you’re looking to refresh a bedroom, energize a living room, or add a cool pop to your kitchen, this happy, bold shade delivers in the form of wall art, plush throws, or statement-making furniture. The best part? It plays well with others. Pair it with sunny yellows, vibrant oranges, soft lavenders, or even a daring hot pink. Will you be embracing this blue wave in 2025? From rugs and pillows to accessories and more, here are our top picks to embrace the new year with a splash of blue.

Wayfair

Iryanna Upholstered Armchair

This playful elephant trunk design calls for a color that doesn't take itself too seriously, creating a look that's minimalist and modern yet anything but boring.

IKEA

IKEA KLIPPOXEL Throw

This yarn-dyed throw feels just like mohair and it's made from recycled materials. It's a great way to commit to this bright color while on a budget.

West Elm

WE Checkered Shag Washable Rug

This 100% wool rug is actually washable and adds a bit of play and pop of blue to any space.

IKEA

IKEA KYRRE Stool

These stacking stools are so versatile and can be added to the corner of any room for extra seating or tables.

Urban Outfitters

UO Lola Nightstand

This cylindrical side table is perfect for holding your best reads, phone, other bedside essentials.

Amazon

Knot Pillow

Go blue on this iconic pillow for a whimsical and cozy addition to any room.

IKEA

IKEA SLATTUM Upholstered Bed Frame

This affordable bed frame will brighten up your bedroom and day.

Amazon

AllBlue Modern Eclectic Wall Art, Set of 12

For just $10, you can channel your own Blue Period with this striking and eclectic gallery wall.

Etsy

Twist Candles By Lex Pott

Designer Lex Pott combined both base and candle so you don't need a candle holder. Brilliant idea and color!

IKEA

IKEA KRYLBO Chair

Pull up a chair in Electric Blue with this upholstered piece that works in dining rooms, kitchens, and offices.

All Modern

Gemmell Hand Tufted Wool Rug

This 100% hand-tufted New Zealand wool rug makes a bold statement with simple geometric shapes.

IKEA

IKEA PRUNKHALLON Mirror

This wavy mirror in Electric Blue pairs perfectly with the IKEA BLÅSVERK Table Lamp in the same color.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

1923 season 2 premieres on Paramount+ February 23, and Michelle Randolph (who plays Elizabeth Dutton in the cast) is "so excited" for you to watch the new episodes — and she's been keeping up with all your fan theories!

"There are some crazy ones. I feel like the biggest fan theory thing is the family tree," she tells Brit + Co exclusively. "I've seen many different family trees and so it's like, 'OK, which one's accurate?' I actually drew my own at one point."

Here's what Michelle Randolph had to say about 1923 season 2, and the Dutton family tree, in Brit + Co's exclusive 1923 interview.

Michelle Randolph teases '1923' season 2 finally gives us answers to the Dutton family tree.

By the end of season 2, Michelle Randolph says "we might be able to fill in some blanks" in the Dutton family tree, which is a very hot topic for internet users! "I had to make my own [family tree] because all of the ones I saw on the internet were like — every single one was different. I was like 'I'm confused.'"

The Dutton family is made up of incredible cast members like Brandon Sklenar, Harrison Ford, and Helen Mirren, and Michelle reveals that the cast are just as close as their characters.

"There's a giant group chat called Giddy Up, which started during cowboy camp of season one," she says. "A cute little name, and I think I mean we all were on location in Montana and all in the same hotel, and we would get dinners after [filming], so I think even though our characters are very different and in different story lines like we all really did bond, which was really helpful to have each other throughout the chaos of of shooting a show."

The actress also says Elizabeth would connect with her 'Landman' character Ainsley.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

And if you're a tried and true Taylor Sheridan fan, you've probably picked up on the fact that Michelle isn't just in 1923 — she also has a starring role as Ainsley Norris in Landman! But would Elizabeth and Ainsley get along if they met in an alternate universe?

"That would be a fun thing to witness. I think they would," she says. "They're very different, but the similarities between them is they're both young women who are finding their place in this world and I think that they both actually look at the world through very bright eyes and have a lot of hope, which is an interesting correlation between the two of them. I think Elizabeth has gone through so much more than Ainsley obviously, so there might be a difference there, but I think they would get along."

Check out the 8 Compelling Historical Fiction Books For 1923 Lovers and read our interview with Julia Schlaepfer where she teases the Spencer and Alex's future.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. And this post has been updated.

Leaders in the matcha industry are predicting a matcha shortage this spring. Sparked by a huge surge in demand, it’s possible that your go-to drink could be affected.

Here’s everything you need to know about this season’s matcha shortage.

Nataliya Vaitkevich / PEXELS

Per The Japan Times, increased demand for matcha powder put an “unprecedented strain” on the tea industry last year, and the same effect is predicted to take place in 2025.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan saw a 185% increase in matcha production from 2010 to 2023 in order to keep up with demand from cafes and home baristas around the world, The Japan Timesreports.

Cup of Couple / PEXELS

Seeing that over half of Japan’s matcha is exported internationally, matcha lovers are looking toward the country for their green tea fix. Search interest for matcha has nearly quadrupled over the past 5 years, and it shows no sign of slowing down.

Olena Bohovyk / PEXELS

This year, mostly organic matcha strains will be affected by the shortage, though lower-grade varieties could face the same issues if consumers begin reaching for them in favor of organic offerings. While top-tier, organic strains like ceremonial-grade matcha are known for being sweeter and smoother, the lower-grade kinds like culinary-grade matcha are noticeably more bitter and don't have the same vibrant color.

Charlotte May / PEXELS

Matcha can only be harvested in the springtime, so though a shortage may be happening now, there’s hope for increased supply in the near future. This year’s harvest will start in April.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

Even though production will ramp up, Jason Eng of Kametani Tea in Japan, a company that produces matcha for beverage companies around the world, says: “This year will be an interesting one. We haven’t hit a point yet where we’re going to run out, but it’s going to be really tight this autumn – not just for us but for everybody. The demand is off the charts.”

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