How To Stay Hydrated In This Ridiculous Summer Heat

Meredith Holser
Jul 18, 2023
How To Stay Hydrated beyond drinking water

Up to 60% of our bodies are water – and can lose it through urine, waste, and sweat. The last one we’re feeling the most, especially with these out-of-pocket summer temperatures. Triple-digits should be illegal! With this involuntary loss of our bodies’ water content, it’s important to avoid dehydration in *any* way we can. Because sometimes drinking water and staying cool is not enough, here are 6 tips on how to stay hydrated this season.

1. Drink water.

Photo by Julia Zolotova / PEXELS

Though this first tip is more than obvious, a lot of us don't get in the H2O required to be fully hydrated. Drinking water regularly helps regulate your body's internal temperature, metabolize ingested food, flush bodily waste, and produce proper saliva – *basically* everything that contributes to us feeling good.

Aim to consistently drink water – drink a glass upon waking every morning, then from there, try to reach an intake goal. According to Mayo Clinic, women need around 11.5 cups of water per day, but this recommendation can fluctuate based on how much exercise you get and *just* how unbearably hot it is outside.

Having an encouraging water bottle on-hand can help you feel motivated to sip during the day – even when you’re not moving or sweating.

How much water is too much water?

Though it's difficult to drink *too* much to the point of danger, water intoxication can happen. The CDC advises that you don't drink more than 6 cups per hour, due to how the kidneys process fluids. When given an excess amount of water (or any other drink), your body and its electrolyte levels can react negatively in the imbalance. Consult with your doctor if you are concerned about drinking too much water, or want to know what your limit is.

2. Intake electrolytes.

Photo by cottonbro studio / PEXELS

Sometimes water is not enough, based on your health, activity levels, and circumstances. Electrolytes can help. What are electrolytes?

Simply put, electrolytes are substances with a positive (+) or negative (-) charge. Incorporating electrolytes into your hydration routine can help your body maintain its fluid balance. They are super helpful in transporting chemical compounds in and out of the cells in your body, which contribute to hydration levels!

According to Scripps, you can lose up to 40% of your body’s water content during exercise, so if you're keen on running or yoga this summer, it's important to replenish that loss with not *just* water, but electrolytes, too. You can get them naturally through salt water or even pickles!

Are sports drinks good for hydration?

The answer to whether or not sports drinks are good for hydration remains divided. While some sports drinks were created with beneficial electrolytes in mind, many on the market (like Gatorade and Powerade) contain a boat-load of sugar, which can detract from proper hydration. Some of them also market their sodium and potassium levels as a positive thing, when in fact, a lot of people don't really need the extra supplements – a daily intake of sodium and potassium can be easily achieved through food alone.

3. Take some hydration supplements + drinks.

Photo by Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Knowing this, it's crucial to invest in hydration supplements and sports drinks that don't contain a ton of sugar and unnecessary ingredients. Here are some hydration supplements with helpful electrolytes can boost your body’s water intake and retention.

Hilma Stomach Recover + Hydrate

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ROAR Cucumber Watermelon Drink 12-Pack

$34
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4. Eat hydration-rich foods.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

Fruits and veggies carry nutrients and vitamins, but some of them are *especially* hydrating because of their high water content. Fruits like watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, peaches, and pineapples have a lot of water, so including them in your smoothies or summer dinner recipes can give you a good hydration boost. Cucumbers, leafy greens, radishes, celery, zucchini and tomatoes are also high in water content – time for a hydrating salad, we say!

5. Stay inside when it's too hot.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Your body loses water when you sweat – and for most of us, we're sweating the most when we go outside this time of year. Avoid overheating and dehydration by just... staying in!
Don't worry, though, summer cabin fever doesn't have to be boring. You could read a new book, watch some of this year’s best movies, hit up your local library, make a cooling cocktail or no-cook snack, go to the movie theater (hi, Barbie!) – the possibilities are endless.
If you have to run out for some Starbucks or a grocery trip, try to avoid the hottest time of day: 10am-2pm. Between then, make sure to monitor any of your own dehydration symptoms, like headaches, faintness, lightheadedness, and general weakness.

6. Dress for the weather.

Photo by Ksenia Chernaya / PEXELS

Pants in this heat are nonsensical, so dress like it's summer. Summer dresses, tank tops, sandals, and shady hats all in light colors will help alleviate the heat your body draws in.

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Header photo by Arnie Watkins / PEXELS

Bye, Dry Skin! 10 Hydrating Serums That Give Mature Skin Serious Glow

When it comes to bringing back a youthful glow to dry, dull skin, hydration is key. But sometimes, using moisturizer alone just doesn't cut it! This is where hydrating serums come in super handy – products with effective hydrators like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalene, and niacinamide are easy to find nowadays, from the drugstore to the aisles of Ulta. Hydrating serums can act as a nice boost in between cleansing your face and applying moisturizer and SPF. These 10 picks are all easily layerable, ultra-effective, and friendly for all skin types.

Amazon

Olay Super Serum

This $30 (was $35) serum is packed with 5 "heavy-hitting" ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, collagen peptides, vitamin E, and AHA that all work to improve skin texture, even out skin tone, enhance firmness, smooth visible lines, and provide long-lasting hydration.

Amazon

Osea Hyaluronic Acid Sea Serum

Packed with fast-absorbing hyaluronic acid, this luxe $88 serum hydrates the skin and strengthens its barrier for a "lifted and firmer" look. It boasts a clean formula that's also vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free!

Ulta

Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 5.0% Niacinamide Serum

This simply-formulated $35 serum contains just 10 ingredients, but it's the concentrated niacinamide that really puts in the work to tackle dry skin. It has oil-minimizing effects to help balance out dry (and oily) patches, resulting in more even skin texture!

Amazon

Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

Boasting a blend of squalene, copper peptides, hyaluronic acid, and paracress extract, this $21 serum visibly plumps and powerfully hydrates the skin. It goes on super lightweight and absorbs quickly so you can easily layer on your favorite moisturizer and SPF.

Ulta

Bubble Water Slide Hydration Boosting Serum Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides

This $17 serum has a playful and satisfying gel texture that feels extremely lightweight on the skin. Though it soaks in quickly, its effects are long-lasting. A single application lends your skin to noticeable hydration and a boosted skin barrier, thanks to hyaluronic acid and various peptides.

Amazon

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

This beloved $15 (was $25) serum made from snail mucin repairs and rejuvenates skin dealing with dryness and signs of aging. It simultaneously soothes damaged skin and provides deep moisture. The formula is 100% hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free, so it's safe for any skin type to use.

Amazon

Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum

This $15 (was $19) serum contains squalane and beta glucan, which are "20% more hydrating" than hyaluronic acid to deliver maximum hydration. The 5 ceramides in this product's formula will help maintain the skin's barrier over time, locking in as much moisture as possible while doing it.

Amazon

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum

If you're looking for a good beginner hydrating serum, this $6 pick from Good Molecules is a great place to start. It contains two types of hyaluronic acid that have different molecular weights, allowing it to penetrate multiple layers of the skin for deep, noticeable hydration. You'll have smoother, plumper, and firmer skin after regular use!

Amazon

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Hyaluronic Thirst Quenching Serum

This $52 thirst-quenching serum balances and moisturizes the skin with ease. Its oil-free formula is packed with hyaluronic acid that can work in conjunction with your favorite day or night cream to boost its hydrating properties for that glow you're looking for.

Ulta

Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%

This serum was destined for mature skin. It's formulated with 12% niacinamide and 2% zinc PCA, which are both clinically proven to "reduce the appearance of dark spots, pores, plus fine lines and wrinkles." The zinc PCA in particular helps balance out your skin's oil production all while delivering gentle hydration for a fresh feel.

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Celebrate St. Patrick's Day At Starbucks With This ‘Pot Of Gold’ Matcha!

St. Patrick’s Day is coming soon, and I’m already so pumped for it, thanks to a slew of fun fast food treats. From Wendy’s new Thin Mints Frosty and Dairy Queen’s Mint Oreo Blizzard to the return of McDonald’s famed Shamrock Shake, I’m geared up for all things green.

If you’re also celebrating St. Paddy’s with a sweet treat, you’re gonna want to try out this Starbucks secret menu drink that has the perfect green tint. It’s filled with white chocolate and matcha – but not in the way you’d think. Plus, it's a tasty departure from your expected mint flavors around this time of year!

Scroll on to discover the Starbucks secret menu order that’s perfect for sipping on St. Patrick’s Day!

@_starbuckssss

Essentially an iced white chocolate mocha made with blonde espresso topped with matcha cold foam and brown butter sprinkles, one Starbucks barista revealeda tasty (and festive!) new way to enjoy the chain’s offerings in lieu of St Paddy’s: the Pot Of Gold!

Starbucks

The spirited drink starts with 4 pumps of white mocha sauce, which is then combined with 2 blonde espresso shots. Starbucks’ blonde espresso has a smoother effect than their traditional shots, so expect this sip to bring on the sweetness!

Starbucks

From there, you can order the drink with your choice of milk – and it’s a total bonus that Starbucks is no longer charging extra for alternative milks like oat, almond, coconut, and soy milk!

Starbucks

The next step is to order the drink with the chain’s vanilla cold foam, adding 2 scoops of matcha powder in the process.

Note: this secret menu item was shared before Starbucks reformulated their matcha powderto be unsweetened, but the cold foam should still have some sweetness, thanks to the vanilla.

Starbucks

Finally, the Pot Of Gold matcha drink is complete, boasting a satisfying layer of green on top of a golden latte. The barista who came up with the drink topped their bev with Starbucks’ brown butter sprinkles, which is in cafes for a limited time alongside their pistachio-flavored coffees.

If your local Starbucks is out of the brown butter sprinkles, a dusting of cinnamon or chocolate curls could also be so tasty!

Starbucks

With this secret menu hack, you’ll be sipping your way through a delightful sweetness and plenty of caffeine from both the matcha powder and espresso shots. If you prefer to have less jitters in your drink, you could easily order it ‘half-caff’ or with decaf espresso shots.

For quick reference, here’s how to order the Pot Of Gold drink. Ask for:

  • A grande iced latte
  • With 2 blonde espresso shots (or your preference for ‘half-caff’ or decaf)
  • With your choice of milk
  • Topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam with 2 scoops of matcha powder
  • Add brown butter topping

And voila! This drink is such a fun way to ring in St. Patrick’s Day. If you’re craving an iced blended beverage, I also tracked down some pretty delicious-looking secret menu drinks for a Lucky Leprechaun Frappuccino and a Pot Of Gold Frappuccino.

Check ‘em out – and happy St. Paddy’s!

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I Finally Found A Hydrating Shampoo For Dry Scalps That Actually Removes Buildup

Anyone who has a dry scalp knows the struggles of finding the best shampoo that doesn't completely strip your tresses of moisture. It's like a weird dance of dodging sulfates and parabens, all the while trying to embrace hydration as much as possible.

If you struggle with having a dry scalp, you likely know it craves moisture, so I've been testing a brand I think will solve different hair problems — Sienna Naturals. Co-founders Hannah Diop and Issa Rae explained the unique formula that makes the brand one of the cleanest on the market, but I still wanted to test their award-winning products on my thick, natural hair.

The results of using this product shocked me so much that I couldn't wait to tell someone: I finally found the best shampoo for dry scalp, and it's the H.A.P.I Shampoo. Here's a full breakdown of what it does, my impression of it, and how other customers feel about it.

What does the H.A.P.I. shampoo claim to do?

Sienna Naturals

The H.A.P.I. shampoo claims to be a plant-based product that helps hydrate hair while removing product buildup from the scalp. It also aims to make the detangling process easier for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair.

It's meant to address the following hair issues:

  • Dry hair
  • Flaky scalp
  • Frizziness

Keeping this in mind, the H.A.P.I. Shampoo says it can not only soothe an irritated scalp, but it can also revitalize your hair's natural texture. This is made possible by ingredients such as aloe vera juice, coconut derivatives, and baobab oil. As such, this is what makes the product plant-based, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Did I mention it's dermatologist-tested and approved? Okay, I can definitely get behind all this.

What awards has it won?

The H.A.P.I. Shampoo has won several awards in the past few years.

Overall, Sienna Naturals has been featured in WWD, Essence, Allure, Popsugar, Teen Vogue, and Fashionista!

My Impression Of The H.A.P.I. Shampoo

Jasmine Williams

I was hesitant to start using this brand because I'm wearing boho knotless braids. But, I know the importance of still caring my hair and scalp even if I have a protective style. I made sure to solely focus on my scalp because most of my product buildup is around the perimeter of my head and at the base of each braid.

The first thing I noticed is that I didn't have to exert a ton of energy to squeeze the product into my hand. It's a well-rounded bottle with an applicator that doesn't trap the product which I love.

When I applied the shampoo to my hair, it didn't take long for it to lather up. I enjoyed how soothing it felt on my scalp so I gave myself a mini massage as I worked it in. Since first use, I've used it once a week, and I love how it helps me maintain my hair while in a protective style. My scalp isn't as itchy or dry, which is really what sold me on this product.

If the scent of your hair products matters to you, do note that this shampoo doesn't have a sweet smell at all — it leans way more floral. The scents of lavender and geranium will fill your shower, but that's about it. That doesn't really bother me because I care more about my hair being clean more than anything, but I know some people may feel strongly about that.

What are other customers saying about it?

Customers are leaving rave reviews for the best shampoo for dry scalp . Here's some of the standout comments found on Sephora:

  • "I have been a happy HAPI Shampoo user for over 2 years. My the main reasons why I enjoy the shampoo so much is that makes my hair strong, soft, and very manageable."
  • "It lathers up easily and cleanses my hair really well. It feels gentle and not irritating on my scalp during the wash."
  • "This is THEE shampoo to get! It's highly moisturizing, to the point where I could detangle my hair while using it!"

Why You Should Buy The H.A.P.I. Shampoo

Sienna Naturals

Ultimately, I've found that this really is the best shampoo for dry scalps because there's no false advertisement associated with it. I know it's easy for brands to claim their products are clean and have a ton of benefits we're looking for, but they can also fall short of our expectations. In my experience, this shampoo did exactly what it said it would — and well!

You deserve more than some of the beauty gimmicks you've come across so I'm here to let you know I genuinely recommend Sienna Naturals' H.A.P.I. Shampoo. It has an amazing slip, and a little goes a long way.

Within the small amount of product you lather in your hands is a healthy dose of hydrating and cleansing properties that

Shop The Best Shampoo For Dry Scalp

Sephora

Sienna Naturals H.A.P.I. Shampoo

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Header image via Sienna Naturals

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The Original "Gossip Girl" Cast: Where Are They Now?

It's been 17 years since Gossip Girl first premiered on The CW, thus opening our eyes to the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite and introducing us to a new generation of stars like Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.

In the six seasons the show was on air, it captivated fans and critics alike, serving up week after week of delicious drama and continuously upping the ante for TV show fashion. ("So many designers were lining up to be a part of it — they wanted their stuff on Blake or Leighton," costume designer Eric Daman told Vanity Fair.) Click through to find out what the Gossip Girl cast has been up to since the show's success, and where they are today.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Michael Kors

Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen)

Of all the Gossip Girl cast alumni, Blake Lively is arguably the most well-known. Not only has she gone on to major roles in movies — including The Age of Adaline, The Shallows, All I See Is You, and most recently, It Ends with Us— but she's also married to fellow actor Ryan Reynolds (married in 2012).

Blake shares four beautiful daughters, James, Inez, Betty, and the youngest (born in 2023) whose name has not been announced publicly with Ryan. True to her Gossip Girl character, she's quite the fashionista! In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her BFFs, who just so happen to include Taylor Swiftandthe Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants ladies.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf)

Leighton Meester has a career that would make even her cunningly ambitious Queen B character proud. Since Gossip Girl's end in 2012, she's acted in films including Life Partners, The Judge, The Weekend Away, and most recently, EXmas. She even recorded and released songs such as "Good Girls Go Bad" with Cobra Starship and the solo effort "Somebody to Love," and even starred on Broadway in Of Mice and Men back in 2014.

Leighton is married to actor Adam Brody (The O.C., Jennifer's Body, Gilmore Girls) as of 2014. She has two kids – one daughter and one son.

She has been heavily involved in philanthropy while taking on acting projects, primarily volunteering and campaigning with Feeding America and the Los Angeles Food Bank.

Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey)

Long gone are the days when Taylor Momsen played Dan Humphrey's sweet (and a bit messed up) little sis, Jenny. The actress left the Gossip Girl cast in 2010 in order to pursue her dreams of a music career, and all these years later, she's still doing just that as the frontwoman of the uber-successful rock group, The Pretty Reckless. With four records under their belt, the four-member band has supported bands like Evanescence, Soundgarden, and Guns N' Roses, and has toured in numerous cities and music festivals.

Momsen has typically kept her dating life on the down-low. She is currently single and appears to be putting all of her energy into her band.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Penn Badgley (Dan Humphrey)

Everyone’s favorite Gossip Girl — er, guy — Penn Badgley, followed in his on-screen sister's footsteps after the show ended, pursuing his musical interests with rock band MOTHXR. The band's most current project, Centerfold, was released back in 2016.

Badgley has since acted in several movies and TV shows including Easy A, The Paper Store, and Here Today, but his most notable work has been on the ongoing book-based Netflix series, You. He plays Joe Goldberg, a charming bookkeeper with eerily odd characteristics, especially when it comes to love.

Badgley currently has a podcast titled Podcrushed, which explores the awkwardness of adolescence and revisits guests' best (and worst) middle school memories. He cohosts with Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari. One episode even features ex-Gossip Girl co-star, Leighton Meester!

Badgley is married to singer and doula Domino Kirke as of 2017. Kirke already had a child from a previous relationship. Badgley and Kirke had their first son together in 2020.

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Diesel

Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass)

Ed Westwick tapped into his angsty side post-Gossip Girl, starring as Tybalt in a 2013 adaptation of Romeo & Juliet. Since then, he has fought crime as Kent Grainger on Wicked City, played a crime lord on Snatch, and sold double-glazed windows on White Gold. Is there any role he can't play? Most recently, Westwick stars in the movie DarkGame.

With a background in music, Westwick also currently sings in the bandFor You. Their most recent release is the song "Tailspin," and they're set to release a new single "Here Comes Trouble" in March 2024.

Westwick had been dating model and actress Amy Jacksonsince 2021, with the pair getting happily engaged during a ski trip in January 2024.

Leon Bennett/Getty Images for MBJx DAVID YURMAN

Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald)

Following his stint as a wealthy Upper East Sider on Gossip Girl, Texas native Chace Crawford tried his hand at playing a greedy oil worker on ABC's short-lived TV series, Blood & Oil. He's had several film roles since – you can catch him in movies like Undrafted, Eloise, Nighthawks, even voice-actingin Belle. Most recently, Crawford stars as The Deep on The Boys.

Crawford has previously dated Carrie Underwood, Rachelle Goulding, and Rebecca Rittenhouse, though he is currently single as a Pringle.

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Jessica Szohr (Vanessa Abrams)

Jessica Szohr, who played Dan Humphrey's BFF slash on-again, off-again girlfriend (needless to say, we were confused too), has been a lot busier than her character was after season four, when she was all but written off the show.

In the years since Gossip Girl, the actress scored several roles on TV shows such as Complications, Kingdom, Twin Peaks and The Orville. She even starred in Taylor Swift's music video for "22" back in 2013!

Jessica also welcomed a daughter with her longtime boyfriend in early 2021.

Jessica currently hosts a podcast called "XOXO" that dives deep into the Gossip Girl cast, crew, and behind-the-scenes moments. Some notable episodes have featured Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota), Aaron Tveit (Tripp van der Bilt), Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen), and Michelle Trachtenburg (Georgina Sparks).

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg (Georgina Sparks)

Since her stint as the "bad girl" Georgina Sparks, Michelle Trachtenberg landed roles on shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, Sleepy Hollow, and Sister Cities among other numerous series and movies. She even reprised her role as Georgina for the 2021 remake of Gossip Girl on HBO Max!

She managed to keep her personal life largely out of the tabloids, including her dating life. The last update on her relationship status was in 2023, and that she was dating her talent agent, Jay Cohen. She reportedly previously dated Shawn Ashmore, Joshua Radin, and Jason Segel.

Unfortunately, Michelle passed away on February 26, 2025.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen)

Besides being a New York Fashion Week icon (we'd expect nothing less of Lily van der Woodsen's alter ego!), Kelly Rutherford has popped up in several TV shows over the years, including Quantico, Jane the Virgin, and Dynasty.

She also frequently travels to France and Monaco, where, after years of custody battles with her second ex-husband, Daniel Giersch, she has extensive visitation rights to see her two children, who reside there with their father.

"Yes, it was a challenging time. It was a heartbreaking time," she told People. "But I focus on the good most of the time, I really do," she says. "I'm very thankful of where we are. I have a great relationship with my kids."

When she's not with her kids or working on a project, Kelly is dropping iconic 'fit pics on her Instagram account.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Matthew Settle (Rufus Humphrey)

Matthew Settle, who played rockstar dad Rufus Humphrey, continued acting after the Gossip Girl cast dissolved. He hasn't been on any other TV shows other than one episode of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders in 2016. He mostly stuck to movies, acting in titles like Ouija, Marshall the Miracle Dog, and Valentine: The Dark Avenger.

Settle is also a dad of two children, having welcomed his first with actress and model Naama Nativ in 2009. He had divorced her in 2011 and went on to have a second baby with girlfriend Maria Alfonsin in 2015.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota Kishlovsky)

Though Blair's loyal maid and, ultimately, best friend, wasn't technically a main character, there's no denying that it would have been a different show without her unwavering presence! Zuzanna Szadowski has dabbled in film and television since then, appearing in shows such as Girls,The Good Wife, and Modern Love.

In 2010, she partnered with Sam Weisman to open The Sam Weisman Studio, an acting school (now closed).

Oh, and did we mention she just so happens to be one of Leighton Meester's real-life BFFs?

Which Gossip Girl cast member is your fave? Tweet us @BritandCo!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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The Best Home Design Ideas We Learned From Joanna Gaines and Emily Henderson

Home design is not what it used to be. As popular looks start to make everything feel the same, it’s becoming harder to stand out, create the right style for your home, and maximize value — unless you know exactly what your house needs. When you have insider knowledge about the newest looks, best technologies, and DIY approaches, home design truly becomes an incredibly rewarding experience.

To help guide you through the process, Chip and Joanna Gaines joined Brit Morin on the First In Line podcast to share their invaluable wisdom and experience, and designer Emily Henderson also joined the chat to walk you through the new rules of home design.

Lesson #1: Trends will become less and less important as homemakers prioritize cultivating a consistent emotional experience within their homes.

"When someone spends time in your space, you want it to feel like home," Gaines told Morin on the new podcast episode. She continued, "A home is an emotional space, allow it to flow emotionally."

In recent years, Joanna Gaines confessed to steering home design clients away from trends and anything that feels too cookie-cutter. "The trends we are headed toward are more individual. [They're] unique styles that you can't necessarily pinpoint as, 'that's modern, that's eclectic, that's farm.' It's more like, 'it feels right,' and it feels right because it's truly the story of the people designing the space."

Lesson #2: If you want to make your home more unique, swap out light fixtures and add thrifted art to refresh your space.

NYTimes best-selling author and design star Emily Henderson has the cheat code to a fast and affordable home zhush: cull Craiglist, Facebook Marketplace, antique malls, and thrift stores for unique light fixtures and wall art to immediately change your space. "As a mom, practicality comes into design. But with art and lights, you can be more free in those areas."

She adds, "Art is personal and it's hard to find. But if you are thrifting or going to flea markets, it is the fastest way to make your house interesting." She shares that during the pandemic, so many of us started buying our home goods from the same websites and brands, and that's given rise to many of us living in pretty generic-looking homes. She cautions that we also might be making design choices that are too safe.

On the topic of art, Morin had to ask, "Are gallery walls still cool anymore?" To which Henderson replied, "If it's good art, it always works."

Lesson #3: As we emerge from the tough season the pandemic carried with it, home design will become more layered and deeply reflective of a moodier turn inward.

"Any time we have hardship, or any time we are pressed, beauty can rise from that. And creativity. When people get pinched, the beauty that comes from that is really amazing and fascinating," Gaines remarked. She predicts we'll start to see moodier home design choices, particularly with color choice. Think navy, deep greens, dark and moody plaids.

Chip Gaines adds, "The whole world experienced a traumatic reality. We've all felt caged up. So I hope this new season we're entering is a return to nature — something truly unifying."


Like fashion, you have to wear your home design choices confidently. Be sure to check out the rest of the episode for even more pro trips and to find out which design rules are meant to be broken. Below, we've shared helpful timestamps for our episode highlights so you can easily find the topic you want to hear most. Don't forget to rate and subscribe to First In Line wherever you get your podcasts!

(04:16) What’s new with Chip and Joanna and why they got into exteriors
(05:53) How Joanna makes rentals and flip homes feel like a home
(09:11) How anyone can now get involved in flipping homes and rentals
(13:19) Why a home needs to flow emotionally and why style should be consistent
(15:10) The most popular exteriors
(16:37) Why Joanna tries to steer her client away from trends
(17:11) The trends Joanna likes currently
(18:19) Why Chip hopes the new season is one that brings us closer to nature
(20:53) How Chip and Joanna started out with renovation and interior design
(23:34) Ways you can dip your toe into the real estate market and why it’s a great time to get involved
(28:18) How Emily got into interior design
(31:04) Emily’s early experiments with design and natural knack for it
(35:59) When to break the rules of design
(38:05) The new rules of design
(40:02) The most expensive choices to reverse
(41:27) Why Emily is a big fan of everything that’s in style now
(44:22) Why theme rooms are not timeless, and why cookie cutter might not last
(47:02) Thinking outside the box when it comes to wall hangings
(49:30) Why redesigning can be a positive for some, but unnecessary for others
(54:10) Why Emily isn’t big into tech in homes
(56:15) Brit’s techy home and features that help conserve water and energy
(1:04:26) Sustainably renovating on a budget
(1:08:23) The pros and cons of investing in a rental home and things to consider
(1:15:46) Emily’s final tips for getting started