Interior Design App Hutch Helped Transform This Artist’s Loft into a Picture-Perfect Space

Mar 06, 2018

Carly Kuhn is nothing if not creative. As an artist and the founder of The Cartorialist, a popular art blog and e-commerce site, she has a great sense of style and knows what looks good. But when it came to decorating her loft in Larchmont, Los Angeles, she was having trouble conceptualizing the design and layout without seeing everything together. That’s when she turned to Hutch, a free interior design app (available on iTunes and Google Play) that helps you virtually decorate your space, and the results are swoon-worthy.

Kuhn says she liked using Hutch over a traditional interior designer because it gave her the tools she needed to customize it herself. “[It] allowed me to visualize how everything would look together in my space, which was helpful when figuring out an open-concept style apartment,” she says.

Instead of setting out with a specific intention in mind for her design, Kuhn simply started with the neutrals she loved and added other items to which she was naturally drawn. “I built upon the design very organically in order to give it more life,” she says. “When I sit down to draw, I don’t really plan things out; I just kind of go. I approach my home in a similar way, going off of my feelings about particular pieces and having it be an organic process of how it all comes together.”

The artist credits Hutch with how well it all turned out. “Hutch was amazing for helping me visualize how everything would look together, especially because there are so many ways I can set up my furniture within my large, open space. After completing the design of my space, I now feel like it’s a real adult home,” she says.

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(Photos via Hutch)

Sick Of All-White Decor? This Serene Home Tour Is Perfect For You.

Offering a clean slate of stunning earthy decor is a gorgeous five-bedroom home in LA's Los Feliz hood, tucked in the hills with pine trees and wildlife near the iconic Griffith Park. The home is on the market so it's not yet lived in, which makes it the perfect inspiration for creating a cohesive and modern look that's also clutter-free.

"We’re so sick of all white everything and this house is the perfect antithesis of that," said Sam O'Connor of O'Connor Estates, who helped stage the home after it was beautifully renovated by Ruby and Mike Rubin, design principals at Rubin Studio. "The overall aesthetic is warm and earthy but with the perfect use of color throughout," says Sam.

Keep scrolling to see this gorgeous, earthy LA home tour:

Tessa Neustadt

With a mix of rustic reds, rich greens, and vibrant blues, the home feels inviting and ready for a lucky someone to plant their roots. Budget aside, the inspiration here is worth noting for your 2025 decor and sources come from places like All Modern, Nordic Knots, and HD Buttercup along with vintage pieces too.

"The inspiration for styling was 1970’s Brazilian interiors… Bold, casual and elevated," says Sarah S. Brady, founder of Platform Home. She used an antique rug in the entry from LA's Rose Bowl Flea Market and a large portrait by artist Ali Silverstein.

Tessa Neustadt

Rubin Studio used a Sea Ranch-inspired cedar exterior, and natural materials with interesting textures throughout the home like corks, rough cement tiles, tiles with saturated colors, and cedar, teak, and white oak woods.

Green lovers can take cues from this living room, with saturated green tiles, a Willow Modular Sofa in sage from HD Buttercup, and a Moroccan rug with pops of contrasting yellow by Raha Roho.

Tessa Neustadt

“Going into 2025 we have been seeing a lot of darker tones of browns and deep mauves, including upholstery with interesting texture and rich in tone, plus millwork with darker stains or paint" says Ruby Rubin. Rubin Studios added in custom details with more warmth and character.

Tessa Neustadt

"We created new functional spaces and isolated moments in the walk-through pantry, kitchen, dining room bookshelf, and wet bar," says Mike Rubin of the custom millwork.

Tessa Neustadt

Sam and Claire highlighted the warm earthy tones throughout. "We feel the house is a piece of art and we didn’t want to distract from that. The new dining area is now one of our favorite areas of the home!” Sam says.

Tessa Neustadt

I am 100 percent on board with this green bed in velvet from All Modern. Paired with a jute rug, oak flooring, and mid-century banquette, it's the perfect starter kit for a dreamy bedroom. Vintage art and an iconic Zig Zag chair add personality to already gorgeous design.

Tessa Neustadt

Rubin Studios used a collection of natural honed stone including Jade Quartzite, Quartzite Nero, Calacatta Viola, and Red Travertine that make moments like these interesting, bold, and beautiful throughout.

Tessa Neustadt

The earthy tile and Nickey Kehoe rug continues the green theme from master bedroom to master bath.

Tessa Neustadt

The slate floors, custom millwork, and green tile on the main floor flawlessly complements the trees and views of the home.

Tessa Neustadt

The guest bedroom pairs warm amber tones with natural linens and a jute rug with organic pattern.

Tessa Neustadt

This rosy bathroom is the perfect extension of some of the neutral and warmer tones in the house.

Tessa Neustadt

Here's where olive green meets a burgundy red tile (in the bathroom coming up) to warm up the neutral base.

Tessa Neustadt

Floor-to-ceiling tile makes a beautiful statement in a small bathroom.

Tessa Neustadt

The burgundy marble stone is a stunning complement to the tile above.

Tessa Neustadt

And then there's the rich cobalt blue to surprise and delight with a rug from Nordic Knots. This is the perfect chill spot with wet bar for entertaining. Sign us up!

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Oop! Brianna Chickenfry Spotted With New Man Amid Zach Bryan Breakup

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

@ihatebriannachickenfry
Sometimes all you need is a nyc sunrise and some good pals
♬ I Can Do It With a Broken Heart - Taylor Swift

November 15, 2024 — Brianna Alleges Zach Bryan Picked Out Engagement Ring For Her

It goes down in the DM, according to Brianna (& Yo Gotti). In a TikTok caption, Brianna explained that her "biggest celeb crush tried to slide [in her DMs] a few months back" but that she denied it given her relationship with Zach. Then, in the comments Brianna elaborated that she continues to learn more about Zach's alleged infidelities — and how deep they really go. She wrote, "Been finding out he was cheating the whole time lol. The week he showed me my engagement ring he was DMing girls hahahahha.” OOF, that's tough.

November 17, 2024 — Brianna Posts TikTok With A New Man... & Threatens To Post Alleged Abuse From Zach Bryan

After going through Taylor Swift's entire anthology (girl, we've BEEN there!), it's clear Brianna Chickenfry isn't about to let her breakup with Zach Bryan bring her down. The podcast host posted a TikTok on November 17, 2024 with the caption, “Sometimes all you need is a nyc sunrise and some good pals." And while that message is sweet, we noticed something else pretty sweet — the man she's seemingly cuddled up with throughout the 42 second clip!

Commenters were quick to notice, too — one person even writing, "That was fast." Brianna responded, “Well I was cheated on my whole relationship so yeah," clearly proving she doesn't care what anyone thinks right now. And good for her!

That same day, Brianna threatened to share videos of alleged abuse from her relationship after Zach kept posting pictures of her cats, according to Page Six. She said the videos depict “whipping s–t at my face," but her reps have yet to respond to Page Six for comment about this.

Definitely a whirlwind of a day in the life of Bri...

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12 Home Decor Trends To Watch Out For In 2025

Designing the perfect home is like self-care. Our spaces are increasingly evolving into our personal sanctuaries as more of us blend our living and working spaces. In 2025, this trend will continue, transforming homes into multifunctional havens: wellness retreats, gathering spots, hubs of tech convenience, and true reflections of personal style. "Creating a personal space and putting your signature on your home to create something unique will be a 2025 trend," says Lily Li, an interior designer from San Francisco's BoConcept. Gone are the generic, cookie cutter designs we see everywhere. 2025 will be all about you and what you love.

Here are top design trends for 2025, according to a recent Home Lifestyles 2025 report from global trend forecaster WGSN, plus our favorite 2025 trends buzzing on the home decor scene!

Keep reading for the top design trends for next year.

Elevated 70s

Design: A1000XBetter | Photo: Michael P.H. Clifford

Wood drenching is back from the '70s with a more grown-up look. Resurfacing are elevated designs and quality woods with '70s decor like sleek chrome lamps, shag rugs, chenille, and burgundy. Disco lamps optional.

Post-Modernism

CB2

CB2 Bodene Ivory Resin Coffee Table

Inspired by 1980s post-modernism, AKA "the designer decade," everything from coffee tables to sofas are coming out with unique shapes and unexpected designs. Look for more sculptural pieces that play together with a still-minimal vibe.

Asymmetrical Rugs

Etsy

Etsy Handtufted Irregular Shaped Rug

Hopping on the curve trend are rugs in 2025. Play with your wooly shapes for a more organic look.

Intentional Design

Design: A1000XBetter | Photo: Michael P.H. Clifford

As more people become concerned about climate change, WGSN expects 2025 will bring more services that help us reuse and repair. Things like refillable beauty products, climatarian cuisine (food chosen based on its carbon footprint), and products and services that encourage DIY, resale and repair will be big in 2025. Choosing quality pieces that will stand the test of time and even incorporating vintage pieces for their uniqueness and sustainability factor will be part of this trend.

Warm Neutrals

Ruggable

Ruggable Laine Ivory & Natural Tufted Rug

Warm neutrals like chalk, oat milk and taupe are colors that we'll see more of for versatile home decor. But don't worry, color will be back in a big way too. Organic greens like kelp and emerald, oxblood, clay, sepia, and terracotta will add some richness while soothing pastels like glacier blue and mellow peach, plus flashes of brights like pink and teal, will also grace our 2025 homes.

Color + Pattern Drenching

Le Mieux et Cie

Color drenching will remain a strong trend in 2025, with bold, saturated hues covering entire spaces for a cohesive, dramatic effect. Layering patterns on patterns will also make a statement, as wallpaper and fabric work together to bring texture, character, and a fresh canvas to your space.

Statement Ceilings

Rebel Walls

Rebel Walls Bruno Sand Wallpaper

The fifth wall is having a moment, with everything from wallpaper and painted stripes to statement chandeliers adding unexpected flair overhead.

Sensorial Homes

Design: House of Rolison | Photo by Gavin Cater

WGSN forecasts a rise in sensory-driven decor for 2025, so products that soothe our senses. Think ASMR-inspired products like virtual sound baths to enhance focus, mood-boosting products that align with color psychology, robotic scent diffusers, experiential showers and chromatherapy.

Comfort Zones

Crate & Barrel

Crate and Barrel Sogno Chaise Lounge

2025 is all about comfort. Think plush, deep sofas, curvy chaises, and furniture with sweater-like textures, creating cozy nooks and rooms you’ll want to sink into with a good book or enjoy chats with your friends and family.

Discreet Design

Kam Idris

Tech and aesthetics don't always play well together, but that’s set to change. Expect more discreet tech products and kitchen appliances designed to blend seamlessly with decor. Look for natural materials, soft textiles, minimalist shapes, and inviting colors, along with clever design solutions that conceal tech — like photo frames that double as phone chargers.

"More and more people are choosing to live in smaller spaces or want to use rooms for multiple purposes. Multi-functional pieces will be growing in popularity, including hidden storage options or transformative furniture," says Li.

Biophilic Design

George Kantartzis

Research shows that plants can actually make us happier, so why not design our homes around them? In 2025, expect to see smart gardens with sensor-regulated watering, furniture with built-in planters, and nature-inspired decor. It's all about bringing the outdoors in, and the indoors out.

Outdoor Luxury

Meredith Kleinman Design

Outdoor spaces are becoming true extensions of our homes, with features like al fresco kitchens, plunge pools, outdoor showers (#goals), and cozy outdoor rugs and sofas made with durable, weather-resistant fabrics for fully functional spaces to enjoy most of the year.

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Jennifer Lawrence's Second Baby (Bump) Is Already More Stylish Than I'll Ever Be

Jennifer Lawrence announced she's pregnant, and we couldn't be happier for her! Though she and her husband, Cooke Maroney, aren't known for being in the public eye too much, it seems like this is one piece of news they don't mind sharing! Sorry, but we haven't been this excited about baby news since Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson became parents — excuse us while we celebrate!

Here's everything we know about baby number 2 so far.

November 17: Jennifer Lawrence Glows On The Red Carpet Again

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Not only is Jennifer Lawrence glowing during her second pregnancy, but she's also showing how stylish moms can be! According to WWD, she wore a gorgeous brown Bottega Veneta gown to the Governors Award event and looked like a goddess on the red carpet. The dress and its gold hardware complemented her skin beautifully along with her matching clutch!

It seems like maternity style gets better every year and it gives this mama hope that the world sees that life doesn't stop just because we have kiddos in tow!

Has Jennifer Lawrence debuted her baby bump yet?

Anna Webber/Getty Images for AFI

YES! Jennifer Lawrence's baby bump was the star of the Zurawski v Texas premiere (via PEOPLE). She wore a structured white dress with a black belt around her waist that accentuated her cute baby bump and appeared to be glowing.

According to Deadline, she's one of the executive producers of Zurawski v Texas, a documentary that sheds light on the "restrictive abortion laws" that put women's lives in danger in Texas. Alongside producers Hilary and Chelsea Clinton, Jennifer's involvement in the documentary as a pregnant woman makes a pivotal statement during a time where mothers' mortalities aren't always considered during their pregnancies.

When did Jennifer Lawrence announce her second pregnancy?

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI

Leave it to Vogue to get the exclusive scoop about Jennifer being pregnant again! According to the publication, an official "representative for the actor confirmed" the news yesterday, October 20. So exciting!

When is Jennifer Lawrence's second baby due?

Kevin Mazur

Jennifer Lawrence hasn't announced her due date yet, so we can't be quite sure! However, if she's out of her first trimester, Jennifer could have her baby around April 2025!

What have Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney said about their family?

John Phillips/Getty Images for Sony Pictures

It seems Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney were open to the idea of having another baby as recently as this summer! An unknown source told Entertainment Tonight, "Jennifer and Cooke are doing very well and are super in love. They make each other laugh and have the best time parenting together. They would love to have another kid and expand their family."

When was Jennifer Lawrence's first baby born?

Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images for Sony Pictures

Jennifer and Cooke's firstborn son, Cy, was born February 2022, which means he's almost three years old!

The actress later explored her feeling about becoming a mom in another Vogueinterview. "It’s so scary to talk about motherhood. Only because it’s so different for everybody. If I say, It was amazing from the start, some people will think, 'It wasn’t amazing for me at first,' and feel bad. Fortunately I have so many girlfriends who were honest. Who were like, It’s scary," she said.

What has Jennifer Lawrence said about being a mom?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

It seems like Jennifer found her stride because she's apparently embraced being a mom. She hasn't said anything recently, but she did speak with Entertainment Tonight last year during the promotion of No Hard Feelings about her parenting habits. "Of course, the urge to stop anything from ever hurting or negatively affecting your baby..." she said.

However, co-star Andrew Barth Feldman had nothing but positive words to share about Jennifer as a mom. "Jen is an amazing mother, for real. That was kind of one of the incredible things about doing this with you is seeing just how much of a priority being a mother is for you and how deeply you care about that over everything," he said.

We can't wait to see how Jennifer's second pregnancy develops and hope she's willing to give us a little sneak peek of how she's prepping to have two young kids!

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4 Habits Women With Tons Of Friends All Have In Common

Have you ever wondered why it seems some women always have the best friendships? We're talking about on the level of Sex and the Cityor Insecure. It's debatable whether some of those friends are toxic or not, but that's another story. The point is, it seems like some women have the best luck when it comes to building fun and supportive platonic relationships.

Are there unique qualities women in this position share? According to friendship coach Zoe Asher and licensed therapist Nicolle Osequeda, the answer is yes! Asher is host of the top-rated Accidentally Intentional podcast while Osequeda is the owner and founder of Lincoln Park Therapy Group, giving them an inside look at how people tend to approach all types of relationships!

Let's dive in!

Here are the unique qualities women with lots of friends share.

1. Women with a lot of friends value connection & community.

Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

The one thing everyone with a solid group of friends can agree on is how it feels like you've built your own supportive community. Friends are often the first people we turn to with good or bad news, or the ones we simply want to go on adventures with. Osequeda says, "Women with strong friendship circles often value connection, community, and the power of vulnerability."

There's a realization that women in this unique position are able to "recognize that life is richer with a support system," says Osequeda. This involves "people who will listen, validate, and be there through both the highs and lows" she adds. From the friend who stayed up with you all night after a bad breakup to the one who cheered the loudest at your graduation, women who have a huge friend circle know that life feels better when we can connect with others.

Based on her experience as a therapist, she's "observed how women start friendships by gradually sharing layers of themselves." This can look like "having children at the same school or bonding over shared interests," she adds. This vulnerability is important because it creates a foundation that signals to women they've found their tribe.

2. Women with multiple friendships are open to vulnerability.

Like Osequeda mentioned, vulnerability can deepen our friendships. "These women are open to sharing the 'messy' parts of themselves which builds a deeper, more authentic bond." Also, she notes women with a lot of friends "aren't afraid to shed layers and be real" because "this vulnerability strengthens their sense of community." The more this happens over time, the more it "helps foster the connections" women with a lot of friends "cherish," according to Osequeda.

Honestly, she says "we’re all wired to seek out connection, and friendships provide that sense of community, validation, and belonging." She believes we truly "crave spaces where we can share our thoughts and feelings about what truly matters to us."

Asher believes women with lots of friends are "usually drawn towards one another in friendship" based on two levels:

Level 1: Shared interests, appearance of confidence, a positive energy that they feel (smiling helps with this!)
Level 2: (When in conversation) the safety they feel when speaking to another person, [emotional compatibility], how engaged the person is in conversation, and a desire to learn more about them, ultimately to find shared values.

This determines how women move forward in friendships. The approach is often led with "a deep sense of authenticity and care," according to Osequeda. "This is because women want relationships where they can be themselves, sharing hopes, dreams, and frustrations without judgment."

3. Women who have a lot of friends like other people they're friends with.

Again, the fact women with lots of friends actually like the people in their chosen circle is monumental. Asher says, "An interesting Yale study done in 2003 sought to look at 'popularity' in high schools to see if they could find something that all of the most liked and most popular kids had in common (outside of being a jock, etc.,)."

The common thread? "THEY liked the highest amount of people," Asher reveals. I talk about being a people pleaser a lot, but genuinely liking others isn't the same as that. IMO, it's actually admirable when people can respect others regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, or sexuality.

She knows you're likely asking, "How does this apply to women having a lot of friends?" Her answer? "Across the board, the principle here is that women with the most friends are continuously on a hunt to find good and likable things about others."

However, this isn't based on a selfish need or want. "They've determined that the time invested in others is of mutual benefit," says Asher because "the biggest coast in adult female friendships is time — the most finite resource we all share in common."

4. These women also don't mind making new friends.

Elina Fairytale/Pexels

While making friends as adults shouldn't be hard, it definitely doesn't mean it comes easily. From overthinking to social anxiety, there's so many reasons why we struggle. Also, this idea we're doing fine without friends isn't exactly helpful or positive. Asher says, "The CDC has said that the impacts of loneliness on our bodies are more harmful than smoking 15 cigarettes A DAY! Making time for quality friendships (and the pursuit of it) is just as important for your physical state as working out is."

Where should you start if you want to forge new friendships? Osequeda says, "Start within communities that already resonate with you — whether it’s your child’s school, your workplace, a gym, dog park or a shared hobby. Places where you already belong create natural opportunities to connect." She even suggests giving "apps like Bumble BFF or local meet-up groups" a chance because they "can also help you find like-minded friends." But don't think you're limited to this!

Though Asher agrees that women tend to approach "friendships by trying to find commonalities right from the beginning," she says you don't have to confine yourself to this formula. "The reason I don't think this is best is because we are boxing ourselves in when we do this. The greatest friends could be on the other side of the stereotypes we're creating," she notes. Taking it a step further, Asher shared her own experience with this. "I watched all 3 of my best friends get married and have kids all before I ever got married. On the outside, most women would think 'They don’t have anything in common.' But on the inside, the character traits and values we each were looking for were mutual, and that became a more important compass for our friendship than the stage in life we were each in."

She was even surprised she'd become close to her best friends because of how things looked externally. "We had nothing in common, but I'm so glad I didn't box myself in," she says excitedly.

Here Are Even More Ways To Make New Friends!

Asher has three ways you can open yourself up to new adult friendships if you're interested.

The most important place to start is our mindset. We have to first decide “I don’t want to be lonely anymore, and I’m worth having meaningful friendships.” When we make that decision, then we give ourselves permission and the courage to step out and take action in that! Important note about this: there was a study done at Stanford that revealed that people are 1.5x MORE likely to accept us than we think they are! So don’t let the fear of rejection hold you back!
Go first. Make the ask, and then make the plans! Saying “We should hang out sometime” is ineffective because “sometime” isn’t a day on the calendar! We cannot wait for other people to want to pursue a friendship with us, because most of us are in this same boat — not knowing where to start! We can pursue connection, get plugged into a community (examples: book club, fitness class, church, etc), or create our own connections by just inviting someone over to our house/apartment. The biggest thing we need to remind ourselves of that is to stop making excuses, or pre-determining how we think people will respond!
Again, don’t box yourself in. Don’t let your preconceived notions of what you think your archetype of a friend will look like stop you from spending time with others who don't fit that label. As addressed above, the friendships we’ve been looking for our whole lives could be right behind the stereotypes we’ve created! It’s more about character traits than it is about the external compatibility of hobbies or stages of life.

Osequeda's last piece of advice? "If you already have a friend group, meeting friends of friends is another great way to grow your circle. They key is taking that first step with a little bit of vulnerability — start a conversation, ask a question, and show interest." She's sure "it's these small moments of openness that create lasting connections!"

Want to know if you've taken on a certain role in your friendships? Discover the 11 ways you can tell if you're an empath!

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