You Won’t Believe How Much Money Kim Kardashian West’s Perfume Earned in a Single Day 

Everything the Kardashian family touches seemingly turns to gold — literally. Kylie Jenner’s cosmetics company made a whopping $420 million in the last 18 months, and Khloé Kardashian’s denim line, Good American, made a cool $1 million in its first day of sales. Now, after the wildly successful launch of her beauty line earlier this year, it should come as no surprise that Kim Kardashian West’s fragrance also hit big with fans… really big.

TMZ reports that the newest additions to the KKW fragrance empire, Crystal Gardenia, Crystal Gardenia Citrus, and Crystal Gardenia Oud (which were actually inspired by a dark, RL event in the businesswoman’s personal life), made a massive $10 million dollars in a single day, more than $1 million of which occurred within just an hour. By day two, quantities are already limited.

Making matters even more insane is the fact that more than 300,000 units were sold without customers ever even smelling the scents, going to show the sheer marketing power of queen Kim.

If you’re looking to pick up a bottle from the KKW Fragrance line ($30-$60), here’s a word of advice — act fast. They’re selling out very quickly!

Make that coin, Kim!

Did you snag one of Kim’s perfumes on launch day? Let us know @BritandCo.

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

(Photo via Neilson Barnard + Charley Gallay/Getty)

Money doesn't have to be complicated, but our decisions can make things harder than they have to be. From dipping into our savings account for a shopping spree to running away from investing, we're always one step away from having an even weirder relationship with our finances. Plus, childhood lessons and our current mindset can affect how we view sticking with a budget.

It's something Tori Dunlap, founder of Her First $100K, sees often, prompting her to be an open book about the financial mistakes you're probably making as I type this. Ready to learn which money habits are lingering in your life like a toxic ex?

Keep scrolling to see which common mistakes are really holding your finances back!

Kaboompics.com

1. Not automating your savings

When's the last time you actually put money in savings when you said you would? Let me guess: it went towards your fave Chick-Fil-A meal or the Valentine's Day decor you couldn't resist buying. This is a judge-free zone, so I'm not here to make you feel bad, but sometimes our best efforts to save money fall flat. Yet have no fear because there's a solution that stems from something you've been overlooking.

"One of the most common money mistakes is not automating your savings. If you’ve ever gotten to the end of the month and felt guilty because you didn’t save any money (or as much as you hoped), this is one thing you can do to help yourself out," says Dunlap. According to her, this looks like you taking the time to "set up an automated transfer from your checking to your savings, at least once a month." You could "set up the transfer on the first day of the month, maybe on the first and half-way through the month, whatever works for you."

But don't worry about getting things "wrong" because Dunlap doesn't think the amount you transfer has "to be a lot" because "even $20 means we're choosing progress." In her opinion, the very act of automating your savings means "you're doing the hard thing first!"

Yan Krukau

2. Overlooking high yield savings accounts

In addition to having an automated savings transfer, it also matters what kind of account you're putting your money into. I'm 100% guilty of going beyond a basic savings account as a broke college student because I was terrified I wouldn't understand the terms of what I was doing. Apparently I'm not the only one because Dunlap says we tend to overlook "ensuring that savings money is going into a high yield savings account. But, what is it?

"This is just like a normal savings account, but it’s going to earn you WAY more in interest. Basically, your savings are going to make you more savings," she shares. If you're scratching your head and need more information, we've got your back! Basically, "this is going to be the perfect account to keep your emergency fund in," according to Dunlap.

Instead of being limited to when you can access your funds (like a certificate of deposit or CD), she says "you can take your money out at any time, your money is insured," and "the partner" she and her team "recommend" doesn't have "fees" or "minimums." However, she warns "terms always apply, so check with your bank" before making a hasty decision.

Christina Morillo

3. Treating your retirement account as an investment

Full transparency moment: I didn't start paying attention to my retirement account until I left my prior job and had to roll the funds over. Even then, I thought I didn't have to focus on investments because I was sure my new IRA covered all the bases. Wrong! "...one of the biggest financial mistakes is believing the misconception that a retirement account itself is an investment–your IRA is not the investment, it's an account that HOLDS your investments," stresses Dunlap.

Her advice? "Don't just put money into a Roth without actually investing it. It’s a two-step process: make sure you transfer money into your account, and then buy investments with that money."

marissa gradei

4. Going into debt to enjoy yourself

I fear little treat culturesunk its teeth in us and hasn't let go. I'm a recovering shopaholic who puts things in my cart and empties it if I ever feel the urge to do some unhinged damage to my debit card. Still, there are other people who are still in the trenches of living a FOMO-life.

"We know Millennials and Gen Z-ers are more likely to splurge or go into debt for travel, events and entertainment than their generational counterparts–there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun money (plus, I don’t blame them after the pandemic), but we want to make sure we’re not going into debt or dipping into an emergency fund to make it happen," says Dunlap.

If there's something you really want to do, back away from the credit card and listen to Dunlap's suggestions first. She says, "For something like a big trip or a concert, I would suggest starting a sinking fund or a dedicated high-yield savings account. That way, you know you’ve saved that money for the exact purpose you’re using it for, and you get to protect your emergency fund and credit cards in the process."

Vlada Karpovich

5. Waiting too long to start a retirement fund

Be honest: do you have a retirement fund? If your answer is no, Dunlap is ready to have a heart-to-heart with you. "In addition to not investing, I see a lot of women waiting too long to start preparing for retirement," she says. It's so easy for Millennials and Gen Z to think our elderly years are far away, but that doesn't mean we can't start planning for them now.

Also, saving or investing your money while you have debt isn't a sign of irresponsibility. Dunlap says, "You may have heard that all of your debt needs to be gone before you start investing–sure, some of your debt needs to be gone." Of course she'd like to see "your high cost debt like credit card debt" lowered as much "as possible before you prioritize investing," but she doesn't want you to "wait too long to start investing because" you think your "other finances aren't perfect," you're clueless about next steps, or think you "need a billion dollars to get started."

All you have to do is try. "...you’ve got to start somewhere, and something is better than nothing," adds Dunlap.

Artem Podrez

6. Bypassing investing because you have limited information

Financial literacy is important, but you're not incompetent because you have limited information about investing. Dunlaps says she sees "people believing the misconception that investing means you’re just selecting individual stocks and taking a gamble on them." Though she agrees it's "an option," she wants you to realize it's "not the only one." So, what to do?

"You can also consider investing in index funds. Essentially, this is a group of companies or groups of stocks. So rather than putting all of your eggs in one basket, you’re putting your money towards something more diversified and low-risk, that’s going to be less of a gamble long-term," suggests Dunlap.It's actually something she likes and teaches about in Stock Market School. "...index funds made me a millionaire," she offers.

BRB, going to sign up so I can get my finances together once and for all.

Nataliya Vaitkevich

7. Shying away from budgeting because you don't want to be restricted

Friends, we can't keep running away from the "budgeting" word. It hasn't helped us, especially if we've been crying about sneaky expenses that are doing a number on our accounts. There's a reason we keep running from it though.

"A lot of us associate a budget with restriction–the idea that in order to save money, you have to restrict yourself and keep a tighter budget. But if you treat money like a diet, it will inevitably fail," Dunlap points out. Here's a secret she wants you to know: "It’s not your fault that you’re not sticking to your budget, it’s just psychology! If you tell me I can’t have fried chicken, all I’m going to do is want fried chicken. Psychology."

Mikhail Nilov

Her point is that "a super restrictive budget just doesn’t work, it's not sustainable" because "your budget shouldn’t stop you from doing things." Instead, she feels "it should be the thing that allows you to do things comfortably." You know like buying those new pair of shoes without calculating if you're going to forfeit part of your cell phone bill.

Dunlap further says, "I’m not going to tell you to stop spending money, because that’s not the solution. I am just going to tell you to stop spending money on things you don’t care about." Her number one suggestion for "helping your budget" is to "establish 3 areas of your life where you get the most joy (ex. eating out, traveling, nesting)."

"When you review your budget, these are going to be the 3 areas you make sure your spending is in line with," she also says.

Porapak Apichodilok

8. Pretending your debt doesn't exist

How many of us are guilty of ignoring the credit card bill until we get our statement? According to Dunlap, that's a terrible idea. "The first thing is to make sure you know your numbers, and aren’t running from them–the only way to take control of your debt is by avoiding what’s called the Ostrich Effect.

This is when you avoid addressing and accessing a situation because you’re afraid of what you’ll find," she says. Wondering who the ostrich is in this situation? You are because you're keeping your "head in the sand." However, it's "so common when it comes to debt, but conquering it is the first step to making progress."

Next up? Get familiar with "tackling debt" by "building an emergency fund — regardless of how much debt you're in," says Dunlap. Even if things feel like they're going really well, she knows "life is inevitably going to throw you a few curve balls." Here's looking at you unexpected car crash that totaled my car last year.

"If you're not prepared for emergencies, you still need to find a way to navigate them–whether that’s dipping into your savings, using credit cards, or asking family and friends for help. We don’t want you to have to do that–we want you to have an emergency fund that you can use," she says. It "safeguards you from going into more debt in an already stressful situation," according to her.

Photo by: Kaboompics.com

After you've started building a nice emergency fund, she can't wait for you to use her "favorite debt handling method" called "the Debt Avalanche."

  1. Write down all of your debts, listing them from highest interest rate to lowest, and how much the minimum payment is on each.
  2. Calculate your total minimum payments to give you an idea of how much you need to pay every month to keep current.
  3. Start paying extra on the credit line with the highest interest rate. Keep paying the minimums on the rest. This process works best when you focus on one bill at a time.
  4. Once you’ve paid off the debt with the highest interest rate, move down the list to the next one and start paying whatever extra you can towards it each month.

Again, Dunlap doesn't want you to feel like you have to have a fail-proof system in place. "Start where you’re at — you’ll be amazed how fast that debt will start disappearing even with just an extra $15 – $20 a month."

Noted! How can I create attainable financial goals this year?

Mikhail Nilov

Now that you're ready to stop making financial mistakes, you can start thinking about your overall money goals for the year. Dunlap says, "One thing you can do to make your goals automatically more achievable is attach them to a mission. It’s one thing to give it a deadline and make it specific, but thinking about what achieving it actually means to you is going to drive you to accomplish it a little more."

An example she gives is you saying "'I will save my first $100K (specific) by the end of 2026 (timely)'," but she asks, "what does that mean to you, what does it get you? Why is important?"

Per her suggestion, "add your answer as a part of your goal statement." She says you could write something like "'because I want to have enough money to quit my toxic job (mission-driven).'"

Doing this "makes accomplishing your goal about more than the money, and reminds you why you're doing it in the first place," she says as her final piece of guidance.

Sign up for our Weekend Scroll newsletter for more ways to have a great year!

2024 saw the rise of celebrity book clubs and BookTok favorites, but we were waiting for the Libby Awards to announce their top picks this year. Finally, our wait is over because they announced their winners! According to PEOPLE, a record-breaking number of librarians sifted through 2024's most-anticipated books and we're delighted to see some of our favorite reads made the cut.

Whether you see reading as a hobby, a way to escape or a form of resistance, having organizations and librarians who encourage it is truly golden.

Scroll to see which of our favorite books made the Libby Awards list and the top runner-ups from adult fiction to romantasy!

Best Adult Fiction Book

Amazon

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah's The Women deserves the acknowledgement it continues to get because it such a well-written novel. It introduces readers to Frances "Frankie" McGrath, a nursing student, who believes she and other women have something special to contribute to the Vietnam War. Enlisting in the Army Nurse Corps allows her to follow her brother and show how much she's serious about her desire to do more. But, she doesn't expect to be surrounded by so much mayhem upon her arrival and return back to the home she left behind.

Amazon

James by Percival Everett (Runner-Up)

Huckleberry Finn's story has always been readily available, but the runaway slave who accompanied him during his journey was overshadowed. Seeking to change that, Percival Everett wrote James as a way to give Jim a purpose-filled voice.
Prior to forming a friendship with the "wild child," Jim's worst fears come true when he learns his master wants to take him away from his family. Unwilling to let that happen, he escapes to Jackson Island where he crosses paths with Huck Finn. Both are aware they're running from volatile situations which leads them to make a perilous journey to find a taste of freedom.

Best Adult Nonfiction Book 

Amazon

The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson

Erik Larson's The Demon of Unrest takes readers back in time to understand how fraught Abraham Lincoln's election and the Southern Confederates' relationship was. It was clear far right thinking was seeking to dismantle any idea of democracy for all and it seemed that nothing would change until the fateful events that took place at Fort Sumter.
From Major Robert Anderson to William Seward, readers will relive a time period where many lives were lost as the quest for power created bloodshed.

Amazon

By the Fire We Carry by Rebecca Nagle (Runner-Up)

By the Fire We Carry also revisits a time in history where injustice prevailed, but this time the focus is on American Indians. Beginning in the 1830s, the Muscogee people were forcibly removed from their land to unknown territories. Though they believed they would receive retribution, it became evident it wouldn't happen when Oklahoma took over their home. And when treacherous murder happens, the new state refused to step in for years.
It wasn't until 2020 that the Supreme Court reached an overdue decision that didn't seek the best interests of the American Indians, proving injustice is embedded in American history.

Best Young Adult Fiction Book 

Amazon

Heir by Sabaa Tahir

AIZ knows life isn't fair as she's grown up poor in Kegari, but it hasn't stopped her for wanting revenge for something she's never forgotten. Her rage puts her in an even more dangerous situation and it threatens to overtake her. Then there's SIRSHA, a tracker with magic in her veins. She hasn't had a stroke of luck in a while which makes her accept a job of punishing a child murderer. Lastly, there's the reluctant prince QUIL. He's seen the effects being in control has on others and doesn't want to meet that same fate, but is forced to make a decision when the Empire is threatened. Each will have to make decisions that play a role in their final fates and it's impossible to know who will survive.

Amazon

Twenty-Four Seconds from Now... by Jason Reynolds (Runner-Up)

Aria met Neon two years ago because her dog decided to have its version of fun by chasing the latter. It was a fateful meeting that put them on a path of love and everyone knows it. Talks about intimacy have led to more conversations about having sex for the first time, but readers will see how complicated it is for the teens.

However, Aria and Neon make a plan to do the one deed they can't stop thinking about. But guess where Neon is?

Hiding in a bathroom because his nerves are all over the place!

Best Debut Author 

Amazon

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

When a civil servant receives a job she's been dreaming about, she's overjoyed and gladly accepts its conditions. She and others will help "expats" adjust to living in the present after their time travel journeys. That's how she meets Commander Graham Gore ("1847"). The last thing he knew was that he lived during the 1840s so he experiences shock that things are so different from what he remembers.
Nevertheless, he and the civil servant begin to respect each other in a way that leads to the one forbidden rule for their situation: they're never meant to fall in love.

Amazon

I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue (Runner-Up)

Jolene finds herself in hot water with HR when her snarky emails about co-workers are discovered. In order to keep her job, she has to complete training with Cliff and even has to follow email protocols to make sure she doesn't repeat her mistakes. But then she becomes aware of other employees' emails and realizes she's not the only one who's been writing things that can be seen as red flags. It's how she finds out a company-wide layoff will be happening soon.

Torn between wanting to protect herself and see the humanity of those she works with, Jolene will have to decide how vulnerable she wants to be in both situations.

Best Book Club Pick

Amazon

Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

Margo Millet was born into a precarious situation given the fact her dad used to wrestle professionally while her mom waited tabled at Hooters. Despite her lack of examples, the young adult starts taking classes at a junior college while wondering how she's going to make ends meet. Somehow, she has an affair with a married professor that leads to a very unplanned pregnancy that everyone thinks she should terminate. But something awakens in Margo and she ignores everyone's "advice."
In order to take care of herself and her young child, she starts an OnlyFans account that garners more attention than she thought it would. Suddenly able to afford her bills, Margo leans into her new "job," until someone close to her does the unthinkable.

Amazon

Real Americans by Rachel Khong (Runner-Up)

Rachel Khong's Real Americans decodes what happens when a young woman named Lily Chen meets a wealthy man named Matthew. Though it's clear they were in love, readers eventually discover the two are no longer together when they see her raising her teenaged son alone. Refusing to explain what happened to his father, Lily places her son in a tough spot where he resolves to uncover his heritage without her.
Along the way, the past, present, and future converge in a way that makes readers ponder about classism and more.

Best Fantasy Book

Amazon

The Spellshopby Sarah Beth Durst

Kiela has a people problem, but she bypasses it for the most part as she dutifully takes care of the Great Library of Alyssium with Caz the magical spider plant. However, their perfect paradise comes crashing down when someone destroys where they work, forcing them to evacuate to a place Kiela grew up. Once there, Kiela's visited by her meddling and attractive neighbor who takes a liking to her. Still, she has to do something to bring money in which is how she begins growing berries to create delicious jam.

Her only obstacle is that she's using magic illegally to making a living, leading to a spellshop that will change the island she's on forever.

Amazon

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (Runner-Up)

Luzia Cotado spends her days doing back-breaking work as a scullion and would've perished had it not been for the small amount of magic she uses to get by. Things take a wrong turn when her powers are discovered and she's forced to use more to help the family she works for. Hot on her heels is Antonio Pérez, a secretary to Spain's king who needs as much good luck as he can find. By discovering Luzia, he feels he'll be able to rework his way into the good graces of the man he serves.
The only way she'll be able to evade him is by becoming acquainted with others with magical powers and relying on the immortal familiar Guillén Santángel.

Best Horror Book

Amazon

Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle

Misha's big moment in Hollywood has finally come in the form of a worthy Oscar nod. The only thing standing in his way are the executives who want him to stop pushing the "gay narrative" on his TV series. Though he admirably rebels against their demands, he soon finds himself and loved ones being haunted.

Amazon

I Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones (Runner-Up)

A young teen's life takes on a drastic path when he's forced to become a killer. Tolly Driver has always stayed out of trouble, but tragedy pushes him to do something that's out of character while living in Lamesa, Texas. Instead of being written off as another psychotic murderer, Stephen Graham Jones wrote I was A Teenage Slasher from Tolly's POV.

Best Romance Book Of The Year

Amazon

Funny Story by Emily Henry

We all know and love Emily Henry's work, but Funny Story still remains one of the best novels she's written. She allows readers to get to know Daphne's tragically hilariously plight as she realizes her fiancé's been in love with his best friend Petra the entire time they've been together. It blindsides her in more ways than one and leaves her wondering how she's going to afford rent.
As luck would have it, Petra's ex Miles Nowak is in need of a roommate too so he and Daphne decide to share a space. Most days they ignore each other until one conversation leads to a friendship and the perfect idea: pretend to date each other to rub it in their exes faces!
There's no way Daphne or Miles could fall in love with each other for real, right?

Amazon

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava (Runner-Up)

Ember Lee Cardinal is in a tight spot because she's yet to secure a job despite the many times she's submitted her resumé with applications. Deciding to experiment, she embellishes a few things and stops checking the Native American box. This method works, leading her to secure a role as an accountant.

She does well and even begins dating IT guy Danuwoa Colson despite their job's strict policies. No one suspects a thing until someone sees them during a company trip and threatens to make everyone aware they're together. Now Ember's in a odd situation where he dream job has become a nightmare and she beings telling small lies in order to save her neck because telling the truth has consequences she doesn't want to deal with.

Best Romantasy Book

Amazon

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

Bryce Quinlan's been out of Midgard for sometime and is looking for ways to get back to what feels familiar. She never intended to go far away, but it's not so easy to get back to where she was. Plus, she has to watch her back because she doesn't know who's friendly or not.

Hunt Athalar's fate is no better because he's back in Asteri's dungeons and doesn't know where Bryce could be. Though he's helped her in the past, he's unable to intervene this time because he's trapped and doesn't see a way out.

Amazon

Faebound by Saara El-Arifi (Runner-Up)

Yeeran's life has been consumed by battle and she knows that's probably where she'll die. She fiercely serves in the elven army while her sister Lettle spends her days as a diviner. But when Yeeran's kicked out of the Elven Lands, she and sister are forced to face the unknown of the fae court. Having been hidden in plain sight, it begins to pull them in opposite directions from which they may never recover from.

Amazon

Be sure to see the full list of The Libby Awards winners here!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more book finds!

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

Subscribe to our newsletter for more book finds!

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

Admit it: you rolled your eyes when your friend talked about scoring tickets to see Beyoncé'sRenaissance tour or Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour. You've probably even looked at her sideways when she's shared she pays 50% of her household bills because you don't think modern women should do that.

Whatever your reasoning is, you're aware that you have a habit of judging how your friend spends money and feel like you should stop. But friends shouldn't lie to each other, right? Eh, we've yet to see lying in relationships produce healthy results, but overstepping boundaries is just as worse. This is especially true if your friend doesn't always ask for your financial opinions.

Want to know why you keep doing it even though you're making your friend uncomfortable? Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Navjot "Navi" Hughesof Empower Mental Health has a few hints so pull up a chair to see what gives!

4 reasons you're lowkey obsessed with how your friends spend money

Jayda Anderson

1. You're using money as a way to compare yourself to your friend.

Seeing it worded like this sounds harsh and is sure to illicit the following responses:

  1. "Are you kidding me? I'd never do that!"
  2. "There's no comparison between my friend and I. I love them too much to do that."
  3. "It's not like I'm hurting my friend when I try to give them advice."

Even if you're not proud of it, there's a reason why comparison feels a embedded. Hughes says you're zeroing in on your friend's finances because of your "mindset." She further explains, "...we compare because money either separates you or brings you together. It's a social comparison because it's one of the most powerful tools to create the life you desire." This checks out if you and your friend are always talking about the kind of futures you want.

Here's the clincher: Hughes says, "Some are motivated by others, and some become jealous and hopeless."

Tima Miroshnichenko

2. The childhood lessons you learned about money are on full display.

Did you grow up hearing "money doesn't grow on trees" or "Anyone who doesn't save their money is being wasteful?" You may not think about it, but plays a role in how you look at other people's habits. Hughes says, "...judgment comes from our social upbringing. Some people have a scarcity mindset, so they hoard all their money." This could explain why you're less likely to spend money on things you consider frivolous while thinking your friend who does has lost a grip on reality.

The other side of this is being in a position where you didn't have to worry about money growing up. "If you are from a wealthier family, you know that money is a tool that flows." But, you're not off the hook from having negative opinions about others. You could still "judge others for not being smart and investing their money," according to Hughes.

Shaunna Levy

3. You may be jealous of your friend or annoyed with their complaints.

You can adore your friend while envying them for having the luxury to do whatever they want with their money. It's not to say they're truly in the position be carefree, but their ability to believe they'll be okay no matter what may make you see green. Then again, you may resent your friend for complaining about financial hardships they're in because of bad choices.

Like Hughes has mentioned earlier, there's so many reasons why everyone judges each other. She reiterates, "Usually, it's a place of jealousy," and it can show up differently based on your friend's circumstances.

"If your friends travel and you can't afford it, it creates discontent," she uses as an example, but "if your friends complain about not having money and bad spending habits, you may be annoyed and frustrated because their habits don't align with their perceived values," she adds.

Kaboompics.com

4. You're unable to handle the same criticism you're dishing out.

It's easy to judge others for doing something we think isn't right, but it's harder to accept the same vein of criticism. Hughes says people who consistently critique their friends' spending habits wouldn't have a hard time paying attention to their own choices if they were genuinely seeking "expert guidance on how to manage money instead of avoiding it."

For example, you could feel envious of the friend who has a good relationship with money while you're always spending it as soon as you get paid. "Some people cannot hold on to cash because they don't feel they deserve it. It's the subconscious programming that prevents them from making changes," says Hughes.

Emma Ripperdan

Here's what to do if you're truly concerned about your friend's finances

Approach the topic delicately

Sometimes we love to pose aggressive interventions with our friends because we "know" them. While this may work in some cases, it could backfire if you're adding to the guilt they're already feeling.

"If they ask for feedback or they complain in a moment, you can get curious and ask questions that allow them to realize their mistakes," suggests Hughes. Don't go thinking this is your shining moment to make your friend change, however.

"Ultimately, it's up to that person to receive feedback. If they don't want the input, it's best not to express your opinion as it doesn't impact you..." Hughes remarks.

Pavel Danilyuk

Here's how to set a firm boundary with a friend who can't keep their opinions to themselves

If you've found yourself on the receiving of constant opinions about how you spend money, we know you're annoyed. We're irritated for you because invasive questions or thoughts about money can ruin a longstanding friendship!

You can say something like, "While I appreciate your concerns, I will figure this out". You must take control of the conversation and be assertive if others are crossing a boundary. This usually reflects a lack of boundaries in relationships beyond finances- so chances are your relationship already lacks boundaries.

Need more money tips? You'll love browsing our articles about budgeting, saving money, and more!

Treehouse aesthetic is not only a charming decor trend, but it also evokes a sense of nostalgia, whether you grew up with one or simply wished you had. Santa Barbara architect Dylan Henderson and designer Bailee Roberts have reimagined a 1960s hillside home into a stunning modern retreat inspired by the magic of treehouses. Perched among California’s iconic coastal oaks, this home embraces its natural surroundings, offering breathtaking views of the Santa Barbara harbor and the rolling mountains beyond. It’s the kind of place that inspires daydreaming — it's my ultimate someday escape.

Here are 12 home decor ideas I'm stealing from this modern treehouse retreat.

Gavin Cater

1. Exposed Wood Beams

This project was a full gut renovation, designed to blend with the natural landscape while bringing the homeowners' vision to life. The couple, both in their 60s, wanted a home that felt nestled in the oak canopies of the Honda Valley Preserve while making the most of the light and sweeping views.

Gavin Cater

From the moment you step inside, reclaimed beams in the entry foyer set the tone for the entire space. The clients envisioned a retreat that felt both elevated and deeply connected to nature — warm, inviting, and sophisticated.

Erin Feinblatt

2. Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

The team wanted to maximize the ocean and mountain views by increasing the roof height and fenestration on the Southern façade. They also introduced upper west-facing clerestory windows to welcome the warm afternoon light. The result? Sweeping ocean vistas that take center stage, while natural light floods in throughout the day.

Erin Feinblatt

3. Bi-Fold Doors

The design team rebuilt the existing 1960s home to feel like a "treehouse in the sky." The bi-fold doors opening onto the deck blur the line between indoors and out, extending the living space and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

Gavin Cater

The windows from the living room and kitchen frame breathtaking 180-degree views overlooking the Santa Barbara Harbor and the Honda Valley Nature Preserve, making the transition between inside and nature feel almost invisible.

Gavin Cater

4. Cozy Yet Refined Furniture

The result is a warm, multi-layered sanctuary — an elevated treehouse retreat that blends with its natural surroundings while revealing a refined yet cozy charm. The open living floor plan features high ceilings, expansive glass, and a plaster fireplace too. "The furniture is a thoughtfully curated mix of heirloom vintage, design classics, and modern pieces, creating a cultivated aesthetic," says Bailee. She notes that the furniture includes selections from Cisco Home, The Citizenry, and boutique sources.

Gavin Cater

5. Shelfie Perfection

Balancing tradition and modernity, Bailee combined the couple’s beloved antiques and heirloom pieces with contemporary furnishings and carefully curated fixtures. This shelfie is a thoughtfully layered mix of books, pottery, antiques, and personal treasures — designed to be both visually striking and inherently soothing.

Gavin Cater

6. Fluted Island

Fluted kitchen islands are a hot trend right now and I love the architectural detail and modern aesthetic of the vertical battens of white oak on the island, complementing the white oak cabinetry and marble countertops.

Gavin Cater

Adding a gentle curve at the end of the kitchen island enhances both form and function — creating a more visually dynamic focal point while also maximizing space and flow.

Erin Feinblatt

7. Layered Lighting

"The lighting is a mix of designer and mainstream pieces, from the gorgeous Ravinhill fixture over the island to the Visual Comfort sconces in the living room and Rejuvenation in the guest bathroom," says Bailee. By combining different sources, layered lighting enhances the mood and versatility of a space, making any room feel more inviting and well-designed. Sconces here add warmth while the pendant chandelier above creates a statement while diffusing light beautifully.

Gavin Cater

8. Earthy Palette

Sunlight pours into the home, accentuating the rich woods, organic textures, and an earthy palette that enhances the seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

Erin Feinblatt

9. Statement Artwork

Bedrooms were designed as private sanctuaries surrounded by trees. This vintage goose painting beautifully echoes the room’s palette while adding an almost whimsical energy. The expressive pose of the goose brings a sense of movement and charm, making it both a statement piece and a harmonious accent.

Erin Feinblatt

10. Floating Sink

Floating sinks are a game-changer for smaller bathrooms, creating the illusion of more space while maintaining a sleek, elegant look. Marble is also a hot trend we love for kitchens and baths.

Gavin Cater

11. Entertaining Deck

Outdoor living is essential, and this deck is the perfect extension of the Santa Barbara treehouse — designed for lounging, dining, and entertaining while embracing the beauty of the surroundings.

Gavin Cater

12. Modern Landscaping

Modern landscaping transforms the curb appeal by blending clean lines, native plants, and strategic lighting for a polished yet inviting look. Thoughtfully placed greenery, sculptural hardscaping, and layered textures create depth and dimension, while sustainable elements like drought-tolerant plants elevate the home's exterior.

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Stark white kitchen cabinets have had their day as designers gravitate toward warmer, earthier tones. Embracing this welcome trend are cottage kitchens — the perfect antidote to the cold, ultra-modern spaces of our recent past. With vintage charm, natural textures, and a perfect blend of old and new, this style brings warmth and personality back into the heart of the home. Here’s how to embrace the cozy cottage aesthetic in your kitchen.

Check out 14 cozy cottage-inspired kitchen ideas below!

deVOL Kitchens

This elegant plate rack from deVOL Kitchens, paired with a charming kitchen skirt, enhances this cottage kitchen’s English storybook appeal. Embracing color in your cottage kitchen can be a bold yet breathtaking move too. Try Farrow & Ball Preference Red No.297, Benjamin Moore Classic Burgundy, or Clare Paint Vintage to get the look.

Airy Kitchens

Modern cottage kitchens are great at balancing light and dark, creating spaces that feel both cozy and fresh. In this example from Airy Kitchens, warm wood cabinets ground the space, while a classic checkerboard floor brightens it. William Morris-style wallpaper and a wood-framed window enhance the warm vibes of the row house kitchen.

Shoppe Amber Interiors

This cottage kitchen by Shoppe Amber Interiors had me at the scalloped banquette and red checkered floors. Stunning! Timeless cabinetry, cottage-style windows, and vintage-inspired sconces add to the overall cottage vibe. Here are more banquette ideas if you're into this cozy, inviting look.

Studio McGee

This Utahranch house designed by Studio McGee blends rich blue cabinetry, warm wood accents, and a sleek steel range hood for a perfect balance of modern and cottage charm. Adding to the character are exposed wood beams — a signature feature of modern cottage kitchens.

Market by Modern Nest

Vintage artwork is a must for bringing that coziness to the kitchen, while brass fixtures, handmade pottery, and rich wood cabinetry enhance the warm, lived-in feel of this kitchen from Market by Modern Nest.

deVOL Kitchen

I'm swooning over the rosewater-colored cabinets and Zellige antique tile in this deVOL Kitchen. It feels fresh and modern yet still very much cozy cottage.

Backsplash.com

Artisanal, handmade tile makes a statement in a cottage kitchen, adding to the earthy, rustic aesthetic.

Magnolia

Joanna Gaines created a cozy breakfast nookby pairing a light gray wood banquette with classic black-and-white checkered floors. The result? A quintessential cottage feel that's full of charm.

Zia Tile

Open shelving styled with your favorite vintage treasures, paired with moody hued cabinetry, make this white cement tile from Zia Tile look perfectly refreshing and refined.

Edward George London

Butcher block countertops, classic Shaker cabinetry (especially in this gorgeous olive-grey hue), and thoughtfully curated accessories — like wooden bowls and copper pots — are all essential elements of cozy, cottage style.

Edward George London

Pairing rustic brick or stone walls with elegant taupe cabinetry is a beautiful way to warm up your all-white kitchen, creating a space that feels both inviting and sophisticated. Try Farrow & Ball’s Joa White, a light and clean taupe, to get the look.

Shoppe Amber Interiors

Warm brown hues are a popular color trend for 2025, making them the perfect choice to bring depth, coziness, and timeless charm to your cottage kitchen. This wooden table is an excellent accent in that vein!

Chris & Julia x Loloi

What I love about this space, featuring a Chris & Julia x Loloi rug, is that there's so much to love: the plate rack and vintage backsplash, the cafe-style floor tile, the striped loveseat with yellow chairs. I adore this cottage look.

deVOL Kitchen

deVOL Kitchen does it again with a charming kitchen that feels sophisticated at the same time. Glass cabinets, marble tile, brass fixtures and a scalloped edge pendant are all markings of a modern cottage kitchen.

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