10 Kitchen Decor Ideas We're Stealing From This Trendy LA Hotspot

kitchen decor ideas

The all-white kitchen has become a dated decor trend as more earthy kitchens with a little more soul are falling in favor. In designing award-winning authentic Italian restaurant Nardó in West Hollywood, celeb designer Francesca Grace created a stunning space that she describes as a love letter to Italy, her family, and her passion for design. And it totally shows.

Francesca used a mix of earthy and warm tones, velvets, fringe and stripes to create a space that feels less like a typical restaurant and more like you’re having dinner at your chic friend's cozy home, making it the perfect inspiration for your at-home kitchen and dining areas.

Here are 10 home decor ideas we’re stealing from this lovely and inviting LA hotspot.

Banquette Seating

Image courtesy of Francesca Grace/Dusty Kessler

Banquette seating is just cozier, and the perfect perch for enjoying a wonderful meal with friends. Francesca uses banquette seating in all areas inside the restaurant, from this gorgeous front room to the Old Chapel-inspired room with extra-tall ceilings to the upstairs, which is inspired by a casual Italian cafe.

Fringe

Image courtesy of Francesca Grace/Dusty Kessler

I'm just smitten with her use of fringe throughout the space. From these charming chandeliers to the bottom of the banquette seating to the outdoor umbrellas, fringe adds a touch of bohemian and vintage vibe to a glamorous space.

Vienna Chairs

Image courtesy of Francesca Grace/Dusty Kessler

I've always loved the look of the classic bentwood chair originally designed by German-Austrian cabinet maker Michael Thonet to represent a practical "consumer" chair. Its often used in European restaurants and such a great classic choice here!

Vintage Stripes

Image courtesy of Francesca Grace/Dusty Kessler

The upstairs balcony dining area is reminiscent of the bustling Italian cafés that Francesca has spent so much time in throughout her life and travels. The bold red stripes are so fun for a festive space to celebrate or just catch up friends. The ruffled floral sconce also hints to the European coquette trend, where romance reigns.

Hand-drawn Mural

Image courtesy of Francesca Grace/Dusty Kessler

Each space in the restaurant instantly transports you into a different region in Italy. Here's what Francesca calls the Chapel room, where her sister Dede painted a Rome-inspired mural. Francesca talks more about her inspiration behind this design in this Reel.

Classic Prints + Patterns

Image courtesy of Francesca Grace/Dusty Kessler

Francesca used eclectic prints and infused the space with her signature maximalist style to create a vibe that is intimate and cozy. The checkerboard tile around the wood-fired oven, paired with the toile upholstery of the bar stools and banquette in the front room, is such a refreshing departure from the modern, minimal aesthetic that has dominated kitchen decor over the last decade.

A Pop of Pink

Image courtesy of Francesca Grace/Dusty Kessler

I'm in love with this pink patio outside. It's the perfect compliment to the earthy, eclectic mood indoors. The checkered pattern on the seating echos the checkerboard tile inside too. Olive trees are ideal for Italian decor in LA climate!

Image courtesy of Francesca Grace/Dusty Kessler

The fringe on the outdoor umbrellas are a nice touch too. I can't decide if I want dine al fresco or indoors, both are a feast for the eyes!

Dried Flowers

Image courtesy of Francesca Grace/Dusty Kessler

This dried flower installation is chef's kiss! Incorporating an earthy element like this natural wall hanging brings the outdoors in and feels like a throwback to old-school Italian eateries.

Black + White Tile

Image courtesy of Francesca Grace/Dusty Kessler

The rustic black and white tile is classic and totally on trend. It's the perfect neutral to the space and ties in all of the elements while allowing them to shine.

Quirky Messages

Image courtesy of Francesca Grace/Dusty Kessler

Shut up and eat! Love this simple phrase on the outdoor patio. Good design always has a sense of humor;)

Photographed by Dusty Kessler

Here's a final look at the front room in all its glory. Now get the look with our shopping suggestions below!

Shop The Kitchen Decor Ideas Here!

William Sonoma Dining Side Chair

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Photography by Dusty Kessler.

With bills to pay, project deadlines and a growing to-do list, it can be hard to keep your house in order. But research shows that cluttered environments are tied to higher levels of stress. Luckily, there are simple ways to make your home feel more zen without a ton of effort. From stylish ways to clear clutter to embracing organic materials, check out these 15 mindful decorating tips for creating a space where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Purge Once. Edit Often.

Photo by Charlotte May

There’s a reason why Marie Kondo's KonMari method was such a huge hit — because it works. To create a mindful space, you need to master the magic of tidying. Surround yourself with things that you love and get rid of non-essentials that are cluttering your space. The result: a cozy, comfortable home you love.

Focus On Negative Space With Low Furniture

CB2

If something about one of your minimalistic rooms feels off or cramped, you might need to focus on the proportions of your furniture. Tables, a sofa or a bed that are just a few inches too high can greatly disrupt a room’s visual flow. The design trick: Buy low furniture like this gorgeous CB2 Cantar Ivory Velvet Upholstered Bedfor a cozy and simple look.

Stick With A Neutral Or Soft Color Palette

Dacotah Studio

When decorating a minimalist interior, it’s all about creating a clean base. Clean light walls can open up a space and make it feel airy, like this stunning kitchen by LA-based Dacotah Studio(see our full feature here). Soft, nature-toned pieces in beige, tan and green are also soothing and easy on the eyes. Decorating within a neutral color palette also gives your home that instant, pulled-together look. That plus calming vibes? It’s a win-win.

Add Minimal Texture

Design: Urbanology Designs | Photo: Matti Gresham

To keep a room from feeling cold or bland, add texture. Shop for soft throws, throw a sheepskin over your desk chair and lay down a fluffy wool rug. Your space will look put-together and cozier than ever.

Get Rid Of Most Mirrors

Joshua Smith Design | Photo: Lance Gerber

In feng shui, mirrors are said to bounce off energy, which can cause you to feel restless. There have even been studies that show mirrors could trigger stress and anxiety. While we love how a mirror can make a space look larger, it’s probably best to remove them from your bedroom, living room and kitchen. Instead place mirrors behind closet doors or limit them to the bathroom.

Choose Natural Materials

Design: Urbanology Designs | Photo: Mike Davello

While minimalism is all about perfecting the “less is more” approach, there’s a chance your interiors might feel cold and sterile. Invest in pieces of natural or raw materials such as wood, marble, hides, clay and cork. The uniqueness of earthy materials adds character and warmth to your abode.

Embrace Natural Light

Photo + Design: Klein Agency

A simple mindfulness exercise is to wake up when it’s light out and sleep when it’s dark out to maintain a healthy sleep rhythm. Get rid of curtains and tear down walls that block windows to maximize the amount of light that comes in. Letting natural light fill your home brings the outside in and allows you to get the best rest possible.

Let Your Space Speak For Itself

Photo by Gül Işık

There are so many ways to decorate a home, but before you begin drilling and filling up the shelves, really take time to understand and appreciate your space. Whether your home has traditional molding, modern kitchen cabinets or a quirky layout, your home’s bones are the foundation for building upon. You might find that many of your physical possessions don’t complement your space. Work with what you have (and not against it) to create a home that is unified.

Keep Surfaces Clear And Tidy

Design: Arterberry Cooke

This is where being mindful isn’t just about aesthetics. De-cluttering a messy surface looks amazing and feels amazing too — think of it as a mind and spirit detox. Clear and tidy desks, tables and kitchen countertops on a daily basis so you can start every day fresh with clarity.

Use Stylish Storage

Design: Bungalowe | Photo by Gavin Cater

We know. It’s hard to get rid of all of your clutter. Paper, art supplies, makeup brushes, laundry — the list of stuff that accumulates (and you can’t always get rid of) goes on. Consider getting rid of trash cans entirely in rooms that don’t absolutely need them. Or, use pull-out and built-in garbage and recycling bins to free up floor space. Keep office and cleaning supplies organized with pretty baskets and containers, and find creative ways to store your hair and beauty products. With so much stuff, stylish storage is key to making your home organized and tidy. We love how LA-based design team Bungalowe created custom storage with shelving in this bedroom (see the full feature here).

Keep Cords Out Of Sight

Photo + Design: Klein Agency

To make your home (and mind) feel clear, hide everyday eyesores like power strips, routers and laptop chargers by thinking vertically. Manage your electrical cords by purchasing desks with shelves for power strips, attach cords to the back or bottom of your desk with these Blue Key World Cable Clips ($7) or create a charging station drawer. There are so many ways to hide cords, and you can get as creative as you like!

Set The Tone With Soft Lighting

CB2

In addition to installing dimmer switches to set a relaxing mood, task lighting (your table and floor lamps) should be warm and atmospheric. Layer the light with wall sconces like CB2's lovely and affordable Astr White Onyx Wall Sconce and some candles, and your space will feel extra intimate and cozy.

Make Your Bed Every Morning

Design: Arterberry Cooke

As tempting as it is to rush out the door in the morning, leaving your bed unkempt can set the tone for the day. Making your bed forces you to slow down and set a healthy pace for the day. For more style, splurge on beautiful linen sheets that’ll motivate you to tidy your bed every morning.

Treat Yourself To Quality Towels

Piglet In Bed

Consistency in fabrics like your sheets and towels can make a room look instantly pulled together. Refresh your bathroom with 100% cotton, OEKO-TEX-certified towels like these striped ones from Sand Shell Pembroke Stripe Cotton Towels from Piglet In Bed that have a cool vintage vibe.

Let The Outdoors In With Florals And Plants

Photo by Ksenia Chernaya

With clean, minimalist style, it’s even more important to bring a little bit of life into your space. Think of caring for a plant as a daily exercise in mindfulness. Bonus: Florals and plants instantly create an inviting atmosphere too.

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Header image courtesy of CB2

My Lady Jane is one of the most fun TV shows of 2024. It's perfect for fans of The Buccaneers and Jane Austen. It's nothing but romance, fantasy, and really beautiful costumes. Plus the fact that Edward Bluemel & Emily Bader are MAGIC together is just the cherry on top. I had a blast watching every single episode, and so did the rest of the internet! I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share these hilarious reactions to My Lady Jane.

I was definitely not expecting Guildford to be an Ethian but it did add a certain Shrek-like quality to the series.

Enemies to lovers fans, our time is now!

People love to complain FOR NO REASON.

A prince and an outspoken, confident woman fall for each other? Horses? Capes and swords and daggers? Say no more.

Tension, excellent writing, lovable characters. Oh we are SO back!

It's always a good day when we can watch My Lady Jane.

Thankfully we can rewatch the show as many times as we want. And yet, I still want more!

Little sisters truly make the world go round.

If I'm honest, every episode had me swooning.

Oh to quit our day jobs and wander a magical countryside instead.

I'm truly convinced My Lady Jane has altered my brain chemistry!

This series truly had me feeling ALL the emotions...

...including pain.

Dare I say, Jane and Guildford saved romance.

All episodes of My Lady Jane are available to stream on Prime Video! Check out our interviews with the cast on TikTok.

Lead image via Jonathan Prime/Prime Video

Modern desk lamps are working hard for your money these days. Many come with built-in wireless charging pads, USB ports and touchpad settings that let you adjust the brightness and color with a simple tap. There are the task masters with adjustable arms and swivel heads for more control over the direction of thelight, which is particularly useful if you’re sharing a desk space or working on a specific task.

Energy efficiency is also a big plus — LED lights consume less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs, so the planet will thank you too for the upgrade. They can even help reduce eye strain and accommodate different activities, whether you’re doing computer work, reading, or focusing on a specific craft.

Whatever you're looking for, Amazon has a great selection of desk lamps to choose from – here are our favorites in different styles to suit your home’s aesthetic.

Amazon

Globe Electric 18" Desk Lamp

This mid-century-inspired desk lamp in a classic matte brass comes with an adjustable arm so you can focus on the task at hand. Automate brightness based on season or time of day from your phone by adding a Globe Electric Smart bulb too!

Amazon

LED Dimmable Desk Lamp

This LED desk lamp has a dimmable feature with 50 different lighting choices to keep your eyes happy, day and night – no flickering light or harsh glare here. Recharge your smart phone via the built-in USB port too.

Amazon

Globe Electric 15" Desk Lamp

Mushroom shades are all the rage. This desk lamp is compatible with LED or incandescent bulbs and comes in a few fun colors.

Amazon

Modern Industrial Desk Lamp 22.2“

This LED lamp has a luxe finish with brass trimmings and an adjustable lampshade so you can put the spotlight on your work, creative or otherwise.

Amazon

Fenmzee Bedside Table Lamp

This dimmable lamp has a touch-sensitive sensor so you can adjust it to low, medium, and high. Power up to three devices at once too!

Amazon

Foldable Portable Desk Lamp

Bunny fans, here's one for you: This cute portable desk lamp has a built-in rechargeable battery and flicker-free, glare-free LED light.

Amazon

LED Desk Lamp with USB Charging Port

Color lovers will enjoy this LED desk lamp with USB charging port and auto-dimming feature, plus a goose-neck that flexes.

Amazon

Cordless LED Table Lamp with Dimmer

Old meets new with this antique brass cordless LED lamp, which offers a dimmer, built-in rechargeable battery, and three levels of brightness.

Amazon

Industrial Table Lamp with 2 USB Ports

This vintage-style desk lamp has a three-way dimmer and two USB ports to charge your devices while you work or sleep.

Amazon

Small Desk Lamp With Touch Control

Add some wee charm to your desk with this small touch-control LED lamp with a 360° adjustable neck and 20 levels of brightness. Pop your pens and things in the organizer base. It's great for kids too!

Amazon

Small Desk Lamp with Warm LED Bulb

This modern desk lamp with warm LED bulb comes in a unique frosted opal glass shade. The rotary switch design is super sleek and offers 20 levels of brightness to meet your needs, from morning meditation to burning the midnight oil.

Amazon

ED Desk Lamp with USB Port

Upgrade your workspace with this satin brass LED desk lamp that moves, head to arm. It has a built-in USB charging port too!

Amazon

Creative Desk Lamp with Changeable Shape

Sit back and get to work with this natural wood "person" lamp that can adjust to multiple positions, including seated on a stack of your favorite books. It's compatible with e26, LED, and incandescent bulbs.

Amazon

Mid-Century Modern Globe Desk lamp

Add some green shimmer, deskside, with this portable glass lamp inspired by mid-century lamps.

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

Lead image via Amazon

After compiling my vacation reads, I'm *finally* ready to start combing through Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list. Her revelation about reading one book every two days in her cover feature interview with Harper's Bazaar made me realize I need to step my game up ASAP.

Her admirable hobby - that's since led her to create a bourgeoning book club— continues to highlight books with women at the center, girl does she have a great eye for stories that fit every mood. To date, her book club list has amassed over 90 titles of romantic beach reads, thrillers, and more.

Since it's a new year and we're sure you not ready to tackle that many titles, I went through the list to pick the top 26 books worth diving into. Buckle up because they're sure to take our emotions on a ride! After you finish your TBR (To Be Read list), check out 27 Standout Reads From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club, 20 Captivating Shondaland Book Club Picks, and 18 Must-Reads From The Oprah Winfrey Book Club!

July 2024: The Cliffs

Amazon

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan

Would you be willing to journey back to a place you once sought refuge as a teen? What if it looked and felt different than you remembered? What if you discovered secrets and buried ghosts that no longer want to remain hidden?

These are questions that Jane Flanagan finds herself answering as she journeys back to Maine after being away for some time. The house she used to seek refuge in has been renovated by a woman named Genevieve, but she feels that all of her hard work has gone to waste because things don't feel right.

She enlists the help of Jane to see if there are ghosts that wander the halls of the house and that's when the discoveries begin to happen. Jane realizes that some parts of history is impossible to erase no matter how much you try to paint over them.

June 2024: The Unwedding

Amazon

The Unwedding by Ally Condie

Ellery Wainwright is left reeling after it's clear she and her husband won't be celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary together in Big Sur, California. Never mind the fact she's dreaming about how it would be the perfect way to applaud themselves for building such a wonderful life together.

But, life comes at you fast and she's left ambling around the resort while people are prepping for a wedding. Talk about a slap in the face. Still, she begins observing all the newness that comes with people planning to spend the rest of their lives together. As beautiful as it is, she can't help but to feel unsettled the longer she's at the resort.

Sadly, her suspicions are confirmed when she finds the groom's dead body. This all but chokes the beauty of the resort from her heart and when someone else dies, it's clear that the unfortunate party is just getting started.

May 2024: How to End a Love Story

Amazon

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Trigger warning: This book mentions suicide and grief.
Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard are bound by an event that changed their lives forever. Before you ask, it's not a steamy one night stand where one of them ghosted the other.
Their paths actually crossed because of a pivotal accident that neither of them saw coming and it caused Helen to view Grant as her worst enemy for years. However, time passed and they moved on to separately create lucrative careers. What they couldn't have expected was for their paths to cross, especially not at work.
Given the amazing opportunity to be a writer for the TV adaption of her own successful YA books, Helen anxiously travels to LA to accept the position and hit the reset button on her life. She has a brief moment of euphoria until she realizes that Grant will also be in the writer's room.
Now they'll have to confront their complicated feelings for each other in order not to derail their jobs and lives. They know it's impossible for them to have a true love story, but sometimes the messiness of life is all it takes for two people to find common ground and decide how they want their stories to end.

April 2024: The Most Fun We Ever Had

Amazon

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fell in love, all they knew is that nothing could shake their foundation. Despite their unwavering hope in the past, their current reality looks differently than they imagined. Their four daughters — Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace — each have a unique set of problems that creates of chaos for the family. From the loss of one's husband to the secrets the youngest daughter keeps, the Sorensons are never quite sure what to expect.

In a shocking turn of events, a young man — Jonah Bendt — shows up and reveals that one of the daughters is his mom. He was placed up for adoption some time ago, but he's ready to come home to learn more about his biological family. There may be drama in The Most Fun We Ever Had, but there's still a family who finds a way back to the love that Marilyn and David have always believed in.

March 2024: Anita De Monte Laughs Last 

Amazon

Art student Raquel only comes Anita de Monte's story after she starts feeling like she's starting to make a name for herself among College Hill's socialites. The more she learns about how Anita's life was horrifically cut short, she starts drawing parallels between their lives. It's almost like history is repeating itself and it's hitting too close to home.

As Gonzalez alternates between both of their perspectives, Raquel and Anita's lives begin to intersect in a way that makes Anita de Monte Laughs Last the kind of novel that'll have you thinking about it longer after you finish the last page.

February 2024: "Redwood Court" by DéLana R.A. Dameron

Amazon

Redwood Court reads like a historical love letter to Black families and contains relationships that remind me of my own family. When Mika Tabor starts asking questions about her family's history, she receives much more than her class assignment asked for. The more she listens to her grandparents and observes her parents, she realizes they've been telling her meaningful stories all along. From tales of racism to the sweet grasp of a world that began moving past obvious racial tension, this novel offers a glimpse into the homes of many Black families.

While I often say I'd like to pass down books to my kids, Redwood Court has become something that I feel is mandatory to read.

January 2024: "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston

Amazon

Reese's Book Club is coming in hot with their first pick of the year! This thriller of a reader is all about "Evie Porter" and her separate identities. One paints the picture of who she truly is, but her job places her in the position of assuming a new name in order to complete the mission given to her by Mr. Smith. She's never met Mr. Smith, her boss, but she has the inkling that her latest mission hits a little too close to home.

Does he know more about her than she realizes and can she successfully fulfill the goal he has for? Buy your copy of First Lie Wins today to find out!

December 2023: "Before We Were Innocent" by Ella Berman

Amazon

What would you do if you knew a terrible secret that involved the death of one of your best friends? In Before We Were Innocent, Bess and Joni find themselves trying to escape answering this. However, some things are hard to bury — especially when the past comes knocking in the form of Joni. Will the two former best friends be able to maintain their innocence or will they have to accept the truth about themselves?

November Pick: "Maybe Next Time" by Cesca Major

Amazon

If the past few years have felt like you've been stuck in a weird time loop, you'll love this page turner by Cesca Major. Maybe Next Time follows Emma as she navigates being a busy literary agent, wife and mother - except she only seems to have time for her career. When her husband is involved in a tragic car accident, Emma finds herself distraught only to wake up and see him alive again.

As the scenario continues to repeat, Emma will have to dig deep inside herself to correct patterns she's been a part of her to save not only her husband but life as she knows it.

October Pick: "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow

Amazon

Starling House is a daring tale of what happens when dreams meet determination, grit and evil. All Opal wants to do is create a haven for herself and her brother Jasper but she'll have to fight for it once she finds herself in the mysterious mansion of author E. Starling. In the depths of the shadows, she'll come face to face with things that'll test her resilience.

September Pick: "Mother-Daughter Murder Night" by Nina Simon 

Target

The women of the Rubicon family have a lot to tangle with in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When powerful matriarch Lana's granddaughter Jack becomes the prime suspect in an unsolved murder, Lana becomes determined to find a killer instead of waiting for her disease to have it's last say. Find out what Nina Simon has in store for the town the Rubicons find themselves living in.

August Pick: "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett

Target

Tom Lake weaves a beautiful tale of remembered love and viewing the humanity of one's parent. When Lara begins to regale her three daughters of a former romance she shared with actor Peter Duke at Tome Lake, they begin to take stock of what they know about their mom as well as their own love lives.

"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld 

Amazon

Heartbreak has the potential to make you swear off love, which is something that late night writer Sally Milz knows all too well. She's also a firm believer in the "Danny Horst Rule," the phenomenon where average looking men exclusively date women more attractive than them — until pop star Noah Brewster shows up to host the late night show. Join her for an intoxicating love ride that makes her change her perspective.

"Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens 

Amazon

If you love a good romance-murder mystery, you'll fall in love with Kya's story. After the town's golden boy winds up dead, everyone in town begins blaming Kya for his murder. With heartbreak and triumph woven throughout, Where The Crawdads Sing will become the summer read you can't put down.

"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson

Amazon

Even when forbidden, love seems to find a way in The House of Eve. 15-year-old Ruby is set to be her family's first college attendee, until it appears a scandalous affair will bring her back into poverty. Meanwhile, Eleanor's in love with William, a member of an elite Black family in D.C. that doesn't let just anyone in. The lives of both women will collide in an unexpected way as they forge their own paths.

"The House in the Pines" by Ana Reyes 

Maya witnessed her friend's sudden death in the woods seven years ago. Now, with nothing except a few hazy memories, she's determined to figure out what she saw, and who's behind it. The House In The Pines is proof that sometimes our past — and their secrets — don't stay dead.

"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Cheryl Strayed 

Life can feel like a dumpster fire sometimes which is why Tiny Beautiful Things feels like a soothing hug. If you love advice columns, you'll love the beautiful compilation of questions "Dear Sugar" answers within the pages as Clare sets out to offer advice while her own life falls apart. After you read the book, check out our interview with Sarah Pidgeon, who stars in the Hulu series!

"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng 

New friends Mia and Elena are pitted against each other when everyone in town splits over a custody battle. Adapted into a mini-series on Hulu at the beginning of the pandemic, Little Fires Everywhere is a tale that shows everything isn't always what it seems, and there are always secrets to be discovered.

"Wrong Place, Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister 

Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a novel that explores the lengths a mother is willing to take to prevent her son from doing something unspeakable. Will she be able to piece together clues in time or will all hope remain lost?

"Daisy Jones and The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

This titular novel turned Emmy award-nominated Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six explores the rise — and fall — of a legendary (and fictional) band.

"True Biz" by Sara Nović 

This heartwarming book about life at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and all of its students with completely different backgrounds, will make you laugh and cry with its beautiful depiction of human connection.

"The Club" by Ellery Lloyd 

If you've never liked hearing "How can you hate from outside the club? You can't even get in," you'll be glad you're not a part of this members-only society. The club has been pushed to its limit and everyone has something to hide.

"The Christie Affair" by Nina de Gramont 

Nan infiltrates Agatha Christie's home in 1925, intent on luring her husband away. There's something about love, affairs, and dark secrets that make for a good read, and you won't be able to get enough of this tale where things aren't always what they seem.

"Lucky" by Marissa Stapley 

"She's so lucky" ...or is she? Lucky redefines what it means to be honest when the titular character completes a million-dollar heist, and is left stranded by the very people who taught her how to scam.

"Sankofa" by Chibundu Onuzo 

When Anna learns the father she never knew is still alive, she travels to West Africa in search of answers. The tale of self-discovery through one's history, as well as the themes of home and belonging, is something we all long to understand at some point.

"L.A. Weather" by María Amparo Escandón 

Families can be complicated, and the Alvarados are no different. If you're looking for a little break from your own family dynamics, you'll get a kick out of reading along as they navigate evacuations, relationship problems, and their father's obsession with the Weather Channel.

"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller 

What happens when desire spills over and threatens to unravel everything two friends have built? The Paper Palace answers that as Elle must choose between continuing the life she has dedicated herself to and the life she never got to live.

"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams 

When former lovers Eva and Shane reunite in the midst of their successful literary careers, they find that their chemistry is still as strong as it used to be. But, will the flame fizzle before their lingering questions are answered or will Eva choose vulnerability before Shane disappears again?

"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave 

What would you do if your significant other disappeared without a trace, only leaving a cryptic note behind? In Hannah's case, she sets out on an unpredictable mission for answers — regardless of what lies ahead. After you read the book, check out our interview with Angourie Rice, who stars in the Apple TV+ series!

"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse 

Le Sommet is a sanatorium-turned-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Detective Elin arrives to celebrate her estranged brother Isaac's engagement to Laure, and her discomfort turns to all-out horror when Laure goes missing.

"You Have a Match" by Emma Lord 

DNA tests can reveal new information about our ancestry, but when Abby learns that she has an older sister — and that her older sister is an Instagram star — the women decide to meet up and get to the bottom of why their parents split them up in the first place.

"The Chicken Sisters" by KJ Dell'Antonia 

Nothing brings families together like food and age-old rivalries, something that sisters Amanda and Mae learn firsthand when they end up on opposite sides of a cooking competition. If you love hit TV series The Bear, you'll love The Chicken Sisters.

Other Stories On Reese Witherspoon's Book Club List

  • "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
  • "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale
  • "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" by Crystal Smith Paul
  • "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah
  • "The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell
  • "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
  • "On The Rooftop" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
  • "Honey & Spice" by Bolu Babalola
  • "Counterfeit" by Kirstin Chen
  • "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams
  • "Anatomy" by Dana Schwartz
  • "Honor" by Thrity Umrigar
  • "The Island of Missing Trees" by Elif Shafak
  • "Within These Wicked Walls" by Lauren Blackwood
  • "We Were Never Here" by Andrea Bartz
  • "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee
  • "Tokyo Ever After" by Emiko Jean
  • "Northern Spy" by Flynn Berry
  • "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley
  • "Infinite Country" by Patricia Engel
  • "Outlawed" by Anna North
  • "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
  • "A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow" by Laura Taylor Namey
  • "Group" by Christie Tate
  • "Fable" by Adrienne Young
  • "His Only Wife" by Peace Medie Adzo
  • "Furia" by Yamile Saied Mendez
  • "The Last Story of Mina Lee" by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
  • "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson
  • "Everything Inside" by Edwidge Danticat
  • "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown
  • "The Guest List" by Lisa Foley
  • "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
  • "UNTAMED" by Glennon Doyle
  • "The Jetsetters" by Amanda Eyre Ward
  • "The Scent Keeper" by Erica Bauermeister
  • "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
  • "Conviction" by Denise Mina
  • "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moye
  • "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
  • "The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott
  • "The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda
  • "Whisper Network" by Chandler Baker
  • "The Cactus" by Sarah Haywood
  • "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
  • "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo
  • "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory
  • "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
  • "One Day in December" by Josie Silver
  • "The Other Woman" by Sandie Jones
  • "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
  • "Still Lives" by Maria Hummel
  • "Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton
  • "Something in the Water" by Catherine Steadman
  • "You Think It, I'll Say It" by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • "Happiness" by Heather Harpham
  • "Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows" by Balli Kaur Jaswal
  • "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo
  • "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown
  • "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine
  • "The Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett
  • “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman
  • "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware
  • "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn
  • "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman

Whether you want to challenge yourself to read a book every couple of days like Reese or choose a few books to get you through the summer, I'm sure you'll find titles to add to your growing library. I already have my eyes on Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Club by Ellery Lloyd!

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This post has been updated.

Header Image via Amazon

Some Gilmore Girls fans relate to Lorelai and Rory, and all of us have a favorite when it comes to Jess, Dean, and Logan (or Tristan). But if I'm honest, my favorite Gilmore Girls character isn't a Gilmore at all — it's Kirk! Not only is he funny, dedicated, and memorable, but he makes every single scene he's in better. Which, in turn, makes the town of Stars Hollow better, too!

He's Hilarious

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lorelai Gilmore might be known for her quick wit, but if you ask me, no one holds a candle to Kirk when it comes to hilarity. He just seems to be a magnet for chaos (poor thing), whether it be dressing up for Stars Hollow's Festival of the Living Art or running around naked because of a night terror. But even the simplest task (like asking Ms. Patty to stop snacking before paying for her groceries) becomes funny when it's left up to Kirk.

He Isn't Afraid Of Reinvention

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

By the time we meet Kirk in Gilmore Girls, he's had at least 15,000 jobs (according to Kirk himself), and he isn't slowing down anytime soon. Rather than feeling unhappy with a lack of consistency, it seems our favorite Renaissance man thrives on trying a new career every 2 days. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

He Doesn't Take Himself Too Seriously...

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Another reason Kirk from Gilmore Girls does so well with new experiences is that he doesn't take himself too seriously. He's unafraid to stand out from the crowd, and even if he gets nervous or awkward around other people, he has an insane amount of confidence. He is himself at all times, and throughout all seven seasons, he never changes for anyone. Now THAT's a great lesson from the show!

...But He Takes Everything Around Him Seriously

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

However, that being said, Kirk definitely takes everything around him very, very seriously. He treats every assignment, mission, and job like it's life or death. While it seems to grate on everyone's (cough, Luke's) nerves, it's really just a sign that Kirk cares about doing his best.

He Gives 100 Percent

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

There is no one — and I mean NO ONE — doing it like Kirk. Dressing up in costumes for town traditions, joining musicals, creating his short film. He never goes halfway on anything, and at the end of the day, it just makes Stars Hollow better than ever.

Let us know why you love Kirk from Gilmore Girls in the comments, and check out This Genius Gilmore Girls Prequel Idea Is A Need Not A Want for some extra GG love!

Lead image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix