Are Kitten Heels Spring 2018’s Most Wearable Shoe Trend?

If you think kitten heels are too mumsy or missing that sex appeal you’re after, hear us out. As much as we love the look of sky-high heels, we have to admit they aren’t made for the faint of heart. And what is less sexy than discomfort? Sometimes we just need a respite from a four-inch stiletto and want to slip into something a little more, dare we say, comfortable. Enter kitten heels — maxing out at two inches, they make a great choice for when a flat or “ugly shoe” just won’t cut it. Scroll down to see our favorite picks for the season.

Show-goers at the Dior Fall/Winter 2018 runway presentation kept their heels short and sweet. (Photo via Christian Vierig/Getty)

1. Zara Floral Court Shoes With Ties ($50): Tie one on with Zara’s floral kitten heel. Wear this heel with a black circle skirt and red ruffled top.

2. GANNI Sabine Snake-Effect Suede Slingback Pumps ($270): Opposites attract when you pair this feminine slingback with skinny black jeans and your Metallica tee.

3. Sigerson Morrison Melina Slingback ($350): We love the fresh look of this white, soft leather slingback. Wear it with everything from flared denim to a printed midi skirt.

4. Steven Ainsley Point Toe Mules ($100): Think pink all spring long with these suede stunners. Make a subtle statement when you wear them with olive khakis and a white tee.

5. Marc Jacobs Abbey Crystal Embellished Pumps ($350): Opt for a kitten heel instead of a stiletto and you might be the last one shaking her thang on the dance floor come Saturday night.

6. Schutz Hirata Kitten Heel Slingbacks ($190): Head to toe denim is what we are talking about. Slip these slingbacks on the next time you wear a chambray denim dress.

7. Sam Edelman Laney Bow-Embellished Suede Mules ($110): Come down to earth with Sam Edelman’s black suede slip-ons. Channel Breakfast at Tiffany’s vibes when you pair with a classic LBD.

8. Prada Metallic Textured-Leather Pumps ($575): Shine bright with this smart pointy-toe pump. We envision this shoe with a colorful cherry red trouser and top.

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Each time I think there's no more room in my closet, I always make an exception for H&M's new arrivals. I think I should send a "cease and desist" letter to their corporate offices because I've already added 10+ pieces from their spring drop to my cart. It's like I can't get enough of their elevated denim and leopard pieces. Oh, and don't get me started on the cute cardigans they have! See? I can't stop myself!

Scroll to see the adorable H&M spring finds that have me ready to pack up my winter clothes!

H&M

Textured Knit Cardigan

I love cute or quirky cardigansfor two reasons: they're low-maintenance and add pops of color to an otherwise basic outfit. This striped piece is on my radar because it can be worn with the plainest white t-shirt and a pair of slightly oversized cargos for the cutest transitional outfit.

H&M

Cardigan With Defined Waist

What do you wear when you're having a "quiet luxury" day? This cream cardigan!

It has a defined waist that'll help it fit beautifully over a pair of wide-leg or skinny jeans, but that's not all! You can add a button-up shirt underneath it if you want to add a preppy element to your outfit.

H&M

Embroidered Blouse With Peter Pan Collar

Peter Pan's collar has nothing on H&M's embroidered blouse. It almost feels like it should belong in the Victorian age, but that's not a bad thing! Create a modern silhouette by wearing a pair of low-rise jeans and loafers.

H&M

Patterned Linen Shirt

The only reason I'm drawn to this linen shirt has everything to do with the blue floral pattern. It'll make you and I look like we're honoring our grandmother's expensive dining plates. Who knows, maybe your nana will want to have her own shirt so the two of you can match.

H&M

Textured Jersey Vest

Guess what's not outdated? Cute jersey vests that add a touch of elegance to whatever you're wearing. You could be wearing the most distressed pair of jeans you own, but wearing this textured piece over them along with a pair of mesh flats will make it seem like you're familiar with The White Lotus lifestyle.

H&M

Gathered Off-The-Shoulder Top

No, it won't be weird if you wear H&M's red striped cardigan with this off-the-shoulder top! The more color, the merrier IMO! Then again, you don't have to wear anything with this because the bardot affect will show off your beautiful shoulders or the cute tattoo you just got on your collarbone.

H&M

Feather Soft Oversized Denim Shirt

I'm a firm believer that everyone needs at least one oversized denim shirt in their closet. They're an essential piece that can add a casual flair to your look because you can wear it over a thinner top or you can proudly wear a denim-on-denim OOTD!

H&M

Leopard V-Neck Blouse

Yes, I'm still drawn to leopard print even though winter's almost over. Depending on your preference, I think it can be worn as a neutral or statement piece. Since I'm heavy on wearing denim during spring and summer, I can personally see myself wearing this blouse with longline Bermuda shorts and cute mules.

H&M

Printed Sweatshirt

Everyone also needs a cute printed sweatshirt they reach for when their first errand of the day involves a doctor's or dentist's appointment. Being cozy doesn't have to be reserved for winter so don't be afraid to embrace that energy during other seasons!

H&M

Lace-Trimmed Ribbed T-Shirt

I don't have a fancy sound byte for this t-shirt aside from stating the obvious — it's pink and it's needed if neutral colors dominated your winter wardrobe. My goal is to embrace the cutesy and demure vibes of dressing even though life seems like it's on fire.

H&M

Wide-Leg Linen-Blend Pants

Linen-blend pants are the key to look put together without feeling like you're going to be held hostage by material that makes you sweat during spring. Nothing will derail your mood quicker than wearing a cute outfit that makes you uncomfortable.

H&M

Baggy High Jeans

If you're rebelling against the idea skinny jeans are trendy again, let's be friends! On a serious note, these baggy jeans look like they have the perfect fit for anyone's frame so they're in my cart.

H&M

High-Waist Knee-Length Denim Shorts

Did you know you can make denim shorts look stylish as opposed to your former middle school "skater" days? Picture yourself wearing these with a matching denim shirt and a pair of cute heels. No one will be able to resist your "it girl" factor when they see you out and about.

H&M

Denim Bermuda Shorts

Spice things up with these dark leopard print shorts for a spring look that'll get anyone's attention. Half of the stares you get will be from people who are wondering where you bought them from while the other probing eyes will want to know more about you.

That's the power of patterned shorts that aren't interested in being "mini."

H&M

Button-Front Dress

I haven't thought about where I'd wear this yet, but I know that I'd gladly button it up. Between the color and gold hardware, I can't get enough of the contrast on this gorgeous dress.

H&M

One-Shoulder Bodycon Dress

I think H&M just released the perfect solo datedress. Though I'd gladly wear this to dinner with my fiancé, you can wear it if you plan to stop by a bar you know your crush likes to visit. They won't be able to take their eyes off you once they see you in it.

H&M

Pintuck-Detail Dress With Flared Skirt

I automatically thought about summer when I first say this dress, but that doesn't mean it's inappropriate for spring! It has a little cut-out action in the back which makes it great for one of those subtle flirting moments.

H&M

Flounced Chiffon Dress

The '70s is having a moment again because this cute Woodstock-esque dress looks like something a flower child would gladly wear. Seriously, it's a great option if you plan to attend a couple of festivals soon!

H&M

Embellished Mules

Who wants embellished mules to dress up their worn sweatsuits and distressed jeans? I do because they're a great statement piece when you're keeping the rest of the your life as

H&M

Mesh Mary Jane Flats

These Mary Janes are sitting in my cart as I type this because they're one of the highlights of H&M's spring arrivals! I mean, who doesn't want a pair of mesh flats that feel comfortable on your feet?

H&M

Fuzzy Leather Flats

Not a fan of mesh or braided flats? Go for a fuzzier leather option! These scream "I'm the rich auntie" and I personally love that for us!

P.S. Wear these with an oversized denim shirt and H&M's denim Bermuda shorts!

H&M

Snake Print Ballet Flats

Remember when ballet flats used to have the ruched option to make it easier to put them on? I know you're tired of the back of shoes rubbing against the back of foot, so I recommend adding these to your cart ASAP!

H&M

Sneakers

You don't have to spend over $50 to have a cute pair of sneakers that go with almost everything you own. All you need is this pair from H&M and you'll have the answer to your casual outfits' prayers.

H&M

Small Crossbody Bag

Small crossbody bags may not hold your entire life, but you'll be able to fit the important things that matter in this one. From your cellphone to your debit card, you'll have everything you need in something that works with the rest of H&M's spring arrivals!

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

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

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

@_starbuckssss

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

Starbucks

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

Starbucks

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

Starbucks

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

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

Starbucks

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

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

Starbucks

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

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

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

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

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

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Spring is my favorite time of year not only for the warmer temperatures, but because it signals a much-needed change in my wardrobe. Where heavy coats and turtlenecks were once in rotation (or, let's be real, t-shirts and sweatpants), light layers and flowy dresses come out to play.

Even in light of this transitional time, I still find myself reaching for boots to pair with any and every outfit I put together! There's a perfect pair of spring boots for you, too, whether you like a Western-inspired look or a more practical walking boot.

Scroll on for the best of this season's spring boots to step out in utter style!

Nordstrom

Dingo Harlee Moto Boots

An easy way to transition moto boots from winter to spring is to snag 'em in a lighter color, as opposed to an all-black pair. These mid-calf boots from Dingo have all the classic details (that go with every outfit!), from the hooped harness to the top buckle.

Anthropologie

Frye Campus Boots

You can also never go wrong with this beloved boot from Frye. The light, banana-colored leather is quite literally the perfect hue for wearing with everything in your spring wardrobe!

Nordstrom

Madewell The Darcy Ankle Boots

If taller spring boots don't speak to your style (or your comfort levels), ankle boots are the way to go! This sleek, pointed pair comes in a handful of colors – for spring, opt for lighter shades, but if you're shopping for an all-season boot, black will never fail.

SeaVees

SeaVees Bolinas Off Shore Boots

These 100% waterproof natural rubber boots will come in super handy on rainy spring days! They're extremely easy to put on (thanks to the pull tabs) and walk in since they're fashioned with a memory foam footbed.

Tecovas

Tecovas The Cassie Boots

Western wear is one of my personal favorite fashion trends, so I will always support cowgirl-esque boots like these for any season – but these could look so stunning with a swingy spring dress! The sheen of these leather cuties ultimately make them more fashion-forward than your typical Western boot, plus they're comfy enough to wear on a night out.

Nordstrom

Dingo Anarchy Leather Booties

These adorable booties give the moto energy your spring 'fits are craving, all without the restriction of a traditional tall boot! While you could shop 'em in black, brown, or olive, this rustic red color might just be exactly what you need to infuse a bit of color into your spring looks.

Free People

Free People Hybrid Harness Boots

Okay, yes! These boots are downright dreamy. Not quite a full boot, they boast hints of clogs and loafers, too, offering a playful preppy look – just the energy we all need for the new season! I would style them with some socks, a mini skirt, and light sweater to step out on the town this spring.

Rothy's

Rothy's The Classic Boots

Rothy's boots are ideal for the commuter or just the comfy shoe-lover. Fashioned with a bespoke insole, they offer "unbelievable, cushion-like comfort" with every step. Plus, the material is made with a bit of stretch for added room. This leopard print pair would make the perfect statement shoe for springtime, though they also come in a few other solid colorways.

Urban Outfitters

Steve Madden Rocky Buckled Tall Boots

If your personal style leans more edgy, you're likely already in love with these buckled boots. Though they make a perfect match for baggy or cuffed jeans in the wintertime, you should totally show off the whole shoe for spring by wearing them with a mini skirt or dress!

Anthropologie

Matisse Sienna Western Boots

These Western boots are everything! The floral stitching recalls spring in the most stylish way, plus, thanks to the solid black colorway, you'll be able to pair them seamlessly with the rest of your wardrobe.

Urban Outfitters

Hunter Micah Lug Sole Rain Boots

It can be a real challenge to balance style and practicality when ti comes to spring boots. Luckily, with these Hunter boots, you don't have to sacrifice either. The lug sole and waterproof outer can easily tackle rainy terrain while the cushioned footbed ensures comfort along the way.

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

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

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

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Michael Kors

Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen)

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

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

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf)

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

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

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

Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey)

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

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

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Penn Badgley (Dan Humphrey)

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

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

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

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

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Diesel

Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass)

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

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

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

Leon Bennett/Getty Images for MBJx DAVID YURMAN

Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald)

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

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

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Jessica Szohr (Vanessa Abrams)

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

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

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

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

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg (Georgina Sparks)

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

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

Unfortunately, Michelle passed away on February 26, 2025.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen)

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

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

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

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

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Matthew Settle (Rufus Humphrey)

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

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

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota Kishlovsky)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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