Pottery Barn's 'Friends' Collection Is Here, and You Too Can Own an Apothecary Table

Huge glass walls throughout the house blur the line between indoors and out, making the whole place feel super connected to nature. It’s a fresh take on desert living — grounded in its surroundings and full of personality.

1. Lean Into Cozy Seating

It’s the kind of place that invites you to sink in, unwind, and soak up the desert calm. While Francesca paid homage to the spirit of Palm Springs, she intentionally steered away from the typical mid-century vibe, bringing something fresh and unexpected instead. “Drawing from my travels in France and Italy, I incorporated hues that evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, ensuring the interiors resonate with the desert landscape while maintaining a timeless appeal," says Francesca.

The moment you step inside, it’s a stunning visual experience. Desert views are perfectly framed, while Francesca’s thoughtful use of color and sculptural furniture mirrors the rugged landscape and captures the magic of the desert light.

Here’s a peek at those spectacular indoor-outdoor views that give the home a serene, spa-like feel — and turn every window into a work of art.

2. Use An Earthy Palette

The color scheme was influenced by the natural surroundings of Palm Springs and Francesca's affinity for earthy, rich tones. And that velvet platform bed? The curved edges make it feel extra inviting—so much softer and cozier than sharp lines.

3. Maximize Views

This dreamy bathroom is beyond beautiful thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that invite the desert in and an elegant design. "Floor-to-ceiling windows were left unadorned or dressed with minimal treatments to frame the natural beauty without obstruction," says Francesca.

Even the walk-in closet comes with a picture-perfect view of the desert — because why not?

4. Embrace Natural Stone

A bold marble sink adds just the right amount of edge to this neutral bathroom, keeping the design layered, luxe, and anything but boring.

5. Blend Textures

Francesca sourced a boulder from the surrounding land and transformed it into a custom coffee table, merging the connection between indoors and outdoors.

“Texture is my love language," says Francesca. "It’s how I bring emotion into a space without shouting. For this home, I layered everything: marble, smooth leather, raw woods with polished stone, sheer linen next to rich velvet. The palette might be neutral, but the materials are doing all the talking. That contrast keeps the eye engaged and creates a sense of quiet luxury that doesn’t try too hard," she adds.

That marble fireplace is also a work of art. The stunning desert landscape significantly influenced the layout and styling choices. “I positioned seating areas to maximize views of the outdoors, creating a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces.

The kitchen acts as a breezy bridge between the entry and the back of the house, creating a clean, open space that balances all the surrounding coziness.

Here’s the view from the dining area — and I’m obsessed with the textured pendant lights. They bring a soft, organic touch that beautifully balances the kitchen’s harder lines.

6. Mix In Vintage Pieces

Francesca mixed in a few vintage finds and unexpected accents to keep things fresh and dynamic, but her LA shop Somme really set the tone. “There’s something really special about designing pieces that already have a story and a soul behind them—and being able to place them in a home like this just adds another layer of intention. I wanted the furnishings to feel elevated but livable, with just the right amount of edge," says Francesca.

7. Go Bold With Art

For this home, Francesca worked closely with Creative Art Partners (CAP) to curate the perfect art collection that she says "felt intentional, emotional, and deeply tied to the spirit of the space."

“Our goal was to create a narrative through the art — each piece had to serve a purpose, whether it added a punch of color, an unexpected texture, or a provocative element that brought energy to a room. That said, because this is a staged home, we were thoughtful about how far we pushed certain pieces. There’s a fine line between bold and polarizing, so we curated selections that had impact without alienating potential buyers. CAP was an amazing partner in helping us strike that balance and tell a cohesive story throughout the home,” she said.

8. Balance A Cozy Minimalism

Striking the right balance between cozy and clean called for thoughtful layering and intentional decor choices. It’s all about avoiding clutter without letting the space feel cold or sterile.

"I focus on incorporating plush textiles, ambient lighting, and personal artifacts to add warmth, while maintaining an uncluttered environment by curating pieces that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. This philosophy ensures the space feels inviting without visual overload," she says.

Here's the dreamy home in the middle of the desert, stunning view inside and out.

Here's how the home is lit at dusk, simply beautiful.

Palm Springs feels almost otherworldly — the perfect desert escape.

Do a Quick Clutter Sweep

You don’t need to deep-clean — just focus on visible clutter. Clear off countertops, coffee tables, and entryways. Short on time? Just toss items into a basket and tuck them away in a closet.

Light a Candle Or Diffuse A Favorite Scent

Set the mood with a seasonal or favorite scent, like vanilla, amber, or something citrusy. It instantly makes your space feel warm and inviting. I like to put one in the guest bathroom too for a little surprise.

Have a little time? You can also simmer citrus and your favorite herbs on the stove.

You’ll Need:

• Citrus slices like oranges, lemons, or limes
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
• 1–2 cinnamon sticks or whole cloves
• A splash of vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Slice your citrus thinly. Try a mix of orange and lemon for a bright, balanced scent.
2. Fill a pot with water, about ¾ full.
3. Add your ingredients to the water.
4. Bring to a simmer over low heat. As the mixture warms, the scent will start to fill your space. (Keep an eye on the water level, and add more as it evaporates.)

Prep the Bathroom

Nothing makes guests feel more "ick" than a dirty or messy bathroom so prioritize this space. Wipe down the sink and toilet, put out a fresh hand towel, and make sure there’s enough toilet paper.

Set the Mood with Music or Lighting

I make sure to switch off all the overheads (not a fan of this harsh lighting) and turn on table lamps for a cozy vibe. Then cue up a Spotify "dinner party" playlist that matches the energy — something mellow and upbeat is usually a safe bet.

Add Thoughtful Touches

A long-distance friend of mine would always leave me a basket of toiletries for my overnight stays and it's something I always remember fondly. On their bedside table, you can leave them a pitcher of water, their favorite snacks, flowers or herbs, and/or a book or magazine. Little details make people feel instantly loved.

Take the Garbage Out

Nothing ruins the party vibe like a smelly garbage can. Empty it before anyone arrives, and consider adding a fresh liner with a drop of essential oil or baking soda to keep things smelling fresh and clean.

What is the movie Drop 2025 about?

Drop follows Violet (Meghann Fahy), who's excited for her date with Henry (Brandon Sklenar) — until she starts getting anonymous drops to her phone threatening her son. She can't tell Henry about the messages, especially since the final one instructs her to kill him.

But despite the thriller of it all, I've been calling Drop a "scary rom-com" because of just how electric Brandon and Meghann are onscreen, and how much I care about them as a viewer. I cared more about their relationship than some actual romance movies this year!

And in this episode of Yap City, I offer some behind-the-scenes moments from my Drop interviews, and spill on which Emily Henry character fits Brandon Sklenar perfectly.

Where can I watch Drop?

@britandco Y’all won’t want to miss this one. #drop#dropthemovie#meghannfahy#movie#brandonsklenar#1923#whitelotus#moviereview#review#fyp#foryoupage @Universal Pictures @Blumhouse #greenscreen♬ So High School - Taylor Swift

Drop is in theaters today, April 11, 2025!

Who's in the Drop cast?

The Drop cast has some of the hottest names around, including:

• Meghann Fahy as Violet: a widowed mother finally going on a date who starts getting anonymous drops to her phone.
• Brandon Sklenar as Henry: Violet's date who tries to help her figure out the drop mystery.
• Violett Beane as Jen: Violet's sister and date night babysitter.
• Jacob Robinson as Toby: Violet's (very adorable) son.
• Reed Diamond as Richard: a man Violet meets who's also at the restaurant for a date.
• Gabrielle Ryan as Cara: the bartender who keeps an eye on Violet.
• Jeffery Self as Matt: Violet and Henry's waiter.
• Ed Weeks as Phil: the restaurant pianist.

Where did Drop film?

Director Chrisopher Landon and the Drop team built the restaurant set themselves, and Christopher told me in an interview that the gilded look of the restaurant was meant to mimic a cage — and make Violet and viewer feel trapped. The movie filmed in Ireland.