The Prettiest Organizational Hacks for Every Room in Your Home

It’s the same every new year. We set goals to be smarter, healthier and of course, more organized. Rolling up your sleeves and actually doing it… uh, that sounds hard. And boring. But, getting your ducks in a row doesn’t have to be such a drag. Check it: You have goals to make your life more functional, so we’ve found the prettiest, most inspiring (and ridiculously easy) ways to help you get it done. Let these chic solutions motivate you toward a more clutter-free life overall.

1. Color Blocked Pegboard Workspace: Let his and her creative spaces combine with this colorful pegboard workspace. No more fighting over garage or office territory — this organization station has plenty of room for both of your crafty and handy tools. (via Brit + Co)

2. Storage Above the Cabinets: Modern wire baskets create more open space and add that much-needed extra storage for all your kitchen goodies. (via A Beautiful Mess)

3. Branch Clothing Rack: Sometimes trying to be organized can get you in a style rut. A branch clothing rack is a great way to get creative with your clothing and it’s a super fun way to coordinate your outfits each day. (via Sugar and Cloth)

4. Glass Jars: Banish all commercial packaging for a clean, natural effect. You don’t need to hide your baking products behind pantry doors when they’re stored so prettily. (via Ella Claire Inspired)

5. Key Organizer: Smartest. Idea. Ever. How many of us have lost our keys recently? Seriously. All keys need a place to call home and this organizer is perfection. (via A Beautiful Mess)

6. Printable Decals: Printable decals are pure magic. Talk about a beautiful (and simple) way to make your pantry pretty. (via The Painted Hive)

7. Kitchen Pegboard: Pegboard in the kitchen? Never fear. It all works… and fits! (via Inspired by Charm)

8. Martha Stewart Garage Collection: Garages are just a catch-all for clutter, right? We’re super inspired by this chic garage transformation. Bye bye, grungy garage. Hello, happy workspace. (via A Beautiful Mess)

9. Crate Shelving: Even the biggest bathrooms seem to lack the appropriate amount of storage space. Put those empty crates to good use and fill ’em up with rolled towels + other bathroom essentials. (via A Beautiful Mess)

10. DIY Bobby Pin Case: Bobby pins, bobby pins — they’re everywhere. Put an end to it. (via Lovely Indeed)

11. Nail Polish Shelves: Yep, we’re obsessed with pretty polishes. But what we’re clearly not crazy about is the untidy jumble of polishes cluttering up our bathroom drawers. These chic shelves are the perfect storage solution. (via A Beautiful Mess)

12. Pegboard Wall: One last pegboard idea, because we simply couldn’t resist. What a great way to get all that cleaning stuff up off the floor. PS, click through to see how this creative gal totally added a pattern and print element to her washer/dryer combo using electrical tape. (via A Beautiful Mess)

13. Clip It: Any desk is bound to get messy at some point, but there are certain things that you need to have on hand 24/7. These DIY clip on organizers keep papers and notes altogether and easy to access. (via Brit + Co)

14. Color Block Mood Board: That measly corkboard not quite jiving with your style? How about this awesome, free-standing mood board that you can paint a whole variety of colors and patterns. (via A Beautiful Mess)

15. Triangular Wall Storage System: Make more room on your desk by taking your organization vertical. We love this geometric pattern that doubles as super cool wall art. (via Brit + Co)

16. Terrarium Desk Organizer: Space-saving projects are always in style, and this desk caddy with room for your little air plants is perfectly pretty. (via A Beautiful Mess)

17. Jewelry Organizer: Keep all your bits and bobs organized with this super simple DIY. Feel free to paint the old frame for a bright pop of color. (via Brit + Co)

18. Wood Jewelry Blocks: Tired of tangled beads and baubles? Your favorite accessories just found a new home. (via Emily Henderson)

MORE IDEAS TO CONSIDER:

19. Pegboard Tool Wall: Pegboard in the kitchen, pegboard in the craft room and pegboard in the garage shed too. It’s amazing how those little holes make life so much simpler. (via ELLE Decoration)

20. DIY Painted Basket: A painted basket is a frugal yet stylish way to update your home storage. Use it to corral umbrellas, toys, paper products or even laundry. (via Apartment Therapy)

21. Letter Shelf-Turned-Charging Station: Functional and it saves space? This hack is at the top of our to-DIY list. (via Apartment Therapy)

22. Tension Rod Storage: Who knew your cleaning products could look so cool? Conquer under-the-sink chaos and clutter with the help of a humble little tension rod. Suddenly cleaning doesn’t seem so daunting. (via Martha Stewart)

23. DIY Ladder Wardrobe: Lots of clothes but little closet space? This DIY should do the trick. (via A Pair and a Spare)

24. Magnetic Knife Strip: Proudly display your collection of knives and keep them within reach. After all, this is a workspace and chefs need their tools handy too. (via Design Sponge)

25. Wall Mounted Craft Paper Roll: Okay, so ideally you’ll be jotting down words like “milk” as you’re downing the last drops from the carton, but this easily accessible oversized pad is also a great tool for love letters, scheduling info, brainstorming sessions and random note jotting. (via Design Milk)

26. Baskets and Bins: You can stuff carry-all bins and baskets with all the things: blankets, books, magazines, papers, dishes, shoes, you name it. Then, if you need to move them, you just carry the whole bin and everything stays neatly organized inside. (via Primitive and Proper)

27. Easy Access Storage: Paperwork, bills and receipts — every home office has ’em. Keep things clean and easy to access by storing them on a bookshelf in neat little folders and boxes. (via Best Friends for Frosting)

28. DIY Industrial Pipe Shelving: DIY this gorgeous shelving unit and give your pantry a major makeover. (via DIY Showoff)

30. Pretty Drawers: Wallpaper hides the ugly drawer sides and makes you actually want to organize what’s inside. (via Bright & Bold)

31. Wooden Crate Shelving: Empty storage space can be as simple as a few crates. (via The Design Chaser)

32. Oversized Chalkboard: Save up for an oversized chalkboard (or paint one on the wall) to help you stay organized. It’s perfect for doodling, to-dos or writing lists for the rest of the fam. (via Maple Leaves & Sycamore Trees)

33. Organized Wardrobe: We’re totally crushing on this fabulous wardrobe. Those neatly hung and stacked clothes, all within a united color scheme, make getting dressed a dream. (via Stylizimo Blog)

34. Dresser Drawers: Those drawers don’t have to be a catch-all for everything from photos to mismatched pajamas. IKEA’s Skubb boxes are an inexpensive way to divide larger drawers into sections and keep all your garments neat and folded. (via Two Twenty One)

Which of these hacks are you planning to implement for a more organized home? Please tell us *and* tag us!

The recent trend toward warmer hues like burgundy, terra cotta, olive, and brown, has had me rethinking my blue-leaning home. I've been sprinkling in things like pale pink pillowcases, a burgundy throw blanket, and olive green rug, and loving my warmer aesthetic. But then Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn, of celeb-loved design firm House of Rolison, stopped me in my redecorating tracks with their latest bathroom renovation.

Take a look at this stunning blue bathroom renovation that I can't get enough of — plus tips on how to transform your own space!

Nils Timm

In the middle of an earthy 1940s Spanish Colonial home, this stunning cobalt blue bath alcove feels like a refreshing, bold and unexpected moment of calm. And I'm obsessed.

"Historically, Spanish-style homes did incorporate deep blues and greens and we wanted to honor that as well as just a fun play on words given the iconic street name, Bluebird Ave," says Amanda. I love that homage. Once a closet, the bath's arch opening creates a tucked-in feeling around the tub with Zia Tile in Night Blue as the dramatic facade.

Nils Timm

"We made sure to wrap the home in windows, which brought the landscaping into the color palette giving us the opportunity to mix greens, blues, reds and dusty olives into the design," says Taylor.

The pair took a fresh take on Spanish design while keeping the home's soul intact. A deep low-profile sofa sets the tone for its elevated yet warm and casual vibe. "We appreciate structural and architectural integrity while allowing every room to tell a story," says Amanda.

Nils Timm

Each room feels like a chapter in a book, woven together with earthy tones, Spanish Colonial charm, and sleek contemporary design. “We love to play around with various monochromatic palettes," adds Amanda. "Generally people stray from cold colors and right now burgundy and reds are trending, which fall very heavily on the warm scale. We found a way to compliment both."

Nils Timm

The design duo, who are also engaged!, used Viola marble throughout the home to add unique texture, a bold statement, and an organic feel.

Nils Timm

The rich hues create an old-world feel throughout, including in the master bedroom's lounge area. Black-framed windows and elements with darker tones pair perfectly with warm woods and the dramatic stone featured in the kitchen and bath.

Nils Timm

The result is a soothing palette designed for sleep, rest, and relaxation. The fireplace adds a cozy touch, while the room's connection to the outdoors creates a harmonious vibe.

Nils Timm

The rustic and moody dining room is the perfect counterbalance to the sunny outdoors of the Hollywood Hills home. I’m in love with the cozy intimacy of a round dining table, which draws everyone together vs. apart at the center.

Nils Timm

This deep red-hued bedroom hints to the home's Spanish influence while still feeling fresh and contemporary.

Nils Timm

House of Rolison's best bathroom renovation advice?

"Don’t be afraid to get a little weird! Have fun with it. We always say “cool or too weird?” Which is really an homage to how we look at them," says Taylor.

Amanda adds: "To us, a bathroom is like a pop of color or texture to a bedroom. It’s like the jewelry of the space. Use paint, wall texture, paneling, Roman clay, wainscoting et cetera to give the walls some movement. Pick stones that you like for no other reason than because you like them. You may have to trial and error complimenting colors, but it’ll come together. Bathrooms are an easy place to get creative and take risks."

Nils Timm

Each bedroom does feel like a reflection of the bathrooms, telling its own story but feeling cohesive to the space. I love this pop of reddish-brown in a sphere pillow paired with the striped bolster in an otherwise neutral space.

Nils Timm

The era of all-white homes is clearly fading. Drenching walls in rich color while balancing them with lighter tones creates a look that feels warm and welcoming rather than stark and cold.

Nils Timm

Thoughtful details, expressed by collaborator Olive Ateliers, like a three-light floor lamp in the reading nook, vintage artwork, and stone pots add character and charm to create an inviting guest room.

Nils Timm

The bar area in its own intimate nook complements the kitchen with the same bold marble and similar chain pendant.

Nils Timm

I spy a pop of blue tile near the pool in the backyard too!

Nils Timm

The dramatic entryway arch sets the stage for the style and character of the home's stunning interior. Thanks Amanda and Taylor for sharing this beautiful space, and congratulations!

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In the age of live action remakes, plenty of our favorite Disney Princesses have gotten the IRL treatment. Mulan, Ariel, and Jasmine's stories are all available to stream on Disney+ (plus the upcoming live Lilo & Stitch), and now, not only are we getting an animated Moana 2 this fall, but Disney is also giving us a live action remake of the 2016 movie.

Here's the latest news on the live-action Moana before we travel back to Motunui!

See The First Set Leaks From Moana! 

The first leaks from the live Moana show off Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Maui. While I was a little apprehensive about a live-action version of the movie, this actually makes me excited! It takes "embodying a role" to a whole new level.

And the set looks BEAUTIFUL. Considering they're filming in Hawaii, I'm not surprised.

When is the live-action Moana coming out?

Walt Disney Studios

Moana Release Date

Moana is currently scheduled for a July 10, 2026 release date. According to a Disney press release, the movie starts filming summer 2024.

Who is the actress who plays Moana?

Walt Disney Studios

Moana Cast

The live-action Moana will be played by Catherine Laga‘aia. “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” she says in a Disney press release. “My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”

Laga'aia stars alongside Dwane "The Rock" Johnson as Maui (who he also voiced in the animated film), John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as the revered Gramma Tala.

Even though original voice actress Auli‘i Cravalho isn't returning as Moana, she'll be executive producing the new Disney movie!

Will there be a live-action Moana?

Walt Disney Studios

Yes, we're getting a live-action Moana! The new movie will be directed by Thomas Kail (who did Hamilton on Broadway and Disney+ as well as We Were the Lucky Ones), with Dana Ledoux Miller and the original film's screenwriter Jared Bush penning this script.

Are you excited for the live-action Moana? This is going to be a perfect summer movie!

This post has been updated.

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

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

Keep reading for the top design trends for next year.

Little Luxuries

Lulu & Georgia

Even on a budget, we love to treat ourselves to a little bit of fancy. Think plush throws, high-thread-count bedding, or a curated collection of decadent candles. This trend celebrates everyday indulgences by incorporating small, meaningful upgrades into your home. Statement lighting and mirrors like this Sarah Sherman Samuel Rook Mirror; handmade pottery; even small touches, like gold-rimmed coupe glasses or elegant trays for organizing your essentials, that elevate the ordinary. This is all about feeling sophisticated yet totally cozy.

Individual Expression

Rebel Walls

Individual expression embraces personal style over following trends. More people will look within for their home decor style, celebrating unique, curated spaces filled with meaningful pieces, like vintage finds, DIY projects, and bold color choices. It’s about telling *your* story through design and turning your home into a one-of-a-kind reflection of your personality, passions, and experiences.

Elevated 70s Vibes

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

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

Return Of Post-Modernism

CB2

CB2 Bodene Ivory Resin Coffee Table

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

Asymmetrical Rugs

Etsy

Etsy Handtufted Irregular Shaped Rug

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

Intentional Design

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

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

Warm Neutrals Paired With Deep Blues + Blacks

Ruggable

Ruggable Laine Ivory & Natural Tufted Rug

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

Color + Pattern Drenching

Le Mieux et Cie

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

Statement Ceilings + Tile

Rebel Walls

Rebel Walls Bruno Sand Wallpaper

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

Zen Dens

Crate & Barrel

Crate and Barrel Sogno Chaise Lounge

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

Sensorial Homes

Design: House of Rolison | Photo by Gavin Cater

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

Discreet Design

Kam Idris

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

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

Biophilic Design

George Kantartzis

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

Outdoor Glamour

Meredith Kleinman Design

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

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

Major Outer Banks season 4 part 2 spoilers ahead. Like, the biggest spoiler of the whole series.

Outer Banks season 4 has come and gone, and after just completely weeping during the finale, I'm ready to commune with my fellow heartbroken Pogues. We've had four seasons of crazy adventures around the OBX (and around the world), and after surviving yet another storm, finally finding the Blue Crown, and even beginning a reconciliation with Rafe, we had to say goodbye to one of the Pogues during part 2— and I'm so genuinely upset I don't know if I can watch the show again. Here's what actually happened during that insane Outer Banks season 4 ending.

The Outer Banks Season 4 Ending, Explained

  • Outer Banks season 4 part 2 premiered on Netflix November 7.
  • Among various plot twists, the series shocked viewers by killing off one fan favorite character.
  • Here's why the tragedy was "the overarching plan for the show."

Is Rudy Pankow leaving OBX?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After traveling to Morocco to find the Blue Crown, the Pogues (and Rafe, who I guess is a Pogue now??) once again find themselves in a race against Chandler Groff and Dalia & Lightener. Our favorite couples get some quality time, like JJ and Kiara talking about the legend that the crown grants wishes, but right when the group finally starts to crack the treasure map, a sand storm splits them up: Sarah and John B. running from Dalia's men, and Pope and Cleo holding off Lightener while JJ and Kiara find the crown.

And things look up when JJ actually does find the crown! And he and Kiara escape Dalia! But when they run into Groff, who holds Kiara at knifepoint, JJ is forced to choose between the crown and the girl he loves. He willingly gives the crown up, pulling Kiara to safety in a heartbreaking parallel to their sweet hug from season 1. And in a moment of heartless cruelty, Groff stabs JJ anyway, leaving him in Kiara's arms as Groff runs away with the treasure.

It's truly one of the most devastating scenes in recent TV. Kie sits with JJ as he struggles to breathe and he asks her to take care of the other Pogues before telling her he already got his wish — her. They say one final "I love you" and JJ dies. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you I was weeping.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

"It’s something that's engineered to be gratuitous," showrunner Shannon Burke told EW. "JJ totally is at peace, that’s the intent. He’s gotten past this. He’s been in a bad place and has been spinning for a lot of the season...And you feel when he comes back [after saving Sarah] that he’s in a better place and that there’s a long and bright future with him and Kiara, so it makes it extra tragic, what happens." Yeah, Shannon, you could say that.

“We wanted to begin in a place of innocence and then go to a place that at least one point to go is really dark for [the kids], and then have them come out of it," he adds in a Deadline interview. "That’s the overarching plan for the show. It was always JJ that was going to be, we just weren’t sure how we were going to play it.”

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Fans weren't happy about the choice to kill off such a fan favorite character, claiming it felt rushed and that the relationships between JJ and the rest of the group were weaker this season. Well, according to one DeuxMoi source, JJ's death was actually supposed to happen in the series finale. But with all those cast drama rumors, Rudy Pankow is rumored to have asked to be written off the show early.

"They filmed episode 10 before the last episodes of the first half & Rudy didn't tell the cast so it threw them off," the source says. "In the last episode you can see how mad everyone was at Rudy. It's a mess and it pissed off production but they are going to brush it off like it's ‘always been the plan.’”

Is JJ coming back in season 5?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

I'm simultaneously pissed and very impressed with this finale. JJ's death immediately started trending on social media, and the fact that a single scene could get such a visceral reaction from millions of fans shows how much we care about this character. And the realization that burying him in Morocco fulfills his greatest fear of being left alone?? I can't handle it.

Despite the fact John B. checks JJ's pulse and we can see Rafe digging JJ's grave in the sand, some fans are hoping the show will bring him back after Ward, Big John, and Sarah have all technically returned from the dead. The show hasn't forayed into true supernatural territory yet, but if the crown really does grant Kie and rest of the Pogues a wish? I'm certain they'd wish JJ back to life.

"Why would they create a treasure with the power of invincibility and wishes if it wasn’t significant?" one X user says in a viral thread. "So either Chandler finds JJ's body in Morocco and uses the crown on him or Kie / the Pogues will wish for JJ's life back."

Stranger Things 4 brought a version of Billy (Dacre Montgomery) back to haunt Sadie Sink's Max, so at the very least we could see memories or scenes with JJ we've never seen before. "I wouldn’t put [Rudy Pankow's return] out of the realm of possibility, Shannon told EW. "I wouldn’t say for sure but I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened."

Is Sarah pregnant in OBX 4?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

With the "death of the fandom's favorite character" of it all, you might have forgotten that yes — Sarah Cameron is pregnant! Season 5 is sure to give us some more info about the baby and parents-to-be, but considering JJ, who's the baby's godfather, suggested his name is a great gender-neutral option, there's a chance we already know the baby's name ;). It would be the perfect way to honor him TBH.

What's up with the rest of the Pogues?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

In addition to Sarah's pregnancy, she also finally starts to make up with Rafe, who finds himself stuck with the Pogues in Morocco. Cleo has somewhat avenged Terrance's murder with Lightener's death — even though Pope's the one who will take the fall for it. Killing one of this season's bad guys was a huge step for Pope since John B. wasn't able to pull the trigger. And considering Pope is still on the run from the cops AND the Marines are waiting on him I have no idea what's in store for him next season.

But the showrunners did give us a clue as to what the final season of Outer Banks will revolve around: revenge.

What's going to happen in Outer Banks season 5?

Netflix

“[Revenge] is where we start but I think it will go through different iterations,” Jonas Pate says (via Deadline). “If you look at The Count of Monte Cristo, one of the greatest revenge stories, you start with revenge, but it goes to understanding and forgiveness, so revenge goes on to different iterations of that, but revenge is where we start for sure.”

In the final moments of the Outer Banks season 4 ending, the Pogues sit around a fire in the aftermath of JJ's death. And when they finally acknowledge that JJ wouldn't rest until he had avenged them, Kiara vows to get even and it's one of the most chilling moments of her entire character arc.

"What’s interesting about her is she’s this 'save the turtles, save the dolphins' kind of person, and when you see her at the end of [season] 4, she definitely does not look that like anymore," Shannon Burke tells EW. "She has turned into a different person and we’re excited for that and [Madison Bailey's] really excited for that."

"We’re planning a story of redemption, and a season that embodies the friendship that JJ had come to represent," co-creators Josh and Jonas Pates tell Netflix. "JJ's death was a hard but necessary piece of the architecture for the story, and we plan on honoring that as much as we can because we love the character as much as the fans do."

What did you think of the Outer Banks season 4 ending? Let us know on Instagram.

This post has been updated.

Outer Banks fans cried saying goodbye to JJ when part 2 dropped on November 7, but I wasn't expecting the Outer Banks cast's goodbye to Rudy Pankow to make me equally emotional. The TV show is a standout because of how electric the cast's chemistry is onscreen — and how close they are offscreen.

But according to some sources, a rift reportedly formed between Rudy Pankow (JJ) and Madison Bailey (Kiara) after fans picked up on their chemistry and started shipping them IRL...like, really intensely. Despite the fact the creators promise this was the plan since season 1, OBX fans are convinced their rumored fallout is the reason Rudy left the show.

Keep reading for the full breakdown on the rumored Outer Banks cast drama between Madison Bailey and Rudy Pankow.

  • Outer Banks cast members Madelyn Cline, Chase Stokes, Madison Bailey, Rudy Pankow, Jonathan Daviss, Drew Starkey, and Carlacia Grant are incredibly close offscreen.
  • It seems drama started between Rudy and Madison after fans who shipped their characters started shipping the actors in real life.
  • And a variety of OBX fans think this drama is why Rudy chose to leave the show after season 4.

The Latest Update On The 'Outer Banks' Cast Drama

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After fans have been VERY loud about the supposed cast drama, Carlacia Grant (Cleo) made me laugh out loud when she posted her OBX 4 Instagram post — and seemingly called fans out in the comments. The roundup includes cast group pictures, a snap of Drew Starkey, and Morocco, and she captioned the post, "If I drop these are y’all gonna act right?"

Why aren't Rudy and Madison friends anymore?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey were best friends during season 1 (Madison called Rudy her "bestie," and said that in any situation, "he's the first person I'm going to call"). But rumors of a fallout came after the show went viral in 2020. Fans picked up on their onscreen chemistry and started shipping the actors in addition to shipping their characters JJ and Kiara (the internet shipped the fictional couple so hard, in fact, that the relationship was written into the show despite it not being the team's original plan).

"Madison and Kiara, and Rudy and JJ, are two different people," Madison said in a 2020 Entertainment Tonight interview after the relationship started picking up steam. "Let's keep the ships on the show. But as far as the show, I'm all for it."

After publicity for Outer Banks season 2 began, fans noticed Rudy and Madison didn't seem to have the same connection in public, and even appeared to avoid each other on set — a far cry from their adorable interactions during press for season 1.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Fans started outright blaming Rudy's girlfriend Elaine Seimek, who was originally a PA on the show, for causing a rift between the two actors. Madison herself shut down the rumors with a TikTok promising they all had no problems, while Rudy Pankow took to Instagram to defend his girlfriend.

"To those who are creating such displeasure and opinions about the one I love and my relationship, it’s time to stop," Rudy Pankow said in an August 6, 2021 post. "I want to express the importance to spread positivity and needing to know when it is unfair to express your own distaste for something or someone, especially when you can do it behind an anonymous identity. I was always told the best version of yourself is your most humbled self…I make this statement as my most humbled self and would be so grateful if we all would move forward in positivity and respect."

Is there drama between the Outer Banks cast?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The Outer Banks cast drama rumors only intensified after a June 2023 dinner, when Madison Bailey and her partner Mariah Linney reportedly unfollowed Elaine on Instagram. Not to mention the fact Rudy Pankow isn't in any of the Outer Banks season 4 cast videos.

After JJ's death rocked the internet, creators Josh and Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke said that it was always the plan to kill JJ. "For a long time we had known that someone was going to die," showrunner Shannon Burke told Teen Vogue. "We thought it was going to be JJ all along."

However, the fact that JJ and Kiara have been dating for almost 2 years at this point, yet barely react to the other heading into danger has fans thinking Rudy asked to leave the show. And rumors that they filmed multiple endings to give Rudy the option to stay only adds fuel to the fire.

When new episodes of the show dropped in November of 2024, fans almost immediately clocked that Rudy and Madison appear to have used body doubles for a cuddling scene — while Madelyn Cline and Chase Stokes (who dated from June 2020 to November 2021) were cozied up across the campfire.

Even though an anonymous source suggested Rudy and Madison aren't friends anymore, and that their chemistry onscreen in season 1 was because they'd fallen for each other IRL, a source told People the actors are not feuding.

But one DeuxMoi source just spilled some serious tea, telling the site that, "Rudy asked them to write him off because of the drama! Production got mad and they had to refilm episodes," they said. "They filmed episode 10 before the last episodes of the first half & Rudy didn't tell the cast so it threw them off. In the last episode you can see how mad everyone was at Rudy. It's a mess and it pissed off production but they are going to brush it off like it's ‘always been the plan.’”

They also revealed that apparently, the plan was to kill JJ off in the series finale, which honestly kind of makes sense.

When did Madison Bailey and Rudy Pankow meet?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Rudy and Madison first met after Rudy had booked the role of JJ and Madison was headed to a final audition. Despite the fact they had mutual friends, they didn't meet until they were on the same plane to Charleston. She told Harper's Bazaar in 2020 that she said hello when they crossed paths, then found a DM from him on social media. “He was like, ‘I knew you were Kiara the second I saw you,’" she said. "I was like, "Oh my God, did this guy three seats up really just DM me?’ He went and found our mutuals, found my page, and messaged me.”

Well, during press for Outer Banks season 4, when the cast was asked who would be most likely to fall in love with a stranger on a plane, Carlacia Grant (Cleo) answered with Madison, leading fans to believe she was confirming the romance rumors.

Did Rudy quit OBX?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Rudy Pankow exited Outer Banks after season 4, and Madison Bailey finally spoke about what JJ means to her in the cast's official goodbye — and got emotional talking about how well Rudy brought the character to life.

"We all read the character on the page," she says. "And we know what you brought to it and you turned it out and really made something of it and paid respect to the depth of the character while bringing a lightheartedness that the show desperately needed."

And during a cast video hyping up JJ's (and Rudy's) best moments from the series, fans were beaming when Rudy and Madison dissected some of the best Jiara moments from season 3. "this video healed me❤️🩹 thank you netflix!" one TikTok user wrote in the comments of Madison talking about JJ and Kiara's first kiss. "I’m so happy [they're] friends bro like fr 🥺🥺," another user said.

Check back here for the latest updates on the Outer Banks cast drama. Read up on why Outer Banks Fans Are Really Not Happy With THAT Death In The OBX Season 4 Ending.

This post has been updated.