Selling a home is all about first impressions, but why wait until you're ready to sell to spruce up your home? You deserve to enjoy the home upgrades too! From fresh paint to better lighting, these simple yet high-impact tweaks instantly elevate your space — no full reno required. Got a free weekend? Knock out a few of these easy upgrades and give your home a little TLC.
Maximize space by decluttering and staging your furniture to make your home feel bigger and more inviting. When Santa Barbara-based interior designer Jessica Risko Smith, founder of JRS Interior Design, was tasked with completely gutting a 1950s home in her area she paid close attention to the home’s architecture, which leaned traditional. She upgraded the home with cozy, natural materials true to her California-inspired aesthetic. Her approach to shelving alone offers major clutter-free inspiration, proving that a well-edited space can make all the difference.
Swap out old house numbers, update outdoor lighting, and power wash everything to make your first impression impressive.
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Did you kiddo go through a purple phase? A fresh coat of paint in modern, neutral tones instantly makes your home look newer and well-maintained. If you don't have the time or budget to do the whole house, exterior or interior, update the front door with new paint or the entryway to make your home feel like new.
Make your bathroom feel inviting by swapping outdated fixtures, re-caulking the tub, installing a modern vanity, or adding new mirrors for an instant lift. Add fresh towels and soaps to give it that spa aesthetic.
Rejuvenation
No need to do a full renovation in your kitchen if everything is solid. Simply replace cabinet hardware, upgrade the faucet if needed, and add under-cabinet lighting to make a big impact.
West Elm
Still hanging on to old light fixtures? Replace outdated ones with stylish, energy-efficient options to brighten up your space.
The biggest impact I made in my home was refinishing the oak hardwood floors, which hadn't been upgraded in decades. It instantly brightened the space and made a dingy (cigarette-scented) space feel like new. Refinish hardwood floors, replace worn-out carpets, or add engineered wood planks for a cost-effective update.
A simple patio refresh with new seating, string lights, and potted plants can extend your living space and increase your home's resale value. This is a space you can enjoy too just in time for spring.
Adding insulation, upgrading windows, or installing energy-efficient appliances can attract buyers looking for savings. Even decluttering, painting, and tiling a small space like a laundry room can make a big impact.
A smart thermostat, keyless entry, or security cameras increase convenience and appeal to modern buyers. They also make your life just a little easier.
Have a passion for home decor? Check out our Home page and Pinterest page for more home decor inspiration!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
After a week long trip to Dallas, Texas, I can safely say: I've never had such delicious barbecue. You know how they say everything is bigger and better in Texas? Well, I can say that's definitely the case when it comes to the barbeque joints. Sure, I've had pulled pork and macaroni and cheese before...but there's something truly different about this cuisine in Texas. From smoky meats to savory sides, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
That said, I've accumulated a list of some of the best barbecue spots in Dallas that you'll want to stop by next time you're in the Lone Star State, whether that's for a Dallas Cowboys game or a weekend trip for a visit to the State Fair of Texas.
If you're in Deep Ellum and see a line of people waiting outside of a restaurant, then you've probably come across Pecan Lodge. This barbeque restaurant is a fast-casual style establishment where you place your order and wait for your number to be called. On the menu, you'll find a number of smoked meats, sides, and other southern comfort foods. I'd highly recommend the smoked turkey, brisket, and pulled pork, but they also have burnt ends, beef ribs, pork ribs, and hand-made sausage available. For sides, you'll find classic macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, collard greens, fried okra, potato salad, and pinto beans. For an award-winning barbeque restaurant, the portions are quite big for the price and there are plates if you're looking for something more hearty.
While you're in Dallas, you'll want to be sure to stop by Terry Black's BBQ for signature Texas barbecue. The popular joint is known to run out of certain meats later in the day so you'll want to be sure to arrive early to ensure you get what you're craving. On the menu, restaurant goers will find a variety of meats by the pound — sliced brisket, pork ribs, turkey, chopped beef, sausage, jalapeno sausage, and beef ribs. For sides, there are a handful of options including mac and cheese, pinto beans, green beans, mexican rice, cream corn, baked potato salad, and coleslaw. There is a decent amount of seating inside the restaurant to enjoy your food fresh out of the kitchen or you can take it to go to eat at home or in your hotel room.
Located in the Bishop Arts District, Lockhart Smokehouse is a notable barbeque establishment that has some of the best southern comfort food in all of Dallas. Inside you'll find vibrant red seats and string lights to set the mood for the delicious meal you're about to eat. On the menu, you'll find juicy meats such as brisket, chicken, pork, ribs, and sausage and a handful of slides including baked beans, Lockhart slaw, blue cheese slaw, brisket deviled eggs, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese.
There's no better type of meat than that which slips right off the bone. The Slow Bone's dining room is open everyday between 11am and 3pm and serves up a variety of sandwiches and meats by the pound. Aside from the meat, The Slow Bone shines with its wide selection of sides — yes, they have macaroni and cheese and beans, but they also have others like braised greens, sweet potato pralines, brussel flower au gratin, roasted squash, squash casserole, fried okra, french fries, tater tots, and chili mac. If you're craving a sandwich, then you can't go wrong with any of their options, each of which are served on a toasted challah bun for a sweet and tangy finish.
Open Wednesday-Friday, Cattleack Barbeque has served up some of the best types of BBQ in Dallas since 2013. Over the past decade, locals and visitors have enjoyed meats by the pound, sandwiches, platters, and sides all of which will leave your stomach happy. Similar to other establishments, the meats you'll find include brisket, beef rib, burnt ends, pork ribs, turkey, wagyu bologna, and whole hog pulled pork. For side options, there's burnt end beans, chili macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, potato salad, apple broccoli salad, Mexican street corn, dirty rice, and cornbread. Be sure to save room for dessert as you'll want to try the crack cake, banana pudding, and Oreo peanut butter cream pie.
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Kitchen trends often have staying power, lasting a decade or more. But the all-white kitchen is gradually fading as designers embrace richer, deeper hues and bold statement stones. A perfect example: Designer Amr Samaha of Samaha Studio, who took on the challenge of renovating a home once owned by a hoarder (respect!). The result? A kitchen that went from dated and dysfunctional to a stunning, modern transformation that embraces indoor-outdoor living. Known for his intentional approach to design, Amr prioritized health-conscious, eco-friendly choices, including the use of non-toxic paints throughout the home.
Will Myers
Amr elevated the home with Australian travertine stone and Italian Cipollino marble, materials that have a natural elegance to them and will only become more beautiful with time. He chose brass and copper piping over plastic for durability and favored natural stone and wood over lacquered finishes for a design that feels timeless and intentional. "It was important for me to honor the home’s original mid-century form while enhancing its functionality and flow," he said.
Will Myers
Handcrafted Zellige tiles on the floor and a mix of brass fixtures introduce a rich, artisanal aesthetic.
Will Myers
The burgundy-hued cabinets are a modern and sophisticated choice that adds depth, warmth, and a sense of refined drama to the space. It's a great contrast against the natural materials and metallic accents.
Will Myers
"Every decision, from materials to layout, was made with the intention to tell a cohesive story," said Amr.
Will Myers
The Beverly Hills home is a 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom ranchette, or small-scale ranch home, designed with a modern organic feel. The home’s exterior is clad in Shou Sugi Ban dark wood, and features a Japanese technique that preserves the wood while giving it a distinct, textured finish, which Amr said aligns with his "commitment to sustainable materials that age gracefully."
Will Myers
"I pulled heavily from my Egyptian background, blending modern execution with principles rooted in vernacular architecture," said Amr. "The mashrabiya-inspired front door filters light while maintaining privacy, and natural lime paints reflect the textures and tones of historic Cairo."
Will Myers
Most of the walls are finished in lime wash paint, a choice that lends a soft, organic texture that shifts beautifully with the light.
Christopher Amitrano/CS8 Photography
"The skylight in the shower is a standout — strategically placed to create a soft glow, turning an everyday routine into an artistic experience," said Amr.
Will Myers
Celebrity designer Francesca Grace furnished and styled the home with custom pieces from her furniture collection, beautifully enhancing the organic look and feel of each space.
Will Myers
French white oak floors add a warmth that only deepens with time too and echoes the oak cabinetry throughout, including the kitchen.
Will Myers
Corten steel used on the fireplace in the living room brings in tones that will patina over time, blending well with the natural California landscape.
Will Myers
Jewel tones and organic shapes weave seamlessly into the design, adding depth and continuity to the story.
Will Myers
"While it leans modern, the space is infused with warmth and cultural depth, creating a home that feels both timeless and rooted in history," added Amr.
Will Myers
Earthy hues, soft textures, and an abundance of natural light come together to create a space that feels warm and inviting.
Will Myers
"Creating a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces was key, along with introducing natural light throughout the home," said Amr. "I also wanted to incorporate sustainable, enduring materials that would age gracefully over time."
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Just like how our relationships, careers, and hobbies shift over time, so should our skincare routines.
Since our skin naturally changes as we get older, what worked for us during high school and college probably isn't as effective now. So, if you're 40 or over, it's time to refresh your skincare regimen.
At this point in your life, your routine should center around protecting your skin barrier, staying hydrated, and maintaining an even tone. And if you also want to minimize fine lines, that's totally okay.
There's no shortage of products out there, either, but it's the right ingredients that will help you maintain a youthful complexion. So, here's exactly what beauty products and skincare you should use if you're in your forties or older.
Sephora
Sunscreen is non-negotiable at any age, but especially if you're getting older. Not only does it protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can lead to skin cancers, but it also prevents visible signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots, and lower skin elasticity.
For the best protection, pick out a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to wear it every single day, even if you're just going about your daily activities.
Amazon
Next up is retinol, a form of vitamin A that's one of the most researched and impactful ingredients if you're looking to reduce skin aging signs.
It can smooth fine lines, treat dark spots or hyperpigmentation, and improve skin texture. Moreover, this skincare ingredient can help unclog your pores and prevent breakouts! Need we say more?
You can buy retinol in over-the-counter products or stronger, prescription-strength formulas. If you're new to this product, though, it's best to start slow. Use it a couple of times a week as you let your skin adjust because it can cause irritation or peeling in the beginning.
Additionally, retinol should only ever be applied at night since it increases sensitivity to the sun.
Amazon
Niacinamide, otherwise known as vitamin B3, is a favorite in the skincare world. It can reduce fine lines, even out skin tone and texture, and boost skin elasticity.
Plus, this ingredient may calm down redness while brightening your complexion and encouraging moisture retention.
That's why it's a particularly great choice for people with dry or sensitive skin. It works well with other active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C as well, meaning it can easily be incorporated into your routine with serums.
Sephora
Speaking of vitamin C, this antioxidant also works wonders when it comes to brightening your complexion and dealing with hyperpigmentation. If you have sun damage and dark spots or dark under-eye circles, vitamin C can reduce their appearance.
To get the most out of this ingredient, add it to your morning skincare routine. You can apply a vitamin C serum or cream first before putting on moisturizer and sunscreen.
Amazon
Another way to give your skin a pick-me-up is caffeine. This antioxidant has a tightening effect on the skin and could lessen the appearance of sun damage. Not to mention, it can reduce puffiness and brighten around your eyes.
Buy a caffeine-infused eye cream (we love this one!) and incorporate it into your morning regimen to give your skin an energizing boost.
Amazon
If you're looking to hydrate and soothe irritated skin, hyaluronic acid (HA) is the way to go. Despite having "acid" in its name, it's very gentle and attracts moisture to your skin, ensuring it stays plump and smooth.
Hyaluronic acid is versatile in that it can be used in the morning or evening. The next time you're at the store, search for moisturizers, serums, or sunscreens that include it as an ingredient. Or, put on a hyaluronic acid serum before other treatments, like retinol, to lock in moisture.
Sephora
Peptides, which play a key role in increasing collagen production, are naturally found in our skin. Some topical peptides may help temporarily relax winkles; meanwhile, others promote skin turnover for a fresher complexion.
You can find peptides in everything from serums and moisturizers to toners, too, making this ingredient very convenient to add to your skincare routine.
Sephora
Finally, ceramides are critical for keeping your skin barrier well-hydrated and strong. They lock in moisture for up to 24 hours, protect against irritation, and improve overall skin texture. So, ceramides are considered a must-have in any skincare regimen.
Look for ceramides in cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens to work them into your routine.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
There are quite a few Gilmore Girls spinoffs I'd love to watch; Jess Mariano's time in California and Lane & Paris living it up as roommates are two things I'd pay literal money to see onscreen, but I don't think anything comes close to the spinoff idea the GG community on Reddit came up with: Lorelai and Sookie becoming friends after Lor gave birth.
Warner Bros. TV
After Reddit user @neamhagusifreann realized that Lorelai constantly ordering takeoutmakes perfect sense (she did grow up in Emily & Richard's house with a cook, after all), other Gilmore Girls fans quickly joined the conversation.
We all know that Lorelai moves to Stars Hollow at 16 after giving birth to Rory, and one Reddit user points out that "being best friends with Sookie would've definitely had its perks. She experiments a lot with her food, even outside her capacity as the inn's chef. We often see her bringing over food/leftovers."
"I could see a younger Sookie getting a job there and bonding with younger Lorelai and wanting to cook for them a lot!" another user comments, while a third says, "When I was younger and started to experiment with recipes and making my own, my friends were my guinea pigs. Very happy ones, too!"
Now, this concept isn't confirmed but it's one of the best Gilmore Girls spinoff ideas I've read — and I've read a lot! Lorelai and Sookie are one of the best friendships on TV because of how well they match one another's energies, but also complement each other too. Not to mention the fact that when they fight, they always make up. And seeing how they met and actually formed that relationship would be sweeter than any of Sookie's desserts.
I could totally see these two women encourage each other through their young adult years as they pursued their dreams and discovered what they want their lives to look like. Sookie could have sleepovers in the shed and be the perfect babysitter for Rory while Lorelai worked, and I totally agree it would make so much sense for Sookie to work at the inn at the same time Lorelai started.
With Lorelai as a maid and maybe Sookie as a dishwasher, both of these ladies would grow, evolve, and climb the ladder together as the become the women Gilmore Girls fans know and love. Amy Sherman-Palladino please!!
