You're About To See This Rustic Home Decor Trend Everywhere

rustic home decorrustic home decor

Rustic home decor is making a solid comeback this year, and we're really not sad about it. According to Pinterest, searches for Spanish Mediterranean kitchens rose by a crazy 1,150 percent in the last year, and demand for Mexican farmhouse decor (think earthy patterned tiles and rustic terracotta decor) rose by a not-so-small 203 percent. Clean, sleek and modern is not for everyone. For some, imperfections, handmade decor, and rich color are where the beauty of a home really slays.

Mastering the look is the married couple and design duo behind the Los Angeles design firm Bungalowe, Karan and Sapna Aggarwal. Here's a peek inside their recently renovated home in the Highland Park neighborhood of LA, staged beautifully by Pride of Place with floral design by Jessie Graham.

Photography by Gavin Cater

Their stunning new project was inspired by their trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. "This sweet Spanish style home draws inspiration from our memorable trips to Grana B&B in Oaxaca and the enchanting Ojai Valley Inn," says Sapna.

"The decorative, hand-painted tiles from Old Mexico adorn the baseboards and accent walls, evoking a sense of tranquility and nostalgia," says Sapna. The design beautifully connects the historic Spanish style with an earthy color palette and eclectic furniture.

Photography by Gavin Cater

The style is unique and artistic, a little of an elevated boho aesthetic, that feels timeless and a little like you're on a permanent vacation! Notice the clay vases, dried flowers, wooden spoons and bowls against a rich emerald green tile. "The green zellige tiles in the kitchen and bathroom celebrate the organic beauty found in nature's imperfections," says Sapna.

More and more homeowners are choosing to create cozier kitchen spaces that embrace the natural world, says Chris Alexakis, co-founder of CabinetSelect (not affiliated with this project). Some ways to get the Mexican farmhouse look? "You can introduce splashes of color with uniquely patterned tiles and rustic terracotta decorations. The earthy rustic feel of Mexican-style kitchens pairs exquisitely with popular farmhouse decor to create cozy, natural spaces," adds Alexakis.

Photography by Gavin Cater

Sapna and Karan wanted to pay homage to the original Spanish architecture of their home. They creatively transformed the home from a one bedroom, one bath home into a stylish and functional two bedroom, two-and-a-half bath, plus office.

Photography by Gavin Cater

The materials used on the inside were all selected to honor the home's history, and included handmade and hand-painted decorative tiles from Old Mexico and handmade Moroccan Zellige from Zia Tile. Love this arched nook with colorful tile, a unique alternative to paint or wallpaper.

Photography by Gavin Cater

The new office addition is a cozy nook where a soothing color palette creates a peaceful place to get work done. Benjamin Moore Brazilian Rainforest paint trims the windows, pottery lines the built-in shelves, and the linen club chairs offer a spot to read or rest. The colonial-style chair with tall ladder back is understated but sublime.

Photography by Gavin Cater

The bedrooms are minimal with cozy, luxe linens and handmade textures. The wrought iron bed adds character and a vintage quality that grounds the room.

Photography by Gavin Cater

The microcement on the interior walls is imperfectly beautiful in a rustic way. This wavy sink is a showstopper.

Photography by Gavin Cater

The terracotta tile floors are a beautiful alternative to oak flooring we see everywhere. "Saltillo tiles, synonymous with traditional adobe homes, grace the floors, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living," says Sapna.

The fringe blanket is elegant and rustic at the same time in a breezy white. The tile and arched nook from the living room is echoed here too to create connection and symmetry throughout the home.

Photography by Gavin Cater

Built-in cabinetry with open shelving adds extra storage space, plus a decorative element to showcase more gorgeous pottery and handmade baskets. "Thoughtfully integrated custom cabinetry throughout the home complements the striking tile-work with its warm wood tones," says Sapna.

Photography by Gavin Cater

Elements like the green zellige tile are repeated throughout, creating a simplicity to the design. The wall treatment extends to the floor with a seamless transition between room and shower. Pottery and plants in the bath are an inviting touch.

Photography by Gavin Cater

Here's more of that colorful ceramic tile with warm wooden shelving to display bathroom decor.

Photography by Gavin Cater

Baskets, plants, and mementos from their travels personalize and warm up the home. "The light fixtures were designed to evoke a vacation-like ambiance, offering a sense of relaxation and luxury that enriches every corner of the home," says Sapna.

Photography by Gavin Cater

Another unique rustic sink stands out as an artistic piece in a serene setting.

Photography by Gavin Cater

Los Angeles is perfect for indoor/outdoor living and the same rustic aesthetic is used in the exterior design of the Spanish home. Not fussy, just lovely! "The outdoor space, designed around the original river rock pond, boasts a spacious lounge under a majestic tree with hanging lanterns, a dining table overlooking stunning city vistas and a terraced garden. To complete this outdoor sanctuary, a dedicated carport can double as a picture perfect terrace to host large dinner parties," says Sapna.

Shop The Mexican Farmhouse Look

Ivory Cotton Throw Blanket With Tassels

Chairish Mid-20th Century Vintage Ladder Back Chair

Oaxaca Jute Hand-Knotted Red Area Rug

Etsy Set of Three Bread Boards

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Header image via Gavin Cater

I've always loved a pop of blue, red, or yellow in an otherwise neutral space. And while I admire anyone who can masterfully combine all three, blue has always been my clear favorite. Now, IKEA has officially crowned 'Electric Blue' as their 2025 Color of the Year. Inspired by the seas and skies, Electric Blue is a hue that IKEA describes as “contemplative and calm, yet versatile enough for modern and traditional spaces.”

Whether you’re looking to refresh a bedroom, energize a living room, or add a cool pop to your kitchen, this happy, bold shade delivers in the form of wall art, plush throws, or statement-making furniture. The best part? It plays well with others. Pair it with sunny yellows, vibrant oranges, soft lavenders, or even a daring hot pink. Will you be embracing this blue wave in 2025? From rugs and pillows to accessories and more, here are our top picks to embrace the new year with a splash of blue.

Wayfair

Iryanna Upholstered Armchair

This playful elephant trunk design calls for a color that doesn't take itself too seriously, creating a look that's minimalist and modern yet anything but boring.

IKEA

IKEA KLIPPOXEL Throw

This yarn-dyed throw feels just like mohair and it's made from recycled materials. It's a great way to commit to this bright color while on a budget.

West Elm

WE Checkered Shag Washable Rug

This 100% wool rug is actually washable and adds a bit of play and pop of blue to any space.

IKEA

IKEA KYRRE Stool

These stacking stools are so versatile and can be added to the corner of any room for extra seating or tables.

Urban Outfitters

UO Lola Nightstand

This cylindrical side table is perfect for holding your best reads, phone, other bedside essentials.

Amazon

Knot Pillow

Go blue on this iconic pillow for a whimsical and cozy addition to any room.

IKEA

IKEA SLATTUM Upholstered Bed Frame

This affordable bed frame will brighten up your bedroom and day.

Amazon

AllBlue Modern Eclectic Wall Art, Set of 12

For just $10, you can channel your own Blue Period with this striking and eclectic gallery wall.

Etsy

Twist Candles By Lex Pott

Designer Lex Pott combined both base and candle so you don't need a candle holder. Brilliant idea and color!

IKEA

IKEA KRYLBO Chair

Pull up a chair in Electric Blue with this upholstered piece that works in dining rooms, kitchens, and offices.

All Modern

Gemmell Hand Tufted Wool Rug

This 100% hand-tufted New Zealand wool rug makes a bold statement with simple geometric shapes.

IKEA

IKEA PRUNKHALLON Mirror

This wavy mirror in Electric Blue pairs perfectly with the IKEA BLÅSVERK Table Lamp in the same color.

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

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

Finally — a Pantone Color of the Year that I can totally get on board with. PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is a deliciously warm brown that blends two of my favorite things: coffee and chocolate. This cozy, yet refined hue is the ultimate neutral for anyone embracing the earthy tones that make your home decor feel grounded, organic, and effortlessly elevated. It's rich without being overpowering, with a muted sophistication (think: coffee with a splash of cream) that instantly warms up a space. Pantone describes it as the color of comfort, and I couldn’t agree more.

“Mocha Mousse is the perfect choice for 2025," says designer Ashely Stark. "Mocha Mousse offers endless possibilities for decorating, whether it’s through a plush rug, a soothing carpet, or as a base for bold pops of color like deep jewel tones or metallics. This versatile shade opens up a world of design options, making it a timeless and adaptable addition to any space." Ready to infuse your home with a Mocha Mousse aesthetic? Here are 15 easy ways to embrace the look for 2025.

See how to decorate with Pantone's Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, here!

Mocha Mousse Soft Goods: Bedding + Pillows + Throws + Rugs

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Lustered Velvet Alastair Quilt

Velvet is making everything cozy for 2025 and this lovely set with mocha tones will instantly refresh your bed for the season.

McGee & Co.

McGee & Co. Polly Pillow Cover

This plaid pillow in 100% linen is luxe yet approachable for that sophisticated McGee vibe, mocha style!

McGee & Co.

McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Gardenia Pillow Cover

This warm plaid pattern, designed in collab with Loeffler Randall, is a perfect pairing for your mocha decor.

Lulu and Georgia

Lulu and Georgia Behren Wool Rug

This handwoven rug feels organic, fresh and modern with a literal grounding palette.

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Faux Fur Mink Throw

This luxe faux mink fur in deep brown and creamy tones is the throw we want to cozy up with all winter.

Statement Mocha Mousse Accents

Lights and Lamps

Avero Concrete Table Lamp

The mocha cast in this concrete lamp is stunning in a bedroom or living room.

Minted

Minted Earthy Cascade I

This abstract print of a mountain and river landscape is earthy and modern and perfect for your wall decor. Pair it with Earthy Cascade II.

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Artisan Studio Handcrafted Ceramic Collection

Ceramics have a way of making a home feel less sterile. The organic shape and rustic finish of these vessels are gorgeous in any mocha decor.

CB2

Regine Brown Glass Vase by goop

Inspired by midcentury Murano glass, this handblown brown glass vase by goop transitions from clear to earthy brown and looks lovely with a dried or fresh bouquet.

Mocha Mousse Furniture

Lulu and Georgia

Lulu and Georgia Baird Accent Chair

Let the overstuffed arms hug you while you read a book in this inviting accent chair.

Joybird

Joybird Denna Sectional

Get cozy in this dreamy oversized sectional with so many pillows, perfect for your winter weekend Netflix binge!

Mocha Mousse Paint

Sherwin Williams

Sherwin Williams SW 6067 Mocha

This muted chocolate neutral is perfect in a home office or living room. Try it as an accent wall or go full color drenching.

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore Whipped Mocha CSP-350CSP-350

This color literally looks like a whipped mocha delivered straight from your favorite barista.

Graham & Brown

Graham & Brown Hot Mocha

This mocha leans into the warmer side, bringing a warm, inviting and luxe feel to a room.

Pair Mocha Mousse With These Colors

Wayfair

Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Matilda Collection

Lean into natural colors like creamy whites, beige, and taupe for a sophisticated mocha vibe. Olive, greige, and burgundy reds with a smidge of gold will also bring out the mocha warmth for 2025!

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

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

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

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.