Pinterest Predicts just came out for 2024, and one of the coolest trends hitting the home next year is what they’re callin’ “Kitschens.” Kitschens bring the quirk, the eccentric, and of course, the colorful to kitchen spaces. In Pinterest’s words:
“They say the party always moves to the kitchen. But sometimes, the party is the kitchen. This year, Gen X and Boomers will quirk up their cooking areas with thrifted finds, vintage appliances and eye-jarring pops of paint. No minimalist aesthetic is safe.”
And I am all for it. Those eerily clean, devastatingly gray boxes they’re calling houses now should be eliminated. What happened to the joyous explosions of color around the house? The never-before-seen vintage pieces that stand out from the crowd? I take these things as clear signs of life – and you should be able to tell that people live freely in their homes.
So, in 2024, it’s only right to embrace a dose of color in a world of drab. (I imagine cool decor makes your meals taste better, too.) Kitschens should be filled with polka-dotty, zig-zaggy weirdness: bright appliances, mismatched utensils, borderline bizarre figurines and storage solutions. Here’s what to shop if you’re diggin’ the Kitschen.
Mismatched anything goes along with the Kitschen aesthetic, and these utensils are sure to bring some joy into your cooking.
Make your kitchen linens *pop* with the help of these multicolored towels. The pattern reminds me of a chunky knit, which only ups the kitschiness.
Decorating with alternative materials will also amp up the quirkiness in your kitchen, so this beaded container is just perf.
Kitschens are all about embracing uniqueness and downright fun! Think about the stuff that'd make your inner child happy – for me, it's this darling heart pot.
This sponge is handcrafted from sparkly yarn, adding a touch of pure whimsy. With the Kitschen trend, it's okay to be playful with even the smallest of details.
This pair of pasta-shaped pot holders definitely give off that childlike sense of play and wonder, but are still practical enough for your adult self. 😉
Going along with the colorful and the mismatched, these adorable drinking glasses provide a special sipping experience.
Retro appliances are also so in for this upcoming trend. Look for lighter pastels and simplified controls like the ones on this affordable toaster!
I'm telling you – mismatching isn't tacky! It's fun! It's wacky! If all this crazy color isn't your exact personal style, just pick up one jar instead of three to play with the trend.
This paper towel holder has it all in the details – AKA a cutie little flower design!
Dusen Dusen has gained fame for their funky color combos, and it's even better that they specialize in kitchen goods. Or shall I say – Kitschen goods!
You can start simple for this up-and-coming trend. Take these wonky glasses for example – they're a good step up from your regular-schmegular drinking glasses without being too out-there.
These pieces make a play on the vintage glassware of years past, but the vibrant colors really speak to the Kitschen trend.
This microwave might just be the cutest microwave I've ever seen. The cool color and sleek handle are Kitchen's perfect match.
Yes, wood cutting boards do an excellent job at providing a chopping platform, but these eye-catching ones are just so much more fun to look at (and just as practical)!
Like I mentioned before – just have fun with it! These flamingo shakers infuse you kitchen table with utter playfulness.
Again, these serving utensils are a little offbeat, but still get the job done in style!
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College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!
Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.
Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!
This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.
Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.
If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.
Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.
This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.
Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.
This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.
Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.
These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.
For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!
Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.
This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.
Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Design: Joshua Smith Inc. | Photo by Read McKendree
Textured wallpaper can be a great alternative to paint. This rich pink grasscloth used by designer Joshua Smith turns a small powder room into a conversation piece. Try this Coastal Hemp Wallpaper in Magenta to get the look!
Design: Maestri Studio | Photo: Nathan Schroder
Bring the outdoors in using nature-inspired wallpaper like this leafy one used by Maestri Studio. Check out Cole & Son Royal Fernery to get the look!
Design: Melinda Kelson O'Connor Architecture & Interiors | Photo: Lorin Klaris
Wallpaper tucked between beautiful molding can define a cozy nook like this dining room designed by Melinda Kelson O'Connor. If you keep things neutral, your accessories can provide color that you change out seasonally!
Design: Urbanology Designs | Photo: Matti Gresham Photography
Vintage-inspired pastoral scenes add a little quirk to an otherwise elegantly designed room, keeping it from feeling too stuffy. Try this vintage-inspired White Rabbit Wallpaper on for size. This BUNNY DARK WALLPAPER makes for a cute nursery option too!
Design: Arterberry Cooke | Photo by Madeline Harper
This Cloud Toile wallpaper by Schumacher is a splurge but classic and soothing for quiet spaces, like this vanity area designed by LA-based Arterberry Cooke.
Design: Maestri Studio | Photography: Nathan Shroder | Stylist: Jenny O'Connor
Nature-inspired prints can sometimes feel cool and graphic too, like this wave print used in a Maestri Studio design. Try this Japanese Waves Wallpaper by Spoonflower to get the look.
Design: Maestri Studio | Photo: Par Bengtsson
Here's the wave print used in another contemporary design for a more coastal look.
Design: Eddie Maestri | Photography: Nathan Shroder | Stylist: Jenny O'Connor
Bathrooms always provide a space to get quirky and create an element of surprise for guests. Find something you love, like NYC Coffee Cups or Vintage Swimmers.
Design: Victoria Holly Interiors | Photo: Lauren Engel
Classic Morris & Co. wallpaper has made a comeback in recent years and we still have a soft spot for it. Try Strawberry Fields or Pimpernel print from Anthropologie.
Design: Maestri Studio | Photo: Stephen Karlisch
Contrast really makes a statement in this Maestri Studio design. Pair complementary colors and play with texture and print to get the look.
Design: Arterberry Cooke | Photo by Madeline Harper
This black and white print anchors an elegant bath from wall to ceiling in another Arterberry Cooke design.
Design: Eddie Maestri | Photography: Nathan Shroder | Stylist: Jenny O'Connor
City-inspired toiles are modernizing the classic print, like this Los Angeles Toile by Vertigo Home.
Design: Maestri Studio | Photo: Stephen Karlisch
Big blooms are bold, feminine, and dramatic all at the same time. Love the pairing with the tile in this bath.
Design: Devon Grace Interiors | Photo by Dustin Halleck
Add a bit of elegance and sparkle to your space with a metallic wallpaper.
Design: Arterberry Cooke | Photo by Madeline Harper
Scenic wallpapers are also having a moment, and help bring the outdoors in a way that wows.
Design: Victoria Holly Interiors | Photo: Lauren Engel
Wallpaper can surprise and delight and can also create a soothing experience. Decide what mood you want to capture in a room and go from there to find your match.
Color lovers unite: There are plenty of color-block wallpapers and murals like this one to pique your interior interest. This watercolor-inspired one is perfect for a home office or living space.
Lulu & Georgia's bestselling wallpaper by Sarah Sherman Samuel makes a stunning backdrop to any neutral decor.
Feel like you're on vacay every day with this summery striped print designed by interior design firm Hyphen and Co. and one of our favorite wallpaper companies Chasing Paper.
This fresh colorful pattern designed by a small female-founded studio evokes a happy vibe and is perfect for a creative office, a small bath, and a kid's room.
We love the idea of wallpaper in unexpected places — like the ceiling! These stripes are inspired by a 1950s soda shop and we now can't unsee it.
Inspired by, and designed in honor of, the women in designer David Quarles’s family, this floral pattern comes in multiple colorways and definitely makes you look up.
This eye-catching checked pattern is on-trend and works in a variety of spaces: a kid's room, a guest bedroom, a kitchen, a funky entry, and more!
These fun strokes are super playful and a creative addition to a neutral space.
This bar motif is just enough pattern to stand out but not overwhelm, allowing other elements in your space to really stand out.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Header image via Photowall
I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!
Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS
I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.
My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!
Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS
Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.
According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.
Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS
His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS
Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.
Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS
In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS
With Mother's Day around the corner, it's time to celebrate moms of all kinds, and step moms deserve some special recognition, too! If you're grappling with finding the perfect gift that expresses your love and gratitude for your step mom, these 20 gifts are the way to go. This curated list of thoughtful step mom gifts for Mother's Day will get you going on a gifting kick and make any step mom's heart swell with joy and appreciation. 💓
The glossiness of this lip oil alone will feel like a total gift! One swipe using the soft, sizable wand delivers a sheer tint of color, all while encouraging plumpness and moisture with its peptide formulation.
The Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil from Rinna Beauty comes in 5 other shades for $24 on Amazon.
For the step mom with an undeniable green thumb, this decorative purple planter from Anthropologie makes repotting process super fun! Dotted in adorable outdoor creature and plant motifs, the pot is not only practical, but looks good, too. It measures about 8 inches in diameter to fit a variety of small house plants.
The Faye Planter is currently on sale for $31 (was $44) for a limited time.
She's gonna want to live in this cozy throw blanket 24/7. It's crafted from a blend of Barefoot Dreams' CozyChic material and a light cotton for added breathability. The light, neutral checkered pattern makes it the perfect match for any space!
This stylish throw, made to last a lifetime, goes for $148 from Barefoot Dreams.
Think of this spray as an instant refresh for any bedroom, bathroom, or living room, supplying a saturated scent of bergamot, vanilla, and amber. It's also compatible to spritz on sheets, blankets, and pillows to create a soothing atmosphere every time your step mom comes home!
The DedCool Room & Linen Spray comes in two other scents for $40.
When all your other gift ideas fail, there's nothing wrong with chocolate! This truffle box is perfectly elevated to give as a standalone gift – it's impressively decorated and seamlessly packaged for a memorable Mother's Day treat. Some of the spring-inspired flavors included are: raspberry rose, lavender, poppy seed, and passionfruit.
The Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers gift box is $60 and comes with 20 gourmet truffles.
This moisturizer delivers 24-hour hydration with a dense formula of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin. It has a lightweight yet creamy feel, perfect for slathering on under SPF and makeup. Your step mom's skin will absolutely soak this clinically-proven cream up, and she'll be feeling like a new woman every single time she puts it on!
The Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer goes for $32 and is also refillable once it's fully used up.
Keep her lookin' so cool with a pair of trendy sunnies! This timeless style from Free People channels the 90's and makes for chic everyday eyewear with any outfit.
The Little Secret Round Sunglasses are shoppable in 5 other colors for $30.
Your step mom's serving, baking, and cooking projects just got such a stylish upgrade! This trio of checkered ceramic bowls designed by The Pioneer Woman make every dish look stunning, plus each one comes equipped with a decorative wooden lid for convenient storage.
This 3-piece bowl set goes for $33 at Walmart.
This perfume oil can be used sparingly – meaning it'll last a long time – and delivers delicious notes of pistachio, vanilla, brown sugar, and cream to make step mom smell like a total treat. She won't want to go a day without putting some on!
This perfume is $13 at Marshall's.
This body lotion is really a 2-in-1 deal: hydrating and protective against the sun. It's packed with SPF 30 to give the skin a light shield against harmful UV rays, all while replenishing moisture with a delightfully-smelling mix of cupuaçu butter and grapeseed oil. It's not sticky or oily at all!
The Versed Total Package body lotion is $20 at Target.
These trendy slip-on sandals from Maeve are the epitome of cool girl style for summertime. Your step mom will be stepping out looking so good with these as a gift! The upper is made from durable leather, while the sole is a comfortable rubber material to withstand walking.
The Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals are shoppable in 4 other colors and are on sale for $104 (was $130) for a limited time.
Switch up her morning routine with this deliciously sweet matcha mix from Chamberlain Coffee! It's earthy, fruity, and made with oat milk for otherworldly creaminess. All it requires is some hot water, a good froth, and from there, your step mom can customize her sip with more milk or creamer.
This drink mix goes for $19 at Target.
This classic tote bag from L.L. Bean is the perfect vehicle for carrying work essentials, groceries, clothing, and more! It can be ordered in small, medium, large, or extra-large sizes, with the option for short or long straps.
This bag comes in 11 other colors. The small size is $30 and the extra-large is $45.
For the step mom that loves all things colorful, this oven mitt + pot holder set will bring some joy into her kitchen set-up. Both are crafted from cotton with quilted stitching and feature small loops for easy hanging.
The duo is shoppable for $30 from Ban.do.
These funky candle holders can go together as a set, or spread out around the house for a unique touch. Bundle them with some taper candles to complete the gift!
This colorful trio goes for $25 at Marshall's.
Any on-the-go step mom will appreciate this convenient phone sling for its carrying capabilities, but it's also supremely stylish! The bright colorway is summertime's perfect match, so she can take it along for vacations and outdoor outings alike. The thin shoulder strap is adjustable in length so she can find the best fit for her needs.
The Verloop Raffia Phone Sling is shoppable in three other colors for $38.
Gift sets are always a good bet if you're stuck on what to get your step mom for Mother's Day. This luxe 4-piece set from Osea comes complete with body butter, body oil, body balm, and body scrub (all inside a cute zip bag) so she can treat herself to a full-on spa day right at home!
The Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set is $52 (a $78 value).
Flowers are welcome any time of year, but a gorgeous bouquet like this one is so fitting for Mother's Day. With UrbanStems, you can select a specific delivery date, and your step mom will receive a fresh grouping, ready to display at home!
The Parade Bouquet is $60, with the option to add a vase for $15+.
Whether it's used for a batched cocktail or a big serving of iced coffee, this stylish glass pitcher from Material Kitchen is a statement piece to be reckoned with. The glass is surprisingly light for transport, and it's dishwasher-safe for added convenience after the fact!
The Cloud Pitcher comes in three other colors for $95.
This meal planner pad is *the* way to keep track of what she'll make and when she's gonna eat it. It has three lines for each day of the week, plus a roomy list for ingredients she may be missing.
This meal planner is $15 from Ban.do and has 50 sheets.
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