Emily Henderson's Blog, page 10

Design Court: Curved Sofas On Trial

As a kid, I heard the refrain “you’d make a great lawyer” more times than I could count. At 11, I internalized it as a compliment. At 33, I realize that “lawyer” may have been a stand-in for “annoying” or “exacting” or “pedantic.” (To be clear, it was absolutely a stand-in for those terms.) NO MATTER. Today, I am finally taking my rightful place – well-earned through years of curiosity and debate – as the prosecuting attorney in our inaugural session of DESIGN COURT. The defendant? Curved sofas. The charge? Entrapment! Court is now in session – let’s proceed to opening arguments.

Opening Arguments

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Hello. My name is Caitlin, I have been writing about design for nearly 6 years (!!!), and I was still tricked by a curved sofa. My vintage leather Kagan lured me in with beautiful lines, its sensual shape, and its freshly reupholstered cognac leather. It whispered vows of simultaneous formality and ease, of design meeting function, and of chic cocktail lounging. And then, it left me stranded in an ergonomic purgatory.

Curved sofas make false promises of elegance and comfort. Sure, they look luxurious, but they underperform on all core functions: seating capacity, lounging, flexibility, and day-to-day livability.

Now normally, this is where the defense would make their opening arguments. But this is my post and not an actual court of law (it turns out that Design Court doesn’t, in fact, stand up to “real” legal scrutiny), so I’m making the rules here. We need to regulate this rapidly growing trend before it infiltrates the comfortable living rooms, family rooms, dens, basements, and homes en masse.

The Prosecutiondesign by caitlin higgins | styled by emily bowser | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: caitlin’s living room reveal

Is it “fair” or “legal” that in this case, the prosecution (me) will also be serving as judge, jury, and executioner? By traditional American standards, no. (By recent American standards…maybe?) But again – this is Design Court. Let me break down my entrapment case…

Deception in the First Degree: Curved sofas misrepresent their comfort, functionality, and usability through professionally-styled magazine shots, Instagram videos, and showroom vignettes. The reality? A curved sofa is just a sitting sofa – if you enjoy traditional activities like “stretching out” or “not becoming intimately acquainted with your friend’s knees,” the curved sofa will cause you to develop some sort of stress-induced eye-twitch.

Conspiracy to Reduce Seating Capacity: My sofa was, theoretically, long enough to fit 4 people. But comfortably? It sat 2. I could push it with 3 or 4 under certain circumstances – I don’t mind rubbing legs with my friends, albeit not being my preference – but what if you just got a sofa that didn’t require you to sit squished against your loved one’s thigh meat?

Accessory to Inefficiency: My curved sofa – while beautiful and show-stopping – took up an inordinate amount of space. (So much space, in fact, that I’ve since swapped it with this massive sectional.) I’ll concede that I loved how it looked floating in the living room, but I’ll also concede that I could never quite crack making the most of the space behind it. (I mean – there aren’t a ton of curved sofa tables out there, you know?)

Obstruction of Napping: With no corners and no portion long enough for a biiiiiig stretch (you know the kind – that about-to-wake-up, arms overhead, full body reach), the curved sofa can actively prevent casual rest. Are there workarounds? Sure – and we’ll get to a few of them when the defense makes their case. (I will also be filling the defense role, because Design Court has gone the way of the court in Air Bud. There are no rules anymore.) ANYWAY, you shouldn’t have to hack your own furniture to take a nap.

Domestic Endangerment: Let this be my lesson to you: a curved sofa in leather is to be avoided at ALL COSTS. I don’t care how pretty it looks; I don’t care how much you paid for it; I don’t care if it’s the finishing piece for your dream home. An armless curved sofa – in leather, no less – is the kiss of death for any belongings. Say goodbye to your throw pillows, your remotes, or even your pets – they’ll be sliding right off your sofa, thanks to poor angling and awkward geometry. Are there more workarounds here? Yeah (and I found them, for what it’s worth), but again: why go through the hassle when you can invest in a sofa that won’t trick you?

The Defense

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Alright, alright – let’s be fair. (I mean, I am a Libra, which does uniquely qualify me to make some counter arguments here.) The curved sofa isn’t guilty of malicious design – it’s guilty of needing the right environment to thrive, just like fancy olive oil or a rescued greyhound. It requires thoughtful placement, not punishment.

Aesthetic Supremacy: A curved sofa will instantly elevate a space. It brings an architectural presence without the need for actual architectural changes. It comes off as bespoke, high-end, and editorial in a way that most linear sofas just…don’t. (Prosecution note: this is what hooked me, for the record. I didn’t even think about the function – I just thought it was beautiful.) It breaks up the boxiness of living rooms, most of which are a grid of rectangles. Curves bring both softness and tension – they’re a great (and deliberate) visual foil to angular floors, walls, and art.

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Great…in the Right Room: Curved sofas aren’t for every room, and that’s okay. Not all sofas are meant to hug walls or to binge watch Severance. In large rooms, open floor plans, or statement sitting rooms, they work beautifully. And they create a sense of intimacy by encouraging a rounder conversation arc – it’s an easy way to create a zone in a larger living room.

Styling Advantages: Let’s be real: there is no bad angle. You can photograph a curved sofa from any direction; it’s beautiful anytime you catch a glance. And as rounded forms, arches, and biomorphic shapes continue to seep into contemporary design, curved sofas are a natural extension – they’re part of a larger design language that’s coming into fashion.

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When Done Right, They Work: Designers do use these for a reason. Nate Berkus, Jake Arnold, Athena Calderone – all have used curved sofas in spaces that both function and photograph beautifully. Are they styling unicorns? No – they’re proof that in the right home, curves make sense. (Prosecution note: They also are kind of unicorns, if we’re being honest.)

It’s Not for Regular Life: The curved sofa was never trying to be your weeknight crash pad. It wasn’t designed to fit four people and a pet. It’s a statement piece; a mood setter; a room-changer. If it’s being misused, that’s not a crime of the sofa – it’s the fault of the buyer. This case should be thrown out of Design Court!!!

Closing Arguments seen here contemplating my life choices | design by caitlin higgins | styled by emily bowser | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: caitlin’s living room reveal

Look: I knew what I was getting. I wasn’t expecting a La-Z-Boy. But the curve oversold the fantasy and underdelivered on literally everything else. I had to buy special pillows that wouldn’t fall off; I had to create new napping positions; Dennis and I spent night after night, sitting straight up, unable to find an angle apt for lounging. The sofa felt like a Danish fertility clinic – it was beautifully-designed (stunning, even!)…and weirdly hostile. They’re conditional. They’re fussy. They’re unforgiving. They’re layout dependent. That’s not good design – it’s maintenance drama. (This isn’t part of the case, but I’d also like to anecdotally add that every single one of my male friends called this my “hot dog sofa,” which is specific but could happen to you, too. Do you want to be the house with the hot dog sofa?)

But I’ll be fair – every single one of those friends found the sofa itself sublimely comfortable as a seating option. And in a lot of ways, it helped me build better habits – it made it easier to not waste a day rotting on the couch; it made me engaged with whatever I’m watching; it fostered some wonderful and close conversations. (Even 6′ tall Dennis found a way to nap comfortably on it and was disappointed to see it go! But even he’ll admit that he far prefers our sectional to our curved sofa.)

The Verdict & Sentencing

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The curved sofa promises sinuous lines, ease of use, and comfortable seating. It fails at 2 out of 3 in 90% of real homes. This isn’t a misunderstood object – it’s a marketing lie. (Albeit a beautiful one. Hats off, marketers.) But if a sofa only works in perfect situations, it’s not a piece of furniture – it’s just a prop. You deserve pieces you can live on, not just sit on! Most of us have to contend with outlets and weird doors and radiators and general home quirk – we don’t need to add another factor into the mix.

And now: the moment you’ve been waiting for. In the case of the curved sofa, we find the defendant guilty on one count of entrapment. The sentence? House arrest. (It’ll end up in a New York brownstone. That’s how these things go, isn’t it? Don’t feel too bad for the curves. They’ll be fine.)

The prosecution, defense, judge, jury will now rest. I don’t even know what is happening at this point – this metaphor has really gotten away from me. All of this to say: DON’T BUY A CURVED SOFA. Don’t fall for the trend hype. Let me de-influence you! You will fall so in love and you will have your heart so broken. I wish I had enough room to keep mine – it’s still the most beautiful piece of furniture I’ve ever owned, and if it’d fit in my dining room, I’d have used it as a banquette in a heartbeat – but man, nothing beats a sectional with enough room for two sprawled, grown adults.

this is how happy and COMFY you and your pups should be on your sofa! | photo by kaitlin green | from: farmhouse family room reveal

5,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians built elevated platforms and wove the world’s first daybeds and couches from wood and reeds. Since that time, we have amassed 5 solid millennia of evidence to prove that the straight-line sofa is, in fact, the superior shape for livability. And I had the audacity to think I knew better! Never again. CASE CLOSED.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Caitlin Higgins | Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp |From: Caitlin’s Living Room Reveal

Everything You Ever Needed Or Wanted To Know About Kitchen Counter Edge Profiles

With any home renovation, decision fatigue is a very real thing. In a kitchen reno alone, you’ll likely have to make upwards of 150 individual choices: hardware type, where to put the hardware, layout, cabinetry, appliances, fixture style and finish, lighting placement, countertop material, and, for the sake of today’s post, even how the edge is finished on that countertop. (If you missed our amazing countertop material guide from a few years back, go back and bookmark it here for when you’ll need it!)

If you’re working with a designer, they will guide you in this process, making their recommendations for what they believe to be best. But if you’re going at it alone, consider this your edge profile buddy, helping you to get to the finish line without too much sweat.

Just like with anything else, there can be a lot to consider, and the options might feel endless, but let’s talk through what you’re fabricator or GC might be able to offer you, what things cost, what’s cool and custom you can ask for, and what works best for what kitchen style and countertop type.

the design team for the portland kitchen went with an ogee bullnose, which is a beautiful, traditional profileWhat Are The Common Counter Edge Profiles?

When it comes to selecting your countertop edge, there are a few options basically every fabricator is going to offer: eased, bullnose, bevel. (Keep in mind you may never actually speak directly to your fabricator as your general contractor or even stone yard retailer typically communicate your needs to them.) These are standard and often do not come with any additional charge. From there, there are premium profiles that are an upgrade, such as miter, ogee, dupont, and cove (plus all their variations). And even beyond that are custom edges that are more specialty and require special tools. Not all fabricators offer every edge types, and there are several factors that go into why they may or may not be able to give you what you’re asking for, including:

Their equipment and tools: More complex edges like specialty ogees and waterfall need specialized tools and machinery that not every fabricator may have on hand.Your countertop material: Some stone types have limitations, depending on how hard or soft said stone is. Something really intricate like a double ogee or cove dupont might not be supported due to risk of chipping or cracking, and some fabricators don’t want to take that kind of risk. ($$$) Expertise and experience: If you’re specing an intricate edge profile, make sure that your fabricator has done it before, because they do require a high level of skill and precision. Some fabricators specialize in a certain style; for instance, your fabricator might offer more modern designs that are simpler, like eased or bevel. Others might specialize in traditional styles. Find someone who has an expertise in what you’re looking for.

I recommend you consult with your fabricator (or GC) to see what edges are available before hiring them. Find out about their own restrictions. If you’re after a more custom design, ask for diagrams or a sketch to make sure you’re both on the same page with what you’re asking for because not all fabricators use the same names for the same finishes. They’ll be comparable, but the exact names can vary.

Let’s take a look at some profiles:

I broke these up into what they are commonly referred to as, in terms of standard, premium or custom. Every fabricator is different and might not consider, say, a mitered edge custom, but rather standard or premium. I spoke with designer Alexandra Azat of Plaster & Patina (who did that gorgeous primary suite in the Pasadena Showcase House of Design) about this and she agreed: “Pricing is so dependent on the fabricator. Some fabricators are so easy about it and others really push back and charge a lot for custom designs. If they’re already laminating the edge [more on that in a bit], it might not be a huge up charge. It all truly depends.” I know that’s kind of like saying “here’s what this might cost…or not at all…everyone is different,” but sadly, it is pretty true.

I’m glad Alexandra mentioned lamination. So, you may here “laminate” with countertops and immediately think of a Formica-like material. Sure, that’s correct, but through a “d” at the end, and it becomes something very different. Laminated countertops mean your solid stone or wood is stacked on top of itself at the front edge to create a thicker look than the standard 2-3 cm.

Here’s an example I found on Instagram (be sure to scroll to the second image, as well).

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As you can see, multiple pieces of stone are adhered to each other, but only on the overhang. Meaning, the countertop isn’t double the thickness, but rather just looks it. Lamination makes creating thick or really unique edging possible (like in the first slide above).

Countertop Profile Need-To-Knows (Including Costs)

Below, I put together yet another chart to break down each edge profile by range of cost and what material type they work best on, but with the caveat that your specific fabricator might just do their own thing:

It should be pretty clear but the key for the markings on the right are as follows:

✓ = good choice | ! = caution, but doable | X = not advised

Be advised that just because you see a check mark doesn’t mean your specific fabricator will offer it or agree to do it on the marble or quartzite you chose, but it’s a good guide to go off of. And as I mentioned, the same goes for the price shown here. It’s useful to know that a double ogee is more than twice the cost of say, a bullnose. Also take note that the cost is by linear foot, so if you have a large kitchen, that can add up very quickly. (Side note: most custom, intricate or decorative edge finishes are often saved to be used in bathrooms or small bar areas where there is a small piece of counter rather than in kitchens, both to preserve budget but also for functionality; crumbs and spills aren’t present in bathrooms the way they are in kitchens.)

If you love the look of a double bullnose but not the price, don’t forget that you can pick a custom edge like that for just your island to add some drama, but keep the perimeter more classic in a standard bullnose, eased or half round. I wouldn’t recommend mixing two specialty finishes in one kitchen as it will likely come off looking overdesigned. Should you be pairing up edges, just make sure their styles are compatible. A super thick modern miter just won’t work well with a traditional ogee.

Real Kitchen Examples Of Counter Edges In Action

A chart can only get you so far in envisioning what these edge profiles look like. I dug through the archive to find some kitchens to show you, and full disclosure: most of the kitchens we’ve shot have a standard eased counter profile, like this one:

tessa neustadt’s kitchen is a beautiful mix of traditional shaker cabinetry and more modern finishes. an eased edge works great to balance the styles

We love an eased profile. There is nothing wrong with selecting something standard like this, especially considering it doesn’t add any costs to the fabrication of your stone. It works well in modern kitchens, transitional kitchens, and yup, even traditional kitchens.

If you can’t help but want something a little more decorative, an ogee (or any of its variations like a flat ogee, bullnose ogee or double ogee), is a super popular and beautiful finish. It’s not overly sharp in any spot—except for the double ogee that does have a crisp transition—is relatively easy to clean and maintain and works well in both traditional and warm modern kitchens. The ridge might catch crumbs, but they should wipe away without getting trapped.

emily’s los feliz kitchen sported an elegant ogee bullnose edgethis is photographer extraordinaire sara tramp’s kitchen. i’m nearly certain this is a standard ogee

Above are two examples of ogee finishes. The left shot is from Emily’s previous kitchen in LA. She noted in the reveal post that she selected an ogee bullnose, which is essentially a marriage of an ogee with more of a bullnose at the bottom. Sara’s kitchen has a more standard ogee, where the counter doesn’t curve around the bottom, but rather falls straight down.

The mountain house kitchen has more of a straight edge that I believe was mitered to appear thicker than standard. You can see the edges are sharp and crisp, which speaks to the more modern style of the kitchen. Designers love using this edge profile with dramatically veined marble to really showcase the stone.

I dug around Instagram to find a few more examples of both common and trendy profiles.

Below are visuals of bullnose countertops. While bullnose is fairly standard from a fabricator’s perspective, we don’t see it as much anymore. It was very popular in the early 2000s and has pulled back a bit, but you can see it’s still lovely and adds some nice dimension and movement to charming spaces. Used in a modern kitchen, it might feel dated quickly.

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Taking the fairly basic bullnose and laminating it to be double and even triple is very exciting right now. I’ve been seeing it everywhere. And while beautiful and dramatic, proceed with caution as it may expire stylistically because it’s so niche. (Though if you love it, onward!)

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While an ogee is great as-is, an eased or flat ogee like the below from Mayfair Worktops is a great middle ground for anyone who wants a touch of detail, but doesn’t want to make their space appear overly classic. One word of caution: anything with a longer slope, such as this longe ogee or a dupont might not be right for kitchens with limited counter space as it renders the usable surface smaller.

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As you may have picked up with some of the naming conventions, you can create an edge that’s the lovechild of two profiles, such as the one below that seems to me to be a cove bullnose. It couples a sharp cove with a softened bullnose. The transition and slope of a cove is much more severe then an ogee, in case you were wondering.

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Now, I admit that don’t find myself drawn to bevel cuts as they read more modern than I like for kitchens, but on the butcher block end-grain island below, it’s marvelous as the wood warms it up and keeps it from feeling cold and contemporary. That’s a testament to how the material you’re using can really change the look of the profile. The perimeter edge looks like a waterfall.

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The two images that follow are from the same kitchen, which also includes some beautiful wood countertops. While I’m not certain, it looks like the wood portion has a laminated (remember, that means stacked, not faux), ogee edge and the marble island sports more of an ogee bullnose. I wouldn’t have thought to mix those but (re) work Architecture & Design pulls it off.

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And finally, this beauty from deVol, because no kitchen roundup would be complete without one. Both the black and white stones feature a dupont, which cuts in deeper than an ogee and has a longer slope on the edge. This edge profile is fairly traditional and high-end looking, but just like a flat ogee, it occupies more surface space so it’s best left to large counter-rich kitchens.

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That brings us to the end of today’s guide. I hope that was helpful and insightful. If you’re in the middle of planning for or living through a kitchen renovation, let us know what questions you have that would make your life easier. We may already have a resource for it, or willing to build some (you know I’m always game for that). If you have anything to add, the comments are open.

Until the next time…

How I DIY’d Canning Jars Into An Art Installation (And Would I Do It Again?)

I’m indulging in some nostalgia lately – looking back at 10+ years ago projects with fun emotions (“oh wow”, “I did what?” and even “oh that’s fun”). Maybe in 10 years I’ll look back at the Craft Barn or the squiggle bulletin board with the same surprise and nostalgia. This project I TOTALLY forgot about and when I slacked my team after stumbling upon it on the internet my team was like “what exactly are we looking at?” Exactly. Let me show you.

My client (fun fact, it’s producer Rachna Fruchbom who produced Shrinking, Parks and Rec, Fresh Off The Boat, and And Just Like That) already had these vintage pieces (she is rad, by the way – Orlando and I LOVED working with her and her fam). The piece in question was a huge store display shelving unit which seems great in theory, but what can someone actually put in it in their real home that makes sense? And in a playroom, no less?? Books/cute toys in the bottom cubbies, sure. But the rest of the cubbies were too small and chopped up to be functional. It’s not like you separate your lego colors, or have so many nice looking kids collectables. It’s a cool piece, but actually created a big creative problem that Orlando and I needed to solve (mostly to shoot the room, which was so cute). Rachna gave us free reign as long as we didn’t blow the budget, so we got creative.

Canning Jars FTW???

You may know that my love/nostalgia for canning jars is greater than most. Odd Even. Growing up mormon we canned everything we could, including our annual tuna canning session from the Oregon coast (which was as stinky as it sounds, producing year-round delicious fresh tuna that all my college roommates would fight over). All my vases at our wedding were vintage/antique canning jars I collected throughout our engagement (many I still have). I would say this odd love has depleted, but it hasn’t. I drink daily out of huge canning jars as if it’s a normal glass.

Why Mason Jars?

If I remember correctly, finding anything that made sense to fill the cubbies was impossible. Jars of art supplies would cost so much more (and be unnecessary), wrapping boxes in colorful paper was maybe another idea but could also look soooo janky. Colorful kids blocks also could have worked for a shoot, but would also be more expensive than you’d think and look messy when messed up (and hard to maintain). If you can come up with an idea that makes sense please let me know. We didn’t want it to be bitsy, messy, random, or cost too much. So I guess that landed us on painting mason jars…

We Measured And Math’ed…

Assuming that I had the idea (zero recollection but that is my hand writing), Orlando and I mathed it all out by measuring every row of cubbies and figuring out which sizes of jars would fit in each and how many we would need. We then bought them all (likely from a store, this is pre-Amazon Prime), and chose the paint colors.

This is the only photo still on the internet of us painting them (this is before smart phones for photos or video – how did we even create daily content 12 years ago???). I’m not sure if we chose one blue and then diluted it increasingly with white to get the ombre effect OR if we chose a few shades and just played around with mixing them together as we moved up the wall of cubbies. Either way, it created this ombre look which I have to admit is still really fun.

What I Think About It Now

Is it gimmicky? Sure. And if they ever were to move or get rid of that piece they would have a lot of painted jars to deal with. However, it’s still a compelling wall of color that is simple for your eye to understand (i.e. not busy) and created a conversation. It’s also very 2012 in a really fun way. The pops of gold/silver of the lids as a nice shine and texture.

I don’t know if I would do it again, but still without an alternative solution I stand by why I did this. It ended up being around 60-75 jars (feel free to count) which cost about $230 (per my OG post about it) and then another $200 or so in other supplies. That’s not nothing and hilariously certainly doesn’t account for our time (which neither did I back then – a rookie mistake of my first few years of having design clients and why I ultimately ended up pivoting away from it). If you added up Orlando and I’s time to do this (likely 10 hours x 2 people) it would add about $3,500 in design labor. Which would take the entire project to $5k which is simply FAR too much for a fun DIY mason jar ombre art wall in a 3-year-old’s playroom. But doing DIYs for content is a different business, so I’m sure even at the time we felt it was worth donating our time to execute this DIY (but typical designers would never do this because it would simply cost their clients too much).

Wait, That’s. Not. All. What about those painted frames???

We didn’t shut off our creativity there, folks. We found a bunch of empty vintage frames at the flea market and thrift stores and painted them each 1/2 white, 1/2 gold. SO 2012!!! They housed kid art which I still think is a cute and clever idea, and could totally be updated in 2025.

And that’s the tale of the canning jar art installation wall from 2012. Shout out to Orlando for helping me do it (he was my design assistant at the time). We had so much fun, pre-kids, and I’m only sad that we don’t have a fun reel or video to show you.

So what would you do with these cubbies? I’m genuinely curious what other solutions would make sense! Comment away!!

*Photos by Bethany Nauert

The Link Up: A $30 Lamp Em Loves, Jess’ VERY Cool Summer Top, And A Magical Ant Trap

Happy Sunday, everyone! It’s been a busy but good week, and we were SO excited to finally reveal the rest of the farmhouse landscaping. It’s beyond a dream (especially in person). Aside from that, Jess is back from her vacation, and there’s a big ole shoot week happening at the farm, so trust us when we say there’s lots to look forward to:) Ok, let’s get to the links!

This week’s house tour is the home of Sean Famoso, cofounder of LVRN Records. It’s a beautifully restored midcentury modern. It was incredibly important to Sean to really honor the home’s history, maintain its soul, while making necessary updates (including incredibly cool art). Check it out here!

From Emily: Surprisingly delighted by my sister in law’s $30 LED rechargeable wood lamp – looks so high quality and modern with a really great warm (not bright white) light. Good for game tables, puzzling and outdoors. Thanks, Katie!

From Caitlin: Last month, I broke up with Supergoop (!!!) in favor of my new go-to suncare brand, Vacation. It started innocently enough, with a few spritzes of their sunscreen-scented perfume. But it spiraled into an obsession: I added the aftersun gel-scented perfume (a must, clearly), and then the baby oil sunscreen (this applies like a true baby oil, leaves the prettiest moisturized glow, and I far prefer it to Glowscreen, my former favorite daily wear sunscreen). But the coup d’etat came from the SPF50 bronzing face drops, which leave my skin looking photoshopped. It’s smoothing, or blurring, or some kind of IRL optical illusion – I don’t really know, but IT LOOKS SO GOOD. The color isn’t overpowering – and honestly, it isn’t super detectable (the way I apply it, at least) – but EVERYONE notices that my skin just looks good. Another small business worth supporting! (PS. I’m linking Ulta above because they offer some incredible BOGO deals on Vacation, but you can buy directly from the brand here.)

Also from Caitlin: Has anyone found a shoe cabinet or storage solution that can work for size 13 men’s shoes? I don’t mind a bit of DIY, but everything from IKEA is a bit too small. Please help!!!

From Jess: I had a list of hopes when I went to Mexico last week, and aside from having a great time with my friends (duh), finding a piece or two of clothing was at the top. If you’ve had the pleasure of going to Mexico, then you know how incredible the shopping is. And if you haven’t, well then, may I suggest you GO (but mostly for the food, design, hospitality, and culture)! So while in Mexico City, my friend and I stumbled upon Cihuah. I found this top in red and got a medium for a looser fit. It comes in a ton of other colors, either cropped or full length, and a few other materials. I’m OBSESSED and wore it once I got to Oaxaca. My friend got this beautiful top in black that can be worn 4 different ways, and all of them are chic. We had to rush through the store to make a dinner reservation, which was probably a blessing because I wanted to buy so many pieces:) So if you like architectural, simple, chic design, then I highly recommend you take a peek (they ship worldwide, too!)

If you missed Jess’ Dad’s father’s day gift guide post, we suggest you take a peek:) Great ideas and a wonderful read!

From Arlyn: Warm weather means good tomatoes at the farmers market, evening dips in the pool, and, in my home, FREAKING ANTS. Every year, around this time, we deal with ants in both our kitchen and bathrooms, and the only thing we’ve found to work is Terro liquid ant baits. This stuff is literal magic. You put one or two in the area the ants have moved into, and within a few hours (though it might take as long as a day or two like it did in my upstairs bathroom this year), a literal parade of every ant in your neighborhood comes to eat from the bait. It’s wild and jarring at first, but LET THEM COME. If you Terro it, they will come. Do not disrupt the ants. I repeat. Do not touch them. Let them feast for a day or so, and then like some sort of witchcraft, they’re gone. Boom, done, buh bye ants. It’s also really useful to have a bombardment of ants because you can see exactly where they are coming from. For us, it was the tiniest pinprick of a hotel in the top corner of my closet, and behind one of our outlets in the kitchen. This can help you deal with the entry points for the future. Enjoy!

From Mallory: I snagged two staple pieces for my wardrobe from one of EHD’s long time favorite brands, and I have been wearing them non stop for the last two weeks. First off this classy little lace blouse moment is the perfect start of summer top because it’s breezy while still being a long sleeve. The neckline is so flattering and I love how it looks with a pair of denim and a pop of red shoe!! The next item I snagged was this pair of mini heels — I got the black and white color but almost bought the patent red (and am thinking about ordering them since I’ve been wearing the black and white soooo much). Highly recommend both pieces…they make me feel like a classic Parisian lady.

Exciting News! Jake Arnold’s latest collection with Lulu & Georgia just dropped. It’s rugs and wallpaper and as elevated and chic as you’d expect. Here are three of our favorites:

Clapham Hand-Loomed Wool Rug | Dors Grasscloth Wallpaper | Beddow Flatweave Jute Rug

From Gretchen: It’s officially jean short weather in Portland and I couldn’t be happier about it!! It’s been hard for me to find a pair I love, because I’m not particularly fond of the super-cut-off, “booty shorts” look on my body, nor can I pull off the bermuda-length jorts I keep seeing on all those models-off-duty. For me, I love a Goldilocks pair that hit just a tiny bit higher than mid-thigh. I also love for them to look pretty worn-in but not too shredded and in a wash that goes with everything. Well, here’s my tried-and-true pair–AGOLDE’s Parker Cut-Off Short in Swapmeet! These hit just where I want them to on the thigh and look like I’ve had them/worn them for years and years (in a good way). Not too hole-y, but just enough distressed. They also have a button fly instead of a zipper, which I like so much more to keep you feeling secure. They’re a little on the pricier side, but I have been wearing them to DEATH and I just know I’ll get my money’s worth this summer.

From Marlee: It’s officially been over 6 months with my bedding from Quince so I feel like I can finally say with confidence it’s good stuff! Bedding can be so expensive – even though you literally use it EVERY day of your life I still have a hard time justifying buying super expensive bedding. Quince feels like a super great middle ground with a duvet set coming in at $150 – they offer 20% if you bundle it too. It was a little scratchy at first (like all linen, but not bad at all) but has softened super nicely over time. No signs of any quality issues so far. They have a crazy assortment of colors too! I have their linen duvet in the mist color and also a set of sheets in Aloe. Would recommend if you’re looking for fairly affordable linen bedding!

Thanks for stopping by and hanging out with us. See y’all tomorrow. xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kailtin Green | From: BIG Landscaping Update – Phase 2 Is Done And Our “Mistake” Is Finally Fixed!

We Found THE BEST Sale Items From Our Favorite Retailers (Like $700 Off A Great Coffee Table)

As everything seems to be getting more and more expensive, the team had the idea to take a peek into our favorite retailers to see what’s cooking in their clearance sections — you know, where the really big savings are hiding. Let’s just say I found A LOT that I really really loved. Now, in true Jess fashion, I had a very hard time editing down my finds so here’s how it’s going to go. I’m going to talk about 11 of my top picks and then under those are about 31 more pieces I couldn’t not show you too. I won’t be talking about each of those pieces individually but you can be assured they are EHD-approved:) I also want to make a special call out West Elm and Crate & Barrel because their clearance sections had so much! Definitely keep an eye on those for the future. I hope you have as much fun looking and reading about these pieces as I had searching for them. Ok, let’s go.

Zoe Lamp ($199 from $395)

I had to start with a piece that is very close to my heart…the Zoe Lamp. Why is it close to my heart? Well, I have the green and white version (not on clearance) and it brings me joy every time I look at it. Like, “I can’t believe it lives in my home” kind of joy. That one however is $495. STEEP (it was a surprise gift)! But if you have a home that works with this beautiful brown and burnt sienna color palette, you can have it for half of its original cost. Now, I know a $200 statement lamp still isn’t cheap, but I can tell you from experience that it’s beautifully made and acts more like a functional piece of art. I just can’t recommend it enough if it fits within your budget (and, of course, with your style:))

Tate Black Wood Bookcase Cabinet ($499.94 from $999)

One of our top requests is always storage recommendations and boy, do I think this is a beautiful piece. It’s tall, has both open and closed storage (our favorite as it gives an opportunity for pretty styling and a place to hide the mess), and it’s so chic. Modern but not too modern. Simple but not boring. Just pretty and functional. And it’s 50% off! I’m looking at you, modern traditional lovers — this is perfect for you.

Arc Chandelier ($259.99 from $449)

Affordable large light fixtures are. Hard. To. Find. Especially ones that are really cool and beautiful. So when I saw this one I was pumped! It makes a big statement without looking visually overwhelming. I also think it’s the perfect piece if you have a more traditional home but want to add a little modern touch. I actually strongly feel that this chandelier could work with almost any style. This puppy is versatile AND under $300. Win-win.

Brushed Brass Metal Picture Frame with Horizontal White Mat ($29.97 from $80)

One thing about me is I love when people play with matting inside frames. It can take a simple piece of art and make it look so much cooler and custom. So this pretty little frame is a perfect and very easy way to do that. I love how the photo spot is off center vertically. The whole piece looks so elevated, right? While I love the brass, the silver metal is also on clearance! $50 off? Yes, please.

Hudson Pendant ($87.97 from $299)

Ok, this deal was too good not to talk about. This modern, elegant pendant is not only beautiful but it’s a really good size (10″ x 20″). Oh, and do you see that price? Under $90 from basically $300! I see this light in a modern traditional home, or a glam home, or an electric granny home. It’s a versatile beauty for a seriously incredible price.

Falling Water by Danielle Hutchens Framed Canvas Wall Art ($79.98 from $160)

Another hard thing to find is large cool art for a good price but here! I found one! I’m a sucker for an abstract piece but this one has so much movement and a good amount of soft but happy color. Art, of course, should be personal so if this 36″ x 36″ moves you and fits your budget (we love a 50% off piece) then I think this is a great deal. Put art on those walls!

Carlie Queen Wingback Headboard Romantic ($239.97 from $599)

Now, that is a beautiful headboard. It’s big, makes a statement, but also looks soft and elegant. Actually, the name is perfect, it feels romantic. So if you are looking for a really beautiful bed but are on a budget, this bed could be a perfect option at under $250!

Inga Coffee Table ($399 from $1,095)

I got giddy when I saw this. I know so many people struggle with finding coffee tables (me included) and the price discount on this one is too good. That modern organic look and feel is so pretty and I know is what a lot of people are looking for. Plus, it’s round which we also love. Mix up those shapes, people:) Oh, and how cute are those chunky legs? Can you tell I’m a fan?

Hammond Metal Taper Holder ($23.94 from $50)

For a much more doable price point I love these little candle holders. I have a bit of an obsession, I mean collection, of holders so I’d like to think I know what I’m talking about here. Having candles to light is such an easy and beautiful way to set the ambiance in a room so why not also have a really cool holder? It seems like a no-brainer to me, especially when they’re over 50% off, right?

Suffolk Ottoman ($169.97 from $449)

I also think ottomans are so useful! This one is really affordable, especially given how beautiful it is and how deeply discounted it’s priced. I love the mix of materials and the neutral colors make it the most versatile. You can use it as a foot rest, a seat, even a little table in a pinch. A cute accent that has a ton of function.

Totem Ceramic Vase ($17.97 from $42)

Finally, I had to include one of West Elm’s famous totem vases! I was shocked it was on clearance but equally as delighted. Emily has used these for years since they are simple, cool, and add a sculptural element to a room. And for under $20, you can’t beat that price. So use it as a vase or a piece of art, it’s going to look awesome.

Alright onto the rest:)

1. Marta Ceramic Planter | 2. Angle Black Ceramic Vase | 3. Large Stoneware Vase | 4. Large Ceramic Vase | 5. Sutton Vase | 6. Plateia Large White Earthenware Vase

As I just said for the last piece, you can’t go wrong with a sculptural vase or vessel. It’s an EHD staple.

1. Honeycomb Throw | 2. Madeline Embroidered Cocktail Napkins (Set of 4) | 3. Fall Gingham and Plaid Organic Cotton Kitchen Towels (Set of 2) | 4. Molino Jute Rug | 5. Nene Jute Crosshatch Rug | 6. Lake Striped Jute Rug

Adding pattern through textiles is fun, easy, and way less committal than a wallpaper or upholstered chair. How cute are all these? Oh, and those were our rugs:) I named #4 sort of after me!

1. Sven Queen Tufted Velvet Tall Headboard | 2. Willa Chair | 3. Framework Dining Chair (Set of 2) | 4. Breck Bench

See? To pretty not to include. That headboard is so pretty and luxe while these chairs are all different in styles but all have awesome unique details.

1. Anya Travertine Coffee Table | 2. Platform Sectional Table | 3. Cortez Charcoal Nightstand | 4. Merto Shelving Unit with Storage

More coffee tables! How good is the price of the West Elm Piece? Emily has used that nightstand and loved it. Oh, and Bowser used that shelving unit in the world’s coolest garage/office makeover:)

1. White Linen and Black Metal Ribbed Table Lamp Base | 2. Ahva Polished Brass Double Arm Articulating Wall Sconce | 3. Blue Velvet and Brass Empire Shade Table Lamp

World Market is killing it in affordable lighting so the fact that these are on an even better sale is unreal. Remember #3 from Emily’s holiday home decor gift guide? She loves it. Then I can’t get over how pretty that large wall sconce is. A perfect statement if you’re looking for one.

1. Portage Candle Holder | 2. Black Cantilever Candelabra | 3. Craft Charcoal Grey Ceramic Taper Candle Holder | 4. Otobe Taupe Terracotta Centerpiece Bowl | 5. Round Leather Handled Baskets | 6. Orah Turned Wooden Centerpiece Bowl

These all screamed EHD to me and are so versatile with their colors, materials, and functions.

1. Streamline Metal Potting Station | 2. Streamline Metal Railing Planter

Finally, since it’s basically summer, I had to throw in a couple little gardening options since these were so cool and priced so well.

See anything you liked? Were these deals exciting to you? Have you bought anything else on clearance recently that you want to share with the class? Hope this was helpful if you’re on the hunt for something!

Opening Image Credits: Photos by Tessa Neustadt for EHD | Lead Design Ginny MacDonald | Assisted by Mel Burstin | From: The Griffith Park Master Bedroom Reveal

My Partnership With Living Spaces (With A Lot Of BTS Of The Most Incredible Shoot/House Ever)

A couple months ago I flew down to Orange County to shoot a big campaign in a famous reality star’s home – 3 days of on camera fun + pressure + being treated like a queen. Living Spaces hired me to promote their summer furniture line and collaborate on the campaign. It was all the things that fulfilling work should be – challenging, fun, stressful, creatively stretching, an adrenaline rush, and a huge happy relief when it went well. If you don’t know anyone who has a life “on camera” you might not know how nervous even the most professional of professionals get. I listen to Armchair Expert religiously and they have some of the biggest movie stars ever on, and hearing them talk about the nerves, pressure and anxiety around being on camera (scripted or press) has been this massive unlock for me. It’s actually a really normal part of human existence to get nervous when a lot A LOT of people are staring at you, especially when the work that you produce affects the quality of their work, and their own careers. Now, I don’t get nervous when we self-produce shoots (which is typical), and I am even pretty confident about delivering tips or explaining design on camera — I’ve been doing it for so long and I really know my stuff. But the crew at Living Spaces challenged us all with doing a one take commercial, meaning the camera doesn’t cut and everything has to be done perfectly or else you start over, and over, and over. Our “one take” involved kids and dogs, making it even less predictable. So I really memorized my lines in advance (which I don’t often need to do) to ensure that it was there in my brain when I came to set. Then we rehearsed over and over and over on day one, fixing all the timing issues, telling the dogs to be released earlier/later or tweaking where the kid kicked the popcorn bowl. It was stressful, challenging and so fun — the mark of a fantastic day at work. Everyone had a GREAT attitude and when one person or another messed up, we just went back to one and started over (no stress or blame). After a day rehearsing (before cameras officially “rolled”) I arrived the day of the shoot feeling pretty good, but also knowing that I was the “star” of it and I had to hit the most lines at very specific markings and if I messed it up, back to one for everyone.

We ended up doing it 19 times (which took about 2 hours) and only a handful of them were because I messed up (which I felt proud of!). You can watch the video here (please do!).

Now if you don’t know Living Spaces I’m here to inform you it’s so great (also Nate and Jeremiah have an awesome line with them that I’m sure you’ve seen). They are pretty big in California so I’ve ordered from them a lot, especially when I lived there. Even before I partnered with them we would buy their pieces because they were affordable (think more than IKEA, less than Crate & Barrel) and they had a wide selection of styles – and here’s the kicker – they arrive FAST. Like within a week. We ordered our twin over queen bunk beds for the mountain house bunk room from them and not only did it come in 2 days but we paid to have them assemble which took a few hours. A real treat.

So I wanted to show you some of their summer pieces that they styled with (that I love) as well as a roundup of other pieces that I really like. Now I didn’t do the set design or styling (I never want to take credit for a team of talented people) but I got to see and approve it in advance to make sure that it would be rooms that I felt comfortable being photographed in.

Living Spaces rented whats called a “location house” which is often a personal home by someone who is comfortable renting out for TV/film/commercial productions. You basically hand over the keys to a producer where they have almost free reign to rearrange your home for their shooting purposes (often moving everything out and changing light fixtures). It’s very expensive and extremely disruptive but if you have a desirable house it can make a LOT of money (anywhere between $1,500 – $10k a day). I just think this stuff is fascinating. Now the house needs to be special, specific and easy to shoot (i.e. they rarely rent small houses that are hard to get a crew in and out of) and silly things like crew parking can become a barrier. This house was owned by Christina Hall (the host of “Flip Or Flop” with Tarek and now, “Christina By the Coast”). We didn’t see her at all, as most of the times families move out. But it was cool to be her hyper modern California home.

A huge thanks to the Living Spaces crew that made me feel so supported and comfortable, and was so incredibly dialed in. I’ve worked with so many crews over the years and was so impressed with how well everyone worked together and how much like a family it felt (many people have worked there for over 15+ years with a massive in-house crew). I was nervous about this job, y’all, due to the scripted nature of it so I was just incredibly thrilled when it went well, we had fun and everyone was happy at the end. It’s really all you can hope for :)

Now if you are in the market for pretty home furniture that is at a fantastic price point and will be delivered quickly (made by a company that supports their staff really well) here is a roundup of many of my favorite pieces.

140″ 4 Piece Modular L-Shaped Sectional | 34″ Black Modern Metal Task Table Lamp | Black Dining Chair With Woven Seat

Nora Natural Desk | 27″ Matte Black Modern Table Lamp | Dean Sand Upholstered Panel Bed

9′ Ivory Scallop Edge Outdoor Market Umbrella | Caldera Leather Accent Arm Chair | Black Traditional 72″ Storage Bookcase

And to normalize crew getting credit – a big thanks to the following heads of departments:

Director: Matt Odom
Video/Photo Production: Garret Shigenaka
Production Design: Jessie Harris
Food Styling: Joe Lazo
Hair and Makeup: Cristina McLamb

Peek Into Emily’s Etsy Cart – 6 Of Her Favorite New Artists And Vintage Dealers

I often forget that I have access to things like Emily Henderson’s Etsy account. And boy, any time I’m told to take a look to find a link for a blog post I get a little twinkle in my eye because I rememeber that I get to see everything she’s saved, what she’s purchased I might not yet know about, and what’s sitting in her cart…awaiting the all powerful purchase buttom. So when she was recently talking about all the great art she’s been finding on Etsy, I asked if I could do a post on the artists and dealers she’s currently loving. A you can tell from the fact that I’m writing this post, she said “no way!” to gatekeeping and “of course!” to sharing her awesome finds. Emily’s eye for art is just the best. Every time I’m on the art hunt, I honestly think to myself, “Would Emily buy this?” and it helps. This isn’t to say I think our personal styles are the same, they aren’t. But Emily is a stylist, an art mixing pro, and a lover of everything cool and good. If it’s awesome, she’ll always approve. Actually, I used my little imaginary Emily art consultant while buying a piece of art in Oaxaca last week. The real Emily hasn’t seen it yet, but I have a solid feeling she’ll approve. But naturally, conjuring a little Emily may not be as easy for those who haven’t had the pleasure of working for her for 8+ years. So this little roundup of artists and dealers will not only introduce you to awesome art, it’s Emily-approved in a real way instead of an imaginary one:) There are a variety of prices, styles, and mediums, so click through to see what you like. Etsy is our favorite online place to find unique art, but the scrolling can feel endless. We hope this post helps.

Wallflower Art Gallery

Vintage “GOLDEN DUSK ABSTRACT” Original Swedish Oil Painting | Vintage “FIELDS & MOUNTAINS” Belgian Original Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas

Starting out VERY strong with Wallflower Art Gallery. This Etsy shop has mostly vintage art with some contemporary, and it’s all so good. The green landscape piece has my whole heart and really reminds me of the one that Marlee and I were both drooling over at The Carly, where we stayed for our EHD team retreat. The prices are on the less budget-friendly side, but if you do have some budget or have saved for a special piece, definitely go check this shop out.

Brooke Rowe Art

ORIGINIAL Fine Art Modern Abstract Collage Minimalist Contemporary Decor Mixed Media | Modern Abstract Collage Art Print Minimalist Decor

As soon as I saw Brooke’s pieces saved, I thought, “Oh, I like these!” Her inventory definitely isn’t huge, but if you can get your hands on one of her collages, they are really affordable. That’s not so easy to come by for original art. The textures and patterns she uses are interesting and fun, but still neutral enough to go in any home. These pieces, float-mounted on a linen mat, would be so beautiful and make them look very expensive.

Maarten Leon

Reaching Higher | What Freedom Would Be

For a different type of collage, let me introduce you to Maarten Leon. His pieces are fun, chic, and minimal, and he offers other colors aside from blue, although we are partial to those, ha. If you know Emily, then you know she’s a huge fan of cool collage art (which is also apparent in this post), but the extra wonderful thing about this shop is that they are also affordable! Each piece ranges from about $23 to $85 (before shipping), depending on the print size you choose. The reviews also comment on how great the quality of the prints are. I would put either of these above in my home.

Lu Rotsen Abstract Art

Moody Minimalist Abstract | Modern and Contemporary Blue Wall Art

I was not surprised at all to see very cool oil paintings in her cart. Emily LOVES oil paintings. Artist, Lu Rotsen, has so many amazing options in a ton of different colors. These two, of course, are very much in the Emily Henderson color palette, so that’s why they are being featured:) The average piece runs about $100, and they ship from the US (Los Angeles to be exact)! I also want to mention that these pieces are small, which I also love. Perfect for a gallery wall addition, a shelf, or an unexpected spot. Sky’s the limit, but I wanted to make sure you knew. Oh, but they come framed, and you have two different wood options!

Nataly Mak

Oyster Oil Painting | Orange Original Painting Fruit Still Life Art

I have to be honest that I was a little surprised when I saw the oyster and wine piece on Em’s favorited list. It’s not because it isn’t awesome and fun, but because it’s not Emily’s typical style of art. But what did I literally say in the opening paragraph? “If it’s awesome, she’ll always approve.” So there you have it. Nataly Mak’s work has an Anthropologie art vibe, but at a much better cost. Oh, and some of her pieces (like the oyster and wine one) are MADE TO ORDER! So you’re getting an original piece regardless of whether it’s been sold before. But then, for others, you have the option of the original or a print for a more affordable price, like the orange slice piece above. So much variety in her shop.

By Aleth

Visage | Strata

If you’ve been looking for minimal, mostly neutral, original art, then By Aleth is for you. Each piece is one of a kind, and the artist uses a variety of mediums. The art is made in Australia, but the shipping is free, and the pieces themselves are extremely affordable, especially given that they are originals. These would easily add such a simple but interesting texture to any room. Another gem that Emily found:)

Well, I hope this was as fun and exciting for you as it was for me:) Art should be personal and meaningful, so finding pieces from the artists themselves that speak to you is pretty special. Maybe that happened for some of you today and you feel even more confident knowing Emily likes them too. If you have any artists or dealers you’d like to share, drop them in the comments!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: My Best Tips For Finding Vintage Art (My Most Prized Possessions)

What’s Up With My Brother’s River House? When Will The Rest Of It Be Revealed?

Well, I’m pleased as bunch to say that we have *almost* fully finished decorating, styling, and shooting my brother’s house. We spent a week there two weeks ago and styled the heck out of all the remaining spaces. Since the living room, kitchen, dining room, library and entry/staircase are all in view of each other it required to properly destroy that whole floor to make sure it all looked good (and balanced) together. I wanted it to be curated and edited, but still so homey and layered which was not hard, just very time consuming (and required a lot of shopping).

For example we needed so many pillows that you would see at the same time to style two huge living room daybeds/benches, two huge sofas, a huge chair then in the dining room – two huge dining benches/daybeds, then more on the the library sofa and the entryway sofa. Imagine the amount of pillows you need to “play with” in order to make them all look cohesive and balanced (like 50). This was incredibly fun, BTW. My favorite part of the job (I think?) So with my brother’s fam out of town Monday – Friday, we really ripped the house apart to finish her up.

So When Do We Get To See It?!!

Well, two things are holding us up – 1. A potential magazine feature, so I’m waiting on the editors to see what rooms (if any) they want exclusive to the magazine (i.e. we can’t publish til after). This might fall through as it’s not confirmed so we’ll know more soon (but we are excited – its always such an honor to get into print). And 2. We have a product launch that we shot heavily in this house and due to the tariff situation (that is changing daily) we have had some timing delays on the launch. Ideally, these photos would help launch that collection so we don’t want to publish them without actually having a link to purchase our new pretty things (that we are low-key obsessed with and very proud of).

Additionally, one of our pieces has to be reshipped with some design changes so we have to wait to shoot the family room until that comes in which might be 6 weeks from now. So technically, we are going to have to go back in July to get that last room.

Next week we are going back to get a bunch of family/kids/me + Ken shots and videos for all platforms so we can wrap up all our social footage and partnership deliverables. It’s been four years of partnerships on this house and I’m so excited to be able to put this content out there.

I think we’ll release the powder bath soon and technically we could show you the dining room (no EHD product in that one to wait for), but since it’s open to the kitchen/living room we also can’t really show you all the angles, so we might just wait til we can show you the whole thing (thus the update).

It feels VERY weird to be done with the house, and also I’m relieved. I was looking at our calendar for this summer which is usually full of river house and farmhouse shoots, but it’s kinda empty. So yes, I need a new project:) We will be starting the 1850s house soon, but that one is such a long game that requires inspectors and permits and so much heavy construction that it won’t really be the fun stuff for a while. So looking into what friends and family projects I can tackle for design/styling in the interim (and yes, I have a lot of other reader ideas, too). Regardless I want to balance these more high end remodels with some more fun budget or DIY stories. More to come:)

What I can tell you is that once we were done styling my brother’s house, it looked pretty incredible. I wanted to cry. In person it reminds me of a better mountain house – just warmer, more layered, more colorful but with the same wood/natural light vibe. I’m so thrilled with how it all came together and some of the shots really kill me, in the best of ways. I wish I could show you everything now but I hope you enjoy the sneak peeks:)

If you are new to this project here you can head to this landing page where every river house post lives – all the befores, process, and reveals.

Well actually here are all the reveals thus far:

The MudroomThe Downstairs Guest BathroomThe Back PatioThe Kitchen PatioThe Primary BedroomThe Primary BathroomThe Primary ClosetMy Niece’s BedroomMy Niece’s ClosetThe Kids’ Shared BathroomGuest BedroomThe Upstairs Guest BathroomThe Upstairs Laundry Room

Skip The Tariff Talk: 20 Made In America Home Brands We Love

Let down your guard: this is not a stuffy lecture about buying American-made product. (I’m sure you’ve heard enough of that on the news over the past few months!) I’m not here to stoke your tariff fears or to shame you for buying globally-sourced home goods. I am here, however, to provide a resource – a vetted collection of EHD’s favorite tried-and-true, US-crafted furniture and decor brands.

If you’re looking for sturdy, reliable, heirloom-quality pieces that have been designed, sourced, and built in our neck of the woods, you’re in luck. And in a modern world where supply chains have been well…a challenge, knowing your new sofa isn’t currently on a solo voyage across the Pacific for three months can be a real perk. Shall we?

The Sofa Stars & Seating Saviors

First up, let’s talk about the workhorses of our homes: sofas, sectionals, armchairs. These are the pieces that get the most love (and the most wear and tear – looking at you, kid with the sticky fingers and/or dog with the muddy paws).

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Maiden Home: Based in North Carolina (a state with a legendary furniture-making history), Maiden Home crafts beautiful, made-to-order pieces that feel both timeless and totally fresh. Think clean lines, sumptuous fabrics (yes, including performance fabrics that actually perform), and the kind of comfort that makes you want to cancel all your plans. Their pieces are easy to mix and match, but even easier to love forever.

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Clad Home: Long-time EHD readers have been well-acquainted with LA’s own Clad Home, a semi-custom furniture brand helmed by the ultra-talented Rosa Beltran. (Remember her genius brick house cladding hack?) You can tweak your dream sofa’s dimensions, choose from their expansive library of fabrics (or supply your own), and really make a piece that fits your life. It’s luxe, but livable. Their designs offer clean lines, incredible comfort, and pieces that will anchor your room for years to come. Emily had this light sage-colored sofa, then Sara got her little green one from them, and many years ago, EHD alum Melanie designed a couple of her sofas with Rosa, like from this reveal and this one. All very happy customers.

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Benchmade Modern: The name kind of says it all, right? Benchmade evokes the hands-on craftsmanship; Modern relays that these aren’t your grandma’s fussy antiques (unless your grandma has impeccable MCM taste, in which case I will happily accept an invitation to your next family function). Aside from the sleek, customizable designs, I love Benchmade’s commitment to getting you furniture FAST – like, “custom sofa delivered in a matter of weeks” fast. (PS. That’s Orlando’s house above! Check out the pic of Satie, his sweet pup, on their home page right now. ADORABLE.)

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Croft House: You get what you pay for. And when it comes to LA-based Croft House, you’re paying for solid wood, clean lines, and a bit of an industrial edge (but like, in the chic way, not in the tetanus-y way). They offer a distinct, California cool-meets-modern craftsman vibe that you’ll be proud to own – it’s a laid-back luxury that feels perfect for the moment.

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Sabai: HOW CUTE IS THAT LOVESEAT? Sabai proves that you don’t need to sacrifice affordability and style for sustainability. Their sofas are all made in North Carolina (again, legendary) from recycled and natural materials. The kicker? In addition to being one of the most budget-friendly options on this list, their pieces are designed to be repaired and refreshed over time. (Imagine that: an affordable sofa that isn’t destined for the landfill!)

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A post shared by Apt2B | Modern Furniture (@apt2b)

Apt2B: Also headquartered in LA, our friends at Apt2B (Arlyn’s former employer!) have nailed the market for people who want cool, punchy, and colorful sofas, sectionals, and sleeper sofas that won’t break the bank. They’re perfect for first homes, apartments, or anyone who wants a stylish upgrade without an overwhelming showroom experience. (While the upholstered furniture is made here in the US, they do source other items globally, so be sure to check each product page for specifics.) Pro tip: You can often grab up to 35% off during holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, BFCM, etc.), so bookmark your favs now to save later!

Case Goods & Character Pieces

Beyond the comfy, squishy stuff, let’s get into the pieces that add structure, storage, and major personality.

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Hedgehouse: Full disclosure: If I could fill my house with pieces from one American brand, this is who I’d choose. Hailing from – you guessed it – North Carolina, Hedgehouse is all about beautifully crafted, solid wood, beautifully-proportioned furniture that feels perfect for today. Their pieces aren’t fussy or fragile or precious – but they are fresh, sturdy, thoughtful, and sometimes even a little playful! Hedgehouse’s pieces are timeless workhorses – they’re the glue that will hold a room together, even as your style changes and develops. We’ve used them a bunch, but remember Emily’s LA counter stools and Arlyn’s nightstands? So beautiful.

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A post shared by Thos. Moser – Handmade American Furniture (@thosmoser)

Thos. Moser: Oh, do you appreciate fine woodworking and timeless design? Then Thos. Moser is the only name you need to know. Hand-built in Maine, their furniture is the epitome of American craftsmanship, drawing on Shaker traditions and a deep respect for the natural beauty of wood. These are splurgeworthy pieces, pure and simple. It’s an investment, but when you see the joinery, the finish, the sheer artistry…you get it. It’s not just furniture; it’s functional art. Let us not forget that the Portland Project had the honor of having a few of their pieces styled in it — the rocking chair in the entry, the tall wood chest in the primary bedroom, and a bunch of pieces in the guest rooms.

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A post shared by ELLE Decor (@elledecor)

Lawson-Fenning: Remember how I said this post wasn’t going to be me on a soapbox? I LIED! Because I will get a little preachy here. Listen: I’m from Delaware. I know what the big box stores and furniture outlet showrooms sell, and I know that you aren’t getting the better end of that deal. Instead, I’d like to present the LF collection – furniture that’s designed and crafted here in Los Angeles. The pieces are an investment, but they’re customizable, they retain their value over time, and the pricing really evens out at the top end (LF collection sectionals and comparably priced to the La-Z-Boy sectionals in my local big box store, for example). If you’re also trying to amend your consumption habits in favor of a “fewer, better” purchasing ethos, you will ALWAYS feel proud to have some design-forward LF furniture in your house. (I think I might need to buy something now?). Remember Emily’s LF cloud blue velvet sofa in her LA house? It was so good.

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A post shared by Medley | Eco-friendly Furniture + Decor (@hellomedley)

Medley Home: Looking for super natural, non-toxic materials? Medley is for you. They offer beautiful, handcrafted furniture made with things like FSC-certified wood, organic latex, and natural wool. (No chemical flame retardants or sketchy foams here.) They have a great range of sofas and chairs, and the peace of mind knowing your furniture is healthier for your home and the planet is priceless. (They also boast some of the kindest team members I’ve ever had the pleasure of emailing, so you’ll be glad that your purchase supports lovely people!)

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Fernweh Woodworking: Ring a bell? (Or two? Or three? I hope it does, because that’s literally Emily in the photo above. Here’s the reveal on the blog.) Based in Bend, Oregon, Justin Nelson of Fernweh Woodworking creates gorgeous, sculptural pieces. We’re talking chairs that look like art, tables with show-stopping joinery, and a level of craftsmanship that makes you stop and stare. (I promise! I’ve seen it!) This is small-batch, artisan-made furniture at its finest, with a clear passion for wood and design evident in every piece.

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A post shared by Emeco (@emecochairs)

Emeco: You might know Emeco for one chair in particular: the 1006 Navy Chair. Originally designed for WWII submarines (!!!), this aluminum icon is still made in Hanover, Pennsylvania, using the same 77-step process. It’s a testament to American ingenuity and timeless design. Emeco has since expanded its collection, often collaborating with world-renowned designers, and sustainability is a HUGE part of their ethos (many chairs are made from recycled materials). Not all of their newer collaborations or material explorations are exclusively US-made from start to finish, but their core aluminum products – the ones that made them famous – still hail from PA. (PS. They also have a beautiful studio space in Venice, CA – Jess and I have enjoyed design events there in the past. Couldn’t name a more hospitable, more collaborative brand – they’re really dedicated to building the American design ecosystem!)

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A post shared by Room & Board Modern Furniture (@roomandboard)

Room & Board: More than 90% of Room & Board’s product offering is made in America by nearly 12,000 craftspeople, stretching from California and North Dakota to Missouri and West Virginia. If I could sum up their furniture in one word, it’d be “sturdy” – we’ve used their pieces in client projects as well as the Portland Project like these dining room chairs and the Bay House’s patio furniture; I’ve opted for their casegoods in my own home (and I mainly buy vintage for its quality, so you know this stuff is GOOD). If you’re looking to build a worry-free foundation for your home that’s easy to decorate around, Room & Board is the ticket.

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BDDW: Can I afford a piece from BDDW? No. Can anyone on the EHD team afford a piece from BDDW? Also, no. But do I find myself stalking the BDDW auction, week after week, dreaming that one day, I’ll be able to purchase a credenza that isn’t the price of a mid-sized SUV? ABSOLUTELY YES. BDDW is kind of the be-all, end-all of American furniture making – their slab tables are legendary, their ceramics are works of art, and everything they produce has this incredible, almost mythic quality to it. It’s aspirational, it’s artistic, and it’s undeniably American with a fiercely independent spirit. Pricey? Oh yes. (Like, I could put a down payment on a house for the price of a BDDW sofa pricey.) Worth dreaming about? Without question. Oh, and if you’ve been a reader for awhile then you know this is Emily’s dream sofa:)

Lighting, Accessories & Finishing Touches

It’s not all about the big pieces! The details matter, and these American brands are ready to help you put the finishing touches on your warm, happy home.

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A post shared by Chasing Paper Wallpaper (@chasingpaper)

Chasing Paper: WHO KNEW?! I didn’t! But Chasing Paper sources and manufactures ALL of their product right here in the USA (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to be exact). They offer a massive range of traditional and removable wallpaper, murals, and tile decals, AND they collaborate with a wonderful slew of talented artists. It’s rare to find a small business in this category that’s producing all of their product here in the states – you can (and will!) feel great about supporting this one. If you want to see their paper in action, Arlyn used their beautiful peel-and-stick in her rental kitchen makeover!

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Framebridge: Getting art framed can feel like A Whole Thing, right? Framebridge has demystified the process and made custom framing accessible and – dare I say – enjoyable! Upload your art or mail it in with the provided packaging, choose your frame style, and voila – a beautifully framed piece arrives at your door. And yes, they do all their custom framing right here – in Kentucky and Maryland, to be exact. It’s a game-changer for finally getting those prints off your camera roll and onto your walls. (Let’s not forget that we published Susan Tynan’s house tour! She’s the founder of Framebridge, and her home is chock-full of great art ideas.) Emily has also used them a bunch, but look how sweet she made the gallery wall in Charlie’s old LA bedroom!

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East Fork Pottery: If you’ve also been putting off buying some of East Fork’s iconic dishware, NOW IS THE TIME! Based in the mountains of North Carolina, East Fork suffered some devastating losses during Hurricane Helene (if you missed it, you can catch up in their Vanity Fair profile). But the brand is back on its feet, and they’re ready to adorn your kitchen and/or dining room with the warmest, sweetest, home-iest pottery on the market. Every plate, cup, or bowl feels like it was pulled straight from Miss Honey’s cottage (but like, if Miss Honey were American and lived in 2025. We’re talking Matilda here, if the reference was lost!). It’s funny how some pieces can effortlessly convey such a sense of ease and joy – East Fork makes pieces that do just that. The founder, Alex, happens to be the grandson of Henri Matisse (yes, that Matisse!) and currently has a special collection honoring his grandfather’s most iconic art. If you’d like an EHD testimonial, Arlyn has been collecting pieces for years and adores them not only for how beautiful they are but also for their durability.

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Schoolhouse: Alright, eagle eyes – it’s your turn to tap in! Schoolhouse famously assembles its lighting up in Em’s neck of the woods (read: Portland). But that’s not all – did you know that their telephone tables, utility stools, and even some of their chairs are manufactured here in the USA? They’ll call out the production location right in the product description, so it’s easy to discern which pieces are American-crafted. Schoolhouse has continued to grow its offerings here, so keep your eyes peeled! Maybe we’ll see some American bedding and rugs soon, too. :) EHD has used them almost too many times to call out. But let us not forget the throw blanket everyone wanted from Kaitlin’s living room reveal.

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A post shared by Rejuvenation (@rejuvenation)

Rejuvenation: It’s fairly well-known that the majority of Rejuvenation’s hardwired lighting pieces are made to order in their Portland, OR facility. (I customized 2 semi-flush mount lights for my hallway in 2021 and still couldn’t be more thrilled with the quality.) But like Schoolhouse, Rejuvenation is beginning to source more and more product from American vendors – you can find furniture from North Carolina, plumbing from New York, and more. And I think we all know how Emily feels about Rejuvention, given she’s shopped there since she was a teenager and then has worked with them for at least a decade.

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A post shared by All-Clad Metalcrafters (@allclad)

All Clad: Again, with a few caveats: All Clad does source some products from abroad, but their fully-bonded cookware and bakeware are bonded, engineered, and assembled in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. And honestly, that works out great for us! We can avoid the non-stick pans and gadgets while opting for the sturdier, more tried-and-true pieces. It’s a win/win. Jess has a pan set and loves cooking with them!

And now, I gotta ask: who are we missing? Who should we try next? Are you a small business owner, crafter, builder, or maker who’s manufacturing furniture, decor, lighting, cookware, or any other home good right here in America? I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! (Seriously – I am that enthusiastic.) I’m all ears… xx

Opening Image Credits: Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | Left to Right — Left From: Experimenting In My Living Room: Trying to Find “THE” Rug | Middle From: Portland Project: The Living Room Reveal | Right From: 3 Years In The Making Then An Unexpected Move: Arlyn’s Bedroom Reveal Is A Lesson In The Beauty Of “Unfinished” Design

BIG Landscaping Update – Phase 2 Is Done And Our “Mistake” Is Finally Fixed!

I can’t tell you how happy I was to fix our own HUGE mistake – 1/3 of the sports court is now gone in favor of a lot of greenery, flagstone, picnic tables, and trees. We hired Dennis’ 7Dees to design and execute, and it went SO WELL. Started in February and done by late April (P.S. a great hack for speed is hiring them in the winter when they have more crews available, FYI). I couldn’t believe how fast and great they were, the yard transforming every single day. Brian and I were in awe. It turned out so beautiful and I feel extremely lucky and grateful. Weeks have gone by since we shot this, and it looks even more beautiful now, growing in so well. In case you are new here… we once had the world’s biggest run-down tennis court (see below) that stretched from the still-existing run-down tennis wall to the far edge of the split rail fence – MASSIVE. And after 4 years, it’s now the size that it should have always been.

When we bought the property, the entire width of the backyard was a broken asphalt tennis court. What a crazy transformation…

The thing is, when we first walked on the property, we loved it as-is. Truly. Sure, we knew we were going to transform it over time, but we had no idea what a beast it would end up being (a “where is the end of the string” panic for years). Once the construction around the house ruined most of the yard near the house, we enacted the landscaping phase one in 2021-2022, and it made such an incredible difference. But then we cut it short due to budget and renovation exhaustion. We knew we’d readdress it at some point (which apparently was this winter).

This is what it looked like summer of 2023 – so pretty and usable and honestly wonderful. But the sports court was still too big, so as we planned for the outdoor grill area, we decided to pull the band-aid off and hire someone to make all the changes we wanted to this area.

Let’s back up a bit, in 2020, we hired Cali from Studio Campo to design our backyard with a separate landscaping construction team to execute it. It was very wild-flowery, which we loved, and was a great year one impact (when we needed to shoot the Soake pool). During lockdown, she moved to Colorado with her new baby, and while she still takes jobs in Oregon for this phase, we wanted a design-build team to fully design and execute phase 2 (versus hiring a designer and hiring a separate contractor). We needed to streamline the work, with a design lead and one project manager who worked for the same company and knew each other (and had a shared vision). So we hired Dennis’ 7Dees, which did such an incredible job (and fast), more on that below.

The “sports court” (we never resurfaced it, so it was really just concrete) looked fine in that shot because it was brand new, but most of the year it looked like a dirty parking lot. It took a full 2 years for me to convince Brian that it was too big. The kids did love it, sure, but I also knew that they would love it if it were slightly smaller. The kids will be just fine, lol.

We made sure we left it big enough to have a pickleball court with space around it to play and hang out. The winter view is farrrrrrrr less inspiring. We also learned the importance of evergreen plants, so we ended up having Dennis’ 7Dees switch out a lot of the grasses and perennials for evergreen shrubs.

2025!!!

We are SO incredibly happy with how it looks and how speedy the entire process was. Eric (designer at Dennis’ 7Dees) did such a fantastic job selecting evergreens that still felt farmlike (we have some perennials, but we asked for 70% evergreen). You can’t have fast, cheap, and good, but we sure did get fast and good, so I’ll take it.

While I really did like the idea of the perennial wildflowers along this fenceline, they looked so sad in the winter and out of control in the summer, so we kept the cherry trees and whatever that purple ground cover is, and Eric planted evergreens and some flowering perennials along this fence. Excited to see how it grows in.

The flagstone looks so natural and like it’s always been there. We didn’t need more lawn, nor did we want unusable greenery in between the pool and pickleball area, so we asked for landing pads for picnic tables when we have large groups here (which is frequent). The picnic tables are great because the organic shape of flagstone that we love can be wobbly with dining chair legs, so these are so easy to set it and forget it (and it’s the vibe we wanted, too).

It occurred to me the other day that what we’ve been calling our “mini farm” (3 acres) now has a “mini pool” (our Soake pool), a mini gym (literally 10×12), and now a “mini tennis court” (aka pickleball court). The fact that we didn’t opt to adopt mini donkeys or miniature goats is CRIMINAL. There is still time, Farmer Brian Henderson.

The pickleball court finally got properly surfaced right after we shot the kitchen, and my goodness, it’s awesome to have. At the last minute (before the court was resurfaced) we found a team to throw up and screw in those cedar boards on our totally falling down tennis wall fence, flanking our green tennis wall. It helped a lot (and we gave them one coat of a gray stain to take down the orange and gray them out a bit). Of course after after we did that, we resurfaced the floor, and then the green wall looked so old and we realized it’s clearly falling down. Maybe we’ll tackle next summer – it’s fine enough for this summer, and I’m done thinking about this for a while (I much prefer lamps and pillows – this is Brian’s domain).

We ended up needing to put in a French drain along the side of the pickleball court because the drainage was awful during a weekend of super harsh rain. You see, the concrete that was demo’d left really, really hard soil underneath that they prepped for planting, but the extreme rainwater couldn’t absorb into the dirt fast enough. To avoid ruining the court (which I don’t even know if that’s a thing) Dennis’ 7Dees threw in a french drain along the court edge with river rocks on top (when I say “threw in” I mean everything costs thousands of dollars in landscape design but it sure happened quickly!).

Eric, the designer, selected most of the plants, and we tweaked very few of them. They sourced most from Monrovia because they are high quality and grown locally, and Monrovia was able to give us slightly bigger plants at a discount, which was lovely and appreciated. Everything is so much more grown in now. We opted not to plant between the flagstone (for budget purposes).

I have a few more posts I want to write about that will show how it’s growing in, what plants we used, what’s up with the clover field, and what the step-by-step process of this looked like for those who might want a similar huge revamp. I will say that while Dennis, 7Dees gave a discount for trade (photos, reels, etc.), I feel compelled to unnecessarily gush about them loudly because they were so awesome. They designed, executed, and we’ve hired them for maintenance. They were crazy fast, super experienced, and I felt generally so taken care of. And if you are in Lake Oswego, Vancouver, or Cedar Hills (not far from us), their retail nursery is awesome.

One More Quick Before (2020)

Not exactly the same angle (will get this summer) as Kaitlin has to stand on our roof (terrifying) and I’m not exactly going to micromanage her, but what a transformation!

Human for scale (the pool can be confusing, lol).

A big old thanks to Dennis’ 7Dees for landscape design and construction, Monrovia for a lot of the plants, Big Trees Today for the larger trees (will show you more soon of those). Excited to dive in more this summer as things grow in more and talk about why we put in a clover field, why we don’t love mulch (never will), as well as lighting, drainage, the construction process, and plant selection. So the first reveal of phase 2 is done, folks. More to come (always) but loving it so very, very much. Feeling so grateful to live here, and when the family is out BBQing and playing pickleball with all our friends, it feels actually surreal that this is ours and I’m this much of an adult. Like real simulation type stuff Thanks for reading. xx

Oh, and Dennis’ 7Dees is offering our readers 20% off retail purchases at our 5 garden center locations (valid in-store and online). Coupon valid through June 15th. Just use code: EMHENDERSON.

*Landscape Design – Dennis’ 7 Dees
**Plants by Monrovia
***Trees by Big Trees Today
****Photos by Kaitlin Green

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