Emily Henderson's Blog, page 114

On Turning 43, With 12 Things You Might Not Know About Me

As a “non-birthday” birthday person, I like to give my team the week off around September 1st, likely because I want it off myself and I’m an enneagram “7” so that seems “fun!” for everyone. This week we are moving into the farm, organizing 12 hours a day, and overwhelmed equally by “stuff” and gratefulness. I’m living on a cloud, wondering if this is the simulation (all fake), and knowing that you all are to thank for it. Thank you so much. I feel like the luckiest 43-year-old on the planet. I have a lot more to say, but for the sake of today, I thought I’d tell you a few things you might not know about me. Some frivolous. Some telling. Some deeply personal. Some I’m proud of and some not.

Three years ago, right before covid, I spent a 6 hour night with Wiz Kalifa to see if we were a good match for a “Snoop Dog/Martha Stewart” reboot show. The producers kept joking, everyone but me super stoned, about how we were a great fit for TV because I would do “all the work and talking while he could be high and funny”. I laughed, soaked up the memory of this crazy Hollywood stint, and then dialed the “uh, f*ck no” call the next day. He was super sweet, but not the right fit 🙂 I played the grand piano at Nordstrom (Pioneer Square, Portland, OR) during Christmas my junior and senior year of high school. I would sneak in “The Man from Snowy River” theme song in between the more appropriate carols because it would make me cry and I liked to be emo. It was 1996 and I had a lot of emotions. IYKYK. (cue that soundtrack for the rest of this post please). I’m scared of sheep (and large birds). My sister won one in a lamb scramble when I was 6. My brother told me I could ride it and put me on its back enough times for it to hate me and want me dead. I couldn’t go outside for the summer because it would run hard and ram me over, til it one day “left”. I thought sex was crawling inside a man’s t-shirt and kissing so hard until I was 13. Like, literally going up and into a man’s t-shirt, sharing the neck hole with both heads, while you kiss and kiss and kiss. I think maybe since I didn’t know what it was (raised Mormon) I just created my own fantasy, and this T-shirt move was both super close/snuggly and yet still modest? As you can imagine my friends have a great time with that one and I was pretty shocked to learn in 7th-grade sex ed what was actually involved… I have a very good sense of direction. I think this is from being a stylist for years where you have to travel the city from top to bottom and side to side to find what you need. I knew New York better than most new Yorkers and same in LA. Portland, you are next. I always know which way is north and I take far too much pride in it. I’ve been getting botox in my forehead and my “11s” since I was 28 (I had very premature wrinkles). I’m neither proud nor ashamed of it, but sure, I wish I didn’t feel the need to get it nor chase youth. But yes, I’m glad that it’s a highly effective option that can help me look more like how I feel on the inside. If only society and culture could, like, totally dismantle the myth of youthfulness and female beauty, you know? At this point, I know only a few people that don’t get it at my age, so I feel more comfortable admitting that I have (for 14 years! Only took breaks while pregnant and breastfeeding). But no, we still don’t photoshop faces on this blog. My first boyfriend, from the age of 14-19, was pretty darn verbally and emotionally abusive (cheating/gaslighting/leaving on the sides of highways, etc). He was 4 years older and your actual nightmare if you have a teenage daughter. I’ve written about it a lot (including why I stayed with him for so long) but never published anything. Someday I might. The fact that I met Brian two years later and we have such a solid healthy relationship is a crazy miracle, and a testament to the kindness of the universe, the strengths of my childhood friendships (the ones I moved back to Portland to be with), and a lot of resilience instilled by my parents. If you were ever or are in a relationship with someone who makes you feel like you are a crazy piece of garbage, know that you aren’t alone. I know how hard it can be to get out. You aren’t crazy. He is cheating. 🙂 I’m extremely fast at typing and have virtually illegible penmanship. Like I have to work hard to model good writing for my kids because my hands/fingers have been typing for 4 hours a day for so long that I can barely hold a pen anymore. I write like a 3rd grader. I’ve supported myself completely financially since I was 17 and paid for my own college. Forcing complete self-reliance is one of the best gifts my parents inadvertently gave me. It helped me build so much self-worth, confidence, and independence. I’m not sure who I was before that, maybe I was always independent and fearless when it came to surviving big life changes, but I know that it helped give me the sense that I could do anything. Ironically…I can’t, however, seem to “open a piece of mail” and had a really terrible credit score until Brian started doing this task for us (something he is also terrible at, but better than myself). I still think there should be a high school course where you just practice opening your mail, emails, and paying bills. A combination of exposure therapy and hopefully creating some lasting habits? I made a college professor quit due to sexual misconduct. I wrote him a letter asking who he wanted to tell the police – me or him (such an “Emily” move – assertive but making the other person do the work), and then he moved the next week (after writing me a super strange apology card that I still have). Looking back I should have just gone to the dean and made it so he could never teach again, but I didn’t. I guess I hoped he would learn his lesson and he was my favorite professor… I’ll eat anything on a menu that has “English peas” or any type of “slaw” on the side. It could be “Ground dog poop over a bed of English peas and a side of slaw” and I’d be like “ooh, that sounds yummy”. Brian gets a real kick out of this quirk.

Thanks for reading along – both this post and the last 13 years for some of you. Life is far from perfect, on and off the internet, but I am so happy to be here with you approaching middle age and kinda loving it. Everything they say is true – your 40s really are when life becomes more crystalized when your decisions can be made more swiftly because you draw on your life experiences. In your 40s your priorities and values are driving the car of life. And while you still need to be awake, you can relax a bit more knowing that you have this wealth of 40 years of life experiences, of being YOU, steering the wheel. You can cut through the noise faster, with more confidence, and you have a sense of an expanded timeline – releasing the perceived importance of every single day. Every occasion. Every “opportunity”. It’s all stuff you can’t really learn until you need to, but maybe some of this resonates with some of you.

Oh, I do love (and need) a good self-indulgence blog post/journal entry now and again. Thanks for listening. Always 🙂 xx

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

The post On Turning 43, With 12 Things You Might Not Know About Me appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Decorate Like A Designer – 20 Unexpected Furniture/Decor Combos Picked From The Lulu & Georgia Labor Day Sale

Perhaps one of the most difficult things to do when designing a room is creating one that is functional, stylish, cohesive, and reflects your personality. All rooms don’t have to be all of those things, but I think because we are used to seeing perfectly styled rooms that are also UNIQUE, it’s normal to crave that satisfaction in our own homes. But I must remind you (and myself) that the perfectly styled rooms we see on the internet are the result of SEVERAL professionals working together and often borrowing products and styling for one specific shot. Most people don’t live in magazine-worthy homes. That said, I know what it feels like to want a home that is functional, stylish, cohesive, and reflects MY personality. There are many ways to do this, but today I am talking about creating unexpected furniture and decor combinations to make a room feel fresh and exciting (but still cohesive). So how do we do it? I’m glad you asked. The three simple ways to achieve this are:

1. Don’t be afraid to mix several different styles.

2. Combine different textures, patterns, and colors.

3. Incorporate a variety of shapes.

Simple enough, right? And guys, you can even do all three! Just remember, the #1 rule is you can mix ANY style as long as you have a consistent color palette throughout the space.

So since Lulu & Georgia is having their annual Labor Day sale (praise be) and they are our favorite one-stop shop for all things furniture and decor, we put together some shoppable pairings that are exciting and make our hearts beat a little faster. (P.S. all of the products are currently on sale, and the price listed under the product photos is NOT the marked-down price. Be sure to click the link to see the on-sale price). Let’s get into it.

Sofas + Coffee Tablesphoto by sara ligorria-tramp | from: our light filled neutral and textural living room

Let’s start with the main living room players: the sofa and the coffee table. In the mountain house living room above, Emily matched a modern vintage sculptural sofa with a modern organic oval coffee table. This choice feels unexpected because the shapes are so different, but they still feel cohesive together because both are neutral and work within the color palette of the room.

1. Gunther Sofa + Duke Round Coffee Table: I love that both these pieces have flat, curved bases but their style and color are different. The sofa is very quiet and minimal so it contrasts really well with a black table that has a dramatic marble texture.
2. Fabienne Sofa + Brisa Coffee Table: This might be my favorite pairing of all time!! The texture combination alone is breathtaking. Geen velvet and burlwood are a match made in literal heaven. Also, please note the legs on the sofa versus the coffee table. The round traditional curves of sofa legs mixed with the postmodern double-block coffee table legs creates a lovely and unexpected juxtaposition.
3. Eleanor Sofa + Dija Round Table: There’s no doubt that the sofa is elegant. She’s refined. She’s luxurious. So are you surprised she pairs so well with the natural wood industrial-style coffee table? It must be the hard lines of the table mixed with the curves of the sofa that make it such a unique (but oh so good) pairing.
4. Breanne Leather Sofa + Ada Oval Coffee Table: Last but not least in this category we have this classic brown leather sofa and modern coffee table. The sofa tufting, color, and shape give it a vintage look so when paired with the very contemporary oval coffee table it is surprising but really special. The thick coffee table legs really stand out against the tapered sofa legs. Like I said, SO good.

Side Tables + Lightingdesign by jess bunge for ehd | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the feel-good modern romantic bedroom makeover

Side tables and lighting are often coupled together in a room, and both are small enough that you can really get creative by pairing different styles or shapes. In the above bedroom, Jess scored two vintage nightstands and added a modern flair by using two brass dome table lamps. The brass coupled with the dark wood is STUNNING and really gives the room a fresh feel.

1. Culver Side Table + Enno Table Lamp: I love how the inverted triangle shape of the table makes it wider on the top and narrow on the bottom, and on the contrary, the bulb-shaped lamp has a wider base and narrower top. That contrast just looks so cool together, and the smooth all-white lamp really pops nicely against the natural wood grain and fluted detail.
2. Mathus Side Table + Thaddeus Marble Table Lamp: I love this traditional yet industrial matte black side table with a rustic wooden lamp. The large lampshade also adds a traditional flair that speaks to the style of the table. I NEED to see this pair in a room somewhere…
3. Pentwater Side Table + Annika Floor Lamp: That Sarah Sherman Samuel coiled side table already has an interesting shape and a lot of movement, so it calls for a mate that is more simple and classic. The double-necked floor lamp gives just that.
4. Remwald Side Table + Saima Table Lamp: I love the chunkiness of the side table and the light natural wood finish. Paired with the U-shaped lamp base and scalloped shade detail, the table feels modern and fresh.

Dining Tables + Chairsdesign by allison pierce | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the no-reno house that looks completely renovated

Mixing the style of your dining table and chairs is the easiest way to create a unique look in your dining room. The more opposing the styles, the better IMHO. I love in the above dining room by Allison Pierce, she mixed a sleek, mid-century modern table with antique farmhouse chairs. The chairs are so stunning and have the coolest details. Do you see those chunky back legs and the back design?? It looks so fresh and exciting paired with the more modern, hard lines of the table.

1. Sandy Dining Table + Whit Dining Chair: That Sarah Sherman Samuel dining chair is something else. It’s so sculptural and elegant that it could potentially look stellar with any style dining table. The unique pairing with the industrial farmhouse table though is such a cool look.
2. Nera Round Dining Table + Lerri Dining Chair: I can easily imagine this chunky wood table in a minimal home with light wood chairs, but paired with a colorful upholstered one, the irregular shape of the table really stands out which makes the pair so interesting together.
3. Maelea Bistro Table + Sydney Dining Chair (Set of 2): I think anything industrial paired with an extremely modern or sculptural element will turn heads. Mark today as the day I learned boucle and aluminum are meant to be together.
4. Ashford Dining Table + Raiatea Dining Chair: Not only is the dining chair woven giving it a beautiful texture, but it also has a unique shape. That texture and shape mixed with the sleek lines of this table are so good, plus I just love a light color chair paired with an all-black table. SWOON.

Rugs + Wallpaperdesign by kirsten blazek | photo by alex zarour of virtually here studios | from: tour creative director of 1000x better kirsten blazek’s soulful vintage filled home

Wallpaper or a rug can easily be a jumping-off point for designing a room since they can be very large and stand-out pieces. If you want to create an exciting room right off the bat, you can start with a bold wallpaper mixed with a bold rug. Take this bedroom for example. If you don’t immediately recognize it, this is home of Kirsten Blazek, who I personally revere for her expert use of wallpaper. I love how the large-scale, colorful cactus flowers bring in an eclectic desert vibe, and then the rug grounds the room but still has a pattern and color that contrasts the wallpaper. The pair together truly elevates the room and is so pleasing to the eye.

1. Apple Wallpaper + Senna Rug: Moody Victorian-style wallpaper plus a thick geometric lined rug equals me falling head over heels. I really want to see these two in a room ASAP.
2. Persimmon Birds Wallpaper + Irregular Grid Rug: I love this pairing so much it’s making me rethink everything. I am not currently trying to design my bedroom (since my husband and I will likely have to move to a two-bedroom soon) but that botanical wallpaper with the irregular grid rug would be perfect to create a cozy yet eclectic bedroom.
3. Checkerboard Wallpaper + Daelon Rug: Remember when I said you can mix any style as long as you stick to a consistent color palette? I think this pair here proves that. The trendy checkered wallpaper looks like it was made to be matched with a vintage-style Persian rug.
4. Francois Floral Wallpaper + Benita Geometric Striped Rug: I think this pair proves botanicals and grids are perfect together. The floral pattern is timeless and the grid is more trendy so the two together creates an exciting look. But again, these two are working well together because they have a similar color palette so the clashing of patterns is still easy on the eye.

Wall Art + Decorstyling by lulu and georgia | photo by sara ligorria-tramp

Our final category is wall art and decor which is probably the area you can have the most fun with. Decor is often smaller in scale (I say often because statues and large sculptures do exist and are AWESOME) so it’s low risk and high reward. In the above vignette, a large abstract painting (leaned instead of hung which is one of our favorite styling tricks) is matched with a miniature ladder. I love how the ladder feels eclectic yet quiet and vintage, while the painting is modern and bold. The two together feel special and intentional.

1. Study of Clouds + Ema Vases (Set of 2): A classic vintage style cloud painting with muted blue tones pairs beautifully with these two marbled gray narrow-necked vases. I love how the modern vase shape and dark color contrast with the soft colors of the painting and the ornate brass frame.
2. See Through Wall Art + Cascina Vase: This abstract modern art piece is quiet enough that it is complemented by the organic-looking vase really nicely. I especially love the rattan-wrapped handles that bring in a rustic flair.
3. Botanical Study + Minah Vases (Set of 2): The way the cast-aluminum finish juxtaposes the yellow and green hues of the botanical painting is almost too good for my eyes to handle. Once again, a vintage-style painting with modern vases creates such a fresh and unique look.
4. Sculpture I & II Print + Sina Vase: This large-scale block art has hard geometric lines so an organic-looking, sculptural vase creates movement that is really fun to see. I love how this vase can be a flower vessel or just stand alone as its own sculptural decor element.

Alright my friends, this is where I begrudgingly leave you (I swear I could fantasize about unexpected furniture pairings all day long). Which one is your favorite? Are you feeling inspired to try any of these out in your home? Tell me everything. xx

Opener Image Credits: Design and Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: All Your Living Room Styling Questions Answered

The post Decorate Like A Designer – 20 Unexpected Furniture/Decor Combos Picked From The Lulu & Georgia Labor Day Sale appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Decorate Like A Designer – 20 Unexpected Furniture/Decor Combos Picked From The Lulu & Georgia Labor Dale Sale

Perhaps one of the most difficult things to do when designing a room is creating one that is functional, stylish, cohesive, and reflects your personality. All rooms don’t have to be all of those things, but I think because we are used to seeing perfectly styled rooms that are also UNIQUE, it’s normal to crave that satisfaction in our own homes. But I must remind you (and myself) that the perfectly styled rooms we see on the internet are the result of SEVERAL professionals working together and often borrowing products and styling for one specific shot. Most people don’t live in magazine-worthy homes. That said, I know what it feels like to want a home that is functional, stylish, cohesive, and reflects MY personality. There are many ways to do this, but today I am talking about creating unexpected furniture and decor combinations to make a room feel fresh and exciting (but still cohesive). So how do we do it? I’m glad you asked. The three simple ways to achieve this are:

1. Don’t be afraid to mix several different styles.

2. Combine different textures, patterns, and colors.

3. Incorporate a variety of shapes.

Simple enough, right? And guys, you can even do all three! Just remember, the #1 rule is you can mix ANY style as long as you have a consistent color palette throughout the space.

So since Lulu & Georgia is having their annual Labor Day sale (praise be) and they are our favorite one-stop shop for all things furniture and decor, we put together some shoppable pairings that are exciting and make our hearts beat a little faster. (P.S. all of the products are currently on sale, and the price listed under the product photos is NOT the marked-down price. Be sure to click the link to see the on-sale price). Let’s get into it.

Sofas + Coffee Tablesphoto by sara ligorria-tramp | from: our light filled neutral and textural living room

Let’s start with the main living room players: the sofa and the coffee table. In the mountain house living room above, Emily matched a modern vintage sculptural sofa with a modern organic oval coffee table. This choice feels unexpected because the shapes are so different, but they still feel cohesive together because both are neutral and work within the color palette of the room.

1. Gunther Sofa + Duke Round Coffee Table: I love that both these pieces have flat, curved bases but their style and color are different. The sofa is very quiet and minimal so it contrasts really well with a black table that has a dramatic marble texture.
2. Fabienne Sofa + Brisa Coffee Table: This might be my favorite pairing of all time!! The texture combination alone is breathtaking. Geen velvet and burlwood are a match made in literal heaven. Also, please note the legs on the sofa versus the coffee table. The round traditional curves of sofa legs mixed with the postmodern double-block coffee table legs creates a lovely and unexpected juxtaposition.
3. Eleanor Sofa + Dija Round Table: There’s no doubt that the sofa is elegant. She’s refined. She’s luxurious. So are you surprised she pairs so well with the natural wood industrial-style coffee table? It must be the hard lines of the table mixed with the curves of the sofa that make it such a unique (but oh so good) pairing.
4. Breanne Leather Sofa + Ada Oval Coffee Table: Last but not least in this category we have this classic brown leather sofa and modern coffee table. The sofa tufting, color, and shape give it a vintage look so when paired with the very contemporary oval coffee table it is surprising but really special. The thick coffee table legs really stand out against the tapered sofa legs. Like I said, SO good.

Side Tables + Lightingdesign by jess bunge for ehd | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the feel-good modern romantic bedroom makeover

Side tables and lighting are often coupled together in a room, and both are small enough that you can really get creative by pairing different styles or shapes. In the above bedroom, Jess scored two vintage nightstands and added a modern flair by using two brass dome table lamps. The brass coupled with the dark wood is STUNNING and really gives the room a fresh feel.

1. Culver Side Table + Enno Table Lamp: I love how the inverted triangle shape of the table makes it wider on the top and narrow on the bottom, and on the contrary, the bulb-shaped lamp has a wider base and narrower top. That contrast just looks so cool together, and the smooth all-white lamp really pops nicely against the natural wood grain and fluted detail.
2. Mathus Side Table + Thaddeus Marble Table Lamp: I love this traditional yet industrial matte black side table with a rustic wooden lamp. The large lampshade also adds a traditional flair that speaks to the style of the table. I NEED to see this pair in a room somewhere…
3. Pentwater Side Table + Annika Floor Lamp: That Sarah Sherman Samuel coiled side table already has an interesting shape and a lot of movement, so it calls for a mate that is more simple and classic. The double-necked floor lamp gives just that.
4. Remwald Side Table + Saima Table Lamp: I love the chunkiness of the side table and the light natural wood finish. Paired with the U-shaped lamp base and scalloped shade detail, the table feels modern and fresh.

Dining Tables + Chairsdesign by allison pierce | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the no-reno house that looks completely renovated

Mixing the style of your dining table and chairs is the easiest way to create a unique look in your dining room. The more opposing the styles, the better IMHO. I love in the above dining room by Allison Pierce, she mixed a sleek, mid-century modern table with antique farmhouse chairs. The chairs are so stunning and have the coolest details. Do you see those chunky back legs and the back design?? It looks so fresh and exciting paired with the more modern, hard lines of the table.

1. Sandy Dining Table + Whit Dining Chair: That Sarah Sherman Samuel dining chair is something else. It’s so sculptural and elegant that it could potentially look stellar with any style dining table. The unique pairing with the industrial farmhouse table though is such a cool look.
2. Nera Round Dining Table + Lerri Dining Chair: I can easily imagine this chunky wood table in a minimal home with light wood chairs, but paired with a colorful upholstered one, the irregular shape of the table really stands out which makes the pair so interesting together.
3. Maelea Bistro Table + Sydney Dining Chair (Set of 2): I think anything industrial paired with an extremely modern or sculptural element will turn heads. Mark today as the day I learned boucle and aluminum are meant to be together.
4. Ashford Dining Table + Raiatea Dining Chair: Not only is the dining chair woven giving it a beautiful texture, but it also has a unique shape. That texture and shape mixed with the sleek lines of this table are so good, plus I just love a light color chair paired with an all-black table. SWOON.

Rugs + Wallpaperdesign by kirsten blazek | photo by alex zarour of virtually here studios | from: tour creative director of 1000x better kirsten blazek’s soulful vintage filled home

Wallpaper or a rug can easily be a jumping-off point for designing a room since they can be very large and stand-out pieces. If you want to create an exciting room right off the bat, you can start with a bold wallpaper mixed with a bold rug. Take this bedroom for example. If you don’t immediately recognize it, this is home of Kirsten Blazek, who I personally revere for her expert use of wallpaper. I love how the large-scale, colorful cactus flowers bring in an eclectic desert vibe, and then the rug grounds the room but still has a pattern and color that contrasts the wallpaper. The pair together truly elevates the room and is so pleasing to the eye.

1. Apple Wallpaper + Senna Rug: Moody Victorian-style wallpaper plus a thick geometric lined rug equals me falling head over heels. I really want to see these two in a room ASAP.
2. Persimmon Birds Wallpaper + Irregular Grid Rug: I love this pairing so much it’s making me rethink everything. I am not currently trying to design my bedroom (since my husband and I will likely have to move to a two-bedroom soon) but that botanical wallpaper with the irregular grid rug would be perfect to create a cozy yet eclectic bedroom.
3. Checkerboard Wallpaper + Daelon Rug: Remember when I said you can mix any style as long as you stick to a consistent color palette? I think this pair here proves that. The trendy checkered wallpaper looks like it was made to be matched with a vintage-style Persian rug.
4. Francois Floral Wallpaper + Benita Geometric Striped Rug: I think this pair proves botanicals and grids are perfect together. The floral pattern is timeless and the grid is more trendy so the two together creates an exciting look. But again, these two are working well together because they have a similar color palette so the clashing of patterns is still easy on the eye.

Wall Art + Decorstyling by lulu and georgia | photo by sara ligorria-tramp

Our final category is wall art and decor which is probably the area you can have the most fun with. Decor is often smaller in scale (I say often because statues and large sculptures do exist and are AWESOME) so it’s low risk and high reward. In the above vignette, a large abstract painting (leaned instead of hung which is one of our favorite styling tricks) is matched with a miniature ladder. I love how the ladder feels eclectic yet quiet and vintage, while the painting is modern and bold. The two together feel special and intentional.

1. Study of Clouds + Ema Vases (Set of 2): A classic vintage style cloud painting with muted blue tones pairs beautifully with these two marbled gray narrow-necked vases. I love how the modern vase shape and dark color contrast with the soft colors of the painting and the ornate brass frame.
2. See Through Wall Art + Cascina Vase: This abstract modern art piece is quiet enough that it is complemented by the organic-looking vase really nicely. I especially love the rattan-wrapped handles that bring in a rustic flair.
3. Botanical Study + Minah Vases (Set of 2): The way the cast-aluminum finish juxtaposes the yellow and green hues of the botanical painting is almost too good for my eyes to handle. Once again, a vintage-style painting with modern vases creates such a fresh and unique look.
4. Sculpture I & II Print + Sina Vase: This large-scale block art has hard geometric lines so an organic-looking, sculptural vase creates movement that is really fun to see. I love how this vase can be a flower vessel or just stand alone as its own sculptural decor element.

Alright my friends, this is where I begrudgingly leave you (I swear I could fantasize about unexpected furniture pairings all day long). Which one is your favorite? Are you feeling inspired to try any of these out in your home? Tell me everything. xx

Opener Image Credits: Design and Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: All Your Living Room Styling Questions Answered

The post Decorate Like A Designer – 20 Unexpected Furniture/Decor Combos Picked From The Lulu & Georgia Labor Dale Sale appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The 5 Go-To/No-Fail Living Room Layout Configuration Options To Make The Most Out Of Your Space

Have you ever had a tough time trying to figure out the right seating layout for your living room? ME TOO. Remember this post? You just want it to make sense AND look good. Now, every living room is basically its own little snowflake, unique and likely stocked with architectural features that make you question if anyone involved in the home building process thinks about furniture placement. Not trying to throw shade buuuuttttt… So today we have our 5 go-to seating furniture configurations to hopefully be the Advil for your layout headache. Now since living rooms aren’t all shaped the same, you may need to slightly modify these to make them work best for your space. But don’t worry because we are going to talk through them all.

As I was compiling these layouts based on rooms we have actually designed, this one was one of the most popular. It offers lots of seating options, is perfect for a living room with one main focal point (yes, like a fireplace or where you want to put your tv), and really fills out a room but not in a super crowded way (unless you have a small living room).

MODIFICATIONS:

If you have a smaller living room, you can take away one, two, or all three of the accent chairs (maybe add a small ottoman or two for more seats).If it looks too crowded or is unnecessary, you don’t need to have a side table for each seat and/or each side of the sofa. The “lone chair” can be placed diagonally as shown in the graphic or placed directly across from the two chairs.

DESIGN TIPS:

Make sure that all of your accent chairs don’t match. We almost always have the two that are side-by-side match but the third, on the other side, be different.Mix up materials in both fabrics and table finishes.Mix up table shapes. It’s going to look “one-note” if say all of your tables are circles.

Let’s now look at some examples:

photo by david tsay for styled: secrets for arranging rooms, from tabletops to bookshelves

This living room belongs to the founder of Schoolhouse Electric, Brian Faherty, and was styled for Em’s first book. Notice how Brian chose a traditional leather chesterfield sofa, with two midcentury modern style matching chairs in a classic patterned fabric, then to mix up the seating even more he chose a beautiful MCM lounge chair and ottoman. None of the seating matches but they all work together and are perfectly complemented by that simple industrial coffee table. Notice also how he only has one side table. I think it would have felt crowded otherwise. So then with a few other furniture pieces along the perimeter, this layout is comfortable, visually interesting, and perfectly fills in the space.

photos by zeke ruelas | from: brady’s living room reveal

Here was Brady’s first iteration of his living room layout. Same idea as Brian’s but flipped. Brady also added a side table between the set of leather chairs.

photo by zeke ruelas | from: brady’s living room reveal

Here you now can see that the layout is focused around his awesome fireplace:) Also instead of a larger lounge chair, he choose a fun-shaped accent chair in a lighter toned leather without any kind of ottoman or table. Since his living room was smaller he didn’t need it for the room to feel full.

photo by zeke ruelas | from: ginny’s living room reveal

EHD alum, Ginny, also decided this was the best layout for maximum seating and focusing on her fireplace.

photos by zeke ruelas | from: ginny’s living room reveal

Ginny also had to deal with the fact that her front door opened into her living room. Because of that, the two matching chairs are slightly further from the sofa (not touching the rug), giving the illusion of a separate seating area and entry. A very slight modification that makes a big difference for the flow of the room.

Now for Option Two! So maybe you don’t love that first layout or maybe you have more than one focal point. This is a great option for you then. Having two chairs directly across from your sofa is a great way to prioritize conversation while still making sure your TV can also be a priority.

MODIFICATIONS:

Chairs can be split up to be across from each other (so a simpler version of Option One)You can decrease your number of side tables.You can replace the chairs with a bench (but that might not be as comfortable to sit on:))The sofa could be a sectional as seen in Em’s old living room.

DESIGN TIP:

If you want to be able to see what is behind the chairs, make sure they have a low profile. You don’t want to block the TV if no one is sitting in them!photo by tessa neustadt | from: mel’s living room reveal

Another EHD Design Team Alum, Mel, perfectly achieved this layout in her old living room. Her view was clearly a priority for her so she chose to have her sofa facing that direction so she could enjoy it. Then to have her living room still feel cozy yet airy, she placed those two beautiful light leather chairs directly across for when she had a few guests over. Notice how the wall with the credenza is another focal point and this layout also invites it in.

photos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: ugly cry” warning: sara gives her momma’s living room a refresh for mother’s day

When Sara helped her parents refresh their living room this was also the perfect layout given the two points of entry and the fireplace. It feels open yet cozy. They also didn’t have to worry about a tv for this space so using the taller wingback chairs was an awesome design choice that gave the room more visual levels.

photos by tessa neustadt | from: griffith park sunroom reveal

While this isn’t a pass-through room, this is a great layout if you have one. Actually, this is a great example!

If you have a large living room with one designated focal point, this could be a great option for you. It gives you a ton of seating and is perfect for facilitating conversations. I think we could all use more of that!

MODIFICATIONS:

If you don’t have space for the accent chairs get’em outta there!Add or take away side tables as needed.

DESIGN TIP:

Unless you have a strong vision and want to break the rules, pick matching sofas and then matching accent chairs. If you are desperate to mix things up a little but don’t know where to start, choose the same sofa (or chair) and just pick a different color in the same fabric. Like two of the same velvet sofa in two different colors. photo by tessa neustadt | from: griffith park living room reveal

This is best shown in the Griffith Park Living Room. The focal point is clearly the fireplace (ornate and traditional), the sofas (simple and modern) are matching as well as the chairs (modern and vintage). Can you just imagine all the fun game (and maybe wine) nights that have been held in this room?? Also, that organic coffee table is incredible and brings so much movement and contrasts the traditional style of the home perfectly.

design by annie segal and marieke ochtman of asom home | styled by pop up home | photo by corey gibbons | from: tour this house flip in the hills (by emily’s friend of asom home)

So these boucle beauts are more loveseat sized but you still get the idea. The difference with this layout is that the chairs are next to the fireplace and are on a diagonal. Looks very cool and fun.

You knew I wouldn’t leave you without talking about a sectional layout:) This is another Em Henderson go-to. It’s great for a large living room with a focal point like a fireplace. Let’s just jump right in:

MODIFICATIONS:

Doesn’t matter which side the chaise is on.Both chairs can be placed at a diagonal. Take away a chair if you don’t have the space.Add or take away side tables as needed.

DESIGN TIP:

Personally, I think it’s more visually interesting for the chairs to be different but as you will see below matching look great too.photos by tessa neustadt | from: how to add style to a neutral living room (+ get the look)

Ahhh. The stunning Glendale house. Em has always said she didn’t finally nail the layout and color palette of this room until this version (the one she styled to sell it). But the brown leather chair is spaced just far enough from the sectional’s chaise to not crowd it but isn’t so far that it feels all by itself. Then the opposite chair helps to bring in the other side of the room. Big fan.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: mountain house reveal: our light-filled neutral textural living room

At the mountain house, Em did more of the “pair of chairs” look across from the sectional but choose mix-matched chairs for a unique, eclectic look. Those organic side tables and coffee table also help to really fill out the space.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the ultimate family-friendly media room + wet bar

The media room from the Portland Project, has this layout but used matching accent chairs and they look great.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the ultimate family-friendly media room + wet bar

Also because they are close to the wall, it was the perfect opportunity to use high-back chairs. No need to worry about blocking any views:)

Last but not least we have “the small living room” layout. I kinda covered this in Option One but I wanted to give you some visual examples.

MODIFICATIONS:

You can take away the chair or replace it with a small ottoman.You can take away a side table.

DESIGN TIP:

Don’t be afraid of standard-sized furniture in a small space. Sometimes “small space” specific furniture can make a room look even smaller. Of course, be sure to measure to make sure the pieces will fit and not overcrowd. It’s a balance:)

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: jess’ long awaited (small space) living room reveal

Here’s my old little baby living room. I didn’t choose the smallest size sofa offered and was able to fit two side tables and that fun little accent chair. To be honest, the chair wasn’t sat in very much because of its size BUT it added a ton of personality and was useful for the couple of “parties” I did throw.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: ryann’s living/dining room moto reveal

Ryann’s living room is also on the smaller side but she was able to get that wonderful vintage wingback chair in there without it feeling crowded. Instead, it helps to define the living space from the dining area.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: mountain house reveal: how we designed our super kid-friendly family room

Emily’s mountain house family room is definitely a more “standard” size but this layout is still great! The key is to make sure the proportions of the furniture are correct. This sofa is big and deep, that incredible chair is larger with a good sized ottoman, and the coffee table is also a great size. Scale is always the hardest in any furniture layout design. You don’t want to overcrowd but you don’t want things to look bitsy. When it’s right is when it looks really well designed:)

photos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: my friend’s kid and pet-friendly family room reveal

Here’s one more because it’s pretty and I wanted to add it in! It feels really approachable and relatable. Hope it gives you even more confidence to go for it!

So there are our five living room seating layout configurations. There are definitely more but hopefully, these are universal enough to get you the living room you want.

Love you, mean it.

Oh and here they are all together if you want to have them pinned in one place:)

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Zeke Ruelas | From: Ginny’s Living Room Reveal

The post The 5 Go-To/No-Fail Living Room Layout Configuration Options To Make The Most Out Of Your Space appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Lea’s Open Concept Pass-Through Dining Room Design Agony – SOLVED!

Hey friends! It has been such a looooong time since I first started working on the dining room dilemma. It’s been so long in fact I thought I’d start by sharing my design agony here so you can catch up on all my struggles with this space. If you have a  good memory, you’ll remember our dining room is an open concept and a pass-through space from the living room (which had its own problems that Emily helped me solve, thank you Em!) to the kitchen. Here is the floor plan so you can visualize the space:

As you can see we don’t have a lot of space here to work with and only have two walls on either side. The wall with windows has piano windows installed, not because we have an upright piano but because we live in the city and houses are placed within an arm’s length of one another. Trust me, we love our neighbors. Remember this post? But….we also don’t want to stare into their windows through our windows, ya feel me? Awkward.

Sometimes projects, however well intended, create a snowball effect that maybe you or I didn’t foresee. That’s what happened to us in our dining room. I loved our original dining room design and I especially loved our antique corner cabinet (ahem, I mean I did haul that thing from house to house with us as we moved), and I also really loved the table (still do, it’s been moved to the basement as my work surface). But when I re-designed the living room, we LOVED the way it took shape and how it started to vibe and feel organic. Which is great, except our dining room didn’t have that same FEEL.

The Living Room Now:

Wall Sconce | Sideboard | Stump Table (similar) | Arm Chair | Rug | Coffee Table | Round Ceramic Tray (large) | Modern Bowl   

The Dining Room Before:

Both are very pretty and feel very us, but they didn’t flow together and complement each other, especially when they’re a mere two feet away from one another and in the same visual path.

For context with this project, this all began during the pandemic and just as the world started to open back up. So if we were going to tackle a dining room makeover, some of my must-haves were:

Cozy aestheticCohesive with the living room Thoughtfully curatedBespokeDesigned with intentionFunctionality and flow

Before we get into the reveal, you should know a lot (and I mean a lot ) of planning went into this space – keeping in mind, that we didn’t make one structural change. It was actually quite a few readers and Instagram friends who suggested banquette seating under the piano windows. (I’m always listening, folks!). Sadly, that would mean I would lose the corner cabinet I’ve held onto for 15 years but after much debate, it was time to let her go. This time, instead of retiring her to our storage unit, she found a new life with a new family who was looking and looking for a piece like her to complete their space.

So now that the idea of a banquette was heavy on my mind and since I was still grieving the loss of parting with my beloved corner cabinet, I knew something equally special had to replace her. So I began sketching out my ideas of bench seating and landed on this:

Don’t judge my not-so-3-D attempt at drawing. Yes, this is what I turned over to my friends at Traditional Cabinetry. Andrew and Liz both came out to measure (because you can’t take my word on measurements) and talk through the project. They really listened and we had really good chemistry right away. If you’re ever commissioning a custom-built piece just be aware that 1) it’s expensive (and rightfully so) and 2) you really need to have a good communication plan and relationship with your trade partner so that a drawing like this can actually be delivered. 

Insert Megan (not thee Stallion) – who took my chicken scratch and turned it into an actual buildable rendering.

Then the magic happened:

I just have to over-share because the amount of work and attention to detail that actually goes into a custom piece is remarkable and the Traditional Cabinetry team deserves their flowers.

Finally, it was install day!

Our very own in-house Quality Assurance Tester (AKA my husband) tested it thoroughly. And it was so good I could’ve stopped here.

Table (similar) | Chairs | Vase (similar) | Candle     

However, while all of the hard work and heavy lifting was going on I was literally holding meetings with Calico Corners to partner on phase II of the bench – the upholstery. Then we landed on these fabrics to complete the bench:

Calico Corners Stripe Fabric | Calico Corners Green Velvet Fabric

The Calico Corners team stopped out to measure the bench in person and off to the workroom they went to create the perfect complement to the white oak bench while also keeping within my organic aesthetic.

I’ve worked with Calico Corners on 4 projects now and every time, they exceed my expectations.

Did you know velvet is a wonderful performance fabric? So easy to clean and remove pet hair. I see you Remi and Mister! Also, these soft-close drawers feel so buttery.

Clearly, you can see how much I’m over the moon with this whole bench. The table and chairs really helped bring in warmth and comfort as well as the legs on this table are just well…sexy.

Now it’s been such a long time coming so I am so thrilled to share the reveal!

Calico Corners Striped Fabric | Calico Corners Green Velvet | Dining Table (similar) | Chairs | Chandelier | Counter Stool

Since we’ve snowballed here, I made a very simple swap of lighting and stools in the kitchen to also carry the flow of the dining room through to the kitchen a little bit more because we are SO not ready to look at a kitchen remodel.

Pendant Lights | Counter Stools | White Fruit Bowl

And now that we are older, I VERY much appreciate a stool with a back and these are so comfy while contrasting a bit more than their predecessors against the all-white cabinetry.

Cabinets | Armchair

I know I shared a peek of them before in my build-up to this post but I have to share again how these cabinets balance out this space while also providing much-needed storage and display space because as a stylist well….let’s just say I have a lot of stuff 🙂

Visually, the weight of the cabinets works so well with the adjacent wall where the bench and windows are. It’s a narrow room so shifting the seating to the window wall really helped define the walkway. See those sexy table legs I’m talking about? Also, your eyes aren’t going crazy, the table has a slightly irregular shape as well which made me fall even harder for her. Thank you, High Fashion Home.

And although I wish I had moved this chair for photography, it really is this beautiful and comfortable.

Back to those beautiful cabinets that so many people swoon over on Instagram.

I do get a lot of questions about how I styled them but truly I filled them with the pieces that I love and since I am a very earthy color pallet lover, well, it all just meshes on its own. Sure, I play with heights and arrangements but keeping within the same muted color family makes life easier when you have this many shelves and glass doors. Play with textures, glass, pottery, wood, etc. If this speaks to you as it does to me, I also gravitate towards artisan handmade items for their organic shapes and irregularities. Most of the items here have been thrifted and if you do choose to thrift, understand patience and persistence are your best friends because it takes time. But anyone can do it so don’t be discouraged. If this is where you find design paralysis within your own home, you can help narrow down what you like by saving inspiration photos from magazines (yes, I still do that) or of course, Pinterest. Now just pay attention to the photos you save. Something about those images even if they’re not matching your exact vision caught your eye. Study the image to find what is it that your eye is drawn to. The color? Shadowing? Textures? Does it spark a feeling you long to feel? The shape or silhouette of an object can also be alluring to the eye. 

Stylist Tip: Vary heights and scale so that your eye dances around to look at everything but leave enough visual breathing room for your eyes to rest. AKA – don’t cram all of the things into a cabinet just because they physically fit.

Dinner Plates (similar) | Pasta Bowls (similar) | Ceramic Cups (similar)

Like anything, styling takes practice and everyone works through design dilemmas and paralysis. 

One tip I learned with open-concept floor plans is to design them in a way that all of the spaces feel like they’re in the same relationship even though some may have different personalities. You can achieve this through color, textures, pattern-play, etc. Did I check off every single one off the must-haves in the dining room? No. But it finally feels juuuuust right. I think it feels cohesive with the living room now and that was one of my end goals. I like that the two spaces don’t match but they do complement one another and tell the same story. I get it, open-concept floor plans are tough! But, that doesn’t mean they are impossible and if I can do it without any structural changes being made, so can anyone else. The biggest lesson I learned when designing our dining room? Design with intention and purpose and ask yourself those tough questions such as investment vs. expense. Do you truly love it or can you wait until you find that perfect vintage/antique piece? Long story short, taking a scalable design approach really allowed me to thoughtfully curate our home.

*Design by Lea Johnson
**Photos by Sage E Imagery

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The Link Up: Em’s New Favorite Paint Color, Ryann’s Most Complimented Jeans, And Our Favorite Red Lip Crayon For The Best “Natural But Better” Look

Happy Sunday, everyone! This was a pretty good week if we do say so ourselves. The Hendersons moved into the farmhouse (AHHH!!!), the team got together for lunch and finally got to celebrate Ryann’s marriage in person, AND it was the last work week of August since Emily is the best boss and is giving us all off next week! Needless to say, no Sunday scaries over here. While we know not everyone gets off next week, we hope it’s still full of fun hangs, activities, and food. Links, anyone?

design by we are duet | styled by olga lewis | photo by anson smart | via domino

This week’s house tour is a feast for the eyes! Especially those who love a farmhouse look with modern accents and hits of whimsical decor. Fun fact, this home/property is an actual former Australian dairy farm from the 1860s. The extra fun part about this project is that it’s a vacation home. This meant that the owners were much more willing to play with color and decor which was a relief to the design firm, We Are Duet🙂 Check out the whole space here.

design by we are duet | styled by olga lewis | photos by anson smart | via domino

From Emily: My wish for everyone renovating (or simply repainting) is to love their color choice as much as I love Dew Drop from Sherwin-Williams. Every time I walk into the mudroom I feel a ping of excitement. Sometimes it’s blue, sometimes it’s green. It’s really pale but not in a baby way. It just looks and feels really fresh. I can’t recommend it enough. Of course, always test before you place a full paint order because a color can look so different depending on the room and light it gets. But this is one to absolutely try if it sounds like what you are looking for:)

From Ryann: If you ever see me wearing jeans, 90% of the time they are from Abercrombie. I have many different pairs but I am a huge fan of these in particular (in the black wash) and always get compliments when I am wearing them. I am not one to gatekeep so anytime anyone says “I like your jeans” I end up spilling where they are from immediately because I think they are too good to keep a secret. If you are looking for a new pair of jeans for fall, I can’t recommend them enough!!

left: before | right: after

From Mallory: I wanted to zhuzh my shower products bottles up a bit because the shampoo/conditioner bottles I use are green, yellow, and purple which is way too much of a “barney” color palette for me to enjoy looking at every day. I decided to get these 32 oz bottles with these labels and I must say I am much happier with this decanted situation. I was in fact inspired by the “how to make your shower look better” post I wrote a while ago, and I will say my shower experience feels much more spa-like. I am aware that these are glass which freaks people out in the shower, so here are some plastic options, or you can use a clear adhesive to hold down the glass ones (which please note can make refilling annoying depending on where your products are in your shower). I will say after using these for a while, they’re heavy enough that I don’t feel unsafe with them being glass but if you do, please take precaution. I also got this $7 soap dish and I was very happy that for less than $45 I made my shower experience 1 billion percent better!!

From Caitlin: Need to take a second to hype up one of my all-time favorite beauty products: this Matte Velvet Lip Crayon. I’m awful at putting on regular lipstick so the pencil shape is WAY easier for me to apply, plus I find that “Cruella” is simultaneously an awesome/saturated red AND a great everyday shade (definitely a “my lips but better” color) when I only apply a bit and smudge it out with my fingers. I’ve had the same stick for over a year and it’s still going strong – HUGE FAN.

From Jess: I don’t know why I waited so long but I finally got an insulated tumbler for my iced morning drinks (currently iced oat milk matcha lattes). This $10 gem has been a game-changer! It’s large so a lot of liquid capacity, it’s double-walled so my ice doesn’t melt until maybe the end of the day, and it fits in my car cup holder. I love it. 10/10.

That’s it from us! There will still be new posts every day so while we’ll be taking a break (and working on our MOTOs), the content will still be here for you. We hope you love it:)

Opening Image Credits: Design by We Are Duet | Styled by Olga Lewis | Photo by Anson Smart | via Domino

The post The Link Up: Em’s New Favorite Paint Color, Ryann’s Most Complimented Jeans, And Our Favorite Red Lip Crayon For The Best “Natural But Better” Look appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The 8 Back-To-School Dresses Emily And Birdie Picked Out Together (+ 24 Other Affordable CUTE Options)

There are about a million things I miss doing with my mom but one is definitely shopping together. I know that sounds shallow and superficial but they were times full of discovery, joy, and a lot of laughter. Ok, not every time was pure bliss since we were still mother and daughter, but most of the time those shopping trips just felt really special. So recently, when Em was mentioning how much fun it was to shop with Birdie for her back-to-school dresses, hearing that took me right back. But also, how could it not be when you have a kid like Birdie who LOVES color, fun prints, and of course, sparkles?! Obviously, we all wanted to see what they picked out and boy did our hearts melt when we did. The dresses are so stinking cute! We told Em this needed to be a blog post. However, since the Henderson’s are MOVING INTO THE FARMHOUSE this week and are extremely busy, I volunteered to write it. I mean once upon a time I was also a little one who loved a pretty dress to wear to school. Needless to say, I felt qualified. Also, school has already started for a lot of families. Time is of the essence! I did, however, ask Em what their dress requirements are in case that’s helpful to any of you shopping for your little one:

“Birdie is very specific and particular about her dresses and needs them to be the following: bright, comfortable, twirly, and she likes fitted on the top (as opposed to blousier – we learned this the hard way). Last year we both became obsessed with local kids’ dresses by Little Stocking Co. (who also makes awesome thick stockings for girls who want to wear dresses in the winter). This year she wasn’t as into the colors (brighter! she says) so we shopped around a bit to find a few that she loved and that felt high enough quality to at least last the year and be layerable in winter, etc.”

Now that we are all prepped with what to look for, let’s get into their purchases and some other fun picks.

Patterned Play Dresses

I love that Birdie wears a dress for almost any occasion. Outside, in the dirt, no problem. And she also loves a print:) Here are two that Em and her picked out:

Mattie Dress | Long Sleeve Print Pocket Dress

That pink polka dot number is adorable. The color is so happy, the pattern is fun yet classic and the twirl capabilities look top-notch. Then that little cat dress is perfect for Birdie’s animal-loving heart. The print also feels fun and a little modern, making it pretty cool:) Also, both of these dresses have pockets which are perfect for storing little found treasures. Then she can throw on a pair of leggings as the temperatures go down and she’s set for a lot more wear time. Em also wanted me to mention that she knows that the dresses they bought aren’t cheap but she tried to shop from small, sustainable companies. But if these prices aren’t in your budget (especially since kids grow so fast) we have plenty more options for you…

1. Cotton Jersey Dress: I love how this dress looks a little dressy but is made in a causal, play-friendly material!
2. Kids Babydoll Dress: Great color, sweet print, and great for the upcoming colder months. A little pricy but very cute.
3. Patterned Cotton Dress: This looks like a mini Madewell dress!
4. Girls’ Floral Button-Front Short Sleeve Dress: The perfect color and print to work for any season.
5. Cotton Jersey Dress: I can’t get over how sweet this 70s print is. 10/10
6. Girls’ Short Sleeve Challis Dres: I would maybe wear that dress as an adult. It’s kind of giving an Ulla Johnson vibe. I love the cool pattern in this delicate color. Plus the tiers and ruffles are the sweetest!
7. Girls’ Printed Short Sleeve 100% Cotton Knit Dress: Great color combo with a super fun, not “too girly” pattern.
8. Percy Plaid Twirl Dress: I want to buy this now for my potential future child. My heart can’t take how adorable this is.
9. Kids Babydoll Dress: Same style as #2. Great fall/winter colors and love the large-scale polka dots.

Solid-Colored Play Dresses

Tillie Dress | Mauve Rose Charm Dress | Mattie Dress

Prints are great but having some solid-colored dresses are also fun and good to have. These are Birdie’s picks. The colors are so fun and the dress in the middle (and #8 from above) are from Little Stocking Co. and according to Em,”are super comfortable, drape really well, girls find them fun to wear, and most of the time they have pockets.” Also, they are made in Portland and lasted all year long, without a stain or rip. So while they are on the higher price tag end, they are a good investment.

Here are some more affordable picks:

1. Cotton Dress: Love the sleeves and will be easy to layer as the weather cools down.
2. Tiered Rib-Knit Swing Dress (2-Pack): Great fall colors and great price.
3. Girls’ Adaptive Ruffle Sleeve Dress: Again, cute little sleeves and sweet seam detail.
4. Girls’ Quilted Ponte Riding Dress: A little fancy and a little pricey but perfect for fall and winter and is SO adorable.
5. Girls’ Plaid Button-Front Long Sleeve Dress: Another dress that looks like it’s from Madewell and I would happily wear myself.
6. Uniform Short-Sleeve Pique Polo Dress: Love this little preppy look.

Special/Party Dresses

Laurie Dress | Brisa Ruffled Capsleeve Basic Twirl Dress | Rainbow Dress

As we all know, Birdie loves all things colorful and shiny. Rainbows are her favorite. So naturally, she was going to want some bolder dresses too. The shiny one on the far left is actually her birthday dress (Caitlin and I are honored to have her in the Libra club:)). It’s pretty darn special and was why Em was willing to splurge a little more. Then the one in the middle is perfect with those big, happy flowers. Lastly, a rainbow dress was essential and this one from Hanna Andersson is incredible. Emily also says that this brand’s quality is awesome. Birdie has others from them and they have lasted a year and look brand new still. FYI none of Birdie’s dresses were gifted. Both Em and Birdie both just love them and want to support (well, the supporting part is more Em:))

Wanna see the other options? These ones are a little more expensive since they are more “special occasion” dresses.

1. Butterfly-Sleeved Tulle Dress: It’s perfect. Love the colors, love the fabric, and love the sparkle. Oh, and the price isn’t too bad either:)
2. Girls’ Tiered Corduroy Dress: Perfect for the cold weather when you want them to be warm and a little dressed up. Did anyone else wear lots of corduroy as a little one???
3. Girls’ Mixy Dress in Tulle: It looks like a modern ballerina dress! The color is so pretty.
4. Pink Star Short Sleeve Dress: What’s not to love? A classic pink with a non-itchy tulle (at least that’s what they say) and the sparkles are moon and stars!
5. Tulle-Skirt Jersey Dress: This sweet little number could work for either a party or the playground.
6. Long Sleeved Tulle-Skirt Dress: Such a great color and love that little velvet belt.
7. Tulle-Skirt Dress: The short-sleeved version of the #6! (and comes in other colors)
8. Juniper Mixed Media Dress: Hello drop-waist for something a little unique:)
9. Toddler Girls’ Sequin Rainbow Heart Long Sleeve Tutu Dress: A more affordable version of the one Em bought for Birdie!

Ok, that’s all for today! Even if you don’t have a little one to buy for, I hope this was a happy feast for your eyes. Oh, and if any of you have other small and sustainable kid clothing brand recommendations, drop them in the comments.

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credit: Photo by Suraya Barbee

The post The 8 Back-To-School Dresses Emily And Birdie Picked Out Together (+ 24 Other Affordable CUTE Options) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

How to Hang Art Correctly

Art hung the wrong way on a wall is like a character in a movie wearing a really bad wig. It’s just kinda hard NOT to see it, and you wish so bad you could just rip it off, knowing that everything would be so much better without it. It doesn’t ruin your experience, but it’s just terribly distracting.

Whenever I walk into a persons home, whom I don’t know too well, they always ask me, nervously, “Do you instantly start analyzing the design and pick it apart?” I typically say some sort of generic, “Oh no! I just shut it off – when I’m not at work I’m not at work!” The truth is, yeah, I totally do. It’s like a chef noticing how food tastes at a neighborhood bbq, or a fashion designer noticing a good dress on a stranger. You just do it whether you want to or not. Do I stare and judge and care? Not at all. But I am aware and often I see the same easy mistakes over and over and over again. So often that I’m just dying to give unsolicited advise to fix them – which is why we started this series.

Besides, The Generic Sofa Roundup | Rugs That Are Too Small | Painting A Small, Dark Room White | Bad Wood Finishes | How To Hang Curtains | Generic Art | Not Having A Plan | Who Pays For Design Mistakes | My Biggest Design Mistakes -And What You Can Learn From Them | When to Hire vs. DIY, I Too Much Furniture In One Room | Different Walls, Same Art Configurations I constantly notice art hung all wrong – mostly too high and too small.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: mountain house reveal: how we designed our super kid-friendly family room

Growing up our art was always crazy high – it always took up the top 1/4 of the wall and you practically had to crane your neck to see it. This trend is still happening. Here are some general tips:

1. Yes, it should be “eye level”, but not if your ceilings are really low (typical is 8 – 9 feet) and not if you are really tall. If the wall were cut up vertically into four sections (going from bottom to top) then think of the art being in the third quadrant (counting from the floor).

2. If it’s a collection of art then you need to treat the whole collection as one piece, and start and stop it where it makes the most sense, as if it were one.

3. Engage as much of the wall as possible and orient the collection in the shape of the wall. The last thing you want is your art to look itty bitty on a big wall. It doesn’t look intentional and isn’t making your art look its best.

It hurts my soul to see these things. I mean, the room on the right doesn’t really have a chance, but the room on the left (above) could be fine/cute if they just moved that whole collection down 6″. Although they are suffering from the “rug too small” disease as well. If you need a formula for hanging a great gallery wall head here.

Speaking of too small, the second thing that I notice constantly is art that is just too small for the space.

Both of these are cute photos with good art and sometimes intentionally choosing a small piece of art can look dope. However, the rule of thumb is that the space that the art is trying to fill is just way bigger than the pieces can handle. Generally the piece of art or the collection should be in the same shape and orientation of the wall that it is trying to fill. I get it, big art can be expensive, but you have more options these days – check out my epic online art roundup post here.

You know these people. Now let’s save them from themselves.

While the situation is rather nuanced we tried to come up with some general rules for how high or how big the art should be. Remember, if your walls are really tall then you can go higher and if your piece of furniture is really low then consider going lower to help engage that whole space. But generally try to fill as much space on the wall as you can, allowing for a space around the pieces so they aren’t crammed towards the furniture, wall, or moulding. 

I like art to be around 8″ above a piece of furniture, give or take. I’ve done it closer (like in Orlando’s place below/right), and that one did always look a bit crammed to me. You don’t want it to hit your head if you’re sitting in front of it so typically 6″ – 10″ gives you enough clearance to do that.

Everyone’s “eye level” is different because we are all different heights, so that rule doesn’t really apply too much anymore. I’m sure that galleries have a rule about the middle of the piece being at eye level or something and often that does work, but if there is no piece of furniture below it then it might need to come down. Don’t be afraid of going lower. Consider the space you need to fill (from above a credenza to the ceiling) then place it 6″ – 8″ above the piece of furniture (if it’s big enough) and see how it looks. The artwork and the piece of furniture should relate to each other and live near enough to each other that they collectively engage the whole wall together as a unit. Often, if there is a huge gap in between it will look disjointed.

left: photo by sara ligorria-tramp , from: a quick update: the changes i’ve made to my la living room | right: photo by zeke ruelas, from: extreme makeover: orlando edition

I think these two photos above (mine on the left with it prohibited by the sconce and Orlando’s on the right) could have their collection or that piece of art start a bit higher, but scale-wise its awesome.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: brady’s living room refresh with the citizenryleft: photo by bethany nauert, from: fdr chic – a dude’s mix of antique, mid-century and bohemian style | right: photo by tessa neustadt, from: sylvia’s surprise makeover: the living room (get your tissue box ready)

Slightly “too big” art is always better than too small. So if you have to choose, go bigger. It looks like you made a really cool choice instead of a size accident.

Here are a collection of spaces that I’ve styled with art – showing a variety of what works.

Photos Above: Living Room Update – AGAIN – Our New Sofa, My Dream Floral Chaise And The Pop Of Red I Always Wanted In My Life | Our Master Bedroom – Finally | Mid-Century Credenza | A Modern and Organic Dining Room Makeover | Cup of Joe’s Bedroom | Cup of Joe’s Living Room

To see some of my favorite projects where we incorporated art, check out these different spaces: Oh Joy’s Studio, Mid-Century Eclectic Artist, LA Bungalow Makeover, Oprah Weekend Makeover, and My Best Friend’s Basement to name a few. And if you are looking for good/affordable art check out my roundup of Best Online Art Resources.

I know it’s kind of a complicated situation (for instance, I put the big photo of the face at least 12″ above the piece, breaking my own rule). Here’s a good trick I do ALL THE TIME: Put up the piece of art then stand back and take a photo of it. Pretend it’s not your house and that you have no emotional connection to it. Look at that photo and ask yourself, “if I passed this picture in a magazine would I think that art is too low or high?”

This is a tricky one, so any questions?

Again, in case you want to know what else we think everyone is doing wrong check out these design mistakes: The Generic Sofa Roundup | Rugs That Are Too Small | Painting A Small, Dark Room White | Bad Wood Finishes | How To Hang Curtains | Generic Art | Not Having A Plan | Who Pays For Design Mistakes | My Biggest Design Mistakes -And What You Can Learn From Them | When to Hire vs. DIY | DESIGN MISTAKE: Too Much Furniture In One Room | DESIGN MISTAKE: Different Walls, Same Art Configurations

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Zeke Ruelas | From: Oh Joy’s Studio

The post How to Hang Art Correctly appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The “FDR Chic” House Just Sold And The 12 Pieces That I Still Love After 12 Years

As someone who loves to get sentimentally drunk, it is hard for me to see this house belong to someone else. This is our house. Mine and Ian’s. Bought in 2010. This was the house for the pilot episode of Secrets from A Stylist. And this is a story that I never told you.

In 2004 Brian and Ian Brennan met as actors in an off-off broadway play in New York and became overnight life-long great friends. It’s what you call a “Showmance”. We hung out frequently, enjoying the hell out of our 20s as broke artists in New York until Ian mysteriously moved to LA. We moved to LA in 2008 and within weeks ran into him at a party. We had no real friends there and it was an instant reunion. We moved to Los Feliz and created a friend group that was inseparable all through our 30s. Ian and I would have dinner without Brian if he were out of town, the three of us were very close and still are. Meanwhile, Ian wrote a screenplay for a dark movie, set in a high school called Glee. He gave it to someone, who gave it to someone, who gave it to Ryan Murphy in a steam room of Equinox in Weho (some of this might be urban legend at this point but I’m not going to fact-check it because I like this version). Ryan turned the screenplay into the series Glee, and Ian’s career took off immediately (after years and years and years of working hard, writing so many failed scripts). It’s a true Hollywood story and he remains still one of, if not the, hardest working people in Hollywood.

Around that same time, I won DesignStar and the producers of my show, Secrets From a Stylist, asked me if I knew of a house we could makeover for the pilot – but it had to be a secret (it would be months until it was announced I won). Back in the day, whoever won DesignStar would have already produced their pilot that would run immediately after the final episode aired. Then based on how well it did was how many episodes they would order. Ian was looking to buy a house, so I told him if he bought one fast enough we’d furnish it completely for the pilot. So yes, it was HIS house, but we went house hunting together knowing that it couldn’t be a massive renovation and he found the sweetest bungalow in Beachwood Canyon. It happened so fast and I always feared that I forced him into buying his first house, but he’s doing just fine now so even if I did I think he’s over it 🙂

It remained a time capsule of the show makeover for years. A few years later he met his now wife, Trilby, who became a dear friend of mine and brought her own style into the house, as one does. It was always a joke amongst our friends that when she redecorated or moved things around that I would passive-aggressively move it back, or comment in an “oh, well isn’t that different”. I did have a very strong sentimental attachment to the house and still loved how we did it for Secrets, but obviously knew that things would change, because they always do. But it was still funny. 🙂

Ian and Trilby and their two kids are still very close with us, and now they’ve upgraded to a STUNNING house I can’t wait to show you someday, but meanwhile, I thought it would be fun for those who have been following since 2010 to say goodbye to this house and call out what I still loved about the original decor, almost 13 years later.

FDR Chic – 12 Years Ago

Y’all. I still really really like that room! I think it was because it’s just eclectic and full of vintage so it’s hard for it to feel dated (those bookshelves and all the windows don’t hurt). Ian and I actually secretly shopped together for some of the pieces to make sure that he would love them. I thought it would be fun “shop” the room and circle all the things that I would want right now.

That’s a lot I know. I actually still love the Moroccan pendants, but since I know we could get those again (they were black and we spray painted them) they are less of a steal for me.

How It Was Staged To Sell

It’s always fun to see how they stage things for real estate. I think they were likely trying to make it feel bigger and like there was more space, so they reduced the “stuff”. I can’t believe that sofa made it 12 years – it was super faded after 2 years from the sun.

My Design

I still love that chair, rug, and that painting. Fun fact about the painting – it was a movie prop that I bought at Tini (a vintage store during my heyday of shopping in LA) and it’s of William Henry Harrison – a president that got a cold the night he was inaugurated and died from it 32 days later. It’s not funny of course, but its also pretty funny to have this super serious portrait of likely the most ineffective president ever. I hope SO BADLY that they kept it (I’m too scared to ask because if they didn’t I’ll be bummed and I don’t really have the right to be bummed).

Staged To SellMy Design

I love a good toile, and I still love those chairs. They were little and rickety then and I’m sure not any better now, but still cute.

Staged To Sell

We always meant to redo their kitchen, but it’s not so simple to just “redo” a kitchen so we didn’t. He was a bachelor and it was certainly good enough.

My Design – The Family Room

I really like how back in the day, when I had no idea what I was doing, I found these two gooseneck desk lamps and decided to wire them to be sconces. They never really lined up perfectly, but I still like the idea.

Also, I think this is the first and last time I did grasscloth and I really need to do it again. I’m trying to convince Brian to let me do this linen wallcovering from Ashley Stark that is so incredibly stunning somewhere in the farm.

Staged To SellStaged To Sell – The Kid’s Room I Helped With But Never Shot

When I helped with this room it was a nursery, 6 years ago and I never shot it (but meant to).

My Design…Kinda Of – The Guest Room Turned Daughter’s Room

This room was only barely designed, I think we just took leftover vintage furniture that we shopped for and decorated it in here. It was cute, for sure, but wasn’t totally dialed in.

Staged To Sell

A few years ago they had their daughter and Trilby put up this adorable wallpaper, which I love. They staged it as a guest room of course.

My Design – The Primary Bedroom

I made that headboard, btw. Not my best work but it lasted 12 years. And there we go again with the desk lamp as sconce move. I have no idea if that is legal, by the way.

That’s a lot of stuff on a dresser 🙂 Trilby bought this desk a few years later when we actually shot some of these rooms and I really loved it. I miss that wall clock – so cute.

Staged To Sell

Not a lot changed! Even that lady portrait made it in there.

For a while, they considered keeping it as a rental property which gave me some hope that I’d be able to properly say goodbye (this all happened during lockdown after we moved to Arrowhead and then Portland). Someday I want to shoot their current house, which I didn’t design because I wouldn’t have been able to do the job since they needed a full-time, full-service team, but trust me it’s really beautiful and special. And if you have been here since that first episode – thank you, thank you, thank you. xx

* “My Design” Photos by Bethany Nauert

The post The “FDR Chic” House Just Sold And The 12 Pieces That I Still Love After 12 Years appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Arlyn’s 3-Year Journey To Find Her Dream Vintage Armoire (For Under $500) + A Bedroom MOTO Update

Internet friends and perhaps new readers (strangers!) alike: It’s me. Arlyn. Verbose ex-Editorial Director turned friend of the blog. I pop in on the occasion, but frankly, it’s been far too long. Fear not, however, as I come bearing gifts for anyone who may still have a morsel of a memory left about my bedroom makeover. You know, the one I started planning and writing about here and on my own blog two years ago. Before a major injury/mysterious illness (I’m on the mend). Before a baby (she’s fantastic). But there have been some developments, and the time was ripe to share. 

I’m not here to ruin any of the juicy details everyone waits for in an official reveal, but rather, to explore my journey to the one piece I’ve been waiting on to pull my entire design together. The x-factor that was missing from all my mood boards. I went through iteration after iteration and everything simply felt too…new. Too modern. Not “me” enough. I prefer designs that are perfectly imperfect. My bedroom plan needed a little funk soul factor, and dear blog mates, it’s been found (and currently waiting patiently in the garage). 

But first, let’s just remind you of where we started: 

a very boring “before” of my bedroomright: i purchased this tallboy dresser for $20 when i first moved to la just to have something. it was always meant to be temporary | left: another look at the wall i envisioned my armoire on.

…where we first tried to go (back when I wanted a rust velvet bed): 

Bed | Plug-in Sconce | Nightstands | Cabinet | Dresser | Paint | Mirror | Curtains | Fabric Swatch | Rug | Lumbar Pillow (no longer available) | Duvet Cover | Quilted Set

…and where we eventually landed (nearly):

Bed | Sconces | Dresser (vintage) | Nightstands | Armoire | Rug | Armchair | Footstool (similar) | Side Table | Curtains (similar) | Duvet Cover | Linen Body Pillow | Floral Pillow Fabric

Ok, now onto the good stuff; why we’re all here today.

This adventure begins as many tend to for us design enthusiasts: with a photo. 

Back in 2019, before the world imploded, and before I left EHD, I worked on a post some of you old-timers may remember. It was a bedroom makeover featuring Brooklinen bedding styled by Emily Bowser. While there’s no denying the room as a whole was very good, there was one part of it that has stuck with me all this time. 

Halfway down the article, in one image amongst many is a photo of the room from a new angle where you can see a vintage burlwood armoire. More accurately: *The* armoire. The singular furniture piece that, unbeknownst to me at the time, would send me on a crusade, nay, a pilgrimage to find one for myself. 

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: this organic, punchy bedroom may be our new favorite makeover

The search started innocent enough: Some casual poking around while I sipped my weekend morning coffee. Scroll, scroll, scroll through Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist/Offer Up/5 Mile/Chairish. A contender or two would occasionally present themselves. Sometimes, even Caitlin would send me some options to consider but things were either too large, too small, too far, too damaged, or—the most heartwrenching—too expensive. I had given myself a budget of $500 to work with, so some of the vintage beauties in pristine shape I’d find were too rich for my blood. 

Not entirely knowing what to search for and also not convinced anyone who had something similar knew how to title it for me to find it in the price range I wanted to find it in, I tried plenty of different variations and combinations of words:

Burlwood armoire.

Burlwood bureau.

Burlwood cabinet.

Once I realized “burlwood” might be the trouble word, seeing that I rarely got many results south of $2k, I moved on to more creative descriptions.

Solid wood armoire. 

Mahogany closet. 

Olive wood wardrobe. 

Armoire with heavy grain.

too far away (i went back and forth with the seller trying to convince him to deliver it to me and i’d pay him but he wasn’t having it, and any quotes from local delivery services cost 3x the price of the piece itself).too large (but man, what a beauty).this one looked close but then ended up actually being located out in ojai. plus, the style wasn’t exactly what i was looking for.left: why i was searching in the santa barbara area is beyond me. | right: this one was a bit too petite (i was looking for something at least 60” tall and 40” wide).

At one point along the way, I kind of just gave up. I desperately needed more storage as my 1930s apartment was heavy on character yet anemic on places to stash my clothing and shoes (let alone anything else). Evidently, people in the early 20th century owned three shirts, two pairs of boots, and a set of slacks. Actually yes, this is likely true. They hadn’t discovered the excess that plagues modern day, and while I try to keep my wardrobe more on the minimal side these days (you know, just a few pairs of compression leggings and nursing T-shirts are all you need when you work from home and have a 6-month old breastfed baby), I do have a *bit* of a thing for shoes. And handbags. Oh, and pajama sets and bras (but that’s a conversation for another day…or never). 

Quick aside: Back in my early twenties, I had a blog called The Accessories Junkie where my tagline was “Because shoes never made you feel fat,” and let me tell you, I’ve lived this truth for much of my adult life. Handbags…they also have never made me feel even remotely bad about myself. Only good. Skinny jeans = bad vibes. Leather bucket bags = confidence boost. Alright, back to furniture. 

So if you can imagine, ya girl could needed a solution for where to put her footwear. I tucked my dreamy wood armoire hopes on the top shelf of my heart and started shopping for something new. Surely, if I ever were to come across something by happenstance, I could sell or repurpose what I had and make the swap. But for now, I came to terms with my dashed vintage fantasies. 

I flirted with a beautiful grasscloth cabinet from Crate & Barrel, but it ended up being a bit too large. There was the era where I looked up every caned-front armoire I could find on the internet, thinking the texture would be a nice addition to balance the velvet and brass of some of my other furniture and lighting picks. Here are some of the ones I highly considered (sometimes when I was feeling spendy, and other times when I brought myself back down to earth):

1. Sands Grasscloth Storage Cabinet | 2. Webbing Sliding Door Cabinet | 3. Vintage Acorn And Cane Sliding Door Gustav Bookshelf | 4. Wallace Cane and Oak Armoire | 5. Marte Storage Cabinet | 6. Wood & Cane Transitional Armoire Brown

I even took a sharp left turn and started exploring Brutalist-style bureaus because maybe I’d have better luck there. Ultimately, the search just got a bit stale and my whole bedroom makeover just came to a screeching halt. 

After bravely installing a gallery wall at 39 weeks pregnant while my mother nervously spotted me on our step ladder, I kind of just gave up. Arranging art was all I had left to give for a while. Our daughter was due any day, and we had brought in her changing table, bassinet and other baby things that would likely stay there for at least 6 months, if not a year. They lived along the wall where I had planned my armoire to go, and knowing that made me lose steam in my pursuit of anything new or vintage. There were other things to focus on, like feeding a teeny baby in the wee hours of the morning, checking constantly if she was still breathing, staring in awe at the human I somehow built with my own body. 

And then, about five months and change later, while holding my girl as she napped, I felt the urge to pick back up the trail that had gone cold. 

My Facebook Marketplace feed was chock-full of suggestions related to all my past searches, so I don’t even remember typing in any new terms. A few flicks of the thumb and my heart started racing. My breath caught in my chest. I nearly dropped my infant (I’m exaggerating here. She was safe in my arms, don’t worry). There it was: A beautifully patterned just-ornate-enough “Vintage Walnut Wood Armoire Wardrobe Cabinet” only a tiny bit over my original $500 budget. 

while it’s not a dead ringer for the original inspiration, the spirit of it was the same. what i really wanted was a rich wood grain with lots of movement and matchbooking in the pattern. 

It wasn’t exactly close by, but it wasn’t so far that I considered it too big of a hurdle to get over. My thumbs trembled as a hurried to type out a message to the poster: “Is this still available?” It was. “Would you accept $400?” They wouldn’t. “$500” they curtly wrote back. Bingo. Go low and make them meet you in the middle, I’ve learned. 

The next task to figure out was how to get it from them to me. Charles—my incredibly patient and supportive husband who also always annoyingly says things like “where exactly do you plan on putting that” every time I share one of my hair-brained design purchase schemes with him—had no idea my hunt was back on. Asking him if he thought it would fit in my small SUV had to play hand in hand with a subtle act of convincing him to also drive the hour there and hour back to go get the thing. So instead, I asked the seller for the address and got a quote from a delivery service I had used earlier in the year for a vintage dresser I scooped up. My only challenge with Charles would be convincing him that the armoire could and should just live in our garage until we had the room in our bedroom to bring it in after the baby moved into her own nursery. This, however, is a regular sticking point in our relationship as “put it in the garage” is always my solution, while he looks around down there and claims there’s no room. 

I’ll spare you the details because I wouldn’t be writing this post if it didn’t work out. The title of this article is not “Arlyn’s 3-Year Journey to Find Her Dream Vintage Armoire & The Tale of How Charles Made It All Fell Apart.” Not-so-spoiler alert: I got my armoire.

There was, however, a weird moment where my Zelle payment appeared to go through on my end, but not on theirs (was I getting scammed? After all this?!?). They wouldn’t give me the exact address for pick up without confirmed payment so it was a bit touch and go for a minute there, but the banking deities made it happen. The next day, it was safely delivered to its temporary holding place…and my marriage remains intact. A husband, a baby, and a bureau…what more could a girl ask for? 

So that’s where this story ends, for now. Our daughter Evelyn is quickly growing out of our bedroom and will soon be moved into her own space, so my primary bedroom Makeover Takeover can commence yet again. 

In the meantime, here’s a quick peek at an updated moodboard with a rough Photoshop job of my armoire mocked in: 

There isn’t much left to do besides finalizing some bedding, pillows, small decor and styling, so I hope to share my space with everyone here in the coming weeks. The armoire is lacking shelving inside I need to optimize its storage, but I’ve been eyeing some adjustable tension shelves I can add in fairly easily. 

And there you have it…or rather I have it. It’s a little hard to believe that what started as an ember aglow in my heart in 2019 actually came to fruition. A slow burn that I finally got to extinguish. I can’t wait to see it all come together finally, and my shoes are eager to be set free from the basket they’re all crammed in. 

Stay tuned, sweet EHD readers and see you soon!

The post Arlyn’s 3-Year Journey To Find Her Dream Vintage Armoire (For Under $500) + A Bedroom MOTO Update appeared first on Emily Henderson.