Emily Henderson's Blog, page 120

Tour This House Flip In The Hills (By Emily’s Friend of ASOM HOME) That’s Full Of Design “Risks” That Really Paid Off

“I almost didn’t want to sell it,” Annie Segal tells me about this gorgeous house she and her business partner Marieke Ochtman flipped and recently sold here in Los Angeles. It’s located in a beautiful, tree-lined neighborhood on a 1/4 acre plot of land that backs up into Griffith Park. Once you see all of the details in this stunning California casual home they designed with their company ASOM HOME, you’ll understand why it was hard to put on the market and let go.

But first to get your renovation juices flowing, here are some fast facts:

The full gut renovation took 10 months to complete The home is 2,654 sq. feetIt originally had 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, and after the renovation now has 4 bedrooms and 3.25 baths

Now that you are armed with the stats, it’s time for some before photos to set the scene:

It was a little rough around the edges but Annie and Marieke clearly saw a ton of potential and charm in this 1960s single story 3-bedroom (turned 4 bedroom) home.

If you’ve ever wondered, “where do you even begin when taking on a full gut renovation?” you are in the right place (and frankly, reading the right blog). Even though I know every reno is different, this was one of my burning questions for Annie. Her response was one I have heard before and it makes a lot of sense. She starts by going to Pinterest and pinning inspiration like mad. Sound familiar?? It’s also exactly what Emily does before any project. When you have a massive project looming before you, it helps to find all the inspiration you can to nail down what style/vibe/feeling you are going for. When you have to start ordering things like cabinets as soon as possible due to incredibly long lead times, it helps to be confident in the style you want VERY early on. For Annie and Marieke, after a lot of pinning and collaboration, they knew they wanted to create a calm, inviting home that feels like a vacation but still has a lived-in, eclectic feel.

With a full gut renovation like this, Annie shared that the hardest part was waiting for permits, enduring the shipping delays, and accepting extra long lead times. I am sure many of you can relate to that. But one thing Annie and Marieke had going for them is they work well together, they listen to and feed off of each other’s creativity, and they have fun doing it. Annie’s biggest tip for flipping homes if you are a beginner?? Find someone like Marieke who has been renovating houses and hotels in the US and in Holland for 10 years. That experience plus their undeniable working chemistry made the project so special (something I found palpable and so endearing while talking to Annie).

But that’s enough background. Let’s get into the reveal:

When you enter the home, you step into the entryway that leads to the open concept dining area, centered between the living room and kitchen. Even though I have only virtually toured the home just like you are about to, it’s easy to sense how calming and inviting it is right off the bat. Everything from the light wood floors, to the awesome floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, to the warm finishes, gives off a sense of calm and tranquility. It’s like you are entering vacation mode as soon as you walk in.

When I interviewed Annie over the phone, it was clear how passionate she is about renovating homes and in particular, how much love and care she and Marieke put into this one. There is so much thoughtful intention and attention to detail because they design homes as if they are designing for themselves. They always think about what they would desire in a home and apply those elements thoughtfully. And because they are both lovers of pattern, color, and bold designs there is no shortage of design risks here. So with that said, let’s head into the design risks and nitty-gritty details.

Design Risk #1: Task Lights Instead Of Canned Lights

There is so much about this living room that I want to highlight, but I’ll start with the ceiling lighting. One of my first questions for Annie was how they came up with the ceiling lighting plan because the task lights are unexpected and so cool. The way they are lined up in rows almost as if on a track really got my attention. A safe choice would have been to opt for canned ceiling lighting, but as you’ll see throughout this home tour, “playing it safe” is not their forte. Clearly, the options for ceiling lighting were limited due to the exposed ceiling beams (more on those below!) but the task lights are still a unique choice here. She informed me that they got these custom wall sconces from Rara Forma and just loved how they looked on the ceiling so they installed them across the living and dining room all the way to the kitchen. SO cool. They give off similar light as canned lighting would, but the exposed cylinder shape and brass finish are visually much more interesting.

Okay, now I can finally talk about the exposed beams. The truth is, they are my favorite design element and they are the first thing I asked Annie about. Are they original? Structural? Solely for aesthetics? I had to find out.

Turns out the beams were found during the renovation under the popcorn ceiling so of course they kept and restored them. I think with all the ups and downs that come with renovating, one major win has to be when you start removing a ceiling and find awesome beams that could bring in so much architectural interest. They refinished them, filled some holes, and stained them so they look modern and intentional. I am so happy they chose to keep them because can’t imagine this home without them.

Before we move on to the next room I think the fireplace deserves some recognition. It’s a beautiful, minimal focal point of the room so I had to know if a fireplace existed there before the renovation, or if it was an addition later on. Annie informed me a fireplace was there but they restored and redesigned it to match their intended laid-back California cool style. I just love the smooth stucco finish that integrates with the walls and the raised hearth. (Hot Tip: If you are renovating and thinking about your fireplace options, Emily wrote an in-depth guide here).

Now onto the decor. The home was styled and staged to sell by Pop Up Home, who did an incredible job accenting the architecture and MCM-meets-California-casual style with eclectic, vintage pieces. The amount of textures alone in this room (boucle chairs, jute rug, tiled coffee table) makes this room unmistakably cool. Also, is that a camel statue in the corner?? Why yes, yes it is.

Can you believe at one point the living room, kitchen, and dining room were all separated by walls?? Removing those walls was a no-brainer and the result is this incredible light and bright space. Open concepts famously “open” up the space, making the vibe more relaxed and inviting. But this layout also fulfilled another purpose. Annie shared that they really wanted the outside to feel like an extension of the living room, so having everything open and airy helps invite you to take in the outdoors.

Can we take a second to note the black accents here? In this mostly neutral room, the black pendant (stunning) and the black stools (equally stunning) really pop and break up all the warm tones making the space feel more dynamic. Now if you look out through the glass doors, the black casing around the exterior doors also pops against the neutral interior, accentuating the continuity between the outdoor and indoor space.

Design Risk #2: Oval-Shaped Kitchen “Island”

Though not technically a stand-alone island, the extended oval counter has me swooning. I love that it is extra-long and the curved countertop extends out past the cabinetry. The round shape mixed with a lot of hard straight lines adds movement and just the right amount of visual interest to this room. It’s exciting to look at and softens the space at the same time. It also plays off of the arched doorway in such a lovely way.

Speaking of round shapes, did you notice the bulb sconces? I love how they halted the task lighting from the living room on one side and added bulb ceiling lights to zone out the kitchen area. And then to top it off, the extra two sconces on each side of the hood are *chef’s kiss*.

How cool is that secret door? It leads to the pantry and is just one more example of how this design duo keeps us on our toes. In case you are curious (I know I was) it is more pricey to install a secret door but Annie informed me there are actually hidden door kits that you can buy to make the installation easier. The more you know!

Uh oh, after seeing this shot I just added one more life goal to my list: to have a wet bar in my home. It’s technically not my fault because this one is perfect and hard to forget about (I’ve tried). I love the retro triangle-shaped tile design that speaks to the MCM architecture and how the terrazzo countertop adds a cool texture. The woven cabinet fronts are so beautiful and also bring in the MCM vibe that just feels right for a wet bar, don’t you think?

I love how the kitchen is kept light and minimal by having no upper cabinets. It just feels right with the relaxed vibe of the home, plus I know there is plenty of storage because they custom-designed the cabinetry themselves. Once designed, they had a local woodworker who works on all of their projects build it for them. In fact, Annie and Marieke designed all of the kitchen cabinetry including the tall wood cabinetry on the other side and the cabinetry under the wet bar, and then their awesome woodworker made it all come to life. What a literal dream team! I personally love how the muted green color here mixes with the lightly veined marble and brass knob accents. It’s understated but still has that special custom look.

Design Risk #3: Beams Over Skylight

If you’re an avid reader of this blog, you probably can guess what I am about to say. We are BIG, resounding, perhaps annoyingly faithful advocates for skylights. They are simply undefeated when it comes to adding natural light, and every space benefits from organic natural light. This skylight in particular is interesting though because the beams from the living room extend to the kitchen and do not break for the skylight. This was an intentional design choice to keep the continuity and flow that the beams create across the living room and kitchen. All of us EHD ladies loved this choice and think it was such a cool risk to take (that 100% paid off).

I mentioned in the beginning that this was originally a 3 bedroom home, but Annie and Marieke saw the potential for a primary bedroom addition. It extends into the backyard with glass sliding doors facing out towards the pool, again emphasizing bringing the outdoors in. I love that this room has not one but two sliding glass doors so you really feel drawn to the outdoors. I imagine there is no desire to be a hermit in this room!

Before we move on, some decor elements I can’t get out of my head include but are not limited to: the double leather lumbar pillows, the tall matching sculptures on each nightstand, that amazing zebra print chair, and the “too small” rug. All those details create such a warm yet eclectic vibe that is intoxicating.

Design Risk #4: Mirror Mounted Faucets

Another subtle but impactful design risk enters via the mirror-mounted sink faucets. This is an up-and-coming trend we’ve been seeing and can’t wait to see if it will really take off. My guess is that it will because it looks high-end but isn’t a far jump from wall-mounted faucets. They are installed by cutting into the mirror, so it is a little precarious and labor-intensive but the result is really special. It can look classic but is a surprising option if you want to create a minimal but impactful design moment. Plus, you can go for a simple mirror and it will elevate the look instantly.

I love this shot of the arched doorway. Remember when arches re-entered the zeitgeist and we all felt like the main purpose in life is to have arches in your home?? I might still feel that way after seeing this.

Quick side note: Did you notice the short tile wall that separates the shower and bathtub? The thick horizontal grout lines mixed with the thinner vertical grout lines create a very subtle but impactful tiny design moment. So good.

Have you noticed all the window treatment-less windows? Are you annoyed with all of my rhetorical questions yet? Okay okay, I’ll stop. Back to the windows – as long as you have privacy, it’s a great way to have the outdoors become a part of the interior decor. The windows act as a way to literally “frame” the outdoors and in that way, can replace the need for art.

Design Risk #5: Asymmetrical Pendant

Anything asymmetrical is going to pack a design punch and is a tad bit riskier than going the symmetrical route. We always say that a powder bathroom is a fantastic place to play with trends, bold colors, fun details, and of course, wallpaper. I love how the off-center pendant is balanced with the faucet on the opposite side. And that sweet pink basin?? I am obsessed.

I have to say, every time I stare at this photo something new catches my eye. The unexpected art placement is wonderful, the double lamps and matching MCM nightstands are classic, I love the tight woven detail on the accent chair, but the large almost floor-to-ceiling window might be my favorite detail. With a plain room like this (structurally speaking), the window is essential for breaking up the walls and I think the choice to go for an oversized, vertical window instead of a horizontal one was a really exciting and unexpected choice.

I count not one, not two, but three tile shapes in this bathroom. I really love how the green cement tile (by Zia Tile) stops halfway up the wall, is replaced with narrower white tile, and then that tile stops before it hits the ceiling. It helps draw your eye up and yet grounds the space to keep the tile from feeling too overwhelming. And against the white and muted green color, the matte black finishes really pop.

Design Risk #6: Monotone Walls And Ceiling

Paint isn’t permanent but painting a room wall to ceiling this daring pink color wouldn’t be considered playing it safe. It’s true that monotone rooms are trending right now and I think this room could be conducting the train that I am about to hop on board. To make this trend work, you must pick a color that is special but not boring, bold but not too overwhelming. This peachy pink color achieves just that because it is easy on the eyes but feels fresh and exciting to look at.

Now if you are looking at the closet doors and wondering if they are original then you and I are on the same exact page. I asked for all you inquiring minds out there and yes, they are indeed the original closet doors. I love how the shape of the dowels speaks to the whimsical vibe of the room.

Design Risk #7: Oversized Shower Tile

More permanent finishes like tile are always going to be a little riskier to go bold with. In this bathroom, the chunky, cabana stripe tile in the shower makes an exaggerated statement that you can’t deny. What makes it even more enticing is the two-tone pink colors that add a playful effect that may not be “timeless” but packs a huge design punch. Finally, the brass shower head finishes add the perfect “jewelry” to round off the whimsical design.

One last note about this bathroom that makes it so special: It has this indoor/outdoor look and feel to it and that is because of the smooth stucco walls, which is (intentionally) the same finish as the exterior. Which brings me to the backyard!

When I asked Annie what her favorite room is, she didn’t surprise me when she said the backyard–and it’s not just because of how idyllic it is. It’s also because this is the first backyard design plan Annie and Marieke have ever executed and it’s STUNNING. Isabelle Dahlin Design (founder of deKor Living) assisted with the front yard landscaping, and once that part was completed it helped them reimagine the backyard. They planned a whole new layout including designing the awesome raised pool (scroll down to see the before and after – it’s dope). Then the tile was custom designed by Annie and Marieke and hand-poured. They used terra cotta pavers from Clay Imports and laid out the design by hand, measured the spacing between each one, and then it took about two weeks of labor to pour the concrete, place the pavers, and smooth it all out to be flush. It’s AWESOME and one of my favorite details.

Earlier I mentioned they wanted the patio to feel like an extension of the living room. Carving out a lounging area right outside is one way to do so, but this is also executed by having the pool raised rather than flush with the tile. The raised pool makes it feel like its own zone, so the rest of the patio becomes seamless with the indoors. It reminds me of a hotel pool, which isn’t totally surprising since Marieke has designed so many hotels herself. Like I said, this home was meant to feel like a vacation, and having everything open, airy, and seamless helps achieve that vibe.

To end the tour, we have this private little outdoor space right outside the primary bedroom and bathroom. Remember how I told you Annie and Marieke design homes as if they are designing for themselves? Well, this is another example of how they do just that. Knowing that privacy is a luxury, they really wanted to create a private outdoor zone so they added the tile wall to create this little outdoor nook.

And now, as a well-deserved treat for reading over 3,000 of my words, here are the spectacular before and afters:

Huge thanks to Annie and Marieke for sharing this project with us. It was such a blast for me to pore over every detail and I hope you had fun reading along :). I’d love to hear all of your favorite details so sounds off in the comments below!

*Design by Annie Segal and Marieke Ochtman of ASOM HOME
**Styled by Pop Up Home
***After photos by Corey Gibbons

The post Tour This House Flip In The Hills (By Emily’s Friend of ASOM HOME) That’s Full Of Design “Risks” That Really Paid Off appeared first on Emily Henderson.

What You Bought Last Month: Practical Summer Essentials And One Product That’s Been A Best Seller For SEVEN Months Straight

HOWDY, PARTNER. Coming in hot with an easy-breezy read for your Thursday enjoyment: EHD’s internal sales data from June is here and I’m chomping at the bit (horse puns – I crack myself up) because I’m SO ready to share the nitty-gritty details with you. Practicality was a HUGE common thread in June – our top 10 bestselling items include durable rugs, summer-appropriate attire, long-lasting furniture, and timeless fixtures – but naturally, you all landed one surprise item on the list (it shouldn’t really surprise me at this point, but…well, you’ll know it when you see it). Are you ready to see what EHD readers nationwide added to their carts in June? LET’S GO…

WAIT. A quick P.S. before you scroll, from one impulsive shopper to another: do you need any of these things? Probably not! Is it just fun to look? Big yes! Will I continue to add disclaimers to every post where I share products because I don’t want you to feel like you need to constantly be consuming? Also yes! (It’s just fun to lift the curtain to show you what’s going on behind the scenes, you know?). OKAY NOW LET’S GO, but like, FOR REAL. Kicking things off with number 10 on the list…

10. Delphina Delft Blue Rug

In 2021, we were obsessed with hand-painted delft tile. In 2022, we’re (speaking collectively, here) taking that trend to the floor with this quiet, porcelain-inspired, washable rug. Blue and white is such a great and timeless combination – this rug would look just right in a room with your chinoiserie ginger jars, but it’d also be at home in a farmhouse or in a collected, eclectic space. If you’re on the hunt for an affordable alternative to a go-anywhere Persian rug, a print like this is a great option.

9. Ember Mug² Temperature Control Smart Mug

Back in May, we asked the audience for Mother’s Day gift ideas (and spoiler: y’all DELIVERED. Peruse those comments and make a note for next year!). But there waaaaaas one item that came up over and over again – this Ember temperature-controlled smart mug, which we went on to include in our Father’s Day gift idea roundup. I know that tech like this can get a little tricky – like, is it actually high quality? Is it going to be used frequently? Or, like, will it end up getting used twice before landing itself in a box going to Goodwill? (Case in point: my hot dog toaster, which I now know is a kitchen utensil that literally no one has ever or will ever need, no matter how many hot dogs they eat.) This mug, though – it’s the real deal. It’s been tried, tested, and loved by you, a group whom I’d consider the most discerning audience in the blogosphere. I can’t think of a better endorsement, can you?

8. Culinary Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet

SWOOOOOON. Who brought this home in June? (Don’t be shy, I’m excited for you!!!). This faucet has it all – a pull-down nozzle! (“Duh,” said you, after reading the product name and seeing the product photo, which prominently features a pull-down nozzle. Let’s continue…) Multiple spray modes! A rotating spout! But wait: it comes in a variety of finishes, too! Y’all loved the satin brass the most – I can’t blame you, it’s a showstopper – but I’m also very interested in the matte black (so clean, so minimal, so good) and in the brushed nickel (it has a nice warmth, don’t you think?).

7. The Perfect Vintage Flare Jean

I LOVE THESE PANTS. They were on our bestseller list in 2020 – yeah, I’ve been harping about these for a WHILE – and I was SO sad when Madewell removed them from the site last year. They’re back and better than ever, though – these flares come in a variety of washes (I have a lighter pair, but this darker one is my favorite) and in a TON of different sizes (also in plus, tall, petite – something for everyone). If you’re also in the midst of phasing skinny jeans out of your wardrobe, these are the BEST potential additions. The rise is SUPER high, which I absolutely love – like, yeah, I want to zip my pants over my belly button, THANK YOU – and the length is perfect, even on my weirdly-proportioned gams. I usually wear my flares with a blouse-y top tucked in and with a pair of clogs (really leaning into the 70s over here) but they look just as cute with a white t-shirt and some sandals. I really, really, really love them.

6. Lulu Slide Sandals

Speaking of sandals – pals, we’ve hit the trifecta here: cheap, classic, and durable. Ryann shared these with us, writing: “Last year when I bought these sandals, I truthfully didn’t know they would become such a staple in my wardrobe. I think I bought them in-store for a last-minute event I was going to that day. Cut to today, I now wear them at least once a day because they are so easy to slide on and go. They are $20 but look so expensive and look good with any jeans, shorts, dresses, etc etc. The band is soft and not too tight so they are very comfortable to walk in too. 10/10!”

PS. If black isn’t your thing, these sandals also come in coral orange, cream, lavender, sage green (love this one!), and tan. There are also wide sizes available if you need them!

5. Infrared Sauna Blanket

This sauna blanket is kind of like the retail equivalent of having the number 1 song in America for a LONG time – like, how long can it possibly stay on top? Em first reviewed it in December of 2021 (!!!) after a year of use and it shot to the top of our bestsellers list immediately (not surprising), where it’s since maintained top 10 status for SEVEN FREAKIN’ MONTHS IN A ROW. (Very surprising – but, to be fair, the overwhelming bulk of sales are coming from Googlers and new readers. Is that kind of info as interesting to you as it is to me?). If you’re looking to scoop one for yourself, be sure to grab the newly-released insert – it’s washable and safe to use in the nude, which means you no longer need to wear and/or sweat through your clothes when you’re all tucked inside the blanket. Progress!

4. Winslow Corner Sectional

You may recognize this comfortable, cozy U-shaped sectional from the 1970s basement makeover that we shared back in May. The sofa has great proportions (deep enough to lounge, not too deep to sit upright), it’s easy to maintain, and it can fit SO many people (the whole family can lay down and relax). If you’re interested in learning more about how we landed on this configuration – along with details on the fabric, legs, cushion fill, cushion shape (we opted for a bench-style seating over individual cushions), and total cost – you can check out our entire overview of the Interior Define design process.

3. Plungey Swimsuit

Y’ALL, LET ME TELL YOU. I ordered two of these “shaping” suits – the Plungey, which Em is modeling above, and the Lacey, which has a more modest tank-style cut – after reading Em’s glowing recommendation and OH MY GOSH, THE HYPE IS REAL. I wore both over the holiday weekend and felt SO comfortable – they’re the kind of suits that you can wear in front of your family AND in front of your boyfriend, you know? (They also hold up well to hours of swimming, boogie boarding, shoving cheese puffs down your gullet, etc.) The brand also just launched a bunch of new colors in early July, so you’re guaranteed to find something you love.

Here’s Em’s original review, too: “Today, what you can see above is the new shapewear suit invented by a mom in Silverlake (where we lived in LA) and it’s GENIUS. Her whole thing is why have shapewear for under your clothes and not for swimsuits! I bought one because I was being heavily Facebook marketed by it and I’m glad I did. Now, one of my best friends tried it on who has a much longer torso and is very small-chested and it didn’t work for her. We decided it’s mostly for people who carry more weight in their midsection and need more boob support. I LOVE it and before this post, I ordered the high-waisted sapphire in “short” Medium just in case we sell it out. That’s how much I stand by these suits.”

2. Charli Stripe Linen Blend Blouse

Another one from the big boss! Em shared this chic, breezy linen button-up that she can’t stop wearing and had this to say: “This is my new favorite shirt that I’ve been wearing A TON. It’s a little splurgy but it drapes great, is lightweight linen, and is super breathable. Plus you know I love a good stripe. So it’s great for summer but also a great piece for all seasons because it’s really layer-able. Highly recommend!” Speaking of lightweight and breathable lemme introduce you to our number one seller of June…

1. New Seaside Pant

IT’S AN HONOR. (Kind of. I’m technically just the messenger, but I’ll pat myself on the back anyway). I linked these gauzy linen pants up after spotting them on a friend – she looked SO effortless and cool, like, she had the energy of a young Diane Keaton in a Nancy Meyers kitchen – and it turns out that we ALL fell in love with the super-soft construction (softer than a baby’s blanket, according to one of the reviews!) and the relaxed, timeless straight-leg shape. They looked like a million bucks in person – I thought they were going to be from The Great, or some other place that sells very high quality, very $$$ pieces – and I’m still STOKED that pieces like this exist in a price range that I can afford, too. (Under $90, in case you’re wondering!)

Annnnnnnd THAT’S A WRAP, FOLKS. Did anyone else bring home any of these pieces this month? (More specifically: anyone wanna geek out about their swimsuits or flare jeans or linen pants with me?) Any thoughts or questions or feedback? LET’S GAB, YEAH? xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: It’s Finally Here: The Reveal of the Mountain House Kitchen

The post What You Bought Last Month: Practical Summer Essentials And One Product That’s Been A Best Seller For SEVEN Months Straight appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Painting The Farmhouse Exterior – Our Inspiration, Biggest Debates, And How Choosing Between White Paints Can Be Hilariously Maddening – Even For Me.

Twenty years into this relationship I’ve realized a secret reason why I married Brian – he can be so decisive when I’m practically pathologically paralyzed with indecision at this point in the renovation. I weigh the pros of all the beautiful options out there and mentally exhaust myself with fear of making the wrong permanent choice. I’M SUPER FUN TO BE AROUND. He thinks this is a holdover from my styling days, where I was trained to literally think about every scenario, bringing prop options for every single shot, making “in the moment decisions” based on the framing to camera, and not really needing to commit to anything til the second before you click the camera. This doesn’t work for renovation and frankly is an occupational hazard. So when it came to paint, most recently the exterior of the house, Brian has been firm since day one that it is to remain white with an accent color. GREAT. He is immovable and won’t even let me take us in another direction and I’m honestly so relieved. I could have explored a medium color, a bright happy color a darker moodier tone, and even a two tone (with the sunroom being dark), but not Brian. He is firm and confident which brings me a lot of calm. That doesn’t meant there aren’t still decisions/mistakes/regrets to be made, but I’ve been leaning on him hard because at this point in the renovation I feel like I’m not my best self. I’m looking at tiny things I wish we had done differently that no one will ever notice. I’m DONE making decisions on my own and as much as ARCIFORM can help me, it’s not their house. So much of a renovation is simply a personal preference based on your lifestyle and practical needs. But that doesn’t mean that we didn’t look at some options in the renderings early on for the exterior, so today I’m going to walk you through our journey on what colors to paint our house.

Before – In 2019 When Life Was Simple….

When we bought the house it was painted a sweet bright white, with an accent of black shutters. White did feel right for a farmhouse then, as it does now. The shutters didn’t fit the windows, which can be a pet peeve for some of us (although I see this on beautiful houses all the time and it can still be super sweet). Ideally shutters should look like they perfectly fit the size of the window when closed, despite not actually needing them to close. But the black was a nice accent against the white and broke it all up.

So I started Pinning For Inspiration …

Knowing that we would remove the small shutters the question became should this house be all white? Or white with a different color trim? Historically a lot of ‘farm’ houses are all white – including railing and trim. I looked up why and here’s what I found: “It all began with whitewash, also known as lime paint, which was used during colonial times to prevent mildew from forming on both the inside and outside of houses”, according to the Daily Press. That makes sense. I also think these houses were meant to be purely utilitarian and affordable – so one color made it cheaper to paint and just kept it simple. Like these…

design by billy cotton | via house & gardenimage source

While this is pretty, I think the setting is what made me pin it. When I showed these two to Brian he said, “Absolutely not – that is very cold and boring” and he’s not wrong. So we started looking at adding some accents …

design by jean stoffer designWhite House With Light Blue Trimimage source

I love that house so much – that blue is so sweet. But clearly the brick in amazing, the shingled roof is beautiful and the stacked stones doesn’t hurt. So sometimes you have to check in with yourself and ask yourself why you like a photo – is it the dog? Or the blue trim? Hard to say.

design by julie and david holdsworth | via apartment therapy

But I like that one, too!!! These were too blue for Brian, and Anne agreed. Too sweet and not classic enough. I still don’t totally agree, but like I said – I’m leaning on others right now with really firm opinions to help guide the decision. The truth is that the house is so beautiful and so well executed and the landscape surrounding it will be so pretty that I think any and all options could work. When you have high quality materials and good execution I think that ANY color you choose could work.

My Favorite Inspiration Image… image source

Then I found this image and I fell in LOVE. It’s white with a blue/gray trim, surrounded by green – like ours will be. It seems like the window sashes are painted dark and maybe the top half is a shade of gray? But the white and light gray color combination got me excited.

But Which Color of White Paint?

If you want to torture yourself or your partner, try choosing white paint. Even as a pro, I find it maddening. There is a reason that designers have their go-to’s and thats because they KNOW what works for THEM and use it over and over, I think to mostly preserve their mental health. My go-to has always been a crisp bright white, with no undertones.

Our Glendale Housephoto by tessa neustadt | from: our home exterior renovation

Six years ago we painted the exterior of our Glendale home Calm OC-22 by Benjamin Moore, and I really liked it. It had a slightly undertone that is a little warm but again, it looks totally white.

photo by tessa neustadt | from: our home exterior renovation

Man, I loved that house!!!

The Original Portland Project

A few years ago I went with a warmer white for the Portland project (Sherwin-Williams Oyster White) and while it was slightly too warm/yellow for me when I first saw it, but I warmed up to it (HA). Sometimes that shock is going from primer to paint (because primer is so white) and ultimately it looked great. Now looking at it I’m realizing it looks TOTALLY WHITE, but I did take a note that I don’t love yellower undertones. I wondered if it was because it’s often next to so much green and gray? And maybe those two tones, being so cool, brought out its yellow-er undertones? Maybe.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the portland outdoor living spaces and a lot of styling tips

So I went on a recon mission around our rental house neighborhood (which is GORGEOUS by the way) and tried to note what colors I liked the most.

So many of the houses had a crisp white exteriors, with black accents and surrounded with brick and greenery. LOVE.

I think understanding your weather, your flora and fauna in your own locale is a good exercise. We really really want this house to feel bright, fresh and happy. Not muted or depressing, and staying far away from beige.

Excuse my terrible blurry photo skills

We like how the green and white really pop off of each other even though stylistically ours will be very different.

A Few Fun Options …

Months ago we asked Anne to play with some colors on the house – to see what a white (above) and a dark (below) trim color would do to the house.

As you can see the white is a bit boring and the dark is a bit busy. So we felt pretty good about choosing something in the middle.

So we ordered a ton of Sherwin-Williams paint stickers in whites and light gray/blues and went around the house to see it in full sun and shade. The biggest thing we wanted to make sure was that we liked was how the light gray/blue interacted with the already clad steel blue gray doors and the Sierra Pacific clad windows.

The gray you see on the window casings is Sherwin-Williams Online , and we really like how it interacted with the blue of the door (below) and the white windows.

So we tried it out on the house with a couple of paintbrushes and really liked it.

They have started prepping the house to paint, but we haven’t totally locked down the color. I’m a little worried that the Sherwin-Williams Online is not blue/happy enough, but Brian, Anne, Stephyn AND my friend/photographer Kaitlin all disagreed with me. They think it’s classic and classy. But like I said above, I think that no matter what, it will look really good. And yes, we do plan on putting shutters on the second floor in the same blue as the doors so I think that will help A TON. Here is the plan so you can visualize it more:

The Body of The house – Either Sherwin-Williams Pure White or Sherwin-Williams Extra White in Satin Rain Refresh. They literally look identical. Originally I chose Extra White, but then I just realized that I’ve used Pure White a lot before (for the Portland interior) so I might switch.All door and window casings where there is wood siding – Sherwin-Williams Online in Satin Rain RefreshSmaller wood casings around sunroom windows – Sherwin-Williams Extra White What I’m nervous about: For whatever reason we ordered the windows to have a white frame and a slightly light gray sash. I remember that we didn’t want a white sash because we wanted it to be less WHITE as to not look like vinyl, but unsure why we chose a different frame color and it can’t be changed (it’s aluminum clad, not wood), so it is what it is and we know it will be fine. But it makes me nervous to paint the original windows on the second floor a bright white if the ones on the first are a SLIGHT tone of gray. We all decided that I should CTFD and that it would go unnoticed since the light blue casing color would separate them all. Plus we’ll likely have shutters up there. It also means that there is a white strip between the sashes and the casing, which we decided that we think will look good if you even notice it. It ties in with the body of the house. But yeah, I’m a little nervous. I’m nervous that we should paint the window and door casing on the brick sunroom the light blue/gray instead of white, but it’s a much smaller profile of casing – which is more period appropriate. I just don’t want it to be ALL WHITE and have it feel like it’s missing that accent color. Those windows are so gorgeous and I want them to be highlighted. Luckily if that were the case, painting the light gray over the white would be easy-ish and likely something we could do ourselves. Is our white too white? Maybe? What has made me feel better is that we held up the paint sticker onto to the old house on the property (the one from the 1850s – see below) and it matched perfectly. original 1850’s house with bright white paint

I’m honestly just as eager to see how it turns out as you are. Some days I feel super confident in our decisions. ARCIFORM has been really involved in the more architectural decisions (like railing, stairs, windows and doors) and I trust them so much. Other times I’m nervous as this isn’t my wheelhouse and it’s super permanent. But I’m standing by my own advice – no matter what we will make it look GOOD. Will it be on the safer side? Probably. But thats ok 🙂 I’d rather be safe when it comes to these relatively permanent decisions, than regret that we went too trendy or playful. We are erring on the side of “classic and timeless” and I don’t think any of our decisions go against that – YET. 🙂 And I know that truly no one else will ever notice (except you guys as I point them out) the tiny things I wish I had done slightly differently. Remember (as I’m telling myself) this is the stage where you find yourself obsessing about how things are turning out, noticing that some things aren’t as you had pictured. But I promise you (me) that when it’s all done you will likely not notice them. It’s like we are standing in front of the mirror only wearing a blouse. You don’t have the full picture so you over analyze the stitching, the fit, the shade of color. But you have to trust that once you get the full outfit on, an outfit that you painstakingly curated, it will look amazing.

The post Painting The Farmhouse Exterior – Our Inspiration, Biggest Debates, And How Choosing Between White Paints Can Be Hilariously Maddening – Even For Me. appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: Em’s Important Book Rec, A Minimal Yet Classic Water Glass, And The Fashion Trend We Never Thought We’d Wear Again

We know that a lot of you expected an immediate response after Roe v Wade was overturned. And while we understand and appreciate that expectation, we weren’t ready beyond what Emily was able to repost on Instagram. We are a team of women, with a vast array of our own experiences, who support a woman’s right to choose whatever she thinks is best for her and her body. If you are looking to put your anger into action, check out Abortion Funds. It’s an incredible network of over 90 grassroots organizations that give aid to women needing help. While our team still lives in states that protect a woman’s right over her own body, far too many women are now left with nothing but organizations like these. We need to be there for and protect all women.

But as we’ve said before, this is also a place for mini escapes so here are this week’s links…

design by emily ward | styled by kendra smoot | photos by seth smoot | via domino

This week’s home tour is from the new digital issue of Domino. First off, there are a ton of incredible homes and you should go check out all of them. This home, in particular, designed by Emily Ward of Pierce & Ward (an EHD favorite), is just filled with all the things we love – SO much wood, texture for days, a ton of vintage, and endless soul. It’s not to be missed!

gabrielle is is on the far left (in the subtle hat) | her book!

From Emily: Hi 🙂 Today I want to recommend you to buy this book, based on this essay) – It’s the most compelling argument on abortion ever. Gabrielle Blair is a Mormon mom of 6, OG blogger, and a total unapologetic feminist who I have admired for 12 years. A few years ago she wrote a Twitter thread about abortion that I have posted and reposted and reposted because it’s a rethinking and reframing of a polarizing issue that I find very aligned with, despite not being a current member of the church myself. She has flipped the conversation to talk about men’s role and responsibility in pregnancy using science and data. Despite your views on abortion, I think you’ll agree with her points (it’s not perfect, FYI). While I doubt that our government will ever hold men as accountable for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies as women are (because our country is run by men that generally don’t want the government anywhere near their tiny little parts), I think her argument is unifying amongst women whether you are pro-choice or anti-abortion. I think we all agree it takes TWO to get a woman pregnant and men should be educated and be held more responsible for preventing an unwanted pregnancy. Full stop. Of course, I believe in the women’s right to choose anything with their body, duh, and at the same time I think it’s important to go up river and talk/think more about prevention. I honestly can’t get into it right now as it’s a 7-page personal essay I’ve written and re-written over the last four years. Trust me I have thoughts, but for now – just buy this book and read this thread. We need more voices and thinkers like her in this country. I haven’t read this book yet (as it’s in pre-order) but you bet that Charlie will when it’s time (and so will Birdie).

From Caitlin: I would like to formally apologize to Jess, EHD’s resident Spindrift enthusiast, because I have been sleeping on her recommendation for WAY too long!!! Last week I grabbed a pack of the Pineapple Sparkling Water – I’m currently making a very concerted effort to drink more liquids (of all kinds!) because according to my doctor, I am “alarmingly dehydrated” – and I took one sip before being like, “HOLY @#$!, this is literally 15 calorie carbonated juice!!!” I’ve never been a big sparkling water gal because the whole flavor profile has been pretty disappointing to me – not super interested in canned water that just tastes like it was transported a truck *near* a lime, you know? – but this stuff tastes like legit PINEAPPLE. Cannot recommend more highly, especially as we head into outdoor summer happenings (it would be an INCREDIBLE mixer). What flavor should I grab next?

via etsyvia etsy

Aimee Song’s Etsy collab might be our favorite yet! It’s elegant but cool and obviously, extremely stylish. We love this candle holder, this personalized necklace, this mug, this throw, we could go on but you need to go see for yourself:)

Also From Caitlin: This week I left the house to go on a walk in shorts without applying my Thigh Rescue and lemme tell y’all – I WILL NOT MAKE THAT MISTAKE AGAIN. (I have the full-size version at home, but I also keep a mini stick in my backpack and in my tote bag – there are discounted sets if you want to get both sizes, too!) I know I’ve recommended it before, but it’s truly made me feel so much more comfortable for the last few summers!!! A few other Megababe hot weather essentials that I regularly purchase and wholeheartedly endorse: the smoothie deodorant, the green deodorant (I alternate between the two – both are all-natural and they smell AWESOME), the odor-killing charcoal soap, and the anti-sweat powder (I love this applicator buuuut I usually buy this bigger bottle because I love it. There’s no talc in it, either!) PS. I have gone from someone who HATES summer to someone who can tolerate summer – like, THAT’S HOW BIG OF A DIFFERENCE these products have made. They deserve all the hype they get and then more. 100000000/10.

Also Also From Caitlin: Omg I ordered the ta3 swimsuit em recommended on Sunday and had it overnighted because I forgot to pack one HOLY CRAP please remind me to take a pic at the beach because it RULES!! 10/10 recommendation.

From Ryann: “I have been meaning to get a set of solid glass tumblers for a while” is exactly what I told myself as I was strolling through Target and happened upon these. It took me about .2 seconds to pick them up and put them in my cart because 6 glasses for $12 is a great deal and they are the exact width and height I’ve been looking for. They are perfect for my iced coffee in the morning and even better for a hefty cocktail in the evening:)

Also From Ryann: Even though I have always been a fidgety person, I have never tried any of the little fidget spinner-type gadgets to try and relieve the constant need to be doing something with my hands. But this year for my birthday my sister-in-law gifted me acupressure rings and now I have them on me everywhere I go. You move them up and down your fingers to help relieve stress and tension and they simply give me something to do with my hands when I am feeling anxious. I especially like to use them at night while watching TV or a movie as a way to wind down after a long day (they help me stay off my phone at night, too). If you or someone you know has anxiety or experiencing high stress I highly recommend!!

From Jess: Y’all SKORTS are back! Yes, you read that correctly. As a former private school kid, where skorts were our school’s answer to “modesty,” never did I ever think I would buy one in my adulthood. “Burn them” was my first thought when I graduated (don’t worry I didn’t actually burn my clothes. I’m sure they were donated). But skorts are everywhere now! The good news is that they come in both “skirt in the front, shorts in the back” and “little shorts under a skirt”…the latter being my preference. Anyway, I bought this cutie for my east coast trip this week since I realized I don’t have enough clothes to deal with that heat AND humidity for 12 days. Originally I wanted the other colorway but once I tried the brown/purple option I was shockingly into it. It’s super cute and super comfortable! P.S. If you go to the site and see a wraparound string I took mine off. I didn’t love that part and it’s not necessary.

Also From Jess: Not that I’m surprised but I LOVED the new Father of the Bride on HBO Max. I’m a real sap so I absolutely cried happy tears…a few times. GO WATCH IT NOW.

From Mallory: This is the shirt I’m wearing all summer…it’s SO comfortable & lightweight (even though it is a knit material). I find it so soft and breathable, plus it fits me SO well (I love that it comes in tighter at the bottom). For only $30 I’ve already certainly gotten my money’s worth out of it but I’ll definitely be wearing it even more the rest of the summer…I’m constantly grabbing for it. 10/10

Check on the women in your life, love each other hard, and see y’all tomorrow!

Opening Image Credits: Design by Emily Ward | Styled by Kendra Smoot | Photo by Seth Smoot | via Domino

The post The Link Up: Em’s Important Book Rec, A Minimal Yet Classic Water Glass, And The Fashion Trend We Never Thought We’d Wear Again appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Emily’s Easy, Throw On And Go Summer Outfits That Still Make Her Feel Put Together

I didn’t really have an intention to do a summer fashion post so this isn’t a big curated outfit situation. But as I was packing for our month at the mountain house, I tried to pull together more of a capsule collection that was super easy (and packed light). Nothing too curated or exceptional, but clothes that are easy to wear, cute, comfortable, and good for hot weather.

Dress | Sandals | Bag | Bag Strap (similar) | Hat

This dress kinda bored me when I saw it online, TBH, but that’s because the details are hard to see and you can never understand the fit/drape in still photos on models. I posted this one stories (and will re-post it today) so you can see how it moves because it moves really well. It’s linen but not stiff and just falls really well. Now that the kids are fully out of the toddler phase I’m curious if I can handle a white dress, we’ll see! The only thing I have yet to test is if you need to steam it after washing (which I’m historically bad about). Oh, and it’s thick enough to not need a slip (which I also tend to avoid). I have a feeling I’m going to be wearing this A LOT this summer, over suits, at BBQs – it’s just very flattering and easy to wear. The shoes in this shot are the lug sole sandals which are super comfortable and grippy on the bottom, can be dressed up and down, but they are on the heavier side in case that bugs you. The hat is SO GOOD. You can see it in one of the other photos below, but it looks really utilitarian and classic – not tending towards any style and the leather strap keeps it on despite any breeze.

The cute purse is from Madewell and I ended up returning it after the shoot because I realized that I already have this one that I love and don’t need both. I put it with that patterned strap (which I love) but it comes with a thin brown leather strap that I think looks better with it, actually (scale-wise).

Striped T-Shirt | Shorts | Sandals

Here we have a super forgiving, soft, and stretchy (but not clingy) scoop neck tee that is slightly on the crop side, but not SUPER cropped. LOVE. The shorts will be known as “the ones without holes or frayed edges” as I mostly wear ripped Levi’s or the below jean shorts. However, sometimes you want to look slightly less disheveled. I’m wearing a small in the shirt (I’m a 6 right now).

Denim Shacket | Shorts | Sandals

If you are in the market, this shacket is GOOD. Not too stiff/heavy, not too floppy/wrinkly – with a good amount of structure and layer ability. I’m wearing a small here. Please note both styles of pockets.

Sweater | Shorts | Sandals | Hat

I am already surprised at how much I’ve worn this “summer sweater”. It’s lightweight because of the open stitch but heavy enough to fall well (not clingy). This is year three with those shorts and they are still available (sadly I don’t know if they are the longer length or the shorter one, sorry!). They used to be more oversized and now they fit more snug 🙂 (If you usually size down with Madewell, make sure you do with these – they run big and are meant to sit on hips, but if you buy your true size they might fall off). The fisherman sandals are excellent – cute white soles, super comfortable, and great for hiding a bunion should you also be blessed with one! Oh and I’ve worn that hat A TON since I bought it. It’s cute and not overly branded.

Shorts | Striped T-Shirt | Button-Up | Sandals | Hat

Same outfit as above, with a slightly more park ranger vibe (I wore this the other day with hiking boots and really nailed the look). I’m wearing so many button-ups this summer (less blousy, more menswear I suppose) and this is a good one. I haven’t washed it yet to find out the wrinklability (which is important to me) but the shape, drape, and the style are good. The sandals I bought last year and they are going strong. Super comfortable, with enough of a lift, and just very “everyday”.

Sandals | Shorts | Jacket

Another shirt jacket (but with a cute railroad stripe) although I tend to wear this one more, with more heft since it’s easier to layer. The striped one is lighter weight – more like a thick shirt, which is good over a thin shirt or a tank top but doesn’t layer as well over a thicker shirt or a sweatshirt. The hat I’m wearing there is my favorite local merch from Arrowhead – from Skypark, you know the year-round Christmas-themed adventure park that I’m obsessed with.

Button-Up | Shorts | Sneakers

I’m living in those sneakers right now. I lost one of my checkered Vans but these are solid summer sneakers, that feel graphic and cool and better for long walks than the Vans are anyway. And here you can see the loose breezy button-up worn as a shirt (not layered).

This linen shirt is EXCELLENT. It drapes so well (check stories), is extremely lightweight, so easy to wear and layer even on hot days. If I grab it straight out of the dryer it’s wrinkle-free. It’s a splurge but if you are looking to just buy one and wear it for work and on days off, I think it’s a solid buy.

Here’s a closer look.

Shorts | Clogs

As far as I can tell Target isn’t selling these button-ups anymore, which is a bummer (I have this one in white and this pink stripe). It’s good because of the collar (little buttons!) and the menswear pocket. While trying to find it on their site I did find this one which is SUPER cute, but I don’t need another denim shirt. The clogs are a good mid-height. I can NOT seem to bring myself to wear heels very often since lockdown so while my Rachel Comeys from three years ago are still my favorites for dressing up, for every day these are far more comfortable.

The post Emily’s Easy, Throw On And Go Summer Outfits That Still Make Her Feel Put Together appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Our Very Curated 4th of July Sale Roundup: Huge Savings and Great Deals From Your Favorite Retailers

HOWDY, GANG. Happy (?) Fourth of July. The bad news: we are currently trudging through a seemingly neverending series of unprecedented times. The good(ish) news: many Americans have a three-day weekend right now, which is nice? I’ll be down the in Rehoboth Beach with friends and family for the next few days, where I’ll spend ~60% of my time distracting myself with boogie boards and fireworks and snacks, ~30% of my time panicking about the future, and ~10% of my time updating THIS SALES POST RIGHT HERE.

In a pretty shocking plot twist that I can’t really explain, this year’s Fourth of July sales are actually WAY better than normal – like, these are the best deals that we’ve seen so far this year (better deals than Memorial Day! How?!). It doesn’t really make sense to me (does anything?), but it’ll be fun to score a few deeply-discounted essentials. Now more than ever, I’d advise only buying the things you need…but we can all look for free, right? 🙂 Below, I’ve highlighted the sales from your EHD Official Top 10 Most-Shopped Retailers™ (ha), followed by a more comprehensive list of great deals from other brands we know and love. Enjoy your weekend and be sure to check back – I’ll update as deals (and inventory) change. 🙂

Sales From Your Top 10 Favorite RetailersTarget

The Sale: Up to 30% off indoor and outdoor furniture, up to 50% off toys, up to 25% off decor, and up to 40% off floor care.
Best Deals: Dyson Stick Vacuum | Studio McGee Cane Desk ($280, down from $400!) | Outdoor String Lights

AllModern

The Sale: 15% off select items with code GET15.
Best Deals: Blocky Leather Sofa | Low-Profile Upholstered Bed | Bold Geometric Wool Rug

West Elm

The Sale: Up to 70% off select items.
Best Deals: Sleek Metal Nightstands | Mid-Century Style Chair | Playful Angular Planters
Note: The inventory included in the Warehouse Sale is REALLY good.

Madewell

The Sale: 25% off site-wide plus an extra 40% off shorts, tees, and swimwear with code SUNSHINE.
Best Deals: Em’s Go-To Jean Shorts | Sweet Summer Midi Dress | Comfortable Neutral Sandals

Rejuvenation

The Sale: Up to 75% off select items.
Best Deals: The Sunroom Light Fixture | The OG Portland Fixer Kitchen Sconces | Dreamy Spindle Bed
Note: If you ever want to see Em’s Rejuvenation favorites in one place, you can check out her official partnership landing page right here!

J. Crew

The Sale: 25% off (almost) everything, plus up to 70% off select items with code GOFOURTH.
Best Deals: Em’s Bestselling Swimsuit ($59, down from 118!) | Short Sleeve Eyelet Dress | Pull-On Cotton Midi Skirt
Note: Broken record here, but J. Crew Factory’s inventory is also SO GOOD and SO CHEAP. (I mean, a lobster-print dress? ARE YOU KIDDING? Obsessed.)

Anthropologie

The Sale: Extra 50% off all sale items.
Best Deals: Incredible Pillar- and Pedestal-Shaped Candles | Sweetheart Neckline Dress | Wavy Cutting Board
Note: This is the biggest “sale-on-sale” discount I’ve seen at Anthropologie in the last 3 years (it’s historically topped out at 40%). Enjoy the savings!

CB2

The Sale: Up to 40% off select furniture, accessories, and outdoor; up to 60% off markdowns.
Best Deals: Woven Leather Credenza (nearly $700 off!) | My Much-Loved Dining Table | On-Trend Rattan Entry Console

Nordstrom

The Sale: Up to 60% off select items.
Best Deals: Chunky Braided Sandal (and the flat version) | High-Waisted Pull-On Shorts | Bubble Sleeve Smocked Blouse
Note: The Anniversary Sale Preview is live, too – it opens later this week for status holders and mid-month for the masses. If you’re looking to score the best deals, I highly recommend adding to your cart now so you can check out ASAP when it goes live (things sell out FAST). 🙂

Serena & Lily

The Sale: 20% off site-wide or 25% off orders over $5,000 with code SPLASH.
Best Deals: Rattan and Brass Console Table | Raffia-Wrapped Parsons-Style Coffee Table | Cheery Scalloped End Table

The Comprehensive List& Other Stories

The Sale: 15% off orders over $175, 20% off orders over $250, 25% off orders over $350 through
Best Deals:
Note: You can see a few of these in action in our affordable dress review!

Abercrombie & Fitch

The Sale: 25% off site-wide, plus free shipping on all orders.
Best Deals: Dress with Adjustable Neckline (I own it and LOVE it) | Best Jean Shorts for Curvy Women | Linen Pull-On Wide Leg Pants

Annie Selke

The Sale: 20% off made-to-measure rugs with code CUSTOM.
Best Deals: French Blue & White Herringbone Rug | Buffalo Plaid Indoor/Outdoor Rug | Knit Throw-Inspired Checked Rug

Apt2B

The Sale: 15% off site-wide, 20% off orders over $2,999, 25% off orders over $3,999, and 30% off orders over $5,499.
Best Deals: Queen-Sized Sleeper Sofa | Deep and Comfy Velvet Sectional | Whimsical Upholstered Bed
Note: The lead times here are pretty unbeatable, so keep this spot in mind if you’re ever in a pinch!

Article

The Sale: Up to 15% off select items.
Best Deals: Sara’s Go-To Sofa | Oak and Metal Media Console | Cozy Boucle Armchair

Brooklinen

The Sale: 15% off site-wide.
Best Deals: The MOST Plush Robe | The Weighted Comforter | Em’s Favorite Windowpane Sheets

Circa Lighting

The Sale: 20% off site-wide.
Best Deals: Beautiful Ceiling Fans (!!!) | Sculptural Table Lamp in Blue | Quiet Statement-Making Floor Lamp

Crate & Barrel

The Sale: Up to 60% off select items.
Best Deals: Marble Coffee Table ($499, down from $1,199!) | Timeless Slipcovered Sofa | Leather and Wood Safari-Style Chair
Note: This is WAY bigger and better than the Memorial Day sale – prices have never been lower.

Gap

The Sale: Up to 50% off regular-priced items and up to 75% off markdowns with code SALE.
Best Deals: Summer-weight Crewneck Sweatshirt | Denim Tiered Dress | Boyfriend Pocket Cardigan

Girlfriend Collective

The Sale: 20% off site-wide; up to 60% off sale styles.
Best Deals: Tank-Style Sports Bra | Racerback Workout Dress | High Rise Bike Shorts (with pockets!)

HigherDOSE

The Sale: Free gift with purchase of blanket, mat, or mask with code FOJ22.
Best Deals: The Sauna Blanket | The Blanket Insert | The Red Light Face Mask
Note: Emily wrote a review of her sauna blanket after using it for a year – you can read about her experiences right here.

Home Depot

The Sale: Up to 25% off select appliances, plus up to $750 off orders of 2+ appliances.
Best Deals: Whirlpool Dishwasher | Washer & Dryer Bundles | LG French Door Smart Refrigerator

Industry West

The Sale: 20% off site-wide with code JULY4.
Best Deals: Jeanneret-style Dining Chairs | Solid and Stunning Wood Coffee Table | On-Trend Cane Media Console

Interior Define

The Sale: 20% off custom upholstery and 15% off decor.
Best Deals: Robyn’s U-Shaped Sectional | Jess’ Iconic Single-Bench Sofa | Arlyn’s Sumptuous Sectional

Jayson Home

The Sale: Up to 50% off select items.
Best Deals: Brass Bag Magazine Rack | Vintage Chinoiserie Cabinet | Show-stopping Burl Side Table

Minted

The Sale: 15% off site-wide (excluding fine art) with code FIREWORKS22.
Best Deals: Children’s Art Prints | Artist-Designed Curtains | Transformational Wall Murals
Note: My whole hallway is Minted – the dimensions are in the post if you want to steal my entire art stylist-designed gallery wall.

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

The Sale: Up to 50% off select items, plus a free Comfort Club membership (specialty pricing for a year) with purchases over $1,000.
Best Deals: Organic Modern Pedestal Dining Table | Jaw-dropping Statement Bed | Cane and Carbon Buffet

Mitzi

The Sale: 20% off site-wide with code SUMMER.
Best Deals: Dabito’s Collection | Tali Roth’s Collection (those shapes! The wicker!) | Incredible Textured Table Lamp

Neighbor

The Sale: 10% off outdoor furniture and accessories with code SUMMER10.
Best Deals: Jess’ Tried-and-True Patio Sofa | Southwest-Inspired Outdoor Rug | Premium Outdoor Furniture Covers

One Kings Lane

The Sale: 20% off site-wide.
Best Deals: Wicker Parasol Table Lamp (my dream lamp!) | Antelope-Printed Rug | Chic Single-Cushion Sofa

Pottery Barn

The Sale: Up to 70% off select items.
Best Deals: Metal & Glass Indoor/Outdoor Lanterns | Rectangular Pivot Mirror | Sweet Vintage-Inspired Wood Dining Chair

Sephora

The Sale: Up to 50% off select items, plus free shipping with code FREESHIP.
Best Deals: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette | Fenty Diamond Veil | Bite Matte Lip Crayon

Schoolhouse

The Sale: 15% off hardware and fans.
Best Deals: Heritage-Style Cabinet Latches | Modern Ceiling Fan | Brass Kitchen Rail
Note: This was a hard one to narrow down to three items – there are SO many great picks on sale.

Tuft & Needle

The Sale: 15% off mattresses, 10% off organic jersey bedding, and 20% off bundles.
Best Deals: The Mint Mattress | The Hybrid Mattress

Urban Outfitters

The Sale: Extra 40% off sale items.
Best Deals: Zodiac Trinket/Jewelry Box | Elevated Checkerboard Taper Candles | Ceramic Berry Colander Dish

Wayfair

The Sale: Up to 60% off select items.
Best Deals: Big Savings on GE Appliances | MCM-Style Nightstands | Organic and Graphic End Table

World Market

The Sale: 15% off in-store pickup orders.
Best Deals: Cabana Stripe Umbrella Canopy | Jute Area Rug | Textured Seagrass Lidded Baskets

As always, if you’re a small business owner, feel free to leave sale details in the comments below! Have a great day – see you back here tomorrow with a fun one from Em. xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo and Design by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Sara’s Galley Kitchen “Update” Turned Into A Full Renovation (And The Result Is Well Worth The Wait)

The post Our Very Curated 4th of July Sale Roundup: Huge Savings and Great Deals From Your Favorite Retailers appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Affordable Readymade Curtains and Shades That Will Make Your Home Feel (And Look) Better

I have a bit of a history when it comes to waiting “too long” to hang curtains. For some reason, I don’t prioritize them (as long as privacy isn’t an issue) and I’ve learned that’s ALWAYS a mistake. I am never not instantly taken aback by how much they change a room for the better. I’m talking INSTANT elevation, INSTANT coziness, INSTANT “I look like I have my life together”. But I know that depending on how many windows are in need of dressing, it can really add up. I’m sure this news is news to no one. So unless you have windows that require a custom route, let’s get into some window treatments that will take it easier on your wallet.

Neutral Curtainsdesign by jess bunge | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: moto reveal: jess’ living room

First, let’s start with a very fun fact. The curtains in the opening photo, the photo above (my old apartment), and the two side-by-side photos below all have different curtains from IKEA. Look at how they all frame and bring a calming softness to each room. I doubt anyone would guess that they were from IKEA and for that we are IKEA neutral-colored curtain fans at EHD for lyfe.

design by julie rose | photos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: one of emily’s best friends gets the cozy yet sophisticated bedroom makeover she really deserves

Another reason why these look higher end is because of how they are hung. The rod is hung at 2/3 the distance between the window and ceiling. AKA GO HIGH! Unless you have a special situation where your rod must be hung closer to the top of the window, it will always look better and make your ceiling feel taller. We promise. Here is a post dedicated to how to hang curtains if you want some more guidance:)

design by rosa beltran | styled by velinda hellen | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the new design rules

Now, let’s get into why a neutral curtain color might be best for you.

It’s a great option if you want to keep things soft and minimal. A no-fail tone if you will. It’s also great if you want to play with bolder colors in your furniture and decor but don’t want to go all out in the color department.It’s Timeless. Never goes out of style.

But remember that “white” isn’t your only neutral-toned option. You can go with more of a cream or tan or taupe to add some visual depth (like Rosa did in her bedroom above). You can even go with a soft gray to cool things down. So just because “neutral” isn’t as flashy as something “colorful” doesn’t mean it’s boring. Here are a few of our top picks!

1. Natural Tan Basketweave II Curtain Panel | 2. RITVA | 3. Light Filtering Farrah Curtain Panel | 4. Light Filtering Linen Curtain Panel | 5. Bodulf Solid Max Blackout Thermal Rod Pocket Single Curtain Panel | 6. Linen Curtain

One thing I will say about neutral curtains is that you need to be aware of the “see-throughness” of it all. Look, you might not need privacy so a curtain on the sheerer side might be perfect. Also, the sheerer typically equals less expensive so keep that in mind as you shop. If you are someone who wants light-colored curtains but needs to block out the morning sun, something like #5 is a great option!

Colorful Solid Curtains design by jess bunge | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styled by emily edith bowser | from: moto reveal! how jess made her wfh office/living room totally multifunctional

I figured I’d start with my living room/office since “pre pink curtains” I was a white curtain gal through and through. So while my pink curtains are custom by Decorview (because of my beautiful but not in the least bit standard turret window), I think the journey to choose a colorful solid color might be helpful for those on the fence. Basically, my initial instinct was to go white or slightly off-white. That way I could bring in any color I wanted and wouldn’t have to worry about clashing with a color or pattern. But when I hung my IKEA curtains up temporarily, they looked sad and visual got lost in the turret. So I needed a color that popped more and made the room feel happier. That’s why I chose the pink. It’s still slightly neutral but brings a ton of life to the space.

design by sarah zachary | styled by emily edith bowser | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: a historic mid-century modern home that was completely brought back to life

But let’s say you want to go bolder! More color! More contrast! Let me reintroduce you to Sarah Zachary’s design. Those saturated golden rust-colored curtains are STUNNING! I love that bold warm contrast to the green wallpaper and bright blue sofa but then look how they complement the wood tones. So good. And while these are also custom you can easily take this idea and implement it with a more budget-friendly option.

design by william hunter collective | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styled by velinda hellen, erik kenneth staalberg, emily edith bowser, and julie rose  | from: reveal alert: the color trend we’re very into (that you’ll love too)

Now choosing a colorful curtain doesn’t mean you automatically want a bunch of colors in one room. Maybe you want to go for a tonal design like William Hunter Collective wanted in the photo above. So if you want color but for it to still be calm for the ole eyeballs, this is a cool and fun option.

1. SANELA | 2. Alaina Curtain | 3. Room Darkening Heathered Thermal Curtain Panel | 4. Forest Green Linen Curtain Panel | 5. Luster Velvet Curtain | 6. SILVERLÖNN

I love all of these colors. I know that Arlyn has #1 and loves them. #2 is very close to my curtain color so clearly, I’m a fan. Oh and look at how similar in color #5 is to Sarah’s design?!

Another EHD tip is to stay away from grommet curtains. You know the ones with the metal ring around where the rod goes. Look, if you already own them there is nothing wrong with them. But if you are in the market, pocket rod curtains or curtains you can hang rings with tend to look less readymade and more custom.

Neutral Curtains With A Little Detailphoto by tessa neustadt | from: staging my dream parisian hotel suite with sothebys

So maybe you want a neutral curtain but a neutral curtain with a dash of fun on the side. I’ve got you. Now, you always have the option for a fun and easy DIY like Ginny did with the white curtains with the black pom trim above. Those are actually plain white IKEA curtains (told you we were fans) with an iron-on black pom trim. Had the curtains remained plain white they would have gotten lost against that big beautiful window. So it was a genius idea to add the trim for some contrast and playfulness!

design by erik kenneth staalberg | photos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: erik’s moto bedroom reveal

But if you are NOT a DIYer then fear not because there are a ton of great options (like Erik’s curtains above) to give you that neutral look with a twist. Come and see!

1. Modest Windowpane Plaid Curtain Panel | 2. ALVINE SPETS | 3. Light Filtering Stitched Edge Curtain Panel | 4. Light Filtering Lace Trim Curtain Panel | 5. Windowpane Plaid Curtain Panel | 6. Light Filtering Marlow Velvet Trim Curtain Panel | 7. Stencil Vine 100% Cotton Floral Room Darkening Single Curtain Panel | 8. Light Filtering Global Border Curtain Panel | 9. Cotton Canvas Bomu Curtains

Some are playful with a printed pattern like #1, #5, and #7 while with others, the fabric itself is a pattern like #2 and #4. But I love love the subtle pop of color on #6 and the color/pattern combo of #8🙂

Bold Patterned Curtainsdesign by lea johnson | photo by erin francois | from: tour a stylist’s mid-century-meets-traditional “farmhouse” full of thrifted treasures

Another fun (or maybe not so fun depending on your design preference) fact, EHD isn’t known for our use of patterned curtains…trust me I looked and there were only a few. I think it comes from being more of wallpaper/colorful paint people. That’s not to say you can’t be a patterned curtain/wallpaper/colorful paint person! Many are and it’s awesome. Plus, the beauty of readymade patterned curtains is that you can return them if they end up not working out. Not as easy when you go the custom route…

photo by tessa neustadt | from: sylvia’s makeover: dining room

Now, above is an awesome example of great readymade patterned curtains. They are old Target that Emily’s used to decorate her kid’s nanny, Sylvia’s, home back in 2016. I love how the pattern brings movement to the room and that it’s also the main pattern in the space. It’s not fighting for attention:) But it’s also nicely balanced out by the blue half wall! A perfect example of how to use a patterned curtain.

design by rosa beltran | styled by velinda hellen | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the new design rules

However, you don’t need to paint your walls to match your curtains. Take Rosa Beltran’s stunning and delicately patterned curtains. They add just the right amount of pattern to add interest and warmth while not taking over the room visually. I doubt these are readymade considering she’s the queen of custom (if you don’t know her business, Clad Home, go now!) but there are definitely similar affordable options out there.

Here are some of our current favorites:

1. Farmhouse Ticking Stripe Custom Curtains | 2. Embroidered Tobias Velvet Curtain | 3. Jen Hewett Imaginary Basket Sleeve Top Curtains (Set of 2) | 4. Light Filtering Jacquard Curtain Panel | 5. Arches Cotton Sleeve Top Curtains (Set of 2) | 6. Velvet Floral Curtains | 7. Green Flower Print Curtain | 8. Penny Curtain | 9. Sheer Ophelia Printed Burnout Curtain Panel

Wanting to have a patterned curtain doesn’t mean you need to go “all-out”. Options like #1, #2, and #3 are still patterned but not “in your face” patterned. If that’s more of what you want then #5, #6, and #9 are fun and pack a big ole design punch!

Last but most certainly not least…

Neutral Shadesphoto by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the feel good flash makeover reveal (a.k.a. my favorite thing i did all year)

Sometimes a curtain doesn’t work or look right. Sometimes you need a shade instead and we are also big fans, as proven by the multitude of rooms we’ve designed over the years. Readymade shades can be a little trickier if you don’t have a standard-sized window but not impossible. The white ones in the above photo come in a ton of sizes.

design by emily henderson and keyanna bowen | photo by keyanna bowen | from: reveal – all the details of the primary suite at the real simple home

Here is an example of when shades were a better option than curtains. First off, choosing a roman shade made it so the wallpaper was the real star of the show. Then with the two windows being fairly close together and the bed/nightstand being against that wall, curtains would have looked heavy and cramped behind everything. So these shades add a subtle pop of color as well as make the room feel lighter.

design by sara ligorria-tramp and macauley johnson | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: sara & mac’s office/guest room reveal –lots of function + even more color and style

Here’s another example of when a roman shade was a better functional option. Since this is a smaller room, real estate is precious and the furniture is pretty close to the walls. This again makes installing curtains hard because they would either be cramped next to or awkwardly squished behind a piece of furniture. Shade to the rescue!

design by jayma mays & adam campbell | styled by emily edith bowser and erik kenneth staalberg | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the new design rules

Fabric roman shades aren’t your only option! We love the texture of a woven shade like Jayma and Adam used in their bedroom. Some are better for privacy than others but it’s such a great and easy way to add texture to our room!

For this section, I decided to stick with the neutral options since they are the most popular:)

1. Light Filtering Bonaire Balloon Window Shade | 2. Burnt Bamboo Cordless Window Shade | 3. RINGBLOMMA | 4. Linen-Blend Roll-Up Curtain | 5. Tie Up Linen Blind | 6. Cordless Light Filtering UV Protection Paper Roman Shades

I honestly love all of these and it’s really up to you and the style of your home as to which one is best for you!

I hope this was helpful and if you were already shopping for affordable window treatments, I hope your search is now over:) And if anyone else has a great affordable resource or specific curtain they love, drop it in the comments!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Arlyn Hernandez | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Arlyn’s Bright & Happy Rental Living Room Makeover

The post Affordable Readymade Curtains and Shades That Will Make Your Home Feel (And Look) Better appeared first on Emily Henderson.

How We Customized Our Farmhouse Primary Bathroom Vanity

Today y’all are going to see how we customized the vanity in our bathroom to create a pretty unique piece that I’m honestly IN LOVE with. It was kinda piecemealed, likely not the most efficient or economical but the result is awesome (and always fun to show you the process).

render of the vanity with a basic leg added

We knew we didn’t want floating, and there aren’t that many really long vanities on the market. So as we were working with our cabinet company, Unique Kitchen & Baths, we designed the custom vanity with them, knowing that we also really wanted to work with a local maker on the custom legs. I could have just had the entire piece made by a local maker but at the time I was pretty overwhelmed and Unique Kitchen & Baths is so easy to work with. We also hadn’t even started looking for this person and we needed to get the cabinet order in STAT, so we figured we’d lock the cabinet/body part down (8 months ago), then as we got closer we’d figure out the base. Unique Kitchen & Baths was giving us a press discount so I figured I’d just take it and figure the rest out later.

The Inspiration

I knew that I wanted the body of the piece to be pretty simple, with the legs designed with pretty joinery. I found the first image from the internet (sorry! I’m not sure who to credit!) and the image on the bottom is our current dining table’s legs. As you can see it’s constructed, or joined, to look like the wood itself is keeping it all together. I’m VERY into this look, obviously, and was willing to pay a maker to do our version of it.

So 6 weeks ago, I found my person, Nate from Dinihanian Design Build, a local maker here in Portland that was recommended by my friend Max Humphrey. With the inspiration image in hand, as well as these schematics, the ideation began. Then after we triple-checked the measurements he took it from there. Here’s the information we could give him:

drawing by unique kitchen & baths

He came back with a couple of options – both great (and hard to tell apart).

Option #1 has the base flush with the side of the vanity.

Option #2 has the base inset a bit. Honestly, both looked good to me but Brian liked the first one more and right now I’m pro anyone else making a firm decision right now (I’m passed my decision curfew). Besides, there were some more details that needed to be ironed out…

The Shape Of The Dowel…

The inspiration joinery image included a round dowel, but we decided that having a more elongated piece would work more with the design. Nate agreed and tweaked it.

For all those who love to nerd out over the woodworking process…this is for you. It’s pretty incredible to see the craftsmanship.

Nate was awesome to rush it (for a fee, which is normal) and 2 weeks later we had it on-site, ready to be installed.

So pretty, right? It’s so simple and perfect. Unique but nothing too crazy. Super high quality, well made, in the exact wood species (white oak), and the same sealant (clear matte). Nate charged $2100 which included a $300 rush fee and a $325 clear finish (which he subbed out). The vanity itself was probably around $3500 even with our discount so yes, it added up. I am glad to say that both companies, Unique Kitchen & Baths and Dinihanian Design Build, do very good, high-quality work and are small businesses that are growing. I feel good about giving them my business. And unless you DIY things yourself, any custom woodwork will cost you a lot more than readymade, as the overhead to be able to build (equipment, shop space, etc) is a lot.

SO GOOD. Now obviously we are missing the draw fronts and no, those sinks won’t be sitting at the bottom – they were just resting in there.

That white oak is SO PRETTY. Unique Kitchen & Baths did such an amazing job on the body of the vanity and those legs took it really next level.

Ready for some more sneak peeks?? Below is where it’s now FINALLY living (in the actual bathroom)…we finished tiling since I took this photo but I don’t want to show you the ENTIRE bathroom, just a little update…

OKAY, here’s an even more exciting sneak peek:) I can’t stop staring at the tile/grout/vanity mix.

Right now, I think I can safely say that this bathroom is my favorite room in the house (but that’s because it’s the closest to being done). There have been a few hiccups, which of course I’ll tell you about, but the vanity is not one of them. Despite using two makers to pull it off, the end result is exactly what we wanted.

The post How We Customized Our Farmhouse Primary Bathroom Vanity appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Would You Try This Unexpected Color Combo In Your Home? (+ How These 28 Rooms Got It Right)

BUCKLE UP, Y’ALL. It’s (almost) Christmas in July. Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite no-fail color combinations – yeah, seriously – and making an impassioned case for the mixing and matching of (you may have guessed it by now) RED AND GREEN. That’s right, gang – you can (or maybe even should?) be employing this fresh, warm, cozy color combination in your home. I’ve compiled a few of my all-time favorite examples of Christmas colors done right (as in “livable,” “will be enjoyable for a long time,” and “will not make you feel like you’re living inside a Santa set up at the mall”) and I’m SO excited to share. From farmhouse to full glam, from English countryside to 90s revival, from quick DIYs that’ll add a little personality to your home to full-blown red and green kitchens (two of them, actually!) – there’s something for everyone here. I’m going to ease you in with my favorite trick – just adding a pop of red or green to an existing space – but by the end, we’ll be going ALL OUT. ARE YOU READY? (Can you tell I’m ready? Can you also tell I drank a lot of caffeine before writing this introduction? Like, HEY, HAPPY TUESDAY! Let’s look at some inspiration, friends!)

Add A Little Popleft: design by salvesen graham, photo by simon brown, via architectural digest | right: laura gonzalez, photo by stephan julliard, via 1stdibs

We’re easing our way into it with some nice, desaturated tones. There’s something inherently comforting and home-y about this palette, right? Brick reds, olives, and sea-foam greens – it’s a nice mix of sturdy and soothing. I love a red stripe or plaid paired with a tiny hit of green – if you’re looking to add some color without adding a ton of fuss, this is a really livable option.

via sight unseen

Turning the saturation up a little (or, uh, a lot) here with this next space! OBSESSED with the super punchy Bočan chair against a sea of green furnishings (here’s the rug), warm woods, and ornate detailing. Red is such a powerful accent color (remember when Em added that balloon chair to her old living room?) – adding a single piece in a contrasting color is an awesome way to make a high-impact design statement without splurging on a ton of stuff. (And if you wanna learn more about these chairs…well, baby, I GOT YA.)

left: design by summer thornton, via 1stdibs | left: design by nicholas obeid, photo by gieves anderson, via architectural digest

Two sets of stripes, two VERY different looks. I love the room on the left – who knew that olive, kelly green, and coral could all live so happily together? There are a lot of traditional elements (the stripe, the piping, the tufted headboard, and embroidered shams), but the unexpected color palette leaves it all feeling fresh and youthful. On the right, those terra-cotta cushions speak to the rich wood credenza. The rattan definitely warms up the space, too – no one’s thinking “winter” or “Christmas” when they see a giant peacock chair.

design by marie-anne oudejans | photo by francois halard | via architectural digest

CAN I VISIT? The hand-painted mural is to die for, but first: this is the kind of magazine-worthy styling that I love, y’all. Like, yeah, just chilling in my ::checks notes:: extremely red kitchen with my ::checks notes:: pile of apples and ::checks notes:: tray filled with rose petals. You know. LIKE WE ALL DO. Photos like this are the reason I still subscribe to magazines – it’s SO FUN to see things that are so inspiring and escapist. Second: let this live as proof that candy apple red and kelly green can, in fact, live in harmony.

left: design by ioa studio, photo by tom ross, via yellowtrace | right: photo by thomas loof, via architectural digest

No-fail design hack: add a bright red pendant. It’s the simplest finishing touch – and it’s pretty easy to install if you have some DIY chops! – but it makes ALL the difference, don’t you think? It really brings the quiet, muted palette on the left to life while bringing a really nice balance to the bold, more saturated palette on the right.

design by bridie hall | photo by paul massey | via house & garden

My first thought when I saw this home: “the person who lives here is fun and vibrant and welcoming!” One thought noticeably absent from my brain: “red and green are usually billed as the be-all and end-all of Christmas colors!” That’s due in large part to the other primary colors featured here, which brings me to my next favorite tip for making this palette work in your home…

Sprinkle In Some Blue Or Yellowdesign by sarah vaile

The mix-and-match here is SO good – I looooove these ornate, lacquered Chinoiserie chairs paired with such graphic, colorful, modern art. (The walls are great, too. Obsessed with this paint job – the variation in finishes just gives it a little something extra, right? It feels extra special and thoughtful and considered.)

left: design by meta coleman, photo by rett peek, via domino | right: design by maria speake, via living etc

Who knew that such bold, bright colors could feel so grown up? In the room on the left, we have no lack of pattern – the pillows! The blankets! The rug! The wallpaper! The curtains! The art! – but it all feels balanced by the sweet, playful mix of red, green, yellow, and blue. The room on the left is the opposite – not a pattern in sight! – but again, the hard lines are softened by the fun and vibrant soft surfaces.

design by luke edward hall | via vogue

Weekly reminder: PRETTY LOOKS GOOD NEXT TO PRETTY. The blue art, the yellow frame; the yellow lamp with green accents; the chalkboard-colored walls and vibrant upholstery (those tigers are lined in green, too!)…it’s all such a masterclass in building an eclectic, cohesive space. If you wanna take it to the next level, though, there are a few options…

Go Permanent With Built-In Fixtures And Finishesleft: design by bridie hall, photo by paul massey, via house & garden | right: design by victoria sass, photo by wing ho, via house & garden

WOAH. Tone-wise, these are VERY different. Commitment-wise, though, these are VERY much the same – these two homeowners will be working in these red and green wonderlands for a WHILE. I’m obsessed with the cabinets on the left – the profile, color, and finish are all ::chef’s kiss:: – and I also love that hit of yellow. The kitchen on the right is a “modern-day interpretation of when the 90s referenced the 70s” but I love thinking of it as a 2022 take on a 90s sitcom kitchen. You know, like…it’s livable and relatable, but the color palette is turned up to the MAX. (And those cabinet pulls? So good.)

design by rp miller

DREAMY OFFICE SETUP. (I mean, that coffee table under the desk and the plant light fixture? ARE YOU JOKING? Like, yes, I would love to work from here, thank you!!!) This artichoke shade on the built-in bookshelves makes for a great, neutral background – committing to color on permanent fixtures really allows the other decor pieces (like say, the red curtains) in the room shine, don’t you think?

left: design by francois-joseph graf, via elle decor | right: design by carolina vincenti, photo by guido taroni, via elle decor

GO BIG OR GO HOME. That red seating on the left makes such a statement – it wouldn’t have been my first instinct (probably why I’m a partnerships person and occasional blog post writer and not, you know, a professional interior designer in a magazine) but MAN, I don’t think anything else would have had as much of an impact. It’s luxe, isn’t it? And the entire apartment on the right is worth a tour – the ENTIRE HOME is decked in shades of red and green and it’s UNBELIEVABLE.

design by studiowta | via dezeen

Last but not least – everything kinda goes with those sweet and timeless red clay tiles, right? I’m especially taken by how thoughtful the placement is – that diamond motif combined with the timeless stripe leaves the tile on the floor and the tile in the shower feeling SUPER cohesive, despite the difference in finish and color. That actually brings us to our next tip (my personal favorite – you ready to see some INCREDIBLE spaces?)…

Layer In Lots of Patternleft: design by salvesen graham, photo by simon brown, via architectural digest | right: design by claire worthington, photo by dean hearne, via house & garden

I mean, like, would I really write a post without including a bunch of photos of wallpapered spaces? I THINK NOT. I’ve long been taken by the bathroom on the left – I once pitched a post exclusively about that mirror after seeing it in so many rooms! – but the room on the right is a new favorite of mine. Do you see how the paint color in both (the trim on the left; the mantle on the right) is SUPER similar, but how the surrounding elements totally change the feel of the color? It’s incredible how much personality we can bring into our homes while working under the same constraints, you know? I’M GETTIN’ EMOTIONAL, GUYS.

design by lulu lytle | via sheerluxe

I love someone who just GOES FOR IT. There’s something so unapologetic and personal and special about this room, don’t you think? The striped rug on top of the carpet; the painted rattan console (right next to an end table and a bookshelf – who else woulda thought to put another surface in there? It’s brilliant!); the frames of the gallery wall…it all just sings. Weirdly, I don’t think any other color console would have felt nearly as cohesive – it’s just really special and intentional.

design by lisa burdus | photo by maree homer | via the design files

SPOILER: I LOVE THIS HOUSE. The whole place is done in variations of this restrained palette and it’s IMPRESSIVE. The printed headboard against those green walls and the green door into the patterned bathroom…swoooooon. Highly recommend checking out the full tour as it’s SUCH great inspiration for those looking to keep each room feeling connected but still different.

design by georgie pearman | via interior designer magazine

LET’S ALL GO ON A TRIP. (Because this is a hotel, in case the crisp bedding and beautiful symmetry didn’t tip you off.) That striped headboard? Those terra cotta-colored lamps (are those shades leather?!)? The sweet red fringe on the pillows? That WALLPAPER? ADD IT ALL TO CART. (Most interesting, though: did you clock all the light sources here? We’ve got picks for DAYS.) This is the perfect mix of playful AND restful, which is such a hard balance to strike.

Opt For Full Glamleft: via the beverly hills hotel | right: via the greenbrier

When in doubt, GO ALL OUT. (If that’s not an idiom yet, it ABSOLUTELY should be.) I wanted to show you two super classic examples of red and green first – that’s the entrance of the Beverly Hills Hotel on the left and a suite at the Greenbrier on the right (if you’re not familiar with the latter, it’s worth learning about – such SICK design history!). Before it was a ~Christmas~ commodity, red and green were SUPER CHIC. Lemme show you how to translate this super glam look for your everyday life…

design by beatriz silveira

WELL. For someone’s everyday life, at least. First: look at the modern shape of that mantle juxtaposed with that classic commode. INCREDIBLE. Second: while every piece here is incredible in its own rite, it’s the mix of upholstered pieces that take this room into the freakin’ stratosphere. A room with black chairs would have been beautiful, but a room with these deep salmon-colored chairs is SHOWSTOPPING. The tension is what brings it to the next level, you know?

design by brett leemkuil | photo by floto+warner | via curbed

But hey – maybe you WANT more classic, full-glam maximalism…and in that case, THIS IS FOR YOU. Can you believe the impact that these full-scale pieces (the chandelier; the art) make in such a tiny space? And the sconce above the bar – it’s all so thoughtful. I DIE. I don’t think I have the willpower to stick to such a tight palette (believe me, I’m trying – it’s hard!) but the impact is unmatched. Like, how can we continue to shove this color pairing in the “Christmas” barrel when beautiful spaces like this exist?

This is where I leave you for now – WHAT SAY YOU??? Yay/nay on the red and green? (It’s okay if it’s not for you – I know that color isn’t everyone’s jam.) Anyone inspired to add a pop of color? Anyone realize that they’re already rockin’ this color palette in their own home? (I’ve realized that there’s lots of deep reds and olives in my childhood home – probably why I’m so drawn to it, I think.) LET’S CHAT, OK? xx

Opening Image Credits: Design by Salvesen Graham | Photo by Simon Brown | via Architectural Digest

The post Would You Try This Unexpected Color Combo In Your Home? (+ How These 28 Rooms Got It Right) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

How To Do Mid-Century Modern The “Modern” Way RIGHT From A Famous Music Manager And His Wildly Talented Mother (A True Design Dream Team)

If you know me, you know my dad and I are periodically design buds. I design, he puts in his two cents (whether it’s asked for or not), and then he builds said design…sometimes I help. But actually designing a full home, MY HOME nonetheless, would likely have us saying, “love you, mean it, but we need a long break from each other.” So when I read this article on Architectural Digest about how a mother, son, and sometimes dad (and a bit of brother) all collaborated on this utterly stunning and soulful home, I was in awe. That likely says more about my father/daughter dynamic but regardless I thought I was incredible. Clearly, there’s a mutual taste and general respect for each other’s opinions:)

To be fair, the mother, Shari Creed, is a very talented decorator and has clearly taught her kids to love and appreciate design. Parent hack? She’s actually been helping her son, Brandon Creed (manager of little-known artists like Lizzo, Troye Sivan, and Mark Ronson) with his apartments since his college. What a perk! My favorite quote from the article is from when Brandon showed his parent’s the house she called it “an absolute dump” but “could see past that.” That is absolutely something my dad would say. No holding back when it’s family! Amirite??

But let’s get into this house and into the nitty-gritty of why it’s so cool and special. You know when we call something “special” we mean business🙂 This entryway was Shari’s favorite space to design and it’s easy to see why. The first piece I am blown away by is that custom door. I don’t think I’ve really seen anything like it before. It could have easily been a cold ultra-modern door but instead, it has so much visual depth and texture from the warmth and orientation of the wood pieces. It was important to Brandon for the overall feeling of this home to be zen and that is exactly the emotion you feel looking at this entrance. I think the organic boulders mixed with the contrasting shades of the concrete walls, AND the wood floor inlay just look so cool and organic. Fun fact – those french urns are from his grandfather’s farm! A fun and unexpected design choice that makes it feel more lived-in and personal. And yes that’s a turtle pond with a real turtle:)

I should let you know that the art in the house is incredible and brings so much color and playfulness. Brandon has been collecting art for years. Also doesn’t hurt that his brother is an art advisor who lets him in on who are the up-and-coming artists. Looks like I’ll be calling my bother to step up his game… But truly this art makes the room come alive and is perfectly complemented by all those cool textures and fabrics! First, you see the sheepskin pelts draped over those awesome custom linen benches. Then all of a sudden you notice the tan boucle chair cushions until…BAM the chair’s seats are a rich dark brown wicker. Heart be still!

Let’s also notice the balance of shapes. There are lots of rectangles and squares (ie benches, table, credenza, art). But then you notice the rounded shapes (ie the sheepskins, captain chairs, table decor, and of course those quietly awesome pendants). Oh and I literally just noticed that incredible burgundy rug that completely grounds the space and the little dog statue outside. GAH, this house is awesome.

There are almost too many cool things in this room to point out but I will do my best to keep it brief(ish) so that you can finish this article before dinnertime. The first thing I noticed, aside from the rich warm mid-century modern color palette, was that there’s a lot of furniture in this space. In case you don’t know, we have a whole design mistake post about “too much furniture”. However, this is an example of when this rule is meant to be broken. All the pieces make it feel so inviting that you can just plop down on any and every surface. Color-wise, why this room is so easy on the eyes is because everything has a warm undertone (even the sheepskin chairs, the sheep ottoman, and the white wall color). Also, everything is relatively tonal with just a couple pops of greens and blues. Now take a look at that unexpected small art and pendant placement over the fireplace! Since the room is so colorful (something that Brandon said was a little outside his comfort zone), they only needed to add a couple of small pieces of art to balance the room. Placing them in the same orientation that mimics the shape of that sick custom firewood holder is just icing on the cake. And let us not forget to give love to that beautiful tree that gives the room some “actual” life and a ton of height. Lastly, the choice to make the beam black also brings your eye up and visually balances the space. Ok, ok, I’ll move on now.

THIS ISLAND. Can you handle how cool that is? The multi-height island is currently on-trend but is totally classic in this space. It looks like it would be a joy to cook and hang out in (while someone else cooks…my preferred way to spend time in a kitchen:)) As the observer, sitting on those stools would make you feel like you’re really part of the action. I guess that’s how most people feel sitting at a kitchen island, but there’s something cozier about this setup. Also, those stools are incredible and the tone of the wood speaks perfectly to the MCM style.

Let’s talk a little more about the function. While we can’t see the left wall, I feel like there are some wall cabinets as well as a ton of storage in the island. But look at the exposed storage on the oven wall. Those little shelf racks make cooking and grabbing a cup of coffee super easy. Plus it looks and feels more lived-in which I love. In addition, that pot rack with the mix-matched/colorful cookware, as well as the copper pots on top of the wall ovens (and the pop of green on the stools) make this kitchen not just another pretty white and wood kitchen. Big fan. Lastly, something that’s an unexpected 10/10 for me are those stainless steel appliances. They just feel right for the style of this home. Oh, and those skylights really give that beautiful airiness we all love.

If you are looking at the kitchen, just turn around and you will see this perfect little breakfast nook. Again, here Shari and Brandon made the unexpected design choice of using this European antique table and chairs set. But there’s a story and it’s the best. This set was his grandparent’s and was the dinner table he grew up eating meals with this family at. Now, four generations later, he gets to eat at it with his son. Told you it was the best.

So beyond the dining set, that gallery wall is pretty spectacular (yep, that’s a real Warhol). But other than the famous artists, look at how balanced and varied it is. The Warhol is the anchor, then you have the slightly smaller and only black-framed piece to the lower right, followed by that 3-D clear case of small sculptures to the upper left. Then to the upper right is a modern smaller horizontal piece followed by a piece on the lower left that I can’t tell what it is aside from also having a white frame. Oh and notice how they played with uneven spacing! Lastly, note the mix of European antique-style pitchers next to a tiered display of Warhol soup mugs. It’s pretty freaking fun. So is that orange pendant:)

This is Brandon’s bedroom and it’s an oasis. Given that he said this house is a little more color than he typically goes for, it’s no surprise that his primary suite is more on the neutral side. I think we can all agree that the view is the real showstopper here, but I love those concrete lounge chairs and wildly cool sconces. Actually, this space was an unfinished ’90s addition. Not anymore!

And here is the primary bathroom. If you are asking yourself, “is the vanity glowing?” you are correct. He said that this bathroom was inspired by his trips to Israel which you totally get by all the light tones and natural materials. My favorite part is how they carried the slatted wood into the vanity and drawer.

Now, this is his son’s room and I really love this distressed electric blue! The article said that they were inspired by a cupboard from Nickey Kehoe. Another design choice that you may not think would be a fit for an MCM home but the color feels so fresh and the design is awesome. Yet another example that rules need not apply when you have a strong vision.

Ok, I think this is my actual favorite space/spaces. All the art makes my eyes light up. I mean look at that huge Mark Hagan piece! It’s spectacular. What is also so special about these spaces is that the stone flooring and yellow pendants make them feel like one space, interconnected despite the sliding door. Then you have that insane Willy Guhl-inspired pond and firepit! It’s all too good. One last tidbit. I really love how they chose to paint the overhang on the right gray to contrast the black of what is probably the addition(?). It just makes it look more interesting. A little stone turtle also makes things look more interesting:)

We’ve made it to the pool and for some reason clicking my red heels three times isn’t transporting me. Very annoying because what a beautiful place to hang out at. I love the green and orange tiles because they feel so true to the era of the home (just wait for the next photo). This is clearly an “entertaining home” since there are not one but two wine racks…outside! I love that they chose to make them different sizes. I also love the continuation of the boulders from the entry to the backyard and how great is it that the left posts are a different color and finish than the right ones. It helps to make a lounge zone and a bar zone.

Y’all we’ve made it to the end and I’m ending with one of the most fun spaces…the outdoor bathroom. Yes, this beauty is for the OUTDOORS. But honestly, if you can have a pool bathroom why not go bold? The tile choice is obviously continued from the outdoor bar and all those natural materials (ie stone sink and reclaimed wood) speak to the outdoors. But then that great mirror and metallic fixtures make it so it feels modern.

So that’s it! Clearly, this is someone with a much larger budget than probably most, if not nearly all of us, will ever have. However, there are a ton of awesome and interesting design choices that we can all learn from and maybe even incorporate into our homes, on our smaller budgets. But now let’s talk about your favorite parts! What did you love? What maybe wasn’t for you? Are you inspired? I hope so.

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Shari and Brandon Creed | Built by Design Universal Architects | Photos by Laure Joliet | via Architectural Digest

The post How To Do Mid-Century Modern The “Modern” Way RIGHT From A Famous Music Manager And His Wildly Talented Mother (A True Design Dream Team) appeared first on Emily Henderson.