Emily Henderson's Blog, page 148

What To Do With Muddy Wet Shoes In Your House If You Don’t Have A Mudroom

The mud can be totally maddening if your house isn’t set up for that designated drop zone. I feel like I sweep and mop every other day right now. When my Oregon friends would come visit in LA, their kids would take their shoes off immediately without being asked and I thought it was from good parenting, but now I realize that it’s an unbreakable habit due to the almost daily mud swamp that can be tracked inside by little monsters. These days my general MO in life is to look at all the things that stress us as a family and figure out systems to avoid them. So instead of focusing on the best cleaning products or booking a service, I want to create systems to not have them in the first place. So we need both an outdoor solution (a tray or rack) with a bench so we can take some off before coming in on the hyper muddy days, as well as an indoor solution when it’s not quite as wet. Now to be fair, from car to door is not cement, it’s mud. So I know that my situation might be worse than most (and it’s good to know for the farm so that I can be sure to create a clear hardscape path to the back door). Don’t get me started on these mud pups. Meanwhile, as I’m finishing up Robyn’s basement makeover which includes a mudroom through the garage, she ALSO was having boot tray woes so I figured we are not alone.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: 8 steps to building a smart, organized pantry & mudroomThe Inverted Boot Rack

Now I’m not totally sure if an inverted rack is better or worse than a tray that you just set them on except maybe the soles dry out faster? Critters can’t get inside them if you leave them outside? I do think it looks cool though and is something I’m considering just for wellies outside our front or back doors (which are both covered). If we were here more long-term or if I gardened I’d consider a hanging one as this one is so lovely.

1. MyGift 6-Pair Natural Wood Inverted Boot Storage Rack | 2. 6-Pair Natural Boot Rack | 3. Oak Welly Rack

The Big Boot Tray

This is a no-brainer both inside and out, but I was surprised by how ugly so many of them are on the market. I have one at the mountain house via Hearth and Hand with Target that is GREAT (high-lipped, simple with cute handles) and would buy that again in a second, but they didn’t put it out this year. So here is what I’ve found with a few that I’m pulling the trigger on.

1. Marquetry Boot Tray | 2. Metal Boot Tray | 3. Natural & Recycled Rubber Boot Tray

1. Classic Galvanized Multi-Purpose Boot Tray | 2. Bamboo Rolling Plant Tray | 3. Galvanized Boot Tray

The Shoe Shelves I’m Eyeing

There are a million on the market but so few that I really love enough to see first them when I walk in or near the front door.

1. Household Essentials Bamboo Shoe Rack | 2. Rustic Z-Frame 3-Level 9 Pair Shoe Rack | 3. Entryway Rack | 4. Lucy Mango Wood Shoe Rack with Bench | 5. Corrugate Shoe Tray | 6. Helga Wood Shoe Rack

I have this one from West Elm and it’s super sturdy and looks really nice. It only holds a few pairs of shoes, but can be sat upon and I think would look nice outside next to the boot rack or boot tray.

The Sturdy Basket

I’m a massive fan of woven wood baskets, even though they are much more expensive than wicker. They are wide and low, making them easy to sort through and feel more modern and yet organic. Anytime I see one at an antique store I snag them because new can be super expensive. I just find them visually so appealing and more utilitarian. I’ve used these forever.

1. Aubrey Woven Oversized Rectangle Basket – Natural | 2. Chunky Round Woven Basket Natural | 3. Decorative Round Rattan Basket Gray

The Metal Basket

For full visibility and to be easy to maintain and clean, we have a couple of these inside our armoire full of shoes and I think they look really really nice, modern, and utilitarian (and I don’t mind hoarding these because they last a long time and can be used for laundry, cleaning supplies, etc).

1. Spectrum® Utility Basket in Grey | 2. Black Wire Wilson Storage Basket | 3. Wire Storage Basket Black | 4. Large Wire Milk Crate with Handles Copper – Threshold | 5. Metal Storage Basket | 6. Extra Large Round Wire Decorative Storage Bin with Handles Copper

So these are some of the solutions I am considering, but I am curious what you do to keep the mud out of your house? HELP. xx

Opener Image Credit: Photo by Sara Ligorria Tramp | From: My Secret Front Yard Finally Revealed

The post What To Do With Muddy Wet Shoes In Your House If You Don’t Have A Mudroom appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The 13 “Do’s” And “Dont’s” Of Choosing Paint For Your Whole House – Read Before You Paint

My sister’s house was painted 50 shades of light blue when they bought it, and it wasn’t sexy. All bedrooms, bathrooms, den, closets, etc – every room but the main entry were different subtle shades of the same light blue tone. Clearly, the last owner suffered from “whole house paint paralysis” and just went with the “one and done” approach. I get it – picking 11 different paint colors at the same time is challenging, daunting, and just a lot at once, especially amidst all the other decisions you are likely making.

In a perfect world, you paint one room at a time and see how it looks and feels before you go to the next. But whether you are repainting a room to work with the rest of your already painted house or having to choose all of them at the same time, there are things to consider. There is knowledge for those who have done this before, that can help you do what we all want in life – mitigate regret and optimize our home happiness. For the farmhouse, I’m so excited to work again with Sherwin-Williams on the colors of every wall, every cabinet, all the trim work, and yes, even the ceilings. Some houses don’t need a lot of color () and others want more. This house will fall in the zone similar to the first Portland project – main spaces more neutral, with the trees through the windows adding a lot of color, we’ll add color in the cabinets, built-ins, and rooms that need to feel cozier or where I might want to do an unexpected paint treatment. I want the feeling of the mountain house (calm, warm, minimal) but with the charm of our English cottage (playful, more pattern/fun, whimsy). I haven’t figured it out yet or landed on any “for sure” color, which is why this exercise is coming at a great time. How do you get the paint color right on the first try???

DO: Ask Yourself Some Important Big Picture Questions

Not to get too existential on you, but if designing your home is mostly about your personal preference, how YOU live, then you need to seriously consider the answer to these questions before you choose paint willy nilly.

design by william hunter collective | art direction by emily henderson | styled by velinda hellen and erik staalberg | photo by sara ligorria-tramp

Similar Paint Colors: After The Storm SW 9685 by Sherwin-Williams | Inkwell SW 6992 by Sherwin-Williams

How do you want to feel when you are in the room? I know I sound like a broken record, but it’s super important that you let the feeling of the room dictate how it looks, not the other way around. Do you want to feel cozy? Feel at ease? Or feel like partying?

left: photo by tessa neustadt  | right: photo by sara ligorria-tramp

Similar Paint Colors: Pure White SW 7005 by Sherwin-Williams | Lattice SW 7654 by Sherwin-Williams

Do you want all the colors in the house to work together or would you rather have different exciting experiences in each room? The level of overall color cohesion is absolutely a personal preference and really comes down to how much you can handle. I like for open spaces to have a shared vibe and color palette – but if the rooms are separated from each other by doors, then have more free rein to create different color experiences. For me, it’s all about vibe, and I like tones that feel like varying degrees of a hug. Maybe some hugs are more in the tickle arena, some a quick familiar squeeze while others are a long soft embrace. The colors don’t need to match or carry through necessarily, but the vibe needs to match what you want for the overall home experience.

photos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: portland primary bath reveal

Paint Color: Cyberspace SW 7076 by Sherwin-Williams

What are your true comfort colors? The ones that always make you happy. Go with your comfort colors for main spaces (take risks in rooms less traveled). While paint is easier to replace than wallpaper, it’s also just good to get in a habit (one that I’ve had to break) of not “buying something you might return,” even if it’s a coat of paint. If you’ve never in your life opted for a lavender scarf then be wary that you might be falling for a trend that is misguiding your true long-term emotions (tastes).

DO: Look At Your Favorite “Everyday” Clothes… What Are Your Comfort Colors?photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: portland media room reveal

Paint Color: Waterloo SW 9141 by Sherwin-Williams

How much color and pattern can you really handle? I’ve found that this changes throughout your life depending on external forces. I used to love a ton of color in every room, but as my life has gotten more stressful and chaotic with kids, I find that I like more negative calm space, moments of pattern, and surprise.

DO: Zero In On The Purpose Of The Room And Let That Guide Your Paint Selectionsstyling and design by emily bowser | photos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: bowser’s hardworking guest room/office

Paint Color: Laurel Woods SW 7749 by Sherwin-Williams

A room that you want to have a lot of lively fun conversations in might look (and yes, feel) different than a room where you want to snuggle and watch Friday night movies. Also for you maybe it’s similar.

DO: Sit In The Room And Really Picture Your Mood, Your Actions, How You Want To Feel When Using This Room, Not Just How It’s Going To Look In A Photo

A TV room or den can go way darker in tone than a sunroom, for instance. Your primary bedroom should help you wind down and fall asleep, not overstimulate your visual sense. A dining room can be more bold and exciting and a powder room can be the riskiest room in the house – becoming a secret experience for guests.

DO: Have Some Darker Colors To Pull Your Eye Farther Into The Room design by ginny macdonald | photo by zeke ruelas

Similar Paint Colors: Cheviot SW 9503 by Sherwin-Williams | Rain Cloud SW 9639 by Sherwin-Williams

I’ve made this mistake before, where everything is too same same and light, which sounds nice in theory but adding a darker paint color (or even a piece of furniture) on the opposite side of the room (think a dining room you can see from the living room, or built-ins in the corner of your family room) can help draw you into the room and feel grounded. It actually makes the room feel bigger. Don’t be afraid of a couple surprises.

DON’T: Paint A Dark Room “White” design by ginny macdonald for ehd| photo by zeke ruelas

Similar Paint Color: Sea Serpent SW 7615 by Sherwin-Williams

The sad truth is that rooms with more natural light can be both light, medium, and dark. But rooms with very little natural light can feel really “dead” and cold with just white paint on the walls and no light bouncing around. You don’t need to go dark, bold, or busy but just consider a warmer or more inviting tone to cozy up the dark space. Lean into the darkness.

DON’T: Worry About Your Architectural Stylephoto by tessa neustadt

Similar Paint Color: Tinsmith SW 7657 by Sherwin-Williams

It’s my opinion that permanent fixtures (tile, flooring, molding) need to work with the original architecture of the home, but paint color? No. Any paint color can work with any architectural style as a backdrop for all the rest of your decor. For the farmhouse, I’m leaning towards more muted but happy blues, greens, roses, and mustards but you bet cobalts, saturated yellows and reds could look great – it’s just a totally different vibe. I love an unexpected paint color on an older home – just make sure you do, too

DON’T: Forget Your Other Permanent Fixturesdesign by ginny macdonald for ehd | photo by sara ligorria-tramp

Similar Paint Colors: Pure White SW 7005 by Sherwin-Williams | Needlepoint Navy SW 0032 by Sherwin-Williams

This is a reminder not to design in a vacuum. You like mauve? Great me, too. But a mauve paint color next to a medium-toned wood floor can either compete and look muddy or create a lovely cocoon-like feeling – either way, it’s important to see the two colors next to each other (not just on a digital mood board). Same with tile, fireplaces, and anything else more permanent that you have already chosen – which brings me to my next point…

DO: Choose Paint (Almost) Lastphotos by tessa neustadt

Similar Paint Color: Rain Cloud SW 9639 by Sherwin-Williams

Hear me out. You have less flexibility in colors with vintage rugs, wallpaper, and tile even than you do with paint colors, so choose those first (if you find them in time). I like to use those pieces as a jumping-off point and then pair the paint color with it – ensuring they look good together. Sherwin-Williams has so many varying shades of the same color for this exact reason – to give you endless options and flexibility – to be able to work with anything in the home. So don’t try to find a rug that works with your paint selection – if you can, do it the other way around.​​

Take advantage of digital resources like Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap Visualizer so you can picture what paint colors will look like along with your actual finishes.

DO: Consider The Colors Of The Nearby Roomsphoto by sara ligorria-tramp | design by arlyn hernandez

Similar Paint Colors: Pure White SW 7005 by Sherwin-Williams | Mountain Pass SW 9655 by Sherwin-Williams

This is kinda specific but pretty important – if you can see multiple rooms from one vantage point – a living room that can see the kitchen, dining, and family room for instance – be sure to select colors with that in mind. You don’t want the colors to be A. too close that they look like they are slightly off or B. look like a funhouse (in a bad way). When putting together an outfit you don’t choose your cardigan independent of your shirt underneath, no, you make sure you like how they look next to each other because you see them at the same time.​​

Sherwin-Williams Peel and Stick paint samples are a game-changer here! You can see how two colors will work together without making a mess with wet samples, move them around to see how they look in different lighting, and help you have more confidence in your decision.

DON’T: Paint One Wall An “Accent” Color Unless It Architecturally Warrants Its Own Moment design by molly britt | image via house beautiful

Similar Paint Color: Mountain Pass SW 9655 by Sherwin-Williams

This is a general design pet peeve – when a random wall is painted a bold color for seemingly no reason other than to be different. An accent wall must warrant the attention, it needs to be a focal point, not just randomly placed. My two favorite places for accent walls are behind a bed or in a niche.

DON’T: Think That Every Paint Color Has To Be The Star

It’s not a “go big or go home challenge” on every wall and unless you know that the rest of your decor can handle it, you might be setting yourself up for just too much. If you love a lot of color then you likely also have a lot of color in your furniture/textiles as well and a bold color on the wall might be too much once it’s within that context. Use some restraint to ensure that the room doesn’t look like SpongeBob SquarePants’ college dorm room.

DO: Give Your Eye Some Negative Spacephoto by sara ligorria-tramp | from: mountain house living room reveal

Paint Color: Pure White SW 7005 by Sherwin-Williams

Like an outfit, if every room is bold and wild your eye doesn’t know what to look at and everything becomes competitive and sometimes even visually chaotic. This is awesome in a restaurant or bar, someplace where you are meant to feel jolted alive so you order another round, but in your home you should allow some calming visual moments and some transitions spaces between big colors. What color “calms” you down is up to you (and can easily be black, navy, light gray – doesn’t have to be white or beige).

DO: Consider What You See Out Of The Windows Of Each Room

If you are surrounded by trees you might not want your walls green, so that the trees outside can pop and be more of the focus. If you face an apartment building that you don’t love or are directly on the street, you can bring your eye inside more by painting the room a happier tone (also consider bottom-up shades for privacy without blocking natural light).

DON’T: Forget The Ceilings, Casings, Trim Work, Or Just Doorsphoto by matthew williams | via country living

Similar Paint Colors: Allegory SW 9553 by Sherwin-Williams | Ghosted SW 9545 by Sherwin-Williams

A great way to add color, contrast, and style without overwhelming a room with a dark or bold color, is to just paint the ceiling or the casing, baseboard, and molding of a room. Just be mindful that painting the actual window mullions (the grids) isn’t always easy to paint over or undo as the paint can build up over time and cause the window to stick. I love when the base, doors, ceiling moulding, and window casings are a contrasting color, while the walls remain a softer neutral.

See? There is a LOT to consider even before you get to selecting the right color itself (that’s the next post, I promise). Remember, the key to a great home that you love is leaning into your personal preference and knowing how you want to use the home – my hope is that with some guidance and forethought we can all ponder, think, ask ourselves questions and THEN paint, not the other way around. 

This post is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams(R). All opinions are my own.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

The post The 13 “Do’s” And “Dont’s” Of Choosing Paint For Your Whole House – Read Before You Paint appeared first on Emily Henderson.

HOSTING MISTAKES: 8 Things To Avoid For Your Next Gathering So Everyone Can Have A Great Time (Including You)

Unfortunately, I think we are all a little out of practice when it comes to hosting parties. Last year for example, my fiancé and I started our own holiday tradition by celebrating our “Christmas” the Sunday before actual Christmas because the holidays were especially bleak with few social interactions. Well, this year we are toying with the idea of hosting some friends over for this new tradition of ours and “out of practice” is a bit of an understatement. How much food should we make?? How should we decorate? What does hosting even look like nowadays?? It’s a little overwhelming but luckily, EHD has years of holiday hosting posts full of practical advice. After discussing with Emily and the team, we came up with 8 hosting mistakes to avoid so you can have a successful party and actually enjoy it. Let’s begin:

“Too High” Centerpieces photo by sara ligorria tramp | from: how to create a casual, affordable and beautiful holiday tablescape (all with target)

We love a centerpiece (seriously, they are an EHD tablescape staple) but one that is too high and bulky is not ideal for a dinner party. You want your guests to be able to see each other and make conversation without craning their necks, so opt for a shorter vase and minimal floral arrangements. A good rule of thumb is to keep the arrangement below your eye level and don’t overcrowd the table with too many centerpieces.

Not Having Place Cardsphotos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: a homespun holiday gathering at chateau hendo

This personal touch lets your guests know you care and that you put effort into making them feel welcome. It gives off a VIP, “special guest” vibe and is very cute, too. The above name cards were a simple DIY made with inexpensive glass ornaments, a sprig of eucalyptus stuffed inside, and then wooden gift tags with the name of each person written on it. We’ll even give ya extra bonus points if you make the name tags a sweet gift your guests can take home.

Relax The Rules – Don’t Make Your Guests Take Off Their Shoes (But With An Important Exception)photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styled by emily bowser and erik kenneth staalberg | from: how sara created her first traditional but youthful christmas (with all target)

We completely understand that asking your guests to take off their shoes when they enter your home can be cultural and important. In that case, disregard this one. But if that’s not the case, and it’s more that you’re simply worried about your floors getting dirtier, maybe bend the rules and let your guests show off their party outfit head to toe. 

Make Sure Your Bathroom Is Stocked photo by sara ligorria-tramp | design by emily bowser | from: moto reveal: emily bowser’s 32-square-foot bathroom

Make sure extra toilet paper rolls are in sight so your guests don’t have to rummage through cabinets or god forbid, be left scared, alone, and TP-less. Matches and candles are also a nice touch because well, you know, and a few hand towels available for drying hands is a must.

Avoid The Bottleneckphoto by sara ligorria-tramp | from: how we decked our halls for christmas

The best way to create a good flow and avoid “bottlenecking” is to designate several drink/snack stations. Use your best judgment depending on the space and number of guests, but at least two stations are key. Another hack is to leave out snacks in the spaces where you’d prefer people to sit and mingle. This is also a great option if you want to keep guests outdoors and 6 feet apart

Prebatched Drinksphotos by sara ligorria-tramp | design by jess bunge | from: how to have a great holiday cocktail party in a tiny apartment

Having a drink-making station can be fun, but it can also turn out to be messy and a bit unpredictable. In fact, guests probably don’t want to make their own drinks per se, especially if you have a great-tasting cocktail ready to go. Pre-batched drinks are super easy and are one less thing you or your guests have to think about.

Have A Playlist Readyphoto by sara ligorria-tramp | design by arlyn hernandez | from: arlyn’s warm (& sort of last-minute diyed) holiday reveal

The pre-made playlist is such a good party hack and yet one that is often forgotten about or overlooked. Unless you are an actual DJ, spending the evening trying to think of what song should go on next is exhausting. Avoid that anxiety altogether behaving a playlist ready to go beforehand so neither you or your guests have to think about anything besides having a great time.

Make Sure There’s Something Other Than Booze & Water For Those Who Don’t Drinkphotos by sara ligorria-tramp | design by jess bunge | from: how to have a great holiday cocktail party in a tiny apartment

My fiancé is sober and 99% of the time when we go to a party the only nonalcoholic drink available is water. It is a huge letdown (he typically brings his own because it’s bound to happen), and usually means my fiancé and I will be leaving the party earlier rather than later. Don’t get me wrong, water is great! We love water, but it’s not a ~fun~ drink and caffeine is a nice option when you are not getting tipsy. Great nonalcoholic options are diet soda, La Croix or sparkling water, and fresh coffee. All the DDs and sober folks will thank you. Oh, and if you are throwing a non-dinner party, don’t forget snacks. Even a bowl of chips and dip is great because while drinkers might not be hungry (due to the calories in alcohol), the nondrinkers usually are.

Okay sweet friends and party people, I hope these tips will help you host your best holiday party yet! In fact, we’d love to see your holiday festivities so please tag us on Instagram with #ShowEmYourHoliday. Cheers! xx

Opener Image Credit: Photo by Sara Ligorria Tramp | From: How to Create a Casual, Affordable and Beautiful Holiday Tablescape (All With Target)

The post HOSTING MISTAKES: 8 Things To Avoid For Your Next Gathering So Everyone Can Have A Great Time (Including You) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

How To Make Your Cold Dark Basement Better, Cozier – The Elements Of A GOOD Basement “Family/Media Room”

Basements are on my brain right now. I’ve designed a few in my life, but dark cold Oregon basements that need to function as a media and family room are DIFFERENT. You can’t just throw white paint on the walls and a cute loveseat and expect people to want to hang out. Often they feel like a cold dark storage room, and can even go creepy. So right now I’m thinking about ours in our rental and how we can lightly make it better/cozier for the winter while I’m ALSO finishing up the design of one of my best friends with Priscilla Frost (who helped on the first and took the lead on this one). After staring at mine with a ‘HOW CAN I HELP YOU?’ question in my brain and finishing up Robyn’s we’ve come up with a formula (and guess what? The ’70s were right!!!).

A Sectional Instead Of A Sofaphoto by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the ultimate family-friendly media room + wet bar

When it comes to coziness I prefer a sectional EVERYWHERE, but if you are thinking about your basement now and are about to buy a couch, I implore you to go the sectional route. They don’t just provide more seating, they don’t just make it easier to lounge, they create a delineated cozy space within their parameters. It’s like how rugs do that in other rooms – it says, ‘HERE. HERE IS WHERE WE HANG TOGETHER’. It also democratizes the sitting preference, with everyone getting ‘the good seat’ rather than some people getting the ‘accent chair’. I kinda want to put that on a sign and protest at sofa stores. Currently, we have a couch in our basement (leftover from LA) but boy do I wish it were a sectional, and yes I look on Craigslist every day. In the first Portland project, we used this one from Interior Define which I LOVE. I’m always a fan of this one from Article and we just got one from Interior Define which is U-shaped with a chaise for Robyn’s basement (it was a specific customization that worked great). Skip the accent chairs, just put in one huge cozy sectional and call it done. See? The ’70s had it RIGHT.

Caveat – If you have kids/adults that are gamers consider reducing the scale of your coffee table so that you can fit either gaming chairs (I hear that’s a thing) OR everyone standing up, swinging arms like crazy people. Hopefully, you can shove the gaming chairs out of your way for your movie nights, but definitely keep the coffee table movable or perch-able.

Wall To Wall Carpet Or BIG Rugsdesign and styled by lea johnson | photo by sage e imagery | from: lea johnson’s basement reveal: workspace by day and family-friendly living room by night

In the name of extreme coziness, I, Emily Henderson, am pro-wall-to-wall (or massive area rugs) in basements, especially if they are in colder areas. The only reason we didn’t do it at the Portland project was because it opened up to the backyard with a big entertaining space and surely would have gotten very muddy, same with at our Glendale house and Los Feliz home (but the wood flooring certainly helped warm those up). But if yours is enclosed and doesn’t open directly to mud it’s OK to have wall-to-wall carpet, even with a rug on top to amp up the coziness. Ours in our rental is faux wood laminate, so I’ve covered most of it with carpets which helps a lot. For Robyn’s, we put down a simple wall-to-wall carpet and are layering this rug on top of it near the seating area. For my friend Nicole’s basement that Max designed and while they did concrete in the basement they put down a LOT of rugs. Just go big really with the rugs.

Cozy Up Your Walls – Paneling Or Paintdesign by raili clasen | photo by christopher testani | from: real simple full home tour – the first showhouse i’ve done in years

Most basements likely have little natural light, low ceilings, and virtually no cute “architectural features”. So if you just put drywall and paint beige it will feel sad, cold, and yes, like a storage room. The ’70s knew this. They put up wood paneling and got decades of shame for it, but THEY WERE RIGHT. We just paneled Robyn’s basement with Ross Alan Reclaimed Black Walnut (yes, it’s extra beautiful), and omg it’s so stunning But if that’s not your budget, even pine, cedar or fur adds a lot. If wood isn’t your game (or if you have wood flooring) even paneling like V-groove or shiplap painted out will add a lot of texture and give it a ‘we actually cared’ feeling. And listen if you are remodeling know that finished drywall isn’t free either. Yes, paneling is more but if you have to finish your walls somehow don’t go the drywall route thinking that is so much cheaper – because it doesn’t have to be. Inexpensive paneling from the lumber store can be pretty affordable (just more labor).

Now if you have walls without paneling and that feels like a lot of work, you just paint them a cozier color or add wallpaper. Just do SOMETHING to your walls so it doesn’t feel like a storage room. White paneling is fine, but white drywall in a basement is not. I kinda want to paint ours a rose or blue or green (any warm color) just stay away from anything too cold like gray especially if you live in colder climates. (No one paints anything gray in Portland which I think is funny but totally get it).

Think About Your Ceiling

Basements usually have low ceilings, which can make it feel claustrophobic and contribute to the ‘storage room’ vibes. Now you have a couple options: 1. Expose it like Max did in this basement:

design by max humphrey | photo by christopher dibble

Or you could do what we did in the Portland project and panel it (admittedly this was an expensive paneling job, so…. ). Now if either of those are out of your budget then consider painting it the same colors as the walls – I kinda wish we had painted Robyn’s ceilings the same color as the wood so your eye wasn’t stopped at the ceiling line and continued upward (strangely making the ceilings feel higher, not lower).

Create Zones – Multiple Reasons To Hangdesign by max humphrey | photo by christopher dibble

Basements are usually bigger open areas and if empty they feel more depressing than other rooms that have more going on. So this is a great opportunity to bring in more to do. This could be a game table, a puzzle area, a bar, an air hockey/ping pong table.

A Focus On The TVleft: design by max humphrey, photo by christopher dibble | right: photo by sara ligorria-tramp, from: the ultimate family-friendly media room + wet bar

The bed is to the bedroom like the TV is to the basement and you should design the space for the singular purpose – watching the TV. OF course, one thing I’m not thinking about is gaming as our kids aren’t there yet, so you’ll have to factor that in. But if you are buying now go as big as you can, hang it where it makes the most sense (even if it’s against any upstairs design rules), and orient the room around the TV. It’s OK. It can be the center of attention because it will be, so make the room as functional as possible – i.e. as comfortable to watch TV.

Really Good Ambient Lightingleft: photo by sara ligorria-tramp, from: our guest room/office basement suite reveal … + how to make a basement (office) feel warm, happy and functional | right: design and styled by lea johnson, photo by sage e imagery, from: lea johnson’s basement reveal: workspace by day and family-friendly living room by night

I think it’s crucial to have warm lights. While cans are great for playing board games, etc, and often it’s all you can have in your ceiling since it’s generally lower. But having sconces or lamps is crucial for it not feeling like a storage room. Remember this post from last year and my general feelings about warm lights and the darker months (and I guess rooms!)

So what are your thoughts? Anything else you loved about your ’70s basements? Let’s chat. xx

Opening Image Credits: Design by Raili Clasen | Photo by Christopher Testani | From: Real Simple Full Home Tour – The First Showhouse I’ve Done In Years

The post How To Make Your Cold Dark Basement Better, Cozier – The Elements Of A GOOD Basement “Family/Media Room” appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: The “Cool Dad” Jacket Brian Gets Endless Compliments On, Jess’s Perfect Fall Madewell Jeans, And A Tried & Tested Bag That Keeps Your Toiletries ORGANIZED

Hey hey party people and design lovers! How are you guys? We’re fully diving into fall around here and are lighting candles/making soup pretty much every day (well, Emily does that all the time anyway). Let’s jump right into another fun edition of the link up.

Did you see Caitlin’s Balcony Reveal on Friday?? She totally gave the space some elements of Palm Beach/Beverly Hills Hotel/Hollywood regency fun, so to keep with the pattern we have going…here’s a VERY FUN home tour by Amirah Kassem and designer Elizabeth Backup. If you’re into the pink/banana leaf/bright/fun/regency aesthetic this one is for you. Let’s talk about that dining room…and the wallpapers??? WE LOVE IT.

From Em: Fun Fact. Before Ariel Fulmer was THE Ariel Fulmer, she managed The Flea at EHD we used to have and we love her so much. So it’s been very fun to watch her and her husband Ned’s careers and influence blow up via her designing and The Try Guys. I ran into her last week in LA and it was such a treat and reminded me of what a good human she is. If you’re looking for two fun follows follow Ariel and Ned. And guess what?? They published a cookbook called The Date Night Cookbook. Full disclosure I haven’t received yet but I’m excited to help support these two people and cook up some delicious meals with my date:)

Also From Em: Everybody asked this week where Brian’s jacket was from. He did HOURS of research to find the perfect “cool dad jacket” (trust me). It’s the perfect combo of utilitarian and cool guy in our opinion. Surprisingly it makes him look broader than he actually is (which he really likes).

From Anne Sage: My whole life I’ve been “that person” at parties who would rather sit on the floor than on the furniture. And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that the world can be divided into two types: People who look at me like I’m crazy when I decline a spot on the sofa, and people who scream, “OMG I’m a floor sitter too!” Nicole at Bente Vintage is the latter, a fact we bonded over when we first started tossing around ideas for a collection. We decided then and there that the world needs a curated selection of rugs chosen with floor sitters in mind. These rugs are ultra-soft and inviting—a necessary quality when your derriere is in direct contact with them—but they’re also unusual and offbeat in colors and patterns you won’t have seen elsewhere! Some are vintage and completely one-of-a-kind, while others we had specially commissioned and can be woven-to-order if you need a different size than what we have listed. And of course, we included some striped throws with massive pompoms in the mix. Because as any seasoned floor sitter knows, the only thing better than a cozy spot on the rug is a big ol’ blanket to go with it! Check out the collection here.

From Ryann: It’s possible I have recommended this facial hair removal tool before, but since I’ve had it for a year and still use it regularly I figured it deserves another shout-out. It’s saved my life on more than one occasion, where I am about to leave for a party or event and at the last minute I notice some unwanted hairs above my upper lip. It’s so easy and painless to use and it works!! I know we’re not supposed to “shave” our upper lip because it could cause the hairs to grow back thicker, but honestly I think that is a myth. In any case, this little guy is really useful to have in a pinch!

From Mallory: My boyfriend, Chase and I have had a toiletry bag problem for YEARS. Meaning, we’ve found it’s VERY difficult to find a bag that organizes your stuff well when you’re traveling so you don’t throw your hand at rocket speed into an abyss of lotions, shampoos, and oh yeah, RAZOR BLADES. Enter the Freegrace hanging toiletry bag. Chase actually found this from a Youtube video and was immediately like ‘I NEED THAT.’ So for his birthday, I bought it for him (and pssst it’s only $15!!) I cannot even tell you how this $15 has changed both of our lives for the better. You can hang it up on a towel rack or shower or whatever too so you can actually SEE everything you have!!! No more playing roulette in the abyss of your toiletry bag!!! If you’ve ever had this issue – it’s time to snag yourself one of these bad boys.

Also From Mallory: Meet my favorite fall statement jacket. I’ve never had a jacket this cool in my lifetime. ever. But me and this jacket are truly BFFs. The shape of it is so special – it’s got those kinda cool-girl balloon sleeves but it’s still structured – plus that pattern is VERY COOL AND CHIC!! Especially for fall!! Also – I went into the store to try it on and the nice man working there told me it was inspired by Amelia Earhart (their entire collection right now is inspired by badass women). I was sold and now have worn it almost every day

From Albie: With the mini in school full time again, I knew masks would be part of her daily wardrobe… but she’s still a kid, and as such, I wanted to make her mask-wearing as easy on her as possible. Since her school has designated mask-free times & zones (not to mention lunchtime) I didn’t want to risk her losing her mask or putting it down somewhere gross. These lanyards are the perfect mask accessory because she can hang her mask around her neck when she’s wearing it & easily put the mask back on when needed. They clip really well on both her reusable & disposable masks, and come with an easy snap feature if she needs to quickly get it off her neck. The color assortment + her mask assortment makes the whole thing seem more fun, like picking other shoes for the day. 

From Jess: It was time for a new pair of jeans. While I love my Madewell Perfect Vintage pair, I wanted ones that didn’t stretch out so quickly (and by what feels like a whole size sometimes). So when I went to the store, tried on this pair (I’m in between sizes so I sized down for the snug fit I wanted), and have been super happy with them since! They stretch out a little since they aren’t a fully rigid denim but it doesn’t bother me. Big fan!

Also From Jess: Let’s get personal, shall we? I am a big toilet paper over user. It’s a horrible habit that I’m trying to break but in the name of “feeling clean”, it’s not an easy one to change. Cue Fresh Peaches Toilet Paper Gel. I heard about this product from the Add To Cart podcast with Kulap Vilaysack and SuChin Pak and man was it a convincing pitch. It basically solves the problem of wanting to use a wet wipe but also not wanting to hurt the earth or your pipes. So instead, you just put a little dab of this on the toilet paper you were already going to use and BAM you feel cleaner and apparently use less paper. And no it doesn’t make the toilet paper rip apart! Veronica and I tested it out and she already “added to cart”.

From Caitlin: There’s 20% off at Anthropologie this weekend and OH MY, their whole site is GREAT for inspiration and online window shopping. I’m not really in the market for anything right now but the styling on their product shots right now is so beautiful and elevated and delightful to look at! If money were no object, I’d buy out the whole holiday section in a heartbeat – everything just looks happy and cheerful and bright. Hats off to everyone involved in getting those shots set up and styled because Anthro FOR SURE has the best visually merchandised home store on the internet right now IMO.  (Please, someone, confirm that I’m not the only one who just likes scrolling decor sites on a weekend morning! It’s just so relaxing and fun :))

Opening Image Credits: Design and Photo by Anne Sage and Bente Rugs

The post The Link Up: The “Cool Dad” Jacket Brian Gets Endless Compliments On, Jess’s Perfect Fall Madewell Jeans, And A Tried & Tested Bag That Keeps Your Toiletries ORGANIZED appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Best Fall Boots We Have And Love + Some Fresh New Picks We Want To Try

I feel like we keep declaring “fall is here” and yet it has only just started to feel like it here in LA (case in point it’s currently 66 degrees as I am writing this AKA freezing by our standards). While Emily has been donning boots for a while over in Portland, us LA gals are only now dusting off our tried and true fall boots. So when we were brainstorming fall fashion posts, we came to the realization that each of us has at least two boots we wear year after year. So without further ado, here are our favorites plus some fresh new picks that we are eyeing.

Let’s start with the fall boot queen, Emily Henderson herself:

Emily photo by veronica crawford | from: my ultimate list of tried and true fall shoes

Boots | Shirt (similar) | Pants | Bandana

At first, I thought these Dr. Martens were too ‘young’ for me – it was two years ago when the clunk was just coming back (or maybe it had been around for a while) and I was like ‘THIS IS A LOT OF SHOE’. But over the last two years, I have worn the hell out of them. I normally roll my pant legs like this, OR wear with shorter pants because I find that if I don’t they look kinda dumb under baggy pants (I know that’s a thing but it’s not a thing for me). They feel totally classic, a throwback to my teens and at the same time fresh and young. I’m a fan. 

photo by veronica crawford | from: shopping my closet for fall & wearing some (ethically made) shoes that I love

Boots | Jeans | Sweater

The Nisolo Chelsea boots are SO GOOD. Buttercup chewed up one of them so I need to order new ones and with Oregon’s rain issue I don’t know if real leather is in my future for more practical shoes like these But when I lived in LA I wore these 2-3 years in a row during fall/winter (not gonna lie, we are going to miss LA in January/February SO MUCH). 

photo by veronica crawford | from: 18 pairs of fall boots a review of the good, the great, and the so-so

Boots | Jeans | Button Up

I wore these in the boot roundup post from a couple of years ago and they were a three-season boot at the mountain house. They are tall and fitted, but not tight so great for chomping through leaves. Then since they are waterproof I wore them like much warmer rain boots and often in the snow (not if I was playing in the snow, but definitely walking in the snow). I just bought another pair for up here because I loved then so much and left my first pair in the mountains (almost the only pair I left there because I wore them that much). I know they aren’t that cute, but they are so comfortable, versatile, durable, and high quality that I found myself opting for them over almost any boot. 

Here are some new options I’ve very temped by…

1. Blundstone Original 500 Series Chelsea Boot | 2. Brex Chelsea Boots | 3. We The Free Montage Tall Boots | 4. Montage Tall Boots | 5. All-Weather Amalia Boot |6. III Hiker Duck Boot

Jess

Boots | Jeans

Up until last year, I forgot how powerful I feel when I wear a really badass, almost punk-like boot. Living in New York was probably the last time I felt that feeling so it’s been a minute. There’s just a “don’t mess with me” vibe that feels antithetical to my general sunny disposition that I love. I think it fills the same part of me that wanted to play villains in my theatre days. Let’s call it balance? So when “the lug sole” boot was popping up hard in the mainstream last year, I decided to give it a go even though I was unsure. The phrase, “Jess, I don’t think you can pull these” kept repeating in my head. Alas, they arrived, I slipped them on and I immediately felt powerful. So if you are in need of a “power boot” but are worried they might be “too much” or “you can’t pull them off” YOU CAN AND GO FOR IT. Worst comes to worst and you return them… but I bet you won’t;)

Here are some others I really like!

1. Paloma Barcelo Ebba Platform Ankle Boots | 2. Madisha Chelsea Boot |3. Empire Platform Boot

Boots | Jeans

When I bought these month two into the pandemic, I didn’t really know why because where was I going?! But they were on a GREAT sale (Thanks, Mal) so I did. Now that I’ve been able to go out with friends and on dates, they have been one of my best/favorite purchases in a while. I truly wear them all of the time. They make any outfit look cooler and are pretty comfortable. I wear them like in this photo (jeans and a simple top) or pair them with a fun patterned dress to really get crazy. Moral of the story is to say yes to the “fun boot”! It’s such an easy way to make you feel cool and dare I say fashionable. O and I could only find these specific ones used on Poshmark so if you are looking for them they are called 1.STATE – Kelte Pointed Toe Leather Bootie. Good luck!

Should I get another pair??? I’m pretty into these:

1. Lima Mustard Python | 2. Jojo Pointed Toe Bootie | 3. Caty Chain Bootie

Ryann

Cowboy Boots (similar) | Jeans (vintage) | Shirt

I may live in a city but I am a country girl at heart. I think black cowboy boots are the perfect fall/winter boot. They honestly can be worn with anything and they don’t ever go out of style. Yes, they have become more trendy thanks to Instagram influencers over the past couple years, but you’ll see me rocking cowboy boots until I am an old lady with gray hair and missing teeth. They are a timeless staple and therefore a great investment.

Boots (similar) | Pants | Shirt (vintage)

On to another simple (but essential) boot, the Chelsea boot. These are last year’s from Madewell and they are just a good boot all around. They have a good shape that tucks into pants and about a 1 1/2 inch heel so they are comfortable to walk/stand in for at least a few hours. They are almost identical to these but with a shorter heel. I’d say in general, Madewell makes quality affordable boots for everyday wear so if you are looking for a solid Chelsea boot, these are a great option.

I have yet to buy new boots for this year, so these are the three that I am drooling over right now.

1. Ezra Bootie | 2. Sofia Leather Ankle Boots | 3. Afelia Knee High Boot

Caitlin

Sweater | Dress | Boots

I’ve written about these boots a lot (and you may have spotted their platform clog counterparts in some previous fashion posts!) but MAN, they just don’t get old! These were my first pair of Charlotte Stone shoes and they kicked off a crippling addiction – I’m wearing shoes from this tiny female-founded brand almost every day at this point. These boots have a memory foam insole, super study construction, and they’re so comfortable (cause like, clogs are good for you, or so I’ve heard) pluuuuus they make me 6′ tall, which makes me feel super powerful and intimidating and cool. They’re fun and kind of funky and 70s-inspired and I just love them so much – saving up to add a new color to my collection this winter:)

T-Shirt | Jeans | Boots

Oh my gosh, MY NISOLOS. I wrote about these in the link up a week or two ago, but let me refresh your memory: if you’re in the market for a timeless, sustainable, last-forever leather boot, THIS IS IT. These are a few years old at this point and they’ve seen airports and international travel and all kinds of nightmarish winter weather conditions but they still look and feel brand new. Sometimes I also get kind of weird and self-conscious about boots and the way that they’re cut because they make my legs look kinda beefy or weird (to me, at least). So I am just JAZZED about the way these hit my ankles – there’s a little bit of space and they’re the perfect height (not too high, not too low). They’re the best for when you want to look kind of cool and put together (“who me? I just threw these on!”) while actually being super comfy and cozy. 100000/10!!

1. Loading Bootie | 2. Cromwell Cutout Western Boot | 3. Nordic Boots

Mallory

Jeans | Shirt | Boots (similar)

I bought these black boots last year (they’re the same as Jess’s but in black!) because they were on an AWESOME sale (I’m crying they’re not made anymore but THESE are adorable and are soooo similar for $50 or these are also similar too and I’ve been eyeing them since Em wore them in this fashion post). I had been worried the boots were TOO pointy – and they were very tight when I first bought them because they didn’t have my size so I sized down but thank god they stretched (most leather boots do at least a little). These are 10/10 and everyone needs a pair of black boots.

Jeans | Shirt | Boots

Okay I know I just said everyone needs a pair of black boots and I personally believe everyone also needs a pair of snakeskin boots (THEY’RE A NEUTRAL!) I’ve had these for YEARS and they’ve yet to disappoint. I wear them pretty much every time I walk out of my house and they’re my go-to ‘going-out/dinner’ boot because they’re wildly comfortable and I can (and have) walked miles in them. Animal print boots are still big so get em while they’re hot!!!

1. Janna Over the Knee Boot | 2. Laguna Chelsea Boot | 3. Aslen Boot

That’s all from us, but because we are a curious and nosy, what are your favorite fall boots you can’t get rid of?? Drop em below and have a great Saturday. xx

Opener Image Credit: Photo by Veronica Crawford | From: Shopping My Closet For Fall & wearing Some (Ethically Made) Shoes That I Love

The post The Best Fall Boots We Have And Love + Some Fresh New Picks We Want To Try appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Caitlin’s Hard-To-Design Balcony Gets A Palm Beach Regency Refresh (+ Her #1 Balcony Must-Have Rec)

HEY, HI, HELLO. Gonna be really earnest for a second – I’m very nervous (and honestly, a little insecure!) about today’s reveal. Here’s the thing: back in June, Jess and I embarked on a race to finish our balconies. And Jess, well, she KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE FREAKIN’ PARK. Her space is elevated and magazine-worthy and high-end and luxurious and my apartment…it’s just different, you know? Like, Jess’ view is of a stunning clear blue sky and treetops and flowers and my view is of, uh, a drive-thru, a major road, and a car wash. Jackpot, baby!!!

And, I mean, you’re on the internet. You read design blogs. I can’t be alone in this self-imposed comparison, right? I think the sentiment’s gotta be pretty pervasive – like, my space should look JUST like that, even though our homes are completely different – and even though I technically have a microphone, I am by no means immune!!! But all that said, when I get out of my head, I built a functional, practical, cohesive space that makes me really happy. It fits my needs and it fits my friends (speaking of friends…I hope you’ll like those shots at the bottom :)) and at the end of the day, that’s all a girl can ask for. I didn’t reinvent the wheel here, but I think that’s okay. Let me remind you of where I started…

welcome to my before, friends! it’s absolutely average!

Welcome to my tiny outdoor prison! It is simultaneously charming and bizarre. On one hand, I’m very lucky to have an outdoor space. On the other hand, WHY ARE THESE BARS LIKE THIS? I lived with this sparse configuration – a bunch of succulents still in their planter pots, arranged in an attempt to gain a modicum of privacy, paired with this lone vintage IKEA chair – for almost two years.

And I mean, it was fine. But also, it wasn’t. Somehow, every. single. man. I had ever deemed worthy of coming to my apartment always made an immediate beeline for the balcony. “Woah, you have an outdoor space,” they’d proclaim. “Let’s sit here and people watch,” they’d continue. I, however, did not want to sit out on the balcony. I did not want to people watch. I did not want to awkwardly haul out a random stool/dining chair/pouf so we could both sit on opposite ends of this 10′ x 4′ space. NO BUENO.

I tell you this because the desire to actually work on this weird little space was sparked by one of those aforementioned men. (Alternatively: I tell you this because I kiiiind of treat the blog like my own personal diary at this point. Y’all know me better than anyone I know in real life!!!) ANYWAY. This man came over to make dinner and upon plating, his lone sentiment was basically like, “hey, your apartment is a million degrees right now, do you think we could sit outside so I do not feel like I’m boiling on the surface of the sun?”

in writing this caption, i have just realized that there is police/ambulance activity going on in this photo. what a treat!

And guys, THAT WAS MY INSPIRATION MOMENT. If this guy could figure out how to make soft pretzels from scratch WHILE MY OVEN WAS BROKEN (true story; the soft pretzels were my request; my pilot light was shot; he fried them, I think??? They were amazing!), I could buy a bistro set. Or at least another outdoor chair. I could make an effort, you know?

It got my wheels turning a little bit. Why not also grab some outdoor curtains, while I’m at it, so I could try to enjoy a sliver of privacy? I’d been catcalled previously by random dudes standing in the Jack in the Box parking lot next to my house, and I dreamed of *not* making distant eye contact with strangers when I’m just trying to water plants or read books. Plus, it’d be pretty nice to not feel like I’m staring down and directly at my neighbors while they cleaned their cars or garages. The race with Jess was exactly what I needed to take this space from, well, nothing, to kind of functional. Which brings us to now…ARE YOU READY?

Wallpaper | Cat (similar) | Curtains

I’M NOT. We’re staying inside for a second. Sorry for the tease, but I have an important announcement to make!!! I don’t think I’ve ever formally introduced her on the blog, but this is Buffalo! (Known aliases: “Fluffabo,” “the littlest lady in the whole world,” “tumbleweed generator,” et al.) I adopted her during an impromptu shelter trip almost a decade ago – she was scheduled to be put down at the end of the day after being returned twice – and she has repaid me by permanently attaching herself to my person at all times. She is essentially a dog in a cat’s body (down to the whole “I will sit in the window and stare at the street until my owner returns, at which point I will greet them in a celebratory fashion”) and I love her very much. OK ENOUGH ABOUT CATS. (…unless you wanna talk more in the comments???) DESIGN TIME.

First: the curtains. You see those little guys there in the background? GAME. CHANGER. They were my jumping-off point for the space, seeing as I wanted to hide the fact that the balcony could be listed on Peerspace as a prison backdrop. Plus, I figured that the black stripes were a fun and graphic way to play into the whole black iron bar thing. If you can’t fix it, feature it! Added bonus: by putting my curtains outside, I’ve eschewed indoor curtains. I love my wall of windows (and I love all the work that my wallpaper installer did to fit paper into the tiniest nooks and crannies!), so I didn’t want to cover up any piece of it. Putting my window treatments outside means that I get to enjoy my dining room in all its wallpapered glory.

Curtains

Originally, I bought some cheap striped curtain panels from Overstock but the quality was ROUGH, they were basically gauze, and the print was only on one side. I was really disappointed and reached out to Ballard Design on a whim because they carried the high-quality Sunbrella curtains that I really wanted to use. It’s always kind of weird and nerve-wracking asking a business for help (“SOS, I’m on a deadline, I would save up and buy these under any other circumstance, I swear!”), but I was SO EXCITED when they were like, “yeah, girl, we got you!” WHAT A DREAM, RIGHT?

I ended up grabbing 4 of these 96″ Sunbrella panels to fit my 10′ space and WOW. WOWEE. HOORAY. I love them very, very much. They have the perfect amount of light filtering for me (not blackout, not sheer – just right!) and they’re weighted, so they stay in place (even during those CRAZY windstorms we’ve been having here in LA lately). I’m so happy with them aesthetically, but I also love them for temperature control reasons – they kept my balcony cooler during the summer days, and they help keep it a little toastier now that it’s freezing (or, uh, 65 degrees) outside. If you have any type of outdoor space with a ceiling or two solid walls, I cannot recommend curtains enough – I’m a lifer now. (PS. I hung them with a tension rod which I do not recommend – if I did this all again, I’d buy an actual curtain rod. The one I got was like $50 but it’s also bowing, so I’m gonna have to get a real rod soon. Learn from my mistakes!)

Chairs | Bistro Table

THAT’S NOT IT – we got a bistro set, to boot! I grabbed this brass table from CB2 on sale and it’s a great size for the space (only about 2′ wide). I love the way it reflects light in the afternoon – you can kind of see it in the earlier photos! – but man, it’s a pain to keep clean. It’s kind of textured so it traps dirt and dust like nobody’s business and the finish gets kind of wonky if you don’t clean up spills immediately. (Case in point: the base of this table may or may not have seen its fair share of, uh, burrito content spills over the past four months, and you can kind of tell.) All that said, the pros outweigh the cons for me – I’d buy it again in a heartbeat (and at full price, too, which is saying something!). If you’re in need of a petite statement table, this one is a slam dunk.

The chairs from Target are great, too. They’re super narrow – only 14″ wide, I think – but they feel like a great size and scale for the space. They come in sets of two, they’re super affordable (only $125 for the pair!) and they’re SO easy to clean. I got the matte black version, but there are a ton of color options available. I’ve sat in that back chair for almost every meal for the past 4 months and it’s been such a treat – I wish I had set something up out here sooner. For what it’s worth, you can often find this table and these chairs on Facebook Marketplace if you’re open to waiting and looking to save a little

Plates | Bowl | Pitcher | Glasses

HOW GOOD IS THAT PITCHER? It’s not mine, but I wish it was. It’s the Wave Pitcher by Sophie Lou Jacobson and I straight up screamed when Bowser pulled it out – she had purchased it for a different project but joked that it was probably destined to end up styling this space. The price tag is no joke but it’s so special and statement-y and beautiful (plus, it feels amazing to hold). Someday I, too, will own a wave pitcher. JUST YOU WAIT.

I love those plates and bowls, too. They’re from Justina Blakeney’s recent Target drop and they’re so weird and fun and graphic. There were five people present at my house for this shoot (me, Sara, Bowser, Mal, and Erik) and three of us had already purchased the full set of this style – there were serving dishes and big bowls, too, but I think they sold out! – which is so fun. I was kind of shocked by how weighty they felt and I can’t wait to layer them with my vintage dinnerware moving forward.

I’ve been swooning over those 70s-style stackable glasses for months, too. They’re Bowser’s – we sourced them early in the summer from Food52 for the PRESS Seltzer shoot – and again, I basically yawped when I spotted them in her huge trunk of glassware. (All of my glassware is either pink or shaped like an ice cream cone, which is why she had to bring her full #styliststash.)

Boxwood | Mirror

But now, I wanna talk about two things I love and one thing I, uh, DO NOT CARE FOR. (It’s a wild feeling to put your house on the internet while you’re like, “by the way, I’M NOT HAPPY WITH IT YET!!!”) On the bright side: I absolutely love my boxwood topiary. It’s silly and graphic and bold, but it’s also kind of timeless and bougie (annnnnd I have a little bit of a thing for topiaries, in case you haven’t noticed :)). It slid right into an old pot I had and it makes me smile every time I look out the window.

I’m also a huge fan of that rattan mirror from Studio McGee’s Target line. It’s on a northern facing wall and the construction of my building kind of prevents it from getting any direct sun, but it’s just a really fun addition to the space. I especially love it at night time when the curtains are drawn – I have a vintage amber globe ceiling light (it was on for this whole shoot, oops!) and that soft light reflected in this mirror just makes the whole space seem so warm and cozy. Plus, it does a great job of reflecting the texture of the loveseat I ended up grabbing for the space

And now, the moment we’ve been waiting for – the one thing I don’t love…is…THIS. FREAKING. RUNNER. I like it a lot in theory – and it was SUPER affordable and the black border-meets-jute thing kind of in line with the whole “classic Beverly Hills Hotel/regency” vibe – but geez, it looks like it’s been through a war after four months of pretty gentle use. Long term, I’d like to find something a little wider (but it needs to have an ultra-low pile to allow for door clearance, which is tough for outdoor rugs!) that’s a little more vibrant, but for now, this works. It keeps my feet from rubbin’ straight on my weird tile and I’ll take it. Finished is better than perfect, right? (Not linking because you shouldn’t buy it. Would love any outdoor runner recs if you have one to share!)

Planter

Which brings us to the other side of the room. I had originally planned to use a Serena & Lily’s rattan hanging chair in this space – and TBH, I think it would have filled up the vertical space in such a dreamy way – but my practical side ended up falling in love with this cheap little rattan loveseat on Facebook Marketplace. (And my tiny pothos will do for now – I can’t wait to see it grow and fill out that space even more!)

This loveseat comfortably seats two (for those folks keeping track: we have officially quadrupled the amount of seating on this balcony!!!) and it’s my favorite place to lounge in the whole house. I usually stack up those pillows on the right hand side, closest to my window, and I prop my feet up on the bars when I’m doing some morning journaling. It’s just such a great, comfy place to watch the sun rise. (WHO AM I? Full disclosure: I am not nearly as goop-y as that made me sound, although I kind of wish I was!)

Palm Pillow | Cheetah Pillow | Cushion

SPEAKING OF PILLOWS. GUYS. I went all Sunbrella here – I, too, was #emfluenced by Em’s outdoor space at the mountain house – and I could not be more jazzed. I bought both of these pillows from an Etsy shop named OneHappyPillow and they are the BEST. The quality is top-notch (look at the piping! Immaculate!) and they’ve held up like an absolute dream over the past four months. Leana is such a kind and lovely person, too, and she sells all kinds of indoor and outdoor pillows. 10000/10, support this small Pennsylvania-based business!

And you see that cushion? IT’S INCREDIBLE. The loveseat came naked, so I was delighted when I found a Sunbrella bench cushion in the perfect size at Ballard Design. (They have everything!!!) I originally was a little nervous about going white – I mean, you saw how grimey my table got, and that’s metal! – but this fabric RULES, GUYS. It wipes up like a dream (I’ll have to post something on my IG stories later – I just take a wet towel to the cushion and any dirt buildup slides right off! Magic!)- and I feel SO CONFIDENT bringing food out here. I always thought that fabric could be either stain repellant or good in sunlight, but this somehow does both. The hype is real and well-earned! I grabbed a bunch of samples for my interior upholstery after seeing how great this stands up to the elements (including tiny kitty claws! How???) and I’ll be reupholstering my dining furniture in Sunbrella now, too. THANK YOU BALLARD. You made my white bench seat dreams come true. (PS. That blanket is Bowser’s, because of course it is. It’s so beautiful!)

End Table

And how could I not sing the praises of this little tiny ceramic end table? I searched for a while to find something so petite and this one fit the bill perfectly. It’s about 11″ at its widest point and it has the best light enough to move:heavy enough to be sturdy ratio. Plus, in a pinch, it can double as a FIFTH SEAT. Can you even believe it? We went from one seat option to FIVE. I should invite all my ex boyfriends and failed-talking-phase-dates back to celebrate!!!! As a side note, that is my actual work notebook – Bowser grabbed it off my desk for styling purposes – and I love it so much. I am a longtime Papier loyalist and their notebooks are worth every penny. I get all mine with the dotted paper layout and I can’t recommend them enough.

Bonus: I love that photo on the right because that’s really how it feels to be sitting in the space, you know? Like, you can kind of imagine what it’s like to slide that curtain all the way shut. It’s a nice, calm little respite away from the people screaming as they order Munchie Meals in the middle of the night.

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT. Here I am, enjoying a totally normal continental breakfast for two on my lonesome in the middle of the day. I’m never sitting here in a sports bra, ripping open some tin foil and devouring an 11 PM burrito with the curtains closed. NO NO NO. Not here!!! Styled-out-balcony-Caitlin pours filtered water (never Coke Zero!!!) straight from her beautiful $215 pitcher into beautiful, normal glasses that she definitely already owns. HA. Let me show you what this space ACTUALLY looks like when in use…

MUCH BETTER. And much more realistic, TBH. My goal was to make a space to enjoy with others and to that end, I guess I can proudly proclaim MISSION ACHIEVED. My balcony may overlook a lot of concrete (plus a road that would constitute a highway in a lot of tiny states) and she may not have all the glamour and flash of those Pasadena palm treetops, buuuuut she’s been host to lots of laughs, lots of joy, and SO many beautiful people over the last few months. (Like, CAN YOU BELIEVE THESE ARE MY FRIENDS AND NOT ACTUAL MODELS? Someone book Erik and Mal for a commercial ASAP!)

And I guess that’s where I’ll leave ya – my practical, functional, 5x improved balcony. There’s room to grow and there’s room for improvement but most importantly, there’s finally room for all the people I love. (Or for the people who, uh, you know, wanna come to my house and make soft pretzels.) Hope you all have the best weekend enjoying October with the folks who make you smile – I know where I’ll be xx

*Design by Caitlin Higgins
**Styled by Emily Bowser
***Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

The post Caitlin’s Hard-To-Design Balcony Gets A Palm Beach Regency Refresh (+ Her #1 Balcony Must-Have Rec) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Most Affordable Hack To Make Your Outlet Covers Look Good

Last weekend I finally got to see my friend’s new house. I say finally because they’ve been basically bringing it back to life for the past four months. I’m real sorry I don’t have pictures (maybe a future collaboration will make that possible!) but trust me it’s BEAUTIFUL. It’s an English Country manor style home so it’s got a ton of charm. But from the before photos they showed me, there was just a lot of shiny orange woods, undesirable wallpapers, banisters painted one too many times, and hardware that had seen better days, etc. Now? Well, now it’s perfect. They refinished the original floors and arched front door so they are a beautiful light, matte oak (? I need to confirm that), painted all the walls and trim a perfect calming white, did a minor but transformative bathroom facelift (I really want to shoot that for you:)), and took literally every piece of small hardware and got them repainted a matte black. It makes everything look so clean and fresh but still keeps that warm soulful vintage feel. They’ve done more upgrades but with no pictures to drool over let’s get to the whole point of this post… the outlet covers.

Needless to say, this renovation has been umm, not cheap. So finding easy ways to save even a little bit of money has been the goal. My friend told me that she learned a cool trick from the one and only Jessica Helgerson about making outlets look like they belong in an older home. Are you ready? Just paint them the same color as the wall.

This might be a real “duh, Jess” to a lot of you but I have either just got the plastic covers and not painted them or dreamt of one day getting beautiful brass or matte black outlet covers. So let’s start there…

photo by tessa neustadt | from: griffith park living room reveal

Like I said, I have dreamt of having my home be so custom-designed that even the outlets are a beautiful moment. But having a contrasting colored outlet cover does draw attention which may or may not be your goal. They also aren’t a cheap accessory if you need a lot of them. If that’s the case you also don’t have to have all of your outlet covers match! Choose the fancy covers for the ones you really see (like the one above) and then go for the affordable plastic ones for the ones that are more hidden. HOWEVER, don’t just leave them plastic and naked…

photo by tessa neustadt | from: staging my dream parisianchotel suite with sothebys

Paint them the same color as the wall or trim they are on! It’s so easy, makes them look more camouflaged yet intentional, and ideal for an older, vintage-style home. My friends ended up doing it themselves (or one of them did it himself:)) because the painters basically said no. Cool cool. When I asked them how he painted them this is what they said: “We bought a paint sprayer but it looks kinda uneven and too textured. We want to take the paint to a place that will make an aerosol can.” Simple and cheaper than the statement covers but nicer than a naked plastic one! FYI I thought they looked great but I can 100% understand the desire for everything to look exactly you want. These are my people:)

So if you live in an older home and don’t love the look of a plastic outlet cover, grab your wall or trim paint, get it made into a spray can, and have a fun little DIY afternoon. I wish I would have done this in my old place but o well, guess I’ll have to work this outlet magic in my new one:) Thanks to Jessica Helgerson and my friends!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Jess’ MOTO: You Have To See How She Hacked Her Rental Kitchen With DIYs

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The Art That Was Submitted For The Book… Yes, THAT BOOK! (+ Some Very Fun Sneak Peeks)

oh yoohoo!! I’m back! Erik here, reporting live from under a blanket nestled on my sofa, due to the fact that the temperature in Los Angeles has dropped below 75 degrees. I am fully feeling my Carrie Bradshaw fantasy right now, thumping away at my laptop. But most importantly, I am nursing a nice glass, alright bottle, of red wine because nothing pairs better with a malbec than writing about ART. 

You might remember me from a few blog posts, revealing different rooms in my home. But more than that I have been working behind the scenes at EHD for years! I am a prop stylist that got my start working under Emily and now occasionally get to come back and style some projects for the team. Including my favorite one to date, the highly anticipated second book!

I was lucky enough to come on board to the book team at the point of preparation. I loved seeing how the book was beginning to take shape as we planned the meat of our shoots. Velinda was hunting down unique and stylish homes for locations, looking for a variety of architecturally significant homes that had a story to tell. My job was to source and sort art from artists that had responded to a call-out on Emily’s platforms asking to submit their work for possible promotion. The response was amazing! Hundreds of truly gifted artists were kind enough to send links and websites to their catalogues of work. So I carefully went through each piece debating whether or not we could potentially use it for one of the eighteen shoots we were planning. Now typically, as any stylist in the biz knows, decent art is incredibly hard to come by when pulling for shoots. Yet here I was with beautiful, original art up to my eyeballs! It was like being a kid in a candy store or my mother in a boutique wine shop! 

After corresponding, tracking, and cataloging all of the selects from our generous artists we were finally ready to style, play, every day! And I literally mean every day. For about 3 months, the team and I would pack our cars and invade some lovely person’s home. Move objects an inch to get the perfect shot. And pack up and ship out. It was WONDERFUL! How lucky that I was able to work with friends, see homes filled with personality and love, all while using original art from people all over the country. The word grateful doesn’t begin to cover it. 

home of bonnie and mindy rae | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styled by erik kenneth staalberg and velinda hellen

Being a stylist I know the power of the “third layer”. The “third layer” of a room is a term I’ve attached to meaning the final touches of a space. “First layer” being the architecture and fixtures, “second layer” being furniture and establishing pieces, and the “third layer” is all the accessories that give the place soul. The biggest way to give an image a hit of personality is with a unique piece of art. No one knows this better than Emily Henderson. She is the queen of statement art that makes a house a home. I.E. that large whimsy blimp piece next to her fireplace in her first home, the epic gallery wall of seascapes at Corbett’s house, and don’t forget the incredible piece she collaborated on with the Fourth Artist! It truly shapes a space. 

But before I introduce you to these wonderful artists let’s talk about how to pick art for a room when you want to get it done fast… like a stylist does for a job!

photo by tessa neustadt | from: staging my dream parisianchotel suite with sothebys

Choosing art for one’s home is often a personal experience. It’s a process that involves memories, individual taste, and most of all time. You wait to let the art find you. A stylist however, does not get that luxury. We are often under a strict time crunch that typically is about two days of sourcing and prepping. More importantly, we are filling a home or space that is often not our own style. Which means we must source art that complements the already established room. We look at color, we look at metal tones, and most of all, scale. Scale is imperative for us because that is the factor that makes an image sing. A blank wall can be daunting for most, but for me it’s a blank canvas. It’s not likely in everyone’s budget to buy large-scale pieces. A great tip for filling a wall is having a common denominator between all the pieces. That can be many things; the same color of frame, the same color story with each piece, or even the same subject matter. My living room is filled with nothing but portraits! The best case scenario though is when an artist has a series. In which you simply frame them the same, hang them uniformly and BAM the wall is complete. My favorite EHD project to highlight this is the Sotheby’s collab that has a dozen The Fourth Artist pieces hung in a grid as a twist to the usual large work that typically anchors a fireplace. 

With that being said, I can’t think of a better time to roll out our master list of all of the artists. Who were gracious enough to send their work for us to use for the upcoming book. Consider this your insider’s guide to falling in love with your next acquisition. I am simply your gallerina connecting you to your new source of inspiration! Enjoy!

Minimalist Design Studio

Graphic and geometric, these could play well with a linear, modern house.

Jamie Tubbs Studio

A great use of texture with a different medium than the majority of art we pulled. So many really special pieces that you really should check out on their site!

Ren Vois

When this originally was pitched I had only considered 2D artists submitting but to find out ceramicists were willing I knew we could always use more pottery on set. And you can easily buy one of their very pretty pieces online.

home of ashley coelho | portrait by stephanie kurth | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styled by erik kenneth staalberg and velinda hellen Stephanie Kurth

One of my favorites due to the classic nature of the pieces. I always find people to be some of my favorite subjects and Stephanie captures it poetically. Sara actually used some of her work in her dining room and Jess is planning to use a piece in her home too.

Meg Mulloy

Classic Americana which could be dynamic in an industrial space or a great juxtaposition in a kid’s room that can typically be too soft. Also, her series of vintage cars photographs is very fun too.

Ariane Moshayedi

A gifted photographer whose images, while full are always peaceful. Are great large scale too. They also have an online shop so it’s very easy to snag one of these beauties.

home of ashley coelho | left portrait by elissa barber | right portrait by brittany deupree | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styled by erik kenneth staalberg and velinda hellenBrittany Deupree

Adore these portraits! A distinctive style that captures the character with one glance.

Christina Kwan

Whimsical but modern in the best way. They bring so much movement to a space and you can easily grab one from her website!

home of ashley coelho | print by nikol wilkman | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styled by erik kenneth staalberg and velinda hellenNikol Wilkman

Simple and sweet. I thought these could be great in a kitchen or well mixed in some shelving. The bonus is that they are pretty affordable too.

Kristine Brookshire

Beautiful use of color and could play well with a home that wasn’t afraid to be bold. They are simultaneously bold and soft and some of her prints start at only $20!

home of annie segal | embroidered art by emily keating snyder | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styled by velinda hellen, julie rose, and emily bowserEmily Ruth Design

Tasteful pieces that offer some class to any room and this is only a sampling. Her work is beautifully varied and you can buy prints or originals. Something for every budget.

Kim Knoll

Fantastic abstracts with terrific balance. Pairs with other art or can stand alone.

Denise Crew

This photography utilizes negative space so intentionally that they are strong enough to fill a whole wall. Another great option for large scale affordable art.

Elissa Barber

Truly some of the pieces we used the most because they just seemed to work with so many projects. They are effortless and practiced. Remember when Julie used a piece in this room? You can get one for yourself right here!

Renee Anne

The colors could work with so many stories. Was wonderful in busy spaces to calm it down.

Atwater Designs

Bold, rich hues that would be so strong as set. A great alternative to acquiring large scale art. Also affordable:)

Dutch + Finn Design

Ingenious woodworking that add an artisanal flair to any styled vignette.

Kisco Print Shop

Streamline colors lithographic shapes. Adds punctuation to a room and there are a ton of options on this site.

Leslie Lewis Sigler

Detailed paintings of antique doodads was spot on for some of the more eclectic spaces we styled.

The Fourth Artist

An old friend of EHD that has provided many stunning pieces to several of our projects. A must check out.

Christina Flowers

An eye for color like no other. The swerves and curves hint at a retro vibe. So fun and you can get a print of your own here!

Tanya Val

Earthy yet sophisticated, could play well as a set above a larger piece of furniture. Tanya also sells affordable prints. Go check them out.

Stacey Elaine

Adored this artist for their playful use of scale, color, and pattern. Would work well in any sunny space like a kitchen or child’s room. You need to see the rest of her work here.

home of rosa beltran | ribbon art by angela chrusciaki blehm | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styled by velinda hellenAngela Chrusciaki Blehm

A heavy hitter in the art/design world, Angela is the final say on pop art. Emily Bowser snatched up the iconic 3D black and white ribbon as the crown jewel of her dining room.

Sarah Madeira Day

Scenic landscapes that would lend to a traditional home just as much as a contemporary one. And lucky you, she sells prints and originals!

home of annie segal | embroidered art by emily keating snyder | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styled by velinda hellen, julie rose, and emily bowserEmily Keating Snyder

I especially fell in love with these works in person. The unstretched canvas and thread add a boatload of texture.

Lindsay McCall

Stylish and sharp pieces to pepper in to bring other hues forward without being too bold. They are like special little surprises. Check out the other work that she makes and sells too.

Annie Wildey Studio

Moody and stormy without being somber and absolutely cool. She has a bunch of other collections that are a must-see.

Casey O’Connell

Another standout for me. All of them have soul, humor, and vibrancy that could honestly carry any room.

Britt Ford

An artist who appreciates architecture and uses gold for an extra hit of bling will always be easy to use. They also have some great pieces with color and make custom work. Could be a special gift for a loved one:)

Ninos Studio

Truly breathtaking works in person. So much movement and layers, all the while being completely calm.

How’s that for a well of gorgeous inspiration?! Each piece sent added to the love it took to bring this book to life and we at EHD are all immensely grateful. So please follow these artists, support them, and decorate your home with art that reflects your unique and individual style. It is not enough to cram your life with pretty things, you must surround yourself with stuff that means something to you. Design nirvana is occupying a world of your own creation, and that is simply ART! Cheers!

Opening Image Credits: Design by Dee Murphy | Styled by Velinda Hellen | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

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The 7 Beautiful, Versatile, And Practical Bar Tools You’ll Use All Holiday Season/Forever

In a past life, I worked (and all too frequently drank) at some pretty incredible cocktail bars in New York. And I’m sure for anyone that has ever worked in the hospitality industry, it comes to no one’s surprise that I have also dated a couple of bartenders who may or may not have also worked at these cocktail bars. So while I was never behind the bar, I learned A LOT about how to make cocktails and what you actually need in terms of tools from these very talented pros. What can I say? I’m a gal who appreciates a good cocktail shake;)

There are so many fun gadgets and tools if you love to nerd out on cocktails. BUT if you just want to have the essentials that will simply make your life and your cocktails better then this post is for you baby.

Let’s start at the beginning…

1. Shaker

A good quality shaker is important. Also not adding any carbonation until after you shake is also important. Explosions are bad and are only made worse by poorly made shakers. All the bars I worked and drank at used metal tins. Below are a couple because if I didn’t add at least one option I might have my bar card permanently revoked. So if you want to try the real deal go for it! But when you are first starting use both hands. The one-handed, two-tin shake can be a little disastrous at first. However, there is nothing wrong with the lidded shaker for your home bar! They are super pretty and might be easier to handle:)

1. Dial-A-Drink Cocktail Shaker | 2. Large Weighted Shaking Tin + Small Weighted Shaking Tin | 3. S’well Teakwood Cocktail Shaker Set | 4. Williams Sonoma Mixology Shaking Tin | 5. Elevated Craft Hybrid Cocktail Shaker | 6. Fenton Graphite Cocktail Shaker

photo by david tsay | from: styled: secrets for arranging rooms, from tabletops to bookshelves2. Mixing Glass

Ok, not all drinks need or should be made in a shaker. A stirred cocktail (especially for the colder months) is so good. This means you need a good mixing glass. My ex always made sure he had one and also loved how they looked (both in style and in practice). It’s impossible to not look cool stirring a cocktail (with a barspoon) in a pretty mixing glass. May I suggest a twist on a classic Manhattan? Instead of bourbon, use a nice dark rum (think Ron Zacapa or El Dorado). I have never been a big rum drinker but after one of my friends make me this drink I was in love and will order it when it’s chilly out. It will also impress your friends.

1. Yarai Mixing Glass | 2. Cocktail Mixing Glass | 3. Riedel DSG Mixing Glass | 4. Cocktail Mixing Glass | 5. Handblown Recycled Cocktail Mixing Glass | 6. Double-Walled Mixing Glass

3. Barspoon

If you ever plan on making a stirred drink you are going to be SO MUCH happier in your drink-making if you have a barspoon. They make stirring way easier and you look waaaay cooler using it. So if you don’t already have one, get one. I promise it’s about the function. The looking cool is a bonus (and not a terrible one).

1. Bulu Pineapple Barspoon | 2. Gold Bar Spoon With Muddler | 3. Extendable Magic Cocktail Bar Spoon | 4. Italy Flat Cocktail Mixing Spoon | 5. Trident Bar Spoon with Full Twisted Stem Handle Cocktail Spoon | 6. Teardrop Barspoon

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: 4 ways to style that credenza For “real life” + shop our favorite credenzas4. Jigger

I’m 100% guilty of “eyeballing” my pours. And while that’s fine, your drinks are simply going to be better and more consistent when you measure. I don’t think any of us want to see our guests visibly wince when they take a sip of your too heavy “free pour” cocktail. Be a pro and make your drinks taste good… get a jigger.

1. Leopold Jigger | 2. Walnut Cocktail Jigger | 3. Fenton Graphite Jigger | 4. Vintage-Inspired Copper Jigger | 5. Graham Metal Jigger | 6. Angled Jigger

5. Muddler

I know a muddler may not seem like an essential but I promise you’ll be so relieved when you all of a sudden realize you need one and you’ve got it. Mudding isn’t just for mojitos, people. Sugar, herbs, anything else that isn’t liquid or a garnish will need a little muddling.

1. Walnut Cocktail Muddler | 2. Williams Sonoma Signature Muddler | 3. Hand-Turned Walnut Muddler | 4. Crafthouse by Fortessa Wood Muddler | 5. Easton Stainless Steel Muddler | 6. American Heirloom Pitcher Muddler

photo by zeke ruelas | from: brady’s living room reveal6. Strainer

Unless you are making a muddled drink where you want allll of the ingredients from your shaker in your cocktail glass, you should be using a strainer. Even if you are making a stirred drink like a martini, you should use a strainer because who wants old ice in their nice new drink…no one. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen a cocktail made in a fancy bar where a strainer wasn’t used on a drink. The mesh ones are great if you really want to make sure not a simple sliver of anything to get into your perfectly crafted drink.

1. Crafthouse by Fortessa Hawthorne Strainer | 2. Cocktail Strainer | 3. 4-Prong Hawthorne Strainer | 4. Strainer, 3-Inch | 5. Graham Hammered Metal Springed Strainer | 6. Williams Sonoma Mixology Hawthorne Strainer

7. Wine Key/Bottle Opener

It’s just a general life essential and we all need one. I actually suggest you go check now. Just because you think you do doesn’t mean you actually do. I am speaking from personal experience here. I truly thought I had three…I was wrong. I had none.

O and I feel VERY STRONGLY about a double lever wine key. Unless you are super into an electronic wine bottle opener (that’s a whole other world), don’t bother with any other kind. A double level is the best and makes getting the cork out so much easier. And I’m sure it’s clear by this roundup, I also dislike the winged openers. Too much work and awkwardness in my opinion. The pros are all about the double lever. But if you just want a simple bottle opener, then all the bartenders I’ve worked with use a flat opener like #1 (theirs were sadly never rose gold but yours can be:)

1. Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Flat Bottle Opener | 2. Double Lever Corkscrew | 3. Waiter’s Black Corkscrew | 4. Le Creuset Waiters Corkscrew Wine Opener | 5. Sommelier Waiter’s Corkscrew | 6. Gold Plated Corkscrew

Glad I could finally whip out my old knowledge and hopefully get y’all making some delicious drinks with more ease. If you are looking for more bar content you bet we’ve got it! Here is a great bar cart styling post and here is a great beginner cocktail-making guide post.

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: Griffith Park Sunroom Reveal

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