Emily Henderson's Blog, page 169

The 3 Lessons Our Design/Build Team Has Learned Working With Me (A Fun, Fast, And Yet Often Indecisive Social Media Design Blogger)

From Em: This is the first time we’ve worked with an outside design team and it’s SUCH a different experience, I can’t even tell you. I feel a shared pressure, a shared workload, and Anne and her team bring skills, expertise, and experience that I just don’t have. It’s been a DREAM and while there is time for things to get hairy as they likely will at times, Brian and I feel so safe in this relationship. But I know that working with me is certainly a different experience – not just because I’m a designer (and designing for a designer is SO HARD) but because all of you are watching and weighing in (thank goodness – you’ve really affected certain decisions for the good). So Anne said she wanted to write about the experience thus far and of course I was down for it. What could possibly be the harm?? Take it away Anne.

It’s not often that I get to work with another designer on her future home, so I’ve embraced this experience with Emily to the fullest. Here are three things I’ve learned so far about designing for an influencer and fellow designer.

emily at rejuvenation test driving the main bath bathtub

Please bear with me, this is my very first blog post. Being an introvert and a nose-to-the-grindstone kind of person, I always love hanging out with storytellers. I love stories. I am just not confident about being able to tell a story myself but really wanted to take on this challenge.

anne reading yet another 1,200-page book

But here I go. Considering that I love organized thoughts in bullet-points, numbers, and no-nonsense systems, this is going to be challenging for me.  

(Ok, there will still be numbers)! 

1. Working On This Farm Is So Much Funone of many wonderful 3-hr zoom design meetings

Emily and Brian are kind, self-deprecating go-getters, and eternally enthusiastic and creative. I am having so much fun. We have been spending countless hours remotely together exploring many ideas. Not having a social life due to social distancing, I have been “pretend-living” their lives in their new home looking at it from every possible angle, including through the many eyes of Emily’s very kind and inspiring audience, her brother, and my husband. It is like having a million best friends. I always tell my clients that the fewer cooks in the kitchen, the better, not to design for their friends and family, and to be careful of following trends as they tend to date a project. 

Well, in this case, Emily, Brian, and I are confusing ourselves by looking at every trend, listening to all our friends and families, and going in circles like there is no tomorrow. While this is not an efficient way to design by any stretch of the imagination, the three of us are having so much fun in the process!  

The other day we had one of our 3-4-hour meetings. I am having to put my foot down so we can finalize the window and door sizes and locations so we can get the framing plan wrapped up. Well, I thought we had a lot of windows before today’s meeting, but ohhh nooo, Emily and Brian were able to find room for more skylights!

Emily and Brian also decided last week to move the mudroom from one end of the house to the other. We carved this out of their large main bedroom, which, for the longest time, they convinced me they needed. We actually added onto the ’60s addition to make the bedroom larger. Well, it was a great change to the spaces and we even added a gallery… with more windows (of course) and we found a space for a library ladder… again. The dog washing station keeps going into and out of the plans. I decided to stop designing yet another version but just write a note into the plans that it might come back. 

So, 1st lesson to remember, Anne: there is a lot of fun to be had by not being your German, efficient self and instead, taking the long, explorative route to the destination. 

screenshot of the not-current design folder. sooo many options.  
2. My One-Step-At-A-Time Approach + Emily’s Exploratory One = Great Creative Challenge

Arciform’s 20-plus years of experience has taught us that, if we do not have most of our ducks in a row before we start with a remodel, we all hustle to make final decisions on the fly, financial predictions are harder to make, and the result might not be quite as thought-out. 

Well, working with a social media influencer/blogger who goes at rapid speed and loves a lot of different ideas (we have this very much in common), we are approaching this project from all sides. We are still designing windows and door sizes and layouts while we have the engineer doing structural calculations and the demo phase has begun. Granted, doing the demo early in this case is smart, as the Henderson family is not living in the house. We are calling it the “Discovery Phase”. Homes that have been remodeled often tend to have hidden “treasures” behind the walls, or under the ceiling and floorboards. By uncovering those early on, we can make more informed decisions about the home’s new structure. 

Emily, Brian, and I were a bundle of nerves about having made the right decision with regard to demo-ing the front porch when we did. We have peeled back layers of past trends and can now see through the framing with x-ray vision towards the future of this old home. It is funny when Emily and I fret over tile layouts, plumbing, and lighting fixture choices while we are not even sure if the space we are designing these details for will exist the next week! I must admit I have gone down the design rabbit hole in most every option we have come up with. Not efficient at all! Stephyn Meiner, Arciform’s Design Associate, keeps telling me to hold my horses, but it is hard when one is having fun.   

original siding below ‘80s aluminum siding

The 2nd lesson learned: stepping out of my more structured comfort zone by exploring so many more options than usual and demo-ing before the scope is set has pushed me creatively. It does confirm to me that I love this momentum and Emily and Brian should keep it up!

Here are some of the “hidden treasures”:

lots of room for vaulted ceilings below the dropped ceiling of the ‘60s remodeldead space between the brick of the ‘60s fireplace addition and the ‘80s walls created for the foster home for elders. a transom window hidden behind ‘60s paneling3. Emily Has A Lot Of Industry Partnerships And Works Hard For Those Relationships

It is incredibly impressive to see how hard Emily and her team work to promote and support their partners. Emily wants to make it worth everyone’s time to team up with her and does she ever! She is loyal to a fault, and we all must be sure she makes decisions that are best for her and her family in the end. She also admitted to me that we must keep her in check so she does not design just for a photo op. This is a new one for me, but I really like the way she looks at a space through the lens of a camera. It balances the practical with composition and the element of the story she wants to tell. So, in addition to designing for a family that is re-inventing themselves by moving from sunny California to less-sunny Oregon to live on a mini-farm for the first time, we are also looking at the project through the lens of promotional opportunities and the many ways Emily can tell her stories. 

So, the 3rd lesson that I have learned is that looking at designs through a camera lens, or as if I were promoting a product, is a great additional tool to help design spaces.

Spinning and twirling and exploring and considering has been the norm for the last 3 months and it has been nothing but fun! ‘Til next time!

The post The 3 Lessons Our Design/Build Team Has Learned Working With Me (A Fun, Fast, And Yet Often Indecisive Social Media Design Blogger) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

5 VERY Relatable Kitchen and Bathroom Reader Design Agonies (And A Special Guest Is Here To Help)

A month or so ago, we did a call-out on Em’s Instagram for your design agonies. We deeply understand the mental torture that a design agony can induce so we love helping! There were so many awesome submissions that I decided to break them up. Today is all about kitchens and one dated bathroom that I think A LOT of you will relate to. But don’t worry, I (someone who has never remodeled anything) won’t be dishing out the main advice. My dear friend and design sister (and EHD Lead Designer Alum) Julie Rose was consulted heavily so everyone can feel extremely taken care of:)

I decided to pick kitchens and bathrooms as the first post because we know a lot of you are renovating those spaces (and I think we’ve said that a thousand times this past year but IT’S TRUE). And as I am sure like me, most of you feel they are extremely intimidating spaces to make decisions on. More than any other space those decisions feel so permanent and ARE more expensive. Making a mistake doesn’t feel like an option. So, by helping these wonderful reader’s agonies, hopefully it will give the rest of you some solid insight and confidence to get that kitchen and bathroom the way you want:) Let the problem-solving being…

Kitchen Remodel While Keeping Meaningful Spanish Tile Floors:The Agony:

“Here’s my design agony: We’re about to finally do a kitchen remodel in our 1900 farmhouse in Massachusetts, a farmhouse with terracotta tile with Mexican tile accents and I have no idea what color cabinets and countertops to apply to the remodel. It’s been four years in the decision phase because I still don’t know how to incorporate the current tile. The previous owners put in a terracotta floor with Mexican accent tiles back in the 80s. While I’ll admit this floor is one thing that drew me to the home when purchasing, it is quite beautiful and unique (despite the fact it belongs nowhere near a farmhouse), it’s been a huge thorn in my side while trying to design a kitchen upgrade. We cannot afford to replace it because the tile is not only in the kitchen, it connects to an entrance hall, another hallway where it is in three rooms (laundry, pantry, and bathroom) as well as two landings of a stairwell. Plus, after meeting the owner of the tile shop who installed it, it would break my heart to have it removed (it was apparently his favorite floor he’s ever worked on and one of the tile shapes is no longer made).”

The Plea:

“What color cabinets and counters would you do with this flooring? As you can see in the detailed tile that’s scattered throughout, the main colors are royal blue, orange, green, and yellow.  I’m not a primary color person, but want to be sure we do this properly as it’s a huge expense and can only be done once. It’s currently a very cavelike room with the dark cabinets and soffits – but doing it all white may make the floor pop too much? Do we try to blend the floor or do we forget that it’s there? My favorite rooms are those with pops of color, which sums up the rest of my house aside from a darker cozy tv room which is off the kitchen.”

Julie’s Solutions (with Jess Commentary):Green lower cabinetry with white uppers – We know that this is a beautiful combo because it’s what Emily did in her LA house. This way, there’s color with it still being bright and happy just the way she wants it. Keep the white countertops, they will be a nice contrast to the green cabinetry – If she wants to replace what they have then great. However, Julie (and I agree) think that staying with white is the way to color color-wise.Keep wood tone on the back of the island, it adds another layer of texture & character to the space without being an overwhelming design element – I mean it’s beautiful so don’t spend money where you can save! Plus it makes it feel more “farmhouse”.Replace the floating shelves with natural wood tone to match the back of the island, if the uppers are painted white – To help with balance and continuity Julie thinks that switching out the white for a natural wood would look really pretty & add some more texture to the space. If possible continue the white stone backsplash to match the original one behind the range at approx. 30″H and then add in some natural wood tone paneling above it similar to the back of the island. (reference image below) – This is where the “Julie magic” really comes in! The idea to extend the white backsplash for visual continuity and then add pretty wood paneling on top of that is farmhouse without screaming “FARMHOUSE”. Let’s look at her inspo pic… [image error]

Yep, it’s beautiful and is such a great idea! I really hope that this helps with some of Jennifer’s indecision.

The Classic Kitchen & Trim Agony:The Agony(s) and Plea(s):

“1. Paint! I can’t decide if I should paint our trim? We have gorgeous trim and I’m struggling with painting it dark so it stands out more and my walls can be white… painting my walls darker so the white trim stands out… or painting the walls and trim the same color and being moody and fun. Another issue is that the trim goes all over our first floor including on pretty glass doors- so I feel like I have to commit for the whole house.

2. Our kitchen! This is my least favorite room in the house.. and where I spend 1/2 of my time. It’s dated, has no storage, is small, and generally blah. Here I’d love any thoughts on how to make it feel bigger (how to make it bigger? Fairy godmother?), what colors to paint at least the lower cabinets as well as a basic palette that might work, and how to get more storage. Also, what do people do with this awkward space above cabinets?? The cabinets are in great shape so I don’t want to replace them but ughhhh.”

Julie’s Solutions (with Jess Commentary):Let’s start off with painting the lowers a classic navy blue color to add some contrast to the light wood tone flooring & save some dollars by leaving the uppers as is – Now you don’t know this but Erin lives in a historic neighborhood in Portland, OR. So a navy and off-white combo would be very appropriate and extremely pretty. Emily also did this combo in her Glendale home (even though the colors were brighter and it was meant for a midcentury modern vibe…it’s all about the right tones!).Consider replacing the cabinet hardware with a brass finish for some added warmth – Brass is always going to warm up a space and if they choose to go with a more unlacquered finish, it’s going to bring A LOT of soul. Swap the sink faucet with a taller gooseneck one for that extra “drama”, plus it’s always convenient to have your faucet a bit more out of the way when washing those larger pots & pans – Who doesn’t love some kitchen drama!? Well, the good kind at least. It’s small decisions like this that make a kitchen feel more designed and intentional. Possibly replace the countertops along the u-shape space with a clean white quartz option since there is already a fun patterned tile backsplash – That island butcher block is stunning! But the other counters look like a refresh would really make this kitchen sing. Now let’s address the gap above the upper cabinets, if possible talk with a carpenter about removing the existing crown moulding & add a flat piece of wood that meets the ceiling to enclose the gap. And since no home is perfectly squared off you can add a crown trim at the very top to cover up any unlevel areas. There will be a “seam” or “gap” between the original top of the uppers and the new flat piece of wood but that can easily be covered up by using a half-round trim piece like this one! – Something I wouldn’t have thought of but LOVE!Beware of going dark when painting trim. It can either take a lot of your time to paint or it can be pretty expensive to have professionally done since it requires a lot of precision to mask off & cut in especially around windows. Another thing to consider: going dark and then wanting to go back will take more “layers” of paint & primer to get it to that crisp white look & if you have trim with more design details it can lose its look with paint build-up if not done correctly. – Basically, how much time and money are they willing to invest???On the other hand, bright white trim will never go out of style – SO true. And if Erin ever plans on selling this home that’s for sure something to consider. A good first step could be to play around with slight or drastic contrasting wall colors in a warmer tone similar to the dining area. That way you can get a better idea if the space feels like it should go all dark, trim included. – This is obviously a preference because if drama is what Erin wants then drama is what she should go with. But playing around with a softer contrast might also allow for some really fun darker decor pieces that otherwise might be “too much” with the heavy contrast of wall and trim colors. Vintage/Dated Blue Tile Bathroom Agony:The Agony/Plea:

What do I do with this vintage all-blue bathroom!? How do I modernize it without ripping out the tile?

Julie’s Solutions (with Jess Commentary):When you walk into the room your eye focuses more on the two different scaled square patterns & the thick dark grout lines are what is keeping it feeling dated. There is a way to lighten grout colors or you can replace completely but in the end it might be worth swapping out the shower tile for a different pattern to break up the design – This is a question of how much time and/or money is Tracey willing to invest but very doable!The floor tiles are a pretty standard tile so an easy fix could be to use a latex or oil-based paint. Also, consider lightening or replacing the grout for a lighter color because painting tile can be tricky to upkeep in high moisture areas (aka a bathroom). Temporary floor tiles is another quick fix option as well! – If Tracey isn’t interested in the grout option, painting or putting in temporary floor tiles is such a great and maybe a cheaper way of updating the floors. If possible, removing the glass shower door and adding a shower curtain would add a soft texture to the space and make it feel more like a spa – Taking the door off might not be a possibility but if so I also think that would really help! But she could also just put a shower curtain up to hide most of the door:) Try painting the vanity and medicine cabinet either white or for more drama & contrast to the rest of the space a dark blue. For additional drama, let’s add a fun wallpaper pattern to lean into that vintage feel – Let us not forget the INCREDIBLE no renovation transformation from Allison Pierce‘s beautiful home (see below). I vote for heavy drama:) photos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the no-reno house that looks completely renovatedAdd some hardware! – Don’t be afraid to make some new holes if you are a homeowner! I also think it would transform the space in a very cool way. Here is a great post that Julie did about hardware placement. Replace the lighting, towel bar, and faucets with more modern (aka clean line) fixtures – Yes, yes, yes:)All Wood Kitchen with Skylight:The Agony:

“Let’s call this design agony “I have a perfectly fine, high quality, super functional kitchen that I hate”. As much as I love the idea of tearing out our perfectly fine, high-quality, super functional kitchen, filling up a landfill with its corpse, I’d much rather… not?

1. It’s incredibly wasteful and as a family we have always tried to take steps to be conscious of our impact on our environment.

2. We all know kitchens are a beast in terms of budget and I’d much rather spend that money on something more worthwhile like, say, the kids’ college fund, travel, or something super practical like a garage (we live in a Boston suburb where you can blow $1m on a house and STILL NOT GET A FREAKING GARAGE)

3. This kitchen is PERFECTLY FINE, HIGH QUALITY, AND SUPER FUNCTIONAL!!!”

The Plea:

“There are a couple of bigger issues that need to be resolved here, for instance, we need a backsplash and a proper range hood above the cooktop, and we are currently consulting with a Velux (!) specialist about expanding the skylight/chase to encompass the entire island area, but other than that we’d like to keep this update as budget-friendly as possible, utilizing the existing cabinet boxes (although replacing those arched doors is 1000% in the plan) appliances, and countertops.
The kitchen shares a space with what I like to call “the lounge”. It’s a cozy area where family and friends can hang and whoever is doing the cooking/cleaning can still be part of the action. We are BIG cooks and spend 80% of our time at home in this space. The kitchen is also very visible to the rest of the house (your eye goes right to the lovely over-the-range microwave as soon as you walk in the door) so my goal here is to be slightly less… kitchen-y? Obviously, we will never completely hide the fact that it’s a kitchen, but we would love to infuse a little bit more warmth and personality to this space. We are hoping to make aesthetic changes through creative uses of paint, lighting, accessories, wall treatments, art, etc. I’m a creative and married a good ol’ Iowa farm boy so we are DIY-ing as much as possible.

I have photoshopped this kitchen TO DEATH trying all the things (open shelving! graphic tile! removing uppers! creative paint combos!) but nothing has felt quite right yet. I’d love to get the EHD take on how to make this kitchen into the cozy, cool, and creative space it wants to be! Without, like, throwing it all in the trash and starting over.”

Julie’s Solutions (with Jess Commentary):

First here is a photo of “the lounge” so you can have a sense of why Julie is making certain suggestions:

So cute right??! Ok now onto the kitchen…

An all greige color for the cabinetry would be nice and keep it bright feeling & give a slight contrast to the rest of the walls, doors, & windows in the space – So pretty and would look so nice with the color scheme of the lounge.To keep it feeling fresh a lighter veining stone for the countertops & backsplash would add some interest while being easy to clean. If you opt for the stone on just the countertops to save some cash then consider a small to medium size scale tile for the backsplash – Yes, please! So pretty if possible and will definitely not draw your attention so quickly to the kitchen. Plaster hoods are having a moment and the best part, they are not a splurge design decision and yet still add some texture & style to the space. Top it off by flanking it with some wood open shelves to bring back some warmth into the space & pull in the wood tones of the existing flooring. – Chic & less “kitchen-y”, plus there will now be a lot of styling/personality opportunities with those floating shelves A bigger skylight might mean no pendants over the island but now there is another opportunity for some special lighting moments over the open shelves flanking the range hood – As we’ve said before lighting is a key layer for any room in your home!But where will the microwave go? Well…this is a bit more pricey but they could take the area to the right of the fridge & create a floor to ceiling small appliance/pantry cabinetry area. The microwave could sit inside it at counter height and there is even an existing outlet so no additional electrical work needed here! – If Holly could swing this it would be an awesome use of the space she’d be getting back the storage she “took away” from above the range. And of course, she could donate the demo’d cabinetry. Kitchen With Soon To Be Replaced Counters Agony:The Agony/Plea:

“Help! After a year of living and working at home, we are desperate to modernize our 90s kitchen by painting the cabinets, changing the hardware, etc. We are experienced painters, and have read/learned a ton about best practices for painting cabinets and are SO READY to take this on! 

Here’s the rub: we can’t afford to replace the countertops at this point, so we need a paint color combination that works with our current countertops (Silestone Kalahari, pictured), but would also work with our future countertops (we’re thinking a white/gray silestone). The plan is for the island to be a different color than the cabinets, but we’re stymied beyond that.”

First here is Mary Beth’s future kitchen inspo and her current countertops:

left: home of joanna saltz, photo by david land | right: mary beth’s current silestone kalahari countertops

This is a good one because so many of us aren’t able to financially replace countertops and this type of stone is in SOOOOO many homes (my old apartment too under the plywood cover my dad made me). So I hope this is an example to help many of you struggling with the same agony! Take it away Julie…

Julie’s Solutions (with NO Jess Commentary:))Keeping with the classics, a white or very light greige cabinetry along the sink wall & the island going a very dark dark green or blue or almost black color – From Julie: These colors will pick up the tones of the current and future countertops while adding some contrast they are wanting from their inspiration photo. It will also be such a nice contrast with those lovely wood floors!

Ok great now everyone in the world’s kitchen and bathroom agonies are solved. Thanks, Julie! What a great way to start the week. JUST KIDDING! But if you still have questions (and of course you do) we have A LOT of kitchen and bathroom content coming your way. But in the meantime here are some great posts to hold you over:

Your Pre-Weekend Dose of Serious Eye Candy: 10 Reader Before & After DIY Kitchens | 12 DIY Reader Bathroom Renovations (Full of Budget-Friendly Tips, DIYS + Real Cost and Timing) | Tile 101: Everything You Need to Know About Buying & Picking Tile | Countertops 101: All the Details on Marble, Quartz, Quartzite (& What’s Right for You) | Are IKEA Kitchen Cabinets Worth The Savings??? A Very Honest Review One Year Later | The RIGHT Way To Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets and Save $$$ (Factory Finish Guaranteed)

Thank you as always for spending a little of your day with us!

Love you, mean it. And seriously… THANK YOU, JULIE.

Left Opening Image Credits: Home of Joanna Saltz | Photo by David Land

The post 5 VERY Relatable Kitchen and Bathroom Reader Design Agonies (And A Special Guest Is Here To Help) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: The Sweet & Affordable Necklace Emily Has Worn For 3 Years, Mallory’s No-Show Sock Secret, And An AWESOME Sustainable Clothing Brand Resource

We hope everyone had a wonderful week filled with love and laughter. This link up has lots in store including some fun articles, a mother’s day gift idea, and a very very good house tour (as you can see from the opener image above). So let’s dig right in, shall we?

The verdict for the Derek Chauvin case was announced early last week and was finally held accountable. Here is a great article on what to do next if you’re looking for resources. Also, our hearts are broken over the completely unnecessary death of Ma’Khia Bryant. So while Derek Chauvin was held accountable, it’s clearer than ever the system that needs to be changed.

We’ve been talking about this home tour all week and once you click on it it’s not hard to see why…Troye Sivan’s Melbourne home is like walking through a well-designed, warm hug. It’s perfectly blends texture with pieces of interest and is soooo easy on the eyes. Amazing work, Troye and Flack Studio.

From Emily: The necklace I bought myself a few years ago is still available (and on sale). I wore it on stories last week, so thought I’d share it here too because it would make a great mother’s day gift if you’re looking

From Mallory: Ya know how girls often love wearing their boyfriend’s clothes?? I’ve taken it to a whole new level because I discovered that I love wearing my boyfriend’s SOCKS even more. And, no not the thick ankle or taller kind of socks, I’m talking men’s no-show socks specifically. Chase has been wearing these vans socks for YEARS and I recently discovered that they are so much better than women’s no-show socks. They’re thick, soft, wonderfully lucious and since they’re men’s socks they’re a little big so they don’t slip off your foot. Honestly, I don’t know why I’ve been buying those horrible thin women’s no-show socks because they ALWAYS end up slipping off your heel while in your shoe and it’s SO annoying (now we fight over these socks). Seriously, everyone go get yourself a pair of these no show socks and experience the luxury.

From Jess: For probably a bunch of reasons, both known and unknown, I’ve been feeling pretty down the past couple of weeks. And while “things” in no way solve your problems, sometimes they can help lift your mood. So lighting these candles (both the Palo Santo Suede and Wild Fig Vetiver) while I work and painting my nails this happy pink colored nail polish (color: SE) have done just that. Walking is also a massive help and I highly recommend it too:)

From Ryann: I was just introduced to Good On You thanks to a commenter on my last post (shout out Suzanne!) and it is an amazing resource to search for ethical and sustainable clothing brands. They do all the research and give each brand a rating so you can be confident in your purchases plus they have tons of articles on the fashion industry as a whole and it’s all so fascinating and informative. I just spent over an hour searching every brand I love and it’s VERY eye-opening but I feel so much more informed because of it. I can’t recommend them enough!

From Caitlin: My eyebrows basically flew up and off my face while reading this piece about American tree brokers who cater to the super wealthy. I, someone who is rarely lost for words (as many of you know), am lost for words. Really wild and quick and surreal read. (Also, this isn’t the point of the story, but look at that book-matched marble behind the Tuscan-imported olive tree!!!)

Also From Caitlin: It only took a FULL YEAR of trying to find a litter box solution that didn’t make me want to claw my eyes out (remember this treasure trove of awesome feedback?), but I FINALLY DID IT. And it’s AMAZING. It’s like freakin’ Apple made a litter box (and I was FaceTiming with Jess when I opened the shipment, so she can confirm that it’s also packaged like Apple made a litter box). Here’s why I love it: the shape is so nice and modern, the optional “shelter” adds height and prevents litter from flying everywhere, the built-in tools are actually stunning, and best of all: PEE DOESN’T STICK TO IT. I was originally drawn to the aesthetics but now that I’ve used it for a month, I can confirm that it’s beautiful AND functional. I know I’m screaming, but cat owners, hear me out: I never have to chip at any cake-y corners anymore!!! It has 13 pages of 5-star reviews from similarly-enthused folks because this thing is ALL THAT and so worth it. Like, truly, it made cat ownership about 80% less frustrating. I LOVE THIS BOX. (Most importantly, my kitty does too! :))

One More From Caitlin: My favorite Madewell bandana is only $4.89 right now!! It’s navy – so it works great as a neckerchief with most outfits – but it’s also astrology-themed, so it’s like a fun little secret. (There are a ton of others available, too, but this one is my favorite.) Highly recommended for anyone looking to spice up their wardrobe without spending on all-new pieces!

Thanks, everyone for reading –– we’ll see you first thing in the morning. Xx

Opening Image Credits: Design by Flack Studio | Styling by Joseph Gardner| Photo by Anson Smart | via Architectural Digest

The post The Link Up: The Sweet & Affordable Necklace Emily Has Worn For 3 Years, Mallory’s No-Show Sock Secret, And An AWESOME Sustainable Clothing Brand Resource appeared first on Emily Henderson.

What If We Stopped Worrying About What’s “Flattering”?? – 5 Women on The Outfits That Make Them Feel Great

This week, I was looking for a good comfort-watch TV show – you know, a show where you already know what’s happening so you can pay half-attention and there’s no love lost if you accidentally dose off in the middle – and I landed on What Not To Wear, which I loved as a kid. Surprises! Money! Makeovers! Reveals! I remembered it being so glamorous and fun…but it hit a bit differently as an adult.

It felt kind of mean – every contestant on the show is delivering a master class in “smiling while feeling really sad and uncomfortable” – especially when compared to the makeover shows of today, which are admittedly WAY more about building someone up instead of, you know, ambushing them in an incredibly public place, telling everyone that their friends hate their wardrobes, throwing all their prized possessions in a trash can, and forcing them to stand in a mirrored room while two beautiful folks tell them how “big” and “rectangular” they look.

Every episode really focused on figuring out how to “flatter,” but the rules felt really arbitrary – when one guy wore oversized outfits, they bawked at him and called him “chicken legs,” but when women wore similarly-sized clothing, they were immediately told that it made them look enormous and that they instead needed to be taught how to wear things that flattered them.

That word has always brought up a little bit of controversy here on the blog – because honestly, what is flattering? The What Not To Wear definition was basically “things that make you look smaller and like you have an hourglass figure,” which leads me to be like…with that extremely specific and kind of unachievable definition, NO WONDER WE ALL HAVE SOME SORTA BODY ISSUE. Ryann’s post this Wednesday struck the deepest nerve with me and it seems like a lot of you related, too.

So this week, I wanted to update the 2021 definition – almost two decades after WNTW – and state, for the record, that flattering pieces are the ones that make YOU (or, in this blog case, the EHD team :)) feel best. I look back at all the time in my early twenties trying to draw attention to my waist or trying to make my boobs look balanced with my wide hips and now I’m just like…why???? So some boy who lives with a million roommates and sleeps on a mattress on the ground will notice? Why did I spend so much time concerned with the traditional definition of “flattering” and worrying about scaring folks off if I didn’t wear something waisted? (“Oh gosh, no, this flowy top/dress will make me look like a tent,” – me, 2003-2019ish, forgetting that tents are always fun AF!!!) How many fun pieces did I miss out on wearing? How many parties did I spoil by standing in the corner because I wore something that I thought was cool, but then felt was unflattering? Why did I let 2 TV hosts from 2003 shape my opinion on myself?!?!

To that end, this week I asked the team to show me the outfits that made THEM feel like their coolest, happiest, most powerful self. None of us bought anything new for this post – we just wanted to show you the things that make us feel like we’re on top of the world. The team picked wide, fancy dresses and comfy rompers and tight leather pants and loudly printed pieces and it was just fun for me to see all of us proudly rocking our favorite things, without worrying about some self-imposed fashion rules. LET’S LOOK AT HOW CUTE MY TEAM IS, OKAY?

From Emily

Striped Dress

I call this my “Mrs. Doubtfire” Zoom dress. Here’s why – it’s so cute but so baggy that I can throw it over pajamas at a Zoom moment’s notice (which I do). Then I throw it off and spend the rest of the morning in my PJs. Then I change into my workout clothes and when I come back I often have to throw it back over my workout clothes (including over the t-shirt) for another Zoom call – looking all pulled together. I feel like Robin Williams playing two characters, but I don’t have to take off ANYTHING underneath – just throw it over!!  I’ve worn it probably 25 days since I got it. It has GREAT puffy sleeves, an incredibly good cut that drapes so well with contrasting stripes. I can dress it down (flip flops) and up (mules – if I ever wear heels again). I can wear it in winter and summer (and spring/fall, duh). I wasn’t going to get it until I tried it on at my friend’s house (who works for The Great) and I was like “oh shoooooot”. It’s a splurge, but I know historically I wear The Great’s clothes for years and years (their older stuff was remarkably timeless) and will do the same with this one as well. It makes me feel happy, pulled together, and comfortable.

From Jess

Dress | Sneakers

I am pretty sure I found this brand, Lucy Paris, through one of you and to whoever it was THANK YOU! It’s been a hot minute since I ordered a dress online (or any clothing for that matter) that fit like a glove as much as this dress (and was under $100). Those puff sleeves have just the right amount of volume, the neckline is both modest yet sexy, and I love the length on my almost 5’4” frame. I feel like I could wear this a ton of different ways both dressed up and down (hi sneakers!) which makes it just an ideal purchase that will last me. Honestly, it just makes me feel pretty and feminine which is something I haven’t felt in a long time and I didn’t realize how much I needed it.

Jeans | Clogs

This is by far the most “Jess outfit” out there. I wear a variation of this (switching out t-shirt colors) almost every time I leave the house. Do I dream of dressing in bright colors and fun/cool patterns? Sure. But I think I’m a little averse to dressing “loud.” I think it’s both that I’m a casual person and also that I am afraid of bringing too much attention to a body I’m working on loving as-is (Ryann’s post was beyond relatable to me too). Anyway, my love affair with these jeans is very real. I literally am excited every time I slide them on. I am heartbroken that t-shirt is no longer available and those clogs just make me feel cool. All in all an easy yet stylish enough outfit that puts me at ease. 

From Ryann

Romper | Flats

I am still at home 80% of the time and I just can’t quit being comfy. I bought this thermal romper after seeing it on Ali Tate’s instagram and it really is the perfect lounge-around-the-house-but-make-it-cute piece (but heads up, it runs big so definitely size down). Of course, I am wearing it with my trusty tan ballet flats that I can’t get enough of and when it starts getting warm again I can definitely see wearing this to the beach during sunset (cause I totally do that all the time…HA).

Dress | Loafers

When I tell you I feel good in this dress, I mean I feel BANGIN in it. I love how flowy it is and the sleeves are super cute and whimsical plus I can’t say no to a plaid pattern. I love wearing it with my favorite loafers for a “sophisticated” look but it’s also really cute with sandals or platforms. I can’t wait to wear it all summer long!

From Mallory

Dress | Shoes

I’ve been LIVING in this dress for 2 months now and it’s the perfect winter to spring to summer transition dress because it looks GREAT with tights or boots by itself (I usually wear it with boots that look like this but tbh I couldn’t find them and they’re not available anymore but just so ya know). I was actually really happy with how they looked with these lil heels though and I can’t wait to wear this dress with these shoes to make it more of a summer dinner or a –how do you say– brunchy look  Anyway, I wanted you guys to know that this dress is great because it’s not tight ANYWHERE but comes in at the waist to make it feel like you’re not drowning in fabric. Plus it’s lightweight and I like that it’s long-sleeved so I can secretly wear my apple watch under it without feeling like I’m ruining my outfit (I love the apple watch but she aint that cute). All in all, I love this dress I love it so much.

Top | Boots

This shirt was an impulse buy and boy I did not anticipate how much I would wear it. It’s super comfy and if your girls are smaller up top (like me!) you don’t have to wear a bra because there’s a lot of fabric up there. It’s comfy AND cute so that’s a real win. I am fully on the leather pant train and I’m not planning on getting off. These pants I bought from a thrift store I think?? I honestly can’t remember but I wear them so much that they’re starting to look uh not great, so I’m considering splurging on a nice pair that will last me forever like this one or this one. Just know I am on the market so if anyone has recs, I’m all ears. Lastly, I’ve had these snakeskin boots for over a year and they’re now formally known as my “walking boots” because they’re in fact comfortable enough for me to walk for long periods of time in (great for bar hopping/sightseeing if I do say so myself).

From Caitlin

Top | Bottom

Shockingly, these are NOT pajamas and I wear this outside (!!!) in front of people (!!!) on purpose (!!!). I think it may because I’m nearing 30, but all of a sudden, I like…really don’t care what other folks think? When I was younger, I never would have worn something like this – my mind would have been a full cacophony of is it too weird? too loud? unflattering? can only thin girls wear this? am I cool enough? – and now, I have a new mantra: IF IT’S NOT FUN, I’M NOT WEARING IT. I love a bold print and a matching set, but this top and this bottom are my personal favorites because they’re made of eco-viscose, which literally feels like wearing a cool, silky waterfall. I just really feel like ~myself~ in this, which is great

Dress

Weird esoteric phobia time: I really DO NOT like bellybuttons (for reasons I still don’t understand today) and so one of my least favorite things is when I wear something form-fitting and get a bellybutton imprint (someone please chime in and confirm that you know what I’m talking about!!!). I grabbed this smocked + sleeved dress for a July baby shower and was a little wary about trying on something so tight – my quarantine 15 and broken back extra 15 are real, and clearly I still have some personal self-acceptance work to do!!! – but the special details, like the puff sleeves (you can wear them up, too), the fruit print, and the banana-shaped beads up top just made me happy and excited to return to the world of in-person gatherings. (And there’s no bellybutton imprint!!) It just feels like a fun celebration/party dress as I start to see my other fully-vaccinated pals again over the next few months

And there you have it – some of our favorite outfits that make us feel like we can take on the world. I know it’s been a pretty introspective few days on the blog with a lot of self-reflection – and this post was no exception! – but it just felt like a fun and fitting way close out the week. Hopefully, you got some outfit inspo, or read a review of a piece you’ve been eyeballing, or at least got to know the cool ladies I work with every day a little bit better…and now you also know what to look for when you spot us in the wild NOW CHOOSE YOUR FIGHTER. WHO IS BEST DRESSED?

JUST KIDDING…have a great weekend. xx

The post What If We Stopped Worrying About What’s “Flattering”?? – 5 Women on The Outfits That Make Them Feel Great appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Farmhouse Design Process – Can A Kitchen Have Too Much Wood? A Deep Exploration Into The Pros Of Wood Cabinetry…

The Henderson’s love of natural wood comes only second to our love of natural light. In fact, it’s my personal thesis that you NEED a lot of wood in conjunction with natural light in order to still feel cozy. But can you have too much wood? Specifically in a kitchen? I think the old me would have said “Yes” because I love mixing things up and I love color. But I look at our kitchen here and so many others online and I think – I actually don’t think you can have too much wood – when done right. Wood is classic and timeless, warm and organic, not to mention (and why I’m here today) so much less maintenance.

The reason for us leaning into wood isn’t just aesthetics – painted cabinets chip so much easier than wood, and I prefer a camouflaged ding that you can barely see in the wood grain over an obvious paint chip. Now when I presented this agony to Anne’s husband, Richard, who owns Versatile (the sister company to Arciform that custom makes windows, doors, and cabinetry) he assured me that the painted cabinets can be practically chip-less if done right (and that’s all in the hands of the cabinet fabricator and painter – many of which do not do it right for long term). I have hired many “professional” cabinet finishers on many kitchens and all of the cabinets have still chipped within the first year. He was shocked and said that he’s never had that complaint. I even checked in with yesterday and asked them if their cabinets have chipped – this one:

photo by zeke ruelas | from: modern deco kitchen reveal

They said that “yes they chip” and that every other year they pay the original painter $150 for touchups. Now that is not that much, but I think it’s rare for the original painter (with the original exact paint color and finish) to do this. But I know for a fact that we had these custom cabinets professionally built and painted off-site, they cured for days between coats. To me, they shouldn’t chip!

That’s all to say we are skeptical about painted cabinetry (although Rashida’s post gave me hope and Richard said she is doing it EXACTLY right so only time will tell). Our wood cabinets at the mountain house are real wood, and just sealed with a matte wax, the black is stained reclaimed wood. I KNOW that we beat them up HARD, but nary a chip in sight. Sure if you look close you can see a ding or… 20, but it’s just different than a chip.

The Farm Kitchen (Kinda)

Now here’s an old rendering of the kitchen that was not even close to done and a billion things have changed, but just wanted to give you a sense of what we are working with – a big island, perimeter cabinetry, and fridge column next to a bar. NOTHING HERE HAS BEEN DESIGNED, meaning this is just for space planning and layout, no finishes have been selected. Thus the beginning of the exploration.

After speaking to Richard yesterday I feel more confident that they can deliver a practically chip-free painted cabinet, but I still want to explore with you how an all wood kitchen would look like.

design by shelter collective | photo by emily johnston

I’m officially obsessed with this island. On that floor (note the awkward wood floor patching that looks AWESOME) and the knobs and framing that is a bit darker wood (looks like cherry?). Just so stunning. Now, what if the cabinets on the perimeter of that same kitchen were wood? Would it be too much? See here:

design by shelter collective | photo by emily johnston

They did white on the perimeter but wood on all the counters. Now if they had done wood cabinets with marble on the countertops would that be too much wood? I think not. Also yes, note the wood pendants – these people love wood as much as we do

design by electric bowery | photo by douglas friedman | via architectural digest spain

Now, this kitchen is a bit darker than we’d go but I think the all-wood look is just so pretty. The glass cabinets, farmhouse sink, and stone backsplash shake it up but otherwise, it’s a lot of wood (and it looks so pretty!).

design and photo by aya brackett | via remodelista

While this kitchen might be a bit too modern for us, the use of the exact same wood on island, perimeter, and fridge columns is something I would NOT have done, but seeing it I’m like, “yah… this looks GREAT”.

design by studio ezra | photo by amelia stanwix

This is the kitchen I keep going back to. Wood island. Wood island top. Wood cabinets and wood windows. The only thing that isn’t wood is the floor, countertops, and tile – but even if the floor was wood I think I would love it.

design by studio ezra | photo by amelia stanwix

I know that you might be like “this isn’t farm-house-y” but I disagree. It’s just not “modern farmhouse” and instead has a more simple shaker vibe. As much as I love charming old details (which I do and we are still playing with how to bring them in) this looks warm and simple and just stunning.

via lulu and georgia

The more I look at all of these the more I think I actually love all the wood. Sure it’s not eclectic or eccentric but I can do that with the styling. I love how that above kitchen shook up the profile of the drawers on the right cabinetry. So pretty!

So after much thought, my official conclusion is that you CANNOT have too much wood. I think for a more traditional/eclectic style you’d want to mix the wood tones (maybe the island is darker than the floor, for instance) but the seamless look is awesome for more contemporary spaces (like the mountain house). But like anything in design – you can DO ANYTHING if done right which is not super helpful but sadly it’s the truth. But what do you think? Would a “too much” wood kitchen be too much (or little) for you?

Opener Image Credit: Design by studio Lifestyle | Styled By Gena Sigala | Photo by Sam Frost

The post Farmhouse Design Process – Can A Kitchen Have Too Much Wood? A Deep Exploration Into The Pros Of Wood Cabinetry… appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Induction Range Versus Gas Stove For The Farm Kitchen? + Other Ways We Are Going To Be Sustainable During The Renovation (And Beyond)

There are some things you just can’t un-hear. Perhaps I was doing that “eyes-shut-fingers-in-ears, ‘lalalalalal'” thing for years. But like fast-fashion and un-clean beauty, once you realize what you’ve been mindlessly purchasing you become much more intentional (despite not being perfect). Such is the case with gas versus electric anything in our homes (and cars) and boy was I ignorant on the subject until a couple of weeks ago. And I figured if I “knew but didn’t know” and I’m supposed to be “an expert in home design” then a lot of you might also not know so I’d be failing in my job if I didn’t write about it. If you are currently renovating or about to update your home PLEASE continue reading this post – I dedicate this post to you Listen, I use smart lightbulbs, I buy local and vintage when possible, I (often) reject when offered a disgusting plastic straw, I’ve generally reduced my consumption drastically this last year, my wardrobe is tiny, we have a pasture-raised meat delivery system and we buy nuts in bulk! I’m a good person, right???!!!!! Well, let’s dive in deeper.

It’s not just plastic straws…

While we’ve been freaking out about plastic straws, the gas companies have been ramping up their marketing machines to distract us from the more looming energy crisis. I’ve now had multiple consultations on the subject of sustainability in the home with different experts – Josh Salinger from Birdsmouth Design-Build and Brian Stewart from Electrify Now. Through their generous giving of their time and expertise, I’ve learned so much. Don’t fall asleep – this is actually FASCINATING stuff. I don’t want to shame or guilt anyone – just empower (!!) us all to know that there are great options that we can feel proud of that will actually give us a better performing home, reduce our bills and maybe save the planet. No one can be perfect but with some knowledge, we can all be better.

design by emzed architecture via birdsmouth design-build (earth advantage zero energy certified new homeBut Wait, Doesn’t Electricity Come From Coal? And Isn’t Coal The Worst Fossil Fuel???

Yes. But it’s all changing, and as more and more states (and countries) invest in solar and wind, our electric grid will start switching over to those renewable CLEAN sources. Ideally, when we turn on the hairdryer it will pull “electricity” from solar/wind – “electricity” isn’t the bad guy, it’s how we get it that needs to change. The more of us that switch over from gas to electricity now (in addition to conserving energy), the more those clean solar/wind energy sources will grow and expand, the less reliant we are on fossil fuels in our home.

If you put in a new gas range now you will be stuck with it for decades. It’s not as bad as putting in baseboard heaters or lead paint – but it’s good for your health or the world, and eventually, you might have to rip it out and replace it with electric or induction. It’s actually good news. The building world has shifted and we have better, safer methods beyond natural gas now, the technology is so good and makes a better home. But I feel like no one is really talking to us about it – the designers, consumers, and homeowners – and helping us understand how important this is and how good it can be. I don’t go on environmental blogs and there aren’t big PR initiatives around this in the home space. There is very little of this marketed to you and I and the more educated I got the more I was like, “I’VE GOT TO TELL MY MILLION ONLINE FRIENDS!!!”

Wait Why Is Natural Gas Bad For The Atmosphere?

If you want a layman to break it down very simply here you go: Natural gas, propane, coal, gasoline – any fuel that burns, emits carbon into the atmosphere where it gets stuck for decades and the carbon then traps heat, creating a greenhouse effect thus warming the earth and creating natural disasters by messing with our atmosphere. I know that sitting in the mountains right now I see none of this and it does feel abstract but it’s real. By switching our electricity to be powered by wind and solar we eliminate this. Boom (but hopefully not).

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: about those integrated appliances in the mountain house kitchenCan Normal People And Older Homes Really Make Any Sort Of Difference?

Hear me out – I love this fact – 60% of our individual carbon impact on the planet comes from the ENERGY we purchase – our heating, water heating, cooking, venting, cooling, and operational usage (how much we use each appliance, light bulbs, hairdryer, etc). The other 40% is our purchases – food, clothes, beauty, and household stuff. The good news is that as Brian Stewart of Electrify Now told me that while consuming less “stuff” we can reduce that 40% down a few percentage points, but going forward, especially if you are renovating or building your house, you can get the other 60% impact down to ZERO. And by doing this you’ll actually get a higher-performing home with fewer bills and a better internal environment. Now, will the farm-house renovation net zero on the carbon footprint? Probably not because it’s old and we aren’t totally rebuilding it, but there is still so much I can do (see below).

I’ve been CONVINCED, while still nervous. I think it had all been so greenwashed for me to the point of not really listening, thinking “going green” would be really expensive, super hard, and frankly I was worried that “green technology” is too new, that it would breakdown because it’s not tested long enough in a home. This is chalked up to general skepticism due to ignorance. But Josh Salinger, from Birdsmouth (a high-efficiency home design/build firm in Portland), made me feel so empowered and more importantly excited to have a better farm and fewer bills. They are both helping on our projects in hopes that some of you will get excited to also implement some of our ideas and opt towards some of these better for us and the world. And not everything you can do requires renovation, AT ALL. But the first thing they both said was – BUY ELECTRICAL, NOT GAS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

So Induction Range Instead Of Gas Range?

We are doing it. And besides, I certainly can’t go back now after writing this:) Here’s why:

Many people, including chefs, say induction ranges are way better for actual cooking – better heat distribution, faster to boil and cool down, way easier to keep clean, and safer to the touch as they only heat the pot, not the top. Now the drawbacks are that there is a learning curve, you have to have the right pots and things like wok frying take some troubleshooting. Some of them are still beautiful! I had no idea. I definitely thought that some people just liked the more high-tech digital look so they went induction – a style preference – and frankly, it didn’t necessarily align with my farmhouse dreams. But we found some that are VERY beautiful, and as more of us start opting for these the price will start coming down and affordable brands will design better-looking models (just like integrated appliances). Induction is so much better for interior air quality for my family and the planet. I was THIS CLOSE to ordering our beautiful gas range, but since I have an opportunity to change my choice, I am. I cook broth on the stove for 24 hours without venting, I soup a couple of hours a day. I had no idea that I was emitting gas into my house the entire time. “Silly, Mama,” as Birdie would say. photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the world’s most beautiful stove (+ all about the portland kitchen appliances with build.com)Should I Throw Out My Perfectly Good Gas Range??

NO. Just be mindful of use and vent while using. That’s why this is dedicated to new renovators or people in the market of a new range – don’t go chucking something into the river that works. But for new purchasers, I was surprised to know that gas ranges aren’t used very much in Europe, illegal in many countries and many are pushing for them to be illegal to install in the states in the next couple of decades (specifically CA). So if you buy a gas range now (or gas furnace, gas water heater, gas dryer, or gas fireplace) you are committing yourself to decades of gas use, even as the energy grid changes more to clean energy. While we can’t eliminate the use of natural gas completely, the more of us that commit to relying on clean energy the better.

What Else Are We Doing At The Farm To Be Sustainable??

I’ve learned a lot and I’m not done learning or sharing. So far we’ve committed to doing the following which we’ll be blogging about later in detail:

Opting for electric heat pumps over gas furnaces (currently shopping around).Electric heat pump water heaters over gas.Signing up for a Community Solar electricity plan so we get 100% clean energy in our home (if you don’t have Community Solar in your area you can put solar panels on your house or sign up for the green energy plan from your utility. Brian (Electrify Now) highly recommended this – and this is the one I’m joining, I’m also signing up for this).Electric washer/dryers instead of gas.Hiring a green insulation contractor for our insulation (which means yes, that we might now replace our vintage windows upstairs as their sashes are extremely drafty, the glass is dangerously thin and we can’t insulate around the frame due to their old rope/weight pulley system that needs to be clear for them to function). This is where it gets tricky to balance “going green” with “being wasteful”. So we’ll try to repurpose those somewhere if we can’t make them slightly more energy efficient (I have some exciting ideas).But Are These “Green” Electric Products As GOOD, Reliable, And Durable As The Gas Counterparts?

This is one of my biggest questions with anything that is “green” – it has to still perform really well and I have to really LIKE IT. A “green” product that you have to replace in a few years is NOT green (this is also why I prefer vintage furniture over, say, chairs made out of recycled cardboard). So I asked this of both Brian (Electrify Now) and Josh (Birdsmouth) and they recommended products to me that have been around for decades and are really high quality (stay tuned). But the problem is that many installers and HVAC professionals just aren’t trained on them so, of course, they want to recommend the old reliable gas furnace. I get it, mastering a new system is hard and takes a lot of time and practice so most contractors just stick with what they think “works”. Also, listen I’m not an expert so maybe your particular house will have some needs or idiosyncrasies that don’t work with the electric heat pump. But there are a lot of contractors and HVAC experts in every city that can help.

Other Ways We Are ALWAYS Trying To Be Sustainable (Even If You Aren’t Renovating)

Before I learned all of this I had written down my sustainable philosophy for the farm, and nothing I learned negated it. I was naive, sure, but I also wasn’t wrong – I just am less ignorant now.

We are buying so much less. It’s so freeing not to buy new clothes when you like what you have. It’s so liberating to get fewer boxes and have less to put away. Buying as much local as possible. Less shipping means less fossil fuels and supporting the local economy is always very important. Portland makers here we come Buying USED/vintage when it makes sense – you don’t have to ask me twice. Using what we already have and love, by repurposing/updating. For instance, if we can’t use our vintage windows we have many plans for where they can go on the property that make more sense (and will be so pretty). Donate what you can’t use that still works to places like Urban Renewal – they’ll be getting all our cabinets and former washer/dryer. AVOID THE DUMP Y’ALL. And most importantly, we intent to buy and install ONCE for long-term use, not short-term dopamine hit/satisfaction or “fun”. I’m now so careful of the phrase “switch things out” because while you can with lamps, etc, you should buy as if you can’t ever change it. Sure I’m going to have Christmas pillows (OBVIOUSLY) and I’m not saying I will deny myself the joy of shopping (and I realize my job is an occupational hazard to this philosophy) but I’ve just changed in this way. My budget allows me to be more intentional about every choice and so I will be.

But listen, throughout this renovation (and in my whole life) I’m not going to be perfect and CERTAINLY have made egregious errors in the past. We are still figuring out our fireplace situation (but NOT using a log set with a gas flame like we have now at the mountain house – I had no idea how wasteful they are). We know that our love of big windows, skylights, and fireplaces can let energy out if we aren’t really intentional about where, when, and how often we use them. But even this shift of being so much more mindful will make a huge difference to our family’s footprint. Heck, I’m even getting rid of my car because I hate driving, prefer to bike, and work from home anyway. I’ll Uber when I need and we’ll have Brian’s vintage truck (yes, a 1980’s gas-guzzler) for emergencies if Brian is out with the other car. See? Not perfect, but certainly more intentional about my impact.

I knew I couldn’t go in-depth in all the ways to be sustainable today because it’s just too much. But with so many people renovating right now I wanted to catch as many of you as possible in hopes of opening minds to at least thinking induction over gas ranges and electric heat pumps over gas furnaces.

Need proof of how pretty they are? Here are some that I’m considering:

Ilve Majestic II Series 40 Inch – So pretty!

Viking 30″ Electric Induction Range – Too small for us but pretty cute.

Bertazzoni Professional Series 30 Inch Wide 4.6 Cu. Ft. – Modern with a hit of classic.

Cafe 30 Inch Wide 5.7 Cu. Ft. – Again we are hoping for larger so this won’t work but totally cute.

Fisher and Paykel 36 Inch Wide 4.9 Cu. Ft. – This is too modern for this project but this is pretty simple and sleek.

AGA Mercury Series 48 Inch Wide 6 Cu. Ft. – Comes in many different colors! This is a real contender for me.

La Cornue Chateau – Lastly, A La Cornue that has induction options (but no pictures with that exact option). You can find these at Ferguson showrooms. Clearly, this one is BEAUTIFUL and very dreamy.

Thanks for your patience with this one. It took me obviously longer than I want to admit to “get it” but that just shows how we need better voices helping people understand the importance and we need more brands making good-looking and affordable home products. Frankly speaking, “being sustainable” needs better marketing, (Yo, Bill Gates – I’ve DM’d you like 6 times to chat about this). It’s not just lightbulbs anymore and the more the average homeowner demands better looking and more affordable high-efficiency products the more home building companies will scramble to fill that hole.

As we say in our house every night, “We love you, mother earth”. And while I know that I said like 19 things wrong in this article, many arguable that you’ll let me know in the comments, let’s use this to be a place of educating all of those who were or are ignorant like me. No shaming allowed (or comment threads will be deleted). Most importantly I’m glad we are even talking about it. HAPPY EARTH DAY<3

If you’d like more information on this topic, you can read articles here, here, and here.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Velinda’s Tiny Kitchen Makeover Takeover (With Tons of Smart Storage Hacks)

The post Induction Range Versus Gas Stove For The Farm Kitchen? + Other Ways We Are Going To Be Sustainable During The Renovation (And Beyond) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Ryann’s Body Positivity Journey: Healing Through Letting Go Of Clothes + How She Donates Clothes And Shops Responsibly

**TW: this post discusses sensitive topics such as weight gain and diet culture.

When I pitched the idea for this post, I wanted to talk about clothes and sustainability but I also hoped the process would force me to come up with to some grand proclamation about body positivity and self-love. No pressure, right? But the truth is, I still struggle with my body image. I struggle with the fact that my body is not the size that society deems the most desirable. I struggle with letting go of the pile of clothes that haven’t fit me in years. I struggle with looking at my body as it is, as it is meant to be, and accepting it as worthy or even beautiful. As I continue to mourn and compare myself to my old self–my younger self sans cellulite and rolls and curves–the despair and shame I sometimes feel is much louder than any body positive mantra or quote I can come up with.

Even as I am writing this, many things are coming up that feel almost too shameful and vulnerable to admit. I want to try and convince you that my weight gain was not a moral failing. That it wasn’t from laziness or lack of trying to be thin as if thinness is the golden standard for every body. It’s what I’ve been trained to think, so I feel a bizarre pressure to tell you “I try to diet and work out” or “I think it’s actually my antidepressants that made me gain weight” because that is what I like to tell myself. Radical self-acceptance of my body seems too much, so an excuse feels a lot safer than proclaiming “This is my body and it is good and worthy and beautiful”.

When I think about my body and what it once was versus how it is now, I worry that people will think I let myself go. That is my deepest fear, although when I think about that phrase on its own, it’s a positive and freeing idea. “Letting go” is cathartic. It can even be therapeutic.

This post is about letting go in ways that are good for the soul and the earth. It’s about letting go of shame, fear, and expectations. It’s about mentally cleansing, physically shedding things I’ve outgrown, and wholly rejecting the idea that my body needs to be anything other than what it is. I have to let go of shame and fear and also, more tangibly speaking, I have to let go of my clothes that no longer serve me. This process is emotional because my wardrobe is and has always been a curated, highly personal reflection of me. Just as a snake sheds its skin, I am shedding the clothes I no longer need, and to make it a little less painful, I’ve discovered steps that help me do so both kindly and sustainably. If you are in a similar place, I hope they can help you too. 

HOW TO RESPONSIBLY GIVE AWAY YOUR CLOTHES

For years I hoarded clothes that were several sizes too small. Every once in a while I’d come across them stuffed in the farthest corner of my bottom drawer or in a shopping bag in the back of my closet, hidden like a terrible secret. The presence of them in my wardrobe was more often than not, an awful reminder that I could or should be doing more to lose weight.

Getting rid of these clothes opened up a door for me to actively accept myself and my body. I knew I held on to them for so long because I thought it might motivate me to lose weight. If I gave them away, it would be like accepting defeat. But actually, the true defeat would be allowing this idea of a perfect body get in the way of my happiness. True defeat would be letting CLOTHES that are too small dictate my self-love. As Erika Hart once brilliantly put it, “It’s not you, it’s the pants.”

So here’s to getting rid of clothes that are just too damn small, and starting to heal in the process. Here’s how I do it:

GIFT THEM TO SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU WHO WILL APPRECIATE THEM AS MUCH AS YOU DID.

I am going to reiterate this one more time. Holding on to clothes hoping that you will lose weight and fit into them again does nothing for no one. Those clothes are just taking up space and will become a roadblock in self-acceptance. After a certain point, and I think it varies person to person as to what that point is, it becomes time to let them go and make room emotionally and physically for something new.

If you are anything like me, parting with clothes can be like severing a limb. Even when I misplace clothes that I love I feel a loss akin to when a beloved fictional character dies. If this sounds anything like you, you might find it cleansing to give your favorite pieces to people closest to you who will love and appreciate them just as you did. Just the other week I was visiting with one of my best friends and she was wearing an old pair of jeans of mine. When I say “old” I mean, my actual favorite pair of jeans that I still cherish and love from afar but have come to accept will never fit me again. It turns out they fit her perfectly and it makes me very happy seeing them be loved and worn by someone I love. 

You might think it would be hard or triggering to see your beloved clothes donned by someone else, but it’s surprisingly healing. I would be sad not knowing where my clothes ended up, especially ones I was once emotionally attached to–and giving them to my dear friends brings me a ton of joy.

SELL THEM ONLINE OR ORGANIZE A CLOTHING SWAP

I hate waste and sometimes giving away bags of clothes to Goodwill can feel wasteful. They might end up on the rack and be purchased, or they might never see the light of day again and end up in a landfill.

Clothes have a longer life if they are sold or gifted directly to someone. In the past, I’ve used Depop and Poshmark and it is definitely worth it to try and get some money back from your purchases, but honestly, gifting or swapping clothes with close friends is the most fun and rewarding. Best practice is to do so with a glass of wine (or several) while listening to Beyoncé.

REPURPOSE OLD CLOTHES INTO CLEANING TOWELS

Don’t destroy your old favorites but this is great to do with old t-shirts or leggings. Not every piece of clothing has a lot of resale value, so to avoid them ending up in a landfill, I like to cut them into squares to use for cleaning which reduces the need for paper towels, too. 

RETHINK THE NARRATIVE OF YOUR FAVORITE PIECES & SAVE THEM FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

I don’t have any sisters so growing up I always raided my mom’s closet when my own wardrobe wasn’t inspiring me. She and I have very different styles, but photos of her from the 80s and 90s prove that she was indeed hip and I would have loved to be able to repurpose the outfits she wore in her 20s. So, even if just for nostalgia’s sake, I have a few very treasured pieces that I’ll hold onto, in hopes that my kids will one day raid my closet and say, “Wow, mom, I had no idea you were cool”. I think of them as strictly “collector’s items” that I do not expect to wear ever again, but hope my kids will be cool enough to want to :).

HOW TO BUY CLOTHES MINDFULLY WHEN YOUR WEIGHT FLUCTUATES…A LOThere I am many months ago, actively posing my body in a way that disguises my curves and rolls

So your clothes no longer fit and you can’t run around naked. Go figure. This is never fun, especially if you are trying to be sustainable and buy less. But buying less is only feasible if what you have still fits. Our bodies are not stagnant. Our bodies fluctuate, move, grow, age, and provide shelter to our very selves. They are the vessels in which we exist in the world, and they do inevitably change. Just this year, my body has outgrown several sizes and nothing is more triggering than trying to squeeze into clothes that simply WILL NOT FIT. So, to avoid spiraling into shame and self-loathing I must procure clothes that do fit, but I try to do so responsibly. Here’s how:

CREATE YOUR CAPSULE WARDROBE

A capsule wardrobe is sort of like a curated uniform. As someone who’s always viewed fashion as self-expression, it has taken me years to figure out what style is really “me”. Trends are fun and always enticing, but I find when I lose myself in what is trendy at the moment, my outfits feel inauthentic and unflattering which leads me into a spiral of blaming and hating my body. For me, a capsule wardrobe helps me to buy what I will actually wear so I don’t make regrettable purchases.

Having capsule pieces helps me stick to what feels good for me, so I don’t have buyer’s remorse. It DOES NOT have anything to do with dressing according to what would be considered flattering for my size, but rather, dressing myself in whatever makes me feel good.

BUY SECOND HAND WHEN POSSIBLE, BUT BE INTENTIONAL

When I enter a Goodwill or thrift store, I have to actively refrain from buying just to buy. A good deal is tempting. So if I am going to step foot into a thrift store, I make sure to have an idea of what I am looking for. Sometimes it’ll be oversized men’s button-ups for summer, or vintage Levi’s that I can cut into shorts. No matter what, I have my capsule wardrobe in mind so I can envision how a piece of clothing would fit in my wardrobe. If I can’t picture wearing it with two or more things, it’s probably not a smart or sustainable purchase–and chances are it’ll end up right back at the same Goodwill I got it from. 

My motto is if you don’t absolutely LOVE it in the store, you’re not going to love it when you bring it home. Love it or leave it, my friends. 

SHOP SUSTAINABLY & SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES (BUT RECOGNIZE THAT MONEY & ACCESSIBILITY IS A FACTOR)

Shopping small or buying vintage can be tough, especially if you are mid-size or plus-size. Unfortunately, the fashion industry still prioritizes a certain body type. Often the brands that are championing the shift towards more inclusive sizing are more expensive, and then there are the brands that don’t offer sizing beyond a size 12. Fast fashion is often the most accessible option for bigger bodies, which is failing of the industry, not the individual. I try to shop small and second-hand when I can, but because my body fluctuates a lot, I try to be kind to myself when fast fashion is the best option economically and emotionally speaking.

That said, I love vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces and am always searching for gems. When I buy second-hand or vintage online, I have the best luck when I shop at The Real Real and Etsy. The Real Real always lists the clothing measurements so you can be sure what your buying will fit, and Etsy shop owners are usually happy to send measurements if you ask. Especially when buying vintage online, you want to be extra careful that you are buying something that is right for you and your body.

Well, that is all I have for you my friends. If you are still here, thank you. If you also struggle with body image, I see you and I know it’s hard. Every day we exist in a society that promotes and praises an often unhealthy and toxic diet culture that can lead to eating disorders and even life-threatening habits. We deserve more than that. We deserve to exist in our bodies however they are meant to be.

I want to leave you with this powerful quote by poet and author Sonya Renee Taylor from her book The Body Is Not An Apology. She writes, “On some cellular level, we know our bodies are not something we should apologize for. After all, they are the only way we get to experience this ridiculous and radiant life.”

Even when it is not easy, I am grateful I get to experience this ridiculous and radiant life in this body and share parts of it here, with you all. xx

here’s me today, happy and healthy

Some helpful resources:

National Eating Disorder Helpline

The Body Positive

Health At Every Size

The Fat Sex Therapist

The Body Is Not An Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor

More Than A Body: Your Body Is An Instrument Not An Ornament by Lexie Kite & Lindsay Kite

Opener Image Credit: Design and Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Sara’s Closet Reveal–The Bold Design Moment She’s Been Craving

The post Ryann’s Body Positivity Journey: Healing Through Letting Go Of Clothes + How She Donates Clothes And Shops Responsibly appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Malcolm’s Bedroom Reveal Is Here… How He Found Healing Through Design + The Incredible DIYs That Transformed The Space

I closed on my home one year ago today. A happy milestone, to be sure, but I remember the day being clouded by so much uncertainty.

The pandemic was just beginning to become catastrophic here in the US. On the day of my closing, I signed my documents behind a plexiglass wall, sliding papers back and forth to the agent through a little paper-sized slot. We were both masked and gloved up, of course, but I remember being tremendously anxious because I forgot to bring my own pen. I left the closing feeling a whirlwind of emotions: guilty pride for securing what I considered to be my dream home during a pandemic that left so many people struggling, regret for feeling as though my timing couldn’t have been any worse, and loneliness for the sheer fact that…well…I felt alone amidst the socially distant nature of it all.

I don’t bring any of this up to trigger COVID-19 memories that we all continue to struggle with or to paint a woeful picture of this objectively joyous memory. I bring it up to underscore how much my life and perceptions have changed since then–for the better! The pandemic was responsible for just one of many sources of my anxiety at the time. The irony of it all, however, is that the generally unsettled decision of purchasing this home one year ago has been responsible for more healing, growth, and self-discovery than I ever anticipated. This couldn’t be made more evident by how happy this primary bedroom makeover makes me feel. Design really is healing, folks (side tab: if you haven’t watched Ilse Crawford’s episode of Abstract on Netflix, please do! It really emphasizes the healing qualities of design). 

If you read my introductory article about this project, you might recall that I planned for my primary bedroom makeover to mitigate my anxiety through the calming process of designing and crafting it, the intent of creating a space that helps me establish a routine, and by manifesting a space that reflects some of the anxiety that I’ve confronted and largely overcome during the last year. Let’s break this reveal down accordingly, shall we?! WE SHALL.

DESIGNING AND CRAFTING A TAILORED SPACE

Headboard (DIY by Malcolm)

The redesign of this room became a DIY extravaganza and I couldn’t be happier about it! I’m usually of the mindset that if I can’t find an object or design element that exists in the world (or within my price range), that I’ll just try to make it myself. I won’t lie… I’m not always successful in this department… but it’s always worth a try! In the case of my DIY reeded headboard/shelf/wainscoting moment, I’d say that I feel fairly successful and VERY pleased. This reeded wood detail is definitely en vogue at the moment and is often used these days for wall treatments, furniture elements, and cabinet details throughout the design-o-sphere. I often talk about how I like my design plans to feel on-trend, but not trendy, and I think this hits the nail on the head (SPEAKING OF HITTING NAILS ON THEIR HEADS, would anyone be interested in a dedicated DIY tutorial on how exactly this wall came to be? I’d spell it out here for ya, but it would double the length of this already-lengthy reveal. Let me know!). 

Footed Planter (similar)

The marble ledge/shelf and brass rod details add touches of sophistication, function, and timelessness that I think fit right into the vintage style of my home. Those small details also make the feature wall stand apart from the trend in a way that feels unique, but also timely. This feature wall took quite a bit of troubleshooting and rethinking, but I’m a better designer for it!

Planter (similar)| Bedspread | Sheets | Throw Pillow | Side Table (DIY by Malcolm)

On the topic of creating things from scratch… would you believe that I made this side table myself? Believe it! I had a difficult time finding a side table that felt appropriate opposite my grandmother’s vintage sewing table on the other side of the bed, so I took matters into my own hands. I combined a marble lazy susan (it still spins!), a brass tray from Ikea, a marble utensil holder from Target, and a metal pipe/pipe fittings to create this custom piece. This piece was definitely a learning experience (the whole thing could DEFINITELY be more stable as it is pretty top heavy), but I loved taking a chance to create something for me, by me. And it’s quite pretty… if I do say so myself. You can check out this feature on Domino for a more in-depth story about this piece!

Print | Sconce

I LOVE THIS SCREENPRINT by Stamp & Repeat, who I found on Instagram a few months ago. First of all, this piece helped to define the color story for this entire room. Moreover, there is so much power in this piece… the subject feels both strong and extremely vulnerable… both masculine and feminine… which is a dichotomy that isn’t often idealized or celebrated in the Black community. When curating art for this space, it was important for me to surround myself with Black art and Black stories, and this piece certainly made for a good starting point. 

Rug | Bench | Sconce (right side) | Throw Blanket (similar)

While we’re here… can we talk about my new bed and linens for a second? FIRST OFF. THIS BED. FROM TUFT & NEEDLE. This was my first time ordering a mattress from an online retailer, and I may never go to a Mattress Warehouse ever again. 

It was tremendously easy to order, deliver, and install (although difficult to get up the stairs on my own… I’d recommend not being too impatient to wait for a friend to help and suffering solo like I did). The mattress is super comfortable and even looks chic when it’s nakey. I ordered a queen-sized metal base, box foundation, and Mint mattress with antimicrobial protection.

OK. GET INTO THIS DUSTY MAUVE MOMENT WITH ME, PLEASE. I have to admit, I had a hard time finding bed linens for this space that felt complimentary, intentional, and warm. White felt too stark. Darker options felt too saturated. Most patterns competed with the reeded wood detail at the head of the bed. But then, I thought back to my mood board and remembered this little vase from Lulu and Georgia and the reasons I chose mauve as an aspirational accent color.

The mauve color of the bedspread complements the green tones in the Lulu & Georgia rug at the foot of the bed, adds a touch of warmth to an otherwise fairly neutral room, and brings a “feminine” touch to the space that feels appropriate amidst some of the more “masculine” components of the space (I hate gendering design elements, but sometimes these terms do help us identify contrast and juxtaposition). More than any of that, however, I believe it helps to elevate the bedroom and bring it to a slightly unexpected place, which I love. I opted for a king-size comforter so that it would luxuriously cascade off of the bed. I added a black quilt from Target to peek through and ground the bedscape to speak to the darker elements on either side of the room (the curtains and the closet), and a subtly patterned sheet set from Target to bring just a slight touch of visual contrast to the linear nature of the reeded wall treatment. A marigold, corduroy throw pillow from Schoolhouse speaks to the brassy elements throughout the room and adds a nice warm complement to the color of the comforter. 

Mirror | Curtains

I love the photo above for a few reasons. First, because it shows most of the elements in the room beautifully speaking together in one shot (the black closet doors in the background. Various brassy elements doing their brassy thing. The punch of the mauve bedscape in the reflection. The branches that I awkwardly cut from a tree on the side of a local road). Secondly, because Keyanna (Yes, that Keyanna:)) did such an amazing job shooting this space, it reminds me of the beautiful shoot day we spent together shooting the space. Also, because I love how my oversized mirror from Rejuvenation is framed by AWESOME drapery from Everhem! It’s giving me the [admittedly specific] boutiquey, handsome clothier vibe that I wanted this space to embody.

I’m going to brag on Everhem for a minute. In true Malcolm fashion, I had an extremely specific vision for the window treatments in this room. I wanted a brass curtain rod that would span the entire length of the window wall to reflect the brass rod that sits atop the reeded wood wall. I chatted with Everhem about the vision, and they were able to create a completely custom solution that shipped quickly, was packed complete with installation instructions, and was easy to hang (with help!). The charcoal panels speak to the dark closets on the other side of the room to balance out the darker elements of the space.

Pillow (similar) | Vase (similar) | Dresser (similar)

In the photo above, you can see how the extension of the rod into the wall creates a custom and unique feature in this space. I was greatly inspired by hospitality design for this project, and this little detail feels like it belongs in a boutique hotel. And that makes my heart sing. Also! This shot also highlights the most important aspect of this room makeover: the fact that it’s helping me establish a strong routine in my day-to-day life. 

ESTABLISHING ROUTINE

Armchair | Picture Light | Abstract Art (similar) | Bud Vase (similar)

I’ve recently started reading more regularly (“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle is currently on the docket) and I’ve been trying to journal fairly regularly to help mitigate my anxiety. It was important for me to establish a seating area in my bedroom to make these parts of my daily routine more feasible and inviting, and this armchair from Article makes it easy to fall comfortably into that routine. This area also created a perfect opportunity for a mini gallery wall, allowing for an eclectic group of frames that adds a touch of the “collected and classic” vibe that I’m perpetually striving for in my home. I added a picture light to the gallery wall for some downward nighttime lighting (since I’m usually reading directly before bedtime), and I love that centering it in the middle of the display is an unexpected placement of a classic form of lighting. I paid special attention to the lighting throughout the room, making sure to use accent lighting at different heights and strengths to cater to various vibes. This picture light creates a distinct reading area, the overhead ceiling fan/light from Schoolhouse lights up the entire room, and asymmetrical lights from Schoolhouse on either side of the bed make it possible to read in bed if that’s where the day takes me. 

Ceiling Fan

As I mentioned earlier, it’s important for me to spend most of my time in a space that speaks to Black art and Black stories. Back in 1863, the land that I currently live on was Freedman’s Village: a collection of houses meant to accommodate freed slaves that had traveled north in hopes of finding work and opportunity, but its creation had less to do with helping Black people integrate into free society and more to do with segregation. Nonetheless, Black Americans began a new phase of life, and built a unique and thriving community for schools, hospitals, churches, and social services. The illustration in the upper right corner of the photo above shows the village, and it reminds me daily that I live on land that was historically a thriving community of Black power, sacrifice, innovation, and magic. As Black American lives are too frequently viewed as a threat and taken from us too soon (news about Daunte Wright’s murder in Minnesota is breaking as I write this), it’s important for me to be reminded of the sacrifices that allow me to have the opportunities that I have, continue the legacy of my ancestors, and even own this house.

Speaking of 1863–the vintage valet stand in the photo above happens to have been made in that SAME YEAR! Just kidding. I don’t actually know when this was built (but it is indeed vintage, from this Etsy shop!). It just felt like a good segue to move on to the WARDROBE OF MY DREAMS–the main component of this room that is helping me underscore and emphasize routine-building behaviors.

PHEW. Ya’ll. This closet has been a journey eight months in the making. This closet makeover was the very first thing that I conceptualized upon buying this house, and I’m happy to say that it has exceeded my expectations. Before this process started, I had a conversation with a friend about how I wanted my closet to feel like a high-end, boutiquey (I’m using that word a lot, huh?) clothing store. She may or may not have thought that I was being a tad bit extra, but I stuck to my guns and made it come true! This closet zone has truly become the anchor of my day–starting with pulling my clothes off of my valet, and ending with throwing those same clothes into my laundry basket from Rejuvenation that fits so perfectly into the closet. Maintaining a routine is the primary way that I mitigate my anxiety, so this was an extremely important project to get just right. 

The choice to go with black closet doors was a touggghhhh one, but one that I don’t regret for a second! Not only do they match the doors I’ve painted throughout the rest of my home, but they also provide an authentic impact in the room that just feels like me. More than that, I love how the tone of the black doors is mirrored across the room with the charcoal window drapery from Everhem. When I’m standing in the room, it feels like I’m enveloped in a warm symphony of saturations (YES, I’m making that a thing. Kudos if you know the reference). I found vintage doorknobs from Community Forklift in Maryland that match the door hardware on the front door of my house, so I enthusiastically purchased them and rushed home to remove the new handles that I purchased initially to install these beauties.

The buildout of the closet was fairly expensive, so I opted for low-end fixtures to outfit (pun fully intended) the inside of the wardrobe. The hanging rod is an upside-down curtain rod from Target, the pull-out storage units are all Ikea Pax storage systems that I manipulated for my purposes, and all of the side shelving was built by yours truly.

As someone who irons his clothes daily, a little ironing storage section was a must-have for my closet. I designed the closet to have a dedicated space to hang my ironing board and sit my iron for easy access during my nightly routine. There is A LOT of tea to be spilled about the details of this closet makeover, but I’m thinking about saving that for a dedicated article so that I can give you the juicy, in-depth, DIY story. How does that sound?

REFLECTING ON THE JOURNEY

There’s something about this room makeover that feels like the perfect embodiment of the last year of my life. There were some hiccups along the way, more than a few introspective realizations about my relationships with myself and others, and an inspiring conclusion that makes me excited about what’s next (*cough*BATHROOMRENO*cough*). I brought the journey back to my foundation by incorporating family heirloom pieces, focusing on Black stories, and tapping into new design sensibilities and interests that I didn’t know existed. And we’re just getting started!

Excited to chat with you about this room, and to share more details about the DIY projects that I created for it! Also, bonus points if you can count how many times I moved the throw blanket around the room during this photoshoot.

Team EHD here just to say…HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALCOLM!!! We hope it’s a great one and we can’t get enough of your beautiful bedroom! xx

*Design by Malcolm Simmons
**Photos by Keyanna Brown

The post Malcolm’s Bedroom Reveal Is Here… How He Found Healing Through Design + The Incredible DIYs That Transformed The Space appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The 8 Decisions We Are Now RETHINKING After Spending A Day In The Farmhouse

I knew this would happen. It’s one of the first pieces of advice I give in my next book – IF YOU CAN, PLEASE LIVE IN A HOUSE BEFORE YOU RENOVATE. You need to experience it, have a few months of “day in a life” so you aren’t trying to guess your future behaviors. But we wanted to stay in this fully done mountain house while we renovate and since school was kinda “out” this year anyway it felt like the best thing to do for our family (and admittedly it’s way more fun living here in the mountains during a pandemic than a city where everything is shut – no real regrets here and certainly not complaining). But, now that it’s demo’d, no one will be living here for months.  

Last week I felt like I was going MAD with indecision and I think Anne would agree (bless her heart for designing with us). We are trying to be the “good clients” that I promised her we would be, but Brian and I keep changing our minds due to too many unknowns. It’s all good and fun and honestly we aren’t stressed (mostly because Arciform makes us feel very safe and calm) but making decisions on your future home from another state when you haven’t lived in the house, lived in the state in years, or experienced the climate recently is not advisable. Add in the unpredictability of growing kids and dogs’ behavior. I don’t know how they are going to use the house, either! PLUS the pandemic has “forever changed me”, but has it?? I’ve become such a homebody, I’m not even going to have a car when we move, and right now I think I’m going to be at the house all day every day. So I’m trying to predict my own needs/wants but I have NO idea how I’m going to turn out once life is “normal”. I think I’m not going to go back to being as social as I was, entertaining as much as I did, but is that even true?? WHO AM I GOING TO BE??? 

We are going around and around and around not knowing how we are really going to use the house. Which door will the kids come in more often? The kitchen door via the car? The back kitchen door that’s closest to the gate to walk to school? The new big living room doors that go to the backyard/sports court? How can we predict? Where will the dog run be? We’ll need to create an area for them to dry off when it’s muddy but we don’t know where those mutts are going to play so we can’t predict. How muddy will they get? We have foregone the dog washing station when we lost the big mudroom but we could still do it somewhere, but we just don’t know where it makes the most sense??? 

Then there is the issue of the sun. My main obsession in life and design is natural light. I want as much of it as possible and I’ve been SPOILED living in California. All our past houses have had excellent natural light. The farm does not (except upstairs). So of course we can add it through windows, glass doors, and skylights (where we can) but the way the sun moves over the house is SUPER important to know because it changes how it moves and lights the inside the house. You don’t want to add windows where you’ll get blasted at the exact times of the day that you’ll be in that room (if you can avoid it). 

Oh, we’ve tried to predict it, knowing which way the house faces at what time of day, during summer and winter but we don’t know the tree-line, what might obstruct the sun in a good way (during the hottest times of the day/year) or in a bad way (too much shade). So since Brian’s parents were already up at the mountain house visiting, we looked at the weather in Portland and it was sunny all week. We booked a ticket for the next day to go up and see for ourselves. A quick 30 hours trip to literally just sit and walk around the house on a sunny day. 

 Here were our main questions and the goal of the trip: 

1. Should we put in skylights in the new kitchen? If we put in skylights in the new vaulted area (that faces south) will it get BLASTED with sun in a bad way? Or will it just be between a couple of hours in the morning when we aren’t in the kitchen that much anyway and we can put the shades down if needed? Or will the trees block that harsh light? It’s overcast so often so the skylights could bring in such beautiful soft light when it’s not sunny – and natural light is not just something I love but it makes my job so much easier. A dark room is VERY hard to shoot which means that we have to set up lights or spend hours photoshopping, and then it looks fake. But I don’t want to heat up the kitchen for no reason or make it unbearably bright to sit at the island in the morning. Once we plugged the skylights into the rendering (kitchen NOT designed yet) we were all like – YES WE NEED THOSE. It will bring so much soft beautiful light into the main kitchen but even more importantly the living room which needs some southern and eastern light. But sometimes it’s even harder to shoot spaces if one room is so much brighter than another because of light balance and the camera auto corrects, making the dark room even darker (good photographers can fix this but on an iPhone it will be hard to balance). 

2. The living room is west facing which NOT IDEAL SO PLEASE LISTEN UP – if you are building a house and can control the direction of your main spaces, in general, you want to face north or south, not east or west. With a west-facing living room, you get less natural light during the day until it’s the hottest time of the day (nearing sunset) and then you can get BLASTED with this harsh horizontal light. Sure there are things you can do (oh and I’ll write a whole post about it) but our hope is that by being there for sunset we can see if the trees on the property block it in a pretty dapply way or if we need to rethink an overhang. Our last living room was east/west facing and it was only a slight problem for like an hour in the evening if the trees weren’t blooming – but it was fine – we would either pull down the window shades or people wouldn’t sit in that exact spot that it blasted (it did, however, bleach out the back of our sofa pretty quickly). So we needed to be there at sunset, even though the huge scenic door/window isn’t framed yet (so it’s just a wall) but we can stand outside where the new porch will be and get a sense of what the sun is doing at what time – LIKE FULL ON CRAZY PEOPLE. 

3. To cover the porch or NOT?? We don’t want it covered because we don’t love the idea of sitting on the sofa in the living room, looking up outside, and seeing a structure instead of the sky. A covered porch will reduce natural light as well. However, we could do an all-glass structure on that side of the house. We could connect it to the roofline and give a sense of a “wrap-around” but then I’m like is it weird if it’s all of a sudden glass? If we are going for the charming “wrap-around” look then does glass negate this anyway? The exterior architecture would be prettiest with a wrap-around covered porch that ties in the sunroom. BUT Brian and I care more about how we experience living in the inside of the house rather than the EXTERIOR – our day-to-day is not staring back at it from a distance. I know I can make the exterior look good, but I can’t add natural light if we take it away. Oh and also if you are building, you can build an overhang without blocking light if it starts high enough. We have windows on the second floor that don’t let us go any higher (unless we reframe them all higher which seems ridiculous but could work… (also, where does the string end??)

4. Will the new sunroom be our version of a “covered porch” anyway? It’s full of windows that can open, but no it’s not out in the fresh air (but you can see the sports court from it). Will we even need a covered porch? Do people hang outside in the rain for hours? NOT HAVING LIVED IN OREGON FOR 20 YEARS, WITH KIDS AND DOGS, I HAVE LITERALLY NO IDEA HOW WE WILL LIVE. I’ve texted everyone I know asking them about their porch, what direction their backyards face, where the kids go in and out from. Very odd questions. Everyone has different opinions. For some a covered porch is mandatory and they use it frequently, for others they never go out in the rain/cold anyway. And if we find out that we want one we could also build some sort of cool gazebo situation by the sports court to provide shade in the summer while kids are playing. OH SO that’s another thing, without the covered porch in the summer it can get really hot and sitting in the sun sucks, but we can get a table with an umbrella! If we went with the glass roof outside the living room door it wouldn’t really do the trick anyway. 

ALSO – the sunroom will get blasted with the sun in the evening (we think) so we’d likely have to put down window treatments if we are in there on a sunny evening. But if it’s sunny would we just sit outside at an outdoor table anyway??? Also, we can plant trees (and will) strategically to block the harsh sun. So knowing where that would be is a good thing to start thinking about. 

5. Is our bedroom too big and am I making the new windows too small? I found these awesome vintage interior shutters for our bedroom (8 of them) that I was excited to use. But they are 16” wide which means that the window really shouldn’t be wider than 32” (they are close to 5’ tall). There would be four of them. But the view out those windows is really pretty, and if we went bigger then we might feel really open to the backyard (and we want our bedroom to feel like a retreat as it does here). This is why I would ALWAYS recommend a primary bedroom suite on a second floor – it’s innately more private and you feel like you are kinda away from the action even if you have lots of windows. Since I was afraid that the bedroom was too wide, I asked Arciform to frame it a bit smaller to give us really deep window sills (which I LOVE the look of). The problem is the deep sill now with the narrow windows means even less view and less light. So I’m fearful that these shutters are dictating too much of this room and I need to tape them out on the wall to see if we are going too small with them. 

6. Will we regret giving up our small laundry room upstairs in exchange for an additional full bathroom for guests and future teenagers? This is the current plan – thanks to you guys, to add another bathroom where the laundry room was. It means we would only have a laundry closet on the bedroom landing with room for a hamper, but I know what will happen – a big pile of clothes will be on the landing all day every day. Maybe. But maybe not! The kids can just keep a hamper in their rooms and fold their laundry on their beds?? 

7. Are we TRIPLE sure that we want the kitchen to be in the former breakfast nook – the corner of the house, opened up to the living room but not actually creating a “great room”? That’s a HUGE decision to just say yes to without being inside the house to confirm it. If so, then we will have to demo and salvage out the existing cabinetry that we WERE going to turn into our butler’s pantry (and if you are asking why we can’t still use them… it’s mostly for functional reasons. We don’t need an additional sink/dishwasher there because we’ll need to put fridge/freezer and pantry on that side. So before the demo crew comes back to salvage (and we are giving everything we can’t re-use to Urban Renewal – stay tuned for that) we want to triple confirm the new kitchen layout. 

8. Do we want to put back in the three original windows on the first floor even though we have to mix them with new windows? I know there is a way to make that work aesthetically but it’s definitely harder (right now the plan is all original upstairs, all new downstairs with a pattern that connects the new with old). The original windows could work but they are smaller than we were going to do AND next to a new window, the green tint of the new would be obvious next to the old glass. And no, we can’t double glaze them like I originally thought. Maybe the bottom half that is clear, but the original wood diamond grid is not deep enough to have two panes. I’m sure there are other solutions but at this point even restoring them with the original glass is about $1k a window (we are paying for that upstairs). So basically it doesn’t make sense to keep investing in them at a certain point, especially if they aren’t going to add value to the living room and instead just make it colder and make the new windows look too NEW.  

It’s a lot. It’s all SO FUN but it’s a lot and we haven’t even STARTED the real decision making (tile, plumbing, lighting, etc). But these decisions are important and can only come from us – they are VERY personal to how our family lives and what we want out of our home. Anne is so patient, thank god, but we are done annoying ourselves and we are going to make REAL decisions this week. 

So that’s why Brian and I flew up to just going to walk the house for a little over 24 hours. Live in it in the morning, afternoon, and sunset. Tape out the island. Tape out the new small mudroom and kitchen door. Tape out the bed in the bedroom and the windows. Sit and stare FOR HOURS. Pretend to lay in the bed. Pretend to carry in and set down groceries. Pretend to walk in from school. Pretend to sit in my bathtub to see what I’ll be looking at. Pretend to write the blog – where am I going to write?? I’m assuming the sunroom on most days (which sounds DREAMY) but maybe I’d rather do it in our big retreat-y bedroom?? 

The house is mostly demo’d which means the wall from the old breakfast nook is open to the living room – giving us a sense of what the kitchen and living room will feel like. And the 60s addition wing is opened up too (besides some structural framing that has to stay) so we can get a sense of the space, the ceilings, the view. 

I wish so bad that there was a VR program where you could put your house renderings in and physically walk through your renderings while in the house. I want to open doors. Arciform uses Chief Architect for their initial renderings (because it’s so fast and gives elevations, plans, and 3-D capabilities very quickly). After every change we make they send us the latest version and we can walk through it on our iPad so we’ve spent HOURS doing that, going back and forth on every scenario, but it’s not the same as being there. I’m even going to force my brother to bring his kids and dog over to see what happens – where will they gravitate towards outside, how muddy does a dog actually get if it’s sunny outside?

So that’s the latest. It’s all good stress, honestly. The process so far has been so much FUN. The indecision makes me annoyed with myself, but otherwise the stress has been manageable mostly because I’ve renovated enough to know that stressing does not help and any major mistake is just a good blog post to write about anyway. We knew what we were getting into – it’s all good. Our main goal is to not make major changes after things have been framed or walls closed up because THAT’S when it gets stressful (and expensive). We are going to make all the changes on paper, now. And listen we keep reminding ourselves that we can’t have everything, nor frankly do we want to give our kids everything. We don’t want the fancy house on the street. We want the inviting, casual, and sweet family home with pups and chickens. But when renovating a house as a designer, it’s so easy to make it look new and fresh and yes, “perfect”. So I’m constantly battling that (and really wishing that there was more original charm in the first place – like wide plank pine floors or prettier windows in the 60s addition). 

Anyway, Anne is going to write a post for the blog about how it is to work with Brian and I – both because I’m a designer, and the strangeness of doing this so publicly with so many people weighing in on every decision (of which I love and appreciate, but as you can imagine it’s also challenging). I can’t wait to read it, honestly. 

The post The 8 Decisions We Are Now RETHINKING After Spending A Day In The Farmhouse appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: The FREE No-Frizz Trick That Em Now Does Every Shower, The Dress That Makes Caitlin Feel Great, And Thing That Helps Jess Stay Organized

This was yet another heartbreaking week and we were reminded (not that we needed it) that very little has changed since last June. All of our words feel insufficient. So for a moment of rest and maybe a little joy, here is this week’s link up with an important resource for us all at the end.

Carmeon, you know, the newest Design Star, is currently partnering with an incredible non-profit charter management organization called Green Dot Public Schools. They go into underserved schools and does a total overhaul to give every child a chance at a quality education. Right now she is raising money to rebuild the music program at one of the Green Dot schools in Memphis. Here is the link to donate. Every little bit helps!

This week’s “home tour” isn’t a home but the HIGHLY anticipated, Downtown LA Proper Hotel opening this June. Kelly and her team completely nailed it, again. Get ready for some incredible design inspiration. It’s almost overwhelming.

From Emily: I can only assume that I am not alone in dealing with frizzy hair. Actually, during the Target shoot that I clearly can’t stop talking about, this was a hot topic. Mallory chimed in and said that she learned on Tik Tok to put your conditioner in your hair, turn the water to cold and then rinse it out. You can turn the water back to warm but make sure your hair doesn’t touch it again. Well folks, IT WORKED, like really actually worked. Sure standing in cold water sucks but also what’s a little discomfort for frizz-less locks?? This is the conditioner that Mallory told me I could get for the ultimate results. I can’t wait to try it.

So many wonderful books coming out right now and this week we are talking about Hilton Carter’s newest book, Wild Creations: Inspiring Projects to Create Plus Plant Care Tips & Styling Ideas for Your Own Wild Interior. We maaaay have a post with him coming soon (!), so we had the immense pleasure of getting to see some sneak peek photos. Y’all, they are STUNNING and so creative and while it’s no surprise, they blew us away. Go right now and order his beautiful book because plants are necessary for any home, so why not learn to style them beautifully?

From Caitlin: Last week I went on a mini “oh my gosh the world is reopening and none of my clothes really fit well right now” shopping spree at Farm Rio, my favorite place for really FUN and sustainable fashion (they plant a tree for every order, and a ton of clothes are responsibly made or manufactured in conjunction with indigenous people in Brazil!). The top 4 winners from my order: this super bright and flattering but still somehow kind of modest midi dress, these absolutely wild printed pants made of the softest fabric I have ever touched, this princess shirt (I am obsessed with balloon sleeves), and this kind of sheer printed button up that claims to be a PJ shirt but is actually my new “outside in temperamental spring weather” shirt. If you’ve never ordered from here, their sizing is VERY generous – pre-quarantine I was a size 10-sometimes-12 and now I’m definitely pushing the upper end of that spectrum (plus, I have huge boobs and a big butt from sports) but I can still reliably fit into a large there EVERY TIME. They are a miracle brand, their pieces last forever, and I get so many compliments when I’m wearing them, and they just make me feel great and happy!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This might as well be a Joy Cho house reveal fan site because have you seen her kitchen??? Actually, we have missed posting about the last few rooms so go now to see the others because you are guaranteed to be in a good mood after looking at them.

From Ryann: One of my favorite comedians Nate Bargatze has a new Netflix special and it is hysterical and I just want everyone I know to watch it so we can talk about it. I’ve already watched it twice and then went back and watched his old special because I love his deadpan dry humor so much. Oh, and another great thing about him and his stand-up is he never curses so it’s actually very kid and family-friendly which I think is a testament to how funny he really is! If you watch it, let me know what you think and then give me recs, please?

From Jess: A while back I wrote about Jada Pinkett Smith’s new gender-neutral, sustainable personal care line called Hey Humans. At that time I just wanted all of you to know it was out but I hadn’t personally tried it yet. Well, last week after I ran out of my deodorant, I snagged their Coconut Mint stick and it works so GREAT! It’s honestly the best natural deodorant I’ve tried. Smells great, actually lasts all day, and no rash (I have sensitive pits). Y’all I have tried a lot of other brands. Yes, I’m mean Native, Schmitt’s, etc. But so far this one works the best for me and it’s under $5. If coconut mint isn’t your ideal scent they have a bunch more.

Also From Jess: When it comes to my personal life I’m pretty disorganized. I save all that brain space for work:) Anyway, for the life of me I couldn’t remember to either take or if I had taken my vitamins/probiotics. So I finally caved and ordered a weekly pill organizer that I didn’t hate the look of that also had AM and PM compartments. I joked that I didn’t know if buying it was the death of my youth or peak adulting. Either way I needed it and it has really helped. Also, this may be too personal but this is the “female support” probiotic that my gyno recommended and it’s been really great too. Obviously check with your doctor first but I like to pass on things that help me feel better:)

From Mallory: I got some necklaces from Gorjana as a gift one time and I cannot stress how good they are!! I love layering this one, this one, and this one together. I wear them almost every single day!! They’re amazing quality for the price guys and they’re so cute!!!

Annie Wu who is an incredible activist and anti-racism resource created this graphic to give actionable ways to prevent the killings like those of Anthony Alvarez, Travon Chadwell, and Adam Toledo. She also updated her graphic that gives ways to help Daunte Wright’s family and the people trying to make change in Minnesota. We have to continue to actively fight.

Stay stafe, push for reform, and have a good rest of your Sunday. xx

Opening Image Credits: Design by Kelly Wearstler

The post The Link Up: The FREE No-Frizz Trick That Em Now Does Every Shower, The Dress That Makes Caitlin Feel Great, And Thing That Helps Jess Stay Organized appeared first on Emily Henderson.