Emily Henderson's Blog, page 209

When You Think You Know What A Duvet Is Because You Run A Design Blog… A Private EHD Chat Goes Public

Sara is responsible for poking a BIG hole in our design egos. It was May 27th at approximately 3:39 pm and she asked us… get ready for it)… to define what a duvet was. Yep, a simple question that we all thought for sure we could answer with ease and elegance because of course we knew what a duvet was… right?? Well, not right because we couldn’t. For some Monday design laughs and ANSWERS, here is our duvet discussion:

Ok Mal, you’ve got it. Let’s chat. I think it’s important, for everyone’s education, to talk about the difference between a duvet and a comforter. Guys they ARE NOT the same thing. A comforter is a single, ready to rock you to sleep, pretty quilted, down-filled blanket and a duvet is a two parter . . . the cover and the quilted insert (not pretty enough to leave uncovered, and generally much harder to wash, hence the cover).

Now I’m not a language scholar (surprised??) but it actually makes sense to me that a duvet requires two parts. It’s like the French and Italian languages were like, “hey let’s take our two words for “TWO” (duo and deux) and make a fancy word for cloud-like bedding.” That statement is based on zero facts, but it doesn’t seem that crazy, right?? I think I’m on to something

The Link Up: More Learning/ Unlearning Resources, Awesome Art To Buy, & The Place You Should Be Ordering Books From

design by leyden lewis design studio | photo by david land | via hgtv

Happy Sunday folks. We hope you are taking care and listening to the voices that need to be heard right now. As a company we are continuing our commitment to amplify Black voices not just for right now, but indefinitely. We thank you for keeping us accountable and choosing to go on this journey with us.

From Emily: My daily motivation the last two weeks (thank you Sonya Renee Taylor – you can read more in this post I wrote) is “Glad you woke up, now get to work”. Like a lot of us right now I’m learning/unlearning so much and trying to consume everything I can to get educated enough to be a permanent anti-racist ally. I know we recommended information before and you might know of SO MANY OTHERS, but the following list (from me) is what I’ve actually listened to, watched, and read (or am in the middle of reading) during these last two weeks to get more educated on both our history and what is happening currently in our country (and our industry). If you are having a hard time understanding what is happening right now, or if you’re just searching for more information, these are great resources to help open all our eyes: 

1. 1619 is a podcast that I’m sure you’ve heard of, but if you haven’t given it a listen yet and you want to get more informed on how slavery shaped our country in so many ways, listen to this. It’s informative, educational, gripping, personal and you guys, we NEED to learn our real history in order to be able to take responsibility and enact real change. Not only does it touch on history, but also topics like cultural appropriation. It is VERY, VERY GOOD. 

2. This Armchair Expert episode with Heather McGhee explains the history of police brutality, and how they have both over-policed and under-policed Black communities. And I really appreciated how Dax and Monica asked the questions that I would have wanted to ask. 

3. Listen to the Armchair Expert episode with Ibram X. Kendi if you want to better understand the difference between non-racist and anti-racist ideas, before you read his book How To Be Antiracist. (I’m very excited to get his new book Antiracist Baby that I pre-ordered today).

4. Designer Gail Davis hosts a podcast called Design Perspectives, where she normally discusses design and interviews others in the design industry. But over the past week, she’s released three episodes specifically about racism (episodes 16, 17, and 18). The episodes are very personal and honest, and only about 20 minutes long each. I really recommend giving them a listen.

5. This past Thursday, Gail also moderated a panel of Black designers on everything from what their own experiences have been to how they want to see the design industry change. Spoiler alert: There need to be some big shifts in the interior design industry. But there were a lot of good lessons for us as a blog, too. A big thank you to Mikel Welch, Breegan Jane, Laura Hodges, and Carmeon Hamilton for speaking on the panel.

6. Oprah recently hosted a 2-part special, called Where Do We Go From Here? A Conversation Led By Oprah, to discuss this movement in a very frank and off the cuff way. I took so many notes while watching. Also, Oprah for president. 

7. I watched Ava DuVernay’s 13th, which is a powerful and gripping documentary. It’s an hour and 45 minutes of your life that will open your eyes big and fast. If you are wondering why we need a revolution, watch this asap. Our mass incarceration of Black men is criminal. I had no idea how culpable liberal democrats were, and are, in that system.

8. If you want to better understand systemic racism, or don’t believe in the fact that we have systemically oppressed Black people, read The Case for Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates. It’s a 6-year-old article that I just read, but it’s still relevant today. As many others are saying “the system isn’t failing, it’s doing exactly what it was built to do.” Therefore yes, the system HAS to be dismantled and rebuilt in order for our country to ever reach true racial equity and justice. 

9. I’ve started Me And White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad, and I’m currently working through the 28-days of journal prompts outlined in the book. I’m starting to get more comfortable in my discomfort thanks to this book. 

10. I also started The People’s History of the United States, which I read in college as a history major, but it’s an incredible reminder of the ugly history of our country. If you were on the fence about celebrating Columbus Day, you won’t be after reading the first chapter. This book reminded me of another major blindspot of mine – our indigenous population. Stay tuned for more conversations about this and cultural appropriation in the design world. 

If you are disagreeing at all with the current revolution, are upset about the looting, or are continuing to say “All Lives Matter” I really urge you to read, watch, and listen to any or all of the above. And please! Let me know what YOU have read, listened, and watched this week to help continue opening your eyes to our country’s (and our own) systemic racism. I have a big list for this weekend and next week. And as a reminder to myself and anyone else working to be an effective ally – Educating ourselves is an important step! But it needs to be followed by action (like calling and emailing representatives, donating when possible, and VOTING) to truly make change possible. xx

And now we have just a few more Sunday link up links for your clicking pleasure . . .

Get ready to fall in love with Leyden Lewis’ home as much as we did. It’s modern, colorful, peaceful, and entirely inspiring. Also, read this Instagram post.

From Jess: We should all be aware of Cristina Martinez’s art because it’s both beautiful and impactful. And speaking of impactful, this print that she made in support of Black Lives Matter will help to support both Campaign Zero and New Leaders. Yep, 100% of the proceeds will go between these two amazing organizations. It’s a win-win. Incredible art that looks great in your home and is great for the world.

From Julie: My Instagram friend and fellow PCT thru-hiker, Mike (@fraudfix), is an amazing LA-based photographer who recently took some drone photos of the BLM protests here in LA. Last Friday we did a story on Emily’s Instagram sharing that he is selling 11″x14″ prints of this amazing photograph for $100. It’s a good amount of money that is going to an even greater cause. He will be donating all of the proceeds (after printing + shipping costs) to @blmlosangeles, which will be a total of $24k. The prints are limited, and 200 out of 300 copies have already sold. But he said that if more orders keep coming in he wants to up it to 350 prints! If you would like to get on the list to buy a print please email him at fraudfix@mikewdennis.com. Emily bought one on Friday!

From Mallory: Someone DM’ed us this AWESOME earring company last week called Bobbi Made This and I’m officially obsessed. I bought these blue speckled earrings (I AM SO EXCITED FOR THEM TO ARRIVE). But you should also know it was a tough decision between these and these . . . they’re all lightweight, handmade, and they’re pretty affordable. Enjoy!

From Ryann: In addition to watching the documentary 13th, I implore every single White person to watch The Kalief Browder Story on Netflix. It is a heartbreaking true story that unveils the horrors and injustices that occur throughout every part of our criminal justice system. To put it simply, everything that is wrong with the system is in his story and all Americans need to listen.

From Sara: Transgender people face horrifying violence in our country, both from police and civilians in their own communities. Black transgender women specifically are disproportionately affected by violence. In the past two weeks alone, two Black transgender women (Riah Milton and Dominique “Rem’Mie” Fells) were killed. And this past week, on the anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting, the president revoked healthcare protections for Trans Americans. If you’re financially able, one of the best ways you can directly support the Trans community right now is to donate. Two trans organization doing really great work is G.L.I.T.S. and the Transgender Law Center. And if you’re looking for something to watch this weekend, I highly suggest The Death And Life Of Marsha P. Johnson or binging seasons 1 and 2 of POSE – all three available on Netflix.

From Caitlin: I love reading and this week I discovered bookshop.org, which lets you buy online from local bookstores. (I’m sorry if you’re also an avid reader and like, “hey dummy, way to be late to the party!!!” — I am a little late to the party but I’m super excited to finally have a resource to buy books online from small businesses!) ANYWAY — last week, my copy of The Vanishing Half arrived and BOY, it is TIMELY. I’m not a huge fiction person but I loved Brit Bennett’s last book, The Mothers, and had arbitrarily pre-ordered this one without knowing what it was about, just because I love the way she writes. GUYS. I haven’t been able to put it down — it follows two twins, Desiree and Stella, born in a Louisiana town of light-skinned Black people. After fleeing their home, one sister marries a Black man and returns to her small town, while one begins passing for white as she starts a new life with a wealthy white husband in Los Angeles. Y’ALL, I cannot believe that this book came out LAST WEEK. It couldn’t be more relevant. IT’S SO GOOD, please read it so we can talk about it!!! Is it time for an EHD book club???

That is all for today! Thanks for joining us, and we hope you have a safe Sunday.

Opener Image Credit: Design by Leyden Lewis Design Studio| Photo by David Land | via HGTV

The post The Link Up: More Learning/ Unlearning Resources, Awesome Art To Buy, & The Place You Should Be Ordering Books From appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Comfortable Dresses You’ll Want To Live In This Summer

Editor’s Note: We stated last week that we were going to create real equity for Black designers, artists, and businesses on this site. To continue this promise we are taking The 15% Pledge started by Aurora James to ensure sure that 15% of the products on all of our shopping posts will be from Black-owned businesses. We are also committing to making sure POC owned businesses are represented in our shopping posts as well. More equity, more inclusion, more beautiful things.

We’ve all heard the phrase “beauty is pain” and while this is true in some instances (i.e. waxing and wearing heels), I am a firm believer that clothes don’t have to be uncomfortable to look good. I prefer to be comfortable AND stylish whenever possible. I am the person at the wedding that takes my heels off as soon as the music starts. In the wintertime, I’d rather be in sweats than anything else (and thank goodness matching sweatsuits have been a trend recently). But when summer comes around and wearing sweats becomes unbearably hot, what replaces them?? Answer: Dresses.

Granted, not all dresses fit this bill. I am not talking about your bridesmaid dress or the awful mistake that was your prom dress. No. The right kind of dress is an inconspicuous garment that tells the story that you are pulled together when in actuality you are wearing a single piece of fabric that could double as pajamas. Whoever made this a thing is genius.

Now, having spent the last 3 months in my house as the weather gets increasingly warmer, I’ve been looking for something to replace my sweats and sweatshirt uniform. I scoured the internet and found a casual amount of 51 dresses that would satisfy my needs. And because I aim to please, today I am sharing them with you all in case you are looking for a chic, yet comfy summer staple. Here are my picks:

1. Lyocell Dress | 2. Floral Tiered Dress | 3. Crinkled Dress | 4. Body Dress | 5. Bow Wrap Dress | 6. Lycoell Denim Dress | 7. Sleeveless Smocked Dress  | 8. Puff 3/4 Sleeve Button-Down Dress | 9. Leopard Print Wrap Slip Dress

#2 and #3 are my kind of party. They are flowy and spacious so eating a giant burrito for lunch will not be a problem.

#9 is a little fancier than most, but is part of a new collection at Target by the brand Cushnie and oh man, all of the pieces are GOOD. If you are looking for a sultry date night dress or something to wear to a wedding, look no further.

If you remember from this post, Emily has the puff 3/4 sleeve dress and it is even cuter in person. It’s a perfect dress for going on a picnic or to brunch and she says it is really comfortable.

1. Blue Ruffle Chuck On Mini Dress | 2. Metallic Tiered Long Sleeve Maxi Dress | 3. Lotus Dress | 4. Fluted Hem Dress | 5. Lilac Ruffle Trim Dress| 6. Printed Stretch Dress | 7. V Neck Chiffon Dress | 8. Upcycled Linen Minimal Dress | 9. Long Kaftan | 10. Tiered Maxi Dress | 11. Swept Away Floral Midi Slip Dress | 12. Lime Green Textured Square Neck Midi Dress | 13. Slim Fit Cotton Linen Dress | 14. Long V-Neck Dress | 15. Check Mesh Long Sleeve Minidress

Soo many cute options here. I think #9 would be excellent to wear to a dinner party (whenever those happen again) but I’d probably wear it around the house, too. Especially nowadays throwing on a cute but comfy dress does wonders for my mood. I also really love the shape of #13 and I am always a fan of a little red dress.

1. Your Time To Shine Maxi Dress | 2.Wrap Jumpsuit | 3. Keïta Summer Dress | 4. Luella Stripe Dress | 5. January Dress | 6. Luz Dress | 7. Avery Slip Dress | 8. Suki Dress | 9. Anita Dress | 10. Tencel Seersucker Slip Dress | 11. Veranda Knit Dress | 12. Perri Dress

I have added so many of these to my cart. I love the pattern and drape of #3 (that is beautifully made and hand-painted) and same goes for #6. Can you imagine the ease of throwing one of them on, pairing with mules and a chunky earring and looking chic as hell?? What a dream. I also can’t stop thinking about #4 which is so cute and has me picturing vacations in Greece and frolicking through vineyards. A girl can dream right???

1. Sky Blue and Navy Dots Dress | 2. Esaso Dress | 3. Sueño Jumpsuit | 4. Jasmine White Ruffle Voile Dress | 5. Ixelotli Tunic | 6. Bat Sleeve Maxi Dress | 7. Casita Cotton Dress | 8. Semira Sky Popover Dress | 9. Luna Wrap Dress | 10. Shirt Dress | 11. Linen Button Front Dress | 12. Eshe Cascade Dress | 13. Versus Dress| 14. Painal Tunic | 15. Maska Multi Dress

Okay, can we talk about that insane dress by Mozh Mozh?? It’s brilliant. The designer, Mozhdeh Matin, is brilliant. I am obsessed. I am also obsessed with this top and this bag by her-but I digress. We are here to talk dresses so let’s continue.

I love #12 by Lemlem. All of their designs, in fact, look so comfortable but still very feminine and cute (check out this one too). Same goes for Selva Negra where that really cute jumpsuit (#3) is from. And finally, I have to say #13 really pulled on my heartstrings. The print is incredible and I love a good could-be-pajamas-but-is-actually-a-really-chic-dress situation. Please just give me all the flowy silhouettes.

Okay, that’s all from me. Now, please please tell me which dress is your favorite? Or even better, do you own any of them?? Can you vouch for the comfortability?? Tell me everything.

Opener Image Credit: Photo by: Sara Ligorria-Tramp| From: How to Style An Outdoor Space So You’ll Actually Use It

The post Comfortable Dresses You’ll Want To Live In This Summer appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The EHD Team’s Summer Backyard Plans

I’ve realized one thing about myself during quarantine that has genuinely surprised me – I need a deadline. I need a photoshoot date, an event planned, a client meeting, an open-house, literally any date on the calendar because without one I don’t get that much done on my own home. You’d think I would have gotten a lot further on our mountain house exterior than this, which is literally nothing. Not one thing done.

In case you’re wondering what happened to all my big plans from this post, the answer is: I’m still waiting on a lot of my gardening pots/beds BUT I might just go to the store this weekend because I’m dying to plant everything. So this post is just the “what I want to accomplish this summer” post for those on the EHD team who have an exterior space to do anything with. But the legs of my desk are still on paint cans, sitting right next to the leg extensions I ordered, so lower your expectations.

I’m up first with my dining table:

In not-so-shocking news, if you leave your wood indoor table outdoors for a year to endure 2′ of snow, 1/2″ of rain, and immense summer heat all while unprotected, it gets ruined. This was our table for our dining room until we decided to install an amazing built-in. Moving it out to the patio was meant to be temporary. But it’s still out there, and it’s not doing well. In a perfect world, I want a dark (outdoor) table under there so it doesn’t stand out as much. Those chairs from last year, on the other hand, are holding up great.

The only other thing that we are committed to doing this summer is some sort of non-bark ground covering for most of the backyard. Why no bark? Well . . . We may or may not be fostering two rescue dogs (we’re gauging our ability to adding a permanent addition to our family), and depending on how long they are here I’d really like to avoid having them run around on bark all day and track it in. I know that there are sacrifices to having pets (Bearcat, may she rest in peace, used to vomit and shed over everything). I can already see it: These adorable dogs get in our fake stream, roll around in the yard, our backyard becomes a bark and dirt mud pit, and then so does our couch. Anyways, that’s why we’re looking into non-bar alternatives.

I know. It’s pretty anti-climactic. I need a deadline to make it look really awesome with better string lights, pillows, etc. But right now “good enough” is feeling, well, good enough.

MAL’S BACKYARD PLANS

Mallory here. Prepare to enter the ultimate suburban backyard. This, my friends, is where Chase and I have been quarantined for the last few months (his parent’s house). We’ve been slowly upgrading this space day by day, and BOY do we have big hopes and dreams for this backyard. We’re hoping to deck this out as the ultimate budget-friendly outdoor vacation spot meaning that each area can serve its own purpose: There’s a BBQ/outdoor bar area for cooking, a dining area for eating, and an open area for lounging by the fire. Let’s start with the BBQ/dining area:

Here’s some good news to kick it off: We just fixed that built-in BBQ! It’s officially working again for the first time in 10 years! That means we can officially use this space to grill, which is crucial to the design plan obviously. Chase’s dad has already ordered these barstools (which are $150 for a set of 2). So our next goal for this space is to make it as functional as possible, for as little money as possible. We’re planning to clean up the BBQ area a little more by fixing some chipped tiles and upgrade the knobs on the barbecue to something a little less 2005.

As a side note, the other day we rented a power-washer for a few hours and washed off all the nasty dirt that had settled on this back patio throughout the years. Moral of the story: YOU GOTTA TRY THIS. Power-washing this baby was maybe the most fun we’ve had since quarantine started.

The dining area already has a pretty solid layout, and maybe just needs a little table upgrade and a fun rug to add some personality and style to the yard. We found this dartboard that had been hiding in the garage for years and we recently set it up here. It’s honestly so much fun to grill, play, darts, and then eat some dinner in this area and we use it ON THE DAILY. Now let me bring you around the corner to our future lounge . . .

Chase’s parents have this pretty big side yard, but it’s got this big old trampoline (which is definitely a safety hazard to use, but sometimes worth the risk) that was set up smack in the middle of this yard . . . UNTIL LITERALLY YESTERDAY. Here’s what happened. Chase and I were on a lil afternoon walk when we stumbled into that sectional laying in front of a neighbor’s house and it was up for grabs. We hauled it down the block and threw it in the backyard AND NOW OUR LOUNGE DESIGN PLAN IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. We’re thinking of replacing the cushions (as you can see some are literally missing and the others aren’t in awesome shape), adding a rug, some string lights, maybe few more seating options, and possibly even elevating it on a platform/wood deck to create more of a “zone”. Oh, and we’re planning on doing this for very little money, so I’ll be on craigslist and driving by houses to scout for free furniture if you need me. Stay tuned.

RYANN’S BACKYARD PLANS

Hey, it’s Ryann. I love my backyard, but it could be much better. First of all, I really want grass. I hate the dirt and how my dog tracks it all over the house. It basically makes that side of the yard useless for us humans. What activities would I want to do in dirt? The answer is zero. So my first goal is to put grass where the dirt is and remove the concrete steps and bricks on the outer edge. Next, I need storage. By the side of the house we have our cooler and tent just chilling because I have nowhere to put them. We are thinking about getting a medium-sized shed to store those things in so we don’t have to look at them anymore. 

The concrete patch is fine and doesn’t bug me too much, it’s really just cosmetic. We need to replace that bench/table set because it is starting to sag and it takes up a lot of room. And I want to get rid of that chair that I’ve left out in the rain way too many times (whoops). I am thinking a circle table and chairs plus an umbrella would be nice. Maybe we’d even have room for a stand-alone hammock. What do you guys think?

Oh and lastly, we need to carve out space to grow our own vegetables. We want a raised garden so our dog does not mess with our vegetables, so we can either put it towards the back of the yard near the rose bushes or somewhere on the concrete. I like the idea of having it where our other plants are, but I am worried it won’t get enough light.

So that’s where I am at. Suggestions are, of course, welcome because I definitely feel a little in over my head

Sara’s Kitchen Renovation – The Unused (& Budget) Design Plans

My kitchen has been a bit of a roller coaster. It started as a super simple budget “facelift”, that rocketed to a full-fledged renovation project. What stage is it at now? It’s still in the works, but has been put on a minor hold while my dad builds a fence in our backyard and I drag my feet on ordering cabinets. And while I thought I had a design plan nailed down a few weeks ago, I’ve had a few changes of heart since then. Maybe. Who knows. Honestly, there have been so many different design plans and mood boards that I couldn’t count them if I tried.

But today I’m sharing a few of my favorite initial design plans for the budget kitchen update that could have been. Why? Because I still love them, and even if they aren’t coming to life, they might inspire someone else who also happens to have red and white kitchen floor tile. I KNOW YOU’RE OUT THERE!

These design boards are a mix of initial design babies, along with some fine-tuning to make them fully realized (and not just paint swatches on top of floor tile cut outs, on top of a photo of my kitchen – sometimes Photoshop files get really rough and you never let anyone see them, just like a diary).

But first, a quick reminder of what my kitchen looks like now, and my initial plans. My dream budget plans included keeping the cabinets but painting them and swapping out their hardware, pulling off the old tile counters and putting down affordable butcher block, adding a standing pantry, and designing around the red and white tile floors. Hilariously, I’ve put off ordering cabinets for so long that my dad might not have time to renovate our kitchen before he has to go back to work, so I may end up with one of these kitchens anyways! The irony of life.

I don’t actually hate the color of the cabinets next to the red and white tile floor the way they are now. It’s really the gross counter tile, beige/yellow wall, and contrasting white trim that makes everything feel like a circus. So for my first design, I picked a soft green paint color for the cabinets that is pretty similar to the color they are now. Definitely more sage than mint, but not too far off.

And for this design, I kept it all neutral because I’m just a pretty neutral gal (which is hilarious because my mama is NOT. Don’t worry, I’m currently trying to convince her to let me MOTO her TV room so I can show you guys that bright orange room so many of you wanted a peek of when you saw in this post). So I thought a neutral window treatment, some classic brass hardware (knob & ceiling light), and piece of pretty neutral art would softly tie it all together. Not gonna lie, still really into this one.

But then there’s Mac (my partner in almost everything, except design aesthetic it seems), and I knew he’d really like to see a dark option. So for design #2 I choose a black paint for the bottom cabinets, while sticking with white for the uppers and the wall. I brought in some more industrial reclaimed wood shelves, and a darker window treatment to round out the moodier vibe. I’ve since learned, from many comments on my last post, that dark cabinets are not the friend of an avid baker, because flower dust will. Get. Everywhere. Sorry Mac.

BTW that Ikea standing cabinet looks ideal, and I’m really sad I don’t get to have it in my kitchen after all (because we’ll rip out all the existing cabinets and install new cabinets that actually fit the space perfectly). But if you’re looking for something that’s pantry up top, storage down below, I would look into it. I especially love the white and wood contrast.

Onto design plan #3. Overall this one was supposed to be more of a “French country” vibe, but ended up feeling a little too “red, white, and blue“. I do really like that simple window treatment though! And those two pieces of art (which I know are really hard to see on this board), might have to find another place in my house because I love them. They’re line drawings of two areas in Barcelona, which I visited two years ago, and have the most magical memories from.

OH! And let’s talk about that pegboard shelf. I really wanted to add some wall shelving to my kitchen, but before I went all “full renovation” on the space, I really only had one area where shelving could go. I loved the idea of this pegboard because it meant I could customize the shelving to my needs over and over. Plus the light wood color would compliment the wood counters.

Lastly, option #4, where I went more earthy. For the lower cabinets I tried out a darker, mossy green, paired with a natural woven window shade. And, of course, a vintage oil painting because every room in my house needs one. They soothe me. This might be the one Mac and I agree on most – it has darker, but not darkest paint, some black accents (light fixture and knob), and still has a more neutral vibe.

Even though the chances of any of these kitchens coming to life are slim (unless my dad makes a run for it back to New York this summer to “work” and I am left to my own devices – quickly Googles “how to trap dad at home so he doesn’t leave the state and instead renovates your kitchen”), I thought you might like taking a peek behind the curtain to what the kitchen design plan could have looked like. And if you’re on your own kitchen update journey, maybe you could find a bit of inspiration.

I feel like this blog post is the cliff hanger ending of a Telenovela – Will she order the cabinets in time for her dad to renovate the kitchen? Or will she drag her feet so long that she has to update her kitchen by herself and choose one of these options instead? FIND OUT, next time on “Murder, Betrayal, & Affairs”! I mean, Style By Emily Henderson . . .

Opening Image Credit: Photo by Stephen Kent Johnson | Design by Studio Shamshiri | From: Architectural Digest

The post Sara’s Kitchen Renovation – The Unused (& Budget) Design Plans appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Afraid Of Designing A Boring Home?? This Designer Will Steer You Clear By Showing You Her Tricks

If there is one thing we love when it comes to designing a space, it’s getting to play around with unexpected style pairings. Wait. Is there actually anything more fun? (she suddenly asks herself and thinks probably not). I mean sure you don’t have to bring in a modern brutalist ceramic in your soft floral cottage home. BUT wouldn’t it look cool and super unique to you??? Well, Sarah Zachary (one of our new favorite designers, and the one responsible for this stunning colorful home) also thinks that mixing styles is the way to make your home more interesting and personal to you. So if you’ve been clutching your “one style only” rule book, Sarah is here to, once again, show you that it’s time to throw it out because a “one style home” usually equals a “one-note design”.

I also want to give an extra special thank you before we start to Sarah because despite her giving birth on THE SAME DAY we featured her last project (so only about a month ago), she graciously took time to answer my burning questions about this home and her approach to the design. I know, women are incredible

We’ve Got The Annual “What Do I Get My Dad For Father’s Day?” Problem Covered

Have you ever asked your dad “what do you want for Father’s Day?” and were met with the most infuriating answer “I don’t care” or worse, “I don’t want anything.”?? Yeah, me too. And honestly, I get it. Dads usually mean it when they adamantly refuse gifts but I fear they don’t realize that in doing so, they rob us of the joy of presenting them with the perfect gift. So if your dad (or husband) is also an avid gift refuser, here is the list for you. This isn’t a one size fits all, but rather, a wide range of gift ideas to prove their “I don’t need anything” ideology wrong. Let’s get to shopping.

For the Fashion Forward

Alright, so maybe they aren’t fashion-forward per se, but they have potential. A nice watch and a cool bag are things they would never buy themselves, which is why they are great gifts. Here is what we can see our dad’s rocking:

1. Ankara Necktie: This handmade necktie is cool and so unique. The color and pattern are wonderful and pack a big punch.

2. Vincero Watch: Watches are always a great gift for dads. This one by Vincero is really eye-catching and has great reviews.

3. Command The Day Duffel: This duffel bag is on the expensive side, but it comes equipped with multiple pockets including a separate space to stow away shoes, so they don’t have to interact with clean clothes.

4. Colorblind Glasses: If you haven’t seen videos of people seeing color for the first time, please GO WATCH NOW. It is the most heartwarming thing ever and guaranteed to make you tear up. These glasses allow people who are red-green colorblind to see color so for the right person, they are a wonderful gift.

5. Sweat Zip Hoodie: This jacket is simply a great investment for anyone who enjoys being outside. It is lightweight and breathable so it would be great for working out, but is also stylish enough for everyday wear.

6. Wool Calf Socks: Socks are a great gift and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Everyone appreciates a good pair of socks and I award bonus points when the sock company donates one pair for every pair sold.

7. Apple Watch Series 5: Rest assured Apple watches aren’t just for Silicon Valley hotshots. If your dad is ready for a new watch why not combine watch and technology into one?? This will almost certainly guarantee more bonding time because he’ll be calling every day asking how to use it.

The 60 Black-Owned Home Decor Businesses EHD is Sourcing From

HELLO, PALS. A few months ago, we published our ultimate online home shopping resource list. If you take a peek at that page, you’ll notice that we’ve added a WHOLE BUCH of new names, vendors, and small businesses. (And we’re still adding more! It’s a forever work in progress, so it makes a great bookmark.)

There have been so many incredible roundups featuring Black-owned businesses published over the past week, but we wanted to take a moment to introduce you to some of the new brands on that resource list that we here at EHD will be sourcing from moving forward. We’ve spent time on each of their sites, we’ve begun the process of reaching out to introduce ourselves (if you haven’t gotten a note from me yet, it’s coming!), and today, we’re highlighting a few of our favorite products from each.

Each vendor below is currently live, taking orders, and shipping — though we did still include a few links to our favorite retailers who have sold out of their inventory just because we want you to get to know them, too — and we encourage you to take a peek at their site, to follow them on Instagram (and to engage with their content!), and to take a deeper look at the products we’ve fallen in love with.

This is a VERY earnest intro (and I mean every word!), but y’all, I wrote this post so it is about to get a little weird. Below, you’ll find a ton of Emily-approved product, but you’ll also find honest feedback like “holding this mug with two hands will make you feel like you’re starring in an HBO drama” and “this wallpaper will help you actualize your lifelong dream of being the coolest person in your neighborhood.”

WE’RE GONNA HAVE FUN, OK? IT’S GO TIME.

PS. Sorry, I lied — just one more note! If you’d like to recommend a Black-owned business that you love and that I’ve missed (still not a totally omniscient internet shopping expert, despite what my phone’s screen time function will tell you), I’d love to learn more about them! I’m still finding new vendors every day, but I’m super grateful for any input that can help aid the discovery process. Please leave me a note with any of your favorites down in the comments (also, please just leave me a note in general, because I LOVE TALKING TO YOU and I MISSED YOU). OK. Now it’s go time. BUCKLE UP!

Furniture & Decor



54 kibo | jomo furniture | jungalow



54kibo

Follow on Instagram: @_54kibo
Bookmark For: Contemporary, organic pieces that will bring some soul to your space
Our Picks: This pendant lamp that Em gushed about yesterday, this mirror that could work in both a minimalist OR a post-modern home (!!!), and this hand-carved end table that’s perfect for drinks

Ali Sandifer

Follow on Instagram: @alisandifer
Bookmark For: Timeless, hand-produced case goods, tables, and desks
Our Picks: The construction of this 2020-take on a mid-century coffee table is giving me heart palpitations!!!

Aphrochic

Follow on Instagram: @aphrochic
Bookmark For: Furniture, wallpaper, and accessories that will literally brighten up your home
Our Picks: This blue and white pouf/ottoman that reminds me of Em’s Glendale home, this stunning chandelier (especially in copper!), and this authentic Juju Hat in pink

Bespoke Binny

Follow on Instagram: @bespokebinny
Bookmark For: Brightly colored and patterned throws, pillows, oven mitts (perfect for gifting!), and more
Our Picks: THE LAMPSHADES. We’re on a real lampshade kick here at EHD right now. Natalie also offers a lampshade-making course so you can MAKE YOUR OWN LAMPSHADES. (We are VERY excited about this.)

Domain by Laura Hodges Studio

Follow on Instagram: @laurahodgesstudio
Bookmark For: An incredibly well-curated shop stocking the perfect finishing touches for any room
Our Picks: These napkin rings that will say, “hey, this person has their life together” when your guests see them and this VERY COOL spiked vase that will perfectly bridge your angsty childhood self with your grown, actualized, design-loving adult self (please comment and tell me that you feel this way, too)

Ecovibe

Follow on Instagram: @ecovibestyle
Bookmark For: I know I’m supposed to write something concise here, but I’m blown away by their fair pricing and sustainable practices. I actually thought there was a loading error — the whole site is beautiful AND affordable. Bookmark for everything!!!
Our Picks: This $95 terrazzo end table, this $250 rattan chair with circle sides (geometric AND earthy? CHEF’S KISS!), and this $125 pair of brass planters that would easily go for double on a larger site (I wrote our Memorial Day sale post, looked at about a million planters, and am not joking)

Effortless Composition

Follow on Instagram: @effortlesscomposition
Bookmark For: A whole bunch of pieces that will make people say, “hey, WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?” when you share photos of your home on Instagram
Our Picks: This $49 version of the chain in Sara’s living room and this organic-modern candle holder that would look awesome on your dresser, dining table, or coffee table

Ethel’s Club

Follow on Instagram: @ethelsclub
Bookmark For: Home goods curated by someone who’s WAY cooler than you, but in a nice and approachable way — like a nice older sister with good taste, or a cool daughter who’s patient and tags you in Instagram posts
Our Picks: This playful planter (just click, I swear that’s the right word for it), and this mug that mixes neutrals with 1980s Memphis inspo

Expedition Subsahara

Follow on Instagram: @expeditionsubsahara
Bookmark For: The penultimate source for all-things woven — baskets, bowls, placemats, and more
Our Picks: This bright lidded basket could work as toy storage, as a laundry hamper, as a container for your blankets in your living room….the possibilities are endless!

Goodee

Follow on Instagram: @goodeeworld
Bookmark For: A one-stop shop for ethically-designed, well-made pieces for every room in your home from an insanely well-curated selection of makers
Our Picks: Em recommends this indigo lumbar and this hanging pendant lamp, and I love this kid’s play table made from recycled materials

Home by BE

Follow on Instagram: @brittaneyelise
Bookmark For: Warm, inviting, casual, California cool, “effortless expensive” essentials (yes, we do love this aesthetic so much that we have written multiple posts about it)
Our Picks: This graphic striped ceramic vase, this wavy steel magazine holder, and this sculptural side table

Jomo Furniture

Follow on Instagram: @jomofurniture
Bookmark For: Modern African design so versatile that it could truly work with any decor style you already have in your home
Our Picks: Em’s already reached out about grabbing this adjustable-height stool for her own home, and I think that this stool is a jaw-dropper

Jungalow

Follow on Instagram: @thejungalow
Bookmark For: Justina can do no wrong! The best selection of decor, wallpaper, and art that celebrates the connection between humans and nature
Our Picks: This sage green geometric wallpaper, these ceramic planters (pro tip: pick up more than one so you can mix and match!), and these bookends that double as vases. Plus, Emily just bought this piece of art for her house

SustainAble Home Goods

Follow on Instagram: @sustainablehomegoods
Bookmark For: The organic vases in soft pastels and the felt flowers
Our Picks: THE FELT FLOWERS, Y’ALL. They’re so sweet! Eschew your faux florals and lean into something like this lavender stem, this lotus, or this snapdragon instead. (Would also be VERY cute in a kid’s room!!)

Woodward Throwbacks

Follow on Instagram: @woodwardthrowbacks
Bookmark For: Reclaimed wood pieces that will make your Mountain House-loving heart smile
Our Picks: This bench made from salvaged homes in Detroit and this reclaimed wood that’s similar in tone to the beechwood we used for the Mountain House cladding and flooring

xN Studio

Follow on Instagram: @xnstudio_
Bookmark For: Your new go-to source for mudcloth, indigo, and batik pillows and furniture
Our Picks: Butterfly chairs are very cool again (and also very versatile — you can swap out covers to fit your room!) and we love this mudcloth version

BUT WAIT, WE’RE NOT DONE. We’d also like to congratulate Grain & Knot, Our Lovely Goods, and Yowie on totally selling through ALL of their inventory before we were able to hit the “publish” button on this post. THAT’S AMAZING. Congrats!!!

Vintage



claude home | loft & thought | lichen



45 Three Modern

Follow on Instagram: @45threemodernvintage
Bookmark For: Weekly art sales every Monday — also follow the hashtag #cybercrimemonday for updates
Our Picks: These M. Negus abstract and color-blocked pieces!!!

Badlands Vintage Thrift

Follow on Instagram: @badlandsvintagethrift
Bookmark For: 70s-90s pieces — if you’re burnt out on MCM, this is your spot. (Also, Brittany is currently raising money for a new warehouse and more!)
Our Picks: Her product goes FAST (turn on those post notifications!) but the lines on this sofa are insane — leave it as-is for an 80s desert vibe or reupholster in a linen for a fresh look

Claude Home

Follow on Instagram: @claudehome
Bookmark For: That HIGH-QUALITY vintage (and a ton of additional inspiration)
Our Picks: ALL OF IT. This boucle sofa. The Alky chair. The Gae Aulenti coffee table. The Kagan sofa. How much time do you have? I will link this entire feed. I’m serious.

Dressing Room Interiors Studio

Follow on Instagram: @dressmyroom
Bookmark For: Incredible variety — everything from 19th-century primitive pieces to 1980s laminate waterfall tables. There’s something for everyone!
Our Picks: Speaking of 1980s laminate waterfall tables…

Easton Haus

Follow on Instagram: @eastonhaus
Bookmark For: Consistently strong sourcing of sofas, chairs, coffee tables, and end tables
Our Picks: WELL DANG, everything I wanted to show y’all has SOLD OUT. Turn on those post notifications!!! For posterity’s sake, here’s a pedestal that I missed out on last month that haunts me in my dreams

Epoque Home

Follow on Instagram: @epoquehome
Bookmark For: 1980s deco lamps. No one does it better.
Our Picks: This black cascading option is perfect dipping a toe into the new trend waters. Also, should I buy this panther lamp that’s been in my saved folder for a while? I feel like I should, right?

The Lam Label

Follow on Instagram: @thelamlabel
Bookmark For: Vintage ceramics, especially hand-shaped ones
Our Picks: Hello, it’s me, your broken record — just here to remind you to turn on post notifications for these vintage vendors. You know, just so you don’t miss out on something like this vintage toast rack and then think “shoot, that could have been mine if I had just turned on my post notifications!!!”

Lichen

Follow on Instagram: @lichennyc
Bookmark For: Those splurge-worthy, iconic pieces that you’ll keep for a lifetime
Our Picks: This Gaetano Pesce chair could literally be the only piece of furniture in your room and it would absolutely look like an intentional art installation

Loft & Thought

Follow on Instagram: @loftandthought
Bookmark For: ORGANIC WOOD PIECES. I cannot stress this enough. I have written a whole bunch about buying vintage on Instagram and THIS IS THE BEST ACCOUNT FOR COOL WOOD FURNITURE. I promise.
Our Picks: These pencil reed rattan club chairs, this sculptural bent plywood stool, and this lil’ pair of chairs that you’re now probably going to think about for a whole week

Wildfang Home

Follow on Instagram: @wildfang_home
Bookmark For: Shell lamps, Murano lamps, and tons of inspiration
Our Picks: Hana is the mind behind this raffle that you may have seen going around — winners are announced on June 16th and you can catch up on all entry details in this post!

Ceramics & Glassware



lolly lolly ceramics | estelle colored glass | ekua ceramics



The Coy Collection

Follow on Instagram: @thecoycollection
Bookmark For: Small-batch ceramic cups, mugs, vases, and more (and earrings! I know this is a home roundup, but they are very cute!)
Our Picks: These multi-functional cow print cups are graphic, playful and would look cute in any room of your home

Ekua Ceramics

Follow on Instagram: @ekuaceramics
Bookmark For: Essential pieces with a whimsical twist. Like, if you need a cup, why not make it a really special cup?
Our Picks: I screamed for one full hour after seeing the handle on this lavender mug. It’s SCALLOPED, you guys!!!

Estelle Colored Glass

Follow on Instagram: @estellecoloredglass
Bookmark For: Colored glass…and general mood-boosting, because this shot of all these glasses is INCREDIBLY soothing. (It can’t just be me — I know at least one of you must feel the same)
Our Picks: You gotta go with the custom set — choose your favorite six colors! (Our office favorites include lavender, mint, amethyst, and emerald)

Grey Remedy

Follow on Instagram: @greyremedyco
Bookmark For: Handcrafted ceramics that will make you feel like you’re playing the leading role in an HBO drama about your life
Our Picks: Spent about 5 minutes dreaming about drinking out of this blush mug while wearing a wrap sweater and looking out over the ocean before remembering that I live in the middle of a city next to a fast-food restaurant

ANOTHER QUICK PITSTOP, PLEASE. Here are a few more ceramicists that we love — each sold out of product before we published, but we wanted to make sure they’re all on your radar. (They are that good!) Congratulations to Black Pepper Paperie Co., Lolly Lolly, Naked Clay Ceramics, Nur Ceramics, and Pottery by Osa.

Textiles & Bedding



linoto | tactile matter | johanna howard



Bole Road Textiles

Follow on Instagram: @boleroadtextiles
Bookmark For: Hand-woven throws, curtains, rugs, and pillows with incredible texture and depth
Our Picks: Em’s a big fan of this wall hanging (a huge impact for $119 and perfect for those open spaces where you need a big piece of art), and I love this dusty rose blanket and this neutral lumbar that could really simplify your bed styling process

Duett Interiors

Follow on Instagram: @duettinteriors
Bookmark For: The ultimate grandma-cool pillow source
Our Picks: HOLY. Who knew we’d fall in love with plastic-protected pillows? How does plastic make jacquard look more modern? Just look at how this one is styled and you’re gonna get on board too, I swear

Ispaci

Follow on Instagram: @ispaci
Bookmark For: Our favorite cozy and comfortable lumbars (Cherise also takes custom orders!)
Our Picks: Send a photo of your space or requested colors, styles, or textures to get the perfect pillow made just for you. Em owns a custom one and loves it, and I have my eye on this mini lumbar as a birthday present for my mom! (MOM, don’t read this!!!!)

Johanna Howard

Follow on Instagram: @johannahowardhome
Bookmark For: A dream collection of drape-anywhere throws for every home and decor aesthetic
Our Picks: This deco throw could either pull traditional/glam or graphic/modern depending on the room (a truly foolproof pick! Bookmark this for gifting, you cannot go wrong!)

Linoto

Follow on Instagram: @linotodotcom
Bookmark For: Linen bedding, bath, and curtains at an unbeatable price (again, trust me, I look at prices ALL DAY)
Our Picks: This sheet set comes in 25 different colors, y’all. TWENTY. FIVE. There are neutrals. There are brights. There’s a stripe. There’s a set for you in there, I can feel it!!!

Tactile Matter

Follow on Instagram: @tactilematter
Bookmark For: Stunning textiles and prints (maybe even a ceramic or two!) that will make your home feel like it’s golden hour 24/7
Our Picks: We’re so inspired by the tones and lines of this throw and of this print — either would be great “jumping off point” for starting your room design

Artwork



elan byrd | jade purple brown | nom.



Christa David

Follow on Instagram: @christadavid.art
Bookmark For: Incredible work that combines paint and collage
Our Picks: HELLO, I’M OBSESSED with this primary color series. I fell hard and fast for this yellow ‘joy’ piece before realizing that there are blue (for peace) and red (for play) prints, too. This is the kind of triptych that EHD can get behind!!!

Diane Hill

Follow on Instagram: @dianehilldesign
Bookmark For: High-quality Chinoiserie prints that will bring character into your home (we get a ton of questions about how to add soul to new builds, and folks, art like this sure helps!)
Our Picks: I audibly gasped when Jess sent me this modern rendition of an 18th-century piece, but I would love to see a piece like this in Em’s house (maybe in the new shared kids’ room?)

Jade Purple Brown

Follow on Instagram: @jadepurplebrown
Bookmark For: Prints that will make your color-loving, maximalist heart sing
Our Picks: Are there 13 prints available? Yes. Am I going to show you nearly 25% of them right now because I think they’re so great? ALSO YES. I’m absolutely going to buy one of these pieces, but I’m torn between Women of Color, Fashion Killas, Diva, and Into the Unknown. Thoughts? (Maybe I should just get all 4?)

nom.

Follow on Instagram: @studio.nom
Bookmark For: Geometric and earthy wall hangings
Our Picks: This 4′ long off-white cotton and beechwood (our favorite wood!) piece will be perfect finishing touch for your gallery wall — like a real-life version of a long Tetris piece

Reyna Noriega

Follow on Instagram: @reynanoriega_
Bookmark For: An instantly-put-together art wall that you can afford right now — try 4 or 5 of her square pieces in a row to fill up a hallway, or build a 3×3 square out of your favorite prints
Our Picks: Reyna makes a ton of beautiful nature abstracts, but we really love her pieces that feature people — Jayda, Lorena, Flora, Torya, Shaena, and Lizzo (yeah, like, Lizzo!) are my personal favorites

You know what time it is: CONGRATULATIONS TIME! This week, we also fell in love with the work of Elan Byrd and Roma Osowo, both of whom have sold ALL OF THEIR WORK. We can’t wait to see what each of them make next! (And as a side note, if you own any work from a Black artist, I’d love to hear more about the maker and the piece you purchased! There are truly so many incredibly painters and illustrators out there and I’d love to write more about them in a fully dedicated round up. I know y’all have incredible taste, so please drop any favorites in the comments below!)

Plants & Planters



maddi & joan | the zen succulent | samplehaus



The Handmade & Co.

Follow on Instagram: @thehandmadeandco
Bookmark For: Terrariums, macrame plant hangers, and fiber art (I know, we’re in the planters section, but it’s really good!!!)
Our Picks: Natasha’s about to launch an Etsy shop — we’re very excited about the few pieces she teased in this photo (especially those two dip-dyed ones!)

Maddi & Joan

Follow on Instagram: @maddiandjoan
Bookmark For: Macrame plant hangers, fiber art, and earrings (sorry, I know, off topic) — plus, 15% of sales through June 19th will be donated to the NAACP
Our Picks: This set of 4 plant hangers for $55 (yes, that is a GREAT price) and this beginner kit that comes with an instructional video so you can learn macrame, too!

SampleHAUS

Follow on Instagram: @sample.haus
Bookmark For: One of a kind planters made from interior design waste and discontinued marketing samples
Our Picks: We’re on a big red kick here at EHD (yeah, like, the color) so this African-inspired embellished vase with a red opening is really hitting the right notes for us

PAUSE, PLEASE! I just need to take a second to acknowledge a few more of our favorite businesses in this space. Congratulations to Ashe Ceramics, Grounded Plants, Plant Vessel, Tal & Bert, Things by HC, and The Zen Succulent for an incredible month of sales — please bookmark each for your future plant and planter needs!

Paint & Wallpaper



mitchell black | clare | sheila bridges



Clare

Follow on Instagram: @clarepaint
Bookmark For: Paint buying made easy
Our Picks: Without spoiling too much about upcoming projects, I can tell you that Team EHD loves Whipped (a great warm white), Two Scoops (a minty green), Pop (a bright coral, a swatch of which may or may not be on the wall behind me right now), and Baby Soft (the perfect light pink)

Elle Gibson

Follow on Instagram: @gibsonelle
Bookmark For: Wallpaper designed with heart and intention
Our Picks: The fingerprints one!!! It’s simple, abstract, and meaningful. WE LOVE.

Mitchell Black

Follow on Instagram: @mitchell_black
Bookmark For: 365 totally unique traditional OR peel and stick wallpaper options
Our Picks: Y’ALL, Mitchell Black turned some of Gray Malin’s iconic photographs INTO WALLPAPER which I didn’t even know was possible. (Once I got over that shock, I fell in love with this bear print that would look SO CUTE in a kid’s room!)

Sheila Bridges

Follow on Instagram: @sheilabridges
Bookmark For: Actualizing your lifelong dream of living in the coolest home in your neighborhood
Our Picks: Em sent me this wallpaper over the weekend and we geeked out over it — it comes in a ton of color variants, but we’re partial to the yellow, pistachio, and hand-colored versions

Yaël & Valérie

Follow on Instagram: @yaeletvalerie
Bookmark For: Wallpapers and upholstery fabrics inspired by the Caribbean
Our Picks: If you’re looking for a reason to say “oh, that’s pretty!” out loud, check out the multi-colored version of this wallpaper

AHH Y’ALL, WE MADE IT. Thank you for coming on this roundup journey with me. Again, if there are any Black-owned home or decor brands that you’d like to share, please do! Our EHD online shopping guide is a living document — we want your taste to be reflected here so that our whole community can support the businesses that you love.

But now, it’s question time: Did you find any new small businesses to follow? Did you make any purchases? And maybe most importantly (just because I am a little selfish and because I have your attention), can you please help me choose a piece of art to buy? Just kidding (but also…not kidding). LET’S CHAT, please!

Opening Image Credits: Home of Kenesha Sneed of Tactile Matter | Photo by Marisa Vitale | Via Apartment Therapy

The post The 60 Black-Owned Home Decor Businesses EHD is Sourcing From appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Another Round Of Rapid Fire Design Questions From You, Answered By Me

Today is round two of my Q&A design lightning round series (if you missed round one head here). You have questions, I have answers… and you also have some questions and that I also sometimes don’t know the answer to even though I kinda think I should at this point (ha!), but HERE GOES.

design by tom filicia | photo by pieter estersohn | via architectural digest

“Colored trim: yay or nay? Can you just do one room, or should it extend throughout the entire house?”

Colored trim – YAY, but know that it’s a choice that you might change your mind on long term (and it’s ok, it’s just paint). Now painting trim is harder than walls for sure, so it’s not such an easy “don’t worry!” kind of advice. Here’s what I’d do – mock it up somehow. Either paint a piece of paper and tape it along the window or use colored tape to do one window and see how it feels before you do all of them. By the way, I think the crown and base mouldings aren’t that big of a deal to paint more than once, but door and window mouldings are because they need to open and close without sticking and the amount of times you paint does affect that.

And oh my gosh I’ve wondered that second part of your question so many times myself. I think ideally anything architectural should be consistent throughout the house (or consistently inconsistent). We wanted to paint the kid’s room trim (base, window frames, and doors) the same as the walls, but it was weird because then do you paint one side of the door one color and the other (say into the hallway or bathroom) another? That felt weird. So I think you’d do both sides. BUT what if that color didn’t look good in that next room? I think this decision is easier when you are renovating and you make that same decision throughout the whole house – where the rooms can be different, but at least they are all different. For us, we stayed with white because the entire house has white trim and it felt a little try hard to have just ONE room different. Also, our windows are so old and have been painted so many times that we didn’t want to accidentally paint them shut. I think one thing I’ve always gotten stuck on is I thought that the door color needed to match the moulding. It doesn’t. I’ve toyed around a lot with painting all our doors upstairs a color, but then I get scared…

design by dee murphy dee design| photos by zeke ruelas

“I get overwhelmed with choosing colors for each room of the house. How do you determine what to use in each room so everything looks like it flows together?”

I think it really depends on the house. Here’s what I’ve learned – older homes or more traditional homes that are more chopped up with traditional “rooms” can have different colors and can really be addressed design-wise as individuals. Once you get to a more open space plan and you can see rooms through other rooms, you need to be more curated. The mountain house is so open that I want it all to flow and to visually not break up the space with colors. But I’ve been to so many homes where each room is its own thing and that is very exciting, too. I love when you walk into a room and you get a new experience from it that you didn’t in other rooms. Dee Murphy (above) is a GREAT example of this. We shot her house for the book (not those photos) and I was so impressed with her bravery, she just went for it in each room and while they all feel collected and happy, they feel different and individually designed.

design by thurman design studio | photo by david tsay

“Are any matching sets ever stylish? Or should we always mix and match? (Bedroom, living room, dining.)”

Yes, they can be stylish. They are coming back, guys. I think eclectic is ALWAYS in, but I think for minimalists who want to play with just a few finishes and get a more streamlined look it can look really good, if you choose wisely. I think it more comes down to what you choose. Very few “sets” of furniture bring in personality (except when you have chairs like the two above that Laura Thurman used above). Generally, I would stick to a simple headboard with simple nightstands, that really just create a basic backdrop (if you are going for a set). For the living room, I like a sofa + matching chair set, but I haven’t seen a room in a long time that I’ve loved where the sofa and both chairs all match. I’m not saying it can’t work, but it can also look like you just went to your local furniture store and bought floor models. It’s also a bigger commitment that you might regret, whereas doing a more eclectic look is actually easier to pull off (especially when you mix in vintage).

from: the portland dining room reveal

“I’m looking for dinner plates and wallpaper (unrelated) but I’m having so much trouble sourcing them because there are so many options for both and I can’t tell where to start or what’s good. Are there any Em-Henderson-approved suggestions so I can at least narrow my search parameters a little bit?”

I REALLY wanted you to say that you want your wallpaper and dinner plates to match, I would LOVE to be your friend and eat in that dining room. Short answer, yes, there are a WHOLE BUNCH of Em Henderson-approved vendors in this post. Scroll down to Tabletop and then to Wallpaper — these are the brands we turn to when we’re sourcing for a shoot or for our own homes!

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | book 2 sneak peek

What I Love, Bought, And Pinned Over The Weekend

The biggest question we’ve been asking ourselves all weekend here at EHD has been, “where do we go from here?” If you read yesterday’s post then you know we want to shift back to design content today, because design content is what we do here. But, does anyone even want it? Do we?? And most importantly, how to begin?

Unsurprisingly, one of the (many) realizations we made this past week is that we haven’t put effort into sourcing and equally representing home decor from the Black community. So this weekend I started putting a huge list of talented Black and POC designers, makers, and stores for us to shop from, share, and promote. And I found myself “adding to cart,” buying, and pinning a lot. Both for design projects in the works and myself. So I figured that’s where we start – how I am bringing the work of Black designers into my own home. It’s show and tell time, and it’s a lot of good stuff. Here goes.

That table lamp is insane. Sculptural, graphic, powerful – just a ton of impact, and the shade is perforated so I think the light it gives off would be magical. It was a collaboration between 52kibo (an amazing online store) and Aphrochic (a blog team who we’ve connected with over the years – Jeanine and Brian are awesome and leaders in the blog/design/media world). And I don’t know where to put that hanging lamp, designed by Candice Lawrence, but I want it badly. I’m imagining two over nightstands in a bedroom or a couple over an island (they come in white, too – but that blue and gold combo is obviously one I can get behind). I still need to replace the light over my dining table and I want to add some color over there, so maybe two of these is the answer. Also, she makes a mirror that is equally awesome.

Large affordable art is hard to find, as we’ve written about a million times. That tapestry from Bolé Road Textiles is 36 x 32″, is $119, and does NOT need a frame. That is high impact art for a great price. There aren’t many left (sorry, I bought one) so hurry if you are interested. I also love that pillow and it’s going on my new sofa that I have yet to show you.