Emily Henderson's Blog, page 213

Let’s Chat: How’s Your Pet Doing? (And Is It Time For Em Get A Dog?!)

Hello pals, happy Blursday! Today, I’m taking over the blog to ask a pretty simple question: how are your pets doing? Well, two questions, I guess. How are your pets doing and can you help me convince Emily to get a dog?

These are pretty broad topics though, so let me get a little more specific: if you’re home 24/7 now, has your relationship with your pet changed at all? If you’re an essential worker, do you feel yourself relying on your pet more? Have you discovered any weird quirks? Are there any products, toys, beds, or other general animal ephemera that you’d recommend to other pet parents? If you recently adopted or if you’re fostering a new furry (or scaly, or feathered, I guess) friend, how’s it going?

Side note I think talking/asking questions about pets might be my new niche since I’ve already talked about litter boxes…

Please feel free to include many anecdotes about how much joy your dog has brought you, your family, and your children over the past two months. Team EHD is very close to convincing Emily to add a pup to the family (yes, you will read her feelings on this below and yes, we are all this weirdly involved in each other’s lives) but we could use a little extra help in expediting the process. I will bring your comments to our next Zoom call and read them all out loud, one by one. “Look, the readers have spoken!” I’ll say. “Ok, I will get a dog,” Emily will respond. (Hopefully. But it is more nuanced and I am a little less cavalier, so please read on.)

And if you’re reading this faux dialogue and now thinking, “Hey, I don’t really want to answer any of these questions and you seem like a real big weirdo,” then I’d counter your thought process with, “Hey, I have been alone for 9 consecutive weeks — this is the only card I have to play — please comment on my posts and talk to me about your pets because I am genuinely interested and this is basically all of my social interaction now!!!”

Anyway, I asked a few other members on team EHD the same questions. Here are some updates on our pets, complete with some VERY CUTE PHOTOS of cats, dogs, and bunnies. We’re starting off with me because this is MY POST and I would like to talk some more about the only living thing I have really seen for the past 1,536 hours. (I did the math and that is the real number.)

From Caitlin

Meet my STAGE FIVE CLINGER, Buffalo (maiden name: Aristocat, Muffin, a few others that I can’t remember) who is apparently thrilled that I am now working from home permanently.

I adopted this cat about 7 years ago by accident — not because I super love cats, or because it was love at first sight, or because I was in desperate need of a pet — but because I went to the shelter with a friend and saw that this lil lady was about to get put down. She had been adopted and returned 2 times and I was like, “uhhhh….you’re gonna euthanize her? Right now?? Why don’t I take her???” I had no idea what I was getting into.

Because turns out, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this cat. WHAT A WIN! Who gave her up? TWICE?! I guess she sheds a lot, but guys, she doesn’t tear things up, she’s quiet, she doesn’t pee in weird places (my childhood cats are old, senile, and very flexible with their definition of a bathroom) — her only flaw is that she is TOO. DARN. CUDDLY. And honestly, that is pretty great right now. She is also coziest with her arms extended straight out, which is simultaneously cute and hilarious. (I thought cats were supposed to like, loaf up on top of their legs? NOT THIS ONE.)

But a question for you: does anyone have any experience with pet beds like these? Lil Buff Buff here normally eschews any sort of formal bed in favor of my linen closet, or my laundry, or just…anywhere on my general human form (she’s laying across my leg as I write this), but I think that this shape can kinda mimic a lap, yeah? I want to try one out but would appreciate a recommendation!

From Ryann

My dog and I are thrilled to be spending so much time together which will come as a surprise to absolutely no one. I am so in love with him and I am happy to announce that he is even more obsessed with me now that we are spending 24 hours together. He follows me everywhere and it is my absolute dream.

He is not without faults though, which my less forgiving boyfriend will attest to. He is AN ABSOLUTE MESS and not the best walker and I’ll admit, very needy. In his defense, we rescued him when he was six so I can only imagine the abandonment issues he has after being fostered by who knows how many families for years. How no one wanted to adopt him I will never understand. But anyway, pre-quarantine Gus was way more of a problem child and I get why. Dogs (especially this one) need a lot of love and attention and leaving him to go to work every day never got easier. He would tilt his head and stare at me with those big bulbous eyes and I’d die a little inside. I could tell he wasn’t the happiest when we’d leave and why would he be? In his brain, he is a human (seriously- he is the most human dog I’ve ever met) and doesn’t understand why he can’t come with us everywhere. AHHH just thinking about it makes me so sad. But working from home is a blessing and I swear it has changed this dog’s behavior. Before, he would not be considered a ~ chill ~ guy. Like, not at all. He has a lot of energy and will absolutely jump on you if you come within two feet of him. But now that we are spending so much time together, he is way less anxious, way less needy, and DEFINITELY better on walks. He doesn’t pull me around like a Raggedy Anne doll and only barks at other dogs 50% of the time. He is improving.

So as the only dog owner on the EHD team, I will say this to Emily and her family: Dogs are a lot of work. They require a lot of love and attention and if they don’t get what they need they can be a problem. Gus’ bad behavior has made me cry and scream many times, but adopting him is the best thing I have ever done and he makes my life and heart so full. It’s impossible for me to not be sappy about it, so I AM SORRY, but it is true. So my vote is Yes, Emily. Get a dog. Your family will love him or her and you will be a great dog mom. I promise.

From Sara

At first, both my cats were psyched we were home. It was like a long weekend of cuddling and extra snacks. But by day number 5 they were suspicious. And by the start of the second week, they were positively revolting. Jumping when the saw us around corners, attacking each other without mercy, refusing to eat the expensive cat food we buy them, grumpy, agitated, and honestly acting as if we were torturing them. It was as if they were saying “listen, we like it when you visit each night, and the weekend stays are tolerable. But, now this is starting to get out of hand. With all due respect, GO THE F AWAY.” I do truly believe that before all this, our cats were under the impression that this was their house, and we just functioned as meal providers and space heaters. They, like me, just need their alone time. I GET IT.

Well, now that we’re on week ___ (honestly, what is time anymore), they’ve adjusted. They don’t seem to hate us as much, and in fact Lady, our eldest daughter, I mean cat, has decided that while we’re here 24/7 we might as well be useful, and demands attention every second that isn’t spent vomiting on our vintage rugs, looking disappointingly at her food bowl, or waiting for her sister to warm up the cat bed before forcing her out of it for an afternoon nap. Bean, our youngest, still very much needs her alone time, but has decided that it’s not so bad having me home because I leave the bedroom window open all day, and she likes to perch there while I work.

During all of this, we’re still feeding a group of about 6 stray cats, all of which we really love. There’s “Scabs,” “Thumbs,” “Sad Eyes,” “White Kitty,” “Brown Cat,” and two other orange cats that look almost exactly the same. They hang out in our yard, and love to taunt Bean from outside the windows. We’ve also just “adopted” a bunny! It technically belongs to the house across the street, but they let it run around free during the day. It comes into our front yard and sleeps under our bushes, and eats veggie scraps that I bring it. I’m terrified of rabbits, so this is a bit of exposure therapy. I’ve progressed to petting the bunny and feeding it (long) vegetables by hand. But I don’t think I’ll ever get to the “cuddling” stage. We’ve thought about keeping it when our neighbors offered, but it seems to be doing ok for now living its little free bunny life. It comes over almost every day around 1 pm, hangs out until it starts getting cool, the stray cats don’t seem to mind it, and then it goes back to whatever little bunny hole it has for itself across the street.

From Emily

We’ve been “petless” for almost 2 years, RIP Bearcat and Mimi. The kids have been begging for a dog for I don’t know how long. Last year I caught Charlie praying to God for a puppy for Christmas when I told him that Santa knows it’s not the right time for our family. I guess we were both worried to A. take on the work and B. what if it adds stress? What if we get the problem dog that is super hyper, barks at everyone, needs a ton of medical attention or ruins our house with hair, claw prints, slobber, etc? My biggest fear was what if I can’t fall in love with him/her because I’m too busy taking care of kids and work? I’m not sure it’s possible to NOT fall in love with a dog, but that is worst-case scenario – having another thing to take care of, another obligation, and not loving it.

In case you don’t know this about me I have historically loved dogs so much that I was a dog walker in New York for a year — one of those people who had 5 at a time. So it’s in me, I know it. And now that the world has slowed down and we are up in the mountains every single day, Brian and I are whispering, “I think we are ready for a dog,” or “we need a dog” or ” how great would it be to have a dog right now.” But I’m nervous that we are making a permanent decision in a temporary situation. I do NOT want to regret a living thing, nothing sounds more stressful. So we are trying to be really smart about this decision, not doing it because it would be fun right now. We have to know that long term we are willing to make the sacrifices needed to have a loving pet…I’m scared (but excited).

HELLO, IT IS CAITLIN AGAIN. It is hard to follow up a very earnest and thoughtful commentary from your boss with “let’s get her, guys!!! TELL HER TO GET A DOG!!!” So I now open up the floor to you — what do you think? Did you have any of these reservations before adding a pup to your family?

And as I wrote at great length up there, please let me know how your pet is doing. Drop their Instagram handle. Tell me their favorite toy or your favorite hack to keep your house fur-free (ours is this roller, which we all swear by). IT’S THURSDAY AND I WOULD LIKE TO CHAT WITH YOU. See ya in the comments.

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Published on May 14, 2020 11:01

The EHD Budget-Friendly Outdoor Decor Roundup – All The Rugs, Fire Pits and Planters We Love

Last week we did our annual HUGE outdoor furniture roundup and while I had SO much fun putting it together I was once again shocked by the general price points on the market. But I guess when furniture pieces need to withstand a variety of seasons and still look good year after year, it warrants a higher price tag. The truth can hurt…the wallet.

But before we move on, watch how Em DIY’ed her patio before that famous beautiful tile went in (just wait for the ad to run first):

Ok we’re back! SO because of that, I made it my mission this week to create an affordable accessories roundup post. Because while your outdoor furniture is built to last many many years, you just might want to switch up some throw pillows, add a rug or heck FINALLY get that fire pit you’ve always dreamed of. Doing those things should NOT have to break the bank. Plus accessories are what really bring the personality! I mean can you really call your outdoor space an oasis without some cute string lights? If your answer was also no, then my friends we are about to have a lot of fun diving into this post. Let’s dive straight in with pillows…

Outdoor Pillows

photo by tessa neustadt | from: the finished patio (with the tile!)

Like any sofa or chair (inside or out), pillows are the yin to their yang. Can they exists without each other? I guess. But together they are perfect. The key is to style them like you would your interior sofa or chair:

Choose a color palette (3 – 4 colors is our go-to)Mix the scale of patterns (above Emily used a large/wide-scale striped pillow and a small/skinny striped pillow)Vary texture if using mainly neutrals colorsMix up the sizes and shapes (above Em used a large square, long lumbar and a circle)

See? Easy breezy! Let’s get into our favorites this year:

They are a ton of possible really great combos out of this group. However, I could really see #1, #9 and #11 being a very cool modern option and #7, #10 and #24 being a happy, colorful but still chic look. Since we are on the subject of cushions let’s move onto seat cushions.

Seat Cushions

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: how to style out your outdoor space so you’ll actually use it (no matter how big or small it is)

Now, if your new furniture doesn’t come with seat cushions or your old ones are just too tattered up to handle another summer, then let’s get into some of our favorite, budget-friendly options. BUT don’t forget to protect them from the sun or bugs. This one and this one come highly rated.

#1, #2, and #3 are really calling my name but if you want more color than #15 is on-trend and SO cute.

Outdoor Rugs

photo by sara liggoria-tramp | from: two reveals, one post: the portland outdoor living spaces and a lot of styling tips

Outdoor rugs have probably been our most requested product roundup in the past two weeks and we get it. First, shopping for any rug can be daunting, and second, a rug is basically the go-to to make a large visual impact (both inside and out). A rug helps to create a zone in your backyard and just ultimately makes it feel more inviting. We are clearly big fans since we ALWAYS use outdoor rugs.

So our “outdoor” rug rules are the same as our “indoor” rug rules:

For a lounge area: Your area rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of the sofa and all chairs to rest on top of it.For a dining area: Make sure the rug you pick is big enough to ground the space and allow for the table and chairs to sit comfortably on the majority of the rug. If it’s too small it will catch on the feet every time you try to move the chairs in and out. A good general rug is to keep the 2′ wider and longer than the dining table.

If you want to go modern/graphic I love #3 and #6. If you want something more earthy/neutral I am very into #17 and #24. But I am a sucker for a round rug and you can’t go wrong with #5.

Ok now let’s take a break from those bigger purchases and focus on some smaller, fun decor…

Planters

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: how to style out your outdoor space so you’ll actually use it (no matter how big or small it is)

Having as many plants as possible is usually the goal in any outdoor space (at least it is for me). So with any plant that isn’t growing out of the ground, you are going to need a planter to properly display your other beauties.

Hot Tip

Don't forget to keep your planter colors cohesive and vary the height, widths, and shapes. This will keep your outdoor space looking interesting and collected.

Here are our picks:

I know that some of these don’t seem 100% affordable but there are a bunch of different sizes so the larger ones are unfortunately going to be a bit more expensive. So with that in mind, I am really eying #2, #7, #8 and #14.

Moving along:)

Fire Pits

photo by sara liggoria-tramp | from: 5 outdoor ideas & hacks that’ll instantly add style (& save you money)

I think this is the first time we are rounding up fire pits which is oddly very exciting to me. And honestly, I can’t recommend them enough. There is something just so peaceful about sitting by a fire (and peace is something we could all use a little more these days). Now some of these require either a gas tank or line so keep that in mind when you are browsing:)

Now based purely off of looks I really love #3, #6, #7, and #16. Mmmmm I can feel that cozy heat already.

Let’s keep setting the cozy mood…

String Lights

photo by melissa oholendt | from: a foolproof way to create an outdoor room

If you have an outdoor space and you DON’T have string lights please immediately consider one of these options below. Why? Because string lights are true magic. I don’t know what sorcery they possess but as soon as they turn on at night you are instantly in a better mood. Plus they look super cute. Here are our favorites (plus a few non-string options):

For a modern look, I love #15, and for a more boho vibe how cute are #7?! But if you are looking for a pendant #5 is awesome because guys, it’s SOLAR. My dad has it in his backyard so I can confirm it’s great:)

Lanterns and Candles

photo by sara liggoria-tramp | from: two reveals, one post: the portland outdoor living spaces and a lot of styling tips

Now let’s keep on this topic of light, shall we? Sure! We love to use lanterns and candles to add texture to an outdoor space. Like everything else we think it’s important to vary the sizes of your lanterns and candles (especially if you are going to cluster them together). I think it’s clear that we will add any possible light source to a backyard. Mood lighting helps your mood and Citronella with bugs:) Here are our picks:

I would gladly style with any of these but #5, #8 and #13 are probably my favorites.

But when it’s daytime we need to protect ourselves from the light (aka the sun) so let’s talk about umbrellas…

Umbrellas

photo by melissa oholendt | from: a foolproof way to create an outdoor room

Umbrellas are both super practical but also can add SO MUCH personality to your outdoor space. I mean there is nothing wrong with a classic, solid umbrella (Emily used one in her homes). Buuut adding in either cabana strips, some fringe, or even a full tiki look says, “Hey, we are here to have a sun protected, good time.” What more could you want?

I have a feeling that Emily would be really feeling #4 due to her newfound love of scallops, but I am leaning towards #1, #3, and #5. Ok, I know that #6 is pretty nuts but in the right yard, it could be awesome.

Ooooook that is all she (I mean me) wrote on outdoor accessories today. I hope this brought you one step closer to making that outdoor space of yours even more beautiful and a place where you are happy to escape to (and have your favorite beverage:)).

Love you, mean it.

Here’s a reminder of our other outdoor styling posts for some further inspiration: How To Style Out Your Outdoor Space So You’ll Actually Use It (No Matter How Big Or Small It Is) | 5 Outdoor Ideas & Hacks That’ll Instantly Add Style (& Save You Money) | Two Reveals, One Post: The Portland Outdoor Living Spaces and A Lot of Styling Tips | The Complete EHD Outdoor Furniture Roundup (For Every Budget, For Any Size Space)

Opening Photo Credits: Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: How to Decorate Your Outdoor Space With Target

The post The EHD Budget-Friendly Outdoor Decor Roundup – All The Rugs, Fire Pits and Planters We Love appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on May 14, 2020 01:52

The EHD Budget-Friendly Outdoor Decor Roundup (Because A Of Couple New Pillows Can Change Everything)

Last week we did our annual HUGE outdoor furniture roundup and while I had SO much fun putting it together I was once again shocked by the general price points on the market. But I guess when furniture pieces need to withstand a variety of seasons and still look good year after year, it warrants a higher price tag. The truth can hurt…the wallet.

But before we move on, watch how Em DIY’ed her patio before that famous beautiful tile went in (just wait for the ad to run first):

Ok we’re back! SO because of that, I made it my mission this week to create an affordable accessories roundup post. Because while your outdoor furniture is built to last many many years, you just might want to switch up some throw pillows, add a rug or heck FINALLY get that fire pit you’ve always dreamed of. Doing those things should NOT have to break the bank. Plus accessories are what really bring the personality! I mean can you really call your outdoor space an oasis without some cute string lights? If your answer was also no, then my friends we are about to have a lot of fun diving into this post. Let’s dive straight in with pillows…

Outdoor Pillows

photo by tessa neustadt | from: the finished patio (with the tile!)

Like any sofa or chair (inside or out), pillows are the yin to their yang. Can they exists without each other? I guess. But together they are perfect. The key is to style them like you would your interior sofa or chair:

Choose a color palette (3 – 4 colors is our go-to)Mix the scale of patterns (above Emily used a large/wide-scale striped pillow and a small/skinny striped pillow)Vary texture if using mainly neutrals colorsMix up the sizes and shapes (above Em used a large square, long lumbar and a circle)

See? Easy breezy! Let’s get into our favorites this year:

They are a ton of possible really great combos out of this group. However, I could really see #1, #9 and #11 being a very cool modern option and #7, #10 and #24 being a happy, colorful but still chic look. Since we are on the subject of cushions let’s move onto seat cushions.

Seat Cushions

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: how to style out your outdoor space so you’ll actually use it (no matter how big or small it is)

Now, if your new furniture doesn’t come with seat cushions or your old ones are just too tattered up to handle another summer, then let’s get into some of our favorite, budget-friendly options. BUT don’t forget to protect them from the sun or bugs. This one and this one come highly rated.

#1, #2, and #3 are really calling my name but if you want more color than #15 is on-trend and SO cute.

Outdoor Rugs

photo by sara liggoria-tramp | from: two reveals, one post: the portland outdoor living spaces and a lot of styling tips

Outdoor rugs have probably been our most requested product roundup in the past two weeks and we get it. First, shopping for any rug can be daunting, and second, a rug is basically the go-to to make a large visual impact (both inside and out). A rug helps to create a zone in your backyard and just ultimately makes it feel more inviting. We are clearly big fans since we ALWAYS use outdoor rugs.

So our “outdoor” rug rules are the same as our “indoor” rug rules:

For a lounge area: Your area rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of the sofa and all chairs to rest on top of it.For a dining area: Make sure the rug you pick is big enough to ground the space and allow for the table and chairs to sit comfortably on the majority of the rug. If it’s too small it will catch on the feet every time you try to move the chairs in and out. A good general rug is to keep the 2′ wider and longer than the dining table.

If you want to go modern/graphic I love #3 and #6. If you want something more earthy/neutral I am very into #17 and #24. But I am a sucker for a round rug and you can’t go wrong with #5.

Ok now let’s take a break from those bigger purchases and focus on some smaller, fun decor…

Planters

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: how to style out your outdoor space so you’ll actually use it (no matter how big or small it is)

Having as many plants as possible is usually the goal in any outdoor space (at least it is for me). So with any plant that isn’t growing out of the ground, you are going to need a planter to properly display your other beauties.

Hot Tip

Don't forget to keep your planter colors cohesive and vary the height, widths, and shapes. This will keep your outdoor space looking interesting and collected.

Here are our picks:

I know that some of these don’t seem 100% affordable but there are a bunch of different sizes so the larger ones are unfortunately going to be a bit more expensive. So with that in mind, I am really eying #2, #7, #8 and #14.

Moving along:)

Fire Pits

photo by sara liggoria-tramp | from: 5 outdoor ideas & hacks that’ll instantly add style (& save you money)

I think this is the first time we are rounding up fire pits which is oddly very exciting to me. And honestly, I can’t recommend them enough. There is something just so peaceful about sitting by a fire (and peace is something we could all use a little more these days). Now some of these require either a gas tank or line so keep that in mind when you are browsing:)

Now based purely off of looks I really love #3, #6, #7, and #16. Mmmmm I can feel that cozy heat already.

Let’s keep setting the cozy mood…

String Lights

photo by melissa oholendt | from: a foolproof way to create an outdoor room

If you have an outdoor space and you DON’T have string lights please immediately consider one of these options below. Why? Because string lights are true magic. I don’t know what sorcery they possess but as soon as they turn on at night you are instantly in a better mood. Plus they look super cute. Here are our favorites (plus a few non-string options):

For a modern look, I love #15, and for a more boho vibe how cute are #7?! But if you are looking for a pendant #5 is awesome because guys, it’s SOLAR. My dad has it in his backyard so I can confirm it’s great:)

Lanterns and Candles

photo by sara liggoria-tramp | from: two reveals, one post: the portland outdoor living spaces and a lot of styling tips

Now let’s keep on this topic of light, shall we? Sure! We love to use lanterns and candles to add texture to an outdoor space. Like everything else we think it’s important to vary the sizes of your lanterns and candles (especially if you are going to cluster them together). I think it’s clear that we will add any possible light source to a backyard. Mood lighting helps your mood and Citronella with bugs:) Here are our picks:

I would gladly style with any of these but #5, #8 and #13 are probably my favorites.

But when it’s daytime we need to protect ourselves from the light (aka the sun) so let’s talk about umbrellas…

Umbrellas

photo by melissa oholendt | from: a foolproof way to create an outdoor room

Umbrellas are both super practical but also can add SO MUCH personality to your outdoor space. I mean there is nothing wrong with a classic, solid umbrella (Emily used one in her homes). Buuut adding in either cabana strips, some fringe, or even a full tiki look says, “Hey, we are here to have a sun protected, good time.” What more could you want?

I have a feeling that Emily would be really feeling #4 due to her newfound love of scallops, but I am leaning towards #1, #3, and #5. Ok, I know that #6 is pretty nuts but in the right yard, it could be awesome.

Ooooook that is all she (I mean me) wrote on outdoor accessories today. I hope this brought you one step closer to making that outdoor space of yours even more beautiful and a place where you are happy to escape to (and have your favorite beverage:)).

Love you, mean it.

Here’s a reminder of our other outdoor styling posts for some further inspiration: How To Style Out Your Outdoor Space So You’ll Actually Use It (No Matter How Big Or Small It Is) | 5 Outdoor Ideas & Hacks That’ll Instantly Add Style (& Save You Money) | Two Reveals, One Post: The Portland Outdoor Living Spaces and A Lot of Styling Tips | The Complete EHD Outdoor Furniture Roundup (For Every Budget, For Any Size Space)

Opening Photo Credits: Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: How to Decorate Your Outdoor Space With Target

The post The EHD Budget-Friendly Outdoor Decor Roundup (Because A Of Couple New Pillows Can Change Everything) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on May 14, 2020 01:52

Where To Hang Your Bathroom Towels + Our New Favorite Solution

photo by: tessa neustadt | from: our classic modern bathroom reveal

It is becoming increasingly clear to me that the more time I spend at home, the more I want my bathroom to be an oasis. In my previous life, before working from home and before spending 99.9% of my life indoors, I would neglect my bathroom as if it were my ugly stepchild. But it so happens that a global pandemic changes both big and small things, and one of those small things for me is the urge to contemplate every inch of my apartment.

This week’s obsession is hanging bath towels. Storage is always top of mind for me (because I have so little of it) and that is especially true in my bathroom. Luckily I live with only one other human, so we require a few towels between the two of us. We aren’t hoarding towels over here, don’t worry. But as a fun weekend project, I decided to painstakingly think about towels and towel storage, and the first step of any project begins with looking back at old EHD projects for inspiration.

Fast forward to now. I’ve found my solution, but perhaps you are looking for yours – thus the reason for this post and (hopefully) the reason you are here. These are all the ways EHD hangs towels PLUS a new solution that we are very passionate about. Let’s begin.

Fold Them Over A Towel Bar

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: p ortland reveal: creating the dreamiest of master bathrooms

This seems to be the preferred and most classic towel hanging option. I know a lot of people are extremely passionate about hanging towels over a bar as it dries quicker this way. I get it. A damp towel is very depressing, but another pro of this hanging option is it allows you to mix and match colors or patterns. EHD famously loves a crisp white towel combo, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mix up your hand and bath towels to add some color or pattern.

photo by: tessa neustadt | from: our classic modern bathroom reveal

If you are team towel bar ’til you die but you’re looking for a way to refresh your bathroom, consider replacing your old one with a new one, perhaps in a different color or style. Replacing outdated hardware is our favorite and most low lift hack so if you are in the market, here are some of our favorites:

Hot Tip

The EHD preferred styling technique is to fold both the bath and hand towels into thirds and layer them so the seams are invisible.

If folding a towel before hanging it up sounds like a LOT of work I hear you and I tend to agree, so let’s move on to some easier options.

The Towel Rack (Bring This Hotel Go-To Into Your Bathroom)

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: silver lake hills master bath reveal

We don’t use this one a lot but man is it a smart and classic way to handle your towels. We really thought it was the perfect piece for the Silver Lake Hills’ master bathroom. The pro towel bar people get what they want, it’s a small space dream, AND you have built-in storage. If you are into it here are a few of our favorites…

1.Hotel Spa Towel Rack | 2. Mercer Train Rack | 3. Latitude II Minimalist Spa Mounting Towel Rack

Now for my personal favorite and newfound solution:

Hang Them On A Hook (And Take Up Less Wall Space)

photo by sara ligprria-tramp | from: portland reveal: creating the dreamiest of master bathrooms

I love the ease of the towel hook. To be honest, if there is any chance I can avoid folding something, I take it. I know those in humid climates despise the hook strategy because the towel takes more time to dry this way but I see two solutions for this. If you have the space, install both a bar and a hook! Emily has done this in quite a few bathrooms (like the Portland master bathroom you see above) and it really is the best of both worlds. The second option (what I personally do) is to hang your towel over the shower curtain rod so it is spread out, and then once it drys transfer it to the hook.

The towel hook is also a preferred option if you don’t have a lot of wall space and want to free up some space for art. For example…

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: mountain house reveal: our soft yet sultry guest bed + bath

Here in the mountain house guest bathroom, Emily installed a hook on a cabinet, so no wall space was sacrificed. Instead, there is ample room to hang art or any other wall decor. Also, cute storage cabinets are great ways to store extra towels.

photos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: emily bowser’s 32 sq ft bathroom is packed with small space hacks

Like I said, hooks are a really great option for smaller bathrooms because they do not take up precious wall space and are extremely convenient to install. All you need is a screw and screwdriver. If you do go this route, might I suggest taking notes from Emily Bowser’s bathroom (above) where she installed hooks directly next to the shower and sink, so a clean towel is always within arm’s reach. I stole this idea for my tiny bathroom and it is one of the better decisions I have made this year. There’s so much less water on my bathroom floor, where before it seemed like a puddle was present at any given time. In honor of safety first, I very am happy with this solution but it is worth noting that I also love the look of the hanging towel. It is effortless yet chic and a great way to display more stylish towels like this or this.

Store Them In A Cute Large Basket

design and photo by patti wagner’ | via domino

This one is a great storage solution for small bathrooms, especially ones lacking a ton of wall space. You can either roll your towels and store them vertically, or fold them and stack on top of one another. Obviously, you’d also want a hook or towel rack to hang towels to dry, but a basket is a good option for a guest bathroom or a bathroom that multiple family members share (because there’s nothing worse than realizing a clean towel is nowhere to be found).

Now for the EHD favorite…

Drape Them Over A Ladder

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: refreshing your bathroom with target’s project62 line

Yep, ladders aren’t just for climbing and hanging blankets. We LOVE them in a bathroom as shown above and below. They are like the really cool, younger cousin of the towel bar. They instantly modernize a room and create vertical storage options which is always a win. Plus, if you have a smaller bathroom, they are not as visually bulky as a storage cabinet would be, thus opening up the space.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the final mountain house reveal (for now): all the details of my master bedroom

As you can see here in everyone’s favorite bathroom, the ladder doubles as decor and storage. That’s form AND function, my friends. The ladder draws the eye up and fills up empty wall space plus holds towels for post-bath coziness. The one you see there is from Katy Skelton and is unfortunately sold out, but here are some others we love:

Now you have your towel hanging solution, why not get some new towels that aren’t just classic white?? You and your bathroom deserve it. (And if you prefer a bath sheet over a bath towel as Emily does, check out #8 and #9).

So now I want to know, what is your preferred towel hanging strategy? And does anyone have a towel warmer and if so, is it worth it??? All of us at EHD are very curious so let’s chat. xx

Opener Image Credit: Photo by Tessa Neustadt |From: Our Classics Modern Bathroom Reveal

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Published on May 13, 2020 11:10

Kids Room Update: Do We Lean In or Pull Back? You Want BOTH. We Try 12 Different Colors Of Scallops On The Wall…

A direct quote from my mother in law, as if she would explode should keep her opinion from me for one more second, “I’m really sorry, but I have to tell you, I HATE the scallops”. I had no idea what she was talking about at first, the comment seemingly out of nowhere, then I laughed because A. I don’t take anything design-wise personally and B. I’m not even convinced of the scallops myself because I haven’t even been in that room since the canopy was installed. So I figured why not spend hours tweaking it to prove to her, you and myself that scallops are what we should be doing in this bedroom.? What a fun use of Julie’s time, no?? (I love you Julie and appreciate every set of university taught skills you have).

Listen, Suz (MIL) isn’t the only one full of doubt on this project, based on the comments in the controversial update post. I thought it would be fun to share some of the more critical comments, expressing an unbridled distaste for this room design.

“It feels dated and mismatched, and the canopy, oh the horror.” – Holly

“I guess my reaction is happy b/c I burst out laughing. I think I would LOVE to stay in that room on occasion, but I might twitch after a week. I love everything individually, but together I think I am experiencing some drug widely used in CA in the 60s-80s. ” – Christina

“Hmmm. I have never not LOVED anything you’ve done. But…this is incredibly perplexing to me and seems completely overthought for a kid’s room and oddly out of character for you. I’m actually shocked at what a visceral reaction I’m having. Almost nothing about this looks fun or whimsical or styled by the genius you are. It honestly feels kind of sad and dreary, I’m so confused.” – Kelly

“It feels very “prison bars” – Anonymous

“I adore you, love your family, colleagues, designs but…I want to whisper this to you as I would a friend who is wearing an unflattering dress…this is awful. I would start over. So sorry.” – Jill (this has made me seriously LOL every single time I’ve read it)

If you are cringing for me as you read them know that I, too, am a player in this game, having fun, and most of these made me laugh a lot – NONE of them offended me. I PROMISE. I asked for it, literally. There is no way I could be a blogger if I got offended by criticisms about my designs (now personal attacks are a different thing). Maybe I made some mistakes, or maybe it’s just not there yet – I can’t really tell having not been in the room. But no one will die, and the creative process is FUN and messy and full of mistakes. Listen as a designer you should never design the same room twice, so no matter WHAT, every single room is a first-time experiment. It’s my style laboratory and sometimes we have to clean up an explosion.

I also was/am ready to do something VERY risky. The mountain house was relatively easy to decorate and style. It’s not that I didn’t take risks, but it is neutral, minimal, and modern – and that is easier than mixing pattern, color, vintage, and whimsy. So I was just ready for a challenge and to “play” again, knowing that of course there is a chance I can “lose”.

I think that we have forgotten what “process” posts are because the blog world has changed so much that we only show the “messy dark befores” and “beautiful bright pinterest-worthy afters”. So admittedly even to me it’s weird and kinda anti-climactic to see a project, midway, where things aren’t working without great photography and bad lighting. I wish I could defend it even more but my reaction wasn’t positive either and I haven’t been in the room so I don’t know what my defense would be – I haven’t met “the criminal” in-person to get its testimony so I can’t even say “its great! we are innocent!” This room might be a fail right now that has to start over a bit. I DON’T KNOW.

But not all of the comments were bad, although most had an “I’m worried” vibe.

“My initial thought: SHE’S BACK! This has resonated with me more than anything in a while. It does feel very “Old Emily,” which I hate saying because YAY growth!! But this is weird and exciting and risky and thought-provoking and some people are going to HATE it, and that is Emily Henderson to me.” -Jade

“Thanks for sharing the process! This is the fun part I think and we often miss out and just see a finished shot with no back story.” – Kel

Okay, so I have a lot to love here, and it’s really not just about the design of the room. 1. I’ve been playing with the same design style in my house for the last year or so, so I LOVE seeing your take on it. 2. I love seeing you not get it totally right. Because, as you said, it’s a kind of off right now. But I know it will be so good! – Kelly

Thanks, guys.

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Published on May 13, 2020 01:00

How To Actually Make A Gallery Wall: Our No-Fail Formula We Use Every Time (+ our favorite original art resources)

from: a budget friendly living and dining room

Gallery walls, like hardwood floors or marble accents, are timeless and will never go out of style. But pulling a gallery wall of your own together might feel a little daunting at first. Art can be expensive, and curating personal items/photos can take a decent amount of time. But here at EHD we’ve got the gallery wall formula pretty dialed in. We pull them together for projects all the time, and several of us have them in our own homes. So how do we pull together a gallery wall?

photo by geneieve garruppo | from: a 100 year old barn makeover

Guess what? I just wrote a post all about it, AND IT’S THIS POST. So, keep reading. I’m going to walk you through all the elements of a successful gallery wall, PLUS sprinkle in a few round-ups to help you on your way.

For those of your who want to skip the novel and dive straight into the recipe, here you go. This is our fool proof, step by step, gallery wall formula:

But now, if you want to sit back, drink your coffee, and chat a little more in depth about the gallery wall process, come with me . . . .

FIRST, DON’T GET ALL HOLE-Y – LAY OUT YOUR GALLERY WALL BEFORE YOU HANG IT

from: jess’ small space makeover takeover

Before we jump into the “whats” of a gallery wall, let me just give you a really quick “how” – How not to smash a bunch of holes in your wall.

Measure out the amount of space you want your gallery wall to filltape off a box that size on your floor (or, if you have access to it, a few strips of that wide kid’s art paper that comes in the rolls, taped together)Lay out all your pieces within that area. Then you can play around with all the art placement for as long as you like, moving things around with no fear of wall damage. And you can make sure your art all looks good together. Emily has a great IGTV showing you how she does it.

“Hot

Try and keep the space between all your pieces around 3 inches apart. That way things don't get crowded.

CREATE A COHESIVE COLOR PALETTE FOR A PULLED TOGETHER LOOK

from: a modern and organic dining room makeover

This isn’t a hard and fast rule, and if you prefer to just keep things personal and fun don’t worry about it. But if you’d like it to look a little more curated then sticking to a color palette can help. Try and keep your pieces feeling similar in tone and intensity. For example, in that vintage painting gallery wall above the colors were neutrals, blues, and hits of gold.

from: how to make your smallest room, the coziest room in your house

Once you’ve got your “floor layout” locked down, snap a phone photo for reference and start transferring pieces up to your wall. You can do this by measuring if you’re dedicated, or you can just wing it like an impatient person *cough me cough*. And if you’re able to score that giant paper template, you can just tape that up directly on the wall, pencil in where the nails go, and nail directly into the paper. It’ll easily tear apart around the nails once you have them all in!

Ok, now here are the nitty-gritty details on how to make your gallery wall look professionally put together . . . .

GO BIG – START WITH SOMETHING LARGE AND IN CHARGE TO ANCHOR THE WHOLE COLLECTION

photo: tessa neustadt | from: sara’s home office reveal

Start by placing your biggest pieces first, and build around them. I usually like to place my biggest piece in one of the four outer corners of a gallery wall if it’s a smaller collection, or just off center, but towards the middle, if it’s a larger collection. This will be your jumping point for placing all your other pieces. Why off center? So your eye travels around the gallery wall, rather than slamming straight to the middle of it.

IF YOUR BIGGEST PIECE IS #1, THEN YOUR NEXT BIGGEST PIECE IS #2

from: emily’s master bedroom update

Try placing your second biggest piece diagonally from your biggest piece – whether that’s right next door or on the opposite side of the wall. Now you just need to fill in a little bit of empty space between and around them. YOU’RE PRACTICALLY DONE.

MIX YOUR HORIZONTALS & VERTICALS (AND GIVE PAIRS A TRY)

photo: zeke ruelas | from: oh joy’s studio – the living room

To keep your gallery wall feeling interesting you’re going to want to have a good mix of vertical and horizontal pieces. If your largest pieces are horizontal, try placing a smaller vertical piece next to it (centered or bottom aligned), and vice versa. This is a good way to start moving inwards from your larger pieces.

from: a budget friendly living and dining room

Creating grids within your gallery wall by putting a mini collection of 2, 3, or 4 pieces together is like gallery wall inception. It’s also pretty cool, and can look very pulled together.

WHILE WE’RE AT IT, DON’T FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO STICK TO ONE TYPE OF FRAME – MIX IT UP

photo: zeke ruelas | from: a moody mid-century office

The larger the space, and the more pieces you have, the more frame styles you can mix in. If you’re worried about your gallery wall getting too chaotic or eclectic then I suggest starting with three frame styles and seeing how you feel. You could go with a nice clean option – white frames, black frames, and a wood option. Or start with two modern frames (like a simple black or white and a simple dark or light wood), and then bring in one more ornate frame style. Maybe a pop of gold, for example.

DON’T BE SUCH A SQUARE – NOT EVERYTHING HAS TO BE FRAMED (OR SQUARE)

photo: tessa neustadt | from: sara’s home office reveal

Sometimes mixing in a photo strip on a clip, a board painting, a flag or textile, or something sculptural like a ceramic piece can shake up a gallery wall. Don’t feel like you have to put everything in a frame. And a round piece, like an oval canvas, or an embroidery still in its hoop, can give your eye a visual break from the grid like pattern a gallery wall can easily turn into.

WHEN IN DOUBT, FLOAT MOUNT

from: a budget friendly living and dining room

Anything can look instantly elevated if it’s float mounted – a polaroid, a ticket stub, a stamp, a key. Just about anything. And luckily float mounting is easier than every before. You can either send in your piece/item to a framing service (like Framebridge) OR order a few shadowbox frames from Ikea, and float mount the item yourself using a few foam adhesive stickers from the scrapbook aisle and some matte board or card stock.

ADD SOMETHING PERSONAL – ANYTHING CAN BE ART

from: how we designed our super kid friendly family room

Art can be expensive, so digital prints are totally fair game and offer a great, affordable way to bring in art while also supporting independent artists. But only having digitally printed art can make your gallery wall feel a bit more “straight out of a catalogue” than you might like. So be sure to include a few personal items! A drawing from a friend, or an old photo of your grandma from when she was your age. BTW a Polaroid printer is a great way to get a personal photo off your phone and onto your wall in a cute way.

from: sara gives her momma’s living room a makeover

And remember, anything can be art! A cocktail napkin from a first date, an ultrasound, even your vows (Emily and Brian framed their vows and it’s super cute). Anything.

Lastly, have fun with it. Putting up a gallery wall can feel daunting, but once it’s up it’s incredibly satisfying.

from: julie’s bedroom makeover takeover reveal

And now, if you’re more of an auditory learner, let’s send it to Emily and Orlando for a quick final overview:

OK, that’s it for this post. But in case you want more gallery wall inspo, check out all of these resources:

RESOURCES:

How to Hang Art Correctly | Affordable Large Scale Art & How To Get It In Your Home | Top 5 Most Affordable Online Art Resources | The Guide to a Well Hung Gallery Wall | The 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Try to Hang That Gallery Wall | Best Online Art Resources | Design Mistakes: Generic Art | 15 Ideas for Hanging Art We Got From You Guys | Stylist Hack: 7 Unexpected Places I Like To Hang Art (To Make Your House Look Unique) | Is This The New Gallery Wall (AKA Gallery Wall 2.0)? | Think Outside the Frame: Wall Hangings Are the Cure for Your Boring Walls | How We Shoot, Edit and Hang Family Photos With Framebridge | How To Choose, Frame And Hang An Art Collection

INSPO:

Opening Photo Credit: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: A Budget-Friendly Living and Dining Room

The post How To Actually Make A Gallery Wall: Our No-Fail Formula We Use Every Time (+ our favorite original art resources) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on May 12, 2020 01:00

How To Actually Make A Gallery Wall: Our No-Fail Formula We Use Every Time

from: a budget friendly living and dining room

Gallery walls, like hardwood floors or marble accents, are timeless and will never go out of style. But pulling a gallery wall of your own together might feel a little daunting at first. Art can be expensive, and curating personal items/photos can take a decent amount of time. But here at EHD we’ve got the gallery wall formula pretty dialed in. We pull them together for projects all the time, and several of us have them in our own homes. So how do we pull together a gallery wall?

photo by geneieve garruppo | from: a 100 year old barn makeover

Guess what? I just wrote a post all about it, AND IT’S THIS POST. So, keep reading. I’m going to walk you through all the elements of a successful gallery wall, PLUS sprinkle in a few round-ups to help you on your way.

For those of your who want to skip the novel and dive straight into the recipe, here you go. This is our fool proof, step by step, gallery wall formula:

Now, if you want to sit back, drink your coffee, and chat a little more in depth about the gallery wall process, come with me . . . .

FIRST, DON’T GET ALL HOLE-Y – LAY OUT YOUR GALLERY WALL BEFORE YOU HANG IT

from: jess’ small space makeover takeover

Before we jump into the “whats” of a gallery wall, let me just give you a really quick “how” – How not to smash a bunch of holes in your wall.

Measure out the amount of space you want your gallery wall to filltape off a box that size on your floor (or, if you have access to it, a few strips of that wide kid’s art paper that comes in the rolls, taped together)Lay out all your pieces within that area. Then you can play around with all the art placement for as long as you like, moving things around with no fear of wall damage. And you can make sure your art all looks good together. Emily has a great IGTV showing you how she does it.

“Hot

Try and keep the space between all your pieces around 3 inches apart. That way things don't get crowded.

CREATE A COHESIVE COLOR PALETTE FOR A PULLED TOGETHER LOOK

from: a modern and organic dining room makeover

This isn’t a hard and fast rule, and if you prefer to just keep things personal and fun don’t worry about it. But if you’d like it to look a little more curated then sticking to a color palette can help. Try and keep your pieces feeling similar in tone and intensity. For example, in that vintage painting gallery wall above the colors were neutrals, blues, and hits of gold.

from: how to make your smallest room, the coziest room in your house

Once you’ve got your “floor layout” locked down, snap a phone photo for reference and start transferring pieces up to your wall. You can do this by measuring if you’re dedicated, or you can just wing it like an impatient person *cough me cough*. And if you’re able to score that giant paper template, you can just tape that up directly on the wall, pencil in where the nails go, and nail directly into the paper. It’ll easily tear apart around the nails once you have them all in!

Ok, now here are the nitty-gritty details on how to make your gallery wall look professionally put together . . . .

GO BIG – START WITH SOMETHING LARGE AND IN CHARGE TO ANCHOR THE WHOLE COLLECTION

photo: tessa neustadt | from: sara’s home office reveal

Start by placing your biggest pieces first, and build around them. I usually like to place my biggest piece in one of the four outer corners of a gallery wall if it’s a smaller collection, or just off center, but towards the middle, if it’s a larger collection. This will be your jumping point for placing all your other pieces. Why off center? So your eye travels around the gallery wall, rather than slamming straight to the middle of it.

IF YOUR BIGGEST PIECE IS #1, THEN YOUR NEXT BIGGEST PIECE IS #2

from: emily’s master bedroom update

Try placing your second biggest piece diagonally from your biggest piece – whether that’s right next door or on the opposite side of the wall. Now you just need to fill in a little bit of empty space between and around them. YOU’RE PRACTICALLY DONE.

MIX YOUR HORIZONTALS & VERTICALS (AND GIVE PAIRS A TRY)

photo: zeke ruelas | from: oh joy’s studio – the living room

To keep your gallery wall feeling interesting you’re going to want to have a good mix of vertical and horizontal pieces. If your largest pieces are horizontal, try placing a smaller vertical piece next to it (centered or bottom aligned), and vice versa. This is a good way to start moving inwards from your larger pieces.

from: a budget friendly living and dining room

Creating grids within your gallery wall by putting a mini collection of 2, 3, or 4 pieces together is like gallery wall inception. It’s also pretty cool, and can look very pulled together.

WHILE WE’RE AT IT, DON’T FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO STICK TO ONE TYPE OF FRAME – MIX IT UP

photo: zeke ruelas | from: a moody mid-century office

The larger the space, and the more pieces you have, the more frame styles you can mix in. If you’re worried about your gallery wall getting too chaotic or eclectic then I suggest starting with three frame styles and seeing how you feel. You could go with a nice clean option – white frames, black frames, and a wood option. Or start with two modern frames (like a simple black or white and a simple dark or light wood), and then bring in one more ornate frame style. Maybe a pop of gold, for example.

DON’T BE SUCH A SQUARE – NOT EVERYTHING HAS TO BE FRAMED (OR SQUARE)

photo: tessa neustadt | from: sara’s home office reveal

Sometimes mixing in a photo strip on a clip, a board painting, a flag or textile, or something sculptural like a ceramic piece can shake up a gallery wall. Don’t feel like you have to put everything in a frame. And a round piece, like an oval canvas, or an embroidery still in its hoop, can give your eye a visual break from the grid like pattern a gallery wall can easily turn into.

WHEN IN DOUBT, FLOAT MOUNT

from: a budget friendly living and dining room

Anything can look instantly elevated if it’s float mounted – a polaroid, a ticket stub, a stamp, a key. Just about anything. And luckily float mounting is easier than every before. You can either send in your piece/item to a framing service (like Framebridge) OR order a few shadowbox frames from Ikea, and float mount the item yourself using a few foam adhesive stickers from the scrapbook aisle and some matte board or card stock.

ADD SOMETHING PERSONAL – ANYTHING CAN BE ART

from: how we designed our super kid friendly family room

Art can be expensive, so digital prints are totally fair game and offer a great, affordable way to bring in art while also supporting independent artists. But only having digitally printed art can make your gallery wall feel a bit more “straight out of a catalogue” than you might like. So be sure to include a few personal items! A drawing from a friend, or an old photo of your grandma from when she was your age. BTW a Polaroid printer is a great way to get a personal photo off your phone and onto your wall in a cute way.

from: sara gives her momma’s living room a makeover

And remember, anything can be art! A cocktail napkin from a first date, an ultrasound, even your vows (Emily and Brian framed their vows and it’s super cute). Anything.

Lastly, have fun with it. Putting up a gallery wall can feel daunting, but once it’s up it’s incredibly satisfying.

from: julie’s bedroom makeover takeover reveal

OK, that’s it for this post. But in case you want more gallery wall inspo, check out all of these resources:

RESOURCES:

How to Hang Art Correctly | Affordable Large Scale Art & How To Get It In Your Home | Top 5 Most Affordable Online Art Resources | The Guide to a Well Hung Gallery Wall | The 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Try to Hang That Gallery Wall | Best Online Art Resources | Design Mistakes: Generic Art | 15 Ideas for Hanging Art We Got From You Guys | Stylist Hack: 7 Unexpected Places I Like To Hang Art (To Make Your House Look Unique) | Is This The New Gallery Wall (AKA Gallery Wall 2.0)? | Think Outside the Frame: Wall Hangings Are the Cure for Your Boring Walls | How We Shoot, Edit and Hang Family Photos With Framebridge | How To Choose, Frame And Hang An Art Collection

INSPO:

Opening Photo Credit: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: A Budget-Friendly Living and Dining Room

The post How To Actually Make A Gallery Wall: Our No-Fail Formula We Use Every Time appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on May 12, 2020 01:00

Not Ugly Fans & AC Units To Buy Now So You Don’t Melt Later

When I first moved into my apartment, I thought I had gotten a total bargain. 1100 square feet? A bedroom and a dining room? A private garage? A prime location? BOXES CHECKED.

I thought the place was probably haunted, or infested with bugs, or super loud, or maybe it just had terrible neighbors — and it turns out that honestly, any of those would be preferable because the reality is this: RENT IS VERY CHEAP WHEN YOU LIVE ON THE SURFACE OF THE SUN.

It’s officially summer in LA and my apartment is currently oscillating between a downright chilly 80 degrees (around 4 AM, the coldest time of day) and a balmy 91 degrees, which, as it turns out, is super not fun when you’re kinda legally obligated to be home ALL THE TIME.

I know that it’s starting to heat up slowly in the rest of the country but guys, PLEASE learn from my mistake: the time to install your summer fans or AC units is NOW and not when it’s already sweltering outside. You know what’s not fun? Carrying a 60-pound box upstairs into an apartment that is somehow hotter than the outdoors and then trying to figure out how to install your first-ever window unit while you’re crying and sweaty. AVOID THIS AT ALL COSTS.

THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT TO AVOID. VERY SAD, IN A HOT APARTMENT, WITH A DATED FAN. (Check out that moulding though!!! Can you tell why I signed a lease same day?)

And plus, shipping can be dicey right now, so if you think you’re going to be home and it’s going to get hot, this is something that you really should consider now rather than later.

ANYWAY, I’ve been researching for the last couple weeks and I wanted to share some of the not ugly ceiling fans, portable fans, portable A/C units, and window A/C units that I’ve come across. Every single one that I linked up is also highly rated performance-wise (because you know, not melting is in my own self-interest) and I promise that this is as aesthetically appealing as it’s going to get. I also don’t want to brag but I did find THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WINDOW UNIT (I know, that doesn’t seem possible) so STICK AROUND.

Okay. We’re getting started with ceiling fans because I’ve shown you my hideous monstrosity and maybe you can help me make a decision…

Ceiling Fans

The name of the game here is pretty simple: most of the time, you just want this to blend in with your ceiling. There are a few use cases for a more statement fan, though, and you can see one in action in this old-world Spanish bedroom reveal.

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Published on May 11, 2020 11:00

How To Grow Your Own Vegetables In a Small Space or Apartment

photo by veronica crawford | from: velinda’s under-$20,000 diy kitchen (& laundry room) gut reno

Have all our collective thumbs officially turned green?? Something must be changing in the universe if I, Ms. Has-killed-every-plant-she’s-ever-owned-including-succulents, is suddenly taking on the task of vegetable gardening. Maybe it’s my reluctance to go to the grocery store that has sparked my gardening confidence that has absolutely no ground to stand on. Nevertheless, it’s happening and I have heard it’s a popular hobby the general population is also starting to pick up. If that sounds like you, welcome! And if you are already an expert, please stick around and comment below on how I can be more like you.

You might be thinking, gardening is a nice idea but I live in an apartment with no outdoor space so thanks for rubbing it in. Well, the title may have clued you in that I would never leave you high and dry because there are absolutely ways you can become the vegetable parent you’ve always dreamed of being without an outdoor space. Let’s begin with the basics for those sans an outdoor space.

For The Indoor Only Gardeners

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: my kitchen design a year later: lots to love & some regrets

Growing vegetables is easier than you think, even if it must be done indoors. If you remember from this post, Julie informed us that you can actually regrow green onions by taking the leftover ends (at least 2-3″) and putting them in a cup of water to leave in the sunshine for about a week. Once they start to regrow you can even replant them. Guys, the vegetables are basically doing all the work for us we just need to provide them with the proper resources. Is this what parenting is like??

I have already admitted I am not a gardening expert, so the only assistance that I can really offer is limited to cheering you on and hopefully inspiring you to try. Then I remembered Emily mentioned Gardener’s Supply Co. in her gardening post, so I started my gardening research there to find some beginner gardening tips.

This site has such a well of information on all types of gardening and it is quickly becoming my most visited website. I am serious, and no this is not a sponsored post, they are just an extremely helpful resource for beginners like me.

Here’s what I learned for beginner indoor gardening:

If possible, your potting soil should be tailored to the particular type of plant you are growing. Cactus, succulents, and rosemary, for example, prefer a coarse, well-drained soil that is about one-third sand. Seedlings should be grown in a light, moisture-retentive, soilless mix.It can help to add organic components to your indoor growing mix. This might include leaf mold, finished compost, composted peat, or rich garden soil. Plants need humidity, and most plants are happiest when the humidity as at about 50 percent. Misting your plants helps, but only for an hour or so. A better solution is to use a cool vapor humidifier (which you will benefit from as well).Overwatering is the most common cause of death for plants. The best way to avoid overwatering is to not water your plants on a schedule. Instead, get into the habit of checking the soil to gauge whether it needs to be watered or not.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve already learned so much (including why I’ve killed so many plants in my life). Now, I know most renters don’t have ample space for even an indoor garden, but if you have a window that gets enough sunlight, you are going to be growing herbs and tomatoes before you know it. These small planters can get you started:

I love the idea of a self-watering planter, and #1 is a great option if you don’t have a lot of space. #2 is a “smart garden” that has capabilities such as automatic watering, grow lights, and nutrient and oxygen monitoring. Are you picturing all the fresh chopped salads that are in your future?? Same. Now, if you have very little direct sunlight in your home don’t give up yet…

For The “I Have No Natural Light” Gardeners

Plants need light, and sometimes our living quarters don’t provide enough natural sunlight which is very sad. The good news is technology exists and very smart people have invented solutions. LED grow light planters are the future of indoor gardening because they can control how much light your plant will get based on it’s growing needs.

Here is what Gardener’s Supply Co. says for using LED grow lights to grow you veggies:

Long-day plants require 14 to 18 hours of light each day. Most seedlings for vegetables and garden flowers are long-day plants. When they don’t receive enough light they get pale and leggy.

You can also use fluorescent lights, which are more affordable, depending on what plants you are trying to grow. Here is a great chart to help you decide what you are lighting needs might be.

Hot Tip

Most vegetable plants, require a much higher light intensity to flower and produce fruit.

#3 does not have an LED grow light, but it is a self-watering, self-fertilizing hydroponic Farmstand that makes growing your own vegetables stupidly easy. If you have a small balcony that just doesn’t get enough light, I think #2 or #4 would be perfect solutions.

For The Small Outdoor Space Gardeners

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: how to style your outdoor space so you’ll actually use it

Now I do have an outdoor space and it’s high time I start treating my backyard like the luscious green garden it could potentially be. One of my goals this year was to eat more plants, and what better way than to have said plants steps away, ripe for the picking. My options for planters is limited to elevated ones or vertical stands because a bed like this would give my dog the idea that he was awarded a new place to relieve himself. No thank you.

Here are some that I am considering:

#1 is a really great option if you have a small patio or balcony that gets a lot of natural sunlight. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and it is slanted so all the plants get the right amount of sunlight. If you only have a balcony, #2 would be the perfect way to grow some tomatoes without taking up any potential lounging area space. I personally am leaning towards #11, because it is the right size for my space and it comes with a cover to keep pests away. Oh, and did you check out #9?? That is a potato grow bag, and it blew my mind. If you watch the video you can see how EASY it is to harvest potatoes. I am very into it as you can probably tell.

Before I go, I want to mention that if you have a front yard but no backyard consider starting your garden there. There are no rules! In fact, Gardener’s Supply Co. has entire plans mapped out for you you can create a front yard garden. And okay last thing, since I’ve started this new hobby, I’ve realized I desperately need gardening gloves so I bought these. I truly cannot wait for them to arrive, along with this hat to keep the sun off my face and neck.

Alright, that is all from me for now. I hope you are feeling confident in getting your hands dirty and potting some veggies. And please please give me all your advice in the comments. Happy harvesting! xx

Opener Image Credit: Photo by Veronica Crawford | From: Velinda’s Under-$20,000 DIY Kitchen (& Laundry Room) Gut Reno

The post How To Grow Your Own Vegetables In a Small Space or Apartment appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on May 11, 2020 01:00

Here’s How You Can Start A Vegetable Garden INSIDE Of Your Home

photo by veronica crawford | from: velinda’s under-$20,000 diy kitchen (& laundry room) gut reno

Have all our collective thumbs officially turned green?? Something must be changing in the universe if I, Ms. Has-killed-every-plant-she’s-ever-owned-including-succulents, is suddenly taking on the task of vegetable gardening. Maybe it’s my reluctance to go to the grocery store that has sparked my gardening confidence that has absolutely no ground to stand on. Nevertheless, it’s happening and I have heard it’s a popular hobby the general population is also starting to pick up. If that sounds like you, welcome! And if you are already an expert, please stick around and comment below on how I can be more like you.

You might be thinking, gardening is a nice idea but I live in an apartment with no outdoor space so thanks for rubbing it in. Well, the title may have clued you in that I would never leave you high and dry because there are absolutely ways you can become the vegetable parent you’ve always dreamed of being without an outdoor space. Let’s begin with the basics for those sans an outdoor space.

For The Indoor Only Gardeners

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: my kitchen design a year later: lots to love & some regrets

Growing vegetables is easier than you think, even if it must be done indoors. If you remember from this post, Julie informed us that you can actually regrow green onions by taking the leftover ends (at least 2-3″) and putting them in a cup of water to leave in the sunshine for about a week. Once they start to regrow you can even replant them. Guys, the vegetables are basically doing all the work for us we just need to provide them with the proper resources. Is this what parenting is like??

I have already admitted I am not a gardening expert, so the only assistance that I can really offer is limited to cheering you on and hopefully inspiring you to try. Then I remembered Emily mentioned Gardener’s Supply Co. in her gardening post, so I started my gardening research there to find some beginner gardening tips.

This site has such a well of information on all types of gardening and it is quickly becoming my most visited website. I am serious, and no this is not a sponsored post, they are just an extremely helpful resource for beginners like me.

Here’s what I learned for beginner indoor gardening:

If possible, your potting soil should be tailored to the particular type of plant you are growing. Cactus, succulents, and rosemary, for example, prefer a coarse, well-drained soil that is about one-third sand. Seedlings should be grown in a light, moisture-retentive, soilless mix.It can help to add organic components to your indoor growing mix. This might include leaf mold, finished compost, composted peat, or rich garden soil. Plants need humidity, and most plants are happiest when the humidity as at about 50 percent. Misting your plants helps, but only for an hour or so. A better solution is to use a cool vapor humidifier (which you will benefit from as well).Overwatering is the most common cause of death for plants. The best way to avoid overwatering is to not water your plants on a schedule. Instead, get into the habit of checking the soil to gauge whether it needs to be watered or not.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve already learned so much (including why I’ve killed so many plants in my life). Now, I know most renters don’t have ample space for even an indoor garden, but if you have a window that gets enough sunlight, you are going to be growing herbs and tomatoes before you know it. These small planters can get you started:

I love the idea of a self-watering planter, and #1 is a great option if you don’t have a lot of space. #2 is a “smart garden” that has capabilities such as automatic watering, grow lights, and nutrient and oxygen monitoring. Are you picturing all the fresh chopped salads that are in your future?? Same. Now, if you have very little direct sunlight in your home don’t give up yet…

For The “I Have No Natural Light” Gardeners

Plants need light, and sometimes our living quarters don’t provide enough natural sunlight which is very sad. The good news is technology exists and very smart people have invented solutions. LED grow light planters are the future of indoor gardening because they can control how much light your plant will get based on it’s growing needs.

Here is what Gardener’s Supply Co. says for using LED grow lights to grow you veggies:

Long-day plants require 14 to 18 hours of light each day. Most seedlings for vegetables and garden flowers are long-day plants. When they don’t receive enough light they get pale and leggy.

You can also use fluorescent lights, which are more affordable, depending on what plants you are trying to grow. Here is a great chart to help you decide what you are lighting needs might be.

Hot Tip

“Most

#3 does not have an LED grow light, but it is a self-watering, self-fertilizing hydroponic Farmstand that makes growing your own vegetables stupidly easy. If you have a small balcony that just doesn’t get enough light, I think #2 or #4 would be perfect solutions.

For The Small Outdoor Space Gardeners

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: how to style your outdoor space so you’ll actually use it

Now I do have an outdoor space and it’s high time I start treating my backyard like the luscious green garden it could potentially be. One of my goals this year was to eat more plants, and what better way than to have said plants steps away, ripe for the picking. My options for planters is limited to elevated ones or vertical stands because a bed like this would give my dog the idea that he was awarded a new place to relieve himself. No thank you.

Here are some that I am considering:

#1 is a really great option if you have a small patio or balcony that gets a lot of natural sunlight. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and it is slanted so all the plants get the right amount of sunlight. If you only have a balcony, #2 would be the perfect way to grow some tomatoes without taking up any potential lounging area space. I personally am leaning towards #11, because it is the right size for my space and it comes with a cover to keep pests away. Oh, and did you check out #9?? That is a potato grow bag, and it blew my mind. If you watch the video you can see how EASY it is to harvest potatoes. I am very into it as you can probably tell.

Before I go, I want to mention that if you have a front yard but no backyard consider starting your garden there. There are no rules! In fact, Gardener’s Supply Co. has entire plans mapped out for you you can create a front yard garden. And okay last thing, since I’ve started this new hobby, I’ve realized I desperately need gardening gloves so I bought these. I truly cannot wait for them to arrive, along with this hat to keep the sun off my face and neck.

Alright, that is all from me for now. I hope you are feeling confident in getting your hands dirty and potting some veggies. And please please give me all your advice in the comments. Happy harvesting! xx

Opener Image Credit: Photo by Veronica Crawford | From: Velinda’s Under-$20,000 DIY Kitchen (& Laundry Room) Gut Reno

The post Here’s How You Can Start A Vegetable Garden INSIDE Of Your Home appeared first on Emily Henderson.

View more on Emily Henderson's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on May 11, 2020 01:00