Emily Henderson's Blog, page 225

The Link Up: A GREAT Soup Recipe Emily Wants To Try, Jess’ Secret To Sun-Kissed Looking Skin, & Ryann’s Favorite Pen

design by: mcmanus lew | photo by: amelia stanwix | via: design files

Picture this: It’s Sunday. You are holding a cup of freshly brewed hot coffee and you just settled into your favorite reading spot. The morning air is cool and refreshing so you open a window to let a quiet breeze linger in. This is your long-awaited ME time and you feel very at peace. This sounds like an idyllic way to read this week’s link up, right?? Well, even if this is not your current situation, we hope you can give yourself a little self-care moment (whatever that means to you) as you enjoy this short and sweet Sunday read. Let’s get to it:

First and foremost, we must talk about today’s featured home tour, courtesy of our favorite Australian interior design website. That dining room up there is straight out of our rattan-loving dreams (and do we even have to mention those double pendants?? they are TOO good).

From Emily: “Well, I’m VERY upset that it took me this long to find out who Matty Matheson is. I’m going to make his chicken soup recipe this weekend. It takes 4 hours to make!!!”

From Mallory: “Veronica is tired of hearing me talk about these so I’ll share them with you. They are the best protein bars in the entire world. They have real ingredients in them (what a concept) so they need to be refrigerated. JUST GIVE THEM A TRY. They’re super filling AND nutritious (best flavors are peanut butter and cookie dough IMHO).”

Jess got this matte bronzer as a gift and now she is hooked because she looks like she has life in her face again (her words). It’s big so it should last a long time and gives Jess her ideal “natural” sunkissed look.

From Caitlin: “Warren’s staff goodbye was so beautifully said that I cried a lil. I can’t believe the race looks SO DIFFERENT than it did this time last week. I’m excited to see how many people have been inspired by the journey of these candidates and encourage any of you who may be interested in pursuing public office to check out one of my favorite orgs, She Should Run. It’s a nonpartisan non-profit that provides women with a framework and roadmap for running for office! They have an incredible incubator that you can work through on your own time and a great parent’s course for anyone currently raising on mentoring a girl with an interest in service. I just love seeing women in politics, y’all!!!”

Have you ever picked up a pen, used it, and felt viscerally at ease?? That’s what Ryann feels when she uses this pen that her boyfriend bought her as a Christmas gift. It is beautiful, compact, and writes so smoothly. It’s the perfect writing utensil as far as she is concerned.

Veronica bought this belt from Target and loves it. “I’ve always wanted to hop on the snakeskin train, and this is the perfect subtle way to spice up any outfit!”

Julie’s flyaways have been out of control lately and she needs your help to tame her locks. She has tried (what feels like) everything, from serums to sprays. Everything either seems to leave her fine/thin hair greasy or so stiff and the flyaways still stand straight up like Alfalfa from the Little Rascals. So she is looking for all and any suggestions in the comments below, thanks to all in advance!

Alright, that is all for now. We hope you have a lovely Sunday and see you back here tomorrow. xx

The post The Link Up: A GREAT Soup Recipe Emily Wants To Try, Jess’ Secret To Sun-Kissed Looking Skin, & Ryann’s Favorite Pen appeared first on Emily Henderson.

My Favorite Current Clogs – A Review ( + Are Clogs My New Mule?)

It’s a clog blog. It’s part “my favorite clogs out right now”, part review, part “is the clog the new mule?” conversation that we really need to be having. I will always love a mule (the sheer ease of the quick slide) but I also feel like I’ve been mule-ing for years now and perhaps ready for a different everyday shape. These posts are actually a very dangerous game to play and I have to be so careful. I ended up loving almost ALL of them and tried to convince myself that they had different functions, for different occasions, different leeeewks. Now the reason I wanted to do this review is that clogs can be really heavy and cumbersome and not all are easy to wear. However, they are classic (even though they also can take a while to break in). So I decided to go on a mission to find ones that were actually comfortable and fun. So, here are my favorites clogs of 2020:

Amber Orchard Clog



Shirt | Shoes

A nude clog? Yes please. These are so cute, make your feet look really small if you are into that because the shape of the toe is bulbous (in a cute way). These also look really great with dresses or shorts because they elongate the leg without looking like fancy heels. I guess that’s why I love a clog, they add height while still coming across as casual.

Belem’s Clogs



Jumpsuit (similar) | Beret | Shoes

Now, I thought these clogs were going to be a SLAM DUNK of a “YES” but I think that since they are so white and so big, they were harder to style. They are just a lot of shoe, but I really like them because they remind me of Salt Water Sandals + clogs combined. They are comfortable, but I think you need to factor in your wardrobe before you purchase these ladies.

Vegan Belem’s Clogs



Jacket | Pants | Shoes

Somehow the snakeskin version of the exact same shoe is easier to wear. You could dress it up, obviously, but there is a casual neutrality about them that also looks cute with the utility jacket and jeans.

Dakota Clog



Shirt | Jeans | Shoes

My clog obsession began with these that I bought last year and wear ALL THE TIME. They are by my favorite shoe designer, Rachel Comey so you’ve been warned. But they are pretty fantastic and again I wear them all the time. They are super comfortable, give a lot of height but are so easy to walk in. That leather tone is beautiful. The jeans are by Moussey and I’ve been wearing them for 2 years and the shirt is from Target (but we all think it’s a great Doen lookalike, but FAR less expensive).

Now, why not take a quick intermission and actually WATCH me try on these bad boys and hear my real voice saying my real thoughts?? Here you go:

Okay, back to business…

Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Wash Platform Clogs



Shirt | Jeans | Shoes

These are called “clogs” because technically they have a wood heel, but these guys are so comfortable and certainly are more mule-y in their simplicity. I thought I didn’t need these (still deciding) until I realized that these are the sneaker version of the clog – I would wear these all weekend… I will say that you should size down. I ordered a 7, but they came as a 37.5 so I’d return for a smaller size (If I decide I need them bad enough). Also how cute is that Target shirt (that also comes in mustard and lavender, too)??

The little white rubber sole makes them really soft and easy to wear (and gives them a bit of an edge).

Swedish Hasbeens Louise Platform Clogs



Shirt | Pants | Shoes

The first real clog, Hasbeens, are super classic and these new ones have a great modern shape. I like them and you can’t go wrong, but they are pretty expensive and I wear brown leather so much more.

The little staples and black rubber sole are the details that do feel special. Madewell has a version of these but they are a bit wider (but far more affordable). I think these are pretty slimming, so if you are like me and have wide feet, these look more narrow.

Willow Clog



Dress (similar)| Purse | Hat | Shoes

These shoes were Veronica and Mallory’s favorite. They have this great square toe, mixed tones of black, brown and gold and are just elegant and flattering.

The little ankle strap cuts your leg, but it’s so delicate that it doesn’t stop the eye too much.

Amber Orchard Clog



Shirt | Pants | Shoes

These clogs were my initial inspiration for the post, and they don’t disappoint. They are a great color, pretty finish of leather, cute straps, pretty comfortable for how tall they are and they can get tightened to really pipe in well into pants. (By the way both the shirt and pants are from Target and those Target pants are GREAT and strangely slimming).

That’s the beginning and the end of my first clog blog. It’s too bad more articles of clothing don’t rhyme with blog.

Now I want to know which one is your favorite? Do you love these clunky, chunky guys as much as we do? Meet me in the comments and let’s discuss.

The post My Favorite Current Clogs – A Review ( + Are Clogs My New Mule?) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

A Sneak Peek Into Our Current Design Projects – What The HECK We Are Up To…

Tomorrow’s scheduled post got bumped at the last minute (turns out writing a post about going back to church takes a bit more editing/thought than the 6 months that I’ve spent writing it). So I realized that a lot of you don’t know what we are up to, design-wise and some of you are even calling us out in the comments (I’m actually glad you care). After , I promised myself I would take a break from massive renovations to focus on A. the book and B. more relatable content, with a heavy dose of C. extra time with my family. That doesn’t mean that we don’t do design projects as you are clearly about to see in a minute. But meanwhile, two of our design team members went freelance in January so it’s down to Julie and me, the rest of the staff is on the editorial and partnerships duty. So it may look like there are 8 of us on design projects, but it’s just Julie and me these days. But Julie is killing it juggling so many different rooms, styles, and budgets making working at EHD truly a graduate program in design. No two projects are alike and we never ever ever know what I’ll say yes to NEXT. Here goes…

Violet’s Bedroom

My friend’s daughter’s bedroom is THIS CLOSE to being done and it’s looking VERY cute. You may remember this trend/intro post about it. We are simply waiting on the awesome bed from Buildlane to get installed in a week and then we’ll shoot it and show you what a magical mid-century fairy bedroom looks like.

I hesitate to give you too many sneak peeks, but my gosh that wallpaper and swing are already so killer (we’ll link products up in the morning when my team gets in, don’t worry).

Grace’s Bedroom – 7 Years Later

This is another very fun one. Seven years ago I designed Grace’s bedroom with Orlando (remember this video?). Her family has consistently been one of our best clients because they are frankly wonderful people that understand the design process (You know those clients who look at an invoice and say “Thanks for your hard work” then write the check? That’s THEM). So when they reached out for me to update Grace’s now 16-year-old bedroom (which will be a guest room in 2 years) we, of course, said yes (see their whole house ). This is the inspiration they sent through.

design by ben petreath | photo by max burkhalter | via architectural digest

It’s more grown-up, with some old-world refinement, but don’t worry we are adding enough youth to make it still feel cool to a 16-year-old.

Please note we are still using the same antique bed that was her mom’s when she was little. We LOVE IT and those kinds of pieces make a room special. We actually took off a lot of the fun stuff from the mood board as to not give it all away, so trust me it’s going to be amped up (but we wanted to give you a sense of where we are headed).

Suzanne’s Master Bedroom

My sister-wife/neighbor/one of my best friends, Suzanne deserves a properly designed bedroom, and since she is so close and her bedroom has such charm we are of course helping her out. If you are wondering if my friends pay me or not to help them, please check out the post where I outline the “friends and family” program. Here is her inspiration, although it has shifted a bit as we have been designing it.

left: design by colin king | right: design by jake arnold | photo by justin coit | via architectural digest

We are calling it “the big hug” as sometimes that’s all we want from a bedroom.

There is more to it than this (keeping the rest a secret), but we are about 4 weeks from finishing it (and might even lime wash paint it ourselves) and it’s going to be alarmingly soothing…

Chandler’s Living Room

One of my other best friends, has a brother who just moved into an AMAZING historically preserved apartment in Hollywood and we couldn’t just let it sit there without getting our hands on it.

It’s hard to tell how amazing it is, but to give you more reference here is the exterior. It’s pretty incredible.

It’s full of architectural elements that can make a room. This is our inspiration.

image source

A lot might change, but that’s our first mood board that Corbett is helping us implement.

Emily’s (My) Living Room

Now onto our house in LA which as you know I want to shift more into the “Eclectic English Grandma” vibe. We’ve been toying around for a while and trying to figure out what that looks like for me.

I’ve made some decisions that I’m very excited about. Some floral fabrics are happening, with some pops of red and a lot of eclectic weirdness. It’s building slowly, and yet might be done in 2 months. Stay tuned.

Our Kids Shared Bedroom

The kids moved in together a year ago and mattresses have basically been on the ground since then. As a recap here’s what it looked like before the move:

It was cute, but I never walked in and was like ‘THIS IS IT’. It never felt right. So now that they live together I want to rework it and make it feel better for both of them (as well as myself).

design by grace bonney | photo by lesley unruh | via design sponge

I’m going for it in a way that I didn’t before and there will be a lot more fun elements that take it to another level. Here is a very rough board that gives you an idea without giving it away.

Hopefully, you are confused and excited. I know that I am.

Brian’s Future Office/Guestroom

The basement has become this massive source of stress. We bought this house for many reasons, one of which because it had this space that could be great for guests, as well as Brian. But it kept flooding for reasons we don’t know. It’s pretty cool. So while we are trying to figure out the source of the water damage, we are also redesigning it to function for our future needs… once the mystery is uncovered.

Julie already designed the bathroom, and the second we know how to move forward with the water damage we will implement her design.

Apartment Therapy Small/Cool Event



top left clockwise: photo by brenda van leeuwen, image source | photo by alex yeske, design by ash nyc, nathalie jordi, & studiowta | design by robert kime, photo by simon upton, via house & garden | design by reath design, photo by laure joliet | image source

Meanwhile, we are also doing the “Small/Cool” Apartment Therapy trend project which is so fun and different, based on the trend that we are super into.

You can guess what they are:) #eclecticenglishgrandma

Sara’s Master Bedroom

While Sara’s living/dining and TV room are wrapped and shot (coming to you soon!). Her bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom are in the works. Here’s a peek into the bedroom…

It’s a blank slate and we are going to make it feel old world in the best new world kind of way. Here’s her inspiration. YESSSSSSSS

sources unknown



Ian & Trilby’s House

Lastly, besides the book, we are taking on decorating my friend’s house (maybe you remember I helped with?) which is pretty much my dream house. They have a great architect that will get them to the decorating phase, and it’s there that we will enter.

It’s INSANE. Every room is special and desirable, so once we are done we’ll have like 24 different reveals for you. I hope you love beautiful rooms with an insane view and lots of old-world personalities, pattern, and color.

Of course, I still have that book to finish and if you are thinking it’s not a big feat know that it is. I asked my editor the other day if it feels like the hardest book she’s ever seen written and she confirmed, without hesitation that this book is more work than she’s ever thought possible. Somehow I pitched the most difficult design book to conceptualize, shoot, produce, write and pull together. Ever. YAY FOR ME. I know it will pay off because it’s a book I’m DYING to own myself, but if you are wondering what I’m doing beyond those projects above and writing and producing daily blog posts, it’s THAT BOOK.

Thanks for supporting and following along. We have a lot to do but I’m supported by such a great team so I know that we can nail it. xx

The post A Sneak Peek Into Our Current Design Projects – What The HECK We Are Up To… appeared first on Emily Henderson.

How To Make A Dark Room Feel Lighter and “Brighter”

photo by bethany nauert | from: before & after of glee creator’s ian brennan’s comfy tv room

It’s a rite of passage to have a dark (maybe even windowless) room at some point in your life – You aren’t alone and I can solemnly say that a small room with little natural light is one American’s biggest design agonies. If natural light is our design best friend, then the lack of light is indeed the enemy. So today we are declaring war, and we are going to win.

The goal here is to not just add physical LIGHT but also create a sense of BRIGHTNESS, of LIFE. But first, if you are currently renovating or about to, stop and ask yourself “could I put in a window or skylight in here?” So aside from you lucky renovators, most of us just have to use what we are handed and to resort to tricking the eye into perceiving the room as bigger and brighter than it is. MAGICIANS WE ARE. Let the magic begin…

Painting Your Room A Color Instead Of White



photo by zeke ruelas | from: moody mid–century home office

Don’t be afraid to embrace a darker color, including the ceiling. Oddly if you have a dark room with a white ceiling it almost stops your eye and makes the ceiling feel lower. But if you paint it the same color or a slightly lighter version it feels more like it extends with no stopping point. If you are afraid of it looking like a cave, go for a medium tone (like the 2nd or 3rd on the paint strip you are eyeing) to give it “a feeling”. Despite all of your common sense, if you paint a small dark room white, it will look like a small dark flat boring room. Sure it might feel bigger, but without light bouncing around it’s also going to feel like a boring jail cell.

Mirrors Are King



photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: makeover takeover: julie’s huge (and diy packed) bedroom upgrade

This isn’t the first time we’ve spoken about the power of mirrors. They are any room’s secret weapon (or magic trick). Mirrors not only make your room feel bigger but they will bounce around any light that comes its way. Ok, that one was obvious but that’s how important it is.

Hot Tip

Don't be afraid of using more than one mirror in the same room. Just make sure to vary the sizes and functions (for example: one could be a large leaning mirror and the other a smaller wall mirror).

Pepper in Reflective Accents



photo by tessa neustadt | from: eclectic traditional bedroom reveal

This hack is in the same vein as the mirrors. Shiny objects will always reflect light and make a space feel a little happier. That can be a light fixture, picture frame, small tray decorative object, accents of your furniture pieces, etc. Just don’t go overboard unless you want to go full speed into the glam world.

Use Different Types Of Lighting



photo by max kim bee| from: a simple, eclectic guest bedroom

When you don’t have natural light you gotta create it. We wrote a lighting post a few years ago talking about different types of lights and the importance of having multiple in one room. So first thing’s first, ambient lighting is a MUST in a dark room. Those are lights that give off diffused light in all directions (think lamps with a shade). Then consider a sconce and even a small directional light task lamp for a side table. Having a couple types of light sources will make your space feel much happier.

Use Warm White Lightbulbs

Since we are already talked about lights, let’s go deeper and discuss light bulbs. Now there is a time and a place for cool white light bulbs. They are apparently way better for your work area and where you put on makeup (they create more of a color contrast). But EHD is pro warm light all the way. This is especially important in a dark room. Don’t add a cool light that will make your room feel cold and harsh. Instead, bring warmth into your room and your heart with a lightbulb like this one

8 Ways To Make A Dark Room Feel Brighter

photo by bethany nauert | from: before & after of glee creator’s ian brennan’s comfy tv room

It’s a rite of passage to have a dark (maybe even windowless) room at some point in your life – You aren’t alone and I can solemnly say that a small room with little natural light is one American’s biggest design agonies. If natural light is our design best friend, then the lack of light is indeed the enemy. So today we are declaring war, and we are going to win.

The goal here is to not just add physical LIGHT but also create a sense of BRIGHTNESS, of LIFE. But first, if you are currently renovating or about to, stop and ask yourself “could I put in a window or skylight in here?” So aside from you lucky renovators, most of us just have to use what we are handed and to resort to tricking the eye into perceiving the room as bigger and brighter than it is. MAGICIANS WE ARE. Let the magic begin…

Painting Your Room A Color Instead Of White



photo by zeke ruelas | from: moody mid–century home office

Don’t be afraid to embrace a darker color, including the ceiling. Oddly if you have a dark room with a white ceiling it almost stops your eye and makes the ceiling feel lower. But if you paint it the same color or a slightly lighter version it feels more like it extends with no stopping point. If you are afraid of it looking like a cave, go for a medium tone (like the 2nd or 3rd on the paint strip you are eyeing) to give it “a feeling”. Despite all of your common sense, if you paint a small dark room white, it will look like a small dark flat boring room. Sure it might feel bigger, but without light bouncing around it’s also going to feel like a boring jail cell.

Mirrors Are King



photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: makeover takeover: julie’s huge (and diy packed) bedroom upgrade

This isn’t the first time we’ve spoken about the power of mirrors. They are any room’s secret weapon (or magic trick). Mirrors not only make your room feel bigger but they will bounce around any light that comes its way. Ok, that one was obvious but that’s how important it is.

Hot Tip

Don't be afraid of using more than one mirror in the same room. Just make sure to vary the sizes and functions (for example: one could be a large leaning mirror and the other a smaller wall mirror).

Pepper in Reflective Accents



photo by tessa neustadt | from: eclectic traditional bedroom reveal

This hack is in the same vein as the mirrors. Shiny objects will always reflect light and make a space feel a little happier. That can be a light fixture, picture frame, small tray decorative object, accents of your furniture pieces, etc. Just don’t go overboard unless you want to go full speed into the glam world.

Use Different Types Of Lighting



photo by max kim bee| from: a simple, eclectic guest bedroom

When you don’t have natural light you gotta create it. We wrote a lighting post a few years ago talking about different types of lights and the importance of having multiple in one room. So first thing’s first, ambient lighting is a MUST in a dark room. Those are lights that give off diffused light in all directions (think lamps with a shade). Then consider a sconce and even a small directional light task lamp for a side table. Having a couple types of light sources will make your space feel much happier.

Use Warm White Lightbulbs

Since we are already talked about lights, let’s go deeper and discuss light bulbs. Now there is a time and a place for cool white light bulbs. They are apparently way better for your work area and where you put on makeup (they create more of a color contrast). But EHD is pro warm light all the way. This is especially important in a dark room. Don’t add a cool light that will make your room feel cold and harsh. Instead, bring warmth into your room and your heart with a lightbulb like this one

How To Refinish A Wood Deck – A Look Back At Our Old “Yard”

I ’m looking to refresh our current patio after 3 years (the blue tile, English Tudor one) when I came across this old post via google for research and inspiration. At first, the photos felt familiar until I realized that it was , that’s me, my long hair (tears), and my two babies. Maybe it’s from having two kids so close, running the business and then moving, but I had kinda forgotten about that year. You may have noticed that we played with not posting on Wednesdays in February but now we are going to dig up old great posts and add in some new thoughts. This way you aren’t missing a blog day and we can have a little more time to put into the new content, and so I can finish writing that book. Some of the posts are definitely worth a revisit – and seeing Charlie’s side deck play space, with the astroturf and his cheeks flooded me full of nostalgia. If you want to join me in little a trip down memory lane and visit the past, or if you never saw our deck transformation in the first place, here you go….

First, let’s give you the full deck-bio. But don’t worry at the end of this post, you’ll see more of that play space (and that cute fleshy baby) that I’m pretty darn obsessed with. Ok back to the deck, when we first moved in, (now 6 years ago), it looked like this:

The wrought iron was black, the brick was old and beige (and broken in places), and the pergola was painted brown. The wood was in good condition considering it was 50 years old, and while I knew it could use a freshen up, I didn’t quite know what to do with it.

Right after we moved in, Domino shot our house (remember that?) and they wanted to shoot the deck despite the fact that it was definitely not done, nor was I totally happy with it. But with some styling help it looked pretty lively in the photo:

While I love that shot because it has so much energy and life, it was mostly styled for a shot and totally impractical. Almost all those pillows/throws were for indoor use only, the rugs were vintage and some of my favorites which would have gotten destroyed out there and the side table situation was fairly impractical. It looked cool, but not a way we could really live.

A year later I finally had it looking really good (above, see full post here) and I really loved it. I chose at the time not to refinish the deck because I liked how the redwood looked well enough. It had a pretty grain and was a nice grayed out shade of wood. There were times when I wanted it to be more finished, but not enough to take the time to refinish it.

As we were finishing up the exterior though, everything was so moved around outside with the old vinyl siding covering the deck, equipment everywhere, etc, so we couldn’t really use the deck anyway. Once the debris was all gone and the exterior was looking so pulled together, we finally decided to invest the 2 days and $600 to refinish it. We figured if/when we sell (which we ending up doing in 2017) we would want the wood to look as beautiful as the new siding, with the same elevated level of design.

Here you can kinda see how it looked post new exterior, pre-refinished floors:

It was pretty, for sure, and I had no intention of painting it or replacing it because I loved that it was warm wood but the good thing about real wood is that you can refinish multiple times throughout its life, making it essentially new again.

As you look closer you can tell, though, that it was time for a clean, sand and stain to bring out its natural color.

I had Remi (now an EHD alum) pull a bunch of stain options and she grabbed both transparent and semi-transparent. Exterior deck stains are not like interior or furniture stains because once applied it has to withstand so many more elements. So while I was used to having all these normal options there are way less for decking. I personally love the transparent stain as opposed to the semi – which is the top row. Remi sampled all of those up there before the deck was sanded, which we thought didn’t give us the most accurate color. To get the most accurate test, I had it sanded so I could see what it really looked like:

Crazy, right? I don’t think that the deck had been refinished in decades. The guys working on it had to use a hand-sander because the boards were slightly unlevel. The sanding took 4-6 hours by two guys.

We re-sampled, nixing the transparent paints. I toyed with the idea of giving it a gray wash but ultimately decided that since the house was gray that it would be too cold and potentially look new and contemporary instead of mid-century.

We chose the one on the far right, which was Natural by Behr, although I liked the the lighter one next to it, too. My advice would be to buy a bunch of sample pots and stain them on your wood so that you can really tell what they look like with your wood. Every wood and color will be slightly different per application. For mine, I knew that the stain would lighten over time so we went with the darker tone, but I asked the guys to not do two crazy thick coats.

Right after it was stained it darkened a tiny bit as it dried, but it already looked so fresh and the stain really pulled out the color of the grain. I actually really loved how the wood looked naturally and was super tempted to keep it, but it would need to be sealed and sealing it would change the color anyway. Plus again, our house is mid-century and I wanted to keep it that way.

Let’s talk about the decor changes over here. While I liked the overall design of the deck last year, I wanted to add more contrast to help it pop more and yet I didn’t really want to add more color. Enter our deepest neutral – black. By adding it to the scheme it tied in better with the exterior as our sconces are black, and also just gave it more depth and texture.

The rug that we had was great but got ruined during the demo of the exterior so we had to throw it away. I put down this new one from Dash and Albert that I love – just enough texture and the perfect shade of denim-y blue that can hide dirt, but isn’t too dark.

I replaced the original Target chairs with newer ones and handed those bad boys down. Everybody who sees or sits in these chairs wants them and they can’t believe they’re Target. They are excellent in every way and if you have a modern house could even definitely work inside (and they are still available if you can believe it).

I really tried to style this for everyday life, not for a shoot. But the stylist inside of me broke free and put a few indoor pillows (the black graphic and the stripe) and that striped throw out there. So this is how I would style it for guests, but technically I should keep those inside. Every other pillow, however, is from Target and is made for the outdoors.

The wood, gray, blue, white and black combo was my new jam both inside and out at that time (and I still love it). And I picked up that adorable little side table from Potted in Atwater Village.

In my quest to keep the deck a more usable space for the kids we moved the planted pots (that were mostly dead anyway) to another location. I just wanted more space and less things to take care of.

I never really loved the wicker round table (from before), functionally because you couldn’t put drinks directly on it. It was just what I had on hand that year. So when I saw the outdoor teak mid-century line from DWR I knew what had to be done. Rarely, if ever do you find exterior teak that doesn’t have the slats in it and with that beautiful mid-century shape. Also note the black bars on it, too. They are so amazing.

Ok, let’s see what is happening on the other side of the deck:

We used to have a dining table with chairs, but we found that we rarely used it and we wanted more space for Charlie to scoot around on his tricycle or kick around a ball. So I stacked those chairs and we were going to buy a folding table that would be easily stowed away after we did eat out there. We typically don’t have the umbrella hanging halfway off the roof, but Brady (another big EHD alum) lent a hand so that we could get some more shade for the final shots that Zeke took.

So this side of the deck became a lot more empty. I found that amazing bamboo chair and bench from Potted and borrowed them for the shoot. I would have bought them, as I loved them so much them, but they were on the splurgier side.

The BBQ is stored in the back now and we wheel it out when we use it. Charlie’s play area is basically the same (you are almost to that part) so we didn’t shoot it. I added that outdoor bar cart because we had nowhere to set the bbq tools when we are cooking out there. 

The week after we shot this, I threw a sponsored party out there so I borrowed a dining table and chairs to properly entertain. It looked soooooo good and I was tempted to keep them after all.

Meanwhile, the entrance to the guest room/Brian’s office downstairs got a little makeover as well.

We put this entrance in the year before and had that deck quickly built. The door + the deck cost $2,000, by the way, including labor and materials. Here is what it looked like after the door and exterior were finished.

Now it looks pretty darn great, it just needed some furnishing to help it feel more inviting.

It took everything inside of me not to put an outdoor rug there for the shot (besides, we are here to talk about wood) but man, my heart wants a rug there. We moved that spiky plant down from upstairs because every other adult in the world thought it was going to poke their child’s eyes out when their kids were over on playdates.

I love love love the combination of materials here – the white wood paneling with the black sconces, the white glass pendant, and the warm wood. I even love that it’s built into the stone hillside. I don’t think I have photos of this area before because it didn’t really exist (it was just weeds without the deck or an entrance), so the value that we added by putting in this deck was huge.

We added the chairs down there, too because we loved them so much. I didn’t think Brian would go for them, I thought that he would want just a bench or something simple as no one is really going to sit down there, but after I put them there he said that he would definitely pop out of his office and take calls out there. That table and the rug are both from Potted as well, the amazing-super-hard-to-find mid-century-inspired pendant is from Hip Haven, the pot is from West Elm, and the sconces are from Rejuvenation.

When I had that deck and door put in I was out of town and I told my carpenter I wanted affordable decking (so he chose redwood to match the upstairs) but I didn’t specify the door. It’s actually a clear glass door that we put Gila film on for privacy and light (the frosted still lets in light which is what we wanted). I kinda wish I had done something really custom and mid-century, but this was such a simple, cheap, and fast option.

So that, folks, is how I refreshed my deck and brought it back to life. It was 60 years old but it turned out looking as new as my baby. For those of you about to embark on a building project, whether it’s building a house, re-siding one, or adding a deck – I strongly urge you to consider using real wood like pine, redwood, or cedar as opposed to a composite. I’m sure the composites can look good, but wood will ALWAYS look good. In a lot of ways I wish that I had not painted my exterior wood paneling of the house and just used wood, but by the time I wished I had done that the siding had already been prepped for paint instead of stain – there was some patching that would have looked messy if stained and thousands of nail holes from it being clad to the house. But the look/feel and quality is there of wood that would have been totally absent if we had done hardy board or one of the other composite materials (by the way, our house re-siding was done by H&A My Design, and they did such a nice job). What we used on the deck and exterior of the house is more affordable, available, classic, warm, and will never be dated whereas the alternative likely would have. And while I understand that vinyl siding is a very inexpensive option and can be really transformative, I’d warn you against it as ultimately it’s not the look that you probably want.

Real wood, folks. You never tire of it, it never goes out of fashion, it’s always warm and easy to transform into different colors and finishes or stay totally natural if that’s your jam. This refresh took 2 days and all of it could have been DIY’d if we had the time. It’s not really a highly skilled situation, just man hours. So while it cost us $900, I seriously think that you could do it yourself or, if you got multiple quotes, you could have it done for cheaper. I, for one, will always be on the “real wood always” side of life.

And for your viewing pleasure, we broke down step by step how to put together your patio for the summer:

Finally, if you’re into it, get that look (some are out stock since this is an old post:)) :

1. Wood | 2. Deck Stain | 3. Coffee Table | 4. Rug | 5. Globe Pendant | 6. Sconce | 7. Patio Chair | 8. Side Table | 9. Outdoor Pillow | 10. Black & White Textured Pillow | 11. Directors Style Chair | 12. Ceramic Planter | 13. Diamond Lumbar Pillow | 14. Dining Table | 15. Bar Cart | 16. Standing Planter | 17. Small Lantern | 18. Large Lantern

But that’s not it. We ALSO a year or two earlier started on the side deck, under the covered area and turned it into a play space for Charlie, with astroturf and everything.

I grew up way out in the country in Oregon. We may have only had 2 acres but it was backed up to a forest so it felt like 1 squillion acres of backyard with streams and rivers and just endless nature and fort making. When Brian and I bought this house I was pregnant, desperate for a home that I could actually make better, but fairly realistic about what we were and were not going to get for our money. On my top priority list were 1. good natural light and 2. enough space to live/function, but what failed to make top priority was a backyard. Instead we got this deck and while this deck is decent sized (600 square feet), on its own it wasn’t exactly going to make Charlie’s childhood fort-making dreams come true. But let’s face it – parks exist down the street. Kids don’t need acres to play in, in order to have a happy childhood. Is it wonderful to have mother nature at their back door, opening her arms for a big exploratory hug? SURE. But it’s also wonderful to simply have a home of any size with any area dedicated to playing.

Basically what I’m saying is that while it’s not my fantasy childhood backyard for Charlie and his sister, a big deck isn’t exactly a stick in the eye. But it took some work to turn it from what it was into what it became.

The retaining wall was crumbling. The hot water heater was crumbling and gross, it was dark and shady and the floor was concrete. But there was so much to play that clearly needed to be utilized. At one point I thought that it could be a dining area but ultimately where we want to hang out is by the view and out in the open.

So we started fixing the major problems (which was pretty simple, by the way):

We opened up the ceiling so it was just a pergola and repaired and painted the retaining wall and the pergola. The hot water heater closet was always a hot button issue for us – we really wanted to switch it to a tankless heater but it’s $2500 – $3k. Then on top of that, I’d have to figure out what to do with the siding behind it (which was a much larger, more expensive problem ). So we replaced it with a non-toxic-paint-crumbling closet, which I think cost $200.

Here’s how it all turned out:

I can’t tell you how happy this space made and still makes me. Charlie LOVED it. We played house, read in the forts, blew bubbles, played in the water table, wrestled all over the grass … it was so awesome.

How cute is that playhouse? VERY VERY CUTE.  We actually just put together two playhouses to form that larger modular house. Those gray cement tiles in front of were the heavy tiles that held the old umbrella down that we had on the front patio. Not necessary but we thought that it looked cute.

Let’s talk grass. Real sod wasn’t really an option here. It would have needed too much water to grow, then if/when was watered it would have made it muddy. There was also cement underneath it so I have no idea if it even could’ve grown there. Plus California was in a major drought and putting IN grass was just not even an option. There is such good artificial turf out there these days so we knew we were going to go that route.

We ordered 15 feet of it (it’s sold anywhere between $30 – $50 a foot) and then cut it with a razor blade to fit. I thought that the install would be super annoying, but it was actually totally fine (although to be fair Brian and Brady did the bulk of it).

A couple of things to think about when laying astroturf: you can piece it together but you have to make sure that the “grain” is going the same direction, and then as you are initially placing it make sure that all the grain is the direction you want because like carpet it looks different from different angles. From one direction (looking at it from the patio to the pergola) it looked really dark and pretty but looking back at it, towards the patio it looked like fake grass. So just make sure you lay it out. And no, we didn’t prep the floor at all besides cleaning it.

I’ve been asked about whether the deck/house, in general, was kid safe as it sits on a hill. Inside the house, I think we overdid it – we hired one of those companies that comes out and recommends every single thing you could do to prevent every single bruise and scrape. We listened to some (possibly too much) and skipped some other stuff. When it came to the outside I was waiting for them to tell us that we had to plexi the entire deck but they quickly told us that all the ironwork is too small for a head (and subsequent body) to get through and fall. So strangely the deck was actually totally kid-proof. It was such a relief to know that one thing about this 1964 house on a cliff was kid-safe.

So there you have it. All in all it was ABSOLUTELY worth any time, energy and money that we put into it – and I can’t always say that on my own home projects. But it really did give us a whole other room to play, be messy, roll around. And sometimes just simply getting outside for 1/2 hour is all you need to change the mood of a bored child. And this little play area certainly does that trick.

1. Play Cube 2. Rug 3. Trike 4. Lantern 5. Bird House 6. Sand & Surf Table 7. Tall Planter 8. Ride-On Excavator 9. Iris Planter 10. S – Chair 11. Play House 12. Astro Turff 

There you go. We are currently debating astroturf up at the . Neither of us are set on it, but we are convinced that we’d use the yard more with that rather than the bark. Stay tuned…

If you are interested, here’s the deck over the years: Our First Home, Part 2 + Our Deck Progress + The Patio Makeover

*Patio deck photos by Zeke Ruelas

*Play area photos by Tessa Neustadt c/o Lonny Magazine. Hair and Makeup by the always lovely Danielle Walch.

Want to see more of our Glendale home? Check out all of the reveals

The post How To Refinish A Wood Deck – A Look Back At Our Old “Yard” appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Our All-Time Favorite #Adulting Bedroom Paint Colors That Aren’t White

design by sarah sherman samuel | photo by jason frank rothenberg | via domino

I think it’s fair to say that most of us reading this blog are adults (or so says our birth certificates even if our minds “partially” disagree:)) So because of this likely fact, I think that wanting your home to feel like it’s an “adult space” especially when it comes to the master bedroom, is pretty relatable. That’s not to say that adding in whimsical and even child-like elements isn’t highly encouraged (we are the “let’s get weird” blog after all). So since we are here to teach, the easiest and most cost-effective way to get your adult space in order is by choosing the right bedroom paint color. And for this post we actually mean color.

Just so we’re clear, this is not a post that is going to condemn white walls because in the right room white walls can be magical. BUT what if you are craving something more for your bedroom? What if you want to create an oasis of color, be it moody or light/fresh? Now THAT is what this post is here for.

You may notice that the yellows, reds, and oranges of the color wheel are not in this post (even though we of course encourage and do not discriminate against them). But, in our experience and in our little bit of research, cooler tones simply tend to be more calming and don’t you want to be calm in your bedroom? I think so.

Now, to make sure we were giving you the best info possible for you to make an educated paint decision, I scoured the internet and Instagram to find the colors we love in actual bedrooms (well mostly bedrooms). Because a simple paint blob on a graphic doesn’t quite cut it. Let’s dive into these colors, starting with the most natural of them all – green.

Green Bedroom Paint Colors



Mizzle – Farrow & Ball



design by decorlab | photo by giovanni

Everyone in the office immediately fell for this very light, cool mint paint color as soon as they saw the post (also one of this year’s color trends). So I guess there’s no need to continue. JK. This is just the beginning, my friends. I love this soothing color being the accent wall in this room because of how subtle and neutral it is, but I also think it would be so pretty on all four of those walls. Options, people!

Highland – Portola Paint & Glazes



design by homme boys

This room is a SHOWSTOPPER and you all agreed when Julie featured it last year. But the quiet hero of this space is that muted, calm green roman clay. The color helps to softly ground the space and because of its plaster-like finish it creates so much visual texture

Hot Tip

Roman clay is not really paint but actually a plaster-like finish. So unless you have experience or like a good ole fashion DIY challenge, hiring a professional is encouraged.

Calke Green – Farrow & Ball



design by atelier daaa | photo by bertrand fompeyrine

For those you looking for a more “happy” and saturated green paint color, let me introduce you to this wonderful hue. Aside from my initial love of that integrated sconce action, I love that this green makes this otherwise very modern master bedroom, playful. It’s all about balance.

Oakmoss – Sherwin-Williams



design by sarah sherman samuel | photo by matthew williams | via domino

Ok I know this is a kid’s room and we are trying to be very adult in this post but that color is too good to not mention. It’s both a little moody and happy. The perfect muted forest green. Also, I still can’t get over that ceiling.

Rainy Afternoon – Benjamin Moore



design by mrs_macs_home

When I first saw this photo, I physically felt the need to immediately curl up with a book and a cup of tea while wearing softest pajamas ever and never leave this bed. If you are looking for a rich, moody green then here you are. Cozy accessories sold separately.

Warm Bedroom Paint Colors aka Blush



Tissue Pink – Benjamin Moore



design by thomas o’brien of aero studios | via architectural digest

Again I know this isn’t a “bedroom” but if cooler-toned paint colors aren’t your thing then consider this delightful, pale blush. It’s both modern and warm and I dare you to wake up unhappy.

Setting Plaster – Farrow & Ball



design by heidi caillier design | photo by haris kenjar photography

Or if you wanted a deeper, “modern” dusty blush then this one is perfect. It looks like the paint equivalent to a warm hug (but one that’s still neutral enough for everyday life).

Odessa Pink – Benjamin Moore



design by shapeless studio | photo by kate sears | via remodelista

This calm, warm bedroom went viral a few years ago because it’s basically a tonal lover’s minimalist’s dream. I myself still love it and the paint color as much as I did when I first laid my eyes on it. I also wanted to add it because it’s a similar but much more affordable option to the setting plaster color:) Everyone wins.

Grey and Black Bedroom Paint Colors



Sleigh Bells – Benjamin Moore



photo by tessa neustadt | via orcondo: bedrooms & common areas

You may recognize this bedroom from the Orcondo days and when I was looking back I couldn’t help but ogle over the soft grey (almost green) paint color. It looks like how a spa feels.

Railings – Farrow & Ball



via new york times

This very beautiful and luxe color is one we have loved for some time now. Check out this wall paneling post to see what I mean. But as luck would have it, the craftsman house we just featured has it all over as the perfect accent color. It’s one of those soft blacks that screams sophistication.

Iron Mountain – Benjamin Moore



design by studio hus | via remodelista

When I saw this color on Remodelista I knew I had to include it. Iron Mountain is a slightly warmer (brown undertones) version of Railings. So if you want to go dark and moody but a little warm then this is your guy.

Blue Bedroom Paint Colors



Marquee Myth – Behr



design by arent & pyke | photo by felix forest 

Grey-blue I can’t quit you! Rhymes aside this color is heaven. Moody without being too dark and mature without being stuffy. Can you say EHD approved?

Dark Night – Sherwin-Williams



design by sarah sherman samuel | photo by jason frank rothenberg | via domino

This color is for the true blue lover (especially if you follow in Sarah Sherman Samuel’s footsteps and go the tonal route). I also love that it almost has a hint of dark teal in there. The only word that really comes to mind is delicious. If there was ever a sexy bedroom, this would be it.

Hauge Blue – Farrow & Ball



design by white arrow interiors | photo by thomas richter | via clever

This blue is our tried and true (that’s the last of the rhyming, I promise). My eyes can’t get enough. The color is so beautiful that you don’t even need art. The color is the masterpiece of this master bedroom. And in case you wanted to know where we have used it here you go: The Reading Nook | The Final Big Kitchen Makeover Post | My Best Friend’s Los Feliz Home (the dining room)

French Beret – Benjamin Moore



photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: reveal alert: the color trend we’re very into (that you’ll love too)

Last but certainly not least is this moody dark grey-blue. This stunning room was designed by the incredibly talented William Hunter Collective and then styled and staged by us. So we can attest that this color in both pictures and in person is stunning. Only very coolest adults could handle this color:)

Ok, soooo I think it’s about time to get painting, no? I hope that if you were thinking of upgrading your bedroom and painting it into the relaxing oasis you deserve, that you are fully on board now. Remember that paint can and will transform your space. The best part is that if it’s not right then it’s just paint and you can always try another color:)

Love you, mean it.

Want more paint posts? We’ve really got you: 15 of Our Absolute Favorite Go-To White & Gray Paint Colors | 12 Bold Blue and Green Paint Colors We’ve Tested (& Approved) So You Don’t Have To | My Go-To Neutral Paint Colors | My Favorite Non-Neutral Paint Colors | Are We Done With Gray? We Explore + A “How Do You Pick The ‘Right’ Gray Paint” Tutorial | Shop Our Favorite Pastel Paint Colors (For Grown-Ups) | My 10 Go-To Paint Colors | 2019 Paint Color Trends | Painting Soon? Here’s a Crash Course on Paint Finishes So You Get It Right the First Time | Trend Alert (?) Is The Accent Ceiling The New Accent Wall? | The Painted Trim

The post Our All-Time Favorite #Adulting Bedroom Paint Colors That Aren’t White appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The “Not New” Trend That We’re Suddenly Leaning Into HARD

design by athena calderone | styled by colin king | photo by nicole franzen | via architectural digest

What could possibly be a “not new” trend that all of EHD is suddenly in love with? Hold onto your hats ladies and gentlemen, because it’s WICKER (that was my attempt at a joke). But what does “not new” mean? Let’s get one thing straight right out the gate – wicker isn’t making a comeback, because it never went anywhere. It’s not a new trend, but an eternal, timeless way of life. But recently I’ve noticed a serious uptick in the amount of wicker I’m seeing, and not just in vintage-inspired rooms. I’m seeing wicker in some real modern spaces and it’s looking FRESH. Which is where my new found obsession with this age-old decor trend sprouts from.

The wicker I’m seeing now isn’t boring, cliché, or dated. It’s warm, organic, and VERY COOL. It’s all about taking vintage wicker pieces and re-working them into modern spaces. Or using wicker to create interesting modern shapes. Remixing it with industrial metal or sharp contemporary lines. You’ll find no orange lacquered wicker around here.

And just as a side note, the term “wicker” refers to the method of weaving together natural fibers while “rattan” and “cane” are the names of actual fibers used. You learn something everyday . . . .

I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the sheer hilarity that is wicker having a moment in 2020. We’re supposed to be living in the future, the age of chrome and jet packs. And yet . . . Wicker. So what is it about this weaving of natural fiber that has wormed its way into our modern hearts? Here’s my theory – We’re surrounded by fast, shiny, and new all the time, which makes us yearn for those connections back to the natural world. We just want those moments of grounded warmth in our new build, white painted, homes. Enter that perfect, vintage wicker basket.

Jess, on the other hand, has a theory that the recent “granmillenial” trend (or in our case, eccentric english grandma, which wicker is definitely a component of), stems directly from our need to feel safe. With all our instant access to horrible news, and the polarizing state of our politics, the feeling of being back at grandma’s, safe and happy, is driving us to replicate those cozy rooms of our past.

Thank you for coming to our TED talk.

In all honesty, those are some pretty lofty theories (and we’d love to hear your theories in the comments), but the cliff notes version of this thesis is that wicker is once again a prima ballerina in the design world, not just an ensemble member. Listen, I’m here for it. I already ordered a vintage wicker lampshade to use somewhere in my house, because I’m easily influenced and quick to imitate the cool people I follow on Instagram. *shrugs*

Speaking of lamps, that’s where I’ve really seen this wicker trend the most, so let’s start there.

Wicker Lighting



design by athena calderone

Athena Calderon of Eyeswoon is really the pioneer of this modern wicker lampshade trend in my opinion, and I’m gonna give credit where credit is due. How is she pulling this off so successfully? Modern ideas, vintage materials. Above she uses a lamp that has a wicker shade, but the shape and style of the lamp body is very modern. So that hit of wicker brings a touch of warmth that a black metal or white linen shade COULD NEVER.

design by athena calderone

Here, the base on the lamp is a modern touch, while the shade is a super traditional, yet clean silhouette. Plus, there’s a nice mixture of a modern and vintage in this vignette that helps balance the addition of the wicker. The combination of the clean picture frames, organic stool, wicker, and the vintage table all balance each other.

via life interiors

Wicker and wood is a power couple, I’m calling it. Together they’re neutral and monochrome, but the difference in textures really elevates the overall look. The key here is choosing wood and wicker that are similar enough in tone to achieve that monochrome feel. Or if you want contrast, go big or go home. I could see a black wood lamp with a super light wicker shade looking particularly sick.

1. Flynn Floor Lamp | 2. 9602 Floor Lamp – Wicker Willow | 3. Flynn Single Wall Sconce | 4. Black Metal And Wicker Adjustable Wall Sconce | 5. Shore 1 Light Table Lamp in Tan Rattan | 6. Parasol Table Lamp | 7. Wicker Trumpet Pendant Lamp | 8. Brighton Table Lamp | 9. Poppy Pendant | 10. Rattan Sconce Minimal Wall Light | 11. Santa Barbara Round Pendant | 12. 1970s Vintage Natural Wicker Table Lamp

Continuing on . . . .

Wicker Furniture



photo by tessa neustadt | design by amber interiors

When it comes to wicker furniture we’re not talking about the white wicker nightstands from your aunt’s “beach cottage” themed guest room (I know that’s an oddly specific and very personal example). Instead, these are natural-toned wicker pieces in seriously elevated shapes, mixed in with cool and modern materials. That dining banquette (used by the illustrious Amber Interiors) is WHAT. I’M. TALKING. ABOUT. It feels organic and laid back, but still gets serious style points for amazing design and that u-shaped leather cushion.

photo by tessa neustadt | design by leanne ford

RED WICKER ALERT, and it’s looking gorgeous. That is all.

photo by maarten willemstein | design by studio modijefsky

I honestly can’t get over these wicker bar stools, and want mini versions as dining chairs. They’re super minimal, and in contrast with of the sharp black metal, feel totally modern. They work great in this warm, deco-vintage space, where they feel super tonal. But I could also see them being the element that brings in some warmth to a minimal, modern, white space.

via counter spaceimage source

The category is: Drool-worthy wicker furniture. Does anyone else get heart palpitations from staring at the above photos? I NEED the ones on the left for my patio this summer. I probably needed them last summer and didn’t even know it. They’re mod, they’re casual, they’re unique, THEY ARE VERY COOL. And that image on the right is a two-fer, because you’re getting a hit of that pleated lampshade also endemic of the Granmillennial trend (Did I order one of those too? Yes. EASILY INFLUENCED BY THE PEOPLE IN MY OWN OFFICE).

design by sarah gibson

Alright friends, this one is CONTROVERSIAL. But we’ve been seeing a lot of what we’re calling “wicker drape” furniture recently. We’ve seen it mostly as taller console tables, and it can be a lot of wavy wicker to stare at. But this little stool from Sarah Gibson’s home is making a strong case for it’s kind. The super traditional vibe of the vignette is softened just enough by the inclusion of this little wicker baby and its white cushion hat. It’s the baby Yoda of the wicker world, and I want to protect it at all costs.

Cruz Outdoor Dining Chair | 2. Marisol Coffee Table | 3. Britanna Patio Bar Cart | 4. Vintage Trompe l’Oeil Wicker Draped Console Table | 5. ULRIKSBERG| 6. Pierce Rattan Two-Seater Chair | 7. Rattan Rocking Chair | 8. Wicker Side Table with Removable Wood | 9. Woven Cube

WICKER ACCENTS



design by atelier vime

Want to dabble in the wicker arts, but aren’t ready to make the commitment to a giant wicker chair? Why not?! HAVE I NOT INFLUENCED YOU ENOUGH?? If you’re stronger than me, but still wicker curious, enter the wicker accessory. We’re talking vases, we’re talking trays, we’re talking baskets. These are the small pieces that bring a pop of warmth, organic vibes, and serious cool-factor into your home.

photo by tessa neustadt | design by amber interiors | via dominovia companion goods

A wicker basket is the easy and classic answer to using wicker as decor in your home, and we’re pretty sure that it will never go out of style. What I love about the bowl-shaped wicker basket on the right is that it’s vintage and feels like it has a story. It’s a big punch of warm soul to those shelves.

photo by tessa neustadt | from: let’s get cozy – fall style at target

And just to prove the point that wicker has been cool for while, here’s a shot from a room Em styled all the way back in 2015. It may have been 5 years ago, but that wicker bullhead is still looking pretty cute. It’s more of whimsical way to incorporate wicker into a space, and you can find tons of these wicker animal heads online.

photo by ty mecham & rocky luten | via food52

Frands, just hang a wicker bag on your wall. So you can realize the joy and warmth it brings not only to your heart, but to your home. It’s another super easy way to try out this new-to-me-but-not-new-to-the-world trend, with very low risk.

Braided Tray | 2. Wicker Shell Sculpture On Stand | 3. Dark Rattan Oval Bowl | 4. Priscilla Large Rattan Vase | 5. Cottage Fish Basket | 6. Rattan Magazine Rack

Ok, my time is up. And now it’s your turn to tell me all about your wicker wins OR your wicker woes (I’m pathetic, I’m sorry). Are you team granmillenial/eccentric English grandma or team GET THIS WICKER OUT OF MY FACE. I’ll still like you either way, I promise. Meanwhile, I’m off to create an entire wall out of wicker because I feel like it’s my new purpose in life.

design by atelier vime | via ad magazine

See you in the comments!

The post The “Not New” Trend That We’re Suddenly Leaning Into HARD appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: Ryann’s New Favorite Reading App, Julie’s Contouring Secret Weapon, & An Easy Weekday Recipe

design by moore house deisgn

Welp, February officially zoomed by as it always does (unlike its predecessor January). We’re pretty pumped to get into all we have in store for March, and what better way to start than with the link up? Let’s get to it.

Nearly 100% of the homes we see online are well, occupied. But outside of Moore House Design’s design services, they have a handful of beautifully designed homes in New England you can actually stay in. Yep that amazing house in the photo above is for rent. Is it summer vacation yet?

From Veronica: “THE BEST CHAPSTICK TO EVER EXIST (in my opinion) is Mentha Lip Balm. Someone in line behind me at Bath & Body Works recommended it and I wish I could send them a personal thank you card because I’m never going back.”

From Sara: “I just got this book, (Yes, another cookbook. It’s a passion people) and it’s just as fun to read as it is to cook from. It’s the most personal cookbook I’ve ever read, and it’s full of soul, warmth, and inspiration.”

Ryann just heard about a new app she is VERY into. It’s called pocket and it allows you to save and download articles, so when you have time you can go to the app and read them in full. From Ryann: “I think this idea is genius because I’ll often want to read an article but won’t have time to read it at that moment. Then later when I do have free time, I’ll completely forget where I even saw the article. Now, when waiting at the DMV or at a doctor’s appointment, I can just pull out my phone and read all the articles I missed. And the best part is, they are already downloaded so no wifi or phone service is necessary.

 For all of those who clench your teeth at night, Julie has something for you that will not only help to relieve your jaw in the morning but give you an extra boost in the beauty department. Using this Gua Sha tool for a couple of minutes in the morning has multiple benefits: brighter complexion, lifts/contours your face and helps relieve jaw tension.

From Mallory: “I made (and by “I made” I really mean “I convinced my boyfriend to make”) this for dinner the other night and IT SLAPS. We used coconut milk instead of heavy cream to lighten it up a bit. We think we made the right choice. It was so easy and we only used one pot :)”

From Jess: “I fell for this shared kids’ room reveal as soon as I clicked in. It has so many amazing ideas that Moore House dreamed up (yep this space was how I discovered them). Once you see it the only thought you’ll have is, “I wish that was my childhood bedroom.”

Alright friends, that is all for now. Have a lovely Sunday and see you around these parts tomorrow. xx

The post The Link Up: Ryann’s New Favorite Reading App, Julie’s Contouring Secret Weapon, & An Easy Weekday Recipe appeared first on Emily Henderson.

My 6 Favorite (And Mostly Affordable) Fashion Accessories That I Wear All. The. Time.

Due to my general laziness with fashion, accessories have always been an afterthought. But I realized that while I don’t have a big inventory, I wear the same types of accessories almost every day. They amp up my basic outfit, and are functional or they distract from say, bad hair. I’m not a big cocktail ring person and for work, I can’t be bothered with bracelets, but these six types of accessories are apparently my go-tos that I didn’t even realize I had.

Layered Necklaces



from left to right: i tried 3 “party” makeup looks | shopping my closet for fall & wearing some ethically made shoes i love | six fall sweaters i’m loving (+ how to wear them)

My friend Suzanne taught me how to do this – you buy a set of three then add in one more that is either chunkier or somehow visually different (like a locket or a fishbone chain). I basically just let her tell me what to buy and how to wear it, but now I add them to almost any outfit I wear.

1. Set of 2 Pendant Necklaces | 2. Sofia Chunky Chain Layer Necklace | 3. Ball & Medallion In Worn Gold Layer Necklace | 4. Mystic Layered Necklace | 5. Bria Delicate Layered Necklace | 6. Treasure Pendant Necklace Set

Rancher Hats



from left to right: 5 easy tips to bring a little “spring” into your january wardrobe | turns out my “uptown prairie” style is all over the internet | ripped & distressed jeans roundup + a genius shopping hack

This year I posed the question to myself – are we still wearing hats? And while I’m not as into them fashion-wise as I was 3 years ago the answer is YES, mostly because of function. They make a bad hair day look OK and provide shade. Of course, they add style, but I wear them more out of necessity (and lately I’ve been wearing a ton of graphic baseball hats).

WYETH Wool River Rancher Hat | 2. Lack of Color Grove Rancher | 3. Janessa Leone Caden Hat | 4. Tall Flat Brim Felt Panama Hat | 5. WYETH Dylan Rancher Hat | 6. Cusco Rancher



Bandanas



from left to right: my new insanely comfortable “mom-friendly” weekend wardrobe | my favorite affordable spring dresses (all with pockets) | why i am suddenly dressing like a toddler (and what does brian think)

I started wearing neck scarves when Birdie was a baby because I couldn’t wear necklaces, and I just haven’t stopped. I feel like they’ve gone in and out of style, and aren’t for most people but I love how they dress up – or down – an outfit.

Tungsten Glow Multi Bandana | 2. Paisley Bandana | 3. 3-Pack Bandanas | 4. Cotton Block Print Bandana | 5. Edge Detail Bandana | 6. Neckerchief Leopard Print Scarf



Leather Totes



from left to right: six fall sweaters i’m loving (+ how to wear them) | highlighting a brand we love (plus my thoughts on ethically made things)

I’m not a huge handbag person so I either carry larger indestructible ones that fit my laptop and likely about 95 hair ties mixed with loose almonds on the bottom OR belt bags when I want something smaller. I’ve been using that Parker Clay bag for almost 4 years and recently got that brown leather tote from Able and it is my current go-to. Both have easy to put on straps, some interior pockets and age so well (and are sustainable and high quality).

Nimes Araoz Bag | 2. Eden Carryall| 3. Lori Tote | 4. The Day Market Tote | 5. The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote | 6. Solome Tote



Belt Bags



from left to right: six fall sweaters i’m loving (+ how to wear them) | 4 coats 4 ways: how i am styling coats this winter (+ reviews)

When I want a smaller tote (for weekends and nights mostly) I opt for the statement belt bag, because they do feel a bit more young and fun than a cross-body. Clare V. makes some really good ones (all three of the ones I am wearing are Clare V.) but they are on the expensive side, so we rounded up some more affordable ones. You’ve seen me wear that red one a lot because I am obsessed with it and I like that the color adds an unexpected element to my outfits.

Bree Belt Bag | 2. Monogram Vegan Leather Belt Bag | 3. Leather Purse Belt Bag | 4. Leather Belt Bag With Flap Pocket | 5. Emma Convertible Belt Bag | 6. Corrinne Snake Belt Bag



Patterned Socks



from left to right: shopping my closet for fall & wearing some ethically made shoes i love | 51 affordable spring dresses (& 1 awesome jumper i couldn’t resist) | why ehd loves a jumpsuit + our treid and true recommendations

I absolutely did not understand the love of patterned socks until this year and once I added them to my repertoire I started thinking about socks as part of my outfit. Socks!!! Shocking, I know. My team also loves them and “where did you get your socks from” is a phrase often uttered in the office. Come join our sock party.

Stripe-Play Ankle Socks | 2. Striped 6pk Crew Socks | 3. Hansel from Basel Two-Pack Geo Shimmer Socks | 4. Lignes Crew Sock Set | 5. Hansel From Basel Horizon Shimmer Crew Socks | 6. Two-Pack Grid Trouser Socks

That’s all she wrote, folks. Now I am curious – what are your go-to everyday accessories?? Are there any new styles I should know about? Let me know in the comments. xx

** all photography by Veronica Crawford

The post My 6 Favorite (And Mostly Affordable) Fashion Accessories That I Wear All. The. Time. appeared first on Emily Henderson.