Emily Henderson's Blog, page 226

How To Hide Cords and Outlets In Every Room – No Photoshop Required

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: 5 steps to get a high-impact & organic bedroom

Consider this is a “what we wish we had known before” post. It’s a combination of design mistakes (Emily’s specifically), design rules and style hacks. It’s about cords and it’s riveting. In this age of technology where devices are king (I even did a post about it) and iPhone chargers are plugged in every two feet, hiding electrical cords is not for the faint of heart. As lovers of design, we consider ugly outlets and long cords our Achilles heel, and as such we are always searching for ways to hide, completely rid of, or disguise them in the home.

Ironically we try to avoid showcasing these ugly necessities to you, but today we are breaking down how to place outlets in the first place, disguise what you do have and implement some easy hacks to eliminate these eyesores. EHD is no stranger to disguising and designing around our technological nemesis’ so consider this Cord Management 101. Alright class, let’s begin.

For The Renovators: Prevention Tips And Tricks

If you are in the process of renovating, congratulations and I am sorry. I have to apologize because you are likely thinking of a million things at once so I hate to add one more thing to your plate. However, I have it on good authority that if you consider electrical outlet placement during the renovation process your future self will thank you. So for our first lesson…

Install outlets strategically so furniture can cover them

Furniture can be great for hiding cords and outlets so it helps to think about where in your home you will want access to an outlet (e.g. on both sides of your bed) and how you can design around them. But don’t just take it from me. Let’s compare some past EHD projects:

photos by sara ligorria-tramp
from left to right: our master bedroom reveal | mountain house reveal: our calm, scandinavian master bedroom

During the renovation of the mountain house master bedroom, the contractor suggested placing outlets behind the bed (which is definitely an option), but Emily and the design team knew that this would make accessing the outlet more difficult. Instead, they opted to place outlets where nightstands would eventually be. This is a matter of preference, but I think we have all experienced the dread of having to reach behind a bed frame, blindly search for a plug and hope a 127 hours situation doesn’t occur.

We can compare this to Emily’s LA master bedroom, where she shared with me that she wishes she would have put an outlet on the far wall where the nightstand is. Clearly the outlet, in this case, is in view because furniture can’t be placed there, and if the lamp were plugged into it, the cord would be difficult to conceal.

Hot Tip

Before you decide on outlet placement in the bedroom, consider the size of the bed and add 4 inches on either side to account for the bed frame and nightstand arrangement.

Match outlets to the color of your kitchen island




from left to right: photo by sara ligorria-tramp from: the reveal of the mountain house kitchen | photo by tessa neustadt from: my kitchen design one year later: lots to love and some regrets

In the mountain house kitchen, they used Forbes and Lomax outlets that blend in with the ebony stain of the kitchen island. Since nothing is visually breaking up the wood, your eyes can gloss over the presence of the outlets and instead fixate on everything else that is beautiful in the space.

Hot Tip

Know the potential places you can have your home wired for outlets while you are in the renovation process. Think about your needs and general ideas for where big devices will live and go from there.

Consider installing floor outlets

Again, consider where you will want access to an outlet, and if one on the floor makes sense for a specific room, why not go for it? It’s 2020, baby. Just know that if you don’t have a crawl space, the wiring and installation will need to be done before wood goes down, but if you do have a crawl space, you can put an outlet in at any time as long as there is some prewiring already in place.

Hot Tip

If you haven't installed flooring yet and you have the depth, we recommend using recessed outlets. Since they sit a few inches below floorboards, it will allow any plugged in cord to lay flat under a rug.

Place outlets where TVs will be mounted



photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: how we designed our super kid-friendly family room

In the mountain house family room, they installed outlets where the TV would be, so the wires would be securely hidden behind the screen. Luckily smart TVs have SIGNIFICANTLY reduced the number of wires required for a Netflix viewing experience (praise be) but, EHD is no stranger to creative problem solving when it comes to TV placement. If your outlets aren’t where you’d like them to be, you’d be surprised what a drill and some courage can do.

photo by veronica crawford | from: our bedroom update (also how I feel about having a tv in the bedroom)

Recently, Emily decided to revisit the “Should we put a TV in our Master bedroom” debate. Their room wasn’t designed for a TV so mounting one called for some creativity. With no preventative measures taken during the reno, and to avoid unattractive wires from hanging down, they had a handyman thread the cord through the wall (by making two new holes) and plugged it into the outlet behind the dresser. No electrician needed.

Now boys and girls, we’re moving on to Chapter 2…

For The Renters (And Homeowners): How To Hide And Disguise

As renters, we aren’t as enthusiastic about drilling holes into walls or gutting floorboards to install fancy floor outlets. It’s more about innovative solutions and creative disguising when pesky cord conundrums are in our midst. Let’s hack it out:

Disguise cords by running them underneath a rug

Sometimes our things need to be plugged in but plugs are out of reach or in really awkward places. This is why I personally own about 10 extension cords, just in case. But getting the cord to the plug is not the problem as we have (painstakingly) discussed so far. In order to hide a cord that will need to travel a few feet to reach an outlet, EHD will do whatever it takes. This has included cutting a small hole in a rug and running the cord through underneath it. It’s a little lawless, we know, but it does the trick of hiding the cord and getting rid of tripping hazards.

Wrap cords as small as possible and tape to the back of furniture



photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: a quick update: the changes i’ve made in my LA living room

Once again, furniture is the best partner in crime when it comes to combatting cords. Whenever possible, wrapping up cords and taping them to the back of a furniture piece with something that is easy to remove (like masking tape) is such an easy and renter-friendly fix.

Zip tie cords together and use conduit covers



photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: our new (hidden) living room projector system

Can you believe this living room has a very intense TV projector set up and nearly all the cords are concealed? It’s true. Here’s a close up of the magic:

For something as intricate as the TV projector in Emily’s living room, a cable cover and zip ties did a great job of concealing the number of cords required to get this puppy up and running. Stringing cords along baseboards and then threading them through covers can make them nearly invisible – just make sure to paint the conduit cover the color of your wall paint so it blends in easily.

Tape power cord to underside of a table



photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: our new (hidden) living room projector system

Who says power cords have to stay ground level? Not us. Again in Emily’s living room, they snaked the cords along the baseboard, attached a power strip to the bottom of the table, and slipped the excess cords into a fabric cover. This isn’t completely invisible, but it could be SO MUCH worse. And with something like this you can place a beautiful basket in front so the wires are hidden for the most part (and who’s looking under your table anyway?? Tell them to mind their business!)

Product Solutions:

Congratulations, you made it to the end of today’s class. Unless you didn’t, and I am just here talking to myself. Well, if you are still here consider yourself my star pupil. A+++.

But before I resign my teaching abilities for good, I would be remiss if I didn’t share the cord management products we love:

1. Cord Cable Management Organizer Storage Box | 2. Cable Box | 3. GO-Oblong Cable Organizer | 4. Cable Management Box | 5. Cable Management Box with Rubberized Feet | 6. Power Strip Organizer

1. Parsons Tables with Tabletop Power & Charging Outlets | 2. Freedom Desk with USB Ports Made of Solid American Oak | 3. White Helferich Simply Glass Credenza Desk

Now I hand things over to you. Have you any creative cord hiding secrets? What kind of hacks would you like to learn about in the future? Meet me in the comments and let’s discuss.

The post How To Hide Cords and Outlets In Every Room – No Photoshop Required appeared first on Emily Henderson.

How To Do “Craftsman” Right – The 7 Key Elements That Make This Vintage Style Work

If you are a fan of this blog, I think it’s safe to say that you have a deep love (or at least hefty fondness) for a home full of soul. It’s basically our main goal to inject as much of it as possible into any home, regardless of when it was built. But let’s be honest, there is just nothing like a home with actual history…like 100 years of it. A home that has seen some sh*t. I find that when the phrase, “they just don’t build em like they used to” is uttered, I either slightly roll my eyes and halfway smile in silent defense of my generation or I immediately (and audibly) agree because well, it’s the truth. So when I opened my email a few weeks ago and saw this beautifully restored craftsman home, my heart filled right up. I was immediately struck by its visible soulfulness and needed to know more.

Enter the “soul keepers,” Jamie and her husband, Craig. These two are no strangers to a historical home remodel. They actually do this more or less as a hobby or as Jamie says, “it’s an addiction… but it’s an addiction to beauty and craft.” So never mind that Jamie had given birth to their second child one month (yes, ONE MONTH) prior when they saw this house for sale. Because as soon as they saw it they knew they had to bring it back to life.

This house is now for sale (I know!) because Jamie and Craig already have a beautifully restored home they aren’t ready to leave. So after they restored this beaut, they called upon one of EHD’s favorite staging and design firms, A 1000 X Better to really make sure that it felt as welcoming as possible for their potential buyers. And since we are all about beautiful homes AND teaching you how to create them, we are going go through the 7 main design elements you will want to consider when designing the perfect (and slightly unexpected) craftsman home. In Jamie’s words, “you don’t open up a Craftsman home and make it an open concept. You embrace their quirky personalities and enhance them where you can. It’s a labor of love really.” We couldn’t agree more. So let’s talk about the ways to design a historical home that will stand the test of time, so the tradition of bragging to future generations will stay firmly intact:)

Embrace The Original Wood and Keep It Matte



wall color | brass ceiling lights

The wood mouldings and accents are what make craftsman homes so darn special. The warmth and texture they bring are off the charts. I mean, just look at this living room. Instead of painting and/or putting a high gloss finish all over that stunning wood, they brought it back to its natural state. Does it look super modern? No. But that’s what makes it special. It’s like the wood is basically naked, baring its soul to you.

Here’s what they did to restore the wood back to its former glory: “We stripped all the wood on the first floor, and had real historic wood artisans do the work to make sure the wood had the right feeling, stain, and patina. We had alder baseboards specially milled to match those we found in the home. We had gorgeous decorative crown moldings cut that match those we found. We trimmed the house in Douglas Fir, because a house smells better when you use real wood trim.”

Paint The Walls Light Or Really Dark



wall color | semi flush mount | vintage rug | art on left

When Emily and I were looking at these photos we realized that in terms of painting a craftsman home you really only have two options when it comes to colors – really dark (like in that stunning parlor room above) or pretty light…like white or light gray – ideally a cooler toned color, stay away from beige. Especially when you are dealing with a lot of natural wood this is key. For example, a warm reddish color would look too similar to that medium wood tone.

small semi flush mount | large semi flush mount

Of course, there are exceptions and wallpaper is a whole other story (we will chat about that later) but choosing a high contrast color is the best way to make the wood accents pop.

Before we move on, I think we need a moment to take in the overwhelming beauty of these windows. I mean HOW?! They really knew what they were doing 100 years ago:)

Highlight Special Architectural Moments



wall color | accent color | vintage rug

In a home like this one, there are so many special architectural moments. By highlighting a few of them with paint you visually elevate the entire home. Take the killer arch and stair rail in the photo above. The dark paint makes that whole moment pop and actually helps to make the natural wood stand out more in contrast. Had they not been painted it still would have been beautiful but way less of a wow moment.

This built-in bench is another great example. It really pops because of the paint color and gives the space a fresh feel which is important in a historical home. You want to care for its history and bring it back to life BUT also make it feel like it belongs in today’s world.

Pepper in Unexpected Decor to Balance Out Traditional Feel



vintage rug | wall color

In true EHD fashion, we LOVE any opportunity to “mix it up” and create unexpected moments. A 1000 X Better is no stranger to the “unexpected moment” but in my humble opinion, they knocked it out of the park with that cool mint wicker desk and that sofa. I honestly don’t know if I can live a truly happy life until that sofa is in my possession. To me, you (sofa) are perfect.

pendant light | brass ceiling lights



art on back wall | vintage rug

But like the desk, this sofa is a very different style than the home. But because they are within the color palette of the home and have natural textures, they work perfectly and make the space feel unique.

Hot Tip

You can mix any style as long as it falls within your chosen color palette.

Keep Kitchens and Bathrooms Classic



cabinet knob | cabinet pull | shelf brackets | sconce | switchplate

The two places to keep your freak flag temporarily at ease in a craftsman home are in the kitchen and bathroom. By all means, have fun with the decor once all of your hard (and permanent) finishes are in place but as Jamie said, “we chose finishes that would have been used in 1905. Marble, soapstone, real wood cabinets that get painted and feel like wood when you touch them.” Truly the last thing you want is to regret a countertop choice because it feels out of place.

island pendant | semi flushmount| sink | cabinet color | wall color | vintage rug

So now that we have that little hot tip out of the way, let’s take a sec to appreciate this kitchen. There’s not one thing I don’t love in here. There is just the right amount of detail in the cabinet feet and island legs to pay homage to the style of the home, but everything else has a sleeker, more modern traditional feel. It looks updated (in the best way). Also, those stairs are too beautiful, right?

vanity | sink faucet | robe hook | showerhead | shower handle | round mirror | vintage pendant source | accent wall color

I want to shower in this bathroom so badly. It’s another example of Jamie and Craig’s talent for making modern updates but honoring a home’s original architecture. Notice how every material has visual texture. The tiles, countertop, aged brass, and wood all bring life to the space. Nothing feels sterile which is always our goal when we are designing.

flush mount (vintage shade) | sconce (vintage shade) | faucet | shower handle | shower head and trim | vanity| drawer pulls | mirror

The same goes for this smaller bathroom. They used beautiful materials and fixtures that are akin to the home but elevate it in the best way. Also, that marble tub surround is all heart eyes for me.

Choose Light Fixtures That Stylewise Are In Line With The House



vintage rug

You may have noticed that throughout all of these photos, all of the hardwired light fixtures are more on the modern traditional side. We think this is the way to go (and it’s what Em did in her ). Keep those more permanent types of design elements in line with the style of the home for longevity and overall homage to the style. I mean you probably chose your historical home for a reason right?

Don’t Be Afraid of Fun Wallpaper



wallpaper | faucet | door knob | vintage semi flush mount (similar)

I know we talked earlier about only using very dark or very light paint colors inside of a craftsman home (which we still stand by all these photos later) but we also think that wallpaper is a great way to make a room more special. We would suggest choosing a pattern that has a nostalgic feel like the awesome one they chose for the powder bath. Otherwise, just choose a texture but don’t go too modern unless of course, you are completely throwing the vintage baby out with the historical bathwater.

Well, there you have it. A stunning home tour with tips that can hopefully be helpful and transferable to any type of historical home. A huge thank you to Jamie and Craig for letting us feature their beautiful project. We are so happy that there are people who want to celebrate design history and take such good care of it.

Let’s talk about this incredible house in the comments. Thoughts, feelings, and sofa yearnings are all welcome:)

Love you, mean it.

Restored and Designed by Jamie Haller and Craig Ekedahl

Styled by A 1000 X Better

Photos by Lauren Moore

Property Site

Check out some of our other house tours: Tour a Stylist’s Mid-Century-Meets-Traditional “Farmhouse” Full of Thrifted Treasures | An Exclusive House Tour From (Design Girl Crush) Leanne Ford | House Tour: Original Woodwork, Moody Walls & A Gasp-Worthy Wallpaper | House Tour: A Home Crush a Year in the Making ….click HERE for more:)

The post How To Do “Craftsman” Right – The 7 Key Elements That Make This Vintage Style Work appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Soulful House Tour Of Our Dreams + The 7 Key Elements to Designing The Perfect Craftsman Home

If you are a fan of this blog, I think it’s safe to say that you have a deep love (or at least hefty fondness) for a home full of soul. It’s basically our main goal to inject as much of it as possible into any home, regardless of when it was built. But let’s be honest, there is just nothing like a home with actual history…like 100 years of it. A home that has seen some sh*t. I find that when the phrase, “they just don’t build em like they used to” is uttered, I either slightly roll my eyes and halfway smile in silent defense of my generation or I immediately (and audibly) agree because well, it’s the truth. So when I opened my email a few weeks ago and saw this beautifully restored craftsman home, my heart filled right up. I was immediately struck by its visible soulfulness and needed to know more.

Enter the “soul keepers,” Jamie and her husband, Craig. These two are no strangers to a historical home remodel. They actually do this more or less as a hobby or as Jamie says, “it’s an addiction… but it’s an addiction to beauty and craft.” So never mind that Jamie had given birth to their second child one month (yes, ONE MONTH) prior when they saw this house for sale. Because as soon as they saw it they knew they had to bring it back to life.

This house is now for sale (I know!) because Jamie and Craig already have a beautifully restored home they aren’t ready to leave. So after they restored this beaut, they called upon one of EHD’s favorite staging and design firms, A 1000 X Better to really make sure that it felt as welcoming as possible for their potential buyers. And since we are all about beautiful homes AND teaching you how to create them, we are going go through the 7 main design elements you will want to consider when designing the perfect (and slightly unexpected) craftsman home. In Jamie’s words, “you don’t open up a Craftsman home and make it an open concept. You embrace their quirky personalities and enhance them where you can. It’s a labor of love really.” We couldn’t agree more. So let’s talk about the ways to design a historical home that will stand the test of time, so the tradition of bragging to future generations will stay firmly intact:)

Embrace The Original Wood and Keep It Matte



wall color | brass ceiling lights

The wood mouldings and accents are what make craftsman homes so darn special. The warmth and texture they bring are off the charts. I mean, just look at this living room. Instead of painting and/or putting a high gloss finish all over that stunning wood, they brought it back to its natural state. Does it look super modern? No. But that’s what makes it special. It’s like the wood is basically naked, bearing its soul to you.

Here’s what they did to restore the wood back to its former glory: “We stripped all the wood on the first floor, and had real historic wood artisans do the work to make sure the wood had the right feeling, stain, and patina. We had alder baseboards specially milled to match those we found in the home. We had gorgeous decorative crown moldings cut that match those we found. We trimmed the house in Douglas Fir, because a house smells better when you use real wood trim.”

Paint The Walls Light Or Really Dark



wall color | semi flush mount | vintage rug | art on left

When Emily and I were looking at these photos we realized that in terms of painting a craftsman home you really only have two options when it comes to colors – really dark (like in that stunning parlor room above) or pretty light…like white or light gray. Especially when you are dealing with a lot of natural wood this is key. For example, a warm reddish color would look too similar to that medium wood tone.

small semi flush mount | large semi flush mount

Of course, there are exceptions and wallpaper is a whole other story (we will chat about that later) but choosing a high contrast color is the best way to make the wood accents pop.

Before we move on, I think we need a moment to take in the overwhelming beauty of these windows. I mean HOW?! They really knew what they were doing 100 years ago:)

Highlight Special Architectural Moments



wall color | accent color | vintage rug

In a home like this one, there are so many special architectural moments. By highlighting a few of them with paint you visually elevate the entire home. Take the killer arch and stair rail in the photo above. The dark paint makes that whole moment pop and actually helps to make the natural wood stand out more in contrast. Had they not been painted it still would have been beautiful but way less of a wow moment.

This built-in bench is another great example. It really pops because of the paint color and gives the space a fresh feel which is important in a historical home. You want to care for its history and bring it back to life BUT also make it feel like it belongs in today’s world.

Pepper in Unexpected Decor to Balance Out Traditional Feel



vintage rug | wall color

In true EHD fashion, we LOVE any opportunity to “mix it up” and create unexpected moments. A 1000 X Better is no stranger to the “unexpected moment” but in my humble opinion, they knocked it out of the park with that cool mint wicker desk and that sofa. I honestly don’t know if I can live a truly happy life until that sofa is in my possession. To me, you (sofa) are perfect.

pendant light | brass ceiling lights



art on back wall | vintage rug

But like the desk, this sofa is a very different style than the home. But because they are within the color palette of the home and have natural textures, they work perfectly and make the space feel unique.

Hot Tip

You can mix any style as long as it falls within your chosen color palette.

Keep Kitchens and Bathrooms Classic



cabinet knob | cabinet pull | shelf brackets | sconce | switchplate

The two places to keep your freak flag temporarily at ease in a craftsman home are in the kitchen and bathroom. By all means, have fun with the decor once all of your hard (and permanent) finishes are in place but as Jamie said, “we chose finishes that would have been used in 1905. Marble, soapstone, real wood cabinets that get painted and feel like wood when you touch them.” Truly the last thing you want is to regret a countertop choice because it feels out of place.

island pendant | semi flushmount| sink | cabinet color | wall color | vintage rug

So now that we have that little hot tip out of the way, let’s take a sec to appreciate this kitchen. There’s not one thing I don’t love in here. There is just the right amount of detail in the cabinet feet and island legs to pay homage to the style of the home, but everything else has a sleeker, more modern traditional feel. It looks updated (in the best way). Also, those stairs are too beautiful, right?

vanity | sink faucet | robe hook | showerhead | shower handle | round mirror | vintage pendant source | accent wall color

I want to shower in this bathroom so badly. It’s another example of Jamie and Craig’s talent for making modern updates but honoring a home’s original architecture. Notice how every material has visual texture. The tiles, countertop, aged brass, and wood all bring life to the space. Nothing feels sterile which is always our goal when we are designing.

flush mount (vintage shade) | sconce (vintage shade) | faucet | shower handle | shower head and trim | vanity| drawer pulls | mirror

The same goes for this smaller bathroom. They used beautiful materials and fixtures that are akin to the home but elevate it in the best way. Also, that marble tub surround is all heart eyes for me.

Choose Light Fixtures That Stylewise Are In Line With The House



vintage rug

You may have noticed that throughout all of these photos, all of the hardwired light fixtures are more on the modern traditional side. We think this is the way to go (and it’s what Em did in her ). Keep those more permanent types of design elements in line with the style of the home for longevity and overall homage to the style. I mean you probably chose your historical home for a reason right?

Don’t Be Afraid of Fun Wallpaper



wallpaper | faucet | door knob | vintage semi flush mount (similar)

I know we talked earlier about only using very dark or very light paint colors inside of a craftsman home (which we still stand by all these photos later) but we also think that wallpaper is a great way to make a room more special. We would suggest choosing a pattern that has a nostalgic feel like the awesome one they chose for the powder bath. Otherwise, just choose a texture but don’t go too modern unless of course, you are completely throwing the vintage baby out with the historical bathwater.

Well, there you have it. A stunning home tour with tips that can hopefully be helpful and transferable to any type of historical home. A huge thank you to Jamie and Craig for letting us feature their beautiful project. We are so happy that there are people who want to celebrate design history and take such good care of it.

Let’s talk about this incredible house in the comments. Thoughts, feelings, and sofa yearnings are all welcome:)

Love you, mean it.

Restored and Designed by Jamie Haller and Craig Ekedahl

Styled by A 1000 X Better

Photos by Lauren Moore

Property Site

Check out some of our other house tours: Tour a Stylist’s Mid-Century-Meets-Traditional “Farmhouse” Full of Thrifted Treasures | An Exclusive House Tour From (Design Girl Crush) Leanne Ford | House Tour: Original Woodwork, Moody Walls & A Gasp-Worthy Wallpaper | House Tour: A Home Crush a Year in the Making ….click HERE for more:)

The post The Soulful House Tour Of Our Dreams + The 7 Key Elements to Designing The Perfect Craftsman Home appeared first on Emily Henderson.

How To Design A Room: The 8 Steps You Need To Know To Create Your Dream Space

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: mountain house living room reveal

We joke that after this post goes live, we’ll do a collective blog mic drop and retire. For some reason it seems hilarious to me that we’ve never written a “how to design a room” post – one article can’t encapsulate it all, obviously, but I will be referencing this post for years. My creative process is not the only way, but if you follow these steps, you can get a room that is functional, comfortable, cohesive, stylish, will reflect your personality, AND meets your needs without it taking years or costing a fortune. I’m not saying it’s easy or that anyone can just pick up and do it (even we still make mistakes, and there is a reason why if you are going to hire someone you will likely save a lot of time and stress) but this post WILL HELP.

Some of these can be done in a different order. For instance feel free to take measurements first, or find your jumping-off point before you start pinning inspiration. This is really for a beginner, someone who has never designed a room before and truly doesn’t know where to start. But let’s be honest even if you aren’t a total beginner, it’s always nice to a little refresher

New Blog, Who Dis? Emily Henderson 3.0

You are at the right place, don’t worry, although today things look different. Hopefully, you might even use the word better. I’m ECSTATIC to announce that the new website format that we’ve been working on for almost two years is now LIVE. We work so hard to create the content we actually want to read ourselves, but the old blog format didn’t give that content the platform it deserved. Good posts were disappearing too fast, and all our content was getting buried and lost.

I founded this blog 10 years ago because I wanted to share my opinions on style and design with anyone who would listen. In those 10 years it’s grown from a personal blog into a reliable (and hopefully relatable) source of daily style and design inspiration, run by a small team of like-minded people who share my passion for design, style, and human connection. We are all storytellers with a diverse variety of backgrounds, problems, insecurities, expertise, budgets, and styles. We write the articles about design, style, and life that we would want to read. And we create the content that we wish was out in the world.

Change can be scary, but this change was driven by one very big goal – to make the site a better, more useful design and style resource. Hopefully, you’ll find it easier to read, and easier to find the best information (we have 12 new categories that we’ve realized are what you – and us – really want to read). As we were designing the , then the Mountain House, I was dying to have a website that I could reference in an easy way – from inspiration, to process and all the resources. I just kept thinking about how much more navigable all of our content could be. I wanted to maximize our years of content and organize it in a way that is more intuitive for you to enjoy.

The category that used to be called “Family” is now “Personal” with a drop-down of “Parenting/Relationship,” “Business Advice,” and “Controversial Posts.” Instead of just “Design” we’ve created 9 specific design categories that are filled with the most valuable posts (hover over “Design” on the header menu at the top of the page to see them all). Our hope is that this new site format will allow you to find exactly what you’re looking for, when you need it, so you can truly rely on it and share it as a useful design resource. While you’re at it, our hope is that you’ll find content that maybe you missed or haven’t seen before. And don’t worry, if you want to see every single post ever written in chronological order we’ve still got that page, too.

We are mostly just so excited to evolve, shift, and stay nimble in this digital wild west. Which meant creating the site that we wanted, as readers.

You see the changes.

Time to explore it for yourself (with some incentive). While we think the site is pretty intuitive, we want to help you guys get acquainted with every new inch. So we’ve put together a little scavenger hunt that will take you through a few different areas of the site. And those who finish the scavenger hunt could win a weekend at the mountain house (but there are a few consolation prizes for a handful of others who also finish the scavenger hunt):

The New EHD Site Scavenger Hunt



Follow clues to different parts of the site. Don’t worry, there are only 4 of them.Each one will take you to a blog post, where you’ll be clued into your next destination (we couldn’t resist).Once you reach the final destination, you’ll be able to submit your email address for a chance to win a VERY GOOD prize.5 winning emails will be selected (at random from all the email addresses submitted) to win a framed Jane Denton piece.1 lucky winner will be selected (at random from all the email addresses submitted, but vetted for obvious reasons) to win a weekend at my mountain house, as well as a framed Jane Denton piece.Head here for all the nitty-gritty on those prizes…

Now it’s time for your very first scavenger hunt clue…

SCAVENGER HUNT CLUE

Let’s start at the very beginning – Head back to the new home page (all you have to do is click on our logo at the very top of any page to get there). Scroll down until you see a section with 8 different categories in boxes, but you’ll want to “see more”. Design 101 is where you're headed next. Your second clue is hanging out in the post where we answer some VERY important questions we get all the time. 5 of them to be exact…

So, that’s the new US. There are going to be bugs for a bit – please feel free to let us know if you come across any of them. If, for example, you find one section hard to read or navigate. Literally ANY feedback will be considered (but as always, please keep it kind and constructive). And know we’re still going to be rolling out a few new features over the following weeks. We really tried to put ourselves in your shoes and design this site so that no matter what stage you are in – looking for inspiration, renovating, decorating, styling or shopping, regardless of the type of room – you can find what you need easily. Our new 12 categories hone in on what we do best here, and the Makeover/Our Design Work sections will give you every post for each project for those of you who want to deep dive. Ready to shop and want to know our favorite pieces? We’ve updated our Shop page, and rounded up every shopping guide we’ve ever put together.

This has truly been a labor of love on our part, so we hope you all enjoy it as much as we do (if you do, let us know :)). A massive thanks to Paul at Flywheel Agency (who also happens to be one of my college best friends), as well as Arlyn, Jess, Sara, and Ryann for organizing years of content and helping manage all the changes – these people have been busting it and deserve some extra love. BIG CLAPS AND CHAMPAGNE FOR MY CREW (we celebrated Friday, but will continue). The only thing we love more than design and style is our avidly engaged audience – YOU. And we’re honored that you’re spending your time here with us. Thank you. Always. THANK YOU.

xx

Emily & the EHD team

P.S. Now go and explore the projects page, dive into design 101, and learn some of our styling hacks (and more).

The post New Blog, Who Dis? Emily Henderson 3.0 appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: Sara’s Favorite $17 Vegan Cookbook, The Color Julie & Jess Can’t Stop Buying and Caitlin’s Dream Netflix Show

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

A short and sweet week it was (and for us, PACKED with shoots). But now that we are all about to embark on a full 5-day work week together let’s make that transition a little easier with this week’s link up…

From Emily: If you are a fan of Armchair Expert like all of us here, you know Monica Padman and Dax Shepard. Well Monica, and their other best friend, Jess, have a new podcast of their own about their love lives (well it’s a short series). It’s literally like sitting in the car with two good friends who are as willing to share as I am about all the juicy private stuff. For example: I was at a good part of an episode when I pulled up to Target, but I waited for the story to be over. I could have just pressed “paused” (it’s a podcast, not a radio show), but I was so riveted that I had to wait ’til that segment was over. And a quick vouch for Monica, we recently hung out and I can say that she (and her mom KB) are as lovely, normal, warm, funny and down to earth as they seem. I’m always interested in hearing about how “real” someone actually is, but I’m happy to report they are exactly who they seem (i.e. GREAT).

This past Friday morning felt like a bonus Christmas because right there on ArchitecturalDigest.com was Athena Calderone’s newly renovated Hamptons home. And just like her Brooklyn home, it’s stunning and we suggest you look at it ASAP. Also, can we talk about that rope ceiling???

In case you missed it, Emily wants everyone to stop what they are doing immediately and go look at Leanne Ford’s insanely cool new collection at Crate & Barrel. Emily and the entire team want basically everything. Congrats Leanne!

Since we are talking about all things design, Emily got to be a part of helping Apartment Therapy decide on their pattern of the year. Check it out!

From Sara: I recently got this cookbook in an effort to eat less animal products, while also making easy meals during our renovation. Last night I made the ratatouille and it was KILLER. We ate spread on thick slices of crusty toasted bread and I was in heaven. Tonight I’m going to be tossing the leftovers with pasta. Guys, this might be the best vegan cookbook I’ve come across.

From Mallory: Jess showed me this more affordable line by Jonathan Adler and it’s literally become the inspiration for my entire apartment. Plus it’s one of the only furniture brands my boyfriend and I both love everything about.

From Ryann: I’ve been spending my nights scouring the internet for really COOL vintage dining chairs. My goal is to mix and match and currently have my eyes set on this beauty for my first pick.

Julie got pretty inspired by Jess’ color trend post the other week and bought this cool mint jacket to put on her body.

Speaking of cool mint, Jess and her cousin were shopping last weekend and they both fell head over heels for this jumpsuit. It’s so freaking cute, flattering and perfect for spring with its short sleeves and pastel color.

Veronica stumbled upon this Instagram account and just… wowowowow

From Caitlin: YOU NEED TO WATCH LOVE IS BLIND ON NETFLIX RIGHT NOW and then CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT IT IN THE COMMENTS??? (Yes, the all caps are necessary because this is the best/worst show I have EVER seen. The Bachelor meets 90 Day Fiance meets Married at First Sight meets Bachelor in Paradise? ARE YOU KIDDING? PS. I wrote this link 8 DAYS early after watching just two episodes because I was so excited about what a good/bad mess this show is.)

Ok, happy Sunday everyone and see you tomorrow.

 

P.S. Don’t be too sad the weekend is almost over because we have a BIG and very EXCITING surprise for you bright and early;) 

The post The Link Up: Sara’s Favorite $17 Vegan Cookbook, The Color Julie & Jess Can’t Stop Buying and Caitlin’s Dream Netflix Show appeared first on Emily Henderson.

My Favorite AFFORDABLE Spring Dresses (all with pockets)

I’m a perpetual fan of the “One-piece-of-clothing” outfit, otherwise known as “the dress” (or romper, but that’s another post). Make that dress easy to wear (good drape), affordable (less risk) and WITH POCKETS (it swings!) and you had me at “howdy” (there is an accidental theme as you will soon see). I went to the mall with my friend Suzanne, tried on 30-40 dresses, and came home with these 7. Here. We. Go.

Dress (available in store) | Shoes (similar)

I LOVE this dress and it looks far more expensive than the $27.99 (yup, that it is). Plus I wore it three times without washing or even really hanging it up. It’s thick enough that it doesn’t get wrinkled easily AND YET DRAPES SO WELL. Likely it’s because of the princess sleeves and more fitted bodice, but I am a massive fan of it in every way (the cute cuffs, the simple collar, I could go on and on). I’ve had the clogs for a year and still love them.

1. Denim Fit and Flare Dress | 2. Utility Denim Shirt Dress | 3. Denim Wrap Smock Dress | 4. Short Shirt Dress | 5. Denim Patch-Pocket Popover Shirtdress | 6. Lyocell Shirt Dress

Now let’s get whimsical with some ruffles…

Dress | Hat | Shoes | Bandana

This dress comes in white, teal and this pretty pink and it was a hard choice to make. The ruffled sleeve, the casual drape, the tiered length, and the pockets make it SO easy to throw on (and it’s lined and the lining even drapes/falls well). It certainly has a prairie vibe that I obviously leaned into with the bandana, snakeskin boots, and hat. WHEN IN ROME.

1. UO Hanna Embroidered Maxi Dress | 2. Women’s Floral Ruffle Dress | 3. Haverford Frock Midi Dress

Dress | Shoes | Dog (sorry he’s taken:))

Sensing the theme? This tiered dress is a heavy rayon that ALSO drapes really well. The print makes it really forgiving, the rouging flatters the bodice (and would even more if you were less endowed), and the big sleeves are like a fun accessory. Throw in Boris in lieu of a handbag and you’ve got yourself AN official outfit. This is a great work/church/brunch outfit and is even as cute with thick-soled sneakers (like these or the black version of my snakeskin pair like these). And yes, this also has pockets.

1. Liza Long Sleeve Smocked Midi Dress | 2. Polka Dots Long Sleeve Dress | 3. Apparent Long Sleeve Dress | 4. Floral Smock Dress | 5. Creped Dress | 6. Sister Jane Tiered Dress

Dress | Bandana | Shoes

This one is not a show stopper but I found myself opting for it on the weekend because it has this casual utilitarian vibe that is still cute, but so easy. I also think it would be a GREAT swimsuit coverup what with the zipper. It’s oversized in a good way, with huge pockets and screams “weekend dog walking or park with kids”. I had no idea how often I would wear those snakeskin sneakers, but the answer is 3-4 times a week.

1. Cloth & Stone Eryn Utility Shirtdress | 2. Topstitched Utility Shirtdress | 3. Utility Mini Shirtdress

Dress | Shoes

This shot is not properly displaying the joy that I feel wearing it. It’s thick, quilted, powder blue with massive sleeves and even a tie in the back. I feel so happy and just GOOD in this dress. It can obviously be dressed up for Easter, or down with sneakers. Its a whimsical statement but yet so easy to throw on. It is on the more splurgy side of affordable, but because it can be even worn to a wedding I think it’s worth it.

1. Puff Sleeve Mini Dress | 2. Puff Sleeve Babydoll Dress | 3. Mallorca Tiered Babydoll Dress | 4. Laura Ashley Mel Puff Sleeve Dress | 5. WeWoreWhat Puff Sleeve Polka Dot Romper | 6. Puff Sleeve Dobby Cotton Mini Dress

Dress | Belt | Shoes

We joked that this outfit is my “go to church, then brunch, then if brunch leads to a night out” dress. The dress itself is fairly tame (HA) but with the boots and belt, it felt even kinda nighttime. It’s thin, but forgiving (the fabric hangs so nicely) and has princess sleeves and a tiered skirt.

1. Patterned Satin Dress | 2. Floral Long Sleeve Midi Dress | 3. Levita Georgette Midi Dress | 4. Button Front Dress | 5. Creped Dress | 6. Patterned Dress

Dress | Shoes

Lastly, MAYBE my favorite – this orange/red maxi. It has all the things – princess sleeves, good drape, built-in lining for the skirt, a V-neck so I’m not totally covered head to toe, AND POCKETS. It’s $39.99 and I’m going to wear it ALL THE TIME. It’s so voluminous and fun, while being so easy to wear. Dress it up like I did with cowboy boots, or down with vans. Or dress it up even more with heels (although I’d opt for platforms or something chunky rather than something delicate).

Head to stories later to see these guys in action (I always find it easier to assess clothes on a moving body). Happy dress shopping!

1. Casual Cotton Maxi Puff Sleeve Dress | 2. Chiffon Dress | 3. In The Moment Dress | 4. Tiered Gingham Dress | 5. Poplin Smock Midi Dress | 6. Black/Pink Creped Dress

*As we’ve stated before – we at EHD try to promote good fashion for all budgets from companies that we love and believe in, so while I at times might splurge on those boots for instance the ones in the photo above (that I wear probably four times a week), we also love the accessibility of these dresses for our readers that simply want a new spring dress to make them feel happy, express themselves creatively and bring them a burst of joy regardless of their budget. We encourage you to buy what you think you’ll wear for years and years, season to season, regardless of the price.

Now, Hey Spring it’s time to SPRUNG. Thanks Suzanne Thune for shopping with and styling me

My Favorite AFFORDABLE Winter to Spring Dresses, (Almost) ALL WITH POCKETS

I’m a perpetual fan of the “One-piece-of-clothing” outfit, otherwise known as “the dress” (or romper, but that’s another post). Make that dress easy to wear (good drape), affordable (less risk) and WITH POCKETS (it swings!) and you had me at “howdy” (there is an accidental theme as you will soon see). I went to the mall with my friend Suzanne, tried on 30-40 dresses, and came home with these 7. Here. We. Go.

Dress (available in store) | Shoes (similar)

I LOVE this dress and it looks far more expensive than the $27.99 (yup, that it is). Plus I wore it three times without washing or even really hanging it up. It’s thick enough that it doesn’t get wrinkled easily AND YET DRAPES SO WELL. Likely it’s because of the princess sleeves and more fitted bodice, but I am a massive fan of it in every way (the cute cuffs, the simple collar, I could go on and on). I’ve had the clogs for a year and still love them.

1. Denim Fit and Flare Dress | 2. Utility Denim Shirt Dress | 3. Denim Wrap Smock Dress | 4. Short Shirt Dress | 5. Denim Patch-Pocket Popover Shirtdress | 6. Lyocell Shirt Dress

Now let’s get whimsical with some ruffles…

Dress | Hat | Shoes | Bandana

This dress comes in white, teal and this pretty pink and it was a hard choice to make. The ruffled sleeve, the casual drape, the tiered length, and the pockets make it SO easy to throw on (and it’s lined and the lining even drapes/falls well). It certainly has a prairie vibe that I obviously leaned into with the bandana, snakeskin boots, and hat. WHEN IN ROME.

1. UO Hanna Embroidered Maxi Dress | 2. Women’s Floral Ruffle Dress | 3. Haverford Frock Midi Dress

Dress | Shoes | Dog (sorry he’s taken:))

Sensing the theme? This tiered dress is a heavy rayon that ALSO drapes really well. The print makes it really forgiving, the rouging flatters the bodice (and would even more if you were less endowed), and the big sleeves are like a fun accessory. Throw in Boris in lieu of a handbag and you’ve got yourself AN official outfit. This is a great work/church/brunch outfit and is even as cute with thick-soled sneakers (like these or the black version of my snakeskin pair like these). And yes, this also has pockets.

1. Liza Long Sleeve Smocked Midi Dress | 2. Polka Dots Long Sleeve Dress | 3. Apparent Long Sleeve Dress | 4. Floral Smock Dress | 5. Creped Dress | 6. Sister Jane Tiered Dress

Dress | Bandana | Shoes

This one is not a show stopper but I found myself opting for it on the weekend because it has this casual utilitarian vibe that is still cute, but so easy. I also think it would be a GREAT swimsuit coverup what with the zipper. It’s oversized in a good way, with huge pockets and screams “weekend dog walking or park with kids”. I had no idea how often I would wear those snakeskin sneakers, but the answer is 3-4 times a week.

1. Cloth & Stone Eryn Utility Shirtdress | 2. Topstitched Utility Shirtdress | Utility Mini Shirtdress

Dress | Shoes

This shot is not properly displaying the joy that I feel wearing it. It’s thick, quilted, powder blue with massive sleeves and even a tie in the back. I feel so happy and just GOOD in this dress. It can obviously be dressed up for Easter, or down with sneakers. Its a whimsical statement but yet so easy to throw on. It is on the more splurgy side of affordable, but because it can be even worn to a wedding I think it’s worth it.

1. Puff Sleeve Mini Dress | 2. Puff Sleeve Babydoll Dress | 3. Mallorca Tiered Babydoll Dress | 4. Laura Ashley Mel Puff Sleeve Dress | 5. WeWoreWhat Puff Sleeve Polka Dot Romper | 6. Puff Sleeve Dobby Cotton Mini Dress

Dress | Belt | Shoes

We joked that this outfit is my “go to church, then brunch, then if brunch leads to a night out” dress. The dress itself is fairly tame (HA) but with the boots and belt, it felt even kinda nighttime. It’s thin, but forgiving (the fabric hangs so nicely) and has princess sleeves and a tiered skirt.

1. Patterned Satin Dress | 2. Floral Long Sleeve Midi Dress | 3. Levita Georgette Midi Dress | 4. Button Front Dress | 5. Creped Dress | 6. Patterned Dress

Dress | Shoes

Lastly, MAYBE my favorite – this orange/red maxi. It has all the things – princess sleeves, good drape, built-in lining for the skirt, a V-neck so I’m not totally covered head to toe, AND POCKETS. It’s $39.99 and I’m going to wear it ALL THE TIME. It’s so voluminous and fun, while being so easy to wear. Dress it up like I did with cowboy boots, or down with vans. Or dress it up even more with heels (although I’d opt for platforms or something chunky rather than something delicate).

Head to stories later to see these guys in action (I always find it easier to assess clothes on a moving body). Happy dress shopping!

1. Casual Cotton Maxi Puff Sleeve Dress | 2. Chiffon Dress | 3. In The Moment Dress | 4. Tiered Gingham Dress | 5. Poplin Smock Midi Dress | 6. Black/Pink Creped Dress

*As we’ve stated before – we at EHD try to promote good fashion for all budgets from companies that we love and believe in, so while I at times might splurge on those boots for instance the ones in the photo above (that I wear probably four times a week), we also love the accessibility of these dresses for our readers that simply want a new spring dress to make them feel happy, express themselves creatively and bring them a burst of joy regardless of their budget. We encourage you to buy what you think you’ll wear for years and years, season to season, regardless of the price.

Now, Hey Spring it’s time to SPRUNG.

 

***Photos by Veronica Crawford

The post My Favorite AFFORDABLE Winter to Spring Dresses, (Almost) ALL WITH POCKETS appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Everything You Need to Know About Designing A Dog-Friendly Home: Advice, Easy Hacks and Tons of Decor Recommendations From Our Readers

 

photo by Tessa Neustadt | from: The Design Milk Family Room Reveal

All dogs are perfect, but they aren’t always the best roommates. They shed, they climb on furniture, and if they’re an American Bulldog named Gus, they drool and lick themselves incessantly. But, as the proud mother of said bulldog, I know there are few joys greater than coming home to a 60 lb slobbery mess that wants to jump on me and lick my face as soon as I walk through the door. Yes, I am that kind of dog mom. I let my dog jump on me, lay on the couch, and sleep in our bed because he has me wrapped around his little paw. But as whipped as I may be, there is no denying that a dog in the home causes some challenges, design-wise.

As I coming to find out, designing a dog-friendly home requires thoughtful consideration and those who’ve lived through it are our best resource. So I did what anyone would do. I asked my boss to ask you, the real experts, how you keep your homes dog-friendly and clean. Now I’ve gathered the results and can’t wait to share all the tips and tricks. We’re talking best and worst fabrics, best cleaning products, easy hacks, and more. Let’s get to it:

The Best (& Prettiest) Dog-Friendly Sofas

Leather: I know there are people out there who live in “no dogs on the furniture” households. These people deserve this recognition and will likely announce themselves in the comment section (please do and please give me all the advice on how to accomplish this). The rest of us need something a little more foolproof than that. I was recently in the market for a new couch and because my life revolves around my dog, I had to ask what is recommended for dogs (specifically ones that shed a TON). I was told leather is the #1 recommended for dog owners which is no surprise. Leather is easy to wipe clean and hair isn’t going to stick to it. Obviously, real leather will hold up better to scratches, but faux leather is just as easy to clean – just not as durable. 

1.  2. Texada Sofa | 3. Hoxton Black Leather Sofa | 4. Leather Sofa | 5. Sven Charme Tan Sofa | 6. Brown Leather Modern Square Sofa

Tightly Woven Fabrics: If you aren’t into leather and want something cozier, have no fear. There are some woven fabrics out there that are very durable and stain-resistant. My research tells me the tighter the weave the better (think chenille and herringbone – fabrics with texture that will hide hair – but watch out if your dog is a digger as their nails can cause damage). Also, synthetic fabrics like microfibre are high on the pet (and kid) friendly list because they can be spot-cleaned with most carpet cleaners and pet hair is easier to remove with lint rollers and vacuums. If you are going for a woven fabric though, you might consider matching the fabric to your dog’s hair color as best you can unless you don’t mind seeing hair everywhere. And I mean everywhere.

1. Shelter Sofa | 2. Sven Birch Ivory Sofa | 3. Sloan Custom 3 Seat Sofa | 4. Ever Slipcover Sofa | 5. KIVIK Sofa | 6. Amherst Cobblestone Sofa

Velvet: About half of you swear by velvet and the other half will be calling me crazy in the comments section. We actually wrote a post about this last year, and we learned that synthetic velvet is more dog and kid-friendly because it holds up better to scratching and is easier to clean and keep hair-free. So, if you are in the market for velvet furniture go for synthetic or performance velvet for best results.

1. Mirage 75″ Sofa | 2. Calais Channel Tufted Sofa | 3. Olsen Sofa | 4. Rivet Aiden Tufted Mid Century Velvet Sofa | 5. Shelter Sofa | 6. Shelia Velvet 80″ Sofa

The Best & Most Stain Resistant Rugs:
photo by: Tessa Nuestadt | from: How We Styled Our Living Room To Sell 

Cowhide: I have a white cowhide rug and even between my wine spills and my dog’s occasional throw-up spells, it somehow remains stain free. This is no exaggeration when I say it is the easiest thing I’ve ever had the pleasure of cleaning (and I hate cleaning). If you get to the accident fast enough, a rag and some water will usually get the stain right out, but if it is a more stubborn stain laundry detergent works like magic. In my experience, even faux cowhide is easy to clean simply because the hairs are spread out far enough so you can scrub the hide and you can rub back and forth without worrying about damaging it. Emily also swears by cowhide rugs for messy kids and pets.

1. Palomino White/ Beige Cowhide Rug | 2. Carbon Loft Tan/White Cowhide Rug  3. Honey Cowhide Rug

Vintage Persian Rugs: If you’ve ever had a vintage Persian rug you know they can take a beating but what’s even better is their age and wear are a part of their charm. This makes accidents and scratches less of an issue and if it does stain, the intricate patterns do a good job of masking it. We know they are an investment but Emily and Sara vouch for the Persian rug stain-resistance and even though they are cat owners, I trust their judgment.

Are IKEA Kitchen Cabinets Worth The Savings??? A Very Honest Review One Year Later

If you’re anything like us, you’ve always been curious about IKEA cabinetry. I mean they look pretty in pictures but how do they hold up? How much do they really cost? Are they worth the savings? How comprehensive is IKEA’s cabinetry customer service? The list of questions goes on but today ALL of them will be answered now. Enter Amanda (a fellow blogger and past EHD contributor). She and her husband decided that they would cash in on the undeniable savings and go the IKEA route for their kitchen cabinetry. Today she is showing us her beautiful kitchen and giving us all the juice. Amanda, take it away…

 

Hello! I’m so honored to be sharing a post with you today about my experience using IKEA Kitchen Cabinets for our kitchen renovation. But first, let me properly introduce myself. I’m Amanda Holstein, a blogger turned interior designer specializing in Airbnbs and small businesses here in the Bay Area. 

Here’s my story: My husband and I bought our little 1960’s cabin in Mill Valley in 2017 and have spent the last few years renovating it from top to bottom. And since this was our first home and our first renovation, a lot of questions came up. Most of them ending with, “WTF are we doing?”. That was especially true when it came to the renovation of our kitchen. With a tight budget (thank you, very high Bay Area real estate prices), deciding where to splurge and where to save was a big part of the discussion. When we saw that IKEA was having a deal on kitchen cabinets (you’d get 30% back in the form of a gift card), we thought what the heck.

Since my husband will choose saving money over time any day, and I don’t quite have the patience for that, this was a fun one for our marriage.