Emily Henderson's Blog, page 252

We Had No Idea We Were Painting Furniture All Wrong

photo by geneieve garruppo | from: a 120-year-old barn makeover

We’re BIG proponents around here of rehabbing, reusing and breathing new life into old pieces, but have never really delved into HOW to do it properly. Sure, you’ve probably Googled “how to paint/refinish furniture” only to come out of the search more confused than ever—or maybe every refinishing project you’ve attempted has come out looking a little…weathered (raising my own hand here). If so, this post is for you.

To help simplify the process, we tapped our friend Meg Piercy of MegMade, a furniture makeover and design business based in Chicago that we’ve been fans of for years, for her expert guidance. We figured someone who has made a successful brand out of refinishing and re-painting furniture would know what’s up, right? Read on for her expert tips and to see her in action as she tackles a piece from start to finish.

Take it away, Meg.

Hi, Meg Piercy here, founder and owner of MegMade. MegMade started about six years ago when we decided to paint our first son’s changing table after not being able to find an affordable version of what we wanted. We ended up loving the whole process, so we started painting and refinishing pieces for fun and selling them on Craigslist. That hobby, which we once operated out of our home, is now a full-on business with a large storefront in downtown Chicago. (To date, we’ve refinished thousands of pieces and have sold to nearly every state in the U.S.) We’re all about using paint, stain, hardware, and bases to breathe life back into tired furniture finds. Rather than letting these pieces’ stories end, we give them an updated one—and you can do the same.

What You’ll Need

Before you jump into your own furniture painting transformation, let’s go over some materials you’ll need to have handy. (The last thing you want is to be in the middle of a project and have to scramble to find something you forgot.) Here’s what I suggest you have on hand:

Paint (I like chalk paint from brands like Annie Sloan, Amy Howard, General Finishes, and Jolie Paints. If you want a custom color, Amy Howard and General Finishes can be tinted.)
Furniture Wax (all the above brands also make wax)
Foam or horse hair paint brushes (you can go the cheaper route on these—they’ll get ruined)
Degreaser
Scrub pad
Rag (old T-shirts do the trick)
Gloves
Plastic cups
Hardware polisher (we use Brasso)
Wood filler or Bondo
Blender
Stir stick
Screwdriver
Sandpaper (400 grit or higher)
Painter’s tape
Cheesecloth
Sharpie
Tarp or an old blanket to protect your floor

Tricks of the Trade

Listen guys, we’ve tried all the tricks when it comes to painting furniture. Knowing how to do it perfectly is not something that can be learned overnight. The more you do it, the more you learn and the more efficient you become. That said, there are some tricks that I can share with you to help you on your way to becoming a painting perfectionist. First and foremost? Buy a picture frame or a small side table to experiment with before attacking grandma’s beloved dresser.

Here are some other things to remember:

For a brushstroke-less finish, add 10% water to your paint and put it in a blender on low to break up any chalk buildup.
Number the drawers and doors so it’s easier to put them back into place (and take a photo of where each number goes).
Blow out all dust from behind the doors and the drawers using a hair dryer to avoid getting dust in your paint.
Sand the top of each drawer a little bit to avoid them rubbing off the paint.
Wait for the paint to thoroughly dry before fixing any mistakes. (If you try to fix them while the paint is still wet, you’ll get pull marks.)
Grab a bar of soap and rub it on the glides of the drawers for easy open.

Prep, then paint.

I’m going to walk you through the steps I took to refinish this piece pictured above so that you can tackle your own project at home, but before I do, let me stress one thing: patience is key! With patience, you can get through anything, so slow down, take your time, and I can guarantee your furniture transformation will come out looking like a professional job. (Plus, it’s truly a fun process once you get started!)

Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Gather all your tools and take a before picture so you can compare and appreciate all your hard work.

Step 2: Take off the old hardware and put it in a safe place.

Step 3: Remove all the drawers and doors. Get a blower or hairdryer to blow out any dust from inside of the cabinet and behind the drawers. (Remember, we don’t want dusty paint!)

Step 4: Use a degreasing spray and Brillo pad to clean the entire piece. (Some say using a waxless cleaning spray will work, but I say get the real stuff because chalk paint is so efficient it will stick to whatever it’s painted on top of, which can lead to chipping if the cleaning spray leaves a residue.)

Step 5: Fill in any dents, cracks, scratches, or missing veneer with Bondo if you’re feeling adventurous or a simple wood filler if the Bondo seems intimidating. (Bondo is waterproof and super sturdy. It’s what they use on cars that go 100 miles an hour in the rain, so it will definitely stand up to whatever you throw at it.)

Step 6: Sand the wood filler or Bondo until smooth and—a little trick of the trade—scuff the piece a bit to add some texture. I think scuffing the surface leads to a smoother appearance in the end and helps the paint to adhere better. (It can also help get rid of any remaining residue.) Wipe everything down with a rag or cheesecloth to get rid of all leftover dust.

Step 7: Now, the fun part—it’s time to paint. You can surely use regular interior latex paint, but I prefer chalk paint because it adheres to furniture beautifully without the use of primer and (usually) no sanding, which is why we love to use it. Keep in mind though that the particles that make up chalk paint can build up over time, which may keep the paint from going on smoothly. This is where the blending trick I mentioned above comes into play. I use my household blender (it typically washes right out and is made of all-green ingredients…well some brands are), but you can also buy a cheap one at a thrift store to dedicate to this purpose. Blend on low to prevent bubbles from getting in the paint.

Step 8: Put a piece of tape on the inside of the hardware holes to avoid paint dripage.

Step 9: Apply your first layer of paint and do it quickly. (If it begins to dry while you’re painting, you’ll get pull marks.) Remember: the edges of the drawers need to be painted, too. It’s often forgotten about, but it’s the first thing you’ll notice when you put your furniture back together. After you’ve painted everything once, wait for the piece to dry completely. Then, take high-grit sandpaper (400 or higher) and scuff the entire piece (but don’t rub it too hard because that will remove the paint.) Be sure to wrap up your brushes in a bag if you don’t want to rinse off between coats so the paint doesn’t get cakey and clumpy.

Step 10: Give the piece another coat and wait for it to dry. If your paint starts to get a little thick, you can add a bit more water.

Step 11: Once dry (a solid 24 hours is recommended here), use a rag to liberally rub wax over every painted surface (you can also add the wax on the tracks of drawers to make them glide more smoothly). You can use either clear wax or a tinted formula depending on the finish you desire. (We used a clear wax here.)

Step 12: After about 20 minutes—or when the piece is not tacky to the—go back with a dry rag or 0000 steel wool to buff it.

Sometimes, like in the case of the piece shown here, vintage hardware can clean up with a polisher. But if the thin metal finish has rubbed off over time, it may not be able to be cleaned to look new, which can be nice depending on the look you’re going for. If you don’t love a vintage look you can always spray the hardware with metal spray or swap out the hardware entirely.

Now it’s time to put that piece back together and take an after photo. You did it!

Thank you so much, Meg, for walking us through this beautiful transformation.

Now, we want to see your furniture transformations. Be sure to share them on Instagram using our #ShowEmYourDIY and #ShowEmYourStyled hashtags for a chance to be featured on the blog or Instagram.

***photography by Jenny Grimm

The post We Had No Idea We Were Painting Furniture All Wrong appeared first on Emily Henderson.

If You Think Your Rental Bathroom is Beyond Help, This Post is For You

Photo by Tessa Neustadt for EHD | From: Brady Gives A Refresh To His Vintage Bathroom

We thought it about time to do some good ol’ fashion budget content. I have now been a renter for about 12 years with no sign of that changing anytime soon. So unless I want to dump an obscene amount of money renovating a home I don’t actually own, I need to make the most out of my small yet happy bathroom. This post is really for us all.

I may have ranted about this before but unless you live alone (and even if you do) your bathroom is your sanctuary—away from your kids, animals, partner or whatever else you live with. It’s the time for just you and your phone. And should your private sanctuary be a place you love being in? Well, we think yes. So here’s how to achieve the bathroom you deserve at a price your wallet will be happy with. So before the shopping begins let’s get into our five EHD approved bathroom refresh tips.

Photo by Tessa Neustadt for EHD | From: Sylvia’s Makeover: A Quick Refresh
1. Color Palette

Pardon if we sound like a broken record on this one but if I have learned one thing from Emily it’s how important a consistent color palette is. It’s really the easiest/only way to have your space look pulled together. If you have a consistent color palette then you can easily mix styles and textures. Emily typically recommends choosing 3-4 colors so it feels fun but not chaotic.

2. Pick Your Moment

What we mean by this one is have a key decor moment. It may seem like in a small bathroom that that’s impossible but it could be something as simple as a bold floor mat. What you want to stay away from is choosing a bold mat, a crazy patterned shower curtain and also paint your wall a bright color. Your eyes need space to rest and if they don’t have a chance to your brain will go into overload quick.

Photo by Tessa Neustadt for EHD | From: Guest Bathroom Reveal
3. Mix Up The Matching Set

This goes for both towels and sink accessories. Sure it seems like a no brainer to buy matching sets but if you want to up your style game don’t be afraid to mix and match with other styles. As long as it’s in the same color palette and the pattern scales/textures are varied you will have a beautifully customize bathroom that is special to just you:) A budget hack is to buy a simple inexpensive solid bath towel and then with the money you saved choose a more visually interesting handtowel. This way you still get the style but for less doll hairs.

Photo by Tessa Neustadt for EHD | From: Scott’s Bathroom Makeover With Parachute
4. Use The Vertical Space

Again with another tip we say a lot but that’s because it’s IMPORTANT. Especially if you have limited space and say only a vanity for storage, you should absolutely install some shelves, put up an over-the-toilet cabinet or a tall leaning ladder. Your bathroom should feel peaceful so use your vertical space to keep things organized and your ceilings feeling taller.

5. Paint Your Walls

Unless you have an all tiled bathroom or it was freshly painted upon moving in, do yourself a favor and give those walls a fresh coat. Even if you want to keep them a similar color. There is nothing like freshly painted walls. They make your space feel brand new, clean and it’s a very easy (and affordable) way to customize.

Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp for EHD | From: Refreshing Your Bathroom With Target’s Project 62 Line

Now that we have the tips down, let’s get to the shopping. We have EIGHT categories for you to mix, match and spruce up the heck out of your bathroom. Ready, set, refresh.

Shower Curtains

Wanna make a bold statement quick? Go for a bold shower curtain. It will be the quickest and most noticeable change in your refresh. Plus shower curtains can get kind of gross over time so you are probably due to treat yourself. My personal favorites are #11, #14 and #15.

1. White And Ivory Embroidered Pom Pom | 2. Organic Dobby Ombre | 3. Tufted Makers | 4. Magical Thinking Pompom | 5. OTTSJON | 6. Agneta | 7. Tufted Dot | 8. Georgina Floral PEVA | 9. KINNEN | 10. Antique Rose | 11. Textured Stripe Black | 12. Allover Fruits | 13. Organic Offset Lines | 14. Patterned | 15. Striped

Shower Rods & Hooks

Despite popular belief, you can’t hang a shower curtain without a shower rod. I know so annoying. So since you need one you might as well pick a cute one. I have personally seen #1 and thought it was really great looking for the price and if I didn’t already have perfectly great rings I would snag #3 right up.

1. Bamboo Curtain Rod | 2. S Curtain Hooks | 3. Shower Curtain Ring | 4. Dual Mount Curtain Rod | 5. Matte Black S Hook | 6. Aluminum Curtain Rod | 7. Metal Curtain Rings | 8. Metal Tension Rod | 9. Metal Ball Hook | 10. V Hook Curtain Ring | 11. Spring Tension Rod | 12. Shower Curtain Rod | 13. Tension Rod Stall | 14. Rose Gold S Hook | 15. Expandable Large Curtain Rod

Bath Mats

Let’s move to the ground, shall we? I personally love making my bath mat “my moment” in my bathroom. It feels less of a visual commitment than a bold shower curtain but still makes an impact. I really love all of these mats but if I had to chose I would say #1, #6 and #9. Yes, I am very predictable.

1. Rust Bath Mat | 2. Striped Bath Mat | 3. Diamond Bath Mat | 4. Textured Diamond Bath Mat | 5. Stone Washed Indigo Bath Mat | 6. Grid Bath Mat | 7. Bamboo Bath Mat | 8. Linen Bath Mat | 9. Brown Striped Bath Mat | 10. Geometric Bath Mat | 11. Woven Dot Bath Mat | 12. Black Jacquard Bath Mat | 13. Black and White Tasseled Bath Mat | 14. Two-Piece Bath Mat Set | 15. Khaki Bath Mat

Photo by Tessa Neustadt for EHD | From: Our Classic Modern Master Bathroom Reveal
Towels

O, boy, do I love a pretty towel and these ones fit the bill. I do want to say that there is nothing wrong with a towel set and sometimes that is 100% the way to go. However, I do want to show you what I mean by mixing and matching. You could pair #4 and #8 or #11 and #12. Their pattern scales are varied and the colors or tones talk to each other.

1. Cotton Terry Hand Towel | 2. Diamond Nala Bath Towel | 3. Woven Pattern Washcloth | 4. Traditional Floral Towel | 5. Diamond Jacquard Bath Towel Set | 6. Striped Towel With Fringe | 7. Color Block Hammam Hand Towel | 8. Embroidered Hem Towel | 9. Opalhouse Towel | 10. Textured Stripe Bath Towel | 11. Cotton Terry Bath Towel | 12. Knotted Fringe Bath Towel | 13. Taupe Bath Towel | 14. Dot Bath Towel | 15. Organic Textured Towels

Storage

Is there any such thing as too much bathroom storage? The answer is just simply no. Somehow the bathroom is the ultimate collector of things and here are some options to help make those things look nice. I personally love #3 and #5.

1. RAGRUND | 2. Etta Over-The-Door Multi-Hook | 3. Leaning Ladder Rack | 4. Devon Bath Leaning Storage Rack | 5. Raskog | 6. Wesley Over-The-Toilet Storage Shelf | 7. Floating Shelves | 8. VILTO | 9. Bathroom Cabinet Organizer | 10. Bamboo 2 Tier Shelf | 11. Over-The Door Tiered Storage Rack | 12. Trails End Over the Toilet Storage Cabinet | 13. Rosella Towel Rack | 14. 3-Shelf Bathroom Organizer | 15. DYNAN

Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp for EHD | From: Portland Reveal: How The Bathroom I Was Most Nervous About Turned Out To Be My Favorite
Wastebaskets

So I was recently confronted with the fact that I am sort of wastebasket collector. I have two and only really need one but still am constantly tempted to buy more. It’s weird and it’s a problem but when you see a cute little trash bin how do you say no?? #2, #4 and #8 really have my heart.

1. White Wood | 2. Solid Faceted | 3. Umbra Aspen Treela | 4. Umbra Droplet Smoke Acrylic | 5. White Resin | 6. Umbra Spruce Woodrow | 7. Black Plastic | 8. White Eco Cocoon | 9. Woven

Toilet Paper & Towel Holders

An easy way to make your bathroom feel elevated and custom is to find pretty hardware. When I officially design my bathroom it will be the first thing I choose because it feels permanent and sets the tone for the space. I love love #5, #11 and #14 (it’s ceramic you guys).

1. Matte Black Contemporary Towel Bar | 2. Minimal Rose Gold Toilet Paper Holder | 3. Modern Toilet Paper Holder | 4. Harlow Toilet Paper Holder | 5. Set of 3 Dot Towel Hook | 6. Toilet Paper Holder and Dispenser | 7. Black 2 Arm Hook | 8. Gold Towel Bar | 9. Rough Cast Black Toilet Paper Holder | 10. Simple Wood Toilet Paper Holder | 11. Black Triangle Toilet Paper Holder | 12. Toilet Paper Stand + Tray | 13. Hexagon Towel Ring | 14. Corin Toilet Paper Holder | 15. Cleat Polished Nickel Wall Hook

Sink Accessories

Did I save the best for last? Yes, yes I did because the accessories are like the jewelry of the room and I think it’s safe to say most of us love at least a little bit of jewelry. We just recommend that you keep it simple. Don’t go overboard with too much stuff. A simple soap option, cup and toothbrush holder is plenty (especially if you have limited real estate). It’s so hard to choose but I really love #10, #11, #16 and #20.

1. Glass Toothbrush Mug | 2. Solid Soap Dish | 3. Gold Soap Dispenser | 4. Ribbed Toothbrush Mug | 5. Sandstone Soap Dispenser | 6. Corin Storage Jar | 7. Resin Bathroom Tumbler | 8. Toothbrush Holder | 9. Divider Toothbrush Stand | 10. Toothbrush Holder | 11. Plastic Soap Dispenser | 12. Toothbrush Holder | 13. Marble Toothbrush Holder | 14. Toothbrush Stand (set of 2) | 15. Solid Soap Dispenser | 16. Wooden Soap Dish | 17. Glass Soap Dispenser | 18. Porcelain Toothbrush Mug | 19. Cement Toothbrush Holder | 20. Ceramic Soap Dish | 21. Ceramic Soap Dispenser

Well, now I think it’s time to click the purchase button and wait by the door for your lovely delivery person to hand you your (what feels like) a present…to yourself. I hope you found this roundup helpful and a little inspiring. One small change can make a big difference so don’t feel like you need an overhaul. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions and have a beautiful budget-friendly day.

Love you, mean it.

The post If You Think Your Rental Bathroom is Beyond Help, This Post is For You appeared first on Emily Henderson.

A Renters Guide To A Custom (Budget) Bathroom

Photo by Tessa Neustadt for EHD | From: Brady Gives A Refresh To His Vintage Bathroom

We thought it about time to do some good ole fashion budget content. I have now been a renter for about 12 years with no sign of that changing anytime soon. So unless I want to dump an obscene amount of money renovating a home I don’t actually own, I need to make the most out of my small yet happy bathroom. This post is really for us all.

I may have ranted about this before but unless you live alone (and even if you do) your bathroom is your sanctuary –  away from your kids, animals, partner or whatever else you live with. It’s the time for just you and your phone. And should your private sanctuary be a place you love being in? Well, we think yes. So here’s how to achieve the bathroom you deserve at a price your wallet will be happy with. So before the shopping begins let’s get into our five EHD approved bathroom refresh tips.

Photo by Tessa Neustadt for EHD | From: Sylvia’s Makeover: A Quick Refresh
1. Color Palette

Pardon if we sound like a broken record on this one but if I have learned one thing from Emily it’s how important a consistent color palette is. It’s really the easiest/only way to have your space look pulled together. If you have a consistent color palette then you can easily mix styles and textures. Emily typically recommends choosing 3-4 colors so it feels fun but no chaotic.

2. Pick Your Moment

What we mean by this one is have a key decor moment. It may seem like in a small bathroom that that’s impossible but it could be something as simple as a bold floor mat. What you want to stay away from is choosing a bold mat, a crazy patterned shower curtain and also paint your wall a bright color. Your eyes need space to rest and if they don’t have a chance to your brain will go into overload quick.

Photo by Tessa Neustadt for EHD | From: Guest Bathroom Reveal
3. Mix Up The Matching Set

This goes for both towels and sink accessories. Sure it seems like a no brainer to buy matching sets but if you want to up your style game don’t be afraid to mix and match with other styles. As long as it’s in the same color palette and the pattern scales/textures are varied you will have a beautifully customize bathroom that is special to just you:) A budget hack is to buy a simple inexpensive solid bath towel and then with the money you saved choose a more visually interesting handtowel. This way you still get the style but for less doll hairs.

Photo by Tessa Neustadt for EHD | From: Scott’s Bathroom Makeover With Parachute
4. Use The Vertical Space

Again with another tip we say a lot but that’s because it’s IMPORTANT. Especially if you have limited space and say only a vanity for storage, you should absolutely install some shelves, put up an over-the-toilet cabinet or a tall leaning ladder. Your bathroom should feel peaceful so use your vertical space to keep things organized and your ceilings feeling taller.

5. Paint Your Walls

Unless you have an all tiled bathroom or it was freshly painted upon moving in, do yourself a favor and give those walls a fresh coat. Even if you want to keep them a similar color. There is nothing like freshly painted walls. They make your space feel brand new, clean and it’s a very easy (and affordable) way to customize.

Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp for EHD | From: Refreshing Your Bathroom With Target’s Project 62 Line

Now that we have the tips down, let’s get to the shopping. We have EIGHT categories for you to mix, match and spruce up the heck out of your bathroom. Ready, set, refresh.

Shower Curtains

Wanna make a bold statement quick? Go for a bold shower curtain. It will be the quickest and most noticeable change in your refresh. Plus shower curtains can get kind of gross over time so you are probably due to treat yourself. My personal favorites are #11, #14 and #15.

1. White And Ivory Embroidered Pom Pom | 2. Organic Dobby Ombre | 3. Tufted Makers | 4. Magical Thinking Pompom | 5. OTTSJON | 6. Agneta | 7. Tufted Dot | 8. Georgina Floral PEVA | 9. KINNEN | 10. Antique Rose | 11. Textured Stripe Black | 12. Allover Fruits | 13. Organic Offset Lines | 14. Patterned | 15. Striped

Shower Rods & Hooks

Despite popular belief, you can’t hang a shower curtain without a shower rod. I know so annoying. So since you need one you might as well pick a cute one. I have personally seen #1 and thought it was really great looking for the price and if I didn’t already have perfectly great rings I would snag #3 right up.

1. Bamboo Curtain Rod | 2. S Curtain Hooks | 3. Shower Curtain Ring | 4. Dual Mount Curtain Rod | 5. Matte Black S Hook | 6. Aluminum Curtain Rod | 7. Metal Curtain Rings | 8. Metal Tension Rod | 9. Metal Ball Hook | 10. V Hook Curtain Ring | 11. Spring Tension Rod | 12. Shower Curtain Rod | 13. Tension Rod Stall | 14. Rose Gold S Hook | 15. Expandable Large Curtain Rod

Bath Mats

Let’s move to the ground, shall we? I personally love making my bath mat “my moment” in my bathroom. It feels less of a visual commitment than a bold shower curtain but still makes an impact. I really love all of these mats but if I had to chose I would say #1, #6 and #9. Yes, I am very predictable.

1. Rust Bath Mat | 2. Striped Bath Mat | 3. Diamond Bath Mat | 4. Textured Diamond Bath Mat | 5. Stone Washed Indigo Bath Mat | 6. Grid Bath Mat | 7. Bamboo Bath Mat | 8. Linen Bath Mat | 9. Brown Striped Bath Mat | 10. Geometric Bath Mat | 11. Woven Dot Bath Mat | 12. Black Jacquard Bath Mat | 13. Black and White Tasseled Bath Mat | 14. Two-Piece Bath Mat Set | 15. Khaki Bath Mat

Photo by Tessa Neustadt for EHD | From: Our Classic Modern Master Bathroom Reveal
Towels

O, boy, do I love a pretty towel and these ones fit the bill. I do want to say that there is nothing wrong with a towel set and sometimes that is 100% the way to go. However, I do want to show you what I mean by mixing and matching. You could pair #4 and #8 or #11 and #12. Their pattern scales are varied and the colors or tones talk to each other.

1. Cotton Terry Hand Towel | 2. Diamond Nala Bath Towel | 3. Woven Pattern Washcloth | 4. Traditional Floral Towel | 5. Diamond Jacquard Bath Towel Set | 6. Striped Towel With Fringe | 7. Color Block Hammam Hand Towel | 8. Embroidered Hem Towel | 9. Opalhouse Towel | 10. Textured Stripe Bath Towel | 11. Cotton Terry Bath Towel | 12. Knotted Fringe Bath Towel | 13. Taupe Bath Towel | 14. Dot Bath Towel | 15. Organic Textured Towels

Storage

Is there any such thing as too much bathroom storage? The answer is just simply no. Somehow the bathroom is the ultimate collector of things and here are some options to help make those things look nice. I personally love #3 and #5.

1. RAGRUND | 2. Etta Over-The-Door Multi-Hook | 3. Leaning Ladder Rack | 4. Devon Bath Leaning Storage Rack | 5. Raskog | 6. Wesley Over-The-Toilet Storage Shelf | 7. Floating Shelves | 8. VILTO | 9. Bathroom Cabinet Organizer | 10. Bamboo 2 Tier Shelf | 11. Over-The Door Tiered Storage Rack | 12. Trails End Over the Toilet Storage Cabinet | 13. Rosella Towel Rack | 14. 3-Shelf Bathroom Organizer | 15. DYNAN

Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp for EHD | From: Portland Reveal: How The Bathroom I Was Most Nervous About Turned Out To Be My Favorite
Wastebaskets

So I was recently confronted with the fact that I am sort of wastebasket collector. I have two and only really need one but still am constantly tempted to buy more. It’s weird and it’s a problem but when you see a cute little trash bin how do you say no?? #2, #4 and #8 really have my heart.

1. White Wood | 2. Solid Faceted | 3. Umbra Aspen Treela | 4. Umbra Droplet Smoke Acrylic | 5. White Resin | 6. Umbra Spruce Woodrow | 7. Black Plastic | 8. White Eco Cocoon | 9. Woven

Toilet Paper & Towel Holders

An easy way to make your bathroom feel elevated and custom is to find pretty hardware. When I officially design my bathroom it will be the first thing I choose because it feels permanent and sets the tone for the space. I love love #5, #11 and #14 (it’s ceramic you guys).

1. Matte Black Contemporary Towel Bar | 2. Minimal Rose Gold Toilet Paper Holder | 3. Modern Toilet Paper Holder | 4. Harlow Toilet Paper Holder | 5. Set of 3 Dot Towel Hook | 6. Toilet Paper Holder and Dispenser | 7. Black 2 Arm Hook | 8. Gold Towel Bar | 9. Rough Cast Black Toilet Paper Holder | 10. Simple Wood Toilet Paper Holder | 11. Black Triangle Toilet Paper Holder | 12. Toilet Paper Stand + Tray | 13. Hexagon Towel Ring | 14. Corin Toilet Paper Holder | 15. Cleat Polished Nickel Wall Hook

Sink Accessories

Did I save the best for last? Yes, yes I did because the accessories are like the jewelry of the room and I think it’s safe to say most of us love at least a little bit of jewelry. We just recommend that you keep it simple. Don’t go overboard with too much stuff. A simple soap option, cup and toothbrush holder is plenty (especially if you have limited real estate). It’s so hard to choose but I really love #10, #11, #16 and #20.

1. Glass Toothbrush Mug | 2. Solid Soap Dish | 3. Gold Soap Dispenser | 4. Ribbed Toothbrush Mug | 5. Sandstone Soap Dispenser | 6. Corin Storage Jar | 7. Resin Bathroom Tumbler | 8. Toothbrush Holder | 9. Divider Toothbrush Stand | 10. Toothbrush Holder | 11. Plastic Soap Dispenser | 12. Toothbrush Holder | 13. Marble Toothbrush Holder | 14. Toothbrush Stand (set of 2) | 15. Solid Soap Dispenser | 16. Wooden Soap Dish | 17. Glass Soap Dispenser | 18. Porcelain Toothbrush Mug | 19. Cement Toothbrush Holder | 20. Ceramic Soap Dish | 21. Ceramic Soap Dispenser

Well, now I think it’s time to click the purchase button and wait by the door for your lovely delivery person to hand you your (what feels like) a present…to yourself. I hope you found this roundup helpful and a little inspiring. One small change can make a big difference so don’t feel like you need an overhaul. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions and have a beautiful budget-friendly day.

Love you, mean it.

The post A Renters Guide To A Custom (Budget) Bathroom appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Are Mosaics the New Terrazzo?

image via cle tile

Mosaics don’t typically elicit very positive vibes for me. I think of either the historical eclectic charms of The Mosaic Man light posts in the East Village or really, I’m JUST going to say it…bad mosaic tile “scenes” or animals popular in ’90s style homes. I for one honestly would like to keep both out of my and your homes. But classic mosaic tile patterns have a beautiful and rich history and when done right are “knock you on your butt” stunning. This is where you ask “oh god, is Jess going to talk about her vacation again?” and the answer is yes. But let me start off by saying that “Moroccan design” was my first style love. I put it in quotations because as a young gal I didn’t really know the history of or what Moroccan design was truly all about (FYI I’m still learning). But much like how your heart stops (maybe more in a panic) when you see a person that looks like your first love, when I see a beautiful Moroccan lantern, my still heart skips a beat (panic not induced). So sure I’ve moved on to a modern euro style preference but a part of me will always have a fondness for my first love and my recent trip to Marrakech was a full-blown teenage dream on steroids.

Now, the Medina (the old city) in Marrakech was a total overdose of the visual senses. I was definitely that girl taking photos nearly every 20 feet. Do you want to guess what I was taking photos of? Mosaic tiled accents. The craftsmanship and stunning creativity of the designs were jaw-dropping and it had me thinking that the world needs to be reminded. Okay, I know that Morocco is not the only place where stunning tiling exists but I do think that people should really consider taking a “risk” and go for mosaic tiling in their homes. If you are worried about its timelessness, let me tell you that it’s a safe bet. It’s been around for literal centuries. There are also more modern styles and patterns for those who are wary of multi-colored and intricate designs.

First, I am going to show you some photos of what I saw on my trip and then we will get into examples and ways to incorporate mosaics into your home. Ready?

Our first stop on our first day was the Dar El Bacha Musée Des Confluences. This is a beautiful museum showing off the beautiful art of Islam as well as the Moroccan identity which includes lots of ancient artifacts. But once we walked in, the only thing we were staring at was the detailed mosaic tiles. It truly takes your breath away when you think of the talent and time that went into laying each individual tiny piece of tile. Sadly, the tradition, which is such a huge part of Morocco’s cultural identity, was being lost as modern technologies pulled people into other professions and the country started seeing a lack of craftsmen. Because of that, an investment was made from the government to encourage people to learn the skill to preserve the practice. It always gives me hope when art is so clearly valued in a country.

Seeing the visual impact of these patterns and colors makes you wonder why anyone would even consider an all neutral home…me included.

Or have a beautifully tiled outdoor shower. We all need one I think.

I loved that there were small mosaic accents all over the old city. I thought this doorway deserved a double take because look how beautiful and simple that mosaic trim is. Why aren’t we doing this more????

And look, I get that most people do not have homes that look like they were plucked from Morocco so I thought I’d pull some modern, real-life modern examples as well as purchasable options to drive home the point that this isn’t just an international pipe dream.

image via ad russia | design by elena ivannikova and sergey tuletskov

I wanted to start out with a bolder example that probably won’t be something that you put in your home but to show you mosaic when done right is so cool. It’s truly a piece of modern art.

image 1 via homes to love | image 2 via luigi rosselli architects

Now try and tell me these stairs are not stunning. Inspired by Carlo Scarpo, these Carrera marble pieced stairs give so much visual texture to what could very easily be a simple and boring cement staircase. Still may be a little much for a personal residence for the visual impact and cost for installation. So let’s get into the more user-friendly modern options.

image via archilovers | design by plantea estudio

This floor pattern is still subtle but very interesting. It’s important to always consider color palette when deciding on a large scale permanent feature, like floor tile. If you are someone who is typically a “bolder the better” type then absolutely go for it. Get intricate with a handful of saturated colors. If not, and you are someone who is typically a minimalist but is really wanting to spice it up in the tile department, then keep the palette soft and more on the neutral side. In this photo, that hit of soft coral really pops and has less of a chance of a neutral lover getting over it in a few years than for example a supersaturated kelly green they thought would help them “get out of their comfort zone.” It’s your home, be comfortable.

image via remodelista | design by studio shamshiri

But like in the photo I just spoke about, muted/neutral tones don’t have to mean boring. This bathroom floor is B.E.A.-utiful. It’s soft but with a ton of personality. The best part about picking a pattern (like this one) is that the rest of the room can be simple and understated. Let the floor do what it was born to do…show off.

image via zio & sons | design by roman & williams

But if that pattern was still a little much you could tone it done even more and do something similar to what Roman & Williams did in the Hotel Emma in San Antonio, TX. The floor still has a mosaic feel but on the more reserved/less colorful side. Plus I really just had to show you this photo because it was too beautiful to keep it to myself. I guess I have a reason to go to San Antonio now??

image via electromode | design by matteo thun

Subtle is great (I am more in that camp myself) but I know there are plenty of you that LOVE color. So color you shall have. This red bathroom is pretty killer. The mix of the bold red mosaic tiles paired with the gilded gold sconces and mirror are 100% EHD approved. If you are into it, we say that there are fewer things more fun than mixing styles and design with bold colors.

image via remodelista | tile by sarah myers

Guess what?? This tile was DIY’d by artist Sarah Myers. This tile is glass as opposed to the zellige, marble and cement ones in the other photos. But yes she designed, hand painted and attached them to netting for easier installation. The result is stunning (look at the border!) and is yet another example of how time and artistry is always worth it.

image via jackie o my | design by rigotang

I know I’ve shown you a lot of bathrooms but I have one more. This bathroom is much more of a classic Moroccan design and actually, I think the floor of my riad’s shower was nearly identical to this one(yes it was a beautiful place). But honestly, I would be remiss if I didn’t include at least one room that had a true Moroccan design. The detail that goes into these spaces is so special and this one in particular still feels modern. I’m basically saying I would happily have it as my own and wish it was.

image via cle tile
image via cle tile

You may have had the same thought upon seeing the last two photos as me…HOW DO I GET THAT TILE?! Ok, I said it in my head but can’t do anything about it since I’m still in a rental and believe it or not I do have limits of how far I’ll go…but then again yoooou never know:) But my design problems aside, you my friends CAN get this tile. EHD favorite, Cle tile, has a new collaboration with Zio & Sons and these photos are part of their beautiful collaboration baby.

Now while we love Cle and will always recommend their awesome product, there are lots of other companies that also sell beautiful mosaic tiles and I have picked a few of my favorites for you to pursue and maybe even purchase.

But before you start daydreaming like me I want to talk general labor costs. Depending on the area you live and skill level of your tiler (which for mosaic you want someone experienced) the average hourly if $40-$60 per hour. Woof. After chatting with the design team they recommend confirming a timeline so that you know what you are getting yourself into and your tiler can’t take time advantage of you by taking longer than necessary. Also know that you can always tile yourself but unless you are very confident, you want to make sure your most likely expensive tile is taken care of. Just be careful:)

1. Midi L 21-1 | 2. Fan Club Ice White Gloss Mosaic | 3. Tanger C 17-1-8 | 4. Moroccan Retro Tile | 5. Geo Hex Green Tiles | 6. Nejarine 1 | 7. Zio & Sons + Clé Zellige Tile | 8. Azur MRB4-7-21 | 9. Fleurs Mod 1-15 | 10. White Moroccan Tile | 11. Anfa Tile | 12. ZigZag S 1 | 13. Bassat 8-1 | 14. Calacatta Marble Stone Tile | 15. Zio & Sons + Clé Zellige Tile | 16. Weathered White and Moroccan Sea Salt Tile | 17. Moroccan Tile 15 | 18. Levantine Tile

I know my tile loving heart hurts too. I want them ALL. I am already planning a return to trip to Morocco next year to further explore and to dive deeper into the vibrant design and welcoming culture. I wholeheartedly suggest you do the same because you will not regret it. Until next time my friends when I try and convince you of yet another somewhat crazy but hopefully less expensive design feature to put in your home.

Love you, mean it.

The post Are Mosaics the New Terrazzo? appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Something To Seriously Consider…Mosaic Tiles

image via cle tile

Mosaics don’t typically elicit very positive vibes for me. I think of either the historical eclectic charms of The Mosaic Man light posts in the East Village or really, I’m JUST going to say it…bad mosaic tile “scenes” or animals popular in ’90s style homes. I for one honestly would like to keep both out of my and your homes. But classic mosaic tile patterns have a beautiful and rich history and when done right are “knock you on your butt” stunning. This is where you ask “oh god, is Jess going to talk about her vacation again?” and the answer is yes. But let me start off by saying that “Moroccan design” was my first style love. I put it in quotations because as a young gal I didn’t really know the history of or what Moroccan design was truly all about (FYI I’m still learning). But much like how your heart stops (maybe more in a panic) when you see a person that looks like your first love, when I see a beautiful Moroccan lantern, my still heart skips a beat (panic not induced). So sure I’ve moved on to a modern euro style preference but a part of me will always have a fondness for my first love and my recent trip to Marrakech was a full-blown teenage dream on steroids.

Now, the Medina (the old city) in Marrakech was a total overdose of the visual senses. I was definitely that girl taking photos nearly every 20 feet. Do you want to guess what I was taking photos of? Mosaic tiled accents. The craftsmanship and stunning creativity of the designs were jaw-dropping and it had me thinking that the world needs to be reminded. Okay, I know that Morocco is not the only place where stunning tiling exists but I do think that people should really consider taking a “risk” and go for mosaic tiling in their homes. If you are worried about its timelessness, let me tell you that it’s a safe bet. It’s been around for literal centuries. There are also more modern styles and patterns for those who are wary of multi-colored and intricate designs.

First, I am going to show you some photos of what I saw on my trip and then we will get into examples and ways to incorporate mosaics into your home. Ready?

Our first stop on our first day was the Dar El Bacha Musée Des Confluences. This is a beautiful museum showing off the beautiful art of Islam as well as the Moroccan identity which includes lots of ancient artifacts. But once we walked in, the only thing we were staring at was the detailed mosaic tiles. It truly takes your breath away when you think of the talent and time that went into laying each individual tiny piece of tile. Sadly, the tradition, which is such a huge part of Morocco’s cultural identity, was being lost as modern technologies pulled people into other professions and the country started seeing a lack of craftsmen. Because of that, an investment was made from the government to encourage people to learn the skill to preserve the practice. It always gives me hope when art is so clearly valued in a country.

Seeing the visual impact of these patterns and colors makes you wonder why anyone would even consider an all neutral home…me included.

Or have a beautifully tiled outdoor shower. We all need one I think.

I loved that there were small mosaic accents all over the old city. I thought this doorway deserved a double take because look how beautiful and simple that mosaic trim is. Why aren’t we doing this more????

And look, I get that most people do not have homes that look like they were plucked from Morocco so I thought I’d pull some modern, real-life modern examples as well as purchasable options to drive home the point that this isn’t just an international pipe dream.

image via ad russia | design by elena ivannikova and sergey tuletskov

I wanted to start out with a bolder example that probably won’t be something that you put in your home but to show you mosaic when done right is so cool. It’s truly a piece of modern art.

image 1 via homes to love | image 2 via luigi rosselli architects

Now try and tell me these stairs are not stunning. Inspired by Carlo Scarpo, these Carrera marble pieced stairs give so much visual texture to what could very easily be a simple and boring cement staircase. Still may be a little much for a personal residence for the visual impact and cost for installation. So let’s get into the more user-friendly modern options.

image via archilovers | design by plantea estudio

This floor pattern is still subtle but very interesting. It’s important to always consider color palette when deciding on a large scale permanent feature, like floor tile. If you are someone who is typically a “bolder the better” type then absolutely go for it. Get intricate with a handful of saturated colors. If not, and you are someone who is typically a minimalist but is really wanting to spice it up in the tile department, then keep the palette soft and more on the neutral side. In this photo, that hit of soft coral really pops and has less of a chance of a neutral lover getting over it in a few years than for example a supersaturated kelly green they thought would help them “get out of their comfort zone.” It’s your home, be comfortable.

image via remodelista | design by studio shamshiri

But like in the photo I just spoke about, muted/neutral tones don’t have to mean boring. This bathroom floor is B.E.A.-utiful. It’s soft but with a ton of personality. The best part about picking a pattern (like this one) is that the rest of the room can be simple and understated. Let the floor do what it was born to do…show off.

image via zio & sons | design by roman & williams

But if that pattern was still a little much you could tone it done even more and do something similar to what Roman & Williams did in the Hotel Emma in San Antonio, TX. The floor still has a mosaic feel but on the more reserved/less colorful side. Plus I really just had to show you this photo because it was too beautiful to keep it to myself. I guess I have a reason to go to San Antonio now??

image via electromode | design by matteo thun

Subtle is great (I am more in that camp myself) but I know there are plenty of you that LOVE color. So color you shall have. This red bathroom is pretty killer. The mix of the bold red mosaic tiles paired with the gilded gold sconces and mirror are 100% EHD approved. If you are into it, we say that there are fewer things more fun than mixing styles and design with bold colors.

image via remodelista | tile by sarah myers

Guess what?? This tile was DIY’d by artist Sarah Myers. This tile is glass as opposed to the zellige, marble and cement ones in the other photos. But yes she designed, hand painted and attached them to netting for easier installation. The result is stunning (look at the border!) and is yet another example of how time and artistry is always worth it.

image via jackie o my | design by rigotang

I know I’ve shown you a lot of bathrooms but I have one more. This bathroom is much more of a classic Moroccan design and actually, I think the floor of my riad’s shower was nearly identical to this one(yes it was a beautiful place). But honestly, I would be remiss if I didn’t include at least one room that had a true Moroccan design. The detail that goes into these spaces is so special and this one in particular still feels modern. I’m basically saying I would happily have it as my own and wish it was.

image via cle tile
image via cle tile

You may have had the same thought upon seeing the last two photos as me…HOW DO I GET THAT TILE?! Ok, I said it in my head but can’t do anything about it since I’m still in a rental and believe it or not I do have limits of how far I’ll go…but then again yoooou never know:) But my design problems aside, you my friends CAN get this tile. EHD favorite, Cle tile, has a new collaboration with Zio & Sons and these photos are part of their beautiful collaboration baby.

Now while we love Cle and will always recommend their awesome product, there are lots of other companies that also sell beautiful mosaic tiles and I have picked a few of my favorites for you to pursue and maybe even purchase.

But before you start daydreaming like me I want to talk general labor costs. Depending on the area you live and skill level of your tiler (which for mosaic you want someone experienced) the average hourly if $40-$60 per hour. Woof. After chatting with the design team they recommend confirming a timeline so that you know what you are getting yourself into and your tiler can’t take time advantage of you by taking longer than necessary. Also know that you can always tile yourself but unless you are very confident, you want to make sure your most likely expensive tile is taken care of. Just be careful:)

1. Midi L 21-1 | 2. Fan Club Ice White Gloss Mosaic | 3. Tanger C 17-1-8 | 4. Moroccan Retro Tile | 5. Geo Hex Green Tiles | 6. Nejarine 1 | 7. Zio & Sons + Clé Zellige Tile | 8. Azur MRB4-7-21 | 9. Fleurs Mod 1-15 | 10. White Moroccan Tile | 11. Anfa Tile | 12. ZigZag S 1 | 13. Bassat 8-1 | 14. Calacatta Marble Stone Tile | 15. Zio & Sons + Clé Zellige Tile | 16. Weathered White and Moroccan Sea Salt Tile | 17. Moroccan Tile 15 | 18. Levantine Tile

I know my tile loving heart hurts too. I want them ALL. I am already planning a return to trip to Morocco next year to further explore and to dive deeper into the vibrant design and welcoming culture. I wholeheartedly suggest you do the same because you will not regret it. Until next time my friends when I try and convince you of yet another somewhat crazy but hopefully less expensive design feature to put in your home.

Love you, mean it.

The post Something To Seriously Consider…Mosaic Tiles appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Why You Should Be Using Armoires in Every Room (+ All the Best Shopping Picks)

photo by tessa neustadt | from: staging my dream parisian hotel suite with sotheby’s

A couple of weeks ago, as I was salivating over Corbett’s bedroom from the Brooklinen reveal, I decided to Google, once again, one of my favorite EHD blog posts of all time—the Parisian hotel suite Emily did with Sotheby’s. It’s where I first laid eyes on that beautiful burlwood armoire pictured above that I’ve loved ever since. At the same time, on a completely unrelated note (my brain tends to go down very random rabbit holes but I don’t think I’m alone here), I was thinking about how much I missed the Chronicles of Narnia series (yep, the movie and book franchise from long ago). I want to be Lucy Pevensie seeing that intricately carved wardrobe, feeling like she’s scored the best hiding place of all time as she turns the latch on the door, sinking through all the fur coats and suddenly falling through fir branches onto soft, magical snow.

I must’ve somehow been trying to subconsciously manifest something about wardrobes and armoires because, in that same week, Arlyn asked me if I’d be down to write a blog post about them hot off the heels of the secretary desks article from a few weeks ago. Coincidence? I think not. And so now here we are. Let’s talk wardrobes, or armoires if you’re feeling fancy, and how to bring it into our modern day lives because even though likely none of us are currently living in a sprawling French chateau, these heavier pieces of furniture can be used successfully (and VERY chicly) in nearly every room of the house. It’s one of those pieces that are often overlooked, but let’s all agree to stop that right now and consider the armoire.

And just you wait ’til the end of this post because we’ve got an awesome roundup for you with both vintage and modern pieces in large and small scale and budget. I made sure to include options for every style and real estate space here. (Teaser: there are some INSANELY great finds in there that I’m secretly coveting for myself.)

photo by amy bartlam | design by jette creative

Sure, with a name like “wardrobe,” you’re thinking they have to be relegated behind closed bedroom doors. But we’re all for thinking outside the box around here at EHD and like to be trailblazers in anything if we can. We’re not in this instance, but we’re loving what we’re seeing from other like-minded people. Because really, armoires are essentially just cabinets for storing things so why can’t we use one anywhere and everywhere we need storage, right? Plus, because they take up more vertical space than horizontal, they’re great for smaller footprints.

A little fun fact about armoires: they started out as storage for arms (you know, like an armory where you get weapons from) and not clothes! There might’ve even been a time when they were used by cabinet makers as a place to store their tools, too. It wasn’t until much later on that the ruling French class thought to use them to hang their elaborate dresses and store their dressing accessories in. As with fashion today, the “fad” caught on with the lesser privileged French and they made their own less ornate armoires. That’s it for today’s history lesson. Let’s get to it!

Entryway
image via 1stdibs | design by suzanne kasler interiors

I think a super ingenious way of using armoires is in entryways. It’s such an awesome way to make a statement and also so, SO smart. Huge coats that you want out of sight? Throw it in the wardrobe. Chuck in your boots and other work shoes that you don’t use often while you’re at it. All those drawers? Stash away purses, grocery bags, and even junk mail…new junk drawer, anyone? Think of it as one VERY large catchall for all the things that you need to grab or put down. It’s like having all the pros of a mudroom without having to build anything out.

image via lonny | design by regan baker design

Low on entryway space? You can do the same thing by placing a narrower armoire like in the image above right by your door, or maybe at the very end of your entry hall. The caning detail on those doors (from Colonel Shop) gives the illusion that the piece is a little lighter and it tricks your eye into thinking that it’s not your usual tall and imposing hunk of furniture. (Side note: GIMME ALL THE CANED FURNITURE. Who’s with me?)

image via all sorts of | design by amber interiors

Of course, if you have a foyer with high ceilings and a beautiful iron staircase, a fully closed, distressed piece like the one used here in a room designed by Amber Interiors will still feel light enough while injecting a WHOLE heap of character (and stashing all the things you want no one to see).

Bedroom
photo by sara liggoria-tramp | from: this organic, punchy bedroom might be our new favorite makeover

Here’s another fun little tidbit that I found out during my research: the hanging rods and side shelves/drawer combo that we see inside a lot of modern-day armoires were added by Sears. Yes, the same Sears that used to make those prefab home kits. Apparently, their chifforobe is groundbreaking in that it’s the first one to account for both hanging and folded clothes. Or so they said anyway. GREAT JOB, AMERICA.

image via remodelista | design by kbh

Okay so this one’s probably not for me (I have a tendency to, um, put all clutter in Amazon boxes and shove them in every closet and cabinet to be sorted through and disposed of “later,” #noshame and also #shame), but if you’re a little bit more organized than I am, I absolutely love this concept of a totally sleek and modern glass/metal armoire. 

This, of course, works for a contemporary space, but would also be great to see in an urban loft or even an apartment full of architectural character and classic panel work—I love a good juxtaposition. I can imagine someone who’s all about the capsule wardrobe (all the props to you!) having this bold setup… she’d be that totally put-together and chic #girlboss that I obviously aspire to be. If you get a glass armoire or wardrobe, please post photos and tag me in them so you can be my role model and I can live vicariously through you.

image and design via linda mcdougald design

Now this…could it possibly be the secret entrance to my Narnia? Some might say that this look is a stretch, but I’m a lot in love with how the homeowner built this armoire into their closet. While I do love the aesthetic of a wall of built-in closets, sometimes it has the tendency of looking too new build (which could be the look you may or may not be going for). Incorporate this slightly unassuming and almost austere vintage armoire into your design plan and now you’ve got yourself a unique moment that gives your bedroom a ton of character and charm. With extra storage space not just your clothes, but also extra pillows and bedding. Two thumbs up!

Dining Room
image and design via jessica helgerson interior design

This house by the ever-amazing Jessica Helgerson has been making its rounds on Instagram (and I’ve saved another vignette of this velvet green built-in sectional multiple times), but I didn’t see this shot of the dining room up until I was doing my research for this post. That right there on the right is definitely an armoire and it totally makes sense. China cabinet, armoire, same difference, right? What’s in a name? That which we call an armoire, could house linen and dishware just as well and all that jazz. (Bonus points for you if you can tell me who I quoted that from.)

In the project above, it looks like Jessica kept the original warm finish of the armoire which works in the space because, while the coffered ceilings offer a more traditional vibe, the ceiling’s fresh white paint and the other more modern pieces in the room keeps the dining room from looking dated. The key here is practicing restraint and going for more of a minimalist look so that the armoire stands out as lovely icing on the cake (that’s missing from the dining table obviously). If you already own a lot of traditional pieces, you can always balance it out by painting a vintage piece with a fresh pop of color. While I probably wouldn’t be able to bring myself to ever paint over a burlwood armoire, other more ornate pieces are a different story…especially if I got it for a steal.

Bathroom
image via elle decor | design by patrick printy

So many possibilities. In the bathroom, an armoire is instant storage for all your towels, bath mats, extra toiletries, robes…again without having to go through building anything out (I feel like I keep talking about that as a selling point, but I mean, who wants to actually have to involve a contractor, ya know?). Find perfect vintage piece, take home, put in your bathroom. Done. Now, you can have comfy pajamas within reach as soon as you get out of your relaxing, aromatic bath. (Fun fact: did you know the French deemed a wardrobe proper only if it fit “eight small men.” How very specific. And odd.) Again, not everyone can do it because of space constraints, but if you’ve got the space, why not?

Living Room
image via remodelista | design by pierre yovanovitch

Remember when Emily Gilmore stealthily decorated Rory’s dorm room at Yale? That’s an armoire as their TV entertainment system! When built-in closets became more popular, people’s use of armoires shifted and they started being used to put things like TVs, radios, and even computers out of sight. Obviously, now with our gadgets becoming flatter and smaller every year (thanks, Apple), we’re not suddenly about to go back to storing our tiny TVs and laptops in huge cabinets. But any storage is great storage and it’s a hot commodity, people.

Look at those pretty cabinet doors. Behind them, you can stuff out-of-season throws or blankets, holiday decor, even an extra set of bedding for out of town guests, or maybe your Settlers of Catan…right within reach of your sleeper sofa.

image via bridget ambrose

And get the most bang out of your furniture piece by having them serve dual purpose. In the image above, the homeowner placed it between the living room and entryway so now it can serve as a catchall for BOTH spaces. Feel free to shove your junk and clutter into them whenever surprise guests show up at your door (who does that??).

BONUS INSPO: Hotels are a great source of design inspiration and this one from Hotel Peter & Paul in New Orleans is no exception.

image via hotel peter & paul

Have fun with your piece. If you find one for cheap and you don’t like the finish, you can always paint it over, sand it down and refinish it. Like what Hotel Peter & Paul did in their armoires above. They either painted or stained it and added those almost cartoon-like 3D effects. When I first saw it, I thought it might’ve been a render or some computer graphic, but no, all the armoires in their guest bedrooms have this design. It’s a quirky but fun detail that balances out the more traditional elements in the room. I’m all for it and I’d love to see your guys’ own take on it.

OKAY, now it’s time to get shopping if you’ve been convinced you need an armoire in your home. Below are several roundups, by price, of our favorite armoires that you can use for ANY of your storage needs, not just clothes and not just in your bedroom. If there is a vintage one from Chairish (SO many amazing vintage and antique options, FYI) or Etsy that you’re into, be sure to scoop it up fast because those are one-of-a-kind. Also, don’t shoot the messenger, but before I completely let you go, I’ll tell you this: these armoire picks are a little more loose, meaning that some might actually lean more towards a wardrobe/tallboy dresser or a china cabinet, but their presence in the room will give you armoire vibes. Here ya go, ENJOY, and tell me in the comments below which one you get!

1. Idasen Cabinet | 2. Vintage Fancher French Provincial Style Armoire | 3. Manhattan Comfort Liberty Large | 4. Joy Vanity Jewelry Armoire | 5. Contemporary 2-Door Wardrobe | 6. Armoire | 7. Antique Wardrobe | 8. Tvilum Diana Wardrobe | 9. Nordmella Chest

1. Vintage Retro Armoire | 2. Mid-Century Chifforobe | 3. Marte Storage Cabinet | 4. Carved Wood Armoire | 5. Arch Wardrobe | 6. Peninsula Armoire | 7. Gentilly Armoire | 8. 1920s Art Decos Style Armoire | 9. Entertainment Armoire | 10. Grain Wood 3-Door Armoire | 11. Merriton Armoire | 12. Muse Cabinet | 13. Alba Wardrobe | 14. 1930s Art Deco British Wardrobe | 15. Astoria Wardrobe | 16. Vintage Chifforobe | 17. Carson Carrington Armoire | 18. Vintage 1920s-1930s Chifforobe 

1. Mid-Century Walnut Armoire | 2. Hensley Armoire | 3. Danish Modern Bow Front Corner Cabinet | 4. Freestanding Cabinet | 5. Hudson Chifforobe | 6. Portland Carved Armoire | 7. Grove Armoire | 8. Gracia Cane and Wood Wardrobe | 9. Danish Mid-Century Armoire | 10. Burl and Chrome High Chest Wardrobe | 11. Carved Thalia Armoire | 12. Colette Driftwood Armoire | 13. Modern Wardrobe | 14. Mid-Century Armoire | 15. Maison Armoire | 16. Mid-Century Walnut Armoire | 17. Array Highboard | 18. Keane Wenge Armoire | 19. Fallon Cabinet | 20. Linear Two-Door Armoire | 21. Burl Wood Armoire Dresser

1. Linear Armoire | 2. Cane Wardrobe | 3. Shale Wardrobe | 4. Cuzco Bleached Yukas 4-Door Cabinet | 5. Walnut Armoire Dresser | 6. Besson Deeluxe Cabinet | 7. 1970s Brutalist Wardrobe | 8. Blackbird Cupboard | 9. Mid-Century British Colonial Cabinet

1. Inside These Arms Armoire | 2. Rosalind Cabinet | 3. ZZ Cabinet | 4. Kapelle Armoire | 5. Contemporary Brutalist Style Wardrobe | 6. D45 Tullia Armoire | 7. Maggie Cruz Home Calzada Armoire | 8. Charles Pfister for Baker Primavera Wardrobe Dresser | 9. Frame Cabinet

For more furniture shopping, be sure not to miss our curated SHOP page with all our favorite pieces right now. It’s like going shopping with Emily for your home (for real)!

The post Why You Should Be Using Armoires in Every Room (+ All the Best Shopping Picks) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Are YOU The Winner of the Vacay Giveaway? (+ Surprise Announcement)

It’s been a LONG road for everyone to get to today’s post. When I first announced my idea for the I Design, You Decide campaign, I didn’t know what I was in for. Of course, I KNEW I would have to come up with double the designs for every room we were putting up for vote, but the reality of that was, well, more stressful than initially thought. BUT IT’S OKAY BECAUSE THE HOUSE IS DONE AND YOU GUYS GOT US HERE. 24 designs, 12 votes, 18(ish) months, one finished home and…

ONE VACATION WINNER (finally).

As a reminder, part of the I Design, You Design incentive for you readers to engage and vote, besides a whole lot of blog fun, was the chance to win a FREE 4-day stay in the finished product you all would have helped to design, essentially. Oh, and $1,000 toward travel expenses (or to spend however you wanted if you were within driving distance).

Here’s something that was solidified for me (I already knew this) throughout this whole process: You guys are insanely helpful and knowledgeable. There were many times where we’d come up with two designs, put them out to vote, and after going through all your very insightful comments, decided to change things up for the EVEN better (or combine both designs, using the best parts of each option).

Now that I know what the finished product is (and have spent the last two weeks enjoying it with my family), I thought it could be fun to walk down IDYD memory lane and remind you (and me) of all the decisions that were toiled over.

Of course, I’m sure most of you are going to scroll all the way down to see if you’re the winner and maybe click away from there, but if you’ve been in this with us all this time, won’t you come along on the reminiscing?

Overall Style

The first IDYD was the overall style…all of which admittedly were hilariously similar to each other. Basically, it was the difference between rustic and refined but most people were like “uh, what’s the difference?” You guys got it, though…

This is the one where I realized that Brian was going to have real opinions in this whole process (when we bought the house, he said he wouldn’t care how I designed it then all of a sudden a day before we posted about it he gave so many cares). He was terrified that I was going to make this house feel cold every time I used the word Scandinavian or even minimal. Last week, while up here, he admitted that it is anything but cold and that I was right all along. I KNOW DUDE. I KNOW.

The next one was where I realized that the voting might not have been the best idea for all of my ideas…

Pebble Stone Bathroom Floor

While you guys voted for pebble stones, Brian eventually nixed it because he actually spent some time in a bathroom that had it on the floor and he didn’t like the “underfoot sensation” (direct quote). I kept saying “but they voted for me to use it!” and felt like I was betraying you. I started being way more careful about what I put up for a vote because I can’t actually be locked into things as the creative process does change. This was also when my team started joking that the whole campaign should really be called “I Design, You Decide, Then I Actually Decide.”

Up next: One of the better decisions we ever made (and super budget-friendly).

Living Room Fireplace

We “worked with it” and I know you guys have seen the schmear, but it honestly looks GREAT and cost $1,000 in labor (of which we might have been able to do ourselves if we watched a few YouTube videos. The guy literally just took white plaster and schmeared it between and over the rocks.

Wood-Inspired Tile

WHOOPS. The wood tile thing was another that I didn’t run past Brian before putting up for a vote (HE HAS HISTORICALLY SAID THAT HE DOESN’T CARE ABOUT TILE!!!) and then after the post, he was like “I think faux wood tile will date the house and is cheesy.” I knew it would be dated at some point (even doing it in a very light gray or white) but figured there are four bathrooms so ONE of them could have faux wood tile somewhere and it would be a great editorial moment. He nixed it. Maybe the campaign should have been called “I Design, You Decide, Then Brian Decides.” That’s more accurate, actually.

The thing is, Brian is typically right and when he feels strongly about something, I listen.

On to the first full design plan:

Master Bathroom Design

First of all, I love this bathroom so much and spend a LOT of time in that tub. But this IDYD taught us that actually creating two full design plans before posting was slowing down the process too much because we couldn’t order materials until you decided, but I didn’t want to put up two votes that we didn’t love equally. So we decided going forward to just do material choices and not worry as much about where they go or even if they were all necessarily included, like in the…

Downstairs Guest Bath

Some of those materials did change, but man that black bathroom is a show stopper (and was far and away the winner from the initial vote).

Kids Bathroom Materials

Brian was TERRIFIED of the kids bathroom emerald Quartize, and I don’t blame him at all. I was, too. I can’t wait to show you because it looks SO GOOD. Thank you for voting for it.

The Link Up: Summer Hair Accessories, Heavenly House Tours & Binge-Worthy Shows to Add to Your Queue

image via domino | design by anne sage and caroline lee

We know that it sounds like every week is a big week but this week it REALLY was but for a really exciting reason. We welcomed a brand new team member. Please say hello to Caitlin. You will eventually get to know her better but for now, we can tell you she is in charge of our brand partnerships which is a pretty huge job. This is because not only do we love our current partners but we also want to continue to find/work with new awesome companies to introduce to you all. She’s awesome and so far has seamlessly fit into our nutty bunch. PLUS, we have a whole new person to give awesome recommendations for our Link Ups. It’s basically good news for everyone.

45 Summer Dresses (Organized By the Kind of Bra You’d Likely Have to Wear With It…Or Not)

The women of EHD have no problem talking about boobs and our bodies freely at work, especially when important research for a blog post is at stake. Fun fact: the words and ideas you see on this blog are often a result of a collaborative group effort—whoever is writing will often ask the opinions of everyone in the office because we believe the group is stronger than one (and multiple perspectives are important and necessary). All of that is to say: we talk to each other. We hear each other, and we genuinely love that we are all different. So, when the topic of summer dresses came up, we got together and starting talking about what dresses we were into right now and what we realized this week was not necessarily profound, but we don’t notice it being talked about very often. We all unanimously agreed that when dress shopping, our specific bra preferences and needs were the #1 consideration. We want to be comfortable and, of course, feel good in what we wear, and for some reason, dresses give us some issues when it comes to the ladies. Some of us NEED to wear a bra—no exceptions. Some prefer a bra but can work with a dress that offers a bit of support. Myself, for example, will not go near a strapless bra because I find them so uncomfortable so often just go bra-less. SO, today we present our very first summer dress roundup by bra specifications. Let’s get to it:

1. Soft Utility Jumper | 2. The Cotton Weave Picnic Dress | 3. Bouquet Flutter Shirtdress | 4. Striped Wrap Maxi Dress | 5. V-Neck Tiered Cover Up Dress | 6. Midi Sundress | 7. Tie Belt Ruffle Trim Midi Dress | 8. Calista Gingham Linen Midi Wrap Dress | 9. The Jig Dress | 10. Faux Wrap Maxi Dress | 11. V-Neck Dolman Sleeve Dress | 12. River Island Belted Shirt Dress | 13. Patterned Dress | 14. Ruffle Sleeve Cotton Maxi Dress | 15. Smock Waist Peasant Midi Dress

Here we have your bra-friendly dresses. I have noticed a lot of the time a dress will seem bra compatible, but then you click on the site and notice it is backless. UGH. So annoying. We took the liberty of taking that stress out of your life by making sure each one of these does not have a surprise backless feature, or a weird cutout. You can rest easy knowing your bra is safe and unnoticeable here.

1. Loft Plus Off the Shoulder Button Down Midi Dress | 2. Monique Dress | 3. Denim Tie-Strap Button-Front Sundress in Star Jacquard | 4. Daisy Midi Dress | 5. Warehouse Linen Midi Dress With Buttons | 6. Emmie Dress | 7. Crochet-Strap Tiered Midi Dress | 8. Loft Plus Flower Branch Jumpsuit | 9. Women’s Plus Size Floral Print Dress | 10. Gingham Linen-Blend Cropped Plus-Size Jumpsuit | 11. Fit & Flare Plus-Size Tiered Maxi Dress | 12. Tie-Detail Dress | 13. Blue Life Summer Breeze Maxi Dress | 14. Faithfull Farah Smocked Midi Dress | 15. Smocked-Back Dress in Gingham

Anyone have recommendations for strapless bras that ACTUALLY stay put (particularly for a DD+ sized chest)?? I have never found one that doesn’t slowly inch downwards and have me fishing down my dress trying to pull that sucker back up all day long. It’s a problem. However, some of these actually appear to have some decent support (#4 and #9 for example) so you could probably skip the bra altogether (my dream). But, if you like a strapless bra, these dresses are going to work with that, for sure.

1. Lula Midi Dress | 2. Jade Midi Dress | 3. Satin Came Dress | 4. Troulos Lace-Up Midi Dress | 5. Floral Backless Maxi Dress | 6. Lille Mini Dress | 7. Signorinia Mini Dress | 8. Golden Skin Ruffle Hem Sundress | 9. Leopard Print Culotte Jumpsuit | 10. Juliette Dress | 11. Crochet-Trim Lace Up Cami Dress | 12. The Delphine Dress | 13. Tall High Neck Low Back Mini Dress | 14. The Lincoln Dress | 15. Frances Midi Dress

This category is for those who prefer to let ’em loose and free. A choice we fully support by the way (pun intended). I really do like going braless TBH, but it isn’t always shall we say, appropriate. I don’t have small boobs, so the circumstances are limited as to when I can don my outfits sans bra. HOWEVER, have you heard of this trick that the celebrities apparently do?? They duct tape their boobs. I am not even kidding. I am pretty sure Kim K even posted about it once. So when in doubt, tape your boobs, I guess? JK, that is horrible advice. Anywho, a lot of these dresses are either backless or have a tie-back situation but a trick we like to do is wear a white T-shirt underneath. It’s results are twofold: You can wear a bra and you can dress down a more formal looking dress (like #3).

Okay, that is all for today. What are your bra recommendations? Do you have any tricks for avoiding nip slips when a dress is rather tricky to work with in the chest region? Tell us your secrets.

‘Til next time

The post 45 Summer Dresses (Organized By the Kind of Bra You’d Likely Have to Wear With It…Or Not) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Finally A DIY Anyone With A Paint Brush Can Do: A Series Of The Best Paint Ideas On The Internet

image via yellowtrace | design by ester bruzkus

While I am currently a white-wall loving female, there was a time long long ago where my teeny tiny, zero natural light, New York “apartment” donned a cherry red accent wall with a surrounding 5-inch bright white border (paired next to a turquoise and gold Anthropologie wallpaper…). Sure, it was bold. Suuuurre, it was a questionable color choice for the space. BUT it was berry happy…ha, get it? Paint has the power to do that, to make a space fun and happy but at a FAR better price point than say Anthropologie wallpaper that sweet, dumb 23-year-old me thought she should splurge on. The great thing now (as opposed to eight years ago) is that there are so many incredibly cool, chic yet easy examples online that with a quick trip to your nearest paint store could be on your walls in a matter of hours. So if your room needs a refresh or you are yearning for something more than your average white wall, I have a ton of ideas that even the most hesitant DIYer could tackle. Plus, do you want to know what the best part is? Paint can be painted over. So aside from the money lost on paint, you can very easily change your mind. Emily herself will admit to doing this on plenty of different occasions. Let’s get to it so you can go get some paint.

Pardon my what will no doubt be endless referencing to my recent vacation but I was sitting in a cafe called Bristo Levante in Barcelona (that was obnoxious I know and I’m sorry) and I noticed that the calming pale pink wall color stopped about a foot short of the ceiling. Was that the first time I had seen this? No. But I was reminded of how simple yet impactful it was. AND EASY. Here are some visuals of what I am talking about.

image via kammy

See how pretty and non-daunting this is? Get some a paint, tape, painting tools and you are in business. Our biggest tip for drama is to challenge the proportions of the standard chair rail height (about 3 feet). That means to go higher or lower than that height. For example, take the creative genius of Chzon and how they chose to play with a low height of the navy blue paint in the Henrietta Hotel in London. This small detail makes a huge, chic impact.

image via chzon | design by chzon

One trend I have noticed and am here for is the use of limewash instead of the average paint sold in hardware stores. It creates a beautiful texture that not only gives depth to a space but really brings a wall to life. This treatment is not sold everywhere so you might need to do a little Google search and because of the texture isn’t super easy to cover up so renters should really think about how much they are willing to invest when they move out.

image via the design files | design by chelsea hing

Moving on up…and by that I mean ceilings. Now if you really want some killer visual impact, paint your ceiling either a dramatic color or create a cool pattern. Not sure about this idea? Well, I am here to convince you otherwise…

image via site unseen | design by elisa ossino

My heart hurts I love these dark ceilings (above and below) so damn much. I honestly can’t decide which one I love more. I think why they both work so beautifully is due to the high contrast of light and dark. There is still a sense of airiness because each space is so well balanced. This is something you should absolutely keep in mind if you are wanting to dive into this for your home.

image via remodelista | design by pierre yovanovitch

If the solid look isn’t your jam and you want to go for some crazy cool stripes, well, below you’ll find my two favorite inspiration photos. First, let’s start with Sarah Sherman Samuel‘s forest green geometric creation for her son’s room. What I (we) love about Sarah is her ability to design a home for someone like Mandy Moore but then get super DIY and in a matter of hours create this awesome geometric ceiling design with nothing but paint and tape. It should also be mentioned that she eyeballed it. She is that good, people. My heart was actually racing as I watched her instastories and seeing how fast and loose she did this. I mean she is a pro so it wasn’t actually fast and loose but as someone who hems and haws over the tiniest of any design decision in my home, it was a rollercoaster of amazement and stress. The best part about this ceiling though is that anyone can do it…you just might need to measure because most of us aren’t Sarah.

image via sarah sherman samuel | design by sarah sherman samuel

This next ceiling example I fell for as soon as I saw it. Not only do I love the overall design and color but the creativity to incorporate the sconces is simply too good. It’s playful, cool and with some planning wouldn’t be too hard to do something similar. Also, yes the stripes go across the entire ceiling and it’s very awesome. And while red might be a BIT bold for most of us, this could be so stunning in a colorblock look or even a subtle tone-on-tone (like a slate blue wall and a blue just a shade or two darker).

image via elle decor russia | design by amber road

This next idea is THE drama queen of paint jobs. And while dramatic due to it’s dark and moody hues, it’s also kind of the easiest as zero painter’s tape is required because every last inch of the space is the same color. Yes, I mean walls, ceiling, doors and trim. Let’s dive all in.

image via site unseen | design by elisa ossino

Quick and easy, no? Just lots and lots of really beautiful paint.