Emily Henderson's Blog, page 254

8 House Tours Worth Taking a Break From Work to See (Because…Monday)

For anyone who came for a mountain house Monday post, we’re sorry to disappoint. Wrapping up the shoot last week meant we needed to pause and take inventory of what stories we have left before we can reveal a few more rooms, so hang tight. More #MHM coming soon. For today, we have a little Monday inspiration for you…

There are few things that get us more excited than a house tour. It is not uncommon in the office to hear someone utter the words “Have you seen this house tour from ___? IT’S AMAZING” and quickly thereafter we will all be huddled around one computer oohing and ahhing. By the way, there are many perks working at EHD, and being surrounded by creative people with great taste is just one of them. So, seeing as the bulk of us had a bunch of beautiful tours bookmarked and collecting dust, we decided to band together and share the ones we are loving this month with all you lovely people. Consider this a little “inside our heads” post. Get your eyeballs ready folks, because we’ve got some treats for you that we hope will inspire you as much as they do us. Let’s begin:

image via rue magazine | design by night palm studio

We’ve talked extensively on dark moody blues and this one is clearly right up our alley. We love those rust colored velvet chairs something fierce, and the hints of brass pulls together the room perfectly (hi, gold-framed portrait of a woman and elegant bar cart. We see you). Head over to Rue Mag see the rest of the home and you will not be disappointed. If the words (from the designer herself) “Spanish romantic with a hint of David Lynch moodiness with soft textures and saturated jewel tones” don’t get your juices flowing, then I don’t know what will.

image via the design files | design by gratton design

We shared this photo in yesterday’s Link Up article but here, you can see the whole thing via The Design Files (one of our favorite Aussie design sites, FYI). If you are looking for a rustic yet modern beauty, look no further.

image via apartment therapy | design by sophie donelson

Arlyn really enjoyed getting a peek into Sophie Donelson’s New York pad on Apartment Therapy. Sophie is a long-time design editor (she used to be the editor-in-chief at House Beautiful, for instance), and Arlyn is always curious how OTHER design editors live, being one herself. Are their homes that of a real person, or very designer-y? We are particularly obsessed with Sophie’s paint choices (that master bedroom color is heart eyes). Give us an excuse to play voyeur and we’ll take it.

image via cup of jo | design by john derian

Jess brought this home tour to our attention last week and boy are we into it. It’s not new, necessarily, but that doesn’t make it any less good. The home of designer and shop owner John Derian, it is full of unique curiosities and is making a huge case for us all to move into a Sea Captain’s house. What exactly is a Sea Captain’s house? We’re not totally sure, but we are hopping on board (pun intended).

image via lonny | design by aishwarya iyer 

This bright and airy kitchen via Lonny lives in a charming 100-year-old home in Los Angeles, and we couldn’t help but notice the subtleties that REALLY make the whole house. From the arched front door (it’s pink!) to the uber cool bathroom, this one left us feeling inspired yet calm, cool and collected (much like the house itself).

image via the design files | design by phoebe bell and chris monahan

Here we have your daily dose of what Australians are known for in the design realm: serenely cool and warm. This is the type of house that you know came together over time; a collection of beloved items edited down to outfit a beautiful shell of a home with a RIDICULOUS view. What you’ll find here is a perfectly executed eclectic mix of textiles and just enough color to bring to life various wood tones.

image via domino | design by dan mazzarini

Ryann loves to peek into homes that have a small footprint but feel like not a single inch more is needed. This NYC apartment (which is in a building that once was artist lofts and rumored to have been used by Jackson Pollock and Diego Rivera) comes in just under 500 square feet (480, to be exact), and she says she’d move into it in a heartbeat. The reason it works so well is because it’s not necessarily designed like a home its size, but rather every furniture piece is special and has a presence. Also, Dan Mazzarini’s design makes a very strong case for how to make a beige, neutral space feel rich and interesting.

image via the vanderlust | design by yabu pushelberg

And finally, when asking around the office for new tours, Grace nearly jumped out of her seat she was so excited to share this one. It’s not a home (that would be wild), but rather a hotel in New York that’s so dang special. The Moxy NYC Chelsea is aptly named, because this thing has, well, serious moxie. Click through to see a VERY fun idea for a headboard (would be great in a kid’s room), a cafe with a killer color palette we want to steal for a future project and a rooftop lounge that’ll make you want to go on vacation immediately.

Alright folks, now it’s time for the “tell” portion of today’s house tour show and tell. We showed…now enlighten us with house tours you guys have saved/bookmarked recently and are itching to show to someone who will appreciate it (we will).

The post 8 House Tours Worth Taking a Break From Work to See (Because…Monday) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: A Vintage-Lover’s Go-To Resource + 10 More Things We Couldn’t Wait to Share With You

image via the design files | design by gratton design

The mountain house shoot is A WRAP (well, the shoot for the magazine, we’ll be going back to get more stuff for the blog rollout). The team is exhausted by exhilarated and we can’t wait to show you. While the team was partly on set, partly in the office, partly on vacation, we still managed to read, discover, and purchase things that we were itching to share with all of you (and hear what you guys are into as of late, too). Let’s dive in.

When Sara saw this garlic peeling hack (that has since gone viral), her mind was blown. Has anyone tried it?! Does it really work? A few of us have tried (and failed) so we are not convinced.

And speaking of garlic, this is not a link (well, sort of) but Arlyn wants to put out a PSA: if you’re not cooking with black garlic, WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING? She first used it when she made the “Bet It All On Black Garlic Burger” from the Bob’s Burgers Cookbook and the black garlic aioli that goes on that burger is RIDICULOUS. Here’s the gist: a whole head of black garlic (she buys it at Trader Joe’s usually, but Whole Foods or other “specialty” stores have it), ½ cup of mayo, Sriracha, salt and pepper. Proceed to apply to anything that crosses your path, including old shoe leather and shards of tile, for all the mouthfeels.

Moving on to non-garlic related things, one of Emily’s favorite things to do on a Saturday morning is digging through sites like Chairish just to get the gears churning (she is very into their mid-century modern section recently). While sure, she might find something she would want to buy, it’s also a palate cleanser for her. She sees so much of the same thing on big-box retailer sites, so digging through a collection of vintage and antique pieces displayed in a clean way makes her think outside the box.

Sara finds this entire series on people’s salaries so interesting, informative and just plain juicy.

Grace is obsessed with this moisturizer right now. She says it smells AMAZING and makes her excited to actually wash her face every day/night so she can slather it on her face. 

Ryann discovered this Instagram account earlier this week and can’t stop staring at all the beautiful wash basins (and will from here on out always refer to sinks as wash basins).

Another Instagram account: Arlyn, who basically worships Eva Chen, saw her obsessed over Donté Colley’s feed and now she can’t stop but go to it every day to see what he’s up to. If your life needs a serving of uplifting inspiration mixed with humor and actually VERY good dance moves, go follow him ASAP.

Veronica just bought these pants that she says are “sooo comfy and come in three different colors.” She would wear them every day if she could. She suggests going a size up if you want a baggy fit because they do shrink in the wash.

Velinda and her wife Katie bought Katie’s dad this bucket tool organizer to carry his gardening tools and he loves it. It could be perfect for all the handy people in your life, too.

Jess has been non-stop listening to the podcast Where Should We Begin with Esther Perel. You may already know but Esther Perel is an internationally renowned relationship therapist, New York Times best-selling author and all around incredible woman. Her podcast features real-life couples going through counseling with her. It’s heartbreaking, riveting but also hopeful. Jess loves this quote of her’s, “Today, in the West, most of us are going to have two or three relationships or marriages, and some of us are going to do it with the same person.”

Emily (Bowser)’s cousin Leah lives in Charleston, South Caroline and she turned her on to this up and coming local (to her) artist, Katherine Dunlap. If you are looking for colorful and soulful art, look no further! She is particularly drawn to her pool scenes. She also recently did a collab with artist Chambers Austelle and their styles work together beautifully.

Alright, that is all we have for you beautiful people today. A short and sweet Link Up. See you tomorrow xx

The post The Link Up: A Vintage-Lover’s Go-To Resource + 10 More Things We Couldn’t Wait to Share With You appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Take 2: How the Goop Wellness Summit Helped Me to Assess Myself & My Company’s “Why”

Turns out being a privileged white woman critiquing or defending a brand who’s demographic is other privileged white women is a lose lose.

Or perhaps, it’s exactly someone like me calling out someone else like me that needs to be happening more.

Yesterday, we published a post with all my thoughts and feelings on Goop and Gwyneth Paltrow, especially in light of my recent attendance of the “In Goop Health” wellness summit. Early on in the day, I decided to pull back the post, not because of the onslaught of negative comments, but more because it made me want to spend some more time and self-reflect on what I wrote. It wasn’t fully flushed out and I kinda knew it, but honestly was too slammed to work on it more. I’ve never unpublished a story but let me be clear, it was not me “letting the bullies win” more so than me wanting to make sure I was saying what I really wanted to say. So consider this a TAKE 2. I’m not changing what I originally wrote (besides a few little edits here and there that I would have made anyway had I spent a little more time on the draft prior to publishing), but I did want to address some of what you called me out on as well as add more thoughts about what prematurely publishing this post led me to realize about myself and my company. So, if you missed the post yesterday morning, keep reading for the whole thing. If you did read it, then feel free to scroll to the end and see what I have to add.

Alright, here’s the original post as it ran yesterday:

“No one is more controversial, polarizing even, amongst women (and many men) as Gwyneth Paltrow and her brand Goop. I know this post might inflame some (a lot) of you—even a mention of Goop in our Sunday links post gets some of you going—but over the course of several years, as a follower of the site and now, after attending this year’s “In Goop Health” health summit, I’ve gone through a bit of a “it’s fine, it’s problematic, it’s good” roller coaster in terms of my stance on it (the brand, not Gwyneth herself, keep reading).

Fair warning that this post is looooong. I have a lot to say here. And while I promise to get to my actual review (and criticisms) of the summit in case you guys are wondering what that THOUSAND DOLLAR ticket buys you, first, I need to take you on my GP + Goop journey to help you understand my thought process about it all.

First off, let’s talk about Gwyneth Paltrow. I’ve gotten into so many heated debates that have ended in arguments not because I feel so passionately about ol’ Gwynnie, but because I think that most of the dislike/distaste for her comes out of close-mindedness, judgement and jealousy, and that’s a trigger for me. I’ve found that my friends who can’t stand her or her brand haven’t ever even gone to Goop.com, certainly haven’t listened to the podcast, and instead, are just reacting to a persona that the media is trashing because of her privilege. Do I agree with everything she’s ever done or said? Of course not. But she’s also just a mom, businesswoman and writer trying to put forth some progressive ideas that aren’t for everyone though meant to be helpful and generally positive. Sure, she was born and raised wealthy and has aspired to turn her career as an actor into a lifestyle brand; people take issue with this, although they would probably never do this for a man.

To be honest I was on board with her from the start even though I couldn’t relate to her (at the time I wasn’t her demographic—when I started following her I was broke and even when I had a TV show, I couldn’t have afforded anything from her gift guide). But I thought she did what she did really well. She found a hole in the market and she filled it, beautifully (her cookbooks were good, her travel guides were beautiful). Did I make the recipes or go to those countries? No, but I thought she did a great job at speaking to her audience and I liked watching. She wasn’t putting garbage out there, but her product wasn’t for everyone. It was (maybe unintentionally) exclusive, and mostly for wealthy women which is inherently alienating. And when someone feels alienated it’s much easier to be angry or dismissive. So I understood where these negative feelings were coming from.

How I saw it though, was like this: if you don’t like her, you don’t have to buy her product or read her content. Goop isn’t for you so just move on. But I also know it’s not actually that simple or straight-forward.

My largest shift in opinion though, happened a few years ago when I found myself turned off by what I was seeing on the Goop site. The fear-based marketing that they were doing at the time had been bugging me for a while, and then one day, an article from Goop with a headline similar to “Are you poisoning your future baby with these toxins?” popped up into my Facebook feed.

I can’t find the article now so full disclosure that might be an exaggeration, but it was inflammatory and the definition of fear-based click bait. I think I was likely pregnant at the time and got pissed. Women are already riddled with guilt about what they are putting in their bodies while pregnant and breastfeeding, now I need to feel guilty about the things I might have put in my body (and thus the future fetus) even before I became pregnant?

It just went too far. I already despised fear-based marketing and was just so bummed that a female-founded company was turning it on us.

This might have been around the same time as vagina steaming. I think we all know that didn’t help her image.

But every now and then something would happen that made me remember she was a human going through human things, all while being judged under a microscope. People freaked out when she rebranded her divorce as “conscious uncoupling” (which she didn’t invent, it’s from the ’70s), I was like “HEY JERKS, SHE IS A MOM WHO IS GOING THROUGH WHAT MUST BE THE MOST PAINFUL THING IN THE WORLD and she wants to give it a positive spin for her kids and take the power away from DIVORCE.” Unfortunately, what it did was make anybody who had gotten a divorce and called it “conscious uncoupling” feel judged. (If you’re curious, listen to Dax Shepard’s podcast with her about it.)

“The general brand did start feeling like they were pressuring women to buy Moon Dust (tried it, gave me anxiety) and jade eggs.”

I kept following Gwyneth and would occasionally like some of the Goop content, but the general brand did start feeling like they were pressuring women to buy Moon Dust (tried it, gave me anxiety) and jade eggs.

To be fair, I consider myself a very open-minded and curious person and love hearing, listening and debating all new theories. When people started buying crystals, I laughed and said, “great, which ones should I get?” (turns out two experts told me the same thing—I shouldn’t carry rose quartz because I’m already too high energy and should be wearing more copper to help ground me). I honestly love this stuff because guess what guys? NOBODY REALLY KNOWS FOR ABSOLUTE CERTAIN.

Last year, my two best friends from Oregon came down to go to the Goop wellness summit, In Goop Health. Let me preface this by saying that these ladies are the most grounded, solid people I know. All of us were raised middle class, all of us have worked our asses off since college and are the dominant financial earners in our families. Do they like face cream and are curious about supplements that help detox the liver? Sure! But being that they are both in marketing, they more so admired the success of the brand and liked a lot of the wellness components and self-improvement aspects of the brand. Me, too.

If you haven’t already started screaming “BUT THE PSEUDOSCIENCE” at your device/computer, I’m getting to it. In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, the Goop has gotten some heat for promoting health and wellness techniques that some claim are pseudoscience, meaning anecdotal evidence at best and not actually founded in scientific method. Many people criticized that what they were promoting was dangerous, which was possibly true. Not everyone should be taking every supplement and certainly trendy diets can be harmful to your health. Plus, buying into anything that feels “science-y” and absolute without much—or any—backing should make your red flags go up.

That said, they’ve since shifted from this mostly, and as a follower, what I’ve noticed is that they rephrase things to be less factual and more “hey, here is a theory,” and they have employed far more scientists and functional doctors than they used to. If you are wondering what a functional doctor is, you aren’t alone. It’s a doctor with a western medical Ph.D. that focuses more on a holistic approach analyzing nutrition and lifestyle and genes in addition to bloodwork to find underlying causes of disease. It’s an absolute no brainer to me as I believe strongly that what you put in your body and your mental health effects and contributes to your physical success. After much analyzing, here is how I stand on this: I drank the alternative life Koolaid/kombucha in addition to my love of western medicine. My kids get vaccinated. We employ medicine when needed. While I previously thought that a lot of what Goop was spewing was pretentious, expensive pseudoscience—particularly when they were using that fear-based marketing I talked about—I’ve actually shifted.

It all has to do with a “spiritual journey” that I’ve been on the last year and a half to well, ha, find meaning and purpose in life (which beyond podcasts and self-help books has included trying new churches – not goop). It’s like my only hobby outside of decorating. I listen to podcast after podcast on divinity (I love the Liturgists), business, spirituality, parenting, and wellness. I buy and borrow so many self-improvement books, all to help me figure out how to live more consciously, feel more connected to everyone and everything on this earth (and above), and essentially have a more fulfilling life.

One podcast that I’ve grown to LOVE and listen to weekly (sometimes I marathon it while I’m cleaning the house) is, yes,  The Goop Podcast and it’s really where the opinion shift happened for me (though keep reading for my criticisms, because I do have them). If you are on the side of “ugh, I hate Gwyneth and Goop,” please listen to a few episodes before you comment negatively below. 

“Do I agree with everything Goop does? Nope, but how can I denigrate a nice woman, trying to do something new and different in media?”

Here’s why: generally, the guests are experts in their field—doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, motivational speakers—and they are pretty inspiring. Nobody is telling you to not vaccinate yourself or your kids; it’s more about how you can rewire your brain to create better habits or even heal physical ailments (TRUE), how eating less meat can lead to less cardiovascular problems, or very interesting theories on why auto-immune disorders have shot up in the last 30 years. I know what lectins are now, guys, and my gut is happier. I learn so much and it’s honestly made me strive to be a better person.

Moreover, when Gwyneth is on, you’ll hear how she actually is—a mom, a divorced wife, a newlywed, a business owner, a daughter of a beloved dad who passed,  and most importantly, a human being who admits her flaws as much as we do and is just trying to figure it all out and be a good person. She’s refreshingly honest and vulnerable. Again, do I agree with everything Goop does? Nope, but how can I denigrate a nice woman, trying to do something new and different in media? Her brand has inadvertently made people feel bad and that’s their biggest problem.

OKAY, ON TO THE WELLNESS SUMMIT.

So my friends from Oregon (Robyn and Nicole) attended last year, I missed it, but they RAVED about it being this really inspiring and fun day so I, of course, wanted to join. They bought their tickets and flights and we had it all set, but when I went to buy my ticket, I was SHOCKED to find out that it was a $1,000. You read that right, although it seems unbelievable. ONE. THOUSAND. DOLLARS for a one day conference. Woah. Surely I could get a press pass. I knew “influencers” who went last year with 1/10th the following who got passes.

But nope. By the time I reached out they were out. In fact, they were out of tickets entirely and they pulled strings to even let me buy my ticket. So then, I had to make a choice and I figured if I could write it off through the business (by writing this article) I would go to A. not let my friends down and miss a VERY fun day, but B. What could possibly happen in 9 hours that would be worth $1,000??? It became more about marketing and brand research than a girls’ day really.

Held at Rolling Greens in downtown LA (which is a stunning space), the summit was an extremely well-produced event, beautifully decorated and flowed great. We got there at 8 am sharp since we weren’t going to miss a second of our $1,000 day and proceeded to spend an hour and a half exploring. We got our B-12 shots in our bottoms, we watched the tuning fork therapy (which I think can work because I believe a lot of theories about energy healing but a 5-minute session won’t do much and the line was always long). We did a guided meditation to “plant music”…that’s right, there is this guy that has an instrument that takes the energy of plants and transforms it into music. It was weird and silly but if you are game to experience it—you’d have to be in order to be there to begin with—then it’s fun. Goop’s Chief Content Officer Elisa Loehnen (who I love) chimed in to say that “that may or may not be the goopiest thing you do all day” and everyone laughed. They make fun of themselves, they are in on the joke. We ate and drank delicious food and bopped into a lot of fun workshops and tested new products. There were no real hiccups in the production; no Fyre Festival here.

At 9:30, the first session started with Gwyneth and Elizabeth Gilbert, who spoke about grief, fear and creativity in a way that left us almost in tears (and excited to buy her book). Most of the sessions were totally inspiring I took an entire notebook of notes. Lacy Phillips taught us her three easy steps to manifesting what you want in life (I’m currently manifesting a new office space). Most inspiring was Lynne Twist who wrote “The Soul of Money,” a powerful book about the history of money and how we’ve all shifted from citizens to consumers (with the irony being of course that there was a massive gift shop inside the conference). The session with medium Laura Day was so entertaining (I love her) and the final session with Busy Phillips, Olivia Wilde, Jessica Alba and Taraji P. Henson was actually amazing. I was there for the other experts, not the celebrities, but they were all very authentic, articulate and inspiring (FYI, all the speakers become podcasts soon after, so you can tune in to that for FREE).

We left with our 20-pound gift bag feeling utterly inspired and spent the next three days debriefing—how we felt it was as a marketing event for their brand as well as what changes we were going to make in our lives because of it. There was a lot to unpack from it.

Now for my criticism.

I believe a large part of wellness comes from helping others and this conference was certainly SELF-help. Now, nothing is innately wrong with that, but there is something so confronting about being in a room with 600 HIGHLY privileged mostly white women, and there not being one word about helping others (except Lynne Twist). No percentage of the $1,000 ticket sales went towards a cause, and none of the sessions were focused on helping anything but yourself. What I love so much about the podcast is that they do dive into a lot of that, and it was missing from the conference. You have 600 either rich or powerful (press) in the room and boy did it feel like such a missed opportunity to not create a conversation or dialogue about what we can do both macro and micro to change the world for the better. So while we left feeling inspired, we also left feeling a little gross and very guilty.

Give me the opportunity to give back and use my privilege to contribute. Have a speaker that helps us understand how to best help our community and give back and frankly remind these women that it’s the responsibility of the elite to serve others. It just is. But again, that’s not the Goop brand or ethos, which I suppose is my biggest issue. I don’t really know what they value, I don’t understand their “why” beyond creating interesting conversations and recommending the newest organic self-tanner, which is not a bad thing. Hell, I struggle with my “WHY” EVERY. SINGLE. DAY, so I get that it’s not that easy, especially when trying to run a business. They are a self-proclaimed “Modern Lifestyle Brand” and I suppose I just wish it were bigger, more empowering and more responsible, with all their products being sustainable and green.

But listen, this is a “wellness” summit and frankly can’t do everything, nor should it. It was a very clear message, one of self-improvement. I suppose I just want to go to a different conference, one that was less about SELF-improvement and more about improving our communities, what we can do to promote change, etc.

All in all, it was GREAT for what it set out to do, I think I just wanted it to be less about how can I be a better me and more about the earth, community, etc. Will I go again? I’m torn. I mean if I get a press pass, then of course. If my best friends fly down again for girls weekend it will be very hard to stay home, but if they don’t then no I wouldn’t spend $1,000 again.”

That was the original post. In just a few hours, we had over 100 comments and they were coming fast—at Goop, Gwyneth and me. I typically try to have a flushed out diplomatic stance on hot-button topics but I just didn’t have the time to focus and just threw up the post. Not only are there some small tonality regrets in what I said, but more importantly there was a lot that I didn’t say.

I stand by what I wrote, but here is what I’d like to add.

Being one of 600 highly privileged mostly white women in the conference was confronting. I didn’t feel uncomfortable, but throughout the day I felt more and more ashamed and guilty. I realize that I’m one of the “whitest” people I know–not just my skin color, but habits, hobbies, how I talk, what I wear, etc. I’m not necessarily ashamed of this (nor do I want to change who I am) but sometimes embodying a stereotype so perfectly can be embarrassing when confronted by a group who also embody this. I’ve been at blogger events where the racial demographic was the same, but the level of affluence was totally different, so why the change? If you’ve followed along for a while, you might know that growing up, we were the not-rich kids living in a very wealthy community in high school so I’m kinda scarred from that and I’m terrified of raising the kids I went to high school with. I have a bias against the wealthy, despite NOW being one of them. This is not GOOP’s fault. No. I was internalizing my own fear and knew that I was supporting a company that was embracing their wealth and then my fear kicked in that now that I was one of them.
I became self-righteous. “HOW DARE THEY NOT GIVE US AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK?” I don’t disagree with my previous statement but I wonder if it was out of my own fear of becoming part of a culture that I have always resisted and less about the logistics and ethos of the conference. I felt guilty for being there so I kept saying “why not at least give 5% to some cause?” But that would be just for show, a token to satisfy someone like me. Do I think they should start creating that conversation within their business? YES, but who am I to ask them to provide me with an easy app or donation box to alleviate my own guilt when I have the power (we all do) to go out and find my own cause and help where I can?
What do I do to help and give back and is it enough? WHO AM I TO CALL OUT GOOP? I try, I do but beyond the Feelgood Flash makeovers, and shelter/Miry’s List stuff, I’m not waking up every day thinking about how I can help my community. A business is not a charity, I get that, but I actually don’t think that a business’ level of success is actually something to value. I listened to a recent podcast (Intelligence Squared) about how corporate “philanthropy” is actually just a mask that distracts from what problems they are creating, so society goes easy on them and applauds them when they try to solve others. Furthermore, we don’t know what Goop and GP herself give or don’t to help others. It’s so self-righteous for me to be like “give me a platform to give back” without even researching whether they do.

So that’s where I’m at. I don’t wish I could go back in time, because I learned a ton from the comments. I agree with what I said, but with more self-reflection, I realize that A. we at EHD could be doing more, and B. publishing a post that isn’t well thought out is good for no one.

The post Take 2: How the Goop Wellness Summit Helped Me to Assess Myself & My Company’s “Why” appeared first on Emily Henderson.

GOOP…Stay Tuned

Hey all,

If you are coming for the “All my thoughts and feelings about Goop after going to the wellness summit” post, I’ve temporarily taken it down to rework it. Due to its polarizing subject matter, I want to be extra careful and honestly, it deserved more thought on my part with a clearer thesis and more self-reflection. There were already over 100 comments, so please come back and join the heated conversation. Meanwhile, I’m going to take a deep breath and go to my kid’s pre-school graduation. BRING ON THE KLEENEX. It’s going to be a day, folks. A real day.

Come back tomorrow if you feel like it…hopefully, I’ll have the guts to republish it…there is something about me, a privileged white woman, either defending OR criticizing a brand that speaks to privileged white women that might just be a lose lose. We’ll see …

xx

Emily

UPDATE (because you guys have asked): The original comments won’t be deleted (unless they were mean per our usual comment policy) and the original post will be published almost as it was (a few tweaks like I always do). But additional commentary from me will begin and end the post.

The post GOOP…Stay Tuned appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Unpopular Opinion: In Defense of Gwyneth Paltrow & Goop (Mostly)

No one is more controversial, polarizing even, amongst women (and many men) as Gwyneth Paltrow and her brand Goop. I know this post might inflame some (a lot) of you—even a mention of Goop in our Sunday links post gets some of you going—but over the course of several years, as a follower of the site and now, after attending this year’s “In Goop Health” health summit, I’ve gone through a bit of a “it’s fine, it’s problematic, it’s good” roller coaster in terms of my stance on it (the brand, not Gwyneth herself, keep reading).

Fair warning that this post is looooong. I have a lot to say here. And while I promise to get to my actual review (and criticisms) of the summit in case you guys are wondering what that THOUSAND DOLLAR ticket buys you, first, I need to take you on my GP + Goop journey to help you understand my thought process about it all.

First off, let’s talk about Gwyneth Paltrow. I’ve gotten into so many heated debates that have ended in arguments not because I feel so passionately about ol’ Gwynnie, but because I think that most of the dislike/distaste for her comes out of close-mindedness, judgement and jealousy, and that’s a trigger for me. I’ve found that my friends who can’t stand her or her brand haven’t ever even gone to Goop.com, certainly haven’t listened to the podcast, and instead, are just reacting to a persona that the media is trashing because of her privilege. Do I agree with everything she’s ever done or said? Of course not. But she’s also just a mom, businesswoman and writer trying to put forth some progressive ideas that aren’t for everyone though meant to be helpful and generally positive. Sure, she was born and raised wealthy and has aspired to turn her career as an actor into a lifestyle brand; people take issue with this, although they would probably never do this for a man.

I was on board with her from the start even though I couldn’t relate to her (at the time I wasn’t her demographic—I was broke and even when I had a TV show, I couldn’t have afforded anything from her gift guide). But I thought she did what she did really well. She found a hole in the market and she filled it beautifully (her cookbooks were good, her travel guides were beautiful). Did I make the recipes or go to those countries? No, but I thought she did a great job at speaking to her audience and I liked watching. She wasn’t putting garbage out there, but her product wasn’t for everyone. It was (maybe?) unintentionally exclusive, mostly for wealthy people and inherently that is alienating to many, and when one feels alienated, it’s easy to be angry/dismissive.

How I saw it though, was like this: if you don’t like her, you don’t have to buy her product or read her content. Goop isn’t for you so just move on. But I also know it’s not actually that simple or straight-forward.

That is, until a few years ago when I found myself turned off by what I was seeing. The fear-based marketing that they were doing at the time had been bugging me for a while, and then one day, an article from Goop with a headline similar to “Are you poisoning your future baby with these toxins?” popped up into my Facebook feed. I can’t find the article now so full disclosure that might be an exaggeration, but it was inflammatory and the definition of fear-based click bait. I think I was likely pregnant at the time and got pissed. Women are already riddled with guilt about what they are putting in their bodies while pregnant and breastfeeding, now I need to feel guilty about the things I might have put in my body (and thus the future fetus) even before I became pregnant?

It just went too far. I already despised fear-based marketing and was just so bummed that a female-founded company was turning it on us.

This might have been around the same time as vagina steaming. That didn’t help her image. But I still defended her. My nanny at the time was friends with a nanny whose family was best friends with her and they had only incredibly nice things to say about Gwyneth and Chris, how they co-parented, how they showed up at every activity, just how normal they were. This nanny also had very unlovely things to say about a lot of celebrities so for her to go out of her way to praise Gwyneth felt genuine. Also, when people freaked out when she rebranded her divorce as “conscious uncoupling” (which she didn’t invent, it’s from the ’70s), I was like “HEY JERKS, SHE IS A MOM WHO IS GOING THROUGH WHAT MUST BE THE MOST PAINFUL THING IN THE WORLD” and she wants to give it a positive spin for her kids and take the power away from DIVORCE. Unfortunately, what it did was make anybody who had gotten a divorce and called it just that, feel bad. Listen to Dax Shepard’s podcast with her about it.

“The general brand did start feeling like they were pressuring women to buy Moon Dust (tried it, gave me anxiety) and jade eggs.”

Anyway, I kept following and defending Gwyneth and liked some of the content, but the general brand did start feeling like they were pressuring women to buy Moon Dust (tried it, gave me anxiety) and jade eggs. To be fair, I consider myself a very open-minded and curious person and love hearing, listening and debating all new theories. When people started buying crystals, I laughed and said, “great, which ones should I get?” (turns out two experts told me the same thing—I shouldn’t carry rose quartz because I’m already too high energy and should be wearing more copper to help ground me). I honestly love this stuff because guess what guys? NOBODY REALLY KNOWS.

But last year, my two best friends from Oregon came down to go to the Goop wellness summit, In Goop Health. Let me preface this by saying that these ladies are the most grounded, solid people I know. All of us were raised middle class, all of us have worked our asses off since college and are the dominant financial earners in our families. Do they like face cream and are curious about supplements that help detox the liver? Sure! But being that they are both in marketing, they more so admired the success of the brand and liked a lot of the wellness components and self-improvement aspects of the brand. Me, too.

If you haven’t already started screaming “BUT THE PSEUDOSCIENCE” at your device/computer, I’m getting to it. In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, the brand has gotten some heat for promoting health and wellness techniques that some claim are pseudoscience, meaning anecdotal evidence at best and not actually founded in scientific method. Many people criticized that what they were promoting was dangerous, which was possibly true. Not everyone should be taking every supplement and certainly trendy diets can be harmful to your health. Plus, buying into anything that feels “science-y” and absolute without much—or any—backing should make your red flags raise a little. That said, they’ve since shifted from this mostly, and as a follower, what I’ve noticed is that they rephrase things to be less factual and more “hey, here is a theory,” and they have employed far more scientists and functional doctors than they used to. If you are wondering what a functional doctor is, you aren’t alone. It’s a doctor with a western medical Ph.D. that focuses more on a holistic approach analyzing nutrition and lifestyle and genes in addition to bloodwork to find underlying causes of disease. It’s an absolute no brainer to me as I believe strongly that what you put in your body and your mental health effects and contributes to your physical success. After much analyzing, here is how I stand on this: I drank the alternative life Koolaid/kombucha in addition to my love of western medicine. My kids get vaccinated. We employ medicine when needed. While I previously thought that a lot of what Goop was spewing was pretentious, expensive pseudoscience—particularly when they were using that fear-based marketing I talked about—I’ve actually shifted.

What was the cause of this shift?

Glad you asked. It all has to do with my “spiritual journey” that I’ve been on the last year and a half to well, ha, find meaning and purpose in life. It’s like my only hobby outside of decorating. I listen to podcast after podcast on self-help, business, spirituality, parenting, and wellness, buy and borrow so many self-improvement books, all to help me figure out how to live more consciously, feel more connected to everyone and everything on this earth and essentially have a more fulfilling life.

One podcast that I LOVE and listen to weekly (sometimes I marathon it while I’m cleaning the house) is The Goop Podcast and it’s really where the mental change happened for me (though keep reading for my criticism). If you are on the side of “ugh, I hate Gwyneth and Goop,” please listen to a few episodes before you comment negatively below.

“Do I agree with everything Goop does? Nope, but how can I denigrate a nice woman, trying to do something new and different in media?”

Here’s why: generally, the guests are experts in their field—doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, motivational speakers—and they are pretty inspiring. Nobody is telling you to not vaccinate yourself or your kids; it’s more about how you can rewire your brain to create better habits or even heal physical ailments (TRUE), how eating less meat can lead to less cardiovascular problems, or very interesting theories on why auto-immune disorders have shot up in the last 30 years. I know what lectins are now, guys, and my gut is happier. I learn so much and it’s honestly made me strive to be a better person. Moreover, when Gwyneth is on, you’ll hear how she actually is—a mom, a divorced wife, a newlywed, a business owner, a daughter of a beloved dad who passed,  and most importantly, a human being who admits her flaws as much as we do and is just trying to figure it all out and be a good person. She’s refreshingly honest and vulnerable. Again, do I agree with everything Goop does? Nope, but how can I denigrate a nice woman, trying to do something new and different in media? Her brand has inadvertently made people feel bad and that’s their biggest problem.

OKAY, ON TO THE WELLNESS SUMMIT.

So my friends from Oregon (Robyn and Nicole) attended last year, I missed it, but they RAVED about it being this really inspiring and fun day so I, of course, wanted to join. They bought their tickets and flights and we had it all set, but when I went to buy my ticket, I was SHOCKED to find out that it was a $1,000. You read that right, although it seems unbelievable. ONE. THOUSAND. DOLLARS for a one day conference. Woah. Surely I could get a press pass. I knew “influencers” who went last year with 1/10th the following who got passes. But nope. By the time I reached out they were out. In fact, they were out of tickets entirely and they pulled strings to even let me buy my ticket. So then, I had to make a choice and I figured if I could write it off through the business (by writing this article) I would go to A. not let my friends down and miss a VERY fun day, but B. What could possibly happen in 9 hours that would be worth $1,000??? It became more about marketing and brand research than a girls’ day really.

Held at Rolling Greens in downtown LA (which is a stunning space), the summit was an extremely well-produced event, beautifully decorated and flowed great. We got there at 8 am sharp since we weren’t going to miss a second of our $1,000 day and proceeded to spend an hour and a half exploring. We got our B-12 shots in our bottoms, we watched the tuning fork therapy (which I think can work because I believe a lot of theories about energy healing but a 5-minute session won’t do much and the line was always long). We did a guided meditation to “plant music”…that’s right, there is this guy that has an instrument that takes the energy of plants and transforms it into music. It was weird and silly but if you are game to experience it—you’d have to be in order to be there to begin with—then it’s fun. Goop’s Chief Content Officer Elisa Loehnen chimed in to say that “that may or may not be the goopiest thing you do all day” and everyone laughed. They make fun of themselves, they are in on the joke. We ate and drank delicious food and bopped into a lot of fun workshops and tested new products. There were no real hiccups in the production; no Fyre Festival here.

At 9:30, the first session started with Gwyneth and Elizabeth Gilbert, who spoke about grief, fear and creativity in a way that left us almost in tears (and excited to buy her book). Most of the sessions were totally inspiring I took an entire notebook of notes. Lacy Phillips taught us her three easy steps to manifesting what you want in life (I’m currently manifesting a new office space). Most inspiring was Lynne Twist who wrote “The Soul of Money,” a powerful book about the history of money and how we’ve all shifted from citizens to consumers (with the irony being of course that there was a massive gift shop inside the conference). The session with medium Laura Day was so entertaining (I love her) and the final session with Busy Phillips, Olivia Wilde, Jessica Alba and Taraji P. Henson was actually amazing. I was there for the other experts, not the celebrities, but they were all very authentic, articulate and inspiring.

We left with our 20-pound gift bag feeling utterly inspired and spent the next three days debriefing—how we felt it was as a marketing event for their brand as well as what changes we were going to make in our lives because of it. There was a lot to unpack from it.

Now for my criticism.

I believe a large part of wellness comes from helping others and this conference was certainly SELF-help. Now, nothing is innately wrong with that, but there is something so confronting about being in a room with 600 HIGHLY privileged mostly white women, and there not being one word about helping others (except Lynne Twist). No percentage of the $1,000 ticket sales went towards a cause, and none of the sessions were focused on helping anything but yourself. What I love so much about the podcast is that they do dive into a lot of that, and it was missing from the conference. You have 600 either rich or powerful (press) in the room and boy did it feel like such a missed opportunity to not create a conversation or dialogue about what we can do both macro and micro to change the world for the better. So while we left feeling inspired, we also left feeling a little gross and very guilty. Give me the opportunity to give back and use my privilege to contribute. Have a speaker that helps us understand how to best help our community and give back and frankly remind these women that it’s the responsibility of the elite to serve others. It just is. But again, that’s not the Goop brand or ethos, which I suppose is my biggest issue. I don’t really know what they value, I don’t understand their “why” beyond creating interesting conversations and recommending the newest organic self-tanner. The clothes they promote on their site aren’t even sustainable brands. They are a self-proclaimed “Modern Lifestyle Brand” and I suppose I just wish it were bigger, more empowering and more responsible.

But listen, this is a “wellness” summit and frankly can’t do everything, nor should it. I suppose I just want to go to a different conference.

All in all, it was GREAT for what it set out to do, I think I just wanted it to be less about how can I be a better me and more about the earth, community, etc. Will I go again? I’m torn. I mean if I get a press pass, then of course. If my best friends fly down again for girls weekend it will be very hard to stay home, but if they don’t then no I wouldn’t spend $1,000 again. (FYI, all the speakers become podcasts soon after, so you can tune in to that for FREE).

Okay…now it’s your turn (but remember, this is a place of commentary that is both respectful and constructive; please check your anger and blatant negativity before hitting that “comment” button).

The post Unpopular Opinion: In Defense of Gwyneth Paltrow & Goop (Mostly) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Consider This: The Design Workhorse No One Talks About (That We Happen to Love)

image via architectural digest | design by thom felicia

Hi, everyone! Contributing writer Laurren here. Today, we’ve got a little something different for you. It’s not so much a trend discussion as much as it is an awesome-furniture-we-don’t-see-enough-people-using discussion. But before we jump in, let’s go back in time for a moment…

Every Saturday during my last year of college, my best friend and I would have brunch at this spot that served $1 mimosas. (Class!) The restaurant was attached to an antique mall, so it wasn’t uncommon for us to mosey our way over after eating. Most of the time, things ended harmlessly enough, but one day I laid eyes on a green secretary desk and, without much thought as to how I’d use it, told the dealer I’d take it. (How I managed to shove it in the back of my two-door Dodge Neon when I picked it up the next day is still a mystery to me.)  It wasn’t really something I could afford at the time—and I probably wouldn’t have purchased it without that tiny bit of liquid courage—but I never regretted it. It was the first piece of furniture I bought on my own based on want rather than need, and I felt very cool and adult about it. 

photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: the portland project living room reveal

Over the years, as I moved from apartment to apartment and city to city, that impulse buy became a lot of things—bathroom storage, a bar when I wanted a bar cart but couldn’t afford one, a makeshift jewelry cabinet, a desk-shaped junk drawer, lol, and even an actual workspace for actual work. It’s still the most versatile piece of furniture I’ve ever owned, and though I don’t regret finally getting rid of it a few years ago (my style took a more minimal turn), I’ve thought of it a lot since then.

With secret compartments and drawers that can be hidden away by a drop-down or roll-down panel, secretaries fall somewhere between a dresser, hutch, and desk. (Remember when you were young and cleaned your room by shoving everything under your bed? Adulthood is cramming your stuff into a secretary desk.) And these days, with so many styles on the market—from sleek and modern from big box stores to traditional vintage or antique pieces from places like Chairish—there’s really an option for every space. (See the roundup at the end.) All of this is to say we think it’s high time these multi-tasking workhorses (design darkhorses?) get the recognition they deserve. Here’s some inspiration for how you can work one into (almost) every room of your home. 

Entryway
image via house beautiful | design by juan carretero

Entryways are a space known for collecting clutter—let a secretary desk remedy that for you! The interior cubbies were practically made for corralling mail and other things you want to forget about.

Living Room
image via design*sponge

Thanks to its stealthy design, a secretary desk is an obvious choice for a living room that needs to double as an office. (There’s nothing relaxing about looking at a traditional desk from your couch!) If you have the space, opt for a taller piece with a hutch. Not only does it provide tons of storage, but it also draws the eyes up and brings height to the room. As with anything design related, it’s all about balance. Here, a more traditional style in a rich wood finish (remember when we said brown furniture is back?) is a refined counter to the room’s modern mushroom-y lamp and printed sofa.

image via domino | design by lynn k. leonidas

An antique secretary desk corrals a collection of books (and hats).

image via domino | design by lori paranjape

A paint job can be all you need to breathe new life into a tired piece. Here, a pinky-coral is a wild color choice made palatable by the desk’s more traditional shape. It could all be a little much in a smaller space, but it works here thanks to the room’s tall ceilings and otherwise neutral color palette.

image via manhattan nest | design by daniel kanter

Not all secretary desks are tall and stately, though! A shorty like the one pictured above is a great option for smaller spaces. 

Dining Room
image via lonny

In the dining room, a secretary desk with a glass hutch is a lovely way free up space in your kitchen and display special occasion items. (Because let’s be honest: if you can’t see it you won’t use it.) Utilize the drop-down table as extra serving space when you need it or style it up as a bar cart, as seen here.

Bathroom
image via the washingtonian | design by darryl carter

No linen closet, no problem! Here, an antique Swedish secretary adds storage in a bathroom. (Pull up a chair—and a mirror—and you’ve got yourself a vanity, too!)

image via architectural digest | design by thom felicia

A honey-colored piece warms up this, large cool-toned master bathroom and also serves as a dressing table.

image via the makerista | design by gwen hefner

A petite secretary desk, like the one seen here, can go a long way in keeping countertops clear when space and storage is limited. (They’re a great option in a bathroom with a pedestal sink if you can squeeze it in.)

Bedroom
image via lonny | design by robert passal

Plopped next to a bed, a shorter secretary desk with drawers (something larger could overwhelm a small room) is triple-threat piece, acting as a nightstand, desk and dresser in one.

image via pink peppermint design | design by tammy mitchell

In a kid’s room short on space, a small secretary desk in lieu of a traditional nightstand carves out a place to do homework.

image via anthropologie

This piece, with its cream and mint color combo, brass details and mirrored interior is a glam take on the traditional wood secretary desk.

Now that you’re thoroughly convinced to bring back the secretary desk (are you?), here’s a roundup of 39 of our favorites, including some pretty special vintage and antique finds.

1. Fretwork Rattan and Seagrass Wrapped Secretary Desk | 2. IKEA Secretary Desk | 3. Fold Down Secretary | 4. Arian Secretary Desk | 5. Imported English Secretary with Leather Insert | 6. Mid-Century Mini Secretary Desk | 7. ACME Mullener Desk in Walnut | 8. Boone Secretary Desk with Veneer | 9. Drop Front Secretary Desk  | 10. Natural Rattan Rashida Secretary Desk | 11. ACME Wyanie Desk | 12. Loring Secretary Desk | 13. Mid-Century Fold Out Desk | 14. Thorton White Secretary Desk | 15. Secretary Desk

1. Mid-Century Hand Painted Chinoiserie Desk | 2. Arts and Crafts Mission Solid Oak Secretary Desk | 3. Gaston Floating Secretary Desk | 4. Covert Grey Secretary Desk | 5. Austin Work Station | 6. 1960’s Danish Teak Secretary Desk | 7. 1960’s Secretary Desk | 8. Eastman Secretary Desk | 9. Amish Mini Secretary Desk | 10. Nolan Secretary Desk | 11. Egon Ostergaard Teak Secretary Desk | 12. Mid-Century Secretary Bureau 

1. Traditional Baker Petite Secretary Desk | 2. Exec Secretary Desk | 3. Jace Desk | 4. Covert Grey Secretary Desk | 5. Vintage Baker Mid-Century Ebonized Campaign Desk | 6. 19th Century French Walnut Secretary Desk | 7. Black & Gilt Chinoiserie Desk | 8. Grove Office Armoire | 9. Brass Key Secretary Desk | 10. Italian Secretary Desk | 11. 19th Century French Iron Desk | 12. 18th Century Swedish Secretary Desk

The post Consider This: The Design Workhorse No One Talks About (That We Happen to Love) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

This Is For Anyone Who Has Ever Suffered From “Trend” Paralysis

photo by tessa neustadt for ehd | from: brady’s bedroom makeover with parachute

This is not the first time in my writing history where I talked about my aversion to the term “trend.” Yes, a huge part of my job as a design-focused editor and writer is to cover new things happening (or at least brewing) in the industry. You know…trends. “Trend forecasting” is a very real thing, and to be honest, I pride myself on the ability to call something months in advanced. But that doesn’t change the fact that actually buying into the trend, bandwagoning so to speak, is something I have internal battles about all.the.time. Am I alone here?

Do not read that as me saying anyone who follows trends is somehow wrong or basic. Trust me, I have dived into PLENTY of trends, past and present. If you’ve bought anything for your home that wasn’t purely functional, you have, too. WE ALL HAVE. It’s the natural course of interior design—aesthetics are driven by the time we live in, by what’s occurring culturally or politically (i.e. during the economic turmoil of 2008/2009, everything was subdued, beige, safe because nothing in our country, at least financially, felt secure). Materials, colors, silhouettes are always changing and evolving because decor doesn’t stand still. But what I am saying is that I’ve come to realize that my apprehension for not feeling “creative” or “innovative” enough is problematic. Why should I not consume something that I’m very much drawn to just because I want to be “different”?

Not everyone here today will be able to relate to this, because I understand that I, someone who makes their job out of identifying trends—and non-trends—have a bit of a unique (skewed?) perspective. I’m immersed in it nearly 24/7; my eyeballs are likely oversaturated and what might feel overdone to me is probably just a result of an Instagram or Pinterest algorithm. I recognize that the practice of crossing my fingers that something I really like and am drawn to decor-wise doesn’t become popular so I don’t tire of it is not a normal thing. While professionally, I know finding what’s “next” is important to drive the design conversation forward, personally, I think I’m done caring as much. Let me explain.

photo by tessa neustadt | from: brady’s living room refresh with the citizenry

I went through a phase during the design of my living and dining rooms where I was committed to doing something “different” so that I wasn’t showing you “just another Pinterest room.” I pushed away the idea of using some specific pieces I had long loved because I saw them too often on my feeds. This was my chance to do something unique…except that it was my home, and I was lying to myself. I was too busy asking “what’s next” before the thing that’s currently here even settled in. Can I relax, please? The pleasure of designing turned into a burden of chasing “cool.” Would the Internet think I was lame if I used a Moroccan shag rug just like so many others before me? What about putting up that gallery wall? Was my home “expected”? My current self is screaming WHO CARES to the version of me from even just a few months back.

There was a moment about a month before shooting that I remember sitting on my couch, looking around and panicking that I didn’t have anything “weird” enough. Everything that had been picked for my living spaces was something I loved, but maybe wasn’t “fresh” or groundbreaking. The chairs I had bought months prior that made my heart literally pound out of my chest were now EVERYWHERE on every platform and in EVERY store. I had completely irrational thoughts that I’m pretty embarrassed to admit here, but, things like “Do I change them for something ‘hipper’?” did cross my mind. Uh…was I INSANE? Yes, for a second there, I was. And like I said, I quickly came to peace with my maniacal thought process and the need to be “tomorrow” not “today” with my design. Where I landed was a place that sure, some might look at and think “trendimus maximus,” but I and my husband love. Pretty always looks good next to pretty, whether it’s the same pretty that your neighbor also has. I live in MY home, not my neighbors’, figuratively speaking, and that’s all I should be concerned with.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: jess’ small-space living room makeover

I hereby relinquish the negative hold that trends had over me—I welcome you to, too, if anything I’ve said so far resonated with you—and am reclaiming the fun of design, instead of the burden of constantly trying to be the new-new, especially in my own home. “Trends” will no longer ruin the things I love. Full stop.

In the name of my “I hate trends, wait, maybe I don’t, I do what I want” monologue that just happened there, I’m going to celebrate five very “trendy” things I’ve decided to love that I originally hoped would go out of vogue so I would be free to idolize them. A convoluted thought, yes, but…#designfreedom, friends.

5 Super Pervasive Design Pieces We Still Love Anyway
#1: Serge Mouille-Style Lighting
image via my domaine | design by vanessa alexander

There has never been a time that I’ve seen this light (or sconce) and haven’t stopped dead in my tracks. I LOVE THIS LIGHT. I’ve loved it for years, and fell particularly head over heels for it when I saw Michelle Adams use it in her home (below).

image via one kings lane | design by michelle adams

I had this chandelier (well, a knock-off of it which I know is problematic) picked out for my dining room because I needed something that extended out further on one side to balance the table placement, but decided against for all the reasons I’ve already talked about. While I love the Schoolhouse fixture I ended up with VERY much, you better believe I plan on using this baby—hopefully an authentic one—in a future home.

#2: Beni Ourain Rugs
image via house & garden | design by matilda goad

I fought long and hard against this one when I was rug shopping. You can’t flick one scroll through Pinterest or your Instagram feed without seeing this style of Moroccan rug, but here’s the thing: HAVE YOU EVER STEPPED ON ONE OF THESE? Oh my goodness are they glorious to walk on. The shag nestles into your toes like fine Bahamian sand and they’re so thick and plush, it’s almost like a cloud is underfoot. They also happen to be a perfect neutral but textural (and still visually interesting) backdrop to furniture, as well as other colors and patterns already going on in your design. Bein Ourains are the chameleon of the rug world in that they work with modern designs, traditional spaces, eclectic or bohemian rooms…like the effortlessly cool kid in school, they fit into every crowd.

#3: Pierre Jeanneret Chandigarh Chairs
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: arlyn’s light & bright rental living room

I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was bummed when I started to see these infiltrate my feeds after I bought them late last year. That’s ridiculous, as these are not new. Designers have long been using these super sculptural vintage chairs in projects, so like…what makes me special? I even remember standing in the Rose Bowl with Emily discussing these…”these are probably going to be everywhere in a second, but do I care?” I said to her. Obviously, I didn’t care enough, because I bought them and do not regret it. Yes, the chair will be very “2019” probably, but eventually, people will move on to something new and I’ll still have the chairs I loved from the moment I saw them.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: arlyn’s dark, moody dining room
#4: Gallery Walls

Every now and then, if you have your ear pressed to our office door, you’ll hear someone say “wait, are we still into gallery walls?” Gallery walls are pretty ubiquitous at this point. Many an article has been written about “what’s next after the gallery wall” and you know what I think? Just more gallery walls. Yes, one statement large-scale art piece in place of countless smaller frames is also very, very good, but I don’t think gallery walls are going anyway, and frankly, I don’t mind it. The “salon” style arrangement I did in my dining room is one of my favorite design elements in my whole house, and as long as the art is personal to you in some way, they’ll never feel too “trendy.” Long live the gallery wall.

#5: “California Casual”
image via alexander m. reid

This last one is less a specific piece and more a general style. “California Casual” (which we wrote about at length a year ago here, here and here), is that expensive, effortless laid-back-but-kinda-eclectic look that so many design enthusiasts and designs themselves emulate recently. I mean, what’s not to like? It’s comfortable, light and airy yet warm and inviting, easy on the eyes with just enough textural moments…it’s kind of the perfect “family home” vibe if you’re “cool.” I tend to go for more eclectic, colorful rooms when I’m pinning and bookmarking because that inspires me greatly, but being IN a California casual room feels damn nice.

image via all sorts of | design by amber interiors

If you’ve ever been able to grace one of Amber Lewis’ shops (the personification of this style), you’ll probably remember the instant relaxation that came over you. It’ll make you want to instantly ditch your “bold” and “weird” moments for the quietness of linen and rattan and blonde wood. So, while I’ve found myself bucking the look in my own designs because I’m “tired” of seeing it, I can’t lie…it’s wonderful and I hope it sticks around for years to come.

Now, after all that, I’d love to hear from you about your stance on “trends,” whether it’s your thoughts on them as a whole or even some of the five things I pointed out directly here today. Am I overthinking the whole thing? Yeah probably, but this post was kind of a cathartic moment for me, so…sorry not sorry? Anyway, thanks for reading friends, and looking forward to hearing from you.

The post This Is For Anyone Who Has Ever Suffered From “Trend” Paralysis appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The First Mountain House Bathroom Reveal: Our “Quiet Drama” Powder Bath

Here we go, let the mountain house reveals proceed, starting back up with the powder bath. We started with the kitchen, then the kids’ room and now we have a few bathrooms to show you as we finalize the furniture/styling of the rest of the house. You’ve seen how the sausage was made in the process post, so today is just the pretty after photos. The good news is that I can not nor will I ever choose a favorite bathroom in this house. I love them all so much and am so grateful that I had a team of designers (looking at you Julie, Velinda, Grace and Emily B.) to help make sure I don’t mess up this house. Designing all four bathrooms at the same time, while doing the I Design, You Decide challenge (so each one twice) was a real “challenge stress” (a new term I learned and reference all the time meant for the good kind of stress that you shouldn’t shy away from, in contrast to the bad stress).

The key to most of these bathrooms is using materials that feel handmade and “soft.” No polished marble or glossy tile. Balancing that “rusticness” with the “refined” ended up absolutely working here in the powder bath downstairs. It feels minimal but with so much warmth.

Let’s start with…

The Stone:

It’s from Bedrosians and is absolutely stunning. I’m not sure if there is any left available, but it’s called Sky White. We chose Cambria quartz in the kitchen, but for the bathrooms where I’m worried less about wear and tear, I wanted the look of natural stone. We had it leathered which is almost like sandblasting it so that it has more dimension, in a really beautiful matte way. Typically your fabricator will do it, but ours didn’t so we had to ship it BACK to LA after it was shipped up to the house to have it leathered. It was a super fun way to spend money, but now that it’s over, I’m glad we did. The cost of leathering really depends on the stone and since we did almost all in the house, they just lumped it all together. But I think you could add $500 to the cost of fabrication for a room this size.

My team custom-designed the vanity and it’s just stunning. It was the first time I’ve done a custom vanity and was scared that the proportions would be off, but Julie did a drawing beforehand to ensure that it would look great (thank you, Julie)! The sink basin is built-in to give that more modern seamless look.

In case you think it’s a solid piece of stone, it’s not. It’s built out of wood and then just faced with stone, and mitered edges.

The Tile:

I fell in LOVE with this tile before it even came out. Clé (who I’ve worked with several times and I can’t help but keep going back to their product) sent the samples of their new Italian terracotta from their Architect’s Palette line to me knowing that I would love it and they were not wrong. I wanted to use it in the master bathroom but when the other design was chosen, I had to use it here. It’s the perfect slate blue, with a lot of handmade feel to it, but in a simple brick shape. We stacked it vertically to feel more modern (if you are wondering about our feelings between stack and stagger, check out this post). Then we used a medium toned grout so you see the dimension of the tile without being too stark and high contrast.

The Faucet:

We worked with Kohler on all the bathrooms in the house and were VERY excited to use their new Components line in here. It’s so beautiful and as our friends said last weekend while they were staying here: “Those knobs in that bathroom are the most beautiful we’ve ever put our hands on.”

There are a few different spout and handle choices that you can mix and match (we went with the Tube spout and Industrial handles), which is what makes this line extra special. They are just so sleek and yet soft (being in matte black). They are graphic and simple, meaning that your eye really understands what they are instantly which makes a big impact. We also rounded out the bath accessories like the toilet paper holder and towel arm from the line (which is the best part of working within one brand…all the finishes will be exact and the styling will match effortlessly). Head here to see the entire Components collection.

The Toilet:

Typing out “the toilet” certainly did not feel like the most designy, glamorous thing, but this is a bathroom after all. Otherwise, it would just be a sink area. We went with Kohler’s Corbelle toilet with ContinuousClean here (it’s the same one from the kids’ bathroom) with their CleanCoat technology and Revolution360 swirl flush which fights germs and is a “clean flush.” Basically, it keeps things all nice and clean by dispensing a constant dose of a cleaning tablet with every flush. If it means less scrubbing for me in this highly-used bathroom (it’s closest to the living, family, and kitchen areas), then I’ll take it.

The Mirror:

If you were invested in the I Design, You Decide for the powder bath, you might remember that we originally were thinking of a pill-shaped mirror with this blue tile (we showed you a round mirror but with the more graphic black-and-white tile). Everyone begged us to do the round mirror with the blue tile, so…that’s what we did. And I’m so happy. This is the Round Metal Frame Mirror from Rejuvenation and it’s great because it has a very thin metal frame that doesn’t take away from the insane tile and pendant lights (keep reading). We went with the 36-inch version which felt like a “Goldilocks” size in here—not too big to cover up the Cle tile, but not too small that it felt dwarfed by that custom vanity.

A quick note about the shape (whether we went with the pill or the round). There are so many linear lines in this bathroom, from the tile to the vanity to the flooring, so bringing in some softness via the mirror (and the lighting and even the swoop of the faucet spout) was needed to it didn’t feel too stiff or stark in here.

The Lighting:

Allied Maker’s Well pendant was originally used in the design of this bathroom with the black-and-white tile, but when we kind of merged elements from both original designs, we decided on these because, well, they’re stunning. The shape of the pendant (and the mirror) really softens the hard lines of the vanity and tile without mimicking the mirror (if we had kept the pill-shaped mirror, it would have been too samesies and that doesn’t provide enough visual tension to be interesting).

Also, because every surface in here is hard, the leather strap really helped to bring some warmth to break up the colder materials. As for the light itself, it’s SUCH a pretty glow because of the frosted glass. A powder bath does not need optimal, bright light, FYI (you’re not putting makeup on in here likely, for instance), so it’s really an area where you can get away with a moodier light.

In terms of styling out the space for this shoot, we kept it very simple. Some cut branches are always nice in a powder bath (especially if you have guests coming over) to bring in some life as a potted plant probably won’t thrive in a windowless room. Then it was just bringing in the basics (soap pump, hand towel) and a little more color via art (this one is from MaryAnn Puls who we all fell in love with during the Portland project). Yes, there is open space on the bottom ledge of the built-in vanity that we could have stuffed with baskets and towels (and hey, I might when life gets rolling in this house), but clean and simple was the name of the styling game here.

SO THERE’S THE FIRST BATHROOM. We have another one coming at you in the next few weeks, but sadly have to hold the other ones until the fall. But don’t worry, more reveals are on their way. Thank you for helping to make this space come to life with all your recommendations/design ideas/voting. “I Design, You Decide” was definitely an out-of-the-box idea that caused double the work (ha), but you guys really did help to make this house a reality and I can’t wait to show you more of it.

Resources

Fixtures & Hardware (all via Kohler):

Corbelle Toilet with ContinuousClean + Reveal Toilet Seat | Components Tube Spout | Components Industrial Handles | Components Toilet Paper Holder | Components Towel Arm

Surfaces:

Bedrosians Sky White Slab Marble | Architect’s Palette Blueprint via Clé

Lighting:

Well Pendant via Allied Maker

Doors & Floors:

Reclaimed Beech via Ross Allen Reclaimed Lumber

Decor:

36″ Round Metal Framed Mirror via Rejuvenation | Black Vase via Mantel | Art via MaryAnn Puls | Soap Pump | Match Holder via Schoolhouse | Tray | Hand Towel

 

 

 

 

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The Link Up: Actually Flattering Shorts? + 12 Other Things We’re Into This Week

image via the design files | design by alex mccabe, architecture by mcmanus lew architects

Here’s a quick recap of the EHD team this week: vacations (Jess is living her dreams in Barcelona, Emily Bowser is at the beach on the east coast), HUGE photoshoot prep (shooting the mountain house for the big fall feature story all next week), actual shoots for the book (part of the production team was in New Orleans “working” between NOLA frolicking) and birthdays (happy birthday, Ryann!!). Even though we were divided up most of the week, we still managed to chit chat, mostly via Slack, about some things we’re into right now. Let’s get into it.

Emily (and the rest of the staff, really) are excited to see how Chris Love Julia’s new home—which they toured for their readers in this post—transforms with their great taste and vision. We’ll stay tuned.

Speaking of tours, though not new, the Melbourne, Australia, home of Kip&Co founders is a bouquet of inspiration and we stumbled upon it again this week. The way they use colors, textures and materials are wildly imaginative (I mean, did you see those brass cabinets and pink cement island?!?). Check it out on The Design Files.

Something that is new is this “dog-gone” good (ha, we couldn’t help ourselves) tour of what is probably the cutest vet offices we’ve ever laid eyes on, via Dog Milk (Design Milk’s pet content platform). If you’re a dog or cat lover, you’ll have quite the chuckle courtesy of some of the details throughout.

Arlyn just bought these shorts (after seeing them on Brittany Chinaglia’s Insta Stories) and she’s pretty pumped to try them. “I’m not generally a short-wearer but it’s already so hot here in LA and I figured I’d give them a try. They’re pull-on with a little slit up the side, a good length for not wanting my cheeks to hang out, and seem insanely comfortable. I’ll report back.”

Julie has two recommendations for us this week, both good for the soul (baked goods and books). First up is this recipe from Food52 she’s itching to whip together for her mom and sister when they stay up at the mountain house later this month (uh Julie…hook your coworkers up, mkay?). “They have like EVERYTHING in them that I love, I almost think I shouldn’t make them. #cantstopwontstop.”

Second is a new book she started reading called “When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times” by Pema Chodron. Julie is an avid believer in the self-improvement genre even when life is fine and you don’t think you need any new advice. “This is truly one of the best, sound and direct advice books that I have come across.” She is even giving one to both her mom and sister (maybe with those brownies?) ’cause everyone should read what Pema has to say.

A fun EHD blast from the past: Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge used Brady’s bed DIY to create her own version in the home she shares with her wife Julia. It came out AWESOME.

We all collectively love the home furnishings brand Industry West, and they just launched a new offshoot brand called Favor. It’s like a very curated, chic Etsy in that everything they sell (home decor and accessories) is artisanal and unique and just feels special. We can’t wait to see more from them. 

After over a decade of wearing the same perfume (Daisy by Marc Jacobs), Ryann decided it was time to change up her signature scent. “I switched to this perfume by Maison Margiela (per Sara and Jess’ recommendations) and I couldn’t love it more. It has a very soft, somewhat fruity, yet elegant scent.” 

This article really helped Sara overcome some CBD anxiety she was having about giving CBD products a try for her anxiety…

A long-time writer friend of Arlyn’s is releasing a new children’s picture book on June 18 called “Little Feminist” and she wants to give her a shoutout because it’s so, so cute and has a great message for little ones. “I have young nephews, and I find that so often, the main characters of their books are male, but ‘Little Feminist’ features inspiring women throughout history, and I don’t care if you have boys or girls, it’s an important message.” 

Jess has been non-stop listening to Phoebe Robinson’s podcast, Sooo Many White Guys. It’s very funny, educational and her guest lineup is so freaking good.

And for what to watch tonight to shake off the Sunday scaries, Veronica says run to watch Always Be My Maybe on Netflix. “Great movie, great soundtrack, that’s all I’m going to say.”

Happy Father’s Day to all the daddies and daddy figures out there today. See ya tomorrow for a BIG MOUNTAIN HOUSE REVEAL.

 

 

 

The post The Link Up: Actually Flattering Shorts? + 12 Other Things We’re Into This Week appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Come Virtually Shopping With Us: 5 Body Types, 25 Swimsuit Picks

Let’s be real: Swimsuit shopping is tough. Not only is it hard because everyone’s body is different, but there are SO many brands out there, and so much to filter through; it can be overwhelming. Also, online shopping for bathing suits is less than ideal because you can’t try anything on. But, we here at EHD have been talking a lot about summer trips and beach days so a bunch of us are on the hunt for the perfect suit. We figured since we are looking all for the same thing, why not share with you lovely readers and call it work? (ha! jk.) Last year, you all really loved this post and since we have some additions to the team, we thought it would be fun to do a “Virtual EHD Shopping Tour: Swimsuit edition” with five us who all have different body types and wants and needs when it comes to swimwear. These are all the swimsuits we are contemplating buying or in some cases, have bought and LOVE. Let’s get into it.

Name: Emily

Title: Emily of Emily Henderson Design (founder!)

How would you describe your figure? I’m petite but curvy and have secret boobs and currently a tummy that could probably use a month of souping before suiting.

What do you look for in a swimsuit? The challenge is that I can never find a one piece that supports the ladies and I’m done wearing bikinis (well, maybe in Souptember). I look for boob support and ideally some pattern to disguise some tummy ripples. I also am so fair that I prefer a color over black, but currently, my favorite swimsuit due to fit is black and I wish so badly it came in a black and white vertical stripe.

What are you willing to spend on swimwear? I’d spend up to $300 if it’s flattering, modest enough to wear around kids and in-laws.

1. The Sunbather, $95: I’m excited to see if this brand is as flattering and comfortable as it looks. I am not afraid of a bright pink and red number, and I am really into the shape of this one.

2. Babe, $450: I’m EXTREMELY curious why this suit would be $450. What could it possibly do to your body?? MAGIC? I want to try it but thank god it’s sold out in my size.

3. Frida One Piece, $200: I like this one because there is a shelf to hold the ladies, plus a thick strap which seems comfortable (and is a cut I like on me).

4. Gaia Bodysuit, $230: I’ve talked about this suit before (and likely won’t stop talking about it) because it is just so good.

5. The Fused Delta Bikini Top, $50: This top looks like it could definitely support my secret boobs. This one is from that same brand as #1 that I am excited to try. Their stuff is cute and I really like their general ethos.

6. The Belted Classic High Rise, $45: I know I said I am done wearing bikinis, but I feel like I can see myself in this one because of this high-waisted bottom. Oh, and I love the little belt detail.

In case you need a refresher on the team, we included photos so you can get the gist of who’s talking. First up, our Editorial Director Arlyn can’t wait to show you the suits she’s been eyeing…(she may have purchased one since writing this):

Name: Arlyn

Title: Editorial Director

How would you describe your figure? I’m pretty petite (5’3”) and definitely curvy. I’m hourglass-shaped, just like…in larger proportions. My chest is LARGE and I’ve got some Latina hips and legs on me.

What do you look for in a swimsuit? I have pretty low expectations for finding swimwear that makes me feel cute + just sexy enough + young(ish). I have a very large, heavy chest so I absolutely, without question, need an underwire. “Full bust support” usually means a built-in molded cup (HAHAHAHA) with a shelf liner or just a tight seam under the bust. That’s cute…maybe if my chest was half the size it is, but I’m not kidding around. I want perky, round, young boobs in a swimsuit, and the ONLY way for me to accomplish that with my GG-cup breasts (yup, that’s a cup size people) is to have an UNLINED, bra-sized underwire swimsuit with adjustable straps and back clasp. Also, most underwired, cup-sized swimsuits are bikinis and I just don’t feel comfortable in one (never have). It really just makes me feel like swimwear companies are lazy (or the market share for my body type is VERY small, which somehow I doubt). DO BETTER SWIMSUIT COMPANIES. Oh, and I like thicker fabrics because they are lasting but also slimming.

What are you willing to spend on swimwear? I’ve spent upwards of $175 on suits, but I’m happy to do that because I only buy them every few years and I’d prefer to purchase something that fits really well, makes me feel confident, and is high-quality so it lasts years and years.

1. Pour Moi Glamour, $80: I love a black swimsuit, and I think the “mesh” sections (which are not sheer, actually) could be nicely waist-defining. Sizes through 38G.

2. Fig Leaves, $65: LOVE the price point here and the fun embroidery feels summery without being too young (or aging). Sizing goes through a 38G. The back strap seems a little wimpy (that’s where most of the support comes from), but I might order and try on, actually.

3. Peekaboo One Piece, $95: This is SO cute and actually looks age appropriate (unlike other underwire suits on the market). It says it supports up to a G cup and while I’m skeptical of anything that doesn’t actually have an underwire in terms of support…I’m intrigued (even though I’d have to squeeze my ladies in there).

4. Pour Moi Halter, $69: I like a halter because I can adjust it to be as “lifting” as I want. My Puerto Rican-toned skin would work well against the bright red I think.

5. Pour Moi Control High Waist Bottom, $35: I love that the bottom is high-waisted to help with sucking and tucking any tummy woes.

6. Anya Underwire Balcony Swimsuit, $99:  Panache swimwear has NEVER failed me. I probably buy one of their suits every year or two. The price point seems reasonable, the side rushing would be nice to camouflage some of my fluff, and I just think it’s a classic suit that would be pretty flattering. Sizes go up to a 40K. (I have purchased this since writing and I’ll report back when it arrives.)

Next up, Ryann is serving all the classic swimsuit feels…

Name: Ryann

Title: Special Projects Editor

How would you describe your figure? I have long legs (I am 5’9″) and a bit of a booty, thick thighs, medium/large bust, and a bit of a tummy that I just recently learned to love.