Emily Henderson's Blog, page 262

Our Ultimate Outdoor Furniture Roundup (130+ New Favorites)

photo by david tsay

Hi, everyone. It’s me, Laurren. For anyone who’s like “who are you?”, we first met when I brought you this post and this post about fun color trends. It’s good to be back. Last week, the EHD team did a post about budget-friendly outdoor hacks to try, and all the readers evidently pleaded for some furniture roundups, so I answered the call (well, Arlyn’s email) to put together this ULTIMATE PATIO FURNITURE ROUNDUP.

Whether you have a sprawling picket-fenced yard, a tiny balcony, or something that lands somewhere in between, there’s plenty you can do to carve out a stylish and functional outdoor oasis primed for soaking up all the sunshine and fresh air the summer months have to offer—and it all starts with furniture because cheersing sangria while sitting on a patch of dirt or half-charred grass just doesn’t quite have a nice ring to it.

While it may seem a little early to be sprucing up your backyard or patio—especially if you’re still shoveling snow—remember that outdoor pieces sell out quickly since stock is generally limited. You’re more likely to find the look you want if you start shopping early instead of waiting until the start of summer when everyone is scrambling to give their spaces a refresh. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up our favorite outdoor furniture finds—from sofas to chaises to coffee tables—that you can buy right now and, even better, have delivered to your door.

But before you click “add to cart,” there are a few things to consider. First, and maybe most important, is to think about how you’re going to use the space you have. For example, I live in a fairly small apartment with an outdoor area that’s pretty generous in relation to my home’s size (calling it a yard would be a stretch, lol, but by LA standards, I guess that’s what it is). I like to entertain but don’t have a proper dining room, so an outdoor table was a must for me. Since I can use it (almost) year-round in LA, utilizing my yard for eating gives me the dining room my small home lacks. See yourself lingering over cocktails and conversation? A sofa + coffee table combo might be right for you. Love roasting s’mores around a backyard fire pit? Pull up a grouping of cushioned chairs. You get the idea…

It can be tempting to buy a matching furniture set and be done with it, I know—especially if you’ve been cooped up all winter and are itching to get outside—but hang tight because there’s a lot to mix and match here for a space that feels lived in and not too catalog-y. You want to approach decorating outdoor areas the same way you would your home’s interior, and that means bringing in a mix of materials, shapes, sizes, prints, etc. For example, if you have a set of more rounded, ornate accent chairs, try pairing them with a boxier, streamlined sofa. Lastly, look for pieces that feel like a natural extension of your home’s interior style. Have a mid-century modern vibe going on inside? Your outdoor space is not the place to test drive a rustic farmhouse look.

Okay, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get on to the good stuff.

First stop, sofas and sectionals (and a few love seats for those with limited space). The team used #9 in the Portland patio and can vouch for its quality and comfort. #1 is just so classically charming, #5 is a straight-up sofa but made for the outdoors, and the rattan set from IKEA at #15 is hard to beat in terms of price meets style. Oh, and the brass frame on #22 from World Market would be SO fun outside for a glam moment.

1. Parker Sofa | 2. Hand-carved Lotus Daybed | 3. Piedra Outdoor Loveseat | 4. Jasper Teak Sofa | 5. Denver Outdoor Sofa | 6. Tropez Black and White Stripe | 7. Breton Black Metal Sofa | 8. Howell Patio Sofa  | 9. Ora Sectional | 10. Lunes White Outdoor Sofa | 11. Laguna Loveseat | 12. Pacifica Bench | 13. Isola Sofa in Natural Finish | 14. Brusen Outdoor Sofa | 15. Mastholmen Conversation Set | 16. Brava Wicker Loveseat | 17. Pacific Loveseat | 18. Cache Outdoor Sofa | 19. Patio Sofa With Cushions | 20. Palazzo Shell Loveseat With Cushions | 21. Portside Outdoor Low 3-Piece Sectional | 22. Gold Laila Outdoor Sofa | 23. Suzanne Kasler Directoire 4-Piece Sectional With Cushions | 24. Arca Driftwood Sofa

Lots of favorites here: #3 (the price is for two) is that very cute boho style that looks so nice with a backdrop of nature, #7 well, isn’t a lounge chair at all but how sweet would that be on a dreamy balcony? #14 and #18 are so fun (who doesn’t want a rocking chair EVERYWHERE) and basically obsessed with the ’70s vibe of the hanging chair at #13.

1. Isola Lounge Chair | 2. Dog Days Outdoor Lounge Chair | 3. Natural Wicker Wailea Chair (set of 2) | 4.Dimitri Outdoor Chair | 5. Pool Party White Chair | 6. Erato Stainless Steel Patio Chair (set of 2) | 7.  Pia Chair | 8. Woven Malawi Chair | 9. Girona Outdoor Accent Chair (set of 2) | 10. Bayport Patio Teak Armchair | 11. Hee Lounge Chair | 12. Wrens Teak Patio Chair | 13. Hanging Wicker Egg Chair | 14. 1730 Grey Rocking Chair | 15. Bodil Kjaer Teak Chair | 16. Hot Mesh Lounge Chair | 17. Taylor Chair | 18. Eleya Chair | 19. Sundial Chair | 20. Sunset Teak Lounge Chair | 21. Bandera Woven Club Chair

BRB, going to pretend I’m writing this post stretched out across #2 or #5…or #10 for some extra wiggle room.

1. Alicante Chaise Lounge Chair | 2. Bizerte Outdoor Chaise Lounge | 3. Newport Chaise Lounge Chair With Side Table | 5. Canyon Indoor/Outdoor Lounge Chair | 6. Balmain Teak Daybed | 7. Marlough II Aluminum Outdoor Chaise Lounge | 8. Sling Chair with Tassels | 9. Daisha Outdoor Bag Sun Chaise Lounge | 10. Havana Daybed | 11. Breton Black Metal Sun Lounger | 12. Eldridge Wicker Patio Chaise Lounge | 13. Fullerton Recling Chaise Lounge | 14. Indio Chaise | 15. Oceans Wood & Rope Patio Chaise | 16. Perch Outdoor Sun Lounger | 17. Alfresco Natural Chaise Lounge | 18. Pacifica Chaise

We went with a ton of different materials for the roundup of coffee tables, from wood to concrete to stone to rattan. It looks like #3 has some storage, so would be a nice place to stash outdoor things you maybe don’t use super often (what would that be, exactly? well, it’s probably different for everyone). The black on black look of #8 is pretty rad but the organic nesting shapes of #9 is also nice for a really natural look.

1. Natural World Coffee Table | 2. Tempered Glass Top Table | 3. Deliah Storage Coffee Table | 4. Nimbus Graphite Table | 5. Sheridan Coffee Table | 6. Tambor Concrete Drum Coffee Table | 7. Pebble Coffee Table | 8. Darbuka Black Coffee Table | 9. Arleta Nesting Tables | 10. MLB Root Coffee Table | 11. Mosaic Tiled Coffee Table | 12. Pedestal Outdoor Coffee Table | 13. Boonville Coffee Table | 14. Cruz Coffee Table | 15. Nebu Table

Because we all need a place to set a drink or some apps during outdoor happy hour, of course. Lots of price points here, from the cute hairpin + rattan pick at #4 for $89 to the stone sculptural piece at #13 for $649. I’m loving the angular shape of #12 but also the richness of the carved wood of #10.

1. Twill Ceramic Side Table | 2. Square Folding Table | 3. Nimbus Table | 4. Gracia Rattan Side Table | 5. Tana Stool | 6. Bongo Side Table | 7. Atra Stool | 8. Adam Outdoor Side Table | 9. London Accent Table | 10. Artisan Teak Stools | 11. Beach Side Table | 12. Schmidt Accent Table | 13. Masson Stone Stool | 14. Pittard Glass Coffee Table | 15. Pure Curved Side Table

Let’s move along to the dining furniture section of today’s post. I pulled everything from large 6-8 seaters to little bistro tables, so regardless of how much room you have to work with, there’s a really great table for you to dine al fresco.

1. Kylie Navy and White Rattan Bistro Table | 2. Camas Outdoor Wooden Table | 3. Watermark Bistro Table | 4. Cassara Round Dining Table | 5. Fuze Grey Concrete Table | 6. Marina Teak Round Table | 7. Delphi Rectangular Wicker Dining Table | 8. Slab Outdoor Round Dining Table | 9. Iron Outdoor Door | 11. Adelaide Round Table | 12.Cafe Dining Table | 13. Pure Live Edge Dining Table | 14. Fairmont Steel Patio Dining Table | 15. Newport Aluminum-Top Dining Table | 16. Fermob Bistro Table | 17. Laguna Round Table | 18. St. Kitts Rectangular Dining Table | 19. Round Faux Cement Palmera Dining Table | 20. Two Tone San Remo Dining Table | 21. Britanna Patio Dining Table

And because your table needs chairs, I’ve got you covered. I know they’re REALLY traditional, but can’t you picture #3 with its unique rope design in some magical garden setting? Go ahead, close your eyes and try. Once you’ve come back from being transported, we can also talk about how cool and modern #7 is (and same goes for #16 in that bright blue). The whole set from #15 in the happy coral would be so wonderful in a space that maybe just looks out to a gray concrete parking lot to really liven things up, huh?

1. All Weather Wicker Dining Armchair | 2. Milan Black Modern Stackable Chair | 3. Miles Redd Bermuda Dining Chair (set of 2) | 4. Giardino Armchair | 5. Woven Geo Dining Bench | 6. Gracia Rattan Outdoor Chair | 7. Monforte Chair | 8. Jai Outdoor Chair (set of 2) | 9. Mesa Teak Armchair | 10. Malibu Chair | 11. Green Armchair | 12. Henry Chair | 13. Nikolaos Stacking Patio Chair (set of 2) | 14. Natural Teak Calero Chairs (set of 2) | 15. Betty Dining Chair (set of 2) | 16. Flux Dining Chair | 17. Bangor Swivel Chair (set of 2) | 18. Mini Outdoor Chair | 19. Antique White Avignon Dining Bench | 20.  Metal Hairpin Stacking Chair (set of 2) | 21. Britanna Wicker Patio Dining Chair (set of 4)

There’s a lot to be obsessed with up there, right? I tried to keep a variety of styles, materials and colors so there was a little something for everyone, and like I mentioned, I hope that whether you have a tiny patch of concrete or a sprawling backyard, there was something here that made your fingers itch to check out for yourself. Any immediate favorites, anyone?

The post Our Ultimate Outdoor Furniture Roundup (130+ New Favorites) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Mountain House Monday: An Update on the Dining Banquette + Ask the Audience

There is a new name for me that I read in a self-help book—I’M SORRY I GUESS WE SAY “SELF-IMPROVEMENT” BOOK—a “pre-crastinator.” I pull triggers almost too fast, making seemingly rapid decisions perhaps without all the information. No one is shocked here. It’s one of the secrets to my success and how I get so much done, but it also has produced mistakes, waste and thus anxiety. Using the mantra “if it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no” has helped a lot, but right now we are gearing up for the huge shoot at the mountain house, 6 weeks away and 2 of those weeks I’ll be in Atlanta. So most of the long lead stuff HAS to get done ASAP and decisions have to be made. Today’s big decision: the dining banquette.

My dreams of having the world’s most comfortable dining banquette are coming true. After thinking that we needed to “use the space properly” with the dining table floating in what is obviously the dining area, we realized that we really just want to be sitting by the window on basically a sectional sofa. This nook will get so much conversational use, in addition to the typical “eating” that it’s worth changing it all up.

Here’s how it was:

We put that dining table outside now, and we brought in the obviously too-small Tulip table while our custom table is made by Ross Alan Reclaimed Lumber.

But the question is about the cushions:

What style of cushion? Do we have a back cushion? Which fabric? Leather? Vinyl? Poly-linen? Do we have piping? Do we do something hip and cool (okay grandma) or something simple with more flexibility?

So let’s check out what we are working with here:

First off, the base and the table will both be built by Ross Alan, experts of the most wonderful reclaimed wood in LA, possibly the world (they did all that gorgeous wood you saw in the kitchen reveal from a few weeks back). In continuing with our seamless look, we basically designed the built-in seat to be continuous from the floor, in the same wood.

We have flip-top storage for seasonal things or boring things like extra cleaning supplies, but for now, the kids are hiding in them which I can’t blame them. We don’t really need the storage but seems crazy to not have the option.

If you are worried about the person in the middle, against the window, who will be trapped by 3-4 people, don’t be—we will choose only those with the largest bladders or willingness to crawl under the table without complaining. Listen, we know that this is going to be annoying for some people the few times that we have a large group, but we are choosing this anyway. The cozy, comfort is worth it to us on a day-to-day basis. It’s like how we chose a wall of windows versus the typical work triangle in the kitchen, it’s all about what you value and by the way, that is also not annoying at all and was totally worth the two more steps I have to take to get ingredients.

Stylistically, I want to do something cool and interesting, obviously, why not? But I’m kinda running out of time to design something that we’ve never seen before and I also don’t want to do something too trendy. But I’m inspired by the below:

image source | design by giancarlo valle

How awesome is that? But frankly I don’t know how to do that, nor do I think it’s necessarily right for the space but the idea is that I really WANT to do something amazing. One thing that I’m realizing is making the above slightly cooler is that the cushion isn’t exposed on the side – wood is covering it. Now, we would have to add that because ours isn’t built like that, so it seems kinda unnecessary. I also like how there is no top seam. Interesting…

But that cushion is taking up extra space due to the design and while ours is 24″, I don’t want to give up 8″, to do something like that. Additionally, what I’m compelled by is the two-tone aspect of it, something that I tried to convince my friend of two weeks ago while we were up there with fabric swatches, but that was before we found this inspiration shot…

image source | design by biasol

So cool, but lacking the comfort that I want. Now we did think about doing a larger version of this, with a wood frame or a double version of this and if you guys are like “YEAH DO THAT” I’ll reconsider. But it also might look silly and try-hard. It’s cool here because it contrasts so well against the dark wood and the chunky real wood bench.

image source | design by ware malcomb

Now this trend is still huge, but due to the height of the windows we don’t have the space for it, nor do I think that designing a hanging back cushion is right this late in the game (I still really really like it, but it’s certainly been seen a lot lately so seems silly to start now). But I DO like that once again, no top seam!!!

You really have to stare and analyze photos to figure out what exactly you like about them. It’s not just the hanging back, it’s not just the two-tone, it’s the lack of seams and that the bench cushion is floating in a bit and not too chunky.

image source | design by nam dang-mitchell design

Let’s just say we forego the back cushion in favor of pillows. When we were up there, I threw a bunch down and it was so cozy and allowed for a lot of flexibility.

image source | design by amber interiors

But am I as wowed by that idea? Not as much, but there is more opportunity for texture and pattern and styling and comfort. We made it deep enough that we can have large pillows to help anchor.

photo by tessa neustadt | from: griffith park sunroom reveal

We could also do what we did in this Griffith Park house: a big bolster in the back and then layered on more pillows. We could even do a version of this that is a tapered triangle pillow that leans back but adds some support.

I LOVE the one below, but fear that if we tuft it like that, it’s not washable, but maybe it is?

image source

That’s my issue with the French mattress style, too—I want to be able to zip off and wash.

image source | design by cm studio

So let’s talk fabrics that we are thinking about:

Leather: We would need a lot of hides and I’d likely only fall in love with the most expensive leather out there. The pros of leather include durability but as my friend David (from MidcenturyLA) just disclosed to me, the pretty matte leather actually stains REALLY bad and any oil becomes a very noticeable stain. Yes, it will patina but it might take years. The leather that wipes up really clean is really shiny. ALSO, we don’t think we want dark. My initial idea was a forest green leather but Brian Henderson nixed that hard and fast saying “dining banquettes are already kitschy, so doing it in a green leather could look really dated.” I don’t necessarily agree, I think he needs better inspiration references, but I like when people take things OFF the table. Once I put all the light tones up there I realized that I do want it to be relatively light, and I just can’t picture a light leather. That sounds scary to me, but maybe a light gray? So right now unless I found the perfect leather that I can afford, we are leaning away from leather.

image source | design by william smart

This is so pretty and even the light brown leather on the wood could be SO PRETTY. Oh no. I think I might have just convinced myself to at least shop for leather.

image source | design by marc houston

Vinyl: I mean, how rarely have you found a vinyl that you LOVE? Sure, it can absolutely be so functional and simple and therefore not bad, but it doesn’t feel totally right and not something that I’d love.

Vegan leather: Looking for sources and researching about options. If anyone knows anything about this— durability, cost, etc.—please weigh in in the comments.

A textile with pattern: Nope. I don’t really want a busy pattern to hide grossness. I want simplicity and calmness, at least for the base.

image source | design by gordana golubovic

A poly-blend stain resistant fabric like Crypton or others: I have a whole box of Crypton and have even made a few selections that are a medium gray with enough texture to hide a bit. Then we’d do the back pillows in a mixture of lights and mediums whites, grays and blues.

image source | design by jeremiah brent

There are just too many ways to skin a cat, especially when you are kind of in a rush. The simplest thing to do is to get the medium toned gray (with texture) stain-resistant fabric that is really pretty and cozy and have a bench seat made without the top seam, out of a cushy foam and feather mix (so it has some give and isn’t that really TIGHT look). Then play with a ton of pillows to see if A. that looks good (or just messy) and B. if it’s comfortable enough. I can alway ADD a back cushion later. Either way, I’d make it washable with a zipper. I’m even debating getting two sets made to have seasonal options and because I’M A CRAZY PERSON.

I’m new to the banquette world. I’ve never had two kids and a banquette before. Am I crazy to not splurge on leather that will be durable at least for the bench? Or is a washable stain-resistant slip covered fabric in a medium tone good enough? And will the pillows annoy me with the necessary daily styling or will they bring me comfort and joy because I actually love styling?

Please weigh-in. We have to at least have the design/style chosen by Thursday before my schedule gets insane for 2 weeks and I think that per usual you guys are full of ideas I haven’t thought of or at least some banquette experience…

HELP.

Sincerely, Emily “Pre-crastinator” Henderson

The post Mountain House Monday: An Update on the Dining Banquette + Ask the Audience appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: The Only Bra Emily Buys, Binge-Worthy Shows & The Perfect Travel Outfit

image source | design by Cortney Bishop

Happy last Sunday of April, where half our team was out sick, but we still managed to talk in depth about bras amongst other things.

From Emily: “I only wear one bra (three different colors) and have for YEARS. As I’ve mentioned before, my ladies are secretly big and while I’m by no means trying to reduce their impact, I also like them to be properly in their place. I got fitted a few years ago for this bra, Prima Donna Twist A La Folie Underwire Bra, and I’ve never gone back. It lifts, sculpts into a nice shape and is SO supportive but it’s still pretty with lace detailing!!! I just feel confident and secure in them, and my clothes fit FAR better than with most other bras that just don’t do the job. They aren’t cheap but they last for a few years (at least mine, do) and this specific one is the only one I buy.”

Sara’s current blush is the Olio E Osso Natural Lip & Cheek Balm No. 10 Tea Rose. The blush is really light and buildable. She wears it on her cheeks and lips and carries it in her bag for easy lip application. She says it feels like a chapstick but doesn’t feel sticky on her cheeks. It’s also non-toxic and cruelty-free.

While we’re on the topic of beauty, Ryann says she’s obsessed with this Origins GinZing moisturizer. Says Ryann: “I’ve been using it for a year now and any time I run out, no other moisturizer compares. It’s like having a giant glass of orange juice, but for your face.”

This week, Julie is the one to bring us a crazy cool home tour. This home has the perfect balance of weird, moody and ultra chic. I don’t think any of us have ever wanted to live in a dark and moody home more.

For anyone who prefers the bright and happy (yet calm and cozy) to moody, Arlyn is sharing a designer she’s started stalking on Instagram: Cortney Bishop Design. She manages to create rooms that are homey with just enough cool sprinkled in to not feel like your typical “Instagram” design fare.

Speaking of fighting off illness, Bowser and Jess both swear by Source Naturals Wellness Formula. It’s a herbal defense complex that you can take daily for maintenance but if you start to feel under the weather you just up the dosage. However, if you are taking it daily the chance of getting sick obviously drops dramatically. It’s a magical natural immunity tablet that you will be so glad you have.

A hedgehog goes camping…who doesn’t want to hear more? Grace has the cuteness overload factor dialed in this week. In this article, a tiny little hedgehog goes camping using all his miniature gear that will put an instant smile on your face. He’s apparently Insta-famous and has hundreds of thousands of followers (including both Grace and evidently Velinda who paused her diligent work to look up and say “Oh! The hedgehog they put in tiny canoes? I follow him, too!). It’s an account you won’t regret following. 

Michael was recently visiting Joshua Tree National Park and bought this candle, the Parks Candle Yosemite’s Cottonwood + Oak. It comes in such a cool, sleek vessel and it smells SO GOOD. It even has an awesome looking wood wick. Plus, proceeds go to protect our National Parks, gotta love that!

Jess binged the new show Ramy on Hulu in one night. This show is funny, at times hard to watch (in an important way) but is ultimately so beautiful and a total must see.

Blackout is the most recent podcast Veronica got totally hooked on. It stars one of her favorite actors, Rami Malek whose character is a small-town radio DJ fighting to protect his family and small-town of Berlin, New Hampshire, when the town experiences a rolling blackout. This podcast is an apocalyptic thriller filled with suspense a variety of different characters that she found herself wanting to know more about very quickly. She guarantees this podcast will have you as hooked as she is with a new episode every Tuesday (seven are available now), but she would not recommend listening at night…dun dun dun.

We talk a lot about gifts for ourselves but Velinda has the CUTEST cat toy recommendation. It’s a Knit Fish Taco Toy Set for $3. Your cat and eyes will thank you.

Julie and Jess went to NYC last weekend and Julie wore the actual most chic (and comfortable) matching sweater and skirt combo outfit from Mango in the world. Julie would never admit to how cool she looked so Jess needed to step in to make that known. However, Julie will say that she loved how comfortable she was and how perfectly the outfit transitioned from the plane to the city.

Jo Malone makes some of Grace’s favorite scents (she’s loved Blackberry and Bay, both the scent and body cream, for ages). But she found a new love from the brand: Red Oak and Currant. She finds that their more fruity scents don’t last as long on her (which is a huge bummer), but this slightly more musky scent stays on for the entire day and she loves how the scent even transforms throughout the day. Two thumbs up! (While Arlyn was reading this, she also had to interject that Jo Malone makes her favorite scent: Nectarine Blossom & Honey. She says it’s sweet without being cloying and agrees with Grace that it lasts ALL day.)

Jess stumbled upon this awesome online shop called Hotel Magique. She had seen a couple of their prints collaborations elsewhere but didn’t realize they had their own shop filled with very cool and reasonably priced art. She might need another gallery wall.

12 Awesome Fashion Brands to Try If You Love Clothes But Also the Earth

I have always found fashion to be a source of individuality and self-expression. I remember on my first day of preschool, my mom insisted I wear a dress when all I wanted was to don my overalls and Tweety Bird T-shirt. As a result, I spent the entire morning crying while the rest of the kids were happily playing Simon Says. It was clear growing up that letting me wear what I wanted made me a more agreeable child. In fact, wearing what I want makes me a more agreeable adult. If I am feeling a bit off, the power of a good outfit can do wonders. (Please comment below if you are also one of these people. I would really love someone to validate me.)

Much similar to interior design, how you express your personal style is powerful. It’s art. But, as many of us know, the fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world (behind oil) and a huge eco enemy. Some fast facts:

According to a study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, it is responsible for one garbage truck of textiles wasted every second, and 92 MILLION TONS of solid waste dumped in landfills each year. This includes discarded clothes that consumers buy and get rid of (the average American discards 68 pounds a year), as well as unused fabrics and textiles from companies who make more than what they end up using.
In 2017, it was reported that in 2015 alone, the fashion industry consumed 79 billion cubic meters of water—enough to fill 32 million Olympic-size swimming pools and that figure is expected to increase by 50% by 2030. To put it into perspective, it takes 2,720 liters of water to make a single T-shirt.
The industry is the second biggest polluter of water, after the agriculture industry, polluting 17-20 percent of global fresh water.
The total greenhouse gas emissions from textile production currently stands at 1.2 billion tonnes which is more than those of all international flights and maritime shipping combined.

My own contribution to the problem comes to mind often as someone who seemingly came out of the womb drawn to the glamour of clothes. In my lifetime, I’ve discarded countless clothes, many of which were worn a handful of times only to be promptly stored in the back of my closet for years, before eventually meeting their fate at a local Goodwill, or perhaps more accurately, a local landfill. So, I will be the first to admit that when the topic of sustainability in fashion comes up, it only takes a few minutes before my head starts to spin. What exactly is sustainable fashion? Isn’t all fashion technically unsustainable because it produces so much waste? According to Green Strategy, there are seven forms of sustainable fashion, and ideally every time a new garment is produced, all forms of sustainability should be combined, but the industry has a long way to go. 

As individual consumers, just as it applies to design, buying vintage, second hand, and thrifted is the most sustainable option. Another solution I hear often is to simply buy less. The purchasing power of us as consumers is just that: power. So even (and perhaps, especially) in our non-purchases, we are exercising our power and taking action to shift the paradigm of the industry. That said, it is not lost on me that the financial ability to actively choose what you buy and in turn what companies you support is a privilege. For those of us that have the opportunity to exercise that privilege, being mindful is not just important, it is necessary. Our choices matter. I think it is common to think that someone else will fix the problem. It can feel as if the problem is so far removed from our daily lives, which makes it difficult to take action, meanwhile, so many parts of the world are witness to the negative impacts of the industry every day. 

Are you still with me? I know this is a tough subject, none of us are perfect, and the world is full of issues that deserve attention. I get it. But as trivial as the fashion industry can appear, the fact is that clothes are a part of our everyday. We live our lives in them and while it might seem daunting to reverse the impacts of the industry, shifting our habits as individuals is fathomable. Okay, so where do we start? How can we begin? By buying second hand (when possible). By purchasing quality pieces that will last over buying fast fashion in quantity. By supporting brands that recycle, reduce their waster waste, pay their employees livable wages, provide safe and fair working conditions, make efforts to carbon offset, and donate to sustainable charities. By buying from small businesses who treat people and the earth better, we take action to shift the practices of the industry.

Without further ado and before I talk (write?) your ears off (too late?), let’s get to the brands that are striving toward sustainability:

Everlane

What They’re Doing Right: Everlane is a brand that I stumbled upon via the constant efforts of Instagram to sell me things I don’t (really) need. A sponsored ad popped up and I took the bait. Turns out they are a really good company with practices focused on quality and economy. They source really good materials and factories to make timeless “basics” like Grade-A cashmere sweaters, Italian leather shoes, and Peruvian Pima tees. Their clothes are meant to be staples in your wardrobe with a long life. The factories they use are given a compliance audit to evaluate factors like fair wages, reasonable hours, and the environment. The best part?? They believe customers have a right to know how much their clothes cost to make—from materials to labor to transportation—and selling them at fair prices, minus the traditional retail markup. By doing so, they produce quality clothes that last at accessible prices, thus reducing the need to buy from the big guys.

In Our Cart: ’90s Cheeky Straight Jeans | The Double-Strap Block Heel | The Foldover Crossbody

ABLE

What They’re Doing Right: ABLE considers themselves a lifestyle brand focused on ending generational poverty through providing economic opportunity for women. They are also doing something that is kind of revolutionary: publishing their employee’s wages (and not just the average, but their lowest paid). Here is a not so fun fact: the products we enjoy are most often made by women who are severely underpaid and can’t meet the basic needs of themselves or their children. So, ABLE is striving to be completely transparent about wages in hopes more companies will follow suit. By supporting brands that pay fair wages, we can begin to stop contributing to the inhumane practices of big corporations, who mass produce.

In Our Cart: Pamela Double Strap | Mini Tag Necklace | Chaltu Top Zip Crossbody

Kotn

What They’re Doing Right: Kotn’s namesake authentic Egyptian cotton is grown in only one place in the world, the Nile Delta. It is finer, softer, and more breathable than any other cotton. Apparently, since 2001, there has been a 95% decline in demand from big corporations that opted to go with cheaper options. SO, to help rebuild the industry from the inside, they work directly with cotton farming families in Egypt. Think of it as “farm-to-table, but for your clothes.” As a B-Corp certified company, their responsibly-run operation employs locals, securing their craft and their livelihood. By scrapping the middleman, they ensured a fair wage for them, and an honest price for the consumer. OH, and top it off they partnered with pro-literacy organizations on the ground in the Nile Delta to help end child labor practices.

In Our Cart: Essential Crew In White | Straight Leg Crop Pant | Undercoat In Camel

Whimsy & Row

What They’re Doing Right: Los Angeles-based company Whimsy & Row uses deadstock fabric (a.k.a. excess and leftover fabric) from other brands who buy more than they end up using. These are the fabrics that often get lost in a huge warehouse and eventually end up in landfills. Instead, they take these fabrics and turn them into lovely and classic silhouettes. Their styles are meant to be versatile, statement pieces in your wardrobe and are designed to last.

In Our Cart: Aleksandra Top in Baby Stripe | Jordan Jacket in Cream | Alyssa Bodysuit in Black

Vetta

What They’re Doing Right: Vetta makes capsule wardrobes, responsibly produced with fabrics that are sustainable, mostly Tencel or deadstock fabrics. At this point, I’m sure most of you know what a capsule wardrobe is, but in case you aren’t sure, it refers to a collection of a few essential, classic items that are meant to be super versatile and easily paired with other statement pieces (a cool vintage jacket, perhaps). Anyone can create their own capsule wardrobe, but Vetta makes it pretty dang easy with their timeless styles, many of which can be worn multiple ways or are convertible (like that cute white top up there). Also, their poly bags, tissue paper, and inserts are made from 100% recycled materials, and boxes are made from 90% recycled and 10% FSC certified materials.

In Our Cart: The Boxy Blouse | The Convertible Shirt Dress | Every Day Pant

Doen

What They’re Doing Right: Doen’s brand ideology focuses on embracing a fewer but better mentality in regards to consumption. They create quality, timeless pieces to ensure that they can be worn season after season, and let me tell you, their stuff is BEAUTIFUL. They believe clothing should not be viewed as disposable, so much so that they encourage secondhand sales of their clothes via resale and consignment retailers. (There are brands/designer that would never do this, and in fact some have been known to burn extra stock to maintain the exclusivity of their product. It sucks). Doen also uses 100% recyclable packaging and their eco-shippers include a minimum of 90% post-consumer content.

In Our Cart: Billie Jean Top | Henri Top | Myrtle Overall

Boyish Jeans

What They’re Doing Right: This may be upsetting to hear for the people out there who love denim (me). Traditionally, to make a SINGLE pair of jeans, 1,500 gallons of water are used. That is SO much water. Boyish jeans use 1/3 the amount of water and they recycle the water they do use so no water is polluted in the process. They work with factories that have fair, safe, and healthy working conditions and that suppliers meet their standards for social responsibility as well as safe, non-toxic, and better materials by auditing their factories with third-party auditing companies.

In Our Cart: The Kirby | The Tommy | The Cody

Christy Dawn

What They’re Doing Right: Christy Dawn is another company that exclusively uses deadstock fabric to create timeless pieces and their practices are rooted in creating quality pieces that will last. I am quite literally obsessed with their sophisticated Little House on the Prairie vibe and am dying to one day buy this dress. In order to create such gorgeous styles, they pay a premium for the most talented seamstresses in Los Angeles, all of whom are paid a competitive wage and receive health benefits.

In Our Cart: The Ida Skirt | The Penny Jumper | The Dawn Dress

Raven + Lily

What They’re Doing Right: Raven + Lily is a fair trade brand that specializes in uniquely beautiful leather bags, jewelry, and home accessories. They work with over 1,500 women artisans and give fair trade wages and access to safe jobs, sustainable incomes, healthcare, and other tools they need to thrive. I am very into their jewelry, which is surprisingly super affordable. I just bought this necklace and am really excited to wear it with my favorite black jumper. Oh, and you can feel good about your purchases because every purchase of a Raven + Lily product helps fund microloans to female entrepreneurs in partnership communities.

In Our Cart: Day Crossbody | Pom Blanket | Yami Backpack

Girlfriend Collective

What They’re Doing Right: Girlfriend Collective makes leggings, sports bras, and other workout clothes from recycled water bottles. Yep, this is a thing and it’s fantastic. If you go to their site they go into all the nitty gritty details of how the bottles are collected, broken down, and made into fabric. Also, they have a wide range of sizing (XXS-6XL) which has less to do with sustainability and more to do with inclusivity (which is SO important). A few of us here at EHD use their leggings exclusively and we love them.

In Our Cart: Lola Bra | LITE High-Rise Legging | High-Rise Run Short

VitaminA

What They’re Doing Right: I would be remiss if I didn’t mention VitaminA Swim. You all know that that suit right there is Emily’s favorite swimsuit she has ever bought. It is the swimsuit to end all swimsuits. So, not only do they do swimwear right, their sustainability efforts are impressive. Founder and designer Amahlia Stevens spent three years developing EcoLux, the first premium swim fabric made from recycled nylon fibers. In fact, all materials used are certified to meet the global Oeko-Tex standard for safe textiles and by partnering with One Planted Tree for every dollar donated, a tree is planted.

In Our Cart: Edie Bodysuit | Martinique Romper | Tash Tote

Rothy’s

What They’re Doing Right: Rothy’s is another brand that makes its product from recycled water bottles. Music to my ears. So far, they have repurposed 20 million water bottles, and counting. Their shoe boxes are strong enough to be shipped alone, which means no box-in-a-box shipping. Question: WHY DOESN’T EVERY COMPANY DO THIS? And for every mile they ship, they use Carbon Fund to offset the carbon emissions. Also, their vegan and biodegradable shoe boxes are made from 85% post-consumer recycled materials. Both the cards and the box are 100% recyclable, and the box is resealable so no tape is needed during the returns process. I felt like they were a good brand to end with because all that they are doing is seriously amazing and more sustainable than most.

In Our Cart: The Point | The Sneaker | The Loafer

Alright guys, we finally made it. But before I go, since we are talking about what we can do as individuals, I wanted to share a few tips on recycling clothing:

Instead of donating old clothes to Goodwill or Salvation Army, (which will likely end up in landfills simply because the sheer volume they receive is too much to sell) try selling your used clothes online.  This ensures your clothes will have a longer life. I use Depop, but there are also others like ThredUp that do much of the work for you. For more high end/designer pieces, you can send to The Real Real to sell for you. Selling your clothes directly to someone will always yield better results and will decrease the likelihood of it ending up in landfills.

You can also get together with friends and organize a clothing swap. Bring all your clothes you are planning on giving away and have your friends do the same. You will likely get some great additions to your wardrobe without spending any money OR producing any waste.

Okay, that is it, I promise. What are some other sustainable brands that you love? Do you have any other tips, tricks, or general tales to share? Tell me everything.

The post 12 Awesome Fashion Brands to Try If You Love Clothes But Also the Earth appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Some of the Weird Things I Bought Recently at the Flea Market (Pet Screws??)

A few weeks ago, I went to the Santa Monica Airport Outdoor Antique Market which I hadn’t been to in YEARS, mostly because Santa Monica is 20 miles away which is 2 hours in LA time. But it used to be curated and high end (and often expensive) but good. It’s changed, but I did find some things I brought home with me (you’ll see those—and others—here). Then I headed over to The Mart Collective antique mall in Venice (which is definitely curated, high end BUT SO GOOD) and snagged a few more things.

I’ve never been known to walk past a leather piggy bank. This time it’s a bull, I believe, but it’s a necessary accessory in anyone’s life.

It’s about six inches wide and so, so cute for either the kids or a styling “moment” on a bookshelf. You can’t tell from the photos, but the little brass lock on the back of the bull is actually a heart (and isn’t really a lock more than it just keeps the thing together).

Also, a “Pet Screw” makes me laugh. It’s the kind of “weird” that I used to buy before I thought I had to be more sophisticated and stopped buying things with a sense of humor. Growing up can be a dick.

And the blue bud vase is just the right size for setting atop a stack of pretty books or on its own on a console. It’s a lot shinier than it looks in these photos, which is actually a nice contrast to the exposed raw clay where the glaze didn’t reach.

I’m OBSESSED with that black pepper grinder—that’s right, the black ring twists and out comes your artisanal pepper. And that little covered dish might be for salt or jewelry on a nightstand. I don’t know it’s just a special little thing that I couldn’t pass up (there is carving up there). The pot was cheap ($7) and far more special than an average plant pot so I had to get it. I should call it a plant casket, more like because that delicate maidenhair fern will be lucky to survive through the spring (I’ll try, I promise).

That old man painting is SO GOOD. He’s in my color palette, but still whimsical and weird. We threw him in that frame but I miss seeing the texture of the paint so I’ll likely get him framed without glass (might do a DIY frame just on the sides of the board). He was NOT cheap, by the way ($125), but I so rarely find portraits that I think can be mixed into this house color-wise so I splurged.

Then we have what is clearly more of a theme today—three covered carved wood round boxes, but they are SO special and pretty and just GREAT styling props. We are shooting the book right now so we need extra props and these are great on nightstands, entries, coffee table, desks (though I’d say not all together to make them feel that much more special). The low flat one even has a mirror on top. It’s so sweet (and such a great gift).

The pouf is also a find. Part of the leather is damaged (it’s turned away from the camera so you won’t see that) but I don’t know…it gives it character. We talked about getting it repaired, but we also talked about just leaving it be/ripping off the tattered leather. That’s probably what we’ll do, to be honest, but I have a soft spot for tattered leather ottomans and will never say no until I’m drowning in a room full of tattered leather ottomans (stay tuned, though…I might be willing to part with this one soon. Keep an eye on my Instagram).

A tray and ANOTHER covered dish (it’s different I promise) are up in the bathroom right now. And yes, you can use an old perfume bottle for your Q-Tips. I’d doubt you’d get arrested.

If you guys are in LA and want some good vintage, this weekend is Downtown Modernism and it’s GREAT. I’ll be there early, probably out of there by 10 am but if you see me please say hi, but please don’t take my good stuff.

5 Outdoor Ideas & Hacks That’ll Instantly Add Style (& Save You Money)

While we were staging and styling a recent project for my next book (you’ve seen a few rooms of this sick house so far here and here), we noticed a lot of clever hacks and ideas in the backyard that seemed share-worthy. It’s those things that make you say “ooh, that’s a good idea.” So today, we’re walking you through 5 outdoor hacks, a.k.a. clever ideas, that you can steal for yourself.

1. Candle Chandelier

Okay how genius is this? Lighting without having to wire anything up. It’s basically a plank of wood, a handful of pillar candles, and chains attached to the beams of the patio roof. This version here uses metal hanging planters as the flat base to set the wood on, but you could absolutely hack with either just more of the same chain, some dowels or flat pieces of wood attached by hooks to the chain. We don’t suggest lighting this on a windy night for obvious reasons, though. Ha.

The drippier the candles get, the better they look. Vary your heights and widths to get that effortless, magical look, like this:

2. Distressed “Upholstered” Bench

Dining Chairs via Article

“Effortlessly cool” usually involves doing something that makes people go “huh? ohhh, I would have never done that/made that look good.” Kind of like this rough bench that’s nothing but weathered wood screwed together. Next to the vintage butcher block table, the terra-cotta tiles and the bistro chairs, it’s just one of those things that works in the coolest way possible.

It’s not pristine, it’s not fussy, in fact, it’s the complete opposite. Outside of this scene, it might look like it belongs in a back alley, awaiting trash day, but adding a nubby textured rug over it (i.e. skip any fancy, expensive upholstery), and boom, you have yourself an “upholstered” dining bench. It was SO easy honestly…it’s just a matter of taking a spare rug (something smaller like a 4×6 works) and throwing it on.

3. A DIY Makeshift “Fire Pit”

Gray Pillow via Serena & Lily | Throw via Lulu and Georgia

That “fire pit” up there is actually just a repurposed flea market find. It is a large iron cauldron that has rusted over and patinaed and now is a pretty rad pit. The hack here is to think outside the box with what you can use outside. Instead of seeking out a specific fire pit (which can be very expensive) either second hand or new, look around for something that’s large, deep and able to handle high temps and, well…fire.

The planters here (which, hot tip, can be found for SUPER cheap at places like estate sales) also create intimacy and a sense of a “room” without actually having to do hardcore in-ground gardening. You can go with either all the same plants in the same pot for a more modern look or go more “lived in” and eclectic with various sized pots and plantings. It adds a lot of warmth, texture and makes it feel like its own “enclosed” space for conversation and lounging.

4. Wired Tree Pendants

Chairs via Article | Pillow via Lulu and Georgia

Okay, this one takes a tad more effort than slapping some planters down, because it involves wiring and whatnot. Basically, William (the homeowner) hung a vintage iron pendant light from the tree over the firepit conversation area, which adds both serious charm and also light for after sunset. You could, of course, go the route of twinkle lights in the branches, but if you’re looking for something a little bit more simplified (because honestly, stringing lights in trees is not our idea of a Friday night well spent) or just unique, go on the hunt for something with some visual interest the next time you’re hunting down flea finds.

Once you have your light picked out, all you have to do is string it up and run an outdoor-safe wire or extension cord through the branches to your power source.

5. Use Pebbles to Cover Dirt or Bad Grass to Create “Zones”

Want to know the secret to a “magical” outdoor oasis that actually is just a coverup for dirt and/or bad grass? PEBBLES. William created zones in the backyard, which was just dirt prior, by laying out a barrier of larger rocks, then filling in with small smooth beach pebbles. It’s an instant solution that you don’t need to water, let grow in (like sod), and frankly, it looks pretty dreamy, don’t you think? Masonry, decking, grass…it’s all far more expensive than some bags of pebbles that you can get at your local hardware store like The Home Depot or Lowe’s.

Gray Vase via The Citizenry | Pillow via Louise Gray | Throw via The Citizenry

Make sure to put down a weed barrier before laying the rocks unless you’d rather spend your nights and weekends pulling weeds instead of actually enjoying your backyard. Oh, and another tip from this same sweet little area is the table and chairs. The base here is just a found piece of metal that has patinaed in the elements and the top is stone. The chairs are not specifically “outdoor” seats, but they’ve weathered nicely and frankly look pretty cool. I’m not suggesting just bringing anything from indoors out and letting it get destroyed by nature, but in California specifically, where it doesn’t rain often and there really isn’t any kind of “weather,” it’s a lot more sensible to do this. The soft goods like the throw and pillows, only come out when you need them.

This is probably not the last time you’ll hear about this house outside of my book because it was a goldmine of cool spaces and architectural details. Thank you again to William for letting us do our thing on your property, and call out in the comments what here you want to steal for your own home (or if you have other super easy, affordable ideas and hacks for outdoor spaces).

***photography by Sara Ligorria-Tramp  for EHD, produced and art directed by Emily Henderson, designed and styled with Velinda Hellen and Erik Staalberg

The post 5 Outdoor Ideas & Hacks That’ll Instantly Add Style (& Save You Money) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

A Controversial ’80s Trend is Back…We Think

image source | designed by mary featherston

I think it’s important to start off this post with you knowing that I do not have a conclusion about how I feel about this trend. Obviously, no trend is ever brand new and shells (like Chinoiserie) never really went “away.” Both Arlyn and I are from coastal areas and can attest to that very real fact. But shells all of a sudden started popping up in the cool Instagram accounts I following (what?!) and on my Pinterest feed (uh, oh). It was time to investigate and I did so with trepidation. I have become overtly aware that my general hesitation with a handful of the current trends (lilac, clear handbags, ’80s squiggle lines/Memphis, etc.) are due to the fact that they are almost all reimagined styles from my youth that I was never into. It must be the circle of life that about every 30 years, a “trend” comes back bigger and better or just more palatable to the modern era. So are modern shells next up to bat? And do we think they have staying power?

photo source | designed by deborah symond o’neil

I do want it also known that I love the beach. I have just never felt the need to bring it home with me. Okay, SURE I had one large shell in my room growing up that I was convinced echoed the peaceful sounds of ocean waves and probably Ariel’s voice when I held it up to my ear. BUT aside from that one, shells stayed at the beach where they belonged. But then, I think towards the end of last year, I watched an instastory of Manrepeller’s Leandra Medine Cohen about her upcoming shoe line that had me shook. Much to my immediate confusion (and if I’m totally honest, horror) some of them had shell detailing. Yes, the fashion trend-setting queen herself was wholeheartedly behind this rebirth. Once I saw that, I knew it was serious because fashion and decor are VERY linked in terms of trend predicting (a tip I got from Emily), it just takes a little while to trickle down. And now in April of 2019 good luck finding a major fashion retailer that isn’t carrying at least a handful of ultra-chic shell inspired accessories.

from top left (clockwise) 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

See what I mean? But let’s turn our focus back onto home decor. The photos I’m about to show you took me on a journey that now has me kiiiinda convinced that this trend is cool. Much like any “eclectic” trend, it’s about picking your moments. This way it stays chic, special and nothing like the “beach” themed home of your childhood vacations.

image source | designed by erika carlock

Definitely not your grandma’s beach house at all (no offense to grandmas here, FYI, we know they can be super stylish). It’s modern, Pop Art-y but certainly fun. I think the styling of this dresser is beautiful but when I started to see shell decor like this I thought not totally for me even though it does induce a surge of joy. How can a shell lamp not? But then I was seeing even more and I started to maybe sway…

image source | designed by autumn hachey design

This stunning home, designed by Autumn Hachey, is nothing if not cool. It’s a great balance of high-end modern trends and classic pieces. The shell pillow adds a total uniqueness to the space that makes it more playful than your average sofascape. But said accessory does invoke a rather “current” feel which depending on the person may not last you longer than a few years. That’s not to say she won’t love this pillow in her space forever. Regardless, the space is incredibly cool and really had me thinking differently about shell decor.

image source | designed by sara levitas

Here we have an even quieter shell moment from a tour The Design Files did of Sara Levitas’ rental home. It’s pretty darn cute, right? The shell shape is definitely reminiscent of the eighties but since it’s surrounded by greenery, solid dark toned accessories it feels cool and makes me want to know more about the homeowner. They feel fun people and who doesn’t like being around fun people. Maybe that’s something to consider…a cool shell accent = fun person.

image source | designed by john and juli baker

Speaking of fun and weird, Emily showed this photo of the Mjolk House above in her Mountain House Monday: How I am Planning on Bringing in the Weird post. If you are anti-shell still, fear not, Emily isn’t planning on a Beach Meets Mountain theme even though I would LOVE to see what she could come up with. However, my point with this photo is what we all noticed (aside from that killer chair) was the shell-framed mirror brought in sooo much personality and looks chic as hell. Maybe I’m convincing myself now…

image source | designed by julie carlson and justine hand

UPDATE: The shell is a string pull so it very much has a function. I still love it and think it adds the perfect does of personality. But I also think it still makes a case to just hang a pretty shell from the ceiling (no function needed) that adds texture, personality and a flawless contrasting style to the room.

image source | designed by eliza clark and tim trojian

This shell pendant had me on the verge of me saying, “nope tooooooo ’70s coastal.” My mom had something kinda similar from her Miami college days. It never went up in our house but I always thought my mom was crazy for keeping it. But with this one, since most everything else is so neutral and varied in style I think I’m kinda into it. I’m sure I made fun of my mom and most certainly now owe her an apology.

image source | styled by julia green and noël coughlan

Most of the photos above showcased either a “modern” shell in a neutral room or a natural shell in a neutral room. This one sports a large natural shell (VERY similar to my Little Mermaid one) in a very colorful modern space showing the versatility of styling with this trend.

image source | Designed by Mary Featherston

This photo of the famous but newly renovated Featherston House in Australia had me pretty much convinced that if I found the right shells and perfectly curated ocean debris that I could be persuaded to do something magnificent like that wall collection.

In case you read this and thought Jess convinced me, I LOVE SHELLS and how can I get my hands on some decor? Look no further than right here because I have curated some shoppable pieces to make your dreams come true.

1. Shell Pillow | 2. Shell-Shaped Plant Pot | 3. Seashell Wicker Catch-All | 4. Concha Shell Wall Hook | 5. Ariel Rococo Shell Chair | 6. Silver Clam Shell | 7. Trapezium Barrel Chair | 8. Clam Shell Soap Dish | 9. Clam Shell Floor Lamp

That’s all she wrote…on shells at least. I’m still pretty sure I won’t be diving head first into this trend in my current apartment but who knows for the future. Maybe some chic shells will make their way into my life and we will live happily ever after. I mean it’s just hard to feel sad around shells. But I am DYING to hear what you think. Do you love this newer take on shell decor? Does the idea of it make you cry? Do you think every house should have a minimum of 20 shells per room? Let us discuss (with respect) in the comments.

Seashells As Decor Are Back…We Think

image source | designed by mary featherston

I think it’s important to start off this post with you knowing that I do not have a conclusion about how I feel about this trend. Obviously, no trend is ever brand new and shells (like Chinoiserie) never really went “away.” Both Arlyn and I are from coastal areas and can attest to that very real fact. But shells all of a sudden started popping up in the cool Instagram accounts I following (what?!) and on my Pinterest feed (uh, oh). It was time to investigate and I did so with trepidation. I have become overtly aware that my general hesitation with a handful of the current trends (lilac, clear handbags, ’80s squiggle lines/Memphis, etc.) are due to the fact that they are almost all reimagined styles from my youth that I was never into. It must be the circle of life that about every 30 years, a “trend” comes back bigger and better or just more palatable to the modern era. So are modern shells next up to bat? And do we think they have staying power?

photo source | designed by deborah symond o’neil

I do want it also known that I love the beach. I have just never felt the need to bring it home with me. Okay, SURE I had one large shell in my room growing up that I was convinced echoed the peaceful sounds of ocean waves and probably Ariel’s voice when I held it up to my ear. BUT aside from that one, shells stayed at the beach where they belonged. But then, I think towards the end of last year, I watched an instastory of Manrepeller’s Leandra Medine Cohen about her upcoming shoe line that had me shook. Much to my immediate confusion (and if I’m totally honest, horror) some of them had shell detailing. Yes, the fashion trend-setting queen herself was wholeheartedly behind this rebirth. Once I saw that, I knew it was serious because fashion and decor are VERY linked in terms of trend predicting (a tip I got from Emily), it just takes a little while to trickle down. And now in April of 2019 good luck finding a major fashion retailer that isn’t carrying at least a handful of ultra-chic shell inspired accessories.

from top left (clockwise) 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

See what I mean? But let’s turn our focus back onto home decor. The photos I’m about to show you took me on a journey that now has me kiiiinda convinced that this trend is cool. Much like any “eclectic” trend, it’s about picking your moments. This way it stays chic, special and nothing like the “beach” themed home of your childhood vacations.

image source | designed by erika carlock

Definitely not your grandma’s beach house at all (no offense to grandmas here, FYI, we know they can be super stylish). It’s modern, Pop Art-y but certainly fun. I think the styling of this dresser is beautiful but when I started to see shell decor like this I thought not totally for me even though it does induce a surge of joy. How can a shell lamp not? But then I was seeing even more and I started to maybe sway…

image source | designed by autumn hachey design

This stunning home, designed by Autumn Hachey, is nothing if not cool. It’s a great balance of high-end modern trends and classic pieces. The shell pillow adds a total uniqueness to the space that makes it more playful than your average sofascape. But said accessory does invoke a rather “current” feel which depending on the person may not last you longer than a few years. That’s not to say she won’t love this pillow in her space forever. Regardless, the space is incredibly cool and really had me thinking differently about shell decor.

image source | designed by sara levitas

Here we have an even quieter shell moment from a tour The Design Files did of Sara Levitas’ rental home. It’s pretty darn cute, right? The shell shape is definitely reminiscent of the eighties but since it’s surrounded by greenery, solid dark toned accessories it feels cool and makes me want to know more about the homeowner. They feel fun people and who doesn’t like being around fun people. Maybe that’s something to consider…a cool shell accent = fun person.

image source | designed by john and juli baker

Speaking of fun and weird, Emily showed this photo of the Mjolk House above in her Mountain House Monday: How I am Planning on Bringing in the Weird post. If you are anti-shell still, fear not, Emily isn’t planning on a Beach Meets Mountain theme even though I would LOVE to see what she could come up with. However, my point with this photo is what we all noticed (aside from that killer chair) was the shell-framed mirror brought in sooo much personality and looks chic as hell. Maybe I’m convincing myself now…

image source | designed by julie carlson and justine hand

This photo makes me so happy and so confused at the same time. That hanging shell has no real function and yet makes the whole space. But then why not just hang a pretty shell from the ceiling that adds texture, personality and a flawless contrasting style to the room??

image source | designed by eliza clark and tim trojian

This shell pendant had me on the verge of me saying, “nope tooooooo ’70s coastal.” My mom had something kinda similar from her Miami college days. It never went up in our house but I always thought my mom was crazy for keeping it. But with this one, since most everything else is so neutral and varied in style I think I’m kinda into it. I’m sure I made fun of my mom and most certainly now owe her an apology.

image source | styled by julia green and noël coughlan

Most of the photos above showcased either a “modern” shell in a neutral room or a natural shell in a neutral room. This one sports a large natural shell (VERY similar to my Little Mermaid one) in a very colorful modern space showing the versatility of styling with this trend.

image source | Designed by Mary Featherston

This photo of the famous but newly renovated Featherston House in Australia had me pretty much convinced that if I found the right shells and perfectly curated ocean debris that I could be persuaded to do something magnificent like that wall collection.

In case you read this and thought Jess convinced me, I LOVE SHELLS and how can I get my hands on some decor? Look no further than right here because I have curated some shoppable pieces to make your dreams come true.

1. Shell Pillow | 2. Shell-Shaped Plant Pot | 3. Seashell Wicker Catch-All | 4. Concha Shell Wall Hook | 5. Ariel Rococo Shell Chair | 6. Silver Clam Shell | 7. Trapezium Barrel Chair | 8. Clam Shell Soap Dish | 9. Clam Shell Floor Lamp

That’s all she wrote…on shells at least. I’m still pretty sure I won’t be diving head first into this trend in my current apartment but who knows for the future. Maybe some chic shells will make their way into my life and we will live happily ever after. I mean it’s just hard to feel sad around shells. But I am DYING to hear what you think. Do you love this newer take on shell decor? Does the idea of it make you cry? Do you think every house should have a minimum of 20 shells per room? Let us discuss (with respect) in the comments.

15 of Our Absolute Favorite Go-To White & Gray Paint Colors

Designing a room is full of so.many.decisions. What furniture? What fabrics? What textiles? How and where do I hang this art? Who am I anymore? Don’t get me started on curtain selection. But, perhaps the most drawn out and treacherous decision to make is what color you’re putting on those fine walls of yours…especially if you’re going neutral. There are seemingly 1,000 shades of white alone, so yeah… We’ve done our fair share of wall painting around here, have tested dozens (probably more) of shades of white and gray and beyond, and we feel confident that these 15 are solid choices if you don’t even know where to start.

We did a similar post two years ago (you might remember it), but have since added a handful of new favorites that are actually tried-and-true by EHD. Before proceeding though, I’d be remiss if I didn’t implore you to test swatches in your own home, on numerous walls of the same room. The quality of light you get in your home could be different than any of the homes pictured here, so where a white might look crisp and pure in one room, it could also read totally green or beige or yellow in another. Please test before taking the color plunge, and observe the shades during different times of day to see how they interact with your sunlight. Sure, paint is relatively inexpensive as compared to other parts of the design process, but nothing strikes sheer horror, dismay and exhaustion in my heart (and maybe yours) more than the thought of REPAINTING after you’ve already gone through the trouble of moving out furniture, prepping, clean up and moving back in furniture. My back hurts just thinking about it.

So, let’s take a look at the 15 shades of white and gray that we’ve stamped our seal of approval on. We also created a custom graphic down at the end of the post that you can pin and save for another time. Oh, and please share any of your no-fail, go-to neutral shades (and if you have any photos, please feel free to link them up in the comment).

Pure White by Sherwin-Williams
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: the portland master bedroom reveal
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: the reveal of the mountain house kitchen

In the master bedroom of the (as well as a handful of other spaces), we used Pure White from Sherwin-Williams and it’s exactly what it sounds like: a very neutral white. It’s not warm, it’s not cool, it’s crisp white with no undertones. Quick note: If you’re painting an existing room with a white like this one, be sure you’re also painting your moldings and baseboards because you already have might be warmer and come off looking dingy. Emily and the team liked it so much, they also used this color for the downstairs of the (including the kitchen which we recently revealed).

Oyster White by Sherwin-Williams
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: the portland project family room reveal

For many of the public living areas of the Portland house, we used Oyster White from Sherwin-Williams. It’s almost a touch taupe-y gray in comparison to the crisp white of the molding (Pure White from Sherwin-Williams) so it works really well in that sense. During the big open house event we did last summer, the most asked question of anything in the house was “What is this paint color?” It’s cozy and comforting but still white enough to not run too deep into gray territory.

Pointing by Farrow & Ball
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: jess’ small space living room reveal

The swatch online of Pointing looks SO warm and beige-y, but in person, it’s such a lovely warm yet neutral white. Jess used this in her living room and kitchen and was very happy with it. It’s warm enough that crisp white curtains pop against it, but looks very “white” against most other colors. Farrow & Ball paints tend to be more expensive than traditional hardware store brands, but the paint is VERY thick and super high quality with a wide range of finishes.

Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore (Michael’s house)
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: michael’s vintage-filled living room reveal

This is called “Decorator’s White” for a reason. A ton of decorators and designers use it (honestly). Michael picked it for his current home because it mixes really well with other neutrals but also pops of color. It’s calm yet bright and an “elevated” sophisticated white. Not too clinical, just a great backdrop for lots of styles.

Powdered Snow by Behr
image source

While Michael’s current home is Decorator’s White, he can’t stop singing the praises of the white in his previous home. He tested dozens of white paints before landing on this one and says it the perfect bright white (plus super affordable). It doesn’t go too warm or too buttery or too cold or blue. Just crisp, bright and cheery.

Swiss Coffee by Dunn-Edwards
photo by tessa neustadt for ehd | from: sara’s living room reveal

Sara says she didn’t actually pick this color in her old apartment (provided by the landlord) but she really liked it because it read white but warm without being the least bit yellow.

White Dove by Benjamin Moore
photo by zeke ruelas for ehd | from: silver lake hill’s living room reveal

We don’t have a recent photo of a room painted in White Dove, but I just painted my living room in the creamy white (which you’ll be seeing next month if all goes according to plan). It’s creamy and warm in the way that vanilla soft serve looks creamy without being beige-y. Like…it’s white, but not white. It’s the type of color you strangely just want to look at except it’s white, so you feel weird being kind of obsessed with it. Evidently, it was Benjamin Moore’s “Color of the Year” a few years back, if that says anything to you. But yeah, it works well for homes with more character (i.e. nothing super modern), and is warm without being the least bit yellow.

Super White by Benjamin Moore
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: how we styled the living room to sell

This was our go-to white for a while (used it in Emily’s old house as well as Brady’s kitchen). We still love it, FYI but have since turned to Pure White by Sherwin-Williams for recent projects. This color is great if you are looking for a modern clean color. It reflects light in such a pretty way and doesn’t have any cool tones that would make it go blue or warm tones that would make it yellow. It’s just really white.

White Diamond by Benjamin Moore
photo by zeke ruelas for ehd | from: introducing my living room – commonwealth

Another great white from homes of Emily’s past. This one was in the living room of her Commonwealth house, which she loved for the space. It’s a much cooler white that can read a little blue up next to true, pure whites, but she said in person it read really white. We have a lot of “warm” whites on this list, so if you’re looking for something not the least bit creamy, give this one a try.

Blackened by Farrow & Ball
photo by zeke ruelas for ehd | from: ginny’s living room reveal
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: how we shoot family photos, with framebridge

The design team of past and present has used Blackened both in Ginny’s living room as well as Emily’s entry and stairwell. This is a cool white that can sometimes read a little lavender (it has a slight hint of purple/red in it), so be careful and test it out but in the right room can pop against white trim so well.

Strong White by Farrow & Ball
photo by tessa neustadt for ehd | from: our modern english country kitchen reveal
photo by ryan liebe for ehd | from: my living room design, updated

This is a gorgeous taupe-y gray-white that Emily painted her cabinets (the perimeter, not the green island, obviously). She loved is so much she painted her living room walls and ceiling in the same color. The swatch online reads very beige, but it’s a lovely creamy grayish tone that can still read white enough in a large setting.

Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: how we staged a home to sell with soul

We haven’t used this color in a while, that is until recently when the team was styling out the above project (see more of this sick house here). It’s a little creamier than other cooler grays, can sometimes read green (depending on your light), but, in general, is just such a nice color. It’s warm, cozy, not too dark, not too light, but definitely swatch test this one (as you should ALL paints before buying) to see what it does in your home.

Ammonite by Farrow & Ball
photo by tessa neustadt for ehd | from: my master bedroom reveal

From Emily: “My current master bedroom (and family room) in the above pictures is painted this color and if you are looking for the softest, lightest gray that is so warm but not taupe then this is for you. I love how subtle the color is all while bringing some different hues into the home besides white.”

Aloof Gray by Sherwin-Williams
photo by melissa oholendt for ehd | from: the curbly family dining room reveal

We used this light gray back when we did the Curbly’s dining room, but we still stand behind it. It has a teeny tiny more green to it so it’s a cooler gray that happens to look really nice with warm wood tones.

Pavilion Gray by Farrow & Ball
photo by zeke ruelas for ehd | from: brady’s living room reveal

We loved it two years ago when we wrote about it, and we still love it now. During Brady’s first living room iteration, he picked this color and it worked so nicely with the other warm neutrals he had going on. It’s a pretty soft gray that adds depth but still brightens up a room. Not too warm, not too cool, a good happy medium gray.

We wanted to put everything together in one place for you to be able to Pin out and save, but remember that these swatches are just screengrabs from online. Some of these look SO different than they do IRL here so just use these as a reference based on our descriptions, and like I said earlier, test, test, test.

1. White Dove | 2. Decorator’s White | 3. Powdered Snow | 4. Super White | 5. White Diamond | 6. Swiss Coffee | 7. Pointing | 8. Ammonite | 9. Blackened | 10. Pure White | 11. Oyster White | 12. Strong White | 13. Pavilion Gray | 14. Aloof Gray | 15. Gray Owl

The post 15 of Our Absolute Favorite Go-To White & Gray Paint Colors appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Decorating Can Be So Wasteful. Here’s One BIG Thing You Can Do To Help (+ a Ton of Good Resources)

photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp for EHD | from: Michael’s Living Room Reveal

I’ve been buying used or thrifted since I was born and I generally prefer at least 1/2 of my pieces to be vintage (which is just a fancy form of second hand). But for every shoot, install, project we, of course, buy a lot of new pieces and with that comes an insane amount of packaging and often waste, plus the question of what to do with it after or what to do with the piece you’ve replaced it with? You’ve called us out on it in the past and I am truly trying to reduce waste. I look at the piles of boxes at my front door daily and hope HARD that they aren’t full of packing peanuts or styrofoam—not that that is the only culprit here, but it’s a big one for me and I know I’m guilty of contributing to it.

So to celebrate Earth Day today and help promote “responsible decorating” (should “conscious content creating” be a thing?) we wanted to share a combination of things I do in my own life as well as solutions we researched to help us even more. And look, this is not the end all be all. We know that. There are seemingly endless amounts of resources and research (often conflicting, honestly). We do not have all the answers (or even a fraction of them), so I’m turning to you guys to ask for companies/apps/organizations/ideas…anything you’ve found that has made the issue of reducing waste more doable and easier to accommodate into your everyday life. Honestly, sometimes I think things end up in the landfill simply due to a lack of information, so here’s what we’ve come up with, and we can’t wait to dig into the comments and see what you have to add.

But first: BUY SECOND-HAND, when possible.

Buy used and vintage for all the things you feel comfortable. I usually stay in the furniture, lighting and rugs lanes for myself, but I used to buy curtains, throw pillows and dinnerware/glassware all from thrift stores. If you are scared of thrifting, I get it. Sometimes it can be, well, yes gross to some. I’m rather comfortable and I personally thrive in that environment but I know that it’s not for everyone. So opt for antique malls, vintage stores or flea markets that obviously tend to be less full of used socks.

If you are like me and often tied down by children and don’t have time to troll the valley thrifting but still want to deck out your home with cool/old weird, head to Etsy, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay and if you have more of a budget, Chairish. If you guys know ANY others that we are missing, please let me know.

This week, we’ll be rounding up, either on the blog or on social, new companies that are committed to reducing waste or giving back to the earth, so that we can purchase with pride (instead of guilt) from them.

So that’s the most obvious one about how to consume, but often our biggest problem is:

WHAT DO WE DO WITH ALL THIS LEFTOVER STUFF?

Old Furniture, decor & Appliances

The easiest thing to do with things like furniture and appliances that are still in okay shape is to donate to charitable organizations, duh. This was the big impetus for the rummage sale last year, one that we want to do again as it was such a win/win for us (a big purge for good!), the organization who profited and all the stuff went to a new home instead of a landfill. I wish I could do it quarterly and we are trying to figure out how to. Year round, I work with Pen + Napkin (local to LA) who will come and get any good furniture or decor that was for a shoot and they’ll use them in one of their projects, decorating for families transitioning out of homelessness. There are so many local organizations—at the mountain house, we donated all our appliances and cabinets/vanities/fixtures to the Boys & Girls Club so look up your local chapter. But you can also go old school and drop it off at your local Goodwill or thrift stores that fund shelters (like the San Fernando Rescue Mission).

You can also donate to Vietnam Veterans of America, where they’ll come get it from your doorstep, rain or shine. Schedule a pickup here. 

If they don’t service your area, check out Donation Town to see what will come pick up near you.

Another idea we read on a forum while during research is to call the theater departments of local schools or community centers to see if they could reuse because they tend to need this kind of stuff (whether it works or not) for set design, etc. It won’t save it from the landfill in the long run, but it extends its life by reusing, hence reducing.

There are also hauling companies that don’t just pick things up and take them straight to the dump. For instance, Junk King is an environmentally friendly rubbish clearance company that recycles, reuses or donates 60% of everything they haul. If they don’t service your area, a simple Google search of “environmentally friendly hauling company” should point you in the right direction.

Cardboard

Something I do regularly is reusing materials like cardboard with the kids to build forts and make crafts prior to recycling, and as long as no oil, liquids or food has come in contact with it, it can still be recycled for the most part. The good news, for anyone wondering what happens to recycled cardboard, according to Earth911, it just gets recycled and becomes more cardboard, and because it takes three tons of trees to make one ton of virgin cardboard, we definitely want to keep circulating and recycling our boxes and whatnot to save those trees. I REALLY hope that is true because cardboard is my #1 guilt when it comes to waste.

If the cardboard you have can’t be recycled (you can find out more about what can and cannot be recycled here), there might be other uses for it around your house. If you compost, cardboard can be used in your compost pile. It can also be used in the garden for things like lining garden beds for weed control.

Oh, and this won’t apply to most people reading this, but for the ones that it does apply it, it can make a big difference. If you’re a company (design or otherwise) that gets a lot of cardboard, you can work with a company like Roadrunner that sets you up with all the proper recycling receptacles, picks everything up and ensures they are sent to the proper facilities for recycling.

Packing Materials

For things like packing materials (peanuts, bubble wrap, air cushion bubble bags), there are a few things you can do:

Call a packing supply company (like UPS) to see if they’ll accept your CLEAN packing materials. If not, they might know what else you can do with them besides put them straight in the trash.
Call your local recycling center or EPS for drop-off locations for things like packing peanuts. I believe they even have a mail-back recycling program.

Here’s something we didn’t really know: some packing peanuts are actually compostable. A quick way to test is to put a few under your running faucet to see if the material breaks down (and also, I believe these are usually green in color to help you identify them…WHY DOESN’T EVERYONE JUST USE THOSE?). At this point, you can add them to your compost bin or even use them in planters to help water drainage.

If you’re a brand reading this, this is our outcry to please consider environmentally friendly packing materials and finding ways to offset your carbon footprint for transport and shipping. There are numerous sustainable options for packing materials now, like materials made from corn starch or sorghum, which can be composted. Companies like Dell, Crate & Barrel and Puma (among others) even use a fungus-based packing material developed by Ecovative design.

Excess Renovation Materials 

The renovation process, in general, is so wasteful. There are materials that are usually in decent shape that are just ripped out and trashed because they maybe don’t match the aesthetic you’re going for. If you’re demoing yourself, or even working with a crew, salvage as much as you can. You don’t have to rip apart cabinets and countertops or even windows…they can usually be removed and salvaged to be donated as long as there isn’t damage or mold (or hell, just put them in your garage or shed as garage org). Also, if you’ve ordered an excess amount of materials like wood or tiles, those can usually be donated to places like Habitat for Humanity, or any local design school. Another idea is just simply offering them up for free (or sell them if you want) online via Craigslists, 5mile, Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, etc. You’d be surprised what people are willing to take off your hands for their own smaller projects.

Extra Things You Can Do 

Even if we all do one or two of the things listed above regularly, it can make a big difference If you aren’t sure if something is recyclable or what to do with it (like old appliances, lightbulbs, paint, etc.), there’s an app from Earth911 called iRecycle you can download. It’s all broken up by category, so you just find what you’re trying to get rid of/recycle, and it finds local drop-off spots and recycling centers. Oh, and one thing we haven’t talked about yet is carbon emissions from shipping and whatnot, and there’s a site called Terrapass that takes donations and let’s you pay to offset your carbon footprint by funding projects like wind power, landfill gas capture and more (you can see a list of all their projects here). And they’re not the only ones. Carbonfund.org has a similar program, so it’s just a matter of doing your research to find a company you feel good about.

Ultimately, it’s both on the consumer and the retailer to step it up and try to reduce. We applaud companies that are attempting to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly both in the products they offer as well as top to bottom (from sourcing to production to final delivery). For instance, Etsy has recently vowed to offset 100% of the carbon emissions produced by their artisans.

Being a big consumer means that I have a bigger carbon footprint and a bigger responsibility to promote responsible ways to consume and donate. I suppose I also have a big voice, so please REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.

Happy birthday, Mother Earth. Hopefully, human beings and companies will wake up even more and treat you more with respect.

 

The post Decorating Can Be So Wasteful. Here’s One BIG Thing You Can Do To Help (+ a Ton of Good Resources) appeared first on Emily Henderson.