Emily Henderson's Blog, page 45

Fix It Friday: It’s Time To Refresh Some Real-Life Bathrooms For Peak Enjoyment (NO RENO ALLOWED)

The other month my dear friend asked if I could help her with her vanity/bathroom area. It wasn’t bad but it was feeling a little lifeless. She lives in a rental so obviously there was only so much we could do and the budget also had a limit:) And let me tell you, it never ceases to amaze me what some elbow grease, a fresh coat of paint, and a few new decor pieces can do to a room. She’s so happy now! So when I was thinking about the next “Fix it Friday” prompt I was already in the bathroom refresh mindset. And truly the bathroom is a place I don’t think we realize how much time we spend in. It makes a WORLD of difference if you feel at ease and maybe even a little pampered by your surroundings. But just to be clear, this post is all about working with what you have in terms of hard materials. No one is going to be asked to retile! So before I help out some real-life readers with their “in need” bathrooms, I have a few pretty incredible examples from other designers who refreshed instead of remodeled…

design and right photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: let sara show you how she refreshed her parent’s bedroom and bath (with almost no budget)

First up is our very own EHD alum, Sara Ligorria Tramp, and the refresh she gave to her parents’ bathroom. As you can see all of the tile, fixtures, and vanity didn’t get touched. But a lighter green paint color, new sconces, a new shower curtain, and some general decluttering made this bathroom look BRAND NEW!! How happy yet peaceful does this space feel now?

home of allison pierce | styling by velinda hellen & erik staalberg | photos by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from:the no-reno house that looks completely renovated

Then designer/homeowner, Alison Pierce, decided to embrace her amazing colorful vintage tiles and lean in hard! It may seem counterintuitive to go bolder in an already bold space, but matching the color intensity of these tiles lowered the contrast making the overall design easier on the eyes. Look, both of these beautiful bathrooms definitely still pack a visual punch but in the best and most balanced way.

But sadly not all of us have amazing vintage tile to play off of so here are some general NO DEMO things you can do to make your bathroom feel a bit better/updated and more cohesive:

DECLUTTER/get rid of what you don’t use (if you just do this I promise you’ll feel better)Consider some closed storage to quiet the visual chaosPaint or wallpaper the wallsPaint or restain your cabinetsChange out hardware (pulls, knobs, towel rings, towel bars, hooks, etc)Hang shelvesGet a new rugGet new towelsChange the lighting Switch out your vanity mirror (if possible)Get a new faucet (but maybe have a pro install that one:))Hang some art (yes, your bathroom deserves pretty stuff too!)Good smells are important so get a candle or diffuser you lovedesign by julie rose | right photo by sara ligorria-tramp

As I said, these are just some ideas! Julie (above!) and Mallory also designed incredible rental bathrooms if you want to get even more inspired. So while you don’t need to do a lot to make a big difference, here are some readers submitted bathrooms, in need of some love, that I am going to try to give helpful advice to. Let’s go!

An Early ’00s Neutral Upgrade

Let’s start on the easier side, shall we? There is a near-perfect bathroom under some of these slightly outdated design elements. But also it’s pretty beautiful as is. Regardless, this reader wants a refresh so that is what she’s going to get. Here’s what she asked for:

“I saw the post about a bathroom refresh! Would love to update this and make it more my style, but don’t know where to start! I feel like it needs a paint refresh (cabinets and walls), lighting change +/- mirrors, and maybe wallpaper?”

Not a problem!

Now I think if she just swapped the mirrors and lights for something a little less…ornate and gave the walls a happier creamy white color, she could call it a day! But obviously, I wanted to give her “a few more” suggestions because this is what I love to do:)

Some new hardware and towel ring (in the same metal finish) would also really change the feel. Swapping in a bigger tray on the vanity will look more intentional. Her other vanity decor pieces are cute so those can stay! And while I totally get having your more colorful things on a vanity like hairbrushes and toothpaste bottles, if those can easily be tucked away in a top drawer that will help to keep the color palette more consistent and calmer to the eye. But look, NO judgment! Not everything needs to be “aesthetic” 24/7 because life comes first. However, this is a design blog so it’s just a little suggestion.

Man, that tub looks amazing! However, this area could use just a little design love. Let’s first get some art (one large piece or a little gallery) or floating shelves on that empty wall. Then let’s give some new styling life to the ledge. I really love the pieces I found and can’t wait for you all to see. And while new towels aren’t necessary, with the color palette I chose below, I think something a little softer in tone would look pretty nice. The tub tray and cute laundry baskets stay!

Wall Paint | Towels | Towel Ring | Vanity Light | Vanity Mirror | Wall Art | Vase | Vanity Tray | Vintage-Inspired Runner | Bath Mat (Simply Taupe) | Glass Canisters | Candle | Cabinet Hardware | Towel Bar

Here it is! As always, any wall color I choose is a general suggestion. Always test out paint colors in the space to see how they actually look in person. But I do think a creamy white (one that contrasts enough with the white on the cabinets) would look so pretty. Sometimes those taupey greys can weigh down a room when it’s on the walls. I also decided to go with a paint color instead of wallpaper because the floors already have so much pattern with the darker marbling that I think a wallpaper might compete too much. Then I chose a simple but classic vanity mirror option (under $150 each!) that will immediately make the space look and feel more elevated. The lights on the other hand are more expensive but the opal glass shades are STUNNING and are pieces you keep forever even if you move. I decided to go with a matte black finish instead of brass because A. I didn’t know if the different brass finishes (mirror and light fixture) would work together and B. peppering black around the space will make it look a little more grounded and balanced. And because I chose black for the lights, I decided the towel ring, towel bar, and cabinet hardware should also be matte black. Speaking of hardware, I just love these knurled pulls and knobs! Modern, elegant, and fun. Then to finish off the vanity side of the bathroom, I LOVE that wooden tray from H&M which seems a bit bigger than the one that’s there and also keeps a dark tone to the countertop to balance out all the matte black. I am a big ole fan of a long runner in front of a double sink. This one from CB2 is vintage-inspired, the colors are beautiful and forgiving, and the fringe gives it a little extra personality.

Onto the tub side, I chose this big art piece from Target that works so perfectly with the other colors in the space. Then on the ledge, I do think a vase with a bit more of an interesting shape with a big branch or two would be sooooo pretty! I love this vase/jug so much because the texture is so good and those curves are to die for. Plus it’s 14″ tall so its got some good height on it. Then I think if some of those products in the tray they have could be decanted into canisters like these it would be a real chef’s kiss. I think choosing glass for those nice contrasts with the terra cotta of the vase. Oh, and a candle is a MUST and why not have it also be a beautiful piece of art? I have this candle and love it! 10/10. And finally, since we’re here, I think a lighter bath mat (this light taupe tone is kinda perfect) would look so pretty and those light green waffle towels that Emily AND Arlyn have are a nicer color with the overall design…plus the texture is beautiful too:)

Giving Power To The Powder Bath

We always think having a little “fun” with your powder bathroom design is the way to go and this reader already had their eyes set on dark blue but was second-guessing her ideas…

“My home’s powder bathroom urgently needs design attention, and I would love your help! The sticking point for me is how to bring color into a small room with no natural light. I tested Benjamin Moore’s Van Deusen Blue on the walls. I love the color, but I grew concerned that it was too dark for a space without a window. The style of the house is NW modern. Our budget is about 2 thousand dollars for a new mirror, light fixture, hardware, small storage solution, and decor. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration!”

Actually going dark in an already dark space is something we almost always recommend so it’s a big YES to the dark blue walls. Wanna see what else I’m thinking.

Aside from the paint, mirror, light, and some hardware there’s not much else they need. Just a few more decor pieces and maybe a new faucet if they felt like switching things up. I definitely leaned into the modern PWN style they said they have so here we go!

Blue Paint | Wall Art | Trash Bin | Vanity Light | Vanity Mirror | Toliet Paper Holder | Brass Faucet | Soap Dispenser | Wall Cabinet | Design Book | Candle | Glass Match Cloche | Bath Mat | Hand Towel | Towel Ring

Modern PNW to me translates often to darker tones and midcentury modern design. And since Schoolhouse is a PNW company (Portland) I went there first and found the prettiest light fixture (amongst other things)! I love it so much but since I don’t have the bathroom measurements I’m hoping that this light/mirror combo works together. I think a little overlap would be so sick. Oh and how good is that Target mirror? Only $70! And staying with the vanity, if they want I do love the idea of mixing metals and bringing in a little brass faucet. Then I went with matte black for the towel ring and toilet paper holder (which are only $16 each, WILD) to blend into the blue walls a bit. But of course, I wanted to bring in a little color and texture so that waffle hand towel adds such a fun but cool pop, and how amazing is that bath mat?! I love that it’s a brighter blue than the walls and has a pattern, adding some dimension and a tonal vibe. And is it even a PNW room if something isn’t dark green? That little trash can is so cute and has the prettiest tone.

Ok, back to the walls. Let’s start over the toilet with the piece of art by Jordan Sullivan. I love his work so much and this photograph brings in so much movement and a beautiful, happy, contrasting color. It livens the whole design up. It’s not cheap but it’s a limited-run print and so special. The reader also asked for some storage and I found this awesome wall cabinet from ferm Living. It’s simple but detailed and very slim so I think it will work perfectly hung on the wall across from the toilet. And finally, I couldn’t not have something to put on top of the cabinet. That’s what the candle, matches, and book are for. The candle can sit on top of the book to one side and the match cloche can sit on the cabinet next to the book. I think that will look very cute but have fun and play around!

P.S. We are over $100 under budget:)

The Grain Is REAL

When I first saw this bathroom I thought two things, 1. “Wow, that’s a LOT of grain” and 2. I really like those mouldings.” And if you know me then you know I love wood but this wood would require something special. Here’s what the reader sent in:

“Hello!! We are trying to update our early 2000s built home. This is our master bedroom. I like a clean, classic look. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!”

Ok! Sweet and simple and something I think I can handle:)

The first order of business is the wood grain. I do love some grain, but given the intensity and the amount in this one space, I think that if the reader is up for it they should consider stripping and restaining all of this wood a really dark tone, masking a lot of the grain. That way they don’t have to cover that beautiful wood with paint and it saves them lots of money by not replacing them. I definitely don’t want to downplay the hours that this would take and that it would potentially drive them to curse my name every day until the end of time. BUT after they are done they will have stunning cabinets. Worth it?? Then if they were up for spending some money, honing those countertops would make them look nicer and more expensive.

Not let’s talk walls. I think they should go for a white like Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams – bright with a hint of warmth so the room doesn’t feel too stark. Then those lights really need to be updated and that ceiling fan also could really use a modern makeover.

The countertop could use some cute styling but I do love the plants in the shower! Oh, but all of the switchplate covers and hooks need to be updated, and let’s see if I can find a solution for the towel rings. Much to do so let’s get to it…

White Paint | Gel Wood Stain | Lightswitch Cover | Outlet Cover | Vanity Light | Pitcher | Hand Soap Dispenser | Ceiling Fan | Tray | White Vase | Candle | Towel Holder | Hand Towel | Runner | Hook

Clean and pretty classic, right? So the biggest changes would be the wall color suggestion and the darker stain on the wood cabinets and trim. But switching up those old sconces with these stunning ones would be amazing! Just would want the reader to make sure they were long enough. And keep things golden, those switchplates need some love…or not. Get rid of them! These are all of our favorites so do with that what you will:) Another fun item I had to swap was that outdated ceiling fan! This one is simple, pretty, and has a brass detail to tie everything together. A super great thing about this bathroom is that the countertop is huge! That leaves room for almost any size of tray and I really love this beauty from Target. Then I chose that white vase and pretty candle. But since the countertop is so long I think that tall pitcher will look so great in the left corner.

For some reason, I really wanted to keep the metals consistent in this bathroom so that very elegant towel holder, switchplates, and hook are all from Rejuvenation. Lastly, we have the textiles. I wanted to keep it super simple but really textured and the combo of these two I think looks great together and mesh really well with the space.

Ok guys, it’s the freakin weekend now so I hope that this post inspired you a little to start to tackle a big or even small home project. And as always thank you to everyone that submitted!!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Images Credits: Home of Allison Pierce | Styling by Velinda Hellen & Erik Staalberg | Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp for EHD | From: The No-Reno House That Looks Completely Renovated

The post Fix It Friday: It’s Time To Refresh Some Real-Life Bathrooms For Peak Enjoyment (NO RENO ALLOWED) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

An Old Favorite, All Grown Up: Em’s Fresh Resource For Luxe Scents On A Budget

I recently went to the mall (shout out to Washington Square) and rather enjoyed myself, drenched in nostalgia and impressed with the updates malls are making now. I walked past Bath & Body Works and it was BUZZING with people and dripping with product. As a 90s child I have a lot of nostalgia for the smell of Cucumber Melon (I think that and Daffodil Fields were my two go-to scents back then – anyone else?), and I felt a bit sad that I didn’t have enough time to step in for some good old-fashioned candle smelling and sample testing for old time’s sake.

But almost like magic, they reached out with a partnership request and my curiosity was piqued. Is the loud, iconic, sweet-smelling brand of the 90s back? Are there products that would work on my body and in my home? Could this be a way to restock my almost always-out-of-supply bath staples without going over budget? I ordered a variety of different products, tried them around the farm, and y’all, great news: this is an awesome source for affordable candles, soaps, hand creams, and lotions that smell (and look, TBH) way more expensive than their price tag. All of our bathrooms have been stocked and every Henderson guest will be getting the 5-star treatment this summer. Let me show you what I ended up putting in my home (and seriously, the 4 candle scents below are SO GOOD):

Affordable Spa Supplies  For illustrative purposes only. Always keep 1’ of distance between a lit candle and a flammable object.

Eucalyptus Spearmint Bath Soak | Eucalyptus Spearmint Body Wash and Foam Bath | Eucalyptus Spearmint Bath Fizzy

As you know I’m a frequent bather and go through spa basics very quickly (I don’t hoard, I actually use). I do love the splurgy stuff for special occasions, but I have a rotating supply of affordable bubble baths, bath salts, and bath bombs that I like to try. I’m a snob about a lot, but not this. So when I grabbed a few products in the Eucalyptus Spearmint scent (designed to relieve stress), I was pleasantly surprised to find that they’re also infused with all kinds of good stuff (natural essential oils, vitamin E, and their fizzy even has shea butter in it) with no parabens or artificial dyes. The bath soak smells clean and refreshing and it makes a really nice and smooth bubble, if you’re into that (a little goes a long way, FYI). The body wash scent is natural and calming, like a nice spa. Both the body wash and bath soak come in 100% recycled plastic bottles, too. It’s hard to be stressed when you’re enjoying such a nice bath

 For illustrative purposes only. Always keep 1’ of distance between a lit candle and a flammable object. 

Mahogany Teakwood Candle

Technically, I bought this candle for Brian because he loves a candle at his writing office and this one has rich mahogany, black teakwood, dark oak, and frosted lavender. (It’s weird to call a scent masculine but it’s soooo lovely and earthy.) I ended up stealing it for the bath because it smells so good, but he loves it and he’s taking it back to the office. FYI it burns for 25-45 hours and is super affordable (even more so if you can catch it during a promotion) with such nice branding and a really good throw that fills the room. It even has near-unanimous 5-star reviews, so it seems like Brian and I aren’t the only big fans. (If candles aren’t your favorite but the scent profile sounds interesting, Mahogany Teakwood also comes in everything from hand sanitizer to laundry detergent.)

 For illustrative purposes only. Always keep 1’ of distance between a lit candle and a flammable object. 

Fiji White Sands Candle | Coco Shea Rich Moisture Hand Cream | Clay Face Mask

Since Brian’s bringing Mahogany Teakwood to the office, this was the affordable candle I decided to keep in our bath for the summer. It’s called ‘Fiji White Sands,’ and the copywriting is spot on because it really does smell like “the sweetest, brightest beach day ever.” (Fragrance notes for candle enthusiasts: fresh cut sugarcane, white nectarine, and sandalwood.) If you prefer something a little lighter and cleaner during the warm weather months, Fiji White Sands is right up your alley.

Two more products landed on the bath vanity: this pretty, ultra-nourishing hand cream and a clay face mask (I go through masks as fast as bubble bath). I’m admittedly not moisturizing my hands NEARLY often enough, so I’m hoping that this setup will make it easier. Bath & Body Works obviously has a lot of different hand creams, but I liked that this one is infused with cocoa butter and shea butter that keeps hands smooth for 24 hours (and I also liked the price – only $8.95).

Upgrading Our Guest Suite For illustrative purposes only. Always keep 1’ of distance between a lit candle and a flammable object. 

Pure Wonder Daily Nourishing Body Lotion | Hand Cream | Wild Rose & Suede Candle

I feel a little embarrassed to admit it here, but in my mind, Bath & Body Works was always directly linked with the Cucumber Melon-scented time in my life (probably since our sense of smell has the closest tie to our memories and all that). I was blinded a bit by the nostalgia. I didn’t realize that as we all grew up, Bath & Body Works also kind of grew up too. Now there are more elevated, sophisticated scents to choose from and even the products themselves look a bit more modern and fresh. But that affordable 1990s pricing you remember? Still intact, thankfully

 For illustrative purposes only. Always keep 1’ of distance between a lit candle and a flammable object. 

Pure Wonder Daily Nourishing Body Lotion | Hand Cream | Wild Rose & Suede Candle

So intact, in fact, that I decked out the whole guest bedroom and bathroom with self-care essentials that I know our guests will love. We always work to be good hosts, but when we can provide a few special indulgences (especially ones that look this pretty), it takes our guest spaces to the next level. It’s an inexpensive, easy way to make a great impression that sets the tone for a relaxing visit.

The standouts in here: the Wild Rose & Suede candle, which I grabbed after seeing it described as smelling like “an antique store filled with forgotten treasures.” OBVIOUSLY, we had to try it. The scent’s cleaner and more subtle than expected (based on my years of field research ;)) but it’s well-balanced between musky and sweet. A great neutral pick for any guest room IMO. I also grabbed a lightweight/fast-absorbing nourishing body lotion in ‘Pure Wonder’ (simple, sweet, bright, with a little earthy bend) and finished the setup with a musk hand cream, which has since sold out. (I’m intrigued by the restorative one or the Hyaluronic Acid one though. Anyone tried either?)

Pink Lavender & Espresso Foaming Hand Soap

I found a few really pretty soap bottles that were so easy to style in our bathrooms (as you can see). We only photographed the Pink Lavender & Espresso, but we also grabbed a bottle in the Wild Rose & Suede scent for the future (only $3.25 on sale, too). FYI our kids love using foaming hand soaps (mostly because it’s so fun to play with that they don’t realize they’re washing their hands LOL) and so I’m happy to have found an affordable source. The whole family agrees that this scent is really lovely (a little creamy and fresh, with chocolate-y coffee and sweet vanilla). I also want to give some props for the HUGE soap refill cartons. $13.95 for almost 4 full bottles of soap in one recyclable package is a great deal, I think

A Bridgerton-Style Powder Bath

Diamond of the Season Foaming Hand Soap | Diamond of the Season Candle

I think this is such a fun and unexpected collab – I’m a big ol’ Bridgerton Fan and the branding and labels on these feel royal, but not too gaudy (I think they could have really went for it and I’m glad they didn’t). This bathroom is right off of the family room where we all watch TV, too, so these feel like a little wink and nod. I think ‘Diamond of the Season’ is my favorite (LOL) but there are a few other fun scents like ‘Queen Charlotte’s Tea’ and ‘Danbury Shortbread.’ Some of the small candles or hand sanitizers would be the sweetest host gift or party favor for any Bridgerton-themed parties in the future!!

Diamond of the Season Foaming Hand Soap | Diamond of the Season Candle

Here’s what these smell like, which made me LOL: “you’ve captivated and enchanted even your toughest critics”. (Fragrance notes: sparkling peach, spring daffodil and radiant jasmine, for those looking for a more concrete description.)

I ordered A LOT of other products (including the nostalgic Cucumber Melon Lotion which TOTALLY DELIVERED) and Brian got some Father’s Day Stuff like this Whiskey Soap, and this Noir 3-in-1 Bathing Bar. After my initial skepticism, I was so pleased that we loved so many of the products (and we still have a lot to try, to be fair) – but especially the candles, hand soaps, and hand creams. And it’s not just me saying this, either. The real-life customer reviews on the website are overwhelmingly glowing. We’ve all been missing out!! 

A huge shout out and thanks to Bath & Body Works for making luxe home scents and body care essentials available at affordable prices. I know they never stopped, but it feels like a fun refresh for a new (and nostalgic) generation. And if you ever spot me stocking up on candles at the Washington Square Mall…come say hi xx

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

The post An Old Favorite, All Grown Up: Em’s Fresh Resource For Luxe Scents On A Budget appeared first on Emily Henderson.

We Solved An Everyday Annoyance: 12 Duvet Covers + Inserts That *Actually* Fit Each Other (Yes, Not Many Do)

Blue moons. Total solar eclipses. White truffles. Antimatter. Duvet inserts that fit perfectly inside a duvet cover. What do these things all have in common? They are some of the rarest things to experience or find on planet Earth.

In all seriousness (wait, I *was* serious), the perfect insert + cover combo has evaded me almost my entire adult life for reasons too vast to document here. My most recent reason? Buying a duvet cover I like and then just buying an insert in the “same size” by name only and not checking the dimensions more closely of both. Friends, there are few things as frustrating as tugging on your comforter only to be met with a thin, floppy, wrinkled cover/sheet thing with no interior mass BECAUSE YOUR INSERT IS TOO SMALL.

And yes, it’s tied on both corners (and even in the centers with makeshift ties I hand-sewed into my duvet cover). I spend roughly 12% of my days shaking out and readjusting duvet covers, and I’m sick of it. “Why don’t we just have a solid comforter like normal people?” my husband loves to annoy me by asking. “Because everyone knows design-y people committed a blood pact somewhere down the line to only use duvet covers and inserts, and if I try to break it, we’ll be doomed to poorly hung curtains and flat pillows forevermore,” I reply back.

As simple as it sounds to say “Just check dimensions and you’re golden,” that’s the kind of thing that clearly needs to be taught in schools or at least handed down from parent to child before setting foot into the real world. Because FORGIVE ME FOR TRUSTING LABELS. Friends, a duvet cover labeled Queen is not guaranteed to fit a duvet insert labeled Queen. Not even by the same brand. Nine times out of ten, in fact, it won’t be the same size. Off by many inches. What kind of cruel unregulated joke is being played on all of us?

Here are the dimensions of the duvet insert I bought from Quince and a duvet cover I bought from Bed Threads:

Four inches might not sound like a lot, but somehow it ends up being like 14 inches. I swear.

And this isn’t even as egregious as some of the other measurements I saw out there during my search. Some king duvet covers were sized up to 114 inches in width, at the same store that sold king inserts of widths a foot less than that. Can we not call a bedding international summit so we can all get on the same page? I understand that people have preferences for things not looking too big or actually wanting something oversized but surely we could come up with labels for that, too? Perhaps I need to be resolved to the fact that bedding sizes are like female clothing sizes. A medium is not a medium is not a medium across three brands. “Short” and “regular” lengths are different everywhere you go. WHEN WILL THE MADNESS END?

I’m not the only one downtrodden by this bedding plight either. Caitlin heard I was working on this piece and had to share her similar plight with me (with pictures for receipts). Here’s what she said: “I don’t understand how it happens! My cover always starts out fitting (and obviously I use the ties) but after a few nights, it’s just flopping around in there. There’s like 8 inches of just sheet past the comforter.”

I realize I’m being quite dramatic here, but for real, if bedding companies won’t help us, then we need to help ourselves. Or rather, I need to help all of you readers. So I half-jokingly pitched the idea to Jess and Em of playing bedding matchmaker by finding covers and inserts that actually fit together, and well, here I am today following through.

It wasn’t easy. Oftentimes, it felt like working through a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that was unknowingly 500 pieces from one puzzle and 499 pieces from another…with one missing piece for good measure. But I did it. I found 12 pairings across three mattress sizes (twin/twin xl, full/queen, king/California king) and four style preferences (neutral, a little pattern, solid color, full pattern), and now I’m ready to run for Design World President. Is that a thing? Vote for Arlyn.

But first, some things to consider that no one taught me and I had to learn the hard way. Over and over again.

6 Rules For Finding Duver Inserts That Fit Properly In A Duvet Cover

Rule #1: Always check dimensions. Then recheck them. You want your duvet insert to be no less than 2 inches smaller in either width or length, but ideally the same size or even a few inches larger (I think 2-3 inches longer on each size is good for a slightly fluffier look; anything larger and you’ll start getting some bad bunching). And remember that different websites and stores call their sizes different things from each other. If you need a 90″ x 90″, that might be a full/queen in one place, but a standard queen in another, and even maybe an oversized double. There is no standardization on this. (Please sign my petition here for that world bedding summit I mentioned above.)

Rule #2: Non-American sizes may be different than American brands, so don’t assume a queen size from a European or Australian brand is the same as a US queen size. (Also: See rule #1)

Rule #3: Any duvet cover that is meant to fit two sizes (full/queen, king/California king) is never going to be quite right and the corresponding insert is going to have its interpretation of what size it should be to fit both mattress sizes. You can sometimes find singular sizes (like just full, or just queen, or just twin XL) but it’s not always easy to find the other piece of the bedding puzzle in the matching dimensions. (Also: See rule #1)

Rule #4: You can always sew your duvet covet to make it smaller, or go to a dry cleaner to do it for you (know how much length or width you want to take off of it). This should run you around $20 or less, depending on the city you live in. 

Rule #5: Don’t assume that because you’re buying a duvet from a company that an insert from that same company is the right size. (Also: See rule #1)

Rule #6: If you have a queen mattress, you can always buy a king insert for a queen cover to get a very full, fluffy look. Just be sure you’re dimensions aren’t super far off. (Also: See rule #1)

Alright, now that the rules are out of the way, let’s take a look at the combos I found. Oh and keep in mind that if I linked a down comforter, often that same brand will have a down alternative option, as well (not true across the board but fairly common).

If You Prefer Neutrals:

Cream, white, flax, grey, natural…for all of those out there who have a liking for simple, soothing bedding schemes, this one is for you.

Twin/Twin XL

Linen Twin Duvet Cover Set in Light Grey | Exclusive Hypoallergenic Medium Twin Duvet Insert

Ladies and the three gents reading, don’t sleep (ha) on H&M for things like bedding, curtains, and the like. This set (it includes shams, too) comes in a handful of covers, but for all the neutral lovers out there, this light grey is lovely. And my general rule of thumb is to always invest in the duvet insert because a good one will last you way longer than your taste for neutrals. This one from Crate & Barrel is hypoallergenic.

Full/Queen

Casaluna Heavyweight Linen Blend Duvet Cover & Pillow Sham Set in Natural | Down Alternative Duvet Insert Midweight

We’re big fans here at EHD of the Casaluna line at Target, and I’ve used this heavyweight linen duvet cover in a multitude of colors for many a photo shoot in my past creative director job and it always looks great. Plus, the price is hard to beat for the quality. And if you are on the hunt for top-notch yet fairly priced bedding basics, be sure to check out Boll & Branch.

King/California King

Percale Duvet Cover in Cream | Wayfair Sleep All Season Down Alternative Comforter

True story: I can’t stand the feeling of linen bedding on my skin. No matter how much I wash it, it’ll always feel a bit scratchy and make me feel hot (even though it’s supposed to do the opposite). I am, however, a huge fan of percale, which feels cool and crisp on my body, especially on these hot summer nights where the A/C can’t seem to keep up. Here, I paired it with well-reviewed down alternative comforter from Wayfair for under $75.

If You Like A Solid Color:

Maybe you don’t want all the visual noise of a pattern, but a neutral feels too boring in your space. You know what you need? A solid color (bonus points if it has some contrast piping along the edges).

Twin/Twin XL

Piped Classic Percale Duvet Cover in Blue Mist | Down Alternative Comforter All Season

I absolutely love the look of this percale duvet cover from Brooklinen. One side is white, one side is a misty blue, and all around is a dark thin piping. It comes in four other colors if light blue isn’t for you. As for the insert, the award for most convenient bedding company goes to Brooklinen, who actually has inserts sized to properly fit their covers. This one is constantly voted one of the top comforters by tons of sites, btw.

Full/Queen

Dreamy Gauze Cotton Duvet Cover in Celadon Melange | Goose Down Alternative Comforter Duvet Insert

Not into the feel of linen but want more texture than flat percale or cotton? Gauze might be up your alley. The soft celadon color of this one from West Elm could work for so many color schemes and styles. Oh, and the insert I found on Target’s site has an almost 5-star review, and has not just corner ties but center ties, too (eight total to keep that sucker in place!).

King/California King

Eucalyptus Duvet Cover in Earth | Buffy Cloud Comforter

Another brand that has gifted us with sizing things the same across the board? Buffy. Hallelujah. I love the look of the eucalyptus duvet cover, plus it comes in a ton of really great colors and even some subtle patterns. Their Cloud comforter is top-rated (but if you’re still not ready to commit, they offer a 7-night free trial to see if you like it for yourself).

If You Want A Little Something But Not Too Much:

This is the category I most align with currently. I’ve lived the solid duvet cover life for a long time (and before that, it was full-on pattern), but now I’m in a middle ground. A subtle pinstripe or check goes a long way to satisfy my itch for pattern on my bedding without being something I might tire of quickly.

Twin/Twin XL

Modern Comfy Tee Pink Stripe Organic Cotton Jersey Duvet Cover | Buffy Cloud Comforter

A blush stripe in a soft cotton jersey is wonderful for adding interest to a kid’s room (or you know, an adult’s room) without risking clashing with all the toys, artwork, or wallpaper that might already exist in the space. That same Buffy Cloud comforter from earlier is sized just a touch larger for a super fluffy look.

Full/Queen

Honey Gingham Linen Duvet Cover | Down Duvet Insert All Season

If my bed weren’t already this same color velvet, I might be tempted to get it for myself in a king-size. Piglet in Bed is such a fun brand with great duvets, Pajamas, and other lounge-worthy things. This one comes in a ton of other colors and patterns, too. And for anyone who likes the feel and warmth of down but is concerned with the practice of acquiring down, this comforter from Avocado has down that is ethically sourced and Responsible Down Standard certified.

King/California King

Rust Stripe 100% French Flax Linen Duvet Cover | Down Alternative Comforter All Season

This is the duvet cover I currently own (as does Jess, who bought it without realizing we had the same one, ha). Honestly, it’s really great visually, but this colorway is now on final sale and being discontinued so hurry if you love it. And, unlike what I have at home, a duvet insert that will actually fit. Knowing how big and floppy my duvet cover is, I opted for something a few inches wider and longer, too.

If You Crave Pattern:

Anyone who knows me knows I love pattern. I might currently be in my “subtle color and pattern” bedding phase, but much of my life has been lived with a comforter with plenty of visual interest. Here are a few I found I’m loving.

Twin/Twin XL

RHODE Jawahar Duvet Cover | Luxe Goose Down Comforter All Season

Nearly every single piece from the RHODE collab at West Elm is a home run for me, including this pretty duvet cover. It would be great in any mattress size and for any age group. And this duvet insert from Quince is the one I have (but obviously sized in a twin) and it’s great. It has some weight but isn’t heavy, keeps you warm in the winter but not overly hot in the summer. It’s a little crunchy sounded but I’ve gotten used to it, tbh.

Full/Queen

Blooming Field Duvet Cover | Kasentex Double-Sided 3-Piece Comforter Set All Season

Schoolhouse has a knack for creating patterns in their bedding and blankets that are so well loved. I’ve seen this duvet cover pattern in action many times and for good reason. The pattern is eclectic yet modern, the color is just right, and the scale is impactful without being overly large. It’s a winner. Pair it with a very affordable fluffy comforter sized just right.

King/California King

Sorrel Toile Duvet Cover | Down Alternative Comforter All Season

A good toile will never go out of style. And the soft, powdery blue of this one from Pottery Barn makes it feel almost like a neutral (I said *almost*, okay?). I’ve had great success with duvet covers from the brand in the past. They’re super soft, sturdy, and well sewn so you don’t risk ripping holes in them any time soon. And because I feel like it craves an overstuffed look, I picked that same Snowe comforter from earlier a few inches larger on each side.

I DID IT. Honestly, I wanted to keep going. Uncover every style and size iteration I could, but I had to stop somewhere. I’d have any of these above in my own home, so I hope you love them and find something here that works for you if you are also struggling with bedding battles.

Before I go, I did want to share these two brands I’ve been hearing some good things about: Doze (which has a snap system for their duvet inserts to stay firmly in place as well as a zipper that opens up three sides to make taking the cover on and off a breeze) and Pippen House, which might be the most exciting of them all. Their system zips together the insert and the cover for an absolutely perfect, no-budge fit. THIS IS THE FUTURE! They only offer a few colors so far, and it’s pricey, but it’s something to consider if you like white bedding.

And that’s the end, folks. Hopefully, working on this post will put me one step closer to winning the war against ill-fitting duvet covers and inserts…and you, as well.

Until next time…

Opening image credit: Design by Arlyn Hernandez | Styling by Emily Edith Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp  | From: 3 Years In The Making Then An Unexpected Move: Arlyn’s Bedroom Reveal Is A Lesson In The Beauty Of “Unfinished” Design

The post We Solved An Everyday Annoyance: 12 Duvet Covers + Inserts That *Actually* Fit Each Other (Yes, Not Many Do) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Trying To Find Affordable Art That’s Colorful But Not Too Bold? Step Right This Way

Hello. My name is Jessica Bunge and I have a problem. And artwork problem that is. I seem to only be able to choose/commit to black-and-white wall art for my home but DESPERATELY want and need some colorful options that are also affordable. And look, if you love an all black and white look for your home there is no shame in that. I think we all remember Brady’s incredible breakfast nook that will forever be etched into my brain. But I DO want some color. I DO want the happy feeling colorful artwork makes me feel every time I step into my living. Can anyone relate?? Now, I do want to make it clear that I am not trying to become something I’m not. A person who wants to live in a beautiful colorful jewel boxed home. I still love a quieter look with a pop or two of color that makes my fairly neutral-toned room a bit more layered and exciting to me. Actually, has anyone seen the Idea of You?? Solenè’s Silverlake Craftsman was filled with art that was incredibly varied in mediums (she did own a gallery after all) but very few pieces from my memory were SUPER colorful (well, aside from “the piece”). But they also didn’t lack color. It was so just perfect and felt lived in. Amy Williams, the production designer, and the team now have my heart.

So to help all of us (yes, me included), I really tried to nail down the different categories of art that will both add some color to your walls and avoid any doubt /questions of “Oh, this is too much??” I feel very confident that if you choose art that works within any of these 10 categories then you are headed in the right direction. Of course, art is subjective and ultimately choosing it is a gut call of whether a piece is right for you and your home…but I love a guideline to help start that process. Hope you wanted to see a lot of pretty art today because baby you are about to. And remember I said affordable at the start so these are all under $150.

True Blue – Abstract

A perfect way to bring in some color that is both safe and exciting is to start with blue. It’s a neutral color in our books and comes in an almost infinite number of shades so only the sky’s the limit with this one. Then I personally think an abstract piece is a great style for anyone trying to grow their collection (as a beginner or someone more seasoned). They can easily work with almost any other style because of their inherent ambiguity.

Linocut Downpour | The Line | Waves

You could try blue line drawings! Any of these will give your space some visual movement (since the lines aren’t straight:)). Then depending on your home and comfort level, you can go with a slightly more muted blue or a bolder shade like the cobalt in the middle!

Patchwork Denim Tapestry | Depth Framed Wall Art

I also love a geometric piece:) I have many that are black and white but choosing a blue version would be such an easy swap (or addition!). With these two, in particular, they have an inherent visual depth that only adds to the awesome colors they already have. Both are soothing because of the symmetry but definitely NOT boring. Also, I know we are talking about color in the post but mixing up textures in your art pieces is always a good idea.

Helios | Cerulean

For a couple more abstract options I love, here are two more! Both are subtle but not boring. I am never tired of a cool face line drawing and that piece on the right has been a favorite of mine for a minute and comes in SO many different size options. Each of these has a lot of whites and creams with a perfect but minimal amount of blue for some punch.

True Blue – Objects

I would like to state now that some of these art pieces may fall into a couple of different categories from this post. But for the exercise of this post bear with me, k? So with that said, maybe you like art or want a piece that has a bit more of a “clear message” in terms of what the piece is about. If that’s the case then this category is for you. It’s the same idea as the first category in that choosing blue as the primary color in an art piece is an easy way to bring color into your home without it feeling like too bold of a choice.

So Many Ways | Pilgrim | Oktober

Things like shells and flowers are always solid choices because they are really versatile with other kinds of art. Nature usually is. I love that all of these aren’t 100% literal or “realistic” interpretations but you still obviously know what they are.

Vase Study in Blue | A Scrap of the Sky II

With these two I really love that both of them incorporate a physical thing (a vase and clouds) but also bring in cool abstract shapes. One, however, is dark and bold while the other is light and airy. Different vibes. Same concept. I would happily have either of these in my home.

Girl Floating in Pool | Set of San Mateo, Ca House | The Swan

This final bundle is a mixed bag but easily falls into this category. The girl floating is serene but that turquoise color has a fun brightness to it which is a great combo. The architectural drawings are another incredible and bold pop of color but the vintage patina and, of course, the fact that they are real drawings make it even cooler. Then for a more mid-tone option, I think this flying swan is just really pretty and simple. Makes a statement but doesn’t yell:)

Posters With A Limited Color Palette

I LOVE a cool old poster. I have a vintage Chagall one myself that has only blue and black writing on it (you can see it in the opening image:)) So I can safely say that this is a great type of art for the “nervous about too colorful of art” community. To keep things simple I would start with ones that have a more limited color palette or ones that are easy for your eye to understand. Let me show you.

Miro66 | Design Francais | Bauhaus Ausstellung Art Print

So I have a section about primary colors later in this post but I guess here’s a preview. These vintage-inspired posters are fun, graphic, and interesting yet because they aren’t filled with a ton of different colors, they are a great option for the “coloraverse”:)

ZOO LAMP | Modern Art Tea Towel | Playtime

But if you are feeling comfortable or want a little more variety with colors, the two more colorful posters are great. They are simple and easy for your eye to understand but a bit more playful. The piece in the middle is actually a tea towel that I am obsessed with and would look awesome framed. I know it’s not a poster but it’s poster adjacent. That light blue is also so pretty!

Black + Pop Of Color

“But Jess, I REALLY love black and white art! What should I do?” Look, there is no shame in the black-and-white art game. But maybe you can find one or two with the spin to it. A pop of color if you will. If this is music to your ears then let me show you what I found.

We Can’t Dance the Same Way | Rainbow Handstand

The art on the left is by an artist I love so much, João Incerti. His work is normally bursting with color and you should see his murals. Lucky for us, he sells really affordable prints and for the black and white art lovers, this one is perfect for you. The pops of color are small but perfect and this is a great find. Then I just loved the photo on the right. The rise of artists taking photos and adding to them is something I am a big fan of and this one is no different. A hunky guy in a black-and-white photo + a rainbow? Sign me up!

August in Rotterdam | The Lounge

These are a little less “black and white” but still center them as the main colors. I just really like how the color palettes are simple yet fun and have awesome abstract shapes. The one on the left is slightly more muted which I really respond to.

Happy Warm Tones

Were you worried it was going to be all blue art? Ha, I wouldn’t do that to you. I love happy warm tones too! The key here is also a more limited color palette where almost all of the colors are of similar intensity. Let me show you…

Stretch 1 | Calm Woman Portrait | Don’t Want To Go To Work Art

I know what you’re thinking, “Jess, these are pretty but kinda bold for the person who’s nervous about bold art, no?” And yes, they are less neutral than what I’ve shown you so far but if you want to dabble in the pink/organey world these are perfect. Take the first one on the left. Dare I say the most muted of the bunch but all of the colors have the same color saturation level. Your eye still feels rested. The middle beauty (or “Calm Woman”) also sports about four colors that all share a similar/pretty high color saturation level. The same goes for our lack-luster worker on the right;) but also…

HOP TIP! For bold and colorful art you can always choose a smaller size. That way you can still dabble while still having your main art pieces be more neutral-toned.

Cotton Candy Leftovers | Marin Dawn

These two are more in the pastel world but I am instantly at ease when I look at them. The transitions between the colors are also gentle. A HUGE part of choosing the right art is making sure you love how you feel when you look at it.

Stacked Shapes in Color | Cottoncandy And Creamsicles

These two are a little wilder but also don’t overwhelm the eye (or at least not mine, ha). Simple shapes are easy for our eyes to understand so I think you can have a little more fun with color when that’s the case.

Go Green

Another color people!! Green is a top three favorite EHD color because it’s another SUPER versatile option that’s easy to use as a neutral. I mean it evokes natural, calmness, and MONEY! Juuuust kidding about that last one;) But truly, green is a no-brainer if you are just starting on your colorful art journey.

Woven Pasture I It’s A Blue Day | Shallow Waters

And since green and nature are so synonymous let’s start there…except a little abstract. The piece on the far left is going to be the “safest” option in terms of colors but it’s anything but boring. The shapes make this simple landscape look so cool! But it’s pretty tonal which evokes a calmness. Then to add in some blues and teals, the middle piece is a bit busier with more colors but because it’s all balanced so well, it just looks fun and interesting. Then the last one on the right is kinda of somewhere in between the other two – a landscape with colors that are more varied and soft but also abstract and whimsical.

Marmo | Three White Horses

Now it’s time to get a little bright with the greens! These almost have “still life” qualities to them. I love that they have a ton of texture and large sections of color that make them feel less busy. I don’t think you can miss with these.

Taverna | Skovlyst

Then the last two of the green category really focuses on using just one tone of green. Simplicity is your best friend if you are a little overwhelmed by choosing colorful art. Both of these have so much movement and have a lot of personality but I know can play well with other art pieces if you want them to.

Play With Primary Colors

Primary colors are such a fun and often playful place to start when choosing art. But with this category and my picks, I want to expand your definition of a primary color palette. Think of the classic three as a jumping-off point and let’s get creative with it:)

Connected | Alf

See the piece on the left has all three colors but then clearly expanded beyond that with mostly neutral tones. It’s simple and playful and I think would look so good with other art that’s more neutral as the “colorful” piece or as a fun visual break in a room filled with boldly colored art. Sort of like this one on the right. No yellow can be found but the red is such a fun and in a consistent tone while the blue is used in a handful of different shades. Everything is nicely balanced on the piece so it feels really good to the eye.

Inner Geometries 06 | ‘Cheers My Love I’ | Fussy Face

But these three are where you really have to look at the primary colors as an interpretation. They each have at least two of the colors but they vary in all different shades. Again, interpretation! But those colors are the anchors and make for really cool and dynamic pieces.

Go Moody

I’m sure you were waiting for this one. Going darker with colors is a really easy way to use color through art but not risk choosing anything too bright and bold (there are always expectations:)) I would say to be careful about choosing too many “moody” pieces unless you want your space to feel very moody. But one or two can help not only add color but really ground a room.

Rhode Island | Eleanor | Horse Stories

Of course vintage or vintage-inspired pieces are an easy go-to! I love all of these pieces for different reasons – Tones, mood, texture. While these are affordable from the internet, we always recommend going to thrift shops and/or flea markets if you want that authentic patina.

Chambray | Venn

Same goes for abstracts but those can be harder to find in person. But moving away from vintage for a sec, how great are these two!? I have loved that dark blue one for a while now and want to find a place for it in my apartment. I’m a girl who loves shapes and the color blue so this one hits real good. But the one on the right is so pretty and the choices in colors make it so versatile. You can really fit it with almost any other art piece that is either totally neutral or shares even just one of those colors.

Muted Photographs

Photographs are something I am also trying to use more of in my apartment (both of family and random cool things!) Plus photos are just so easy to tweak and manipulate digitally if you want to use your own. But if you want to buy an artist’s beautiful work then you are also in luck because the options below are good and plentiful, and here’s how to pick them with color.

Desert Mirage | Sunny Field

Go for muted tones in nature! I love these two pieces where light yellow is the focus. They are joyful and bright but don’t overwhelm.

Matinee | Face Place

Or you could choose something that’s meaningful to you (like a theatre or photo booth) and go for a more saturated color palette. I love how the theatre shot has a bold color in over half of the photo but with the vintage desaturation, it feels softer. But maybe you decide to go a little bolder like in the photobooth shot. It also has a slight softness to the photo that helps to make it feel a little less visually intense but still so so vibrant. I know the photo booth is definitely a bolder choice:)

Pop Of Red

Last but not least we have the famous pop of red! Did y’all see the “unexpected red theory” on social media earlier this year? Here’s the reel Mal put together because Em’s been doing it for a long time;) But it’s a trick that almost always hits so why not use it in your artwork? Come see how…

Tern No. 8 | Y’all Poster | Illusionary Boat Ride

These first three are bold and graphic in pattern but don’t have a ton of color going on until “BAM!” you get a pop of red. It’s so fun, draws your eye in, and will instantly make your home look cooler and more “unexpected.”

Painted Cup | Rockpool Dance

These two have more colors but are more muted, only to be fully awakened with that hit of red. I think this is just a great tip for all things decor (not just art). A pop of red makes every room cooler. It’s the law. Also how special is that dancing piece? I love it so much.

Are we cured?? Are we going to put more colorful art in our homes to make them more dynamic? But at super reasonable prices, of course:) I hope this was really helpful. I tried hard to find special art that were pieces you all could really see in your homes. We all deserve amazing art.

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Jess Bunge | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Jess’ Studio Apartment Living Room Reveal

The post Trying To Find Affordable Art That’s Colorful But Not Too Bold? Step Right This Way appeared first on Emily Henderson.

River House Patio Design Plan – First Summer Enjoyment ASAP!

A really productive and likely unhealthy approach to designing other people’s homes is to pretend that it’s your house, that you’d want to enjoy ASAP thus creating a huge sense of urgency, and then drop everything to get that done before the real owners (my brother) buy furniture that they’ll likely eventually regret. Ken just moved into the house this week and Oregon summers are GLORIOUS (truly the word was invented to describe our summers) so they need to sit outside ASAP and I was NOT going to let them buy furniture I wasn’t positive would look awesome and last them a long time. Basically, I had to very quickly check the box. I knew which one of my go-to’s would be best for this house so I took over. Enter Article and “The Case For The Matching Furniture Set”.

I wasn’t a part of the landscaping or hardscaping (just decorating) but two years ago Pistils, the awesome landscape design company they worked with, had planned for their patio spaces with the Lubek Sectional (which happens to be on sale starting today!) and already spec-ed it out and plugged into the drawings. (Annie Usher was the architect and JP Macy of Sierra Custom Construction was the contractor). This obviously confirmed my suspicions that this was the best style and vibe for the house. Lubek it will be!

They have multiple outdoor spaces (one on the front, a future firepit area, and a small patio off the kitchen). We are starting this summer with the fourth area, the living room patio – A big space off of the big open living room doors that can serve as their larger dining area AND seating (it’s near the kitchen, too).

Laying out the furniture was a bit challenging because you want to face the river but you don’t want to walk into the back of the sofa from the house (or stare at it from the living room). It’s like you want to keep it low and/or open and not messy – something simple so that the trees and views are what you are looking at.

So Gretch drew in some layout options to play with (and to show you where our head is at).

Two Facing Sofas

It’s no secret I like the symmetry of two-facing sofas and this doesn’t NOT work. In one way it means that the main sightline from the living room is relatively open. But it also means that when you are out there you aren’t facing the best views. Like they are fine, but it’s unnatural to not just face OUT.

A Chaise Sectional – Left Facing

This is a solid contender, and we could even move it further to the left so that there is more of an open view from the living room. This could be two chairs or even a smaller sofa.

A Right Facing Sectional

This keeps a lot of seating (could even have more) but this view is the least good. Nothing to complain about obviously but just not sure that it makes sense.

The Corner Sectional

Now this one could be the winner as you get ample seating and people can face both the river and to the left. We could shift it over so that it’s outside of the doors and add even more seating on the right (a small loveseat?)

I congratulate them all the time that their house “faces the right way” meaning that their living room faces east – morning light before it gets hot, but by the time you actually eat or enjoy time out here around dinner time, it’s totally shaded in the most magical dapple light. So while we will get an umbrella for any mid-day weekend hang sessions, by 4 pm this area is fully shaded (I’m very jealous, we have the opposite problem and there is no way to fix it – the sun sets where it wants to set apparently). They are also spending the summer figuring out where they want to grill (near the kitchen on the kitchen patio or out here with friends). No need to rush those types of decisions. But what’s the point of living by the river if you aren’t going to soak up every second possible hanging outside? I am so happy we get to fix that for them (and me, ha) as quickly as we are.

The First Plan (And The Case For The Matching Furniture)

Lubek Slate Gray Low Corner Sectional | Lubek Tuscan Brown Coffee Table | Lubek Slate Gray Loveseat | Centura Black Side Table | Denby Lounge Chair | Lubek Tuscan Brown Dining Set

This is not done or flushed out, but it feels like a clear and easy vision. The Lubek line comes in a couple of different colors (dark as shown here and a lighter version that goes more “Coastal” or “California”). They have it in all the configurations and of course the dining table (which is huge and seats so many). I just love how uncomplicated, easy, and so complementary to the lifestyle and vibe of the River House this is. The low profile on the Lubek keeps those sightlines open from the house and ideal for relaxed lounging when you’re out there. Those cushions come off easily to store when not in use. Article also has great quality covers to keep their outdoor pieces safe in the off-season. We’ll need to add some potted plants, an umbrella, and some soft pillows/throws. More to come quickly

Article is having a big old summer sale (up to 40% off select items, 700+ items sitewide) so while I’ve ordered what I need, if you are in the market for outdoor furniture they still have a lot available and their shipping is always impressively fast (check lead times just in case). This makeover is happening ASAP so stay tuned for the reveal. Gah, this might actually be the first official river house reveal!!

Some of our other favorites are on sale from Article starting TODAY (including our loveseat, our dining table, and our dining chairs). The sale is happening for a limited time only so I’d hurry over to check it out.

*Photos by Kailtin Green

The post River House Patio Design Plan – First Summer Enjoyment ASAP! appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: The Platform Sandals Em Could Wear For HOURS, Mal’s Great $20 Belt Bag Dupe, And Our Picks From The New Target X Studio McGee Line

Happy Sunday everyone! We had some pretty awesome posts/news this week in case you missed it. First off, if you haven’t read Cailtin’s post about the Gee’s Bend Quilters you should stop reading this, go read that, and then come back. It’s important, fascinating, infuriating, but ultimately so inspiring. You’ll see what we mean. Then there was a juicy river house post and the announcement of Pratt + Larson now offering sample sets of all the tiles Em used at the farmhouse! So if you’ve been wanting to see any of them in person, it’s now easier than ever. See? A good week. Now let’s get to these links!

This week’s house tour is magnificent and an eclectic, vintage maximalist’s dream! It belongs to Italian architect and designer, Roberto Gerosa who only in 2020 moved into his live/work loft in Milan. It looks like he’s been there for a least a decade. We know that the article is behind a paywall (and we heavily recommend subscribing) but you can look at most of the photos on Roberto’s Instagram account. Simply calling his home collected would only scratch the surface. Go enjoy the beauty he’s created not only in his own home but also with his other work.

From Emily: Really comfortable walking around town sandals that have a heel (and aren’t ugly) are impossible to find. And listen, I’m not interested in a high heel if I’m going to walk even a few blocks, just a lift to make my legs look longer and help me feel a bit more dressed up/cute. These from Sorel (trusted brand, folks) are SO comfortable and easy to mix with most outfits. It’s a wedge and platform-y so by nature it’s more comfortable than a typical high heel. And there is a padding that is cushy making it good for hours and hours. 

From Arlyn: My friend recommended Butterfly in the Sky on Netflix to me recently and it was just so beautiful and nostalgic. If you ever watched Reading Rainbow as a kid, you’re going to LOVE this documentary. I ended the hour and thirty or so minutes with a lump in my throat, holding back tears. The show’s host LaVar Burton was such a figure in my childhood, so seeing him now talking about making the show and everything that went into it felt like a warm hug. Man do I wish there was something like it out there now or in a few years for my daughter, but it’s currently streaming on Prime Video if you want your children or grandchildren to experience the magic of the “retro” show.

From Mallory: I went to Target right before our Mexico retreat, ended up swooping this $20 little belt bag, and never looked back. It’s perfect for summer walks, beach days, or really anything. I ended up wearing it horseback riding during our retreat and it was perfect. I have the white canvas one and I love the little checkerboard strap!! It’s totally Clare V-inspired which is probably why I thought it was so cute.

Target and Studio McGee just launched a new line and to no one’s surprise, it’s great! There are truly so many incredible products but here are a few of our favorites:

Havenstone Bed | Modern Turned Wooden Accent Table | 60″x40″ Dark Abstract Framed Wall Art

Hi bed! Now that does not look like it’s from Target (no shade!). It’s so cool and chic with those ball feet, right? Then that little side table is such a showstopper. The legs are perfect and if you don’t need a side table, don’t worry! This style also comes in two different consoles and two cabinets. Then wow, wow, wow! That is a HUGE piece of art and a beautiful one too. Target’s art is typically shockingly good so to get a piece this big for just over $100 is WILD. Run don’t walk.

Velvet Oval Shaped Throw Pillow | Burlap Tapered Lamp Shade | Wood Frame Pillow Top Accent Chair

Love a fun new pillow shape! This is a great little lumbar-inspired cutie that we think could look so great. Then this lampshade may look simple but take a closer look. That cream burlap is SUCH a pretty texture and the shape is so classic. Think of the pretty glow it gives off. And we know Studio McGee knows how to make a great chair and this one is no expectation. We love the curve in the arm and the pillow top seat and back cushions.

Queen Ogden Headboard | Marble Dish | Floral Striped Wallpaper

Real Burlwood is V expensive so offering this faux Burlwood headboard for $200 is a slamming deal! Plus it’s really pretty:) And speaking of pretty, that marble dish tray might be our favorite that Target has ever made. It looks SO high-end. And finally, you know Em loves a quiet, neutral patterned wallpaper and this one fits into that category perfectly. 10/10.

From Gretchen: I finally caved and bought something stupidly expensive that I have been wanting for a ridiculously long time. From the genius words of Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle–TREAT YO SELF! Painfully spendy as they were, I “treated myself” to a pair of the Airpods Max headphones–they come in a glorious array of colors (I went for Sky Blue) and sit comfortably over your ears, canceling out the world around you for full immersion in whatever podcast or song you choose to play on a relentless repeat (like I do). I primarily bought these to encourage myself to go on more walks this summer, so that people can visibly note that I am in my own world and not to be perceived, but these are especially great for hyperfixating at home! I’m loving slapping these bad boys on and getting lost in the dishes or laundry for a while. Were they worth it? I’m sure I could find another over-ear headphone brand I like for wayyy less, but I am an Apple girly through and through and just appreciate how easily these integrate into my life and other devices. So for me, yes!

From Caitlin: Do you love Love is Blind? Did you devour The Ultimatum? Well buckle up, friend, because I’m about to introduce you to your new favorite reality dating show: Love Undercover, streaming now on Peacock. EVERYONE involved in the making of this show deserves some type of medal – it’s an absolute mess and a total joy to watch. Let me set the scene: 5 international soccer stars head to America – the only place in the world where they aren’t famous – in hopes of finding someone who loves them, and not their funds. (I’m definitely not doing it justice – check out the 2-minute trailer here.) Honestly, I first threw this on as background noise – not a big sports fan, so I didn’t think it’d be up my alley – but I was hooked in the first 8 minutes. IT’S SO GOOD. (In the fun, jaw-dropping, eyebrows-lifting-off-your-face kind of way, to be clear – high-brow art, this is not.) I loved seeing the men be humbled; I loved the larger-than-life personalities (everyone is openly bananas. Hats off to casting!); I loved the blend of tropes, twists, and drama. Will you love everyone? NO. Will you have a blast watching a woman brag about her 60,000 IG followers to Ryan Babel, who is physically struggling not to mention his own follower count? YES. A million more seasons, please!!!

From Jess: A couple of new quite large sunspots have recently posted up on two of my fingers so I’ve been in “Operation: SEE YA Sunspots.” Aside from a serum and lots of sunscreen, I did buy these UV Light Protective Nail Gloves. I get my nails done about every 4-5 weeks and I figured why not throw on another layer of protection? You can also wear them driving but I’m not sure I’m there yet lol. So while I may feel silly in them at the nail salon, the piece of mind is worth it to me:)

Also From Jess: Another movie rec! But this time you can watch at home. I guess I was living under a giant rock because I just only this week finally watched Red, White, and Royal Blue on Prime. Your heart might explode because it’s so sweet, pretty sexy, and beautiful.

Thanks for reading and have a great rest of your Sunday. See y’all tomorrow. xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: The River House Renovation Is Done!! FOUR YEARS LATER + Questions From You And How It’s All Going To Roll Out…

The post The Link Up: The Platform Sandals Em Could Wear For HOURS, Mal’s Great $20 Belt Bag Dupe, And Our Picks From The New Target X Studio McGee Line appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Affordable Resort/Vacation And Poolside Flowy Dresses (With Sleeves)

There are things to splurge on – things with structure or the perfect tailoring, and then I feel like there are some things that by nature can be more affordable – where they are meant to be looser and therefore maybe could be constructed with less detail. That was my thought/hope at least. So I went shopping to see if we could find the non-$300 flowy vacation dresses that would be good for poolside or a resort and since I like sleeves on me all of these will indeed have sleeves. And to make them more fun, all of them have patterns or prints. Very throw and go so you don’t even think about it, you know you’ll look cute:)

Dress | Purse | Sandals

This one is the splurgiest from Anthropologie, but the fabric is soft and super airy, doesn’t wrinkle easily and the pattern makes it super easy to wear. The sleeves bell out a bit, and V is more low cut also I’m going to stitch it a bit to keep it from showing too much bra (which I don’t think is a problem, but I don’t love it). But that’s how much I liked the dress. It does run a little big, FYI.

Sunglasses | Dress | Bag | Platform Sandals

This one is decidedly less “me” but my goodness H&M had so many fun options. This is definitely a little bolder and goes slightly glam, but for dinners on vacations, I feel like it’s soooo easy to wear and still looks dressy.

Bandana (similar) | Sunglasses | Dress | Belt Bag | Sandals

I LOVED this one. It’s a total kaftan and super loose and flowy. The fabric has rayon in it so it flows and drapes really easily/well. It’s hard to see the shape of it but it’s just a long, loose, flowy dress that you could wear with flip-flops or dress it up like I did with a cute bandana and sandals. I will wear this one a ton when I want to feel “resort vibes”.

Hat | Sunglasses | Dress | Bag | Platform Heels

This dress (also from H&M) had such a good floral print. Also, it definitely has some fun detailing. I’m not sure it was the best cut for my shape but I still thought it was so cute.

Hat | Sunglasses | Dress | Purse | Platform Sandals

This was my attempt to see if I could find any affordable versions of the Daughters of India dresses (which I tried and are soooo pretty but hit my boobs in the wrong place). I bought a few on Amazon to test out and this is the one that I kept. The colors and prints are not as good as they could be, but it felt so fun, drapes so easily and for $32 I had to admit it was a decent version. Very easy to wear and fun.

I actually photographed so many dresses on this day I have another post coming next week for more daytime summer dresses (also printed, patterned, and with sleeves but slightly more dressy). I was clearly on the hunt and went to all the usual suspects (Target, Madewell, Anthro, Old Navy, Gap, Free People). I was surprised at how hard it was to find what I was looking for until I went to H&M and then a couple of higher end boutiques. I hope my sleuthing helps:)

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

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The Farmhouse Tile From Pratt + Larson Is Now Easy To Get For Your Home (We’ve Got Custom Sample Sets!)

Four years ago, when we entered escrow on our now home/property in Portland, I knew that I wanted to have as many local Portland design brands and makers in my home as possible (it’s the Portland way – no city I’ve ever been to supports local like my PNW folk do, I love it). I also knew that there were PLENTY of great companies to choose from, never needing to compromise the design. After working with long-time family and Portland-owned company, Pratt + Larson on I pitched them the farmhouse partnership. Over the next 2 years, we customized, finalized, and executed so many custom colors and designs that I’m so proud of. I love them all SO MUCH. But ordering as a normal person (non-designer or non-wholesaler) wasn’t that easy. That’s just not how their highly customized tile company was set up. We chatted through ideas to make it easier for any/all of you who wanted these individual tiles or the entire “get the look” samples of each tiled room. And here we are

Sample Sets!

So if you loved, say, our primary bathroom and want to see that blue color in person, you can now order a set of sample tiles for your project. There’s a set from each room. They come with pretty postcards with photography of our space which made us all really happy. You can see the whole landing page HERE. They did such a beautiful job which isn’t surprising given everything they already do.

Individual Samples

If you just want to test the color of one specific tile you can also now buy a tile for $3. This is something you could do before but the interface made it a little complicated to find, so again, it’s all in one place HERE. And remember that you can take that color and do it in almost any shape (large, small, mosaic, picket, scallop, all the squares and rectangles, triangles, etc). Their customization is truly endless, which as a designer, I obviously LOVE but also if you just want to do something simple they’ve made it easier for you now.

The Primary Bathroomfrom: the primary bathroom

For each room, we customized the color and obsessed about the shape. While these tiles might just look like “blue” to you, in the likes of Meryl Streep a la Devil Wears Prada this blue is not just a normal blue. It’s PERFECT. The amount of green makes it nuanced, the Portland-style unfinished edges drive home the handmade look/feel. The specific mix of proportions makes it so lovely. Even if you don’t want this tonal look, the size and scale of the pattern will help you (and then just choose from one of their 300 colors).

The Kitchenfrom: the kitchen

The color variation in this perfect “Levi’s jeans” blue is what gets me. It has such movement and texture but is so soft and classic. I will NEVER tire of this exact color, texture, and layout (running bond/staggered FTW in this house).

The Kids Bathfrom: the kids bath

The reaction to this bathroom tile is always so fun – people love the green tile border on the base and it makes me feel soooo good. This green is super classic (if not collegiate) and the white here is much warmer than predicted so make sure you double-check all your whites (it looked so white until it was against pure white paint and then we had to repaint).

The Guest Bathfrom: the guest bath

I honestly don’t think there is a warm yet sophisticated pink tile like this on the market. Sure, there are some zelliges but I didn’t want to go the zellige route in this house. This color is so flattering and warm and while some light pinks can read more feminine but not this one. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.

The Mudroomfrom: the mudroom

This tile has proved to be perfect for in here (especially with the medium shade of grout). Granted it’s only been 2 years but it wears so well, and has nice texture and movement so that it is forgiving to all the mud the pups bring in.

The Sunroomfrom: the sunroom

This tile, this room, this floor pattern make me SO HAPPY and likely will forever. It’s inspired and reminded me about how much I love color and pattern and while I was worried it was going to be too busy or bold, it’s just perfect. It took us a long time to figure out that exact border pattern with all the bits and pieces so if you feel free to copy it exactly (it’s a classic Victorian pattern, but we tweaked and customized all the sizes to work as our border). This color blue is just perfectly bright, without being too cobalt.

A huge thanks to Pratt + Larson for being such a wonderful company both for their employees and for designers who like to really get something unique. You can sense and feel the quality of the tile and the colors, finishes, and shapes give endless possibilities. If you are in Portland check out their new tile installation at the Portland Airport – it’s a huge mosaic of ferns and flowers that’s supposed to be incredible. I’m very excited to see it next time I’m there.

Again, you can get all the tile samples here. I know you’ll love it all as much as I do:)

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

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The River House Renovation Is Done!! FOUR YEARS LATER + Questions From You And How It’s All Going To Roll Out…

Four years ago my brother found a tiny kit house on a river that was vintage in all the bad ways, but the property was an absolute gem and he, like me, had dreams of living near a river where I plan on plunging every summer morning. So today, I wanted to reintroduce the project, give you a couple more “empty” sneak peeks (YAY!), and answer all the burning questions people seem to have about how this whole collaboration is working.

Wait, Why Did It Take Four Years? Is That Normal?

CALM DOWN!!! They found the property in late 2020, which was quite the year as you know. Planning a new build can be fast if it’s in a development with a basic plan for a house that is easy to replicate. Therefore, permits are mostly signed off on (or so I’ve heard) but this house is near a river on a flood plain which means that a lot more engineering and permitting needed to happen to ensure that it is solid and can be flood-resistant. Not to mention all the pylons that were drilled into what felt like miles underground to find our firm foundation (sorry, neighbors – that was LOUD). So the planning took a year, at least. But honestly, the supply chain situation, the cost of wood for framing, and the lack of subcontractors or sky-high quotes kept my brother from wanting to move super fast. And without a rush to move in they intentionally waited for costs to come down and the supply chain to normalize (which wasn’t til 2023). I was not really involved in any of this – Annie Usher, the architect and an engineer, and JP Macy of Sierra Custom Construction are to be credited for all this planning. It was 2 years from foundation pouring to move-in and frankly, that sounds super fast when you think of all the work that goes into a house of this scale and quality.

What Was The Initial Inspiration And Vibe? photos by sara ligorria-tramp | left from: mountain house living room reveal | right from: mountain house kitchen reveal

We wanted this to be a contemporary and yet cozy river house, similar to the mountain house, with more PNW vibes. Ken and his wife (and me, duh) love the mountain house because of its simplicity and ease to just exist there. So a lot of the choices were modeled after that (tons of wood, focus on nature, warm minimalism, views), with the hopes that the decor and styling will be more PNW-inspired. I’m excited to bring in cozy colors into the decor but we have a great neutral foundation to get going.

Does My Brother Pay Me? (Kinda)

I’ve mentioned it before but it’s such a common question so here goes: I essentially struck a deal with my brother four years ago that I’d donate my time in exchange for the rights to document the design process here. This meant that they wouldn’t get full creative control (and neither might I, btw), but that I’d be able to help them land deals to bring down the cost of some materials, fixtures, and finishes. Meanwhile, my time is paid for by our brand partners, ad traffic on the blog, and more (read below). It can slow things down (some contracts take 2-3 months to solidify) but is worth it in the end to get the best of the best. This takes a huge amount of bravery and trust on my brother’s part because this project was still expensive, despite the (literal) material contributions of EHD, and so much of the process is out of his control. It’s 100% not normal.

How Does The Pitching Work?

At this point, we’ve built incredible relationships with all kinds of partners (whom I love – it’s great when the people are as awesome as the product), and after years of collaboration, they’ve seen firsthand that EHD can create world-class photo and video assets. You often see these on the blog or on our stories, but partners often use these shots or clips on their own sites and in their own paid marketing. These partnerships often gain a second life through print media, like our Soake Pool partnership in this month’s Better Homes & Gardens.  I could never have swung this 10 years ago – we have a solid proven record thanks to my incredible team.

So this time, I pitched certain projects and areas in the River House to a handful of our tried-and-true partners. Those spaces became my focus, but it also means that I wasn’t involved with some of the more granular renovation work like the electrical plan, window/door plan, HVAC, etc. Obviously, I want the entire house to be stunning from top to bottom so I was emotionally invested in all decisions, but there’s only so much you can do in a day:) Moving forward, my job is threefold. I’m going to make Ken and Katie happy (because it’s their house, and they are still paying for the labor – it’s not totally free for them), I’m going to put my own spin on the home (you’ll see it here on the blog), and eventually, the team and I will work with our partners to create whatever type of assets they need.  Does this complicate things? IT SURE DOES. Does it save them loads of money? YEP, well I hope. I’m so used to the process that it doesn’t really phase me, but I know it frustrated others and this type of exchange definitely set us back time-wise.

WAIT… I Also Charge A Percentage Of Traded Materials

As my team became more and more involved, we had to find a way to cover their time (and not just mine). So Ken and I decided that if they loved and approved of the tile/sconce/flooring we’d suggested, they’d pay EHD 30% of the retail cost (thus saving them 70%, while helping to cover the cost of pitching, negotiating deal terms, etc.). I’m hoping this fee eventually evens out to what I spend for my team’s time but there are no guarantees (which is fine, it’s my risk to take). This is a nuanced process though and we’re constantly finding ourselves negotiating and renegotiating to make it feel fair and even. It felt weird to charge 30% when I was the one who pitched this incredible Blueprint Lighting chandelier, for example, or when I was the one pushing for certain design elements. Would they have splurged on some Ann Sacks tile? Yes, but maybe not for every single room (or even as much square footage in a room – wait until you see what we did, though!). I truly don’t think this is a model that can be replicated easily – my brother and I have a very good relationship with awesome communication and we both feel like this has been a huge win so far – THANK GOD. For the most part, it came together so beautifully. But balancing these brand relationships and building a home that I’ll be proud to share here while making sure that each of Ken and Katie’s needs are met has been our biggest job.

Do They Like Their Home Being Documented So Publicly?

I’ve never asked them but I doubt they LOVE this part of it. I know they are grateful for the benefits of this blog, just like I am and they weighed the pros and cons thoroughly before entering into this deal. I’ve already coached them not to read comments (not here, but on social – that shit is dangerous). My brother is famously hard to offend (same) but I’m not sure the whole family shares that thick pale skin. So again, they are taking a personal and emotional risk just being involved with me and this blog/social media. Neither of them have public social accounts if that tells you anything. While Ken is about as private as I am (lol not very at all), I try to be as respectful as possible. This is also why his wife isn’t in as many photos/videos – it’s just not her thing.

What’s The Overall Budget?

It’s not mine to share and I learned a few years ago that sharing these types of numbers benefits very few and rather harms many. High-end design renovations are insanely expensive and understandably can make many people feel bad because the comparison game is just so hard to avoid.

When Will It Be Decorated/Styled And Shot?ahh so pretty!

Well, we are working on most of the rooms now, and I’ve been iterating design plans for a few rooms in hopes of pitching a cohesive vision to our furniture and decor partners. I love this house so much and I’m excited to get my hands on every single space but I don’t have the bandwidth outside of running my company and writing this blog to do it all at once (without staffing up which I don’t want to do – I like to do it myself with my lean and mighty team!). So we’re designing slowly but surely, using each room for a purpose – the living room and family room will showcase something exciting we have been working on(!!!!), the bedrooms each have their own partner that I’ve already pitched and scheduled. And if you are wondering if I have an agent that pitches these deals the answer is “nope”. I pitch myself with the extreme support of Caitlin who handles the contracts, deliverables, and execution. We’d love to see the River House published in a magazine which means that we may need to hold a few rooms to make them exclusive to a print issue, while also revealing some to honor the deals and timelines we established with our brand partners. Does this complicate things further? IT SURE DOES. I love it, TBH. I love making a fully partnered room look interesting, personal, and unique (not like a catalog). So in one way, it’s easier to choose the major pieces that work within the style and function, but then my real creativity starts.

Are You And Max Decorating The House?

While I was living in Arrowhead I knew that I needed a real pro on the ground to help design this house. Max and I were very close colleagues and I trusted him more than anyone else in Portland, and still do! He’s designed multiple of my best friends’ properties. He’s not family but he’s family adjacent. This collab made so much sense for a long time and his strengths were often my weaknesses. When it came to design choices we often agreed, sometimes disagreed, and then there were times when we were both so confounded with each other’s thought process or design choices that we both went home wondering how we got here. Ultimately, having his expertise was so beneficial on this project and I would hire him any day on a project. And yet with such differing opinions, we were designing two different houses and we both felt it. So I took over the furniture and decor because Ken is, well, my brother. Turns out that two professional designers on the same project at the peak of their careers made for some really hilariously awkward on-site decision-making. I can’t say that he approves of everything I did but I can say that we retained a great friendly relationship full of respect which is all that matters.

When Can We See The First Reveal?

Well, we are shooting the bathrooms in July, the kitchen as soon as we get stools and style it out (I’m also reconsidering some design elements), the mudroom, and a patio space or two. Living, family, and dining rooms are closer to fall (with our next rug and secret project launch!!), and bedrooms will be slower to reveal. So barring a magazine exclusivity embargo the next 6 months to a year will be full of river house reveals. I’m VERY EXCITED.

I honestly get so jealous every time I’m here (and I LOVE our home so much). This sense of space and warmth, and the light – I walk in and I’m like “HOW IS THIS NOT MY HOUSE?”. I obviously have a huge emotional connection to it as well. Two very very lucky and grateful siblings, for sure More to come ASAP. xx

Unless Otherwise Noted: Photos by Kaitlin Green

The post The River House Renovation Is Done!! FOUR YEARS LATER + Questions From You And How It’s All Going To Roll Out… appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Critics Deemed Them “The Most Miraculous Works of Modern Art America Has Produced” – So Why Aren’t The Artists a Household Name?

Let’s play a game: how many modern American artists can you name? Think about it for a second. (I’ll wait.) Maybe you thought about Rothko, or Ruscha, or Warhol, or Walker. Maybe your mind exhausted its American options before wandering to a more international crowd – Matissa, Klee, Mondrian. All good guesses, of course, but not exactly the answer I’m looking for!

Would a hint help? I’m thinking of a centuries-old artist collective whose pieces have been heralded by the New York Times as “some of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced.” Ray Eames, Jackson Pollock, and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland were all collectors, and the collective has gone on to launch collaborations with institutions like Target, Anthropologie, and even the USPS. Art critics have praised their masterful art pieces as being “so eye-poppingly gorgeous that it’s hard to know how to begin to account for them,” and their work is now in the permanent collection of more than 40 museums on 3 different continents.

Stumped? You may not be alone – which is why today, I’m taking over the blog to share the world and work of the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers with you. If you’re not familiar, you’re in for a treat. (And if you are familiar, sit yourself back down – you know you’re in for a treat, too!)

‘broken star variation’ (c. 1925) by magdalene wilson | photo by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

Earlier this year, I picked up quilting. It started out of necessity – I couldn’t afford the bedding I’d been eyeing and decided to make it myself, emboldened by a moment of delirious self-confidence, a well-timed sale at JoAnn, and a beginner sewing class, in which I crafted the world’s ugliest pillow – but as it turns out, I love quilting. (Isn’t it great when that happens?)

So a few months ago, on the hunt for more knowledge, I turned to the library. There, I found this book by Modern Quilt Guild. Inside, two pieces by the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers – a Housetop quilt by Nettie Jane Kennedy and a Bricklayer quilt by Loretta Pettway, both of which found a home at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston – stopped me in my tracks.

Meet the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers‘blocks and stripes work clothes quilt (two-sided)’ (c. 1920s) by martha jane pettway | photos by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

All of the quilts I’d seen previously were perfectly measured and ultra-precise, with stitching so neat that human handiwork was indiscernible from that of a machine. The art of each of these women from Gee’s Bend, however, left me moved. Their quilts were often created out of necessity – crafted from old dungarees, worn feed and flour sacks, hand-me-down fabric remnants, or other secondhand materials – and intended to keep their families comfortable and warm in homes that lacked running water, telephones, or electricity. “People are not really expressing enough love anymore,” Essie Pettway told the New York Times in 2018, “It’s at the center of what we do.“

And Miss Essie is right – the quilts really were an act of love. Every piece of fabric used was appreciated, and even visible stains or discoloration served as reminders of loved ones who often left nothing else behind. The quilt seen here by Missouri Pettway always makes me cry – it was sewn from the clothing of her husband, Nathaniel, after his death in 1941. “Mama say, ‘I going to take his work clothes, shape them into a quilt to remember him, and cover up under it for love,” her daughter Arlonzia shared. (It’s not pictured in this post because I’d be too busy sobbing to continue writing, obviously.)

‘housetop single-block courthouse steps variation’ (c. 1945) by jennie pettway | photo by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

So let’s get into it: let’s talk about Gee’s Bend, the women behind the art, and what the next century looks like. We’ll chat about how an isolated Alabama community developed an indigenous art style that rivals the Op Art greats, but we’ll also talk about why I take issue with some of the comparisons drawn. (And of course, there’s a little bit of drama, too.) I’ve been yappin’ to the EHD team about the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers for weeks – sweet Gretch and Mal have already heard this soliloquy in person, delivered on our recent team trip – so are you ready?

An Introduction‘bricklayer’ (c. 1958) and ‘two-sided work-clothes quilt: bars and blocks’ (c. 1960) by loretta petway | photos by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

Buckle up: we’re heading back in time to Gee’s Bend, Alabama (government alias: Boykin, AL), a tiny town whose 305 residents and artists are direct descendants of once-enslaved cotton pickers. When the plantation-owning Gee Family accrued too much debt in the mid-1800s, they relinquished ownership of their 30-year-old plantation – including the lives of 98 enslaved people – to Mark H. Pettway, a small-town sheriff in North Carolina.

And I’m going to state the obvious: this guy, Mark H. Pettway, was awful. He transported his family and his belongings in a wagon train, while his enslaved workforce of 100 men, women, and children were forced to walk over 700 miles to their new homes in Alabama. (Many of the artists in Gee’s Bend still carry his last name today, and the art of 60 different Pettways has since been professionally documented. You’ll see much of their work here.)

‘blocks and strips’ (c. 1960) by delia bennett | photo by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

After the Civil War, Boykin remained mostly unchanged. While enslaved people had technically been emancipated, the quiltmaker’s ancestors were forced to work as sharecroppers, a job that saddled their families with never-ending debts to the Pettway family.

But as cotton prices began to fall in the 1920s and 1930s, the land-owning farmers in the town of Gee’s Bend found themselves accruing debts of their own. So much debt, in fact, that a local merchant was able to foreclose on the entire town in 1932. Food. Livestock. Farm equipment. Tools. Heirlooms – all were gone in seconds. The remaining residents of Gee’s Bend – men and women who’d been moved there by force – were left destitute, by no fault of their own.

‘two sided quilt’ (c. 1960) and ‘nine-patch’ (c. 1970s) by deborah pettway young | photos by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

Enter: Franklin Roosevelt. (Seriously.) In 1937, the federal government purchased 10,000 acres of the former Pettway plantation and provided low-interest loans to the families of Gee’s Bend, which allowed residents to buy back the land formerly worked by their ancestors. As nearly 6 million Black Americans journeyed away from the South between 1916 and 1970, Gee’s Bend residents were able to stay in the place they’d come to call home and the shoots of a rich, multigenerational cultural quilt-making tradition began to blossom.

But remaining in Alabama was a double edged sword. Because of the remote location and lack of transportation, Gee’s Bend’s artists weren’t afforded the same opportunities received by their coastal and metropolitan counterparts. The first paved road into Gee’s Bend wasn’t laid until 1967; when car-less community members began taking the ferry to a nearby town where they could register to vote, authorities responded by suspending ferry service altogether. Gee’s Bend – a town surrounded by water on three sides – had been swiftly and intentionally isolated, again. (Ferry service wasn’t restored until 2006, nearly 40 years after it had been eliminated.)

An Exercise In Resilience ‘crazy quilt’ (c. 1967) by plummer t. pettway | photo by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

Once again, the community of Gee’s Bend had to figure out how to stay afloat – and this time, women took the lead. One day, in a small Baptist Church, more than 60 quiltmakers (and one Episcopal priest) from rural Alabama joined forces to found the Freedom Quilting Bee, the county’s first Black-owned business and one of the first Black women’s cooperatives in America.

The Bee began to sell quilts across the country and eventually landed major contracts with brands like Bloomingdales and Sears, inspiring a renewed nationwide interest in textile arts. 100 years after the first quilt had been stitched, Gees Bend was the quilt capitol of America…or at least, that’s how it should have gone down.

The Second Revival‘bars and blocks’ (undated) and ‘one patch’ (c. 1978) by flora moore | photos by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

But it wasn’t meant to be: Bloomingdales dropped the Bee’s quilts (they were “too irregular” for the brand’s tastes); Sears had the artists producing nothing but corduroy pillow shams. Without the visibility and promotion from these larger retailers, the art from Gee’s Bend began to fade into the background. Art collectors returned to the world of paint and photography; consumers hopped on the next trend train. The quilting continued, but the fanfare subsided.

And this is also where the story starts to get a little messy (in my eyes, at least). We’re leaping forward to 1998 when William Arnett, a collector and purveyor of Black American art, stumbled upon a photo of a Gee’s Bend quilt by Annie Mae Young. After enlisting his son to help with the technical research – some things never change, parents! – he hoofed it to Alabama, unannounced, and began knocking on doors and buying up quilts. (“Soon the word spread through Gee’s Bend that there was a crazy white man in town paying good money for raggedy old quilts,” the Smithsonian jokes.)

‘housetop’ (c. 1970) by nellie mae abrams | photo by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

A few years later, Arnett sees his opening: he learns of a last-minute exhibition cancellation at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and he convinces the curator (a friend, of course) to debut his collection of quilts from Boykin. The show, officially titled “The Quilts of Gee’s Bend,” opened in September 2002 to immediate critical acclaim. The response is glowing; the demand is instant. The quilts tour through every prestigious art museum in every major city in America.

“Imagine Matisse and Klee (if you think I’m wildly exaggerating, see the show) arising not from rarefied Europe, but from the caramel soil of the rural South in the form of women,” raved the New York Times’ art critic. But if this description gave you pause for an uncertain reason, you’re not alone – can we talk about it for a second?

‘bricklayer variation’ (c. 1970) by and ‘housetop with cross’ (c. 1970) by linda diane bennett | photos by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

Amelia Peck, the American Art curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, sums up my feelings towards the comparison in this 2018 book on Gee’s Bend: “It’s something like a party trick,” she writes, referring to the tendency of critics and museums to promote comparisons between esteemed painters and the Gee’s Bend quiltmakers. “That is, ‘Isn’t it amazing that these untutored rural women were able to make something almost as good as our favorite paintings of the late twentieth century?’”

In a later interview with the Met Museum, she explains further. “For a long time, critics compared graphic quilts to abstract art painted by men as an easy way to make sense of them and to make them into something more valuable than just a bed covering—more of a “real” work of art…earlier generations couldn’t see them as anything other than domestic. ‘Women’ and ‘domestic’ are uncomfortable categories for most classically trained art critics; a useful object made by women for the home that also happened to be beautiful was not considered art…the women of Gee’s Bend had an intentional vision: they were composing artworks by putting pieces of various fabrics together, no differently than the other artists in the show would compose a painting or an assemblage.”

‘blocks’ (c. 1975) by china pettway | photo by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

Peck’s words resonated strongly with me, and I hope they do with you, too. I’ve always been frustrated by the delineation between “art” and “craft” – so often, we lessen women’s cultural contributions and push female artists into obscurity. I’ll tell you one thing: these Alabama-based quiltmakers ARE artists. Full stop. And if their work had been painted by men instead of sewn by women, we all would have learned their names in Art History class.

Gee’s Bend is home to one of the richest, deepest, and longest-running American art traditions. If any other town in the country produced this many prolific painters, or sculptors, or photographers, it’d be front-page news – it’s time to start singing the Gee’s Bend praises a little more loudly, methinks. (Quilting has brought me so much fulfillment and joy and I just wish I had learned about the art form sooner, you know?)

‘lazy gal (bars)’ (c. 1975) and ‘housetop – four block variation’ (c. 2005) by arlonzia pettway | photos by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

RANT OVER. Back on track! Following a successful museum debut, more than 50 Gee’s Benders came together to form the Gee’s Bend Quilters Collective, an organization designed to help the women sell and market their work. (And psst, it’s still active! As an added bonus, they also host quilting retreats! Should we all go?!)

The momentum kept rolling, too – in 2006, the U.S. Postal Service issued a series of commemorative postage stamps featuring quilts from Gee’s Bend, and demand for work was at an all-time high. Quilters signed licensing deals left and right, and their work was printed on tumblers, calendars, scarves, pet-safe rugs, and so much more (quilts even made their way onto VISA’s gift cards, if you can believe it).

Nothing Gold Can Stay‘housetop – fractured medallion variation’ (c. 1977) by rita mae pettway | photo by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

If you’re reading this and wondering if these women ever catch a break, the answer is…no, they don’t. Do you remember William Arnett? You know – the art collector who showed up unannounced?

Well, in 2007, Arnett was sued by three Gee’s Bend women – including Annie Mae Young, the artist who sparked Arnett’s love of Boykin’s quilters – who alleged they weren’t properly compensated for their art. The lawsuit was quickly resolved and quietly settled out of court, but it begged a familiar question that we’re still kicking around today: are these artists being taken advantage of?

At the time, most quilters seemed happy with the arrangement Arnett had offered, and the other artists he represented were quick to defend him. “Martin Luther King got us out of the cotton patch; the Arnetts got us out from under the bedsprings and onto the museum walls,” quilter Nettie Young told the New York Times in 2007. “I don’t know what they sued for. They ain’t told me, and I ain’t asked them.” (I’d highly encourage reading the NYT’s lawsuit coverage – the topic is nuanced and I’d love to hear your take.)

‘my way’ (c. 2000) and ‘medallion’ (c. 2006) by louisiana p. bendolph | photos by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

To that end, William Arnett is a really interesting character in this story. Sure, he made a career of bringing underrepresented artists to the masses – but he’s also done it in a way that worries his professional contacts in the art world. Arnett often bankrolled his own untrained artists – many of whom relied on him for income while waiting for their art careers to launch – but it can be hard to trust that he’s always had the purest intentions. Was he an ally who utilized every resource available to shine a light on the works of Black artists, or was he taking advantage of poor artists who lacked context?

“Curator, gallerist, advocate, promoter, patron — those are all categories that, in the art world, we try to keep barriers between,” Susan Krane, a museum curator, explained to the New Yorker. “My concerns were how he functioned as a patron with artists who were, by and large, poor…Bill was creating art history around these artists while functioning as a dealer and promoting exhibitions. If you’re a museum person, it raised every red flag you’re taught to pay attention to.“

‘work-clothes quilt’ (c. 2002) by mary lee bendolph | photo by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

The suits didn’t stop Arnett, however. In 2010, he founded the Souls Grown Deep Foundation – a nonprofit organization dedicated to “promoting the work of Black artists from the American South and supporting their communities by fostering economic empowerment, racial and social justice, and educational advancement.”

Upon its inception, the Souls Grown Deep launched a multi-year campaign to transfer the majority of the works in its care – a number once estimated to be around 1,100 – to leading art museums worldwide. To date, the foundation has found permanent museum homes for over 500 of the pieces in its collection.

Back In Boykin‘lazy gal’ (c. 2005) and ‘small blocks’ (c. 2004) by nancy pettway | photos by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

But back in Gee’s Bend – or Boykin, if we’re being formal – the residual effects of nationwide acclaim are hard to feel. “All of the publicity would be good if it would help build up our community. But the quilts are the only thing going on here. We need grants, we need help from the outside,” Nancy Pettway told the Associated Press almost 20 years ago.

And sadly, there’s still much to be done. In 2014, Wilcox County made headlines as the poorest county in America, while Boykin received special recognition as the poorest section of the county. Most quilters drive hours to get to and from their jobs, and government officials say they don’t have funds to finance any of the necessary or requested improvements to the town.

‘housetop variation’ (c. 2003) by lucy l. witherspoon | photo by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

The Souls Grown Deep Foundation has a plan to turn things around, though, and they’re looking to another art-based town as a model. (They’re a pretty dynamic character in this story, don’t you think?)

The inspiration: Marfa, Texas. Much like Boykin, it’s a tiny town in a similarly remote location, tucked 3 hour drive from the nearest airport and 60 miles from the Mexican border. Founded in the 1880s as a railroad water stop, Marfa was transformed into a minimalist art mecca when artist Donald Judd moved to town, bought up a few buildings, and began installing a series of now-iconic art pieces. Marfa has since rebranded as a haven for artists and a must-see destination for, well, anyone with an Instagram account. (I mean, you’ve definitely seen the Prada Marfa store, right?)

But if Marfa, a hot, inaccessible, desert town can transform into a playground for the art world’s rich and famous…why can’t Gee’s Bend do something similar? Could Boykin be the next big hotspot for history buffs, craft enthusiasts, and modern art appreciators alike? It’s worth a shot. (The foundation is mindful of maintaining the culture of the small town, however: “There won’t be any G6s landing—this is a bus trip,” the president of Souls Grown Deep told Artnet in 2020.)

‘blocks and strips’ (c. 2004) and ‘strips (c. 1960s) by irene williams | photos by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

Another plan is on the docket, too: the artists in Gee’s Bend have collaborated with Nest, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the art of handmade craft. The partnership is designed to make the quilts from Boykin more accessible, and the plan is already working – you can now buy quilts directly from several of Gee’s Bend finest artists on Etsy, and two third-generation quilters (Delia Thibodeaux and Caster Pettway) launched a Gee’s Bend collection with Target this past February.

Moving forward, the community hopes to build cultural centers, quilting hubs, marketplaces for local goods, community-run housing for tourists, and walking trails. In a conversation with Artnet, Mary Margaret Pettway revealed her dream for Gee’s Bend in 2030: “Virtually every house would have a marker, and people can go and tap their smartphones and pull up information about that quilter,” she said. “It would be something to see. We are living history.” (She’s right.)

‘blocks and strips’ (c. 2005) by loretta pettway bennett | photo by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

Just for the record, things are looking up in Boykin. In 2015, three Gee’s Bend quilters – Mary Lee Bendolph, Loretta Pettway, and Lucy Mingo – were named National Heritage Fellows by the National Endowment of the Arts. (About time!)

And in 2022, a renewed and reinvigorated Freedom Quilting Bee team launched the first annual Airing of the Quilts Festival – based on the classic, generations-old tradition, where quilters would hang their finished works outside – which has since drawn thousands of tourists and visitors to the tiny Alabama town. (This year’s event is on October 12, if anyone’s interested in making the trek. It’s actually pretty close to my birthday and I’ve never been to Alabama, so I’m eyeing the trip myself!)

‘my way’ (c. 2022) and ‘birds in flight variation (c. 2023) by caster pettway | photos by pitkin studio | via souls grown deep

WOW, THAT’S A LOT OF INFORMATION. You still with me?

I’ve just been charmed and moved by the poignant stories and inherent drive of these artists. The quilters started with so little – just a few scraps of fabric – but they developed a fresh, unexpected, and timeless visual vernacular that survived through slavery, through the antebellum South, through the Jim Crow era, and that continues to inspire today. Their use of color, pattern, and texture – it’s all masterful. The work is just as exciting and vibrant today as it was in the 1800s. If you have some time to spare today, take a moment to scroll through the visual archive here. I’ve shared 30 of my favorite pieces above, but there are so many more where that came from.

The women of Gee’s Bend inspired me to dive deeper into a hobby that’s introduced me to new friends, taught me new skills, gotten me off my phone, and given me permission to flex my creative muscles in ways I never would have expected. I think we could probably all learn a little something from them, you know? Happy Juneteenth. xx

PS. For more information on the Black quilting tradition in America – because you know it goes beyond Boykin, baby! – check out this piece by Shantay Robinson in . It’s a quick, smart read. You’ll love it – I promise.

The post Critics Deemed Them “The Most Miraculous Works of Modern Art America Has Produced” – So Why Aren’t The Artists a Household Name? appeared first on Emily Henderson.