Emily Henderson's Blog, page 6

Our Regrind Driveway Review – 3 Years Later Would Asphalt Have Been Better?

Now that our latest construction project is done (the garages) and until we start the next one (the carriage house), we have fewer trucks, cars, and equipment wreaking havoc on our property, which made me stare at our regrind driveway with fresh eyes. I just reread the original article, from three years ago, debating all the driveway options and unsure if we made the right decision. We compared concrete (too expensive), gravel (would wash away in rain), chipseal (would also wash away with rain), asphalt (cheapest but very black and new-construction-esque/wrong vibe), and regrind (compacted recycled asphalt with a layer of loose gravel on top). We chose regrind, which was $2k more than asphalt (done by our asphalt contractor). I left that last post on a cliff hanger – did we make the right $40k decision???? Three years later, let’s see.

Before – 2019

As a reminder, here’s how busted it was before – SUPER BUSTED. And I wish I knew the exact square footage of our driveway, but I’d say it’s around 1/4 of a mile (at least it feels that way when we take the trash cans to the street – so freaking long).

While I had hoped to not invest in the driveway (boring way to spend money), we had to and belabored the decision of what to do. Read the article where I break down all our options, with the pros and cons of each.

First Year Of Our Regrind Driveway – 2022

As a reminder, we wanted something that felt older, appropriate to a 120-year-old farm. Listen, however fancy our house has turned out, it still has a casual vibe, and we were (and still are) afraid that asphalt would not be the right choice, style-wise. And as a reminder, gravel would have washed away because we are on a hill and we live in the Pacific Northwest, where God blesses us with months of rain every year.

Our initial reaction was “it’s fine,” then months later, “it’s actually GREAT”. And since then, it’s honestly not something we ever think about. It’s just our driveway and I give zero attention to it. Listen, I barely know which of our two cars I drive (not joking, I have what the kids call “car blindness” where I get into the closest black SUV), so we all have the things we care about, and driveways aren’t one of mine.

Now, Our Regrind Driveway in 2025…3 Years Later

It looks mostly the same but dirtier and looser in parts. I just asked Brian what he thought of it now, and he said, “I don’t know – I guess it’s fine?”. That’s kind of how I feel. I still prefer the charm of the gravel sound under my feet. I love that it’s more rustic and not a harsh dark new color (or broken concrete). You can really beat it up without leaving a trace. I do fear that had we done asphalt, we would have to have it redone already since we deal with so many trucks here, likely damaging it.

Over time, some areas have gotten a tiny bit “bald” of loose gravel, but the compacted asphalt underneath is still there. I didn’t even notice it, to be honest, until I forced myself to look. I think it’s mostly the same, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the top layer of loose gravel is shaken up a bit.

My Official Verdict – Regrind Or Asphalt?

Regrind is still the best choice for us, even if we aren’t vocal Regrind enthusiasts. It’s just great, appropriate, and works here really well. Listen, if we didn’t have an older, more rustic property AND have a sports court for biking/roller blading, then I think asphalt would probably have been our choice. If you have young kids and want a place for biking or blading (or playing basketball), then regrind isn’t the best for that. They are about the same cost, so like most things, this is a personal preference, and we are happy enough with what we chose. We have zero regrets, but really don’t think that asphalt is a bad choice, just stylistically not what we wanted. We don’t love dragging the trash cans down to the street (feels like 1/4 mile) on the regrind driveway, but it’s better than gravel. But the look and feel is worth it to us. Will give you an update in another 3 years :)

*Pretty Photos by Kaitlin Green
**Emily’s Outfit: Top | Shorts | Sandals

This Is The Quick Fix For Your Boring Neutral Room

As a lover of all things pattern and color in interior design, I’m most often asked for decorating advice and help from the people in my life who have neutral homes. The most common complaint I get hit with that I’m enlisted to help solve is: How do I make my room interesting? It would be easy to tell them just to add some color or fun art or pattern, but that’s not really what they’re looking for. So, I did the work for those in my life and readers of this blog to unlock the one thing I think every *good* neutral room sports: quiet pattern. Look, I’m not here to try to convince anyone that they need to colorblock and pattern-drench their home in the name of “interesting;” rather, I’m here to help explore what makes a warm, welcoming, interesting room, whether that’s a colorful *or* neutral space.

For some reason, when designing with neutrals, non-professionals and enthusiasts tend to overlook how much impact can be added to their space with some pattern, all while not amping up the energy, the key is the “quiet” part of the equation.

So, what exactly is a quiet pattern? Well, it’s a pattern that isn’t loud (obviously). It’s either subtle and neutral in color or created simply out of texture rather than contrast. It can come into play through building materials (like the image from 1stDibs below), or via fabrics, textiles, and furnishings in a space.

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A post shared by 1stDibs (@1stdibs)

Let’s take a look at this image above I found through the 1stDibs account. It was designed by Nina Farmer and is a perfect example of the magic of “quiet patterns.” It’s a room that feels so alive, so complex, yet devoid of any non-neutral colors from this vantage point besides the rust vase and the artwork. Interest comes through via the texture and “pattern” of the brick fireplace, the wall paneling, the edged rounded square on the surface of the coffee table, the neutral plaid on the sofa fabric, and even the heavy texture of the rug.

Here are a few more all-around examples, plucked from the EHD archive:

While that Nina Farmer image above was jam-packed with “quiet pattern,” sometimes, all you need is one or two injections of it to deliver a homey vibe to an otherwise stripped back room, like the Portland Project primary bedroom above. Without the hushed pattern of the bedspread (and even the speckling of the rug), it may have felt a bit too one-note.

design by emily henderson design | photo by tessa neustadt | from: staging my dream parisian hotel suite with sothebys

Throwing it all the way back to the Sotheby’s Parisian suite for those that have been around for over a decade. There’s a lot of contrast in this black-and-white boudoir, which certainly helps, but the quiet pattern moments just bring it home, including the herringbone floor, the hushed design on the rug and other textiles, and even the marbling of the fireplace surround.

design by brady tolbert | photo by tessa neustadt | from: brady’s living room refresh

EHD alum Brady Tolbert is the kind of quiet pattern and interesting neutral rooms. Here in his previous living room, texture drives a lot of the interest, but the patterns created by said texture in the throw pillows and blanket bring in that movement and distinct punch that only pattern can deliver. The chevron of the shag rug, stripes of the side chair throw blanket and a few other details complete the story.

photo by sage e imagery | design by lea johnson | lea’s primary bedroom reveal

This bedroom by our stylist buddy Lea Johnson showcases some different quiet pattern moments to consider as well, including the pattern created by the table lamp, and even the fluting in the nightstand.

Alright, now that we’ve established what “quiet patterns” are and seen them in action in neutral rooms, let’s break down each element further and do a little shopping.

Quiet Pattern Detail #1: Rugs

One of the loudest ways to bring in quiet pattern (ha) is via a rug. It’s a large stretch of floor space that tends to be very grounding to a room. It can easily be a one-and-done situation if you don’t want to think too much about any other quiet pattern element in your room.

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A post shared by @studiolifestyle_

Case in point, this beautiful entryway (or possibly hallway?) by Studio Lifestyle. If you take your hand and cover up the rug, it’s still a stunning room, of course, but you can see how much life and warmth is introduced when you move your hand away and re-reveal the rug.

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A post shared by Brady Tolbert (@bradytolbert)

Another one from our friend Brady, this time of his current home (I believe he has since restyled, but it wouldn’t be Brady if his home weren’t in constant creative motion). I love this example because of the dual pile rug that creates a checkerboard. No other color is needed to make the pattern, but it adds so much interest without stealing the show from anything else.

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A post shared by Rob Johansen (@robjohansen)

Even more subtle is this rug in a very monotone room, by Rob Johansen. The maze-like motif at floor level breaks through the nearly entirely cream color palette. Genius (like that wildly interesting sofa that I’m sure costs more than what my husband and I collectively owed in student loans at the end of our college careers).

Now, some shoppable picks at a variety of price points:

1. Metz Hand-Knotted Wool Rug | 2. Checkered Hart Jute Rug | 3. Agen Wool Handwoven Grid Ivory Area Rug – 8’x10′ | 4. Barlow Hand-Knotted Rug | 5. SAFAVIEH Handmade Kenya Pisti Southwestern Wool Rug | 6. Mallory Hand Tufted Area Rug

Quiet Pattern Detail #2: Curtains

I love a good rug, but perhaps my favorite way to bring in some quiet pattern is via the window. It’s one of those more unexpected moments I find so interesting. Even something as simple as a barely-there pinstripe can make you take notice.

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A post shared by HUSBAND WIFE (@husband.wife)

I’m not sure why, but this little vignette is so charming to me. The way warm sunlight filters through a wispy, whispering, patterned curtain feels like magic. Thank you, Husband Wife for the moment of visual relief.

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A post shared by Amber Lewis (@amberinteriors)

Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors is a virtuoso of warm neutral spaces, and she utilizes quiet pattern like a master baker uses sourdough starter: it would be good bread made with yeast instead, but man, is it special this way. For the sake of this room to finish the analogy, the dining area wouldn’t lack any beauty if the curtains were just solid beige, but the block print just takes it to the next level.

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A post shared by Mindy Gayer Design Co. | Interior Designer (@mindygayerdesign)

A punchy yet neutral nursery by Mindy Gayer Design checks a lot of “quiet pattern” boxes here, but I just love the curtains against the wallpaper. Sweet (and cool).

Here are a few of my favorite neutral patterned curtains (yup, even a pair from IKEA that’s about $20 a panel):

1. Heritage Strip Blackout Curtain, Set of 2 | 2. Stefana Silber Print Linen Blend Curtain Drapery Pleated | 3. Linen Cotton Ladder Sheer Curtain | 4. Embroidered Craftsman Ivory/Midnight Navy Organic Cotton Sateen Window Curtain Panel | 5. Painterly Stripe Linen Curtain Panel by Sarah Sherman Samuel | 6. HÄCKBERBERIS Room Darkening Curtains – 1 Pair 50″x98″

Quiet Pattern Detail #3: Wallpaper

Em’s farmhouse loves a quiet pattern wallpaper moment (remember this post??), and to me, it packs a very similar punch as a rug. Big area cover = big results.

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A post shared by Mindy Gayer Design Co. | Interior Designer (@mindygayerdesign)

Another one by Mindy Gayer (who did the previously shown nursery). There’s a bit more color in here thanks to the green upholstered bench, but to my eye, it’s still a neutral space made charming through a quiet wallpaper.

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A post shared by Lilly Taylor (@lillytaylorinteriors)

A bit more formal is this dining room by Lilly Taylor Interiors that introduces movement through the fern print on the walls.

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A post shared by Lilly Taylor (@lillytaylorinteriors)

And again by Lilly Taylor Interiors. I love a window seat moment in general, but I’m particularly smitten by this one due in large part to the wallpaper.

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A post shared by Rita Konig (@ritakonig)

A polka dot will never not be the right choice for a room, as proven here by Rita Konig.

Below, you’ll find some picks for your walls, including #3 which is in Emily’s entryway.

1. Olof, Sandstone | 2. Dahlia Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper | 3. Raphael Wallpaper by Scalamandre | 4. New Beat in Light Beige | 5. Mallow Morris & Co. Wallpaper | 6. Wabi-Sabi in Light Beige

Quiet Pattern Detail #4: Pillows & Throws

Want the smallest commitment in the quiet pattern arena? Pillows and throws, my friend. Typically affordable, easy to play around with, and still impactful for sure.

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A post shared by Space Exploration (@space_exploration_design)

Okay, this is technically a bedspread, but it’s still in throw territory, so I’m gonna let it slide (same with the next image). While a distinct, high-contrast stripe maybe isn’t so “quiet” to most of us here, it’s still a neutral pattern, and in my eyes, gives the same energy: adds interest and movement without injecting any overbearing noise or color.

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A post shared by HUSBAND WIFE (@husband.wife)

Wow, does Husband Wife know how to pack a wallop with just a few key elements. Never have I ever needed a crocheted blanket or bedspread, but well, now perhaps I do??

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A post shared by Nicole Franzen (@nicole_franzen)

The pattern mixing between the throw pillows and the sofa upholstery is fabulous (the room was shot by Nicole Frazen for Space Exploration).

I found it much easier to find pillows and throws in the very trendy “warm neutral” color palette or darker creams, beiges and even brown-toned mustards, but I plucked a few cooler neutral picks for anyone in that side of the neutral spectrum:

1. Lola Pillow | 2. Luella Throw Blanket | 3. Sashiko Organic Cotton Velvet 20″x20″ Travertine Beige Throw Pillow with Feather Insert | 4. Cross Knit Throw | 5. Striped Velvet Ball Pillow by Sarah Sherman Samuel | 6. Myrull Throw, Light Gray, 51″x67″ | 7. Paccia Pillow Ivory Brown 12″x27″ | 8. Cotton Throw with Tassels | 9. Flora Natural Printed Pillow

Quiet Pattern Detail #5: Furniture

And finally, we’ve reached furniture! This is the least obvious detail of all the quiet pattern moments, but I find it to be the most interesting. If you’re wondering how furniture (besides upholstery) can be a pop of pattern, read on.

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A post shared by Jenni Kayne | Apparel & Home (@jennikayne)

Prime example: burlwood veneer. A heavy wood grain on any casegood, particularly burlwood like on this cabinet in a catalog shot by Jenni Kayne Home, is a gorgeous way to introduce pattern with more sleight of hand.

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A post shared by Nicole Franzen (@nicole_franzen)

This squiggle metal furniture was made famous by Design Frères (it’s the Méandre design). You can see a similar table in this room by Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, shot by Nicole Frazen.

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A post shared by 1stDibs (@1stdibs)

Here is the chair version of that stool (first slide only). The soft, wavy pattern created by the metalwork pulls a lot of weight to inject personality into the vignette.

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A post shared by Kelly Bergin (@kellybergindesign)

And yes, of course, upholstery in a hushed print—like this buffalo check bench in a room by Kelly Bergin Design—is a surefire way to bring home that quiet pattern requirement of an interesting neutral room.

From sofas to benches to dining chairs and casegoods, here are some gorgeous “patterned” furniture picks for your perusal:

1. Walters 82” Upholstered Sofa | 2. Pierce & Ward Iron Bench | 3. Briella Modern Classic Light Brown Burl Wood 2 Door Sideboard | 4. Myers 72” Sideboard | 5. Xavier Brutalist Armoire – Vintage | 6. Tarang Dining Chair

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I hope by this point, you feel good and confident about how to bring a neutral space to life. Of course, there are many other factors (varied tones and textures being paramount), but this is one talking point I find that is often overlooked and simply not talked about. If colorful rooms aren’t quite you but minimal neutral rooms have never hit the spot, perhaps this post is a guided path to something more in your lane. 

Until next time, friends…

Opening Image Credits: Design by Emily Henderson Design | Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: Staging my Dream Parisian Hotel Suite with Sothebys

The Link Up: The Market Em Doesn’t Want To Miss, Mal’s Comfortable Summer Sandals, And The Streaming Service You Are Missing Out On

Happy Sunday, everyone. What a week at EHD, huh? First, the incredible tour of The Carly (where we got to have our EHD retreat:)), then Em’s reveal of the most beautiful garage doors we’ve ever seen, and rounding it out with a full tour of Jess’ dad’s DIY cabin in the woods. We promise to have just as much for you next week! But for now, here are this week’s links.

This week’s house tour is the home of Zilah Drahn. If you aren’t familiar with her name, we can promise you that you know her work. She is the owner and plant genius behind Plants and Spaces. Her Spanish colonial home is as creative and unique as you’d hope from someone who creates such beautiful plant designs. Check it out!!

From Emily: We are making a lot of subtle changes around here, rethinking how we’ve done things to essentially make them just BETTER, fresh, new, and fun. One of them is the newsletter, which was a daily email about what we were writing about that day, but like all things, it could feel stale and just robotic at times. So Mal has taken it over to make it more customized, interesting, and is experimenting a lot. There will be some bonus content in there as well!! We have a big launch in 2 weeks that we are VERY excited about, so please subscribe to the newsletter for a new experience that hopefully adds a lot of fun stuff and general design value. It’s a way to be reminded about that day’s article, but also to surface some special content or resurface some older posts that might be something we are all thinking about right now. Sign up here!!!

Also From Emily: Today, you are getting a bonus YouTube, with a ton of sneak peeks into the 1850 carriage house that we are starting to restore (it’s such a beast, you guys). We haven’t really blogged about it yet, but Gretchen and Marlee pulled together a fun BTS of me cleaning it out, showing you my Christmas hoard (amongst other hoards). Watch it here (and please like and subscribe – it means THE WORLD to us :))

Also From Emily: Hey Portland folks! Next Saturday (July 26th), there is a big local event with 32 makers/small businesses (some of my absolute favorites). Think Pigeon Toe Ceramics, Nik Nik Studio, Ace and Jig, with a bunch of vintage, food, music, and drinks. It’s 10-4 pm, at 424 N. Tillamook Street. I’m SO BUMMED I’m out of town (I think my kids would even like this one), so if you are in town, head over there next Saturday.

From Caitlin: Netflix? Hulu? Max? Peacock? NEVER HEARD OF THEM. This year, I became addicted to America’s best streaming service: PBS! I donated $60 – that’s just $5 a month – to my local station in exchange for Passport access, which allows me to stream the ENTIRE ACTIVE PBS LIBRARY at any time. The episodic programming is so good and smart – I’m partial to Amanpour & Co., News Hour, Nova, Antiques Roadshow (obviously), Space Time, Finding Your Roots, Check Please (I love watching the Philly edition – it makes me feel close to home!), Star Gazers, et. al. – and the documentary selection is unparalleled. (I adored this Ken Burns doc on the Shakers, which was recently recommended by the team at Reath Design.) While the rest of the media ecosystem feels loud, fragmented, or polarized, I always leave the PBS app feeling smarter, calmer, and happier (which are not words I’d associate with many other streaming experiences, ha). Here’s to apps designed to appeal to better angels! I LOVE YOU, PBS PASSPORT. (Added bonus: it’s never been a better time to support public broadcasting! I’m enjoying it while we still can!)

From Jess: As you read yesterday, I am in the woods at my dad’s cabin (though luckily NOT under the house, still insulating pipes). Anyway, being in the woods means I need bug spray…bad. My sweet, sweet blood makes me a prime target for mosquito bites. My dad told me about this apparently awesome all-natural mosquito repellent from a company called Skeeter Skat. He was out, but I ordered some because, of course, the LA mosquitoes are also obsessed with me. If it sounds like I’m bragging, I AM NOT. Excited to try this new repellent that’s also from a small business, which makes it even better.

Also From Jess: During this week’s market research, I found this incredible bowl/vase from H&M! It’s so unique, and if I had space for it, I would buy it in a second. Just had to share it<3

From Mallory: Introducing my sandals of the summer (and beyond). I’m absolutely obsessed with these shoes because I can easily slide into them without having to buckle (I get very irritated by buckles, tbh), and once they were fully broken in, they became SO comfortable. They’re super high quality and go with every single outfit. Highly recommend if you need some nice new summer shoes!

From Arlyn: Are you notoriously bad at remembering to take your vitamins? Then we are the same, you and me. I have a (locked) drawer in my kitchen dedicated to all our vitamins and supplements, and for whatever reason, it is so difficult for me to go in there every day. I’ve tried all the tricks. Setting reminders on my phone, moving the vitamins somewhere more convenient, and habit stacking so that I take them during a time I already do something else. It wasn’t until I got these from Perelel that something just clicked. I think it’s that all the pills come in one convenient little packet, so they’re super easy to grab and take on the go if I’m eating breakfast out. It’s so convenient, I haven’t missed a single day in three months. (For the record, I’m taking the Conception Support Pack, which is basically their prenatals, which my dietician suggested I take whether I’m trying to conceive or not).

From Marlee: The other week, Em posted an Instagram story asking for curly hair recs – one product that SO many people were raving about in her DMs was the Verb Ghost oil, especially for fine hair. I just emptied my 3rd bottle of the Ouai Hair oil (which I love, great if you like a jasmine-y scent), but I’m always down to test out new products, so I decided to give the Verb oil a whirl, and it’s GOOD. It’s super thick out of the bottle but doesn’t weigh down my hair at all. It also gives you so much shine without looking greasy/oily. It barely has any scent, which I don’t mind. I have a feeling I’ll be going back for more of this guy. Thanks to everyone out there for the rec!

From Veronica (Special Guest and EHD Alum!): My brother released his first book, and I am so incredibly proud of him! It is an action-packed SciFi novel based around an unknown species on Earth that was once admired, but over the last 30 years, has now become feared. Buckle up for a journey of discovery, friendship, and love. If you enjoy SciFi (or even if you don’t), pick up this book for your next read!

From Nick the Author: Hi friends! The Bright Highway has plenty of action, suspense, and drama much like other staples of the sci-fi genre, but it is fundamentally a story of otherness, tribalism, and mixed identity. I’m not sure how many of you share my biracial background, but The Bright Highway is sort of my love letter to the beauty of blended tribes, and I think that message is an increasingly important one today. For signed copies and special events, check out my website or follow along on Instagram. Happy reading!

From Gretchen: If you’re a devoted Sunday linkup reader, you may remember a few weeks ago I talked about my paddle board. And yes, I’m still digging it! But I do have a few complaints with it that I’m slowly working on making better. The first one is the hand pump that comes with it. It just sucks the fun out of the experience, exerting all your energy first to inflate it, and if you have the money to upgrade to electric, it’s a must, imo. But don’t make the same mistake I did–make sure it comes with the right valve adapter! If you go with the same Retrospec paddle board as me, go ahead and get the same brand pump and save yourself the trouble of finding out the cheaper version on Amazon won’t fit the valve hole. Next, if you plan on drinking and floating (like most of us), snag this awesome cupholder! It sticks to your board and loops through the bungee cords, keeping your can upright. Genius! But also, if you plan on drinking and floating…DON’T LOSE YOUR PHONE LIKE I JUST DID. I was out on the river and was suddenly flipped by a big boat wave. The board’s bungee cords held on to just about everything–except my precious iPhone. So now, I won’t let myself go back out there without this tethered phone holder, to MAKE SURE it stays strapped, even if I don’t.

Thanks for stopping by and see y’all tomorrow. xx

Opening Image Credits: Architect: Beebe Skidmore | General Contractor: Owen Gabbert LLC | Design by Max Humphrey | Styled by Kate Webb of Rodeo Queen and Colleen Mote | Landscaping by Pistils Landscape Design | Photos by Kaitlin Green | From: The Most Magical (And Rentable) Retreat That My Best Friends Created: The Carly Tour

Our Summer Fashion Staples: The Clothes That Make Us Feel Great And Keeps Us Cool

Now that we are about a month into summer, Marlee posed the question the other day, “What are everyone’s summer staples?” A big gab sesh started so naturally, we then thought that it was a pretty great blog post idea. So here we are! And much like a capsule wardrobe, it’s helpful to really pinpoint what types of pieces we gravitate towards and can wear with what we already own. It makes us better buyers and happier in the long run. No more “I’m sure I’ll find a place to wear this” and then never do. Each of us on the team has our own little style variations, so hopefully you’ll find some good inspo and/or pieces that will help you beat the heat. First up, our fearless leader…

EmilyOverall Summer Style:

I’m living casually per usual, but dialing in things that make me feel cute enough around town.

Great Flats – I’m still loving the Dolce Vita mesh leopard ballet flats – they strangely go with everything and are super flexible (not stiff, and therefore comfortable). The bright blue Nike sneakers are solid, and my new pointy clear jellies are strangely flattering and comfortable, and still loving these brown sandals from Anthropologie.
Jean Shorts (Multiple Lengths!) – We are all going baggier than we used to, and I’m still loving these Agolde shorties and the longer Gap Bermudas (I have in both white and light denim).
Blousy Tops – I really like the new one from Nordstroms I’m wearing in the opening shot. But my go-tos tend to be either Doen or Love Tomas (Emerson Fry). The delicate cotton is so breathable, and they are just so pretty and yet casual.
Head Scarves – I can not stop wearing scarves on my head, either as a triangle or a headband. Alex Mill, Madewell, and Urban Outfitters all have great ones. This one is super cute.
Aviator Sunglasses – I go mostly for knockoffs, but my last pair (Fetch) was from Consign Couture in Multnomah Village, where I sell a lot of my clothes, and I love them. These are great too!
Pearls – I like a light strand around my neck at all times – pops just the right way.
Patterned Dress – I’m sad my Evereve dress is sold out (snag it if it comes back), but this new Madewell one is FANTASTIC. Such a great drape, comfortable and versatile (and the pattern makes it so forgiving).
Baseball Hat – This hat (in the opener photo), from Anthro, is my new absolute favorite. It’s a trucker hat with mesh backing and is so cute (despite being a fake souvenir hat, which I think is hilarious – but it’s such a good hat that I ignore it).

JessOverall Summer Style:

Oversized Button Up – This has been a staple for me for many summers. What’s easier than throwing on an oversized button-up with some shorts, over a swimsuit, as a nighttime extra layer? It’s so versatile and effortless. Now, I got my first Frank & Eileen button-up as a surprise for Christmas, and it has been in heavy rotation ever since. It’s pretty perfect. Of course, that one is not all that budget-friendly, so here’s a great alternative for a fraction of the price.
Activewear Shorts – I’m new to the love of “activewear” pull-on shorts that Emily and likely many of you have been on for a minute. Remember this post Em wrote a few years ago? Well, I’m finally here and I am happy as a clam. It started with my new bright green Lululemon shorts and soon expanded. I love throwing those on with my Frank & Eileen button-up with my ballet jelly flats. It’s easy, casual, and a little fun. The other pair I bought is super similar to these (except these are a little less “activewear” and more “cute summer shorts”).
Jean Shorts – A jean short is a staple for many of us, so no shocker here. But to get specific, like Gretchen, I am a sucker for these Agolde Parker shorts. They are just the perfect fit, the perfect wash, and regardless of what my waistline has been (I’ve fluctuated a few sizes over the past few years), I’ve always felt confident in them. They do have a longer version if that’s more your preference. And speaking of longer jean shorts, these will also be in HEAVY rotation this summer and beyond.
Baseball Hat -Any ole regular baseball hat will do, but what I keep grabbing are my “local merch” ones. I got a great one when I was in Oaxaca from a cafe called Onnno that just says “Sándwich”. It’s fun, silly, and reminds me of my incredible trip with my friends. But there are also places like Altadena Beverage & Market that were thankfully able to reopen after the fire. They are selling these “Altadena” baseball hats, where 100% of the proceeds are going to fire victims. Just a small way to feel a little more connected to our communities and the businesses that we want to uplift. (Also, if you live close enough, Altadena Beverage & Market has the most incredible wine selection, a vast non-alcoholic spread, and a bunch of other delicious goodies and gifts.)
Jelly Ballet Flats – The true winner of the summer! I want to wear these shoes EVERYWHERE. I bought them in clear after seeing our photographer, Kaitlin, wear them on our retreat, and I haven’t looked back. They go with everything, are so easy to slip on, and are fun but cool at the same time. Ok, I’ve talked myself into it, and I need to get the red ones now.
Fun Tee – What can I say? I love a fun tee! I prefer either pretty fitted or fairly oversized. This “oranges” one is fitted and so cute (and those oranges sit ABOVE your boobs, in case you were wondering:))! I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on it. I know it’s not cheap, but it’s made from 100% deadstock cotton in Los Angeles by a women-run brand and sizes up to 3x. Happy to support these kinds of companies when I can.

Honorable Mention – A flowy dress you can dress up-ish or down. This is a no-brainer, but I don’t own any that I can link up, but it had to be said in case you see me in the street in a flowy dress and think, “but that wasn’t on her summer staples list?!” ;)

CaitlinOverall Summer Style:

THE Sunglasses – I know the all the cool kids are doing tiny sunglasses, but I DON’T CARE. Wayfarers are classic for a reason! They’re universally flattering (especially if you have a big ol’ round face, like I do), polarized for extra protection, and they never get caught in my hair.
Hair Clip – You know that whole “reject modernity, embrace tradition” meme? Well, reject your modern plastic claw clip and embrace the vintage slide barrette!!! This $9 fish-shaped hair stick has been my most-used purchase of 2025 – it’s the simplest way to elevate your look with absolutely no effort. (My greasy 3-day hair has never looked more polished.)
Fun Sandals – Have I been sharing these fresh flip-flop alternatives incessantly for the last several weeks? Yes. Do I have any plans on stopping? NO. My pair gets better and better with wear – the leather footbeds have now molded to my feet, they’re divine for long walks, and they’ve been garnering so many compliments from cool women on the street!! I can’t believe they’re under $70 – I would have happily paid double that price because I love them so much.
Thigh Saver – I buy a few Thigh Rescue minis every year and scatter them amongst my tote bags, suitcases, and purses. I know some women like to wear shorts to prevent chafing, but I run hot and can’t handle extra layers in the summer – Thigh Rescue keeps me comfortable and pain-free whenever I throw on a dress or a pair of shorts. (PS. I’ve been relying on it since 2019, so this recommendation comes with lots of experience!)
Pull-On Linen Pants – Take it from someone whose ancient apartment lacks insulation and regularly tops 95 degrees: these linen pants are a dream to wear on extra-hot days. Gap really does a great job here – the 3 pairs I grabbed last summer have held up beautifully over countless wash and dry cycles.
Skort Dress – I bought my first skort dress in 2023, and I’ll never go back. It’s breezy, it’s simple, you can go bra-less (!!!,) and it’ll keep you cool when it counts most. (Seriously – this is what I wore to explore the blistering Australian outback.) Dress her up for date night! Dress her down for the beach! Wear her in the middle of a desert! Anything goes! This dress gets perfect marks from me – it’s likely the most versatile piece I own.

ArlynOverall Summer Style:

Classic Huaraches – Who am I kidding? As a SoCal resident, I wear these year-round, but they are, of course, most appropriate for summer. I’ve had my Nisolo’s Huarache Sandles in Almond since we did a sponsored post with them like…six years ago? They are my go-to shoe for basically everything. I wear them with dresses, shorts, jeans, even leggings to run out to the store. Because they are so good quality, they’re still kicking after what is likely 50,000 miles on them. They can’t be beat, seriously.
Short-Sleeve Linen Shirt – Thus begins my “broken record” summer fashion list, because basically all I wear from May until November is some variation of a button down camp shirt. I’ll admit I do not have this *exact* shirt from Quince, but I have many just like it I bought a while back and wear on rotation. The price ($35) on these is at least half if not more of the camp shirts I used to get at Madewell. They are so easy to throw on, don’t stick to my body when we’re in heatwave territory, and look great with basically everything and on everyone.
Boyfriend Button Down – I’ve had maybe four (?!?) of these boyfriend button down shirts from Old Navy over the last five or so years, and the linen one I have is on regular rotation now. I tend to grab a few during one of their many 50% off sales and just wear them into the ground. The best part about their loose fit is that you basically don’t even feel them touch your body, which is high on my priority list for summer attire. They are very roomy, so I’d size down if you don’t want to look like you’re wearing a parachute (though you do do!).
Barely There Cotton Blouse – Annnnd more button downs. I ended up at Kohl’s about a month or two ago hunting down the only Winnie the Pooh quilt I could find for my daughter’s upcoming big girl bed (at her request), and found this striped number which I’ve wear over and over again since I scooped it up. It weighs practically NOTHING, which ranks as #2 on that priority summer attire list I just mentioned above. Fair warning: the buttons are spaced further apart them I’m used to, but even with my large chest, it’s totally fine as long as you’re in the right size (I got a large).
Flowy Sun Dress – I have to take a break from all those buttons at some point, right? New to my wardrobe is this 100% cotton shell-print dress from a store called City Chic that sells sizes 12 – 24. I’ve never bought from them before but I was pleased with the quality and fit of this one I got on sale for about $50. In fact, the fit works so well on me that I just might venture out into the world…ready for it…sleeveless! ::Gasp:: (I am being serious, as someone who has hidden their arms away for decades.) Oh, and don’t even THINK of forgetting some thigh protection because giant chafing-induced inner thigh welts are no good for anyone. I love these cooling short from ThighSociety because they don’t squeeze you like shapewear, which is inconceivable on a 90-degree day. They come in three lengths (5″, 7″, 9″) and sizes from XS to 6x.
Chambray Button Down – Back to my regularly scheduled button down programming, this time with some chambray. I’ve bought this one from Loft twice already (and honestly, I should just go ahead and get a third one while it’s on sale right now because I wear it THAT much). I find some chambray to be either too heavy, too structured or too wispy, but this one is just right. The sides are a little higher than the front and back which results in more movement for any Hippy Helens out there (I just made that up, not sure it’s working but I’ll let it marinate).

MalloryOverall Summer Style:

Jean Shorts – I reach for these jean shorts on the weekly (if not daily) during the summer. I love these so much, I snagged them in two different colors (also note I cut them to make them a bit shorter). They’re so roomy and not too tight on the thighs, but they fit perfectly at the waist (which has always been hard for me to find).
Lightweight Knit Shirts – I am a knit shirt lover, and that’s because they’re breezy and easy to walk around town in without sweating uncontrollably. I have a few different ones in my rotation, but currently I’m rocking this black and white one with the prettiest details and this affordable one from H&M (that has matching shorts!)
Statement Vacation-y Dress – I go to Palm Springs a lot, and when I do, I generally wear something from Farm Rio, so in the summers, if I have any fun vacations or getaways planned, I like to grab something fun, flowy, and statement-y from them. This year, I went to Hawaii (and truly had the vacation of a lifetime!!), so I snagged this dress, which I actually can’t stop wearing. It’s great for a fun brunch or resorty dinner, and I absolutely love how farm rio dresses can be casual or fancy depending on how you style them.
Button Down – I’ve always loved a button down (especially for bathing suit cover-ups!!) I have a blue pinstripe, a red pinstripe, and an electric blue color that I rotate between constantly throughout the summer. I usually buy mine secondhand at crossroads (they always have great options!) and bonus, you can always shop men’s shirts and they’re sometimes cheaper…but for an online resource that’s affordable, this one from Old Navy looks exactly like the one I have!

GretchenOverall Summer Style:

Jean Short – I reach for these shorts so often I may as well sleep in them. Yes, they are annoyingly expensive, but they’ve truly become my summer staple pair and I wear them SO OFTEN I’ve far surpassed the cost per wear. They are the perfect length, perfect distress, hug my butt just right and have a great button fly. A size 31 fits me just right!
Gauze Pants – I’ve been wearing these perfect pants since LAST summer and they have remained my go-to breezy pant option. And actually, I do wear these to bed from time to time. They are so soft and flowy and the gauze-y texture just hangs so nicely. They wash up really well and I think they get better the more you wear them. LL Bean has a variety of matching “Cloud Gauze” tops to make it a cute set as well! And I just saw that they also offer the pants in a really great, bright French Blue, and mysteriously, they’ve just found their way into my cart (I like a size large and am normally about a 12 in pants).
Canvas Cap – Nine times out of ten you will catch me wearing a baseball or trucker hat. I don’t know what it is about them but they seem to have a chokehold on me. Especially in the summer. Whether they’re working overtime to disguise a sweaty/bad hair day or just functioning to block out the sun, these Carhartt Canvas caps are ones I reach for all the time. They are simple, comfy, affordable, durable, easy to adjust–I could go on. I have them in a few different colors and love them all.
Sunglasses – I was gifted a pair of these polarized Ray Ban Wayfarers and just absolutely love them. Hard to go wrong with a classic! While I could never justify spending hundreds of dollars on say a Gucci pair of sunglasses or something similar, I would spend the money on these if I had to. They’re nice and heavy–great quality–and the polarized lenses are just the best. I grab for these every single day!
Sandals – I just bought these and like I predicted, am already wearing them to DEATH. I am a Birks-since-birth kind of gal because my dad was a big fan of them growing up. Like him, once I find a comfortable (and cute) shoe to wear, it becomes a daily staple. I really love the bigger buckle on these and that it’s not a shiny gold. The light leather goes with everything and I can wear them allllll day long without comfortability complaints. I’m a size 9.5 typically and the 40 is my preferred Birks size.
Bikini Top – This bikini top isn’t anything too special, but it IS inexpensive and also very cute! Comes in a lot of cute colors and patterns. I love wearing it with jean shorts and an open button-up in the summertime. Obviously great to wear in the water too! Lately, I’ve been tying the top so the straps each connect/tie to the back strap, rather than around my neck, and I love how it looks–slightly more comfy for the girls too.

MarleeOverall Summer Style:

Sunglasses – I got these sunglasses in the spring and have not worn a different pair since. I’ve always loved Madewell sunglasses, but I think that the quality of them has gone up recently because these feel way less glare-y than pairs I’ve had from them in the past. I love the shape of these – they’re a smaller shape but not too small, wide enough to not feel like you’re wearing glasses made for a toddler!
Turkish Towels – I am deeply passionate about swimming as often as possible in the summer, which usually means packing a bag for a Sunday swim, then not unpacking it and just bringing the same bag for a quick river dip on a Monday after work. These towels are my favorite for these swims because they’re incredibly lightweight and they dry FAST. AKA no moldy wet towels in my bag:) They’re also just so fun and come in an infinite amount of colors.
Leave In Conditioner – This is also a bag essential – whenever I have wet river hair, I love to spray a few spritzes of this on my hair as it air dries. It smells so so yummy and is a super nice, lighter product that enhances my curls and reduces frizz. Highly recommend for anyone, but especially if you have wavier fine hair. It doesn’t weigh it down like other leave-ins.
Body Lotion – This is my favorite favorite summer lotion that I’ve been using for as long as I can remember. It’s such a yummy classic coconut scent and is super lightweight and “watery,” so it’s incredibly easy to layer and absorb. There’s no better feeling than showing after a day in the sun and then putting this lotion on with clean pajamas:)
Summer Shoes – These are some of my favorite summer shoes for river days (and just walking around). I have them in white, but they come in SO many fun colors. I feel like they stay on better than flip flops, which is great for trekking down to a swim spot. They’re also waterproof, so you can take them in the water or just hose them off if they get dirty. I’ve had the same pair for at least the last 6 years, and they’re still in amazing condition.
Summer Dress – My favorite summer dress is one that I’ve had for 4+ years, so it’s sadly not available – but my love for it is less about the specific dress and more about the shape + vibe. Enter shift dresses! Especially as a swim cover-up. I love how lightweight and breezy they are, and even though it’s so simple and has no shape to it, it screams “berry picking and then getting slurpees after,” which is incredibly specific but exactly what I want my summers to feel like. This one is the most similar to mine (love the ties), but I also LOVE this Doen x Gap dress and this one. Also, this – ah, there’s so many!

Hope this was fun and made you think more about your staples. Here’s to a happy and cool summer.

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Photo Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green

The Cozy DIY Cabin Everyone’s Asked To See (Packed With Genius Ideas To Steal)

Hi everyone! It’s me, Jess. In case you’ve missed my dad, Les’, boomer dad gift guides, he’s quickly become a beloved contributor here at EHD. And while I couldn’t be more biased, I honestly wasn’t surprised. He’s my favorite person, and getting to share him with you is simply the best. (Plus, he feels like a celebrity the day the posts go up, and it’s pretty cute, ha.) Today, however, he’s not sharing with you his specific yet truly helpful gift ideas, no. Today, he is showing you the cabin he and his girlfriend have poured their hearts (and probably some blood) into. This is a true DIY cabin, y’all. I finally got to see it for the first time this week, and while the photos are great (well, they’re “fine” because I only had my iPhone camera and very amateur skills), the warmth and coziness are practically overwhelming. So please enjoy my dad and his cabin in the woods.

So I decided to buy a cabin in the woods. Being an inner city boy from Chicago, it’s a big move. I knew nothing of the outdoors until COVID, when my girlfriend and I bought our Airstream. I somehow found peace in that endeavor. So now I have a cabin in the woods. It was built in 1920 and is on Forest Service land. I own the cabin but lease the land. That brings the price down dramatically (can’t argue with that). Anyway, this place looked more like the 1950s than the 1920s. Hated it, but we saw some potential. What I didn’t see was the amount of work needed to get it to our taste. I figured I could live old school. Well, not if you’re living with the girl I happen to be living with. Geez.  So, after a couple of months of hard work, I think we’re done (though I never know). 

The hardest part was the floors. Lorinda wanted to save the original floors. I thought it was worth a shot, but was skeptical. She said she would sand them down herself. Well, after peeling up the linoleum (which I kinda liked and saved a piece for my pantry wall), she and a girlfriend got to work. Two days later, they couldn’t move a muscle. By the way, a big shout-out to Cheryl, one of our best friends. As I looked at the original floor after they were done, I could see the ground below the house. Yikes! Then I stepped in and, with a buddy, laid down all fresh plywood and a new laminate wood floor. Three days later, I couldn’t move a goddamn muscle. Ha!  After that, the rest was easy.

Microwave | Toaster Oven | Electric Kettle (similar) | Sconce

Originally, there were two entries into the kitchen. Seemed unnecessary, and it was. We eliminated one by building a pantry and using the back side of that wall for the TV in the living room. I covered that backside with shiplap. We eliminated some cabinets in the living room and repurposed them in the pantry. One of them worked better upside down. My whole life, I have looked at things from an upside-down perspective. Strangely, it seems to serve me well, Ha!

Pendant | Shade | Faucet | Sink

I bought an 8-foot piece of 8 foot butcher block and made a new kitchen counter out of it. (with my son’s help) Dropped a new sink into it and Wallah! Looks like a new kitchen. We also bought an old butcher block to create a small island to prep food on. Works great and doesn’t take up any room.

Rattan Flush Mount

I left the appliances but built a dish rack to cover the side of the fridge. Now, when a bear looks into my window, he will not see a fridge. Yay, as that is what they look for when taking a peek. If they see a fridge, it’s dinner time. (Who knew!)

Lo had me install a shelf of her making on top of the fridge (really slick). She’s been luggin that piece of wood around since I met her. It now has a home. She then found the right height little log from our property to prop it up. The basket is where all of our kitchen paper goods – wax paper, aluminum foil, saran wrap, etc. Gotta get creative in a small kitchen.

Wall Mount Bookshelf

For some reason, the prior owner drywalled the entire joint. Not very “cabin-y” if you ask me. So I went out and bought some knotty pine tongue and groove and paneled a few of the walls. Lo stained it dark to match the floor and beams (Now I’m feeling like Davy Crockett). 

just when i thought i didn’t have something new to teach my daughter, boom! river water filtration

The water I cook with and bathe in is pulled from a stream behind the cabin. (Davey Crocket indeed). When I bought the place, it had no water filter. Jess and I installed a filter in the river this week. I feel better about it now. Probably her first time in waders.

Copper Water Dispenser | Stand (vintage)

I still need to bring in my drinking water. Dragged a water stool all the way from France and purchased a copper dispenser to sit on top of it. It beats having plastic Arrowhead jugs all over the place. It has a home in a skinny little spot next to the stove and looks great.

Found an old shoe cobbler’s bench somewhere in LA and made a coffee table out of it. Needed something skinny and nothin I found was working until this. Even my daughter wasn’t entirely convinced of that vision, but it works. Ha!

Rechargeable Light

There is a Murphy bed in the living room. It was kinda boring. To change that, I lined the inside wall with shiplap. I installed a rechargeable cordless reading light, too. Without consulting Lo, I found the biggest sticker of Smokey the Bear in existence. My intentions were to put it right below the light. Lo wasn’t having it. We finally compromised by having Smokey peeking over my pillow. Personally, I love it. I want to do something with the bed when it is up. That corner of the room has zero character. I would use the same siding as the walls, but I’m afraid it would make it too heavy. I am going to look into some pine luan ( ¼” plywood ) today. That just might work. I’m open to any suggestions. You guys are way smarter than me.

the lumberjack folk art up near the ceiling is my favorite piece in the whole place

I have plenty of old, cool things around this place, but I really like a piece of folk art that a friend’s father had made (the lumberjack on the wall behind the stove). I don’t know that there is anywhere on earth that it would work as well as here. As that man has left this life, I cherish it. Of course, if his son ever wants it back, that’s ok. 

Pendant (similar)

The two chairs are for the grandchildren, and they double as wall art. The glass cabinet and dining table were found at an estate sale store in Oceanside, California. I have bought a lot from that place. The rug was a gift from Cheryl, the saint who helped Lo sand the floors. It just fit perfectly. The dining chairs were found at a number of consignment stores. I think they all came from different locations. You always have to know what you’re looking for and know that sooner or later, you will hit the number that you want if you explore places the way I do.

I tend to walk through cities and usually stumble into all sorts of unique (to say the least) stores. I wandered into this place in Amsterdam. Never, and I mean never, have I experienced anything like this before. It was frickin great though as long as my nerves held up. Ha!

The cuckoo clock on the wall was dragged here all the way from Grindelwald, Switzerland. I think we take the trophy for things we have carried on international flights. We have been looked upon as crazy on more than one flight. 

Toto Bidet Toilet Seat | Wicker Table Lamp | Mirror | Vanity | Faucet

The bathroom needed some help also (what didn’t?). Lo picked out a new vanity and sink from Lowe’s. I then picked it up on the way up here and installed it, Prest-o Change-o. The mirror came from Wayfair. Also purchased a Toto Washlet toilet seat. I will never be without one of those again. Now I gotta tell you, on a cold mountain morning, having a seat on my warm Toto is something to look forward to. And I do!  

Antler Flush Mount

The bedroom was absolutely awful. To make it more “cabin-y,” I built some wooden beams out of Alder wood. I installed mounting blocks on the ceiling and attached the beams to them. What a difference. Then I added an antler light in the center of the room, and what do you know, rustic cabin. 

The sculptures on the wall are swallows. I put them there to remind me of San Juan Capistrano, the city where the swallows return every year and the city where I raised my family. On a side note, I once signed a hotel register in a small town in Scotland. When the proprietor saw my address, he walked over to a piano and played the song, When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano for my whole family. It’s one of my all-time best memories. How great is this human race?

Sconces (I added the cord and pull chain)

We put down throw rugs throughout. The wall-to-wall carpet in the bedroom I left unit I come up with a solution. 

I installed a stackable washer and dryer in the bedroom closet. Don’t want to go back to 1920 in every way.

We brought in a vintage armoire for our clothes.

All the lighting has been changed, mostly acquired at vintage and consignment shops. My total investment in the facelift was around $10,000. Of course, most of the work was done by Davy Crockett. 

oh, that floral mat at my front door was the linoleum under my kitchen

Led Solar Deck Lights

In the end, I find comfort here. I have met neighbors from down the road, and they are quite nice. I don’t think this place was ever used in the winter. It will be this year. I can’t wait to ski for free, which is the only goddamn perk of being 75. I have Jessica insulating all my pipes under the house as we speak (tough being one of my kids, HA!). 

We have a deck on the back of the cabin that overlooks the American River. We do not need a cold plunge here, as this river is quite cold. I have put two deck chairs on the riverbank. It is so nice that I am dumbfounded. I can take credit for all of the physical labor, but the design end of this place belongs solely to Lo. Except for Smokey, ha! I suspect we will be spending some time here. Hard for me to fathom myself in the woods, but here I am. Change is great, isn’t it? I never want to stop changing. New things are so invigorating to me. I don’t know if anyone has ever figured me out (that includes me). I really hope I never do. Whatever is around the next corner is much more exciting when you don’t know. I get the feeling that even keeling over dead will have some kind of wonder and excitement for me. I hope those who have loved me remember that. I wish you all a great summer and hope you all get to shake hands with Mother Nature. I’m dancing with her as we speak. 

Below are some before and after pictures. I’m told these are called sliders. If you hold the cursor on the arrow and slide back and forth, you can see the whole deal. Of course, EHD would have all the latest tools for the best reading experience. Personally, I am always blown away by technology. I remember my first cordless drill. Thought it was just a fad. I’m an idiot. Enjoy the pics!

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*Photos by Jess on her iPhone…she did her best, ha.

We Found The Best Garage Doors Ever – See For Yourself

I never thought I’d be this excited to show you the prettiest garage doors ever. When we finally agreed to invest in making our garages better, our goal was to make them functional, but we had very low expectations on how beautiful they would be. Our garages aren’t on a street where neighbors can see (only friends and our trusted FedEx guys would see them), they aren’t part of our curb appeal (not attached to the house), so our goal was “better and basic” (along with “dry, not disgusting, less spiders and mold,” and ultimately way less dangerous). But today we are talking specifically about the doors – what we now call the best garage doors ever. And because I clearly have a disorder where I can’t do anything simply or “without obsessing about how pretty it could be,” therefore I ended up choosing these pretty doors that make me so happy – far happier than predicted.

Before we get into the full post, here is a fun little video (just wait for the ad to play:))

The Before

Here is where we started 5 years ago. We knew we were lucky to have this huge garage at all (right?), but they weren’t in the best shape, and everything needed repair.

We ignored them for a couple of years, finally hiring the most affordable painter in town who was willing to just paint without any prep (a real literal lipstick on a pig situation) because they were such an eyesore after our house was finally done. But we knew they were not in good enough condition to invest in scraping and painting properly. The fresh coat kinda helped, but otherwise we didn’t touch them for another 3 years.

Starting in January, we knew that we needed the storage soon because we wanted to start restoring the original carriage house on the property. We’d need the garages to be our future and permanent storage space for my vintage hoarding and any future product lines (not to mention life and holiday stuff). So we hired my brother’s brand-new company, Afore Construction, to fix them up, and new garage doors were a clear must.

I received multiple word-of-mouth recommendations for Ponderosa, a local (and experienced) garage door installer. I reached out and really loved their customer service, speed, communication style (fast and personal with easy text notifications), and variety of great door products. After telling Ken, the owner, that I wanted carriage-style doors, he suggested we work with a company called Clopay because they are meant to be the best garage doors, with a massive variety of customization and styles (ours are vintage style, but they certainly have very contemporary and modern as well). They range in price, as expected, and ours are more than average, but for our style of property (more historic and antique), we felt we needed to pick something that really aligned with the property. Turns out even though I promised myself “I didn’t care”, more focused on function and speed – turns out I always care, always.

I chose the Canyon Ridge Elements garage doors, and to get all specific about them (should you want to copy them exactly), they are low-maintenance, insulated steel garage doors with composite overlays. We chose Design 22 (how the diagonal lines are designed) with the SQ23 windows (size and configuration style) and had them all painted SW Dutch Tile Blue (they can match any Sherwin-Williams color).

My goodness, are they beautiful. Ponderosa installed them in one day – ONE DAY!! They arrived, a team of 3, and powered through without me having to do a thing. And they were extremely professional, knowledgeable, and just so impressive. 10/10 service. They texted their eta, and were so easy to communicate with, with everything being electronic (so not a lot of annoying contracts and paperwork at the end). They offer a 5-star service program which provides annual maintenance and has the quietest motor (and it’s oddly quiet, not something I thought I’d care about, but it’s really lovely). They are also very hard to break into with high-end steel and mechanisms, which is clearly important.

We added the faux handles and strappings in black to make them look more vintage, working with the farm design of the property. And we wanted windows on top to add natural light inside (and charm).

Sconce | Doors | Door Color | Plants

They had a lot of options for all of these elements, both in style and color (we chose the spear style strap). I literally couldn’t be happier with what we chose and how they turned out – they add such charm and are super high quality. And there is a slightly “faux” wood grain finish to the garage doors that adds a really nice texture, which I was SO relieved looked fantastic in person (I’m always nervous about faux anything, but this is not cheesy, just subtle and nice).

We chose to have each controlled separately, with individual codes, and inside, there are convenient buttons to open and close.

The garage doors on the inside are clean, and the windows add nice natural light. Ponderosa really nailed the execution, and they function so perfectly, quietly, and just so seamlessly (zero annoyance to me and super intuitive to figure out). I wish I had more drama to tell you, more things I wish I had done differently, or lessons I learned. But I have zero regrets or lessons on this one! WAhoo! Just the best garage doors executed perfectly.

We left the last bay open as a carport. It was the original sheep’s barn and was never a garage. But we did this mostly for budget purposes. We saved on not having electrical, simple framing, finishes, and no cement floor (just gravel). It’s super bare bones, which we are fine with (we almost just tore it down, but my brother convinced us to keep it, just not really invest in it). Ultimately, we didn’t need a fifth garage, just a covered carport for Brian’s vintage truck and a great space for messy painting projects. And heck, a future owner might have a boat or something they want to store here (no intent on a future owner, but we always consider all the possibilities).

A few quick and dirty facts:

The doors themselves would typically cost $18k for 4 doors. Choosing a custom Sherwin-Williams paint color adds $10/sq. ft. to the door cost and a few extra weeks. Remember ours were on the higher end, and they have a lot that are much more affordable with fewer design details and general bells and whistles.The install for these four doors would typically be around $11,340, which covers the cost of the high-end Liftmaster motors, all the elevated, premium parts, and extended warranty that comes with the 5-Star bundle that Ponderosa provides, and of course, the labor to install everything. You get what you pay for, and we are thrilled. You wouldn’t buy the doors separately or anything, but just giving you the breakdown so you understand the overall costs.The cost didn’t include the new framing and the electrical prep. Since we were fixing our garages, not just changing out the doors, Afore worked with Ponderosa to frame it perfectly and prep all the electrical in advance. Ponderosa measured and ordered the doors after the framed door openings were finished.

NEW FEATURE ALERT! We now have before and after sliders. Just use the arrow toggle button to see the transformation:)

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When they arrived, I was oddly delighted by these garage doors, and I remain so happy every time my eye lands on them. The happy blue, the windows, the decorative strappings, and the super smooth, quiet function – truly the best garage doors. I feel extremely lucky and grateful. A huge thanks to Ponderosa for their excellent execution on our doors. Thank you, Clopay, for partnering on these beautiful garage doors, and Afore Construction for doing all the prep work and helping us fix up the garages. Interior reveal coming soon, I promise.

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

The New Design Classics – The Pieces That You Won’t Regret Buying…Ever

Five and a half years ago, I wrote a post called “The New Classics: The Timeless Pieces That Will Always Be A Great Buy”. With the brains of me, Emily, and the rest of the team, we came up with a pretty awesome list, which spoiler alert…we still stand by! I mean that’s the whole point, right?? A classic means it’s a forever thing, and in our case, for these posts, a forever design piece. It’s basically what we try to do here every day. Sure, we love a design trend (even the really out there ones), but ultimately, we try to steer you and recommend things you’ll love forever. Hey, maybe even pieces you will want to pass down to your kids one day:) So, since it had been a little over half a decade, I thought it was high time to see if there was more to add to the list from your favorite design experts. I’m sure you can guess that answer was a resounding, YES. So let’s get into these new additions to the “new design classics” and why we think they deserve to be on this list (and maybe in your home:)). 

The Jewel Toned Solid Rugphoto by kaitlin green | from: river house primary bedroom reveal

Solid colored rugs have really gained some heavy traction over the past few years. The likes of all of our favorite high-end interior designers started to really lean into this look. We’ve used them more by way of our old rug line, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love this kind of rug so deeply.

Why Is This A Safe Bet?

Solids and jewel tones never go out of style. They’ve been around since the beginning of time. If you choose a good quality rug, in a color you love, it will be very hard to ever get tired of it. While we LOVE a great pattern, those can box in a design plan if you want to mix things up in a big way. Whereas solid rugs are there to support and don’t necessarily call as much attention to themselves. Basically, they are extremely versatile, especially if you choose a color you design most of the time. Add a little fringe for some added specialness, and you are so set…forever if you so choose.

1. Clio Solid Color Hand Loomed Wool Area Rug | 2. Chiltern Handmade Rug | 3. Henry Handloomed Wool Area Rug | 4. Arrel Speckled Wool-Blend Rug | 5. Henry Handloomed Wool Area Rug | 6. Greenwich Area Rug

All of these colors make my heart jump! I also feel as though they are neutral in essence. I’m sure some of you just did a spit take after reading that, but I stand by it. These are saturated, versatile, and frankly, stunning. I do want to point out the little fringe accent on #1, #3, and #5. It makes them a little “less serious,” but they remain completely sophisticated. I did add #6 in with that slight pattern (because it was so pretty), but the solid solids are what this classic is really about. But hey, rules are made to be broken sometimes, right?

The Knife Pleated Shadeleft: photo by kailtin green, from: kaitlin’s primary bedroom reveal | right: photo from sara ligorria-tramp, from: emily’s kids’ shared bedroom reveal

I’m a little surprised this wasn’t on the last list, but maybe we needed a little more time to see if it had staying power…Dare I say it’s only gotten stronger?

Why Is This A Safe Bet?

This is my and probably the whole team’s favorite style of shade (I didn’t officially ask them, but given their homes and past conversations, I feel ok with the assumption:)) Like I said, its popularity has only grown over the past 5+ years, and it’s used in so many different styles of lamp bases and homes. It’s cool, is a twist on a traditional pleat, and looks so clean. Plus, Emily has used this style of shade in countless rooms at this point, and usually, when she uses something over a long period of time, it’s absolutely a safe bet. This was a MUST on this round’s new design classics.

1. Louis Table Lamp | 2. Matin Table Lamp | 3. Flores Plug-In Sconce | 4. Callahan Floor Lamp | 5. Bianca Black Marble Table Lamp | 6. Ceramic Table Lamp

Well, I love them and narrowing them down was a challenge. I love that this style works on a super modern lamp like #2 and a far more traditional lamp like #4. But if you want to go more “glam” or “luxe”, #5 is perfect for you. There’s a knife pleated lamp for every style in any home. I promise!

P.S. Take a look at Emily’s side table lamps in her bedroom below:)

The Arched Headboardphoto by kailtin green | from: farmhouse primary bedroom reveal

It’s always surprising and fun when a simple shape finds a new, cool way to reinvent itself…like the arch. The arch TOOK over design around 2019. You could hardly find a designer, a design blog, a DIYer, or a design brand that wasn’t leaning in hard. Remember when Emily wrote this post about whether or not people should put arches into their homes? That was more in response to the craze of the time, but now that things have calmed down about “arches everywhere,” we are left with really great options that can make sense for our homes. Especially, in the headboard/bed department.

Why Is This A Safe Bet?

First and foremost, it’s a classic shape, so depending on how you decorate the bedroom you are using it in, it can feel timeless. Then, with most bedroom furniture being very square or rectangular, having a softer shape is such a welcome contrast. Plus, Emily Henderson designed an arch bed for her guest room (currently in her primary bedroom) for her eclectic but timeless farmhouse. I think it’s safe to say it’s a safe bet.

1. Arlo Upholstered Arched Bed | 2. Almelo Queen Velvet Headboard | 3. Upholstered Bed Frame | 4. Vaila Blue Queen Chenille Fabric Upholstered Arched Platform Bed | 5. Catania Queen Natural Wood Platform Bed With Arched Boucle Upholstered Headboard | 6. Danna Solid Wood Platform Bed with Arched Headboard

For the most classic feeling bed options, #1 and #6 are the best choices. The arches are slightly elongated, and the bases are super simple and traditional. For an arched headboard that’s a little more “now,” #2 is such a fun choice! You really can’t go wrong with any of these styles. 

The Modern Plaid Blanketleft: photo by kailtin green, from: kaitlin’s living room reveal | right: photo from sara ligorria-tramp, from: mountain house primary bedroom reveal

Is plaid new? Of course not. But textile designers have been playing with and modernizing this traditional pattern. They are fun, vibrant, and oh boy, are the EHD-approved.

Why Is This A Safe Bet?

As I said above, this is a twist on a classic (and that classic has been around FOREVER), and we/the design world, are in love with it. Throwing one of these modern plaid blankets on a bed or sofa, etc., is such an easy yet impactful way to bring life into a design. They feel classic enough not to feel like a huge design risk, but fresh enough to feel like something special is in your space. Emily clearly can’t get enough and will absolutely be passing her’s down to her kids:) I love it when new design classics are born from old ones.

1. Torrey | 2. Schoolhouse x Pendleton® Canebrake Wool Blanket | 3. Bayside Windowpane Throw Blanket | 4. Tatami Throw | 5. Stolzl Indigo Throw Indigo | 6. Jason Wu Sunset Black Throw

You may recognize #2 as not only the throw blanket in Kaitlin’s living room reveal above, but as one of Emily’s “Best of Design” picks in last year’s post. It’s SUCH a great blanket and a huge inspiration for this category. Now, while very expensive, #5 is from the same maker as the blanket on Em’s bed in the mountain house. They make such beautiful and unique modern plaid blanket options. They are heirlooms.

The Metal Dome Lampleft: photo from sara ligorria-tramp, from: modern romantic bedroom makeover | right: photo by kailtin green, from: emily’s friend’s moody dark green dining room reveal

I don’t even think I really need to explain this one as it also could have been in the last post, but of course I will:)  

Why Is This A Safe Bet?

The shape is undeniably cool but not trendy. It’s simple but special:) And metal, if not banged around, will look good forever. Also, unless you get a color or color combo that’s a little more specific, they are SO versatile. Look at the two examples above! I used two in my friend’s traditional, romantic bedroom to add a little style contrast, and they look perfect. Then Emily used that burgundy one in her friend’s colorful, eclectic dining room, and it’s stunning. I also have a beautiful brass dome floor lamp I got years ago for my old living room, and while I don’t have a spot for it in my current apartment (literally just a space issue), I am keeping it for the future. It’s too awesome not to.

1. Jemma Metal Table Lamp | 2. NÖDMAST | 3. Elvar Metal Table Lamp | 4. Sidnie Table Lamp | 5. Signe Black Metal Dome Base Table Lamp with USB Port | 6. Oslo Table Lamp

For a dome lamp that is so easy to use now and in the future, #1, #3, and #5 are it. Classic metal colors, visually simple but not boring, and again, you can easily use them in every home you’ll ever live in. But if you color, the price and color combo of #2 is so playful and unexpected, #4 is an Em favorite style with so many color options, and #6 is a great price in a color that pops but is still in the neutral color family if you want it to be.

The Upholstered Modern Round Back Dining Chairphoto by kailtin green | from: farmhouse sunroom reveal

We all can’t get enough of this dining chair style. I will say I’m not sure the name is descriptive enough, only because the curved back is, of course, a major component, but so is the single or double “third back leg”. So when you are looking at these chairs/style, know both of those postmodern-inspired design elements are essential to it being on the new design classics list:)

Why Is This A Safe Bet?

These dining chairs (the shape, at least) are comfortable. It’s like a slight hug as you are dining or working at your dinner table. We think that’s a plus. Aside from that, they are unique but not too “out there,” and especially with the right fabric, so beautiful. They bring new life to a traditional design and groundedness to a more modern one. And as stated with well, all of these, Emily Henderson approved.

1. Ceremonie Green Mohair Dining Chair | 2. Amadeus Dining Chair | 3. Perle Grey Performance Velvet and Oak Wood Dining Chair | 4. Elio Solid Oak Dining Chair | 5. Dulcine Velvet Upholstered Dining Armchair | 6. Munk Velvet Dining Chair

Emily is deeply in love with her dining chairs (#1) and can’t recommend them enough. #2 and #5 have a bit more “curve” than the others, but the third leg element is there, and they are both so pretty. I broke the rules a little because Emily requested that both the seat and back be upholstered, but #3 was too good not to include. I guess at that point it’s a comfort preference decision. I also broke the rules with #6 since it has 4 standard legs (no back “third leg) but it’s got everything else, and I love it a lot. How comfortable does it look?? Very.

The Swing Arm Sconceleft: photo by kailtin green, from: farmhouse dining nook reveal | right: photo from sara ligorria-tramp, from: mountain house upstairs guest room reveal

If you are looking for a chic, functional, and statement piece of decor, the swing arm sconce is a great option, as shown by the EHD team MANY times, and the rest of the design world for a while now. 

Why Is This A Safe Bet?

Well, it’s a chic, functional, and statement piece of decor, ha. Yes, it is all of those things, and there are so many different styles that there is a swing arm sconce for any kind of room. It can also act as a wall sculpture (see above)! We have even used them as a part of a gallery wall. It’s one of those pieces that, when used right, really makes you feel like you are in a home of someone who knows design. Lamps will forever be a classic, and this one really packs a special punch.

1. Ahva Polished Brass Double Arm Articulating Wall Sconce | 2. Varun Single Light Iron Dimmable Plug-in Swing Arm Sconce | 3. Yaffa Swing Arm Wall Sconce | 4. Adjustable Swing Arm Wall Sconce | 5. Milena Plug-In Wall Sconce | 6. Beatrix Plug-In Pivot Sconce

Doesn’t looking at these make you happy? #2 and #4 are more of a modern industrial vibe that works with so many other styles and will help ground the design. I know #3 is so expensive, but man, is it special and handmade by a special company. If you have the budget and love it, DO IT FOR ME.

The Fluted Decorative Bowlphotos by kailtin green | left from: farmhouse living room reveal | right from: emily’s friend’s living room reveal

This was the last addition to the new design classics list, and I am so glad it made it on! We have Emily to thank for this:) I have long loved a ruffled/scalloped/fluted bowl and am so happy it’s become such a staple in design. 

Why Is This A Safe Bet?

It feels “out of the box” but classic at the same time. It’s just a decorative bowl, so it’s not a huge visual statement you’re committing to. Also, the movement it has and brings to a space is undeniable (again, see examples above). It’s fun yet sophisticated and just so pretty. Plus, most of them are made out of marble or ceramic, so the texture is so so good. Oh, and it was Em’s idea to have it on the list, sooo…

1. Reve Round Fluted White Marble Bowl | 2. Ruffled Marble Bowl | 3. Marble Ruffle Bowl | 4. Round Stoneware Ruffled Bowl | 5. Charlotte Ceramic Decorative Bowl | 6. Handmade Ceramic Handkerchief Wavy Bowl

A bowl like #3 was the version I first fell in love with, and I still love it just as much. This one also comes in a bunch of sizes. #5 is most like the one Emily has on her coffee table at the farmhouse, and those looser ruffles are oddly soothing to look at:) 

We have come to the end! Thoughts? Feelings? Do you think we missed anything? Do you agree with what we chose for our updated new design classics list?? Let’s chat about all the beautiful and timeless pieces because buying with intention and thought is the only way to really be.

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kailtin Green | From: I’ve Been Secretly Decorating My Best Friends House – Living Room Reveal!

This Kitchen Tile Trend Is Polarizing (& Possibly Controversial) But We’re on Board

In our world where everything seems to be controversial no matter the topic, allow me to enter another talking point into the “I HATE that/I LOVE that!” conversation: Kitchen islands with tile surrounds. Tile is one of those things that we all accept and even adore when it’s somewhere we’ve grown accustomed to, such as floors or on our bathroom and kitchen walls. But put it somewhere other than that and all of a sudden, it’s a wild concept.

And while I’m not really a proponent of tile as a counter surface material for practical reasons (I had some in my previous kitchen and UGH all the crumbs that get stuck in the grout lines is such a hassle), it does have its merits elsewhere. Remember this post with a killer kitchen reveal from earlier this year where Jess explored tile in an unexpected spot—the vertical rise of the base of a kitchen banquette?

If you were a fan of that look, it’s not that far a leap to wrap an island in tile, is it? That said, it’s worth exploring the pros here:

Affordable: You could make the base of the island in a fairly affordable wood or material since it would mostly be covered in tile. Low-maintenance: Tile is durable, easy to clean, and non-porous. It resists water, heat and stains.Colorful: Tile is an easy and dramatic way to add color and texture to a kitchen.Cool-looking: It makes you do a double take (and your friends and neighbors likely won’t have the same design treatment…don’t you want to be unique?!?).

Of course, no idea is without its cons. Between grout maintenance and the possibility of cracking or chipping of one of the tiles (total bummer), there’s also your home resale value to consider. A tiled kitchen island surround is a very niche look, and likely one that won’t be understood or appreciated by the masses. Anytime you put something in your home that’s distinct, you run the risk of it turning off future buyers if your goal is to sell down the line. Don’t let that stop you from putting your full self into a home design, but it is something you should keep in mind.

During my research of this tiled kitchen island trend and concept, I discovered that you’re likely to see one of three tile categories used to accomplish the design: Standard ceramic or porcelain 4″x4″ tiles, Zellige tiles of varying shapes and sizes, or a more custom looking decorative tile, all of which I think can look good in the right application. In general, though, the look leans contemporary with some exemptions for retro/mid-century vibes and even warm transitional designs. Let’s take a look.

Simple 4″x4″ Tiles

Regular readers may know that I’m quite the fan of the versatility (and affordability) of a classic 4″x4″ tile, though they have a fairly specific look that might not be right for every home. On an island, this type of tile definitely reads modern, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work with something warm or even a touch rustic.

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A post shared by Interior Architecture & Design Byron Bay (@whitewood.agency)

Maybe it’s the color of the tile, or that the white wall tile seamlessly transitions into the countertop which then is echoed on all surfaces of the island, but I love the look of this kitchen by Whitewood in New South Wales. It’s one of those things you’d never think to do, but once you see it somewhere else, it just might become a contender.

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A post shared by Architectural Digest (@archdigest)

One thing tile-surround kitchen islands do well is lean into a look. That cohesiveness of material between the walls and island (just like in the previous photo) is unbeatable for making a statement and bringing in so much intentionality. Granted, the grand architecture of this home designed by Years Studio (featured in Architectural Digest), helps support the very bold look.

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A post shared by Kar Brulhart | Brand Builder & Marketing Strategist (@karbrulhart)

I’m fairly obsessed with the design and architecture work coming out of Mexico City. It’s at the same time grounded in history and culture and incredibly innovative and chic, like this kitchen project in the home of Kar Brulhart. From the homeowner in the post: “We wanted this place to feel like a 1970s Mexico City apartment. Layered, a little moody, with a lot of wood and warmth and nods to my Mexican grandparents.” Tile has a rich, deep roots in Mexico, so it makes sense that a punchy, earthy red tile would be featured at the center island. Brave, bold and wonderful.

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There’s something about this kitchen—by Nimtim Architects, featured in Clever—that is instantly nostalgic. It makes me feel like I’m in the cleaned-up, grown-up, more neutral version of the set of Double Dare (#IYKYK). Glossy 4″x4″ tile in general makes me feel that way, I guess. It’s ingrained in my ’80s and ’90s-bred child soul. The built-in plywood shelving is super practical, and frankly, something I’d much prefer to inferior bar seating (I prefer to sit at a proper table…). If you look closely, you’ll see the integrated sink continues the tile material which probably isn’t a choice I’d make, but it sure does look pretty cool.

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Here’s a mullet island by Jessica Hansen of Tandem Interiors via Domino: tile party in the front, cabinet business in the back (or, you know, on each side). It’s a fun way to break up the same-sameness of lower cabinetry, as well as continue the backsplash material elsewhere for cohesion. It’s a toe-dip into the trend that frankly, I think is really fun and an interesting way to try it without going all in.

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A post shared by Clever (@getclever)

I’ve shared this photo of a kitchen by AD100 designer Alex March (via Clever, again) in the past and while it’s not technically a tiled island, it accomplishes a similar vibe. There’s just something about the repetitive use of a single material across different surfaces that feels so cool, edgy and all-encompassing.

Zellige Tiles

Onto something a bit more “now”: the Zellige tile. Admittedly, I do really love the look of this but I have to wonder: are all those uneven edges along the corners…comfortable? Safe? Prone to damage? I don’t have the answer to this, but if we suspend our disbelief and questioning for a few moments, we can all enjoy these beauties below.

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A post shared by Architectural Digest (@archdigest)

First up is a kitchen I’ve had bookmarked for a long time and come across throughout the web very often: a Berlin penthouse project by Studio Bosko. The use of the Zellige-style tile creates so much movement, personality, and light (not something lacking in this kitchen, that’s for sure). That texture that Zellige is beloved for has a way of grounding the other contemporary elements of this space.

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A post shared by Clever (@getclever)

Here, we see the same kitchen, by Cristina Alvarez of Curio Interior Design, that’s at the lead of this post. I’m quite smitten with the color choice of the island surround, which I think works beautifully to bring out the warmth of the wood cabinetry, seating and floors. Also of note is how well all three tiles work together without feeling overdone. Petite Zellige in a neutral on the backsplash echos the Zellige on the island (in a louder hue, of course), while a warm checkerboard in a large square size finishes off the kitchen flooring.

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So far, we’ve seen a lot of color, but here’s a quiet neutral version for anyone who finds it hard living with so much intensity. This kitchen by WHLF Studio proves how much (quiet) impact an island like this can make in such a simple, reserved space.

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Here’s a bit of a flip from what we’ve seen before. Instead of a tile transition from wall to countertop to island sides, we have countertop to island sides to floor, and uh… ::slow claps::. Wow what a look, huh? The whole kitchen is a head-to-toe visual feast brought to life by Nick Gavin with design-build firm Made.

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A post shared by Charlotte Pourbaix (@charlotte_pourbaix)

To round out the Zellige category is this long and lean number on this rounded island. The rounded nature of the island is a nice juxtaposition to the rigidity of the tile it’s enveloped by. The peninsula suddenly becomes it’s own statement furniture piece and draws the eye into the kitchen space. This might be one of my favorites. Thanks to Charlotte Pourbaix for the eye candy.

Decorative Tiles

Finally, we have the drives of the risk-taker bus. The decorative tile users, which break the mold on an already mold-breaking design move. (Is that like a double negative?). Anything goes here, where tile is measured with the heart.

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A post shared by LocBuild. (@locbuild)

I fully understand that this kitchen by Y S G Studio (built by LocBuild) may not be for everyone, but there is a nugget I want you to take away from it: that stripe of checkerboard tile along the toe kick of the island. This idea of tile on an island doesn’t have to be all of nothing. You can mix it in with a more accepted material such as wood and get something that is still very unique and interesting.

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A post shared by Interior Architecture & Design Byron Bay (@whitewood.agency)

Another by Whitewood, this is actually a restaurant space, but I liked how the edge was a strip of wood, so I wanted to present it to anyone who likes this tile-surround concept but is worried about corners. This tile is likely only on the backside of this counter seating, but it could be applied all around, too, with the added support of wood to the sides.

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I have to admit: My eye struggles to make sense of this kitchen. Are those marble-fronted cabinets? There is a lot happening here, but it’s certainly eclectic. Anyhow, I’m bringing it to the table here so we can all see different tiles used. This pinstripe may or may not be to your liking, but a patterned tile in general could be very interesting in the right space. Thoughts?

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A post shared by Andrea Rodman (@andrearodmaninteriors)

And finally, this cool, pint-sized matte tile on a rounded island (the kitchen was designed by Andrea Rodman Interiors out of Vancouver). Keeping the tile and the countertop in a cool-toned white takes the attention away from the material use while still benefiting from all the pros of tile.

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So…where are our heads here? On a scale of 1 to “Changing my kitchen reno plans STAT”, where do you fall on this tile trend? Anyone started this post thinking there’s no way they’d get on board but found themselves warming up to the idea the more they read or saw it used? As always, I’d love to chat about it in the comments. Oh, and if there’s another off-the-wall design concept or trend you’re seeing and want us to dive deep into, add it to the conversation, too.

Until next time, friends…

Opening image credit: Design by Cristina Alvarez of Curio Interior Design | Photo by Kelly Ann Rose

The Most Magical (And Rentable) Retreat That My Best Friends Created: The Carly Tour

As you know, I took my team to the new luxury estate property in Oregon Wine Country for our last retreat in May, and as the first guests, we were blown away. Now, what you might not know is that it’s owned by one of my best friends (of 25 years), so I write today’s post with an extreme amount of pride, despite having nothing to do with the design. It’s something we’ve talked about since they closed on the property four years ago, and I’ve gone out to visit it many times to see the progress. So I’m extremely emotionally invested in The Carly (just not actually invested). The design of it is so incredible, and I just want to shout it from the rooftops – group retreats, corporate retreats, bachelorette trips, family reunions, weddings – it’s an incredibly luxurious place to stay with the most beautiful setting. Max Humphrey designed it alongside my friend (and the architect Beebe Skidmore), and the result is stunning. So today we are going to talk more design elements, point out what we love, how they broke rules, layered in ways that surprised us, and created a truly unpredictably homey and totally stylish vibe. If you like Soho House designs (not a member myself, but who doesn’t love the design?), then you’ll love The Carly.

It’s out in Carlton, Oregon, which is only an hour away from Portland (and the drive is generally gorgeous, not on a freeway). It has a large pond (for dipping and swimming) and a few outbuildings for fun, with a massive field for weddings or larger events.

The Fern Lodge

There are two main buildings for sleeping – the Fern Lodge and the Hummingbird Cottage. Pistils Landscape Design did the landscaping, and it’s pretty amazing. The Fern Lodge has five suites (sleeping 10), all with king beds with en suite bathrooms. It has a commercial-style kitchen that is still so cozy for pizza nights and a media room for movies/presentations.

I was blown away by all the hard finishes. Not a spec of drywall in sight. Every surface has paneling, tile, and/or trimwork, making the details so fun to soak in (we nerded out for hours looking at how and why they did everything).

That is the entry – a massive window with smaller cozy vignettes, styled out like a home (but a home that a butler set up perfectly for you).

The Kitchen

The kitchen is stunning – mixing a lot of patterns (floor) and colors (the black with the robin’s egg blue is so surprising). It can be shut off with a huge barn door should the guests want to bring in a private chef, like we did. It’s well stocked and feels so homey. What you can’t see is the scullery (the dishwashing room is hidden and closed off). Curtis (the owner and my friend) really thought of everything for every style of guest/stay.

I love how they mixed those pendants over the island with the tiny flush mounts on the ceiling and picture lights – it looks so special and custom. The ceiling paneling is a nice detail that is a great design hack – low work with high impact, as it’s in semi-gloss, so it catches the light so nicely.

Totally classic and timeless, but still interesting and warm. Max really nailed it (I also love the reeded glass and the decorative shelf bracket).

The Main Lodge Lounge

This is where we hung out most of our retreat – the living room and big dining table. Such an incredible mix of textures and patterns, and styles. Eclectic and cohesive FTW.

That epic light fixture was one of the first things purchased, bought from the Rejuvenation Vintage collection – a 1960s Italian piece. It was originally in the iconic Portland bar on NW 21st called Gypsy Restaurant & Lounge that closed in 2014.

This was one of my favorite places to sit in the morning with my laptop and coffee. Please note the seasonal stream right out of the huge picture window. The custom green leather banquette adds so much dimension – I love how they chose such tight tufts to catch the light like that, creating a pattern out of a texture.

The ceiling change in this room adds such contrast in both style and light. The architect, Beebee Skidmore, really knows how to constrict and expand spaces in a way that feels dynamic (and yet so quiet). The niches do the same thing – while in them you are cozy, but the rest of the room still has a lot of light, creating an unpredictably good vibe. So much inspiration in this lodge.

I think one of the most powerful moments of the whole property is the dining room – not the table and chairs, necessarily, but the chandelier on the beams, the windows above, and the feeling of coziness and expansiveness at the same time. Truly special to sit there.

The doors open to the property, 26 acres of hiking trails and fields for future glamping opportunities. We did a big team workout on the back deck right there. Even on a cloudy morning (which can be typical in spring), it’s so beautiful, lush, and green.

The bar area offers this fun patterned tile on the floor, contrasted with the reclaimed wood (from the old Portland race track) on the ceiling. The unexpected pink sofa delighted all of us.

That bar is so incredibly designed – the chunkiness of the cabinet in that dark wood is classic, but unexpected, and the huge hinges and hardware pop. Not to mention the stop counter and backsplash. They spared no expense. I love how the mirrored tile backsplash reflects the warmth of the ceiling.

The Media Room

Should you want to watch The Secret Lives of Mormon Housewives like we did as a team (or perhaps cast work presentations or family slideshows), their media/TV room is off the kitchen and provides such coziness inside a more industrial space.

Max designed this big custom sectional, again mixing fabrics, which truly is why you do custom. Designing something custom warrants taking a risk; otherwise, there are a million great sofas/sectionals on the market. I love how he made all of their furniture really special by playing with the fabric patterns.

Headed upstairs, you get to walk under this incredible mirrored chandelier – well played!!

The Biggest Suite – Pembridge Suite

This is where I stayed because Curtis told me I had to get the best suite, and I didn’t argue. It’s so cozy and warm, and due to my bathing habits, I got to be the first one to christen this tub in the room.

The window treatments in every room are epic – both cafe curtains for privacy and texture, then motorized shades on a light switch for blackout shades at night.

Fun Fact: All the Suites are named after places my friends frequented when they lived in London, where their kids were born. Places like parks, tube stops, pubs, etc. 

The Holland Park Suite

This room was a favorite because of the windows (which were original) and the color palette. I have to say I would have been nervous to do the reclaimed wood and the wallpaper, fearing that it would be too busy or overwhelming (and maybe in a home it would be, at least for me), but as an experiential space it’s so incredible and exciting. There is enough going on that it feels balanced, and your eye moves around, lands, then moves again in a really fun way.

We loved the shelf nightsands and the hard-wired lantern sconces. The bathroom was so full of texture and pattern – between the paneling, the floor tile, the wall tile (with contrasting grout), the marble, and the wood – again, a lot going on but the right amount of balance and tonal shifts to keep it flowing.

The Primrose Hill Suite

Another room with a huge king bed and a cozy paint color. Fun fact, they picked up that tufted wingback 12 years ago right after I won Designstar :) The wall-to-wall carpet in here is so chic and cozy.

All the bathrooms were different with a great mix of stone, tile, and unexpected trim work. Everything felt so custom but with some clear through lines. I asked myself so many times, “Would you have done this?” and the answer was often “no,” but only because I’m more risk-averse than I wish I were. Next project (that isn’t a home that we live in forever), I’m going to take inspiration from this project.

This room is ADA-friendly and on the first floor (a secret door, in fact).

With the prettiest ADA-friendly floating vanity. I think my favorite bathroom design-wise.

Through the entry, you can see the other house on the property, the “Hummingbird Cottage” that they actually did first, more of a cosmetic remodel while they were waiting for permits on this larger lodge. You can rent out both buildings, which gives you 4 additional suites (so 9 total) and more of a family vibe.

The Hummingbird Cottage

Pistils did the landscaping, quite an exceptional job with a lot of dynamic boulders and a prairie vibe.

This cottage houses another big hangout space downstairs (shout out to the coffee table I got them for their living room that made it out here) and is cozy and eclectic. It’s a “quirky younger sister” vibe in this cottage compared to the lodge.

Meant to be self-sufficient, there is a big hangout space and a small kitchen, but far enough away that, should you have kids, that say, throw temper tantrums, or cry in the night, there is more privacy.

We loved the paneled hood with the brick and plywood cabinets. More of a youthful, apartment vibe, but highly functional and well planned.

Upstairs, there is the first suite in a green that I would never have chosen, but really love in person! This is why actually being inside inspirational design is so valuable – I’ve got to shake up my “go-tos” when designing the carriage house (cut to me very much not shaking up my preferences ever, but continuing to wish that I would).

This bathroom felt so “Max Humphrey” to us – the whimsical tree tile element is extreme Pacific Northwest charm. I love the checkered mosaic floor in that bright grass green.

We also loved this suite with the two-toned walls and the simpler paneling. Clearly, a color palette I am comfortable with, with continued cozy vibes, and my second favorite bathroom.

The tile combination and the paneling felt so sweet and cottagey, in a modern way (with a lot of updated, luxurious amenities).

The Napping Cabin

There are two other little outbuildings for guests to explore – the napping cabin and the game room (which I don’t believe they have shot yet). We didn’t even go in the napping cabin, but you need to see it.

It’s a sweet little shed near the pond, converted into a quiet place to have some alone time. Or if you get married here, a really lovely photo op.

Inside, you have a lot of Max’s fabrics for Sunbrella/Pindler and a real analog vibe.

If you are interested in renting the Carly here are a few fun facts:

You can rent the entire property – both houses OR, should you have a smaller party, rent just the lodge.Yes to weddings, of course, but mid-week work retreats (like ours) are a way to experience it at a lower rate.It’s a luxury property, no doubt, so planning in advance to pull together your group is a great idea, but since they just opened, they have a lot of availability this summer and fall (which is the magical season). Winter is awfully cozy, though.They have a lot of extra amenities you can opt into – car service for wine tastings, private chef, massage therapist to come to the property. It’s a full concierge program for special occasions.

A huge shout-out to Max Humphrey for designing The Carly. Architect: Beebe Skidmore. The General Contractor is Owen Gabbert LLC. Landscaping by Pistils Landscape Design All photos by the lovely Kaitlin Green with some additional styling and art curation by Kate of Rodeo Queen and Colleen Mote.

*Architect: Beebe Skidmore
**General Contractor: Owen Gabbert LLC
***Design by Max Humphrey
***Styled by Kate Webb of Rodeo Queen and Colleen Mote
*****Landscaping by Pistils Landscape Design
******Photos by Kaitlin Green

The Link Up: Our New Comment Policy (It’s So Cool!), Mal’s Super Affordable Summer Set, And How To Smell Like Summer

Happy Sunday, everyone. In case you missed it, the PDX gals made another incredibly fun and entertaining YouTube video about the garage’s storage plan (PS IKEA was the star. Please check it out, and if you aren’t subscribed, we’d really appreciate it if you clicked that button too:) Ok, let’s get to the links.

This week’s house tour is from the incredible mind of design studio Claves. It’s a newly rentable townhouse where “where surrealism meets art deco splendour”. You just have to go take a look:)

From Emily: I think the most important link this week is a huge shout-out to Gretchen and Marlee – my PDX DREAM TEAM, who are tag-teaming our YouTube series (amongst so many other jobs). I was nervous to add another platform to my workload, but they are making it so easy, so organic, just like following along with what we are doing, and yet shooting and cutting it in a way that is genuinely entertaining and funny. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, if you are a long-time reader (thank you!) or just landing for the day, watch episode 1 and episode 2 of the carriage house re-org (and yes, you’ll get a tour soon, I promise). And then for the love of the algorithm gods, like and subscribe if you are into it, heck, comment and share, too! (it makes a massive difference on how YouTube shares it with others). We are having so much fun, and they are working so hard on it despite both just learning on the job, so give them some love – they deserve it!

Also From Emily: Shout out to our new AI comment tech (thank you, Caitlin!) – We now have AI that can detect when a comment is negative and filters it out for human approval, while all the other comments get auto-published immediately. This is extra exciting because even though we’ve monitored comments for years I had to still see them as “pending” if I wanted to go into the backend and comment back to people (you have to be signed in to comment back as me, and once signed in you see all the pending in the same feed). While 95% of the comments are lovely, supportive, or even constructive (which we generally find helpful), the typical few meant to ruin our day made it hard to go into the backend, so I would often avoid it. While I have thick skin, the distraction and derailment was damaging and even worse, they could made me more cynical about the world at large – so bummed that people found such pleasure in saying intentionally mean things, happily ruining the day of me and my team that work so hard to put good things into the world. My anxiety would spike, and then dark thoughts about my career/future would spiral (helpful to literally no one, including and especially my wonderful team). So this tech is FANTASTIC because I can go in and engage immediately with your non-negative published comments, then someone on my team will also read through the suspicious comments and publish those later in the day, should they be appropriate. That’s all to say that if you don’t see your comment published immediately, it’s because the AI has found something in it that it thinks is negative. This has happened to me twice – I wrote “shoot” in one, and then “I hate…” in another, and it held those two for approval. So essentially, the AI tech can filter out what it deems “negative” and then a human goes in and publishes or not, but meanwhile, I don’t see any of them, and all the positive comments or questions get published immediately. Take my Belize post (the first post we tried this with), I was able to go in and with confidence answer all the questions, knowing that it was safe (and I wasn’t going to read a bunch of hateful things about my family, etc). This won’t be perfect, by any means, but it’s only been a week, and it’s been really fun to engage in the comments in a way that feels totally healthy and safe. Three cheers for using AI for good and EHD.

Also Also From Emily: Attn Portland folks (and anyone else who needs encouragement to be a tourist in your own state). We’ve lived here for 4 years now and I couldn’t love the nature of the PNW more (sure, Nov – Feb can be rough, but once we started skiing it got a lot better- rain here means snow up there). I’ve become quite nature-obsessed (it’s the main reason to live here, IMHO), but like the Virgo + Enneagram 7 that I am, I want a really fun weekend agenda. So I have four books that I reference ALL THE TIME. I know that you can get a lot of info on the internet, but I don’t love being on the internet all the time, so I have my own little library that I reference on Saturday morning while I plan out how I’m going to torture my family through waterfall hikes. 1. Oregon and Washington 50 Hikes with Kids by Wendy Gorton. The kids will thumb through this and help pick, too. 2. Portland Family Adventures by Jen Stevenson. A fantastic, thorough city guide of all the best things to do with different aged kids (inside activities included – and day trips). 3. The Portland Book of Dates by Eden Dawn and Ashod Simonian. I LOVE this one – yes, more for grownup dates, but gives you a lot of good ideas of really unique things you can do, odd sites to see, not just restaurants or more predictable date night stuff. 4. Citi x 60: Portland (60 local creatives bring you the best of the city). This one is more about cool design, art, and creatives – so less family stuff, but if you have friends in town, a great insiders perspective of inspiring stuff. Also please let me know in the comments if you want my guide of “what do do while visiting Portland” – I’m not an expert (again, only 4 years back here) but I have my favorite SOLID hikes that please every Californian that visits us, the restaurants that hit every time, the bike rides that avoid cars, the parks that wow even in the crappier months, etc. I love an insider’s itinerary, so just ask and I’ll write it all up:) Obviously buy local when possible (Powells!) but I linked up for convenience.

From Gretchen: If you’re like me and love the smell of sunscreen or just wish you could bottle up and wear the scent of a sunny beach day, you absolutely can. And don’t be surprised if people compliment you on it! Anthropologie’s “Beach Trip” perfume has been my go-to smell this summer. It’s light and airy, slightly floral, a little coconut-y, and neither is too intense. It smells perfectly sunscreen-y to me, and I just can’t stop spraying it. Perfumes normally cost a pretty penny, but Anthro’s line is only $24 for a full-size bottle. A few of the reviews mention the smell subsides after a while, which I haven’t really noticed, because I have a little trick for that; When I rub a light layer of vaseline on my skin first and then spray, the smell stays on me wayyy longer. But beware, you will get complimented when going in for a hug!

From Marlee: I’m always looking for shirts that are a step up from a t-shirt or tank top, but nothing too complicated – this shirt from Madewell is exactly that – I grabbed it in white, but I might have to go back for the striped one. It’s a super simple loose fit, but I love how it has a little cinch in the waist and drapes over the sides. It falls right above my hips (I would say I have a somewhat shorter torso, so it might be more cropped for someone with a longer torso), but I like that I can make it more cropped if I’m wearing it with something more high-waisted. It’s a super soft fabric, not see-through, and super breezy/airy. I got a size XS because they were OOS of S at the time, and it definitely fits fine, but I would size up next time for an even looser, drapier fit. I can’t stop wearing it – I’ve repeated the same outfit 4 times in the last week:)

From Arlyn: As I was running out of my giant Costco moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, I wanted something lighter, fresher, and easier to travel with. Years ago, on my old personal blog, I did a review of shampoo bars, and the one from The Earthling Co. was by far my favorite, so I tapped back into that this time around, and I’m so happy I did. My hair is clean, feels bouncy and not weighed down, and I don’t have two enormous plastic bottles taking up room on my shower caddy. WIN WIN! I also picked up the conditioner bar and this silicone storage/travel case, which I keep right in my shower to stash my bars. Oh, and the best part? Everything is 20% off all month for their Plastic Free July Sale, so stock up!

From Mallory: Have you ever packed a suitcase for a trip and forgotten something critical?! Well, I packed for Hawaii and forgot bathing suits (cool!), so I had to do that classic “SOS, I need to go get a bathing suit or two right now” shopping trip. I then stumbled upon the most affordable and SUPER cute swimsuit!! It was $20 for the bottoms and $25 for the top, and has the cutest little ball details on the tie, plus the fabric looks expensive. They have it in white and red, and when I tell you…this is now one of my favorite suits ever.

Also from Mallory: I snagged this cover up set (top and bottom) from H&M when I was there too…it fits great and the stripes are so adorbs.

From Jess: I was bopping around with my cousin on Sunday, and we stopped into RG, a small, woman-founded, affordable jewelry shop, in Atwater Village. While there are some pieces that are a little more expensive, most of what I saw (and bought) was so reasonable. I got these thin, everyday gold hoops and these sweet little tri-crystal cluster studs for my new second hole. Both were under $50 and I love how special…but simple they are:)

Also From Jess: I finally invested in a couple of new bras that I LOVE. I’ve tried Third Love, Negative Underwear, etc., and was never all that impressed. I really dislike any added padding, so I’d been wearing inexpensive mesh cup ones that were on their last leg. Then, when one of my best friends was visiting last month, she was raving about her Fleur du Mal bra. I tried it on and immediately ordered it. I first ordered the lace one in black because their “t-shirt bra” was out of stock. Once I got it, it was the only bra I wanted to wear because it was comfortable but still a little sexy. When the t-shirt bra came back in stock, I hit add to cart and got it a few days ago. The cup is soft (not padded!) and so smooth under tops. It’s also just so freaking flattering. I feel incredible in both of them, which is such a good feeling. No more kinda sad bras that fit “good enough”.

From Caitlin: I was lucky enough to spend this weekend with my mom, and she treated me to the cutest pair of summer pajamas! They’re from Jockey (!!!), they’re super budget-friendly, and the top and bottom can be purchased separately to best fit your sizing. I LOVE THEM – the photos don’t do them justice! I’m obsessed with the piping detailing on the cami and around the legs; I can’t get enough of the ribbon tie on the bottom; and they’re SO COMFORTABLE to sleep in. I got an XL on top (though I could have sized down here, and I’m a 36F!) and an XL on bottom, which feels great on me. They’re so cute that I feel excited to change out of my daytime lounge clothes and into my nighttime lounge clothes! Highly recommend for any summer vacations, slumber parties, or just as a general pick-me-up. I slept in them every night this week and am so pleased by the price:value ratio on them – they feel like a splurgy pair of Printfresh PJs at a fraction of the cost. Thanks Brenda!!!

We also wanted to give our love and support to those affected by the Texas flood. More than ever, it feels as though there is a never-ending occurrence of unbelievable harm and devastation happening, whether it be by man or by nature, and it’s especially heartbreaking when children are involved. We are so grateful for all of the people who are on the ground helping.

Thank you so spending a little time with us today and see you tomorrow for a really great reveal/tour. xx

Opening Image Credits: Photos by Kaitlin Green