Emily Henderson's Blog, page 66

My Nightstand Debate…What Do We Do For Birdie’s Room??

Well, Birdie’s room is coming along, and like her, it’s full of happiness and a lot of colorful energy. But I’ve been hung up on the furniture since day one and it hasn’t gotten easier. First off, I fear that the Facebook Marketplace bed is too busy and twee – it’s just a LOT going on in the room. So I will likely find and order a simpler upholstered bed to calm it down a bit. But that’s not even the biggest issue, let’s get into it.

Here’s what we have that we can’t change – the wallpaper, the carpet, the windows, and the location of the closet doors. While I LOVE those original windows, obviously, they are low thus creating quite the nightstand challenge. Furthermore, the closet door needs to be able to open so finding the right nightstands has been hard.

So while I was stumped I went into my vintage inventory and pulled everything out, placed them in the room, and played and played to see what felt right.

Option 1: Eclectic But Fun?

This configuration is technically balanced in color and we lived with this for a while. The closet door opened fine because the skirted wicker table was shoved a bit over. Is it quirky and fun? Sure. Do I love the idea of all of this vintage? Sure. But it felt like a different house and just needed to be more calmed down.

Because what you might be forgetting is that we found these incredible Art Deco shades at an antique mall and we really want to use them in this room. We had them flanking the bed, hanging in front of both windows for a long time and loved it, but they are so big that they are creating even more of a problem with the nightstands. Should they go really high? Maybe? Should they just be on the right side and staggered? Maybe (see further below).

If I had to prioritize what cuckoo vintage to keep in this room it would 100% be the hanging shades. I LOVE THEM. Sure, I love the wicker ghost table (from Shop Wilma in Portland) but I know that I can use that elsewhere. I also like that sweet dresser I got on Facebook Marketplace for $100 and I don’t mind it in front of the window, but again, it just feels like a totally different house. The bed isn’t helping (I tried to order this bed but it’s out of stock so I’m trying to figure out what other options we have).

Option 2: Painted And Cut Down?

Then I have these two tables that I’ve been hoarding, both vintage from Craiglist/Facebook Marketplace. Both could get painted but BOTH are too high so they’d need to get cut down from the bottom of their legs. Doable? Sure. Does it feel totally right? Nope. I LOVE the scalloped table so much and it’s narrow enough that it could go on the left side of the bed and the closet door could still open, but then what do I put on the right? Y’all, I LOVE SYMMETRY IN A BEDROOM. I think that’s where I struggling…

Option 3: Not This But Maybe?

Ok, so here we put the scalloped table on the left and then brought their costume trunk on the right (which fits really nicely in front of the window. Then I threw this vintage quilt top on top to envision reupholstering it (and it just got busier and busier). HMMM…staring at these photos a month later I’m realizing that these two are a great option if we were to reupholster the trunk in something simple and then paint the scallop table (once cut down a bit) a balanced color. And if you are wondering if I’ve thought about painting the bed, I SURE HAVE. Birdie is adamant not to and she says it’s “really grounding and pops off the wall well”. Y’all, hearing her learn from and totally parrot me is a secret joy that I don’t know how to express. So I want to honor her input, but would the bed be better if it were a lighter, more muted tone? Sure. But then maybe just a simple upholstered bed would be better anyway, and I could donate this bed to a neighbor pretty easily. So I don’t want to spend more time/money on a piece that maybe shouldn’t be in here in the first place.

Here I wanted us all to envision what the lamps would look like in here – because like I said, they are my #1 priority to make work. For months I was like, “Let’s just go for it, make it crazy AF, and just lean into eccentric English granddaughter”. But with the mess/stuff that her life brings in, the room just feels like A LOT. If I could go back in time and choose a less busy wallpaper I would (I love this paper, but it’s a LOT so we need to calm it down).

Option 3.5:

You can see the process of me losing my mind, in real time. Here is where I thought maybe I’d reupholster the bench on the right, bring in the skirted table back, hang BOTH lamps on the right (staggered), AND THEN to balance out the lamps bring in a standing colorful lamp to be the friend to the skirted table (which is now centered on the window). So far, this is our favorite “idea” but it’s certainly not there. Another thing you should know is that the lampshades are REAL BIG, and if they hang low they feel really huge next to any nightstand but if you hang them high they cover the prettiest parts of the window. Should I just forego them altogether and use them in the barn/playhouse I want to do for the kids for summer play? MAYBE. But they bring such a jolt of joy every time I see them…

Option 4: Symmetrical And Boring

I couldn’t not try some basic symmetrical nightstands. We brought these from LA and they are simple and fine but they look dumb and small over here. Do I like the symmetry in a bedroom? I SURE DO. But I want them to be wider, a bit lower, and still shallow as to not come in front of the closet. Like two low dressers (of which I’ve searched high and low for). But this is where I started considering replacing the bed with a simpler solid upholstered one. If it were a medium blue upholstered headboard (no footboard, I secretly don’t like a footboard) and then I had two custom-made low and wide dressers made, THEN you hang the lamps on both sides and it is still super fun, but calms it down. If I could snap my fingers that’s what I would do, but I also really just want to shoot this soon and get it out there.

I think long term I know where I’m headed, but in the short term, I want to show you what I can pull together with what we have on hand. After this shoot for this post I stared at the photos for hours, I had a thought to flip the room completely, put the bed on the opposite wall facing the windows, and put her bulletin board over here in between the windows with her round art table in the corner. And I JUST might!

For now, I’m working with what we have here (unless I find something else in town) because we are shooting this room this week and honestly I’m excited to see what we can pull together for now (knowing that I have more long term goals to add more modernity and symmetry in here). This week you’ll see what we did to the windows (which admittedly did NOT help to calm it down) so the crazy train has left the station, and we are excited to show you where we arrived on round one of Birdies room. WISH US LUCK. 🙂

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

The post My Nightstand Debate…What Do We Do For Birdie’s Room?? appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: Em’s “Ugly” Christmas Sweaters She Bought, Jess’ New $15 Everyday Bra, And What Caitlin Considers Life-Changing Sweatpants

December is here! If you celebrate Christmas, we hope all decorating is done so you can now just enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you don’t celebrate, we also hope you are enjoying your home and getting cozy. It’s chilly in Portland and it’s slightly chilly in LA so “cozy” is our current top priority. Ok, let’s get into these links!

This week’s house tour is impossible to not fall in love with. We’re calling it “rustic postmodern” and it just couldn’t be more charming AND cool. The last thing we’ll say before you go see it is #gallerywallsforever:) Go check it out here!

From Emily: While I’m still going to go thrifting to get some officially ugly Christmas sweaters, I just ordered this one because it’s super cute and has good reviews. Now, I haven’t tried this sweater myself so stay tuned on fit and comfort, but as far as style goes I’m into it (and I ordered the moose one, too). We are likely going to have a cozy small holiday party and require sweaters to get through the door (and I left my favorites in Arrowhead because we usually spend the holidays there!). But we are embracing the Suburban tradition full-on and making Charlie wear this one (from Target, much more affordable). Still on the hunt for Birdie!

From Jess: You know that feeling of anger and disappointment when you put on a dingy/not cute bra? I’m not talking about the special occasion bras, just the good ole everyday ones. Well, that’s been my experience with one of my bras for the past few months. Then the wire in my other everyday bra, the only one that I really liked, poked through the fabric. It was my fault. I need to be more careful when I wash them. So last week I decided I was going to gift myself a mini bra refresh at none other than Target. I’ve honestly had great luck in the past (the deceased one was from there)! I found this cutie that is simple, a little sexy, and has zero padding. PERFECT. Looks very Calvin Klein to me. Oh, and they are only $15! I got one in black and brown and I love them. The dingy one is finally out of my life. I’m a 36C if that’s helpful to anyone.

From Caitlin: It is officially winter INSIDE of my 100-year-old apartment, where temperatures have fallen into the high-50s. I have gas heat, but it’s really expensive and not super efficient (0 insulation) which means that I’ve gotten pretty good at dressing for warmth! To that end, I need to recommend my ultimate cozy weapon: these sherpa-lined sweats from L.L. Bean. My mom got me a pair last year for Christmas (and I’ve recommended them here before!) but if you are also a person-turned-popsicle, these are LIFE-CHANGING. Let me be clear: they add some bulk and they’re hard to fold, but they’re so soft and warm and plush and the lining still looks new, a year later. (I have to laugh at some of the negative reviews, which suggest that they might be “too warm” or “absolutely hideous” – I mean, they’re not wrong, but that’s kind of the point!) I’m not gonna win any beauty pageants in these, but they’re my favorite sweatpants and the lone piece of clothing keeping me from a $500 gas bill so EMPHATICALLY RECOMMEND:)

Also From Caitlin: A 2011-gem called “Million Dollar Decorators” just hit Netflix and it is SO BINGE-ABLE. It follows a few designers you’ve probably heard of – I don’t want to mention their names here, because I don’t think some of them are super likable on TV (!!!!) – but I’m OBSESSED with seeing which spaces have aged and which are still timeless. (It’s also fun to see these editorial spaces from a TV camera – interior photographers usually shoot from a low angle, so these standard camera shots are enlightening!) Has anyone else watched?!?!

From Arlyn: I’m a sucker for an understated Christmas sweater. I already have a handful in my closet but I couldn’t help but add a new one recently. This Peace on Earth sweatshirt from Target is so soft and just the right cut for my petite stature. It looks great with leggings, sweatpants, and jeans. The few times I’ve worn it, I’ve been asked where I got it. Sadly, many sizes are sold out, but in case you’re one of the sizes still left available, hurry hurry hurry! 

From Gretchen: There are so many makers I am loving on Instagram lately, but a few have really been standing out to me. I’m pretty sure the algorithm wants me to get into building custom cabinetry because I am consuming SO MANY inspiring DIY queens who just make it look all too easy. Fun fact: in sixth grade our class took a career aptitude test and it revealed I’d be best suited for a job in “cabinet carpentry”, which at the time felt like, “huh???” but now feels weirdly on the nose. I’ve dreamt up and hacked together many builds myself over the years, but Molly of @thelonegooseco is just killing it and really makes me want to learn to do it right and do it well, so that maybe one day I could fulfill that middle school destiny. I am currently obsessed with her hallway dresser build. She’s making the custom storage solution of my dreams and doing it completely from scratch. The best part is many of her videos really take you through the process of exactly how she does it, making the whole thing feel quite doable. I’ve decided I NEED a pocket hole jig because of her. Alongside her projects, I’m enjoying watching @reneerenovates custom-build her kitchen (by herself!) and @abby_roadhome, who just outfitted her son’s room with the coolest record storage bench and shelving combination. There are so many more incredible projects on each of their pages–go check them out!

From Mallory: I bought these cute snowmen from CB2 last year and it made me SO HAPPY to pull them out again this year. It’s always the first piece of holiday decor I put up because it’s more “winter” than full-on Christmas as Em would say, but they’re simple and make me really happy to look at. I have the small and large size and the best part is you could totally put some lights in them to make them glow all purty and nice:)

That’s is from us today and we promise this is going to be a VERY fun week:) See you tomorrow xx

Opening Image Credits: Design and Styled by Emily Henderson | Photo by Kaitlin Green | From:  The OFFICIAL First Farmhouse Christmas! (+ A Great Ribbon Hack And My Dream Color Palette)

The post The Link Up: Em’s “Ugly” Christmas Sweaters She Bought, Jess’ New $15 Everyday Bra, And What Caitlin Considers Life-Changing Sweatpants appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: Em’s “Ugly” Christmas Sweaters She Bought, Jess’ New $15 Everyday Bra, And What Caitlin Considers Life-Changing Sweatpants

December is here! If you celebrate Christmas, we hope all decorating is done so you can now just enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you don’t celebrate, we also hope you are enjoying your home and getting cozy. It’s chilly in Portland and it’s slightly chilly in LA so “cozy” is our current top priority. Ok, let’s get into these links!

This week’s house tour is impossible to not fall in love with. We’re calling it “rustic postmodern” and it just couldn’t be more charming AND cool. The last thing we’ll say before you go see it is #gallerywallsforever:) Go check it out here!

From Emily: While I’m still going to go thrifting to get some officially ugly Christmas sweaters, I just ordered this one because it’s super cute and has good reviews. Now, I haven’t tried this sweater myself so stay tuned on fit and comfort, but as far as style goes I’m into it (and I ordered the moose one, too). We are likely going to have a cozy small holiday party and require sweaters to get through the door (and I left my favorites in Arrowhead because we usually spend the holidays there!). But we are embracing the Suburban tradition full-on and making Charlie wear this one (from Target, much more affordable). Still on the hunt for Birdie!

From Jess: You know that feeling of anger and disappointment when you put on a dingy/not cute bra? I’m not talking about the special occasion bras, just the good ole everyday ones. Well, that’s been my experience with one of my bras for the past few months. Then the wire in my other everyday bra, the only one that I really liked, poked through the fabric. It was my fault. I need to be more careful when I wash them. So last week I decided I was going to gift myself a mini bra refresh at none other than Target. I’ve honestly had great luck in the past (the deceased one was from there)! I found this cutie that is simple, a little sexy, and has zero padding. PERFECT. Looks very Calvin Klein to me. Oh, and they are only $15! I got one in black and brown and I love them. The dingy one is finally out of my life. I’m a 36C if that’s helpful to anyone.

From Caitlin: It is officially winter INSIDE of my 100-year-old apartment, where temperatures have fallen into the high-50s. I have gas heat, but it’s really expensive and not super efficient (0 insulation) which means that I’ve gotten pretty good at dressing for warmth! To that end, I need to recommend my ultimate cozy weapon: these sherpa-lined sweats from L.L. Bean. My mom got me a pair last year for Christmas (and I’ve recommended them here before!) but if you are also a person-turned-popsicle, these are LIFE-CHANGING. Let me be clear: they add some bulk and they’re hard to fold, but they’re so soft and warm and plush and the lining still looks new, a year later. (I have to laugh at some of the negative reviews, which suggest that they might be “too warm” or “absolutely hideous” – I mean, they’re not wrong, but that’s kind of the point!) I’m not gonna win any beauty pageants in these, but they’re my favorite sweatpants and the lone piece of clothing keeping me from a $500 gas bill so EMPHATICALLY RECOMMEND:)

Also From Caitlin: A 2011-gem called “Million Dollar Decorators” just hit Netflix and it is SO BINGE-ABLE. It follows a few designers you’ve probably heard of – I don’t want to mention their names here, because I don’t think some of them are super likable on TV (!!!!) – but I’m OBSESSED with seeing which spaces have aged and which are still timeless. (It’s also fun to see these editorial spaces from a TV camera – interior photographers usually shoot from a low angle, so these standard camera shots are enlightening!) Has anyone else watched?!?!

From Arlyn: I’m a sucker for an understated Christmas sweater. I already have a handful in my closet but I couldn’t help but add a new one recently. This Peace on Earth sweatshirt from Target is so soft and just the right cut for my petite stature. It looks great with leggings, sweatpants, and jeans. The few times I’ve worn it, I’ve been asked where I got it. Sadly, many sizes are sold out, but in case you’re one of the sizes still left available, hurry hurry hurry! 

From Gretchen: There are so many makers I am loving on Instagram lately, but a few have really been standing out to me. I’m pretty sure the algorithm wants me to get into building custom cabinetry because I am consuming SO MANY inspiring DIY queens who just make it look all too easy. Fun fact: in sixth grade our class took a career aptitude test and it revealed I’d be best suited for a job in “cabinet carpentry”, which at the time felt like, “huh???” but now feels weirdly on the nose. I’ve dreamt up and hacked together many builds myself over the years, but Molly of @thelonegooseco is just killing it and really makes me want to learn to do it right and do it well, so that maybe one day I could fulfill that middle school destiny. I am currently obsessed with her hallway dresser build. She’s making the custom storage solution of my dreams and doing it completely from scratch. The best part is many of her videos really take you through the process of exactly how she does it, making the whole thing feel quite doable. I’ve decided I NEED a pocket hole jig because of her. Alongside her projects, I’m enjoying watching @reneerenovates custom-build her kitchen (by herself!) and @abby_roadhome, who just outfitted her son’s room with the coolest record storage bench and shelving combination. There are so many more incredible projects on each of their pages–go check them out!

From Mallory: I bought these cute snowmen from CB2 last year and it made me SO HAPPY to pull them out again this year. It’s always the first piece of holiday decor I put up because it’s more “winter” than full-on Christmas as Em would say, but they’re simple and make me really happy to look at. I have the small and large size and the best part is you could totally put some lights in them to make them glow all purty and nice:)

That’s is from us today and we promise this is going to be a VERY fun week:) See you tomorrow xx

Opening Image Credits: Design and Styled by Emily Henderson | Photo by Kaitlin Green | From:  The OFFICIAL First Farmhouse Christmas! (+ A Great Ribbon Hack And My Dream Color Palette)

The post The Link Up: Em’s “Ugly” Christmas Sweaters She Bought, Jess’ New $15 Everyday Bra, And What Caitlin Considers Life-Changing Sweatpants appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: Em’s “Ugly” Christmas Sweaters She Bought, Jess’ New $15 Everyday Bra, And What Catilin Considers Life-Changing Sweatpants

December is here! If you celebrate Christmas, we hope all decorating is done so you can now just enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you don’t celebrate, we also hope you are enjoying your home and getting cozy. It’s chilly in Portland and it’s slightly chilly in LA so “cozy” is our current top priority. Ok, let’s get into these links!

This week’s house tour is impossible to not fall in love with. We’re calling it “rustic postmodern” and it just couldn’t be more charming AND cool. The last thing we’ll say before you go see it is #gallerywallsforever:) Go check it out here!

From Emily: While I’m still going to go thrifting to get some officially ugly Christmas sweaters, I just ordered this one because it’s super cute and has good reviews. Now, I haven’t tried this sweater myself so stay tuned on fit and comfort, but as far as style goes I’m into it (and I ordered the moose one, too). We are likely going to have a cozy small holiday party and require sweaters to get through the door (and I left my favorites in Arrowhead because we usually spend the holidays there!). But we are embracing the Suburban tradition full-on and making Charlie wear this one (from Target, much more affordable). Still on the hunt for Birdie!

From Jess: You know that feeling of anger and disappointment when you put on a dingy/not cute bra? I’m not talking about the special occasion bras, just the good ole everyday ones. Well, that’s been my experience with one of my bras for the past few months. Then the wire in my other everyday bra, the only one that I really liked, poked through the fabric. It was my fault. I need to be more careful when I wash them. So last week I decided I was going to gift myself a mini bra refresh at none other than Target. I’ve honestly had great luck in the past (the deceased one was from there)! I found this cutie that is simple, a little sexy, and has zero padding. PERFECT. Looks very Calvin Klein to me. Oh, and they are only $15! I got one in black and brown and I love them. The dingy one is finally out of my life. I’m a 36C if that’s helpful to anyone.

From Caitlin: It is officially winter INSIDE of my 100-year-old apartment, where temperatures have fallen into the high-50s. I have gas heat, but it’s really expensive and not super efficient (0 insulation) which means that I’ve gotten pretty good at dressing for warmth! To that end, I need to recommend my ultimate cozy weapon: these sherpa-lined sweats from L.L. Bean. My mom got me a pair last year for Christmas (and I’ve recommended them here before!) but if you are also a person-turned-popsicle, these are LIFE-CHANGING. Let me be clear: they add some bulk and they’re hard to fold, but they’re so soft and warm and plush and the lining still looks new, a year later. (I have to laugh at some of the negative reviews, which suggest that they might be “too warm” or “absolutely hideous” – I mean, they’re not wrong, but that’s kind of the point!) I’m not gonna win any beauty pageants in these, but they’re my favorite sweatpants and the lone piece of clothing keeping me from a $500 gas bill so EMPHATICALLY RECOMMEND:)

Also From Caitlin: A 2011-gem called “Million Dollar Decorators” just hit Netflix and it is SO BINGE-ABLE. It follows a few designers you’ve probably heard of – I don’t want to mention their names here, because I don’t think some of them are super likable on TV (!!!!) – but I’m OBSESSED with seeing which spaces have aged and which are still timeless. (It’s also fun to see these editorial spaces from a TV camera – interior photographers usually shoot from a low angle, so these standard camera shots are enlightening!) Has anyone else watched?!?!

From Arlyn: I’m a sucker for an understated Christmas sweater. I already have a handful in my closet but I couldn’t help but add a new one recently. This Peace on Earth sweatshirt from Target is so soft and just the right cut for my petite stature. It looks great with leggings, sweatpants, and jeans. The few times I’ve worn it, I’ve been asked where I got it. Sadly, many sizes are sold out, but in case you’re one of the sizes still left available, hurry hurry hurry! 

From Gretchen: There are so many makers I am loving on Instagram lately, but a few have really been standing out to me. I’m pretty sure the algorithm wants me to get into building custom cabinetry because I am consuming SO MANY inspiring DIY queens who just make it look all too easy. Fun fact: in sixth grade our class took a career aptitude test and it revealed I’d be best suited for a job in “cabinet carpentry”, which at the time felt like, “huh???” but now feels weirdly on the nose. I’ve dreamt up and hacked together many builds myself over the years, but Molly of @thelonegooseco is just killing it and really makes me want to learn to do it right and do it well, so that maybe one day I could fulfill that middle school destiny. I am currently obsessed with her hallway dresser build. She’s making the custom storage solution of my dreams and doing it completely from scratch. The best part is many of her videos really take you through the process of exactly how she does it, making the whole thing feel quite doable. I’ve decided I NEED a pocket hole jig because of her. Alongside her projects, I’m enjoying watching @reneerenovates custom-build her kitchen (by herself!) and @abby_roadhome, who just outfitted her son’s room with the coolest record storage bench and shelving combination. There are so many more incredible projects on each of their pages–go check them out!

From Mallory: I bought these cute snowmen from CB2 last year and it made me SO HAPPY to pull them out again this year. It’s always the first piece of holiday decor I put up because it’s more “winter” than full-on Christmas as Em would say, but they’re simple and make me really happy to look at. I have the small and large size and the best part is you could totally put some lights in them to make them glow all purty and nice:)

That’s is from us today and we promise this is going to be a VERY fun week:) See you tomorrow xx

Opening Image Credits: Design and Styled by Emily Henderson | Photo by Kaitlin Green | From:  The OFFICIAL First Farmhouse Christmas! (+ A Great Ribbon Hack And My Dream Color Palette)

The post The Link Up: Em’s “Ugly” Christmas Sweaters She Bought, Jess’ New $15 Everyday Bra, And What Catilin Considers Life-Changing Sweatpants appeared first on Emily Henderson.

15 Design-Forward Gift Ideas For Pets And Pet Lovers

This post is for two groups of people: those who love their pets (same here, hi!) and those who are totally stumped on what to get their pet-loving friend or family member (I can relate). Below, you’ll find a list of 15 fun ideas and tried-and-true recommendations for everything from hamster sofas (not a joke) to design-forward toy storage and heirloom-quality ceramic dishware for the furry companion in your life.

I can vouch for all the products listed here, but you can also grab similar pieces at your local pet store! I’m hoping to serve as a jumping off point – even our four-legged friends deserve a little holiday cheer, you know? Let’s start with a classic recommendation…

1. An Updated Pet Bed

Mattress-Quality Dog Bed | Warm Cat Bed | Classic Pendleton Bed | Vintage-Inspired Pet Bed

We’re long-time fans of the Tuft & Needle dog bed (seen here in this punchy makeover and here in Orlando’s gym!), but I’m enamored with this timeless Pendleton blanket bed! It’s such a classic motif – it’s the kind of bed that says “I know design, but I’m not snobby about it.” Speaking of design – if you’re looking for something really unique, you can’t go wrong with the selection at Funny Fuzzy. How good is this vintage-inspired floral bed? (That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to their inventory, too. Can you imagine breaking out something like this gingerbread house-shaped dog tent? Incredible.) Finally, I have to recommend this splurge-y cat bed – I’ve been through a few cheaper options, but this is the only bed I’ve found that can REALLY hold its shape. Mine still looks like new after 2 years of constant use!

2. Stylish Toy Storage

Classic Customizable Bins | Seagrass Pet Storage

You know what makes cleanup a lot easier? A dedicated spot for all your pet’s toys. I love the utilitarian laundry-cart style of these customizable bins (available in different sizes and colors, FYI!), but I’m really charmed by the shape and texture of this seagrass bone-shaped basket. That being said, there are tons of affordable bins and baskets out there – find one you love, toss in a few toys, and you’ve created a slam dunk gift.

3. A Custom Necklace

Custom Pet Necklace

There are a lot of custom pet gift options out there – socks with your pet’s face on them, hand-drawn illustrations, sweet ornaments, etc. – but I love this necklace as a fresh and modern alternative! Personalize your necklace by choosing from 50 different ear styles and a variety of finishes and chain lengths. (The $22 price tag doesn’t hurt, either!)

4. A Modern & Easy-To-Schlep Carrier

Modern Cat Carrier | Rolling Pet Carrier

Know a frequent traveler? Upgrade their pet’s accommodations with a fresh and clean travel carrier. This thoughtfully-designed modern option easily slides onto suitcases and can fold open into a comfortable bed, while this rolling version is a LIFESAVER for heavier pets or for long-distance walking. (PS. My cat’s done 10 flights with me this year – I’m asking for the roller bag for Christmas. It’s a far smoother ride for her and WAY more comfortable for me.)

5. Keep-Forever Dishes And Bowls

Ceramic Pet Set | Bright Pet Set | Glazed Stoneware Bowls

Take it from experience: my boyfriend, Dennis, gifted me that ceramic pet set last year for Christmas and it was the perfect present (it comes in a ton of colors and 2 sizes, too!). I never would have spent that much on pet dishes – the simple ones I’d grabbed at the pet store had been fine – but I love interacting with them every day. The quality is unmatched! There are tons of great styles out there – why not grab a pair of bowls that remind you of your loved one?

6. Chic Pet Furniture

Spiced Mahogany Console | Litter Box Furniture

If you love your pet but aren’t too crazy about the aesthetics of their necessities, might I suggest investing in some specialty furniture? The mahogany console is specially made to hold aquariums, terrariums, or small pet habitats; your guests will never guess that a litter box was hiding inside that blonde Scandi-style cabinet.

7. Or Some Tiny Additions

Small Animal Couch | Fish & Reptile Tower | Swim-Thru Pottery

Speaking of aquariums and terrariums, you can’t go wrong with any of the pieces from Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent’s Petsmart collection. They’ve designed a curated assortment of accessories and decor for reptiles, fish, and other small pets. (You’ll have the chicest hamster home that the world’s ever seen!)

8. An Easy-to-Clean Litter Box

Litter Robot | Cove Litter Box

Is a litter box an inherently sexy gift? Absolutely not. But these are the exception: they make scooping litter so much easier! It’s like a gift and an act of service all in one. I’ve had the Cove litter box for about 3.5 years now – I don’t know what kind of magic they did to this lining, but it’s still so easy to clean and the construction prevents litter from getting everywhere. The litter box will never be my favorite chore, but it’s painless now! (But for the record, I’d happily swap to a Litter Robot…you know, in case any of my friends are feeling particularly generous this year. :))

9. Classic Collars And Leashes

Novelty Pet Collar | Marine Rope Leash

There’s something so refined and polished about the “woven collar + rope leash” combo, isn’t there? These are both incredibly sturdy (seriously – the leash is made from marine rope, which is durable and soft. If it can hold a boat, it can hold your neurotic dog, too!) and designed to last long-term. I’m a fan of this L.L. Bean collar and Foggy Dog leash because I can vouch for the quality of both, but there are tons of great options at local pet stores, too.

10. Some Special Toys

Dog & Cat Lick Mat | Foraging Tray | Barkbox Subscription

Stuffed toys are great, but I prefer gifting pieces that won’t be torn into shreds within seconds. I’m especially partial to these lick mats (they’re great for dogs AND cats, FYI!) and foraging trays, which keep your furry friend both entertained AND challenged. Beyond that, a Barkbox subscription is a gift that’ll keep on giving all year (and they have some AWESOME Holiday-themed boxes right now).

11. A Scratching Post (That Isn’t An Eyesore!)

Mountable Scratching Post

Here’s a sentence I never thought I’d write: I love this scratching post. Sure, it’s inoffensive and sleek (a far cry from the scratching posts of yore!), but you can also mount it to a wall, which is totally genius. Leave it on the ground for cats who like to get in there and make biscuits; hang it up for cats who prefer a biiiiiiig stretch.

12. On-The-Go Essentials

Non-Scratch Back Seat Cover | Waste Bag Holder | Travel Water Bottle

These are my no-fail recommendations. No one will ever regret having an extra set of poo bags (pro tip: just keep one of these holders attached to every leash!), a travel water bottle (I like this one because any water that isn’t consumed goes back into the reservoir – it’s not wasteful AND it comes in sizes up to 44oz, which is perfect for hiking!), or an under-$40 seat protector that’ll keep the back seat clean and safe (and it makes it a bit more roomy and comfortable for dogs, too!).

13. A Festive Top

Cable Knit Dog Sweater | Matching Dog Pajamas

OH MY GOSH. That sweater! It comes in 32 different patterns (!!!) and runs from size XS through XL, so you’re guaranteed to find a fit that’s perfect for your pup. (I’m obsessed with the ski styles, which are hilarious and endearing.) On that note: how stinkin’ cute are these pajamas? You can grab the matching (human) PJs here – they’d be perfect for family photos or for Christmas Eve. (Kids, in particular, love these – can you imagine how much fun you would have had wearing matching PJs with your beloved childhood pet?)

14. Or An Adorable Accessory

Bow Tie Collar | Hanukkah Bandana

STICK A FORK IN ME BECAUSE I AM DONE. How dignified is this Frenchie?! (He means business.) How sweet are these bandana-donning sweetie pies?! (They’re ready to play when you are!) Here’s a fact: everyone loves a pet in a bowtie or a relaxed bandana – doubly so when those accessories have a festive spin. It’s a simple way to bring some instant cheer to a cold winter night, don’t you think?

15. Pet Stockings

Paw-Shaped Stockings

…because every member of the family deserves a stocking. This is a holiday tradition that I grew up with (paw-shaped stockings and all!) and it’s one I cherish. 🙂 My mom, Brenda, will pack a stocking for each pet – she’ll include toys, treats, catnip, a laser pointer, etc. – and she lets me, her 32 year old grown daughter, open them on Christmas morning and distribute the trappings to each pet in our home. We have a really small family – just the two of us! – so it’s nice to share the love, you know? Highly recommend.

This is where I leave you! Any other ideas? You know where to drop them… xx

Opening Image Credit: Photo by Kaitlin Green

The post 15 Design-Forward Gift Ideas For Pets And Pet Lovers appeared first on Emily Henderson.

9 Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas For Renters (AKA Easy To Store And Damage Free Decor)

On our Monday Zoom call, I was showing the team all of the Christmas decorating I did the day before, boasting about a couple of new and really EASY things I tried and thought turned out great. Em pretty quickly suggested that a post about Christmas decorating for renters would be fun! DONE. Of course, nothing I do or have done in the past are “renter only” decorating tips. However, I did realize this year that I do have a pretty dialed-in system that consists of space-efficient decor that’s easy to install with zero wall damage and is also real pretty. Ha. And to think I almost didn’t decorate this past weekend out of sheer laziness. But I’m so happy I did because while I still need to get a tree this weekend, my apartment is CHEERFUL!

Garland Tension Rod

If you have been on TikTok or Instagram recently, you’ve likely seen the tension rod garland trend (I’m sure people have been doing this for a long time but it’s currently all the rage). Now, I wouldn’t say I’m someone who tends to try viral trends…actually, this might be my first. But when I saw this hack, it was an immediate, “OOOOH I want to try this!” Luckily, I had a tension rod I wasn’t using (YES), some battery-operated fairy lights (my favorite), and some velvet ribbon I’ve used for the past four years. All I needed was some greenery so I hopped over to Trader Joe’s and picked up three of their cedar garland strands for $12.99 each (two for the tension rod and one for my mantle). The price and quality are the best.

In the video I linked, Wendy used a brass shower tension rod which might work better size-wise for a larger opening. Just be sure to check the measurements. The brass color is also much prettier than the white pole I have showing but I already owned it and didn’t care enough to spray paint it a different color. Maybe next year. I also happened to have green floral wire to easily attach the bows I made but I don’t think it’s necessary.

look at that pretty afternoon light:)

Here is a picture with the lights on later in the day! I LOVE using battery-operated fairy lights because they are delicate, pretty, and can be put on a timer. The timer is perfect here because the last thing I want to do towards the end of the day is get up on a chair or ladder to turn the lights on daily. Oh, I also wrapped the lights on after the greenery was on the rod. That made it easier to place and secure the battery packs before I hoisted the rod up.

And the best part is that no walls were damaged in this experiment. I think EVERYONE who likes to decorate for the holidays should try this.

Battery-Operated Fairy Lights

As I’ve already stated, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my battery-operated fairy lights. I put them everywhere and on a timer. They go on my garland (seen above), on shelves, on my tree! Well, this year for my tree I’m buying an extra long strand that plugs in. I like this one but maybe should get the green one?

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styling by jess bunge (me!) and julie rose | from: jess’ bold berry-infused, cozy modern holiday apartment

These smaller strands just add so much ambiance that won’t add to your electricity bill:)

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styling by jess bunge (me!) and julie rose | from: jess’ bold berry-infused, cozy modern holiday apartment

See it peeking out on my kitchen shelf from a few years ago? Even washing dishes was better with them. Also, they don’t take up a ton of space since they are way skinnier than traditional Christmas lights.

Bulbs On Chandelier

This was another new thing I tried (because I saw it on Instagram? Ugh, sorry I can’t find the video!), putting ornaments on my chandelier. In the past, I may have thought it was a little kitschy but joke’s on me because I LOVE IT and now welcome the potential kitschy-ness. I also LOVE that my beautiful glass ornaments, that I think sorta get lost in the chaos of my tree usually, are centerstage…where they belong.

I know not everyone has a chandelier but think a little outside the box when it comes to places to hang ornaments This is also a great hack if you have kids or dogs and don’t want to put your fragile ornaments on your tree where they could get to them easier:)

Mini Decor On Frames

Mini Trees (similar)

The trick that Sara and Erik taught me. Put little mini decor on picture frames! This is so quick and easy. I got these mini bottle brush trees from Target and this year thought I would sprinkle a few on some picture frames. A fun surprise that’ll make you look cool…or at least I will think you’re cool:) Also, mini = doesn’t need lots of storage space. Renter-friendly!

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styling by jess bunge (me!) and julie rose | from: jess’ bold berry-infused, cozy modern holiday apartment

But you don’t need to use trees if that’s not your style! You can also get a delicate sprig and put it on a frame. I really loved how that cedar sprig looked on my old gallery wall. Simple but visually impactful, if I do say so myself.

Ribbon Is Your Friendstyled by emily henderson | photo by kaitlin green | from: the official first farmhouse christmas!

In case you missed Emily’s first official farmhouse Christmas reveal, this was the year of the ribbon and I couldn’t have loved it more. Em’s budget-friendly hack is to go get fabric by the yard instead of spools of ribbon that end up adding up so fast! This way you can also cut to your preferred size.

Wreaths are a key place for ribbon. Emily played with a few different kinds on her kitchen wreaths and they are perfect. Notice the Command hooks that the wreaths are attached to. No damage!

design by arlyn hernandez | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: arlyn’s warm (& sort of last-minute diyed) holiday reveal

But if you have a curtain rod you don’t even need a Command hook! Just throw that ribbon over the pole to your desired length and tie the knot behind the wreath like Arlyn did. I have also done this in past apartments and loved the look. Easy peasy and looks very chic.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styling by jess bunge (me!) and julie rose | from: jess’ bold berry-infused, cozy modern holiday apartment

I clearly like to drape ribbon anywhere that needs some holiday cheer…like on a wall mirror:)

styled by emily henderson | photo by kaitlin green | from: the official first farmhouse christmas!

I had to include this shot of the farmhouse because it’s SO PRETYY. This ribbon look could easily be achieved on the tension rod garland too.

Lastly, ribbon is SO easy to store because it takes up almost no room. Renters with storage issues rejoice:)

Little Vignettes left photo by sara ligorria-tramp | styling by jess bunge (me!) and julie rose | from: jess’ bold berry-infused, cozy modern holiday apartment

Over the past handful of years, I have collected some fun figurines. Well, almost exclusively trees of all shapes, sizes, and materials. But all in a color palette that works seamlessly together. That way each year I grab my bin of decor and play with new little vignette configurations. Mostly it’s because I don’t remember what I did the year before but also to see what new life I can bring out of not new decor.

Now, the challenge as a renter can be surface space, right?! So get creative. Window sills, desks, open shelving, etc. are all great places for a small Christmas moment. A little goes a long way.

Then as taught by Em, I almost always work in odd numbers. Mostly threes but as you can see on the right, sometimes fives. Just vary the heights, colors, and materials and you’ll easily have a very cute Christmas decor vignette. Add some greenery for extra points.

Colorful Taper Candles

Candle Set

I have been singing the praises of colorful candles for a minute now but until this year haven’t embraced the multi-colored candle look in my favorite vintage candelabra! It’s almost stupid how fun and good these look with my Christmas decor. They just look cool and intentional yet unexpected and I can’t recommend trying some for yourself! Plus as a renter, you can buy a few each year and light them so they burn down meaning you don’t have to store them! Here’s a post with more shoppable options.

HOT TIP: See those accordion cream trees in the fireplace? They fold up flat making them SO easy to store since they take up almost zero room. Plus they are awesome.

Nostalgic Holiday Decor

As known, storage is almost always an issue with apartments so you need to be strategic about which decor is most important to you. Now, it took me a while to realize this but having a few decorations from childhood makes everything feel more special. Most of you might be saying, “DUH, JESS!” but I was so caught up in collecting things that were more “my style” that I didn’t take the time to dig through the old stuff (it’s been in storage so not easy to access either). Maybe in the back of my mind, I thought I would do that when I bought my first house and could store everything. Well, homeownership is still in the distant future for me, so grabbing my mom’s family’s old creepy carolers and our little nutcrackers makes my home feel more connected to my family. Oh, the creepy Santas on my mantle were also my mom’s:)

Well, that’s it from me today. Hope it was a decorating post that inspired not overwhelmed. This time of year should be happy and maybe even a little magical if we’re lucky so just do as much or as little as you want<3 No pressure here!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | Styling by Jess Bunge (me!) and Julie Rose | From: Jess’ Bold Berry-Infused, Cozy Modern Holiday Apartment

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RENOVATION WARNING! A PSA About The “Standard” But Too Big Junction Box (Also HELP)

We are full speed ahead on my brother’s River house project (finally in the “fun to show you” stage which is happening SOON) and it’s bringing up more things for me to tell you. This time it’s not about mistakes you can avoid or preventing problems from contractor, it’s just that sometimes the design world moves forward with new things, but the “standard” way of building a house remains the same unless you flag it early. These are *mostly* solveable and again, not a “mistake” just an “OH OK GOOD TO KNOW”. It’s really about knowing what you want early, design-wise, and communicating it to your contractor so they can build the house for how you designed it.

photo by kaitlin green | from: farmhouse kitchen revealThe “Too Big Junction Box” If You Want Small Sconces Or Ceiling Lights

Here’s the deal – a junction box is the electrical housing that sits behind the drywall that you connect a wall or ceiling light to, and most are a standard size (usually 4″, sometimes 5″, I guess), creating a hole that size in the wall. And yet there are so many new and cool sconces out there that have a much smaller “canopy”, which is the round or square part of the scones that connects to the wall and COVERS the J-box hole). Do you always have your sconces/ceiling lights picked out before the electrical is done? Nope. But if you want one of the new/cool sconces that has a tiny canopy then you need to install a much smaller junction box and if you don’t catch it, the electrician will install standard. This has happened to me now twice and counting…

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: a quick update: the changes i’ve made to my la living room

Years ago this happened in LA when I wanted to put art lights over our shelves flanking our fireplace, replacing bigger sconces (the same ones that are on the sides of the room). The art lights had a small back rectangular plate, but the J-boxes were 4″ in diameter. Our walls were plaster and therefore switching out the J-boxes to a smaller one and patching them was going to be annoying, but I really wanted these sconces and already had them on hand. We ended up putting them over a piece of painted metal that covered the hole, attached the sconce to that, and called it a day (I wouldn’t do this for a design client or myself now, BTW, but I was ok with it then for whatever reason).

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: a quick update: the changes i’ve made to my la living room

This happened again in our farmhouse in the rooms where there was paneling. I wanted picture light sconces flanking the hood in the kitchen and in the family room but I forgot to catch it in time and the electrician installed the standard 4″ Junction boxes, drilling huge 4″ holes into the beautiful horizontal wood. The sconces I wanted had a 3 1/2″ back plate – not big enough to cover the hole. You can’t patch a wood gap like that so I had to return the sconces I wanted and got bigger ones, which are fine but I wanted these originally.

photo by kaitlin green | from: farmhouse family room reveal

But the thing is that the smaller junction boxes seem to be more expensive so you want to choose them wisely. It’s like smaller canned lights – you might not want to put them everywhere or it can really up your budget, so knowing where you might want those smaller sconces before you finish drywall (or paneling) is important. And yes, you can definitely change out the J-box to make it smaller, you just need to patch/repair the drywall and paint (which is easier than paneling or plaster, but still a thing if you have smooth walls).

But I ALSO want to talk to lighting manufacturers/retail brands about this – I think this should be flagged prominently on the site before buying. Exact canopy size is often not even on specs and FURTHERMORE, sometimes if there are articulating sconces you can’t even see the canopy in the photo. These sconces have a 2″ backplate (not even sure how small of a J-box you would need), and I almost bought these recently for a project but I would have had to redo the drywall. But more and more I’m finding sconces that I want have a small backplate which needs to get caught first.

So my PSA to you is to A. try to find your sconces/ceiling lights early on and B. double check the size of the canopy so that if you have a smaller one you have time to put in a smaller J-box before you order and have to return (or do some annoying patchwork).

Sound off in the comments if I’m wrong about this or if there is a solution that we don’t know about. xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green

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Relief Is Here! Our Official Boomer Dad Gift Guide From A Beloved (And Trusted) Source, Jess’ Dad

From Jess: I thought I’d give you all a holiday gift this year…one more Les Bunge post! When I asked him if he had time to write a gift guide he graciously said, “No problem, gotta keep my fans happy.” LOL and eye roll. So I hope this post will bring you a fraction of the joy it brings him:) I’d also like to state for the record that HE got all of us those matching outfits. Ok, enjoy!

The older you get the harder it is buying gifts because you’ve been buying for roughly the same people over and over. How many scarves, sweaters, wallets, gloves, ties, or socks can you buy someone? It’s a problem to be sure. An editor at Emily Henderson Design was wondering if I might share my thoughts about this dilemma we all experience around the holidays for the older men in your life and I do not say no to this particular editor (not ever in her lifetime). Years ago I admired some new technology on a miter saw in front of my family. I didn’t want it I already had two perfectly fine mitre saws. Nevertheless, on Christmas morning there was this huge box and in it, that miter saw. I gave an Oscar-winning performance of excitement. I learned a good lesson that day. Know your person and truly listen to them. And I mean LISTEN, it has helped my gift-giving immensely. 

My favorite gifts on the receiving end did one of a few things. It made me look better (or younger), it made me feel better, it made my life easier, or it was just frickin cool. So let me see if I can’t come up with a few ideas that fit that bill. 

Palma Derby | Costa Mid Top Sneaker | ‘Federico’ Oxford

What items make me look better? Well, I’m a shoe guy. I am partial to Italian-made men’s shoes. Those Italian fellas seem to like soft leather in a very stylish design. Though I am not Italian you wouldn’t know when looking at my feet when I’m spending a night on the town. I am also very good at women’s shoes. I thank being in the womb with my twin sister for that. I have bought many women’s shoes as a gift. My wife, my girlfriends, my friend’s wives. Funny, at birthday parties not one man in the room got it when the presents were opened. Every woman in the room, however, did. Now that made me look better to a whole lot of women. It also got me invited to a lot of birthday parties. HA! Paul Green and Freda Salvador shoes were the most comfortable. Mercedes Castillo and Manolo Blahnik were the most stylish. Christian Louboutins are the sexiest (at least to me). I do not know how many male readers there are at EHD but that information is for you. Take note! Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack have an ample supply.

Back to the men, Magnanni makes some very fashionable dress shoes (all the shoes above). I say dress shoes as if I wear them only when I’m out on the town. To be truthful I wear them as everyday wear. They break in quickly and are quite comfortable. People have told me often that they always admire the shoes I wear. I don’t even notice because it is a habit of mine. But I gotta admit I like the attention. Sandro Moscoloni shoes are probably the softest leather of any of my shoes. The comfort they afford me does not take away from the style content. They look great. Again, people notice. Once upon a time in my life, a quite attractive woman told me that her mother always said a man with nice shoes is always worth a second look. Never forgot that. Ha!

Army Green Crocs

Before I leave the shoe department let me tell you a story. Recently, I was given a pair of Crocs. I said at some point in my life, “Never and I mean never would I wear Crocs”. But, as to not hurt someone’s feelings I put them on and went to the store. Did they make me look better? No (but maybe). Did they make me feel younger? No (but maybe). Did they make my life easier? NO (but maybe). Were they frickin’ cool? NO (but maybe). Do I see my confused state? Yes. They were not uncomfortable. They are easy on and off. They come in real handy for quick trips to the market or to and from the hot tub or garden. I could live with the army green color of my first pair. Wait, did I say first pair? Yikes. I guess I’m not in opposition to them any longer. Geez, even old dogs can learn something new.

Neat Diamond Cotton Pocket Square | The Blane Blue Polka Dot Pocket Square | The Chase Gingham Pocket Square

I am also a pocket square guy. I have found many all over this planet. I have found vintage ones in second-hand stores. One was actually a map of the USA. I have a Howdy Doody pocket square, not to mention a Roy Rogers one. When I buy new there is a company in Los Angeles called PSC (Pocket Square Clothing) they have a unique and fashionable outlook on the pocket square. I like their clothes also. Can’t go wrong there. 

at a wedding in italy with my girlfriend. i was the best dressed man there without a doubt!

Rice Bow Tie | English Satin Point Bow Tie

What makes me feel better? Well, frankly, when I get complimented on my attire. I own a few bow ties with matching pocket squares made of goose feathers. I have one black one and one white one. I have never worn either of them without a multitude of compliments. They are quite extraordinary. They are handmade by a company in South Carolina called Brackish. I am gonna get a colorful one this holiday season. It’s amazing how many different colors they come in. And, though I’ve mentioned it before, I always get complimented on any kilt I may be wearing from Utilikilt. They are a Seattle-based company. Just love them. 

The Classic Straight Leg Jeans – Joe’s | Blake Slim Straight Jean – Hudson

Also, let me say a sure winner every time is a pair of jeans. Usually, old men like me find a brand that we prefer and buy nothing else. That’s certainly true for me. I wear two brands. One is Hudson and the other is Joe’s. Both are available at Nordstrom. The Joe’s brand is more of my everyday wear. They fit a little looser and are easier to work in while still looking fashionable enough. The Hudson brand fits a little slimmer and seems a little dressier. I wear the “Blake” in the Hudson brand. They fit me well (my butt looks pretty good in them). Both brands have a stretch waist (best invention ever). There is nothing worse for me than going into a clothing store and trying on jeans for hours. I’m sure that is why most men find one or two brands and stick with them. Find out what your guy likes. Also, find out what you like them in. Sometimes that’s enough to get us to change. If you tell us we look great we cannot resist (compliments will get you everywhere).

Revive Shoe

Wait, another shoe I found that I thought was really cool. One of my female clients was wearing a pair of shoes that were quite attractive on her. Seeing that I’m a shoe guy I had to inquire. They are from Kane Footwear. They sort of resemble Crocs because of the holes but are anything but. I can say that because I bought a pair for myself. They are comfortable. They give you great support which I need because I walk a lot. Plus they look great. Gotta admit I feel kinda hip in them( don’t worry it will be short-lived ). Ha!

Second Day Hair Cream

There’s another product that I’ve been using for 15 years that helps me look my best. It’s called Second Day. It is a hair cream made by Unite. I am lucky to have a full head of hair (thanks, Dad) but when I wake up it’s pretty scary and all over the place. Second Day takes care of that. Also, my hair is rather thin so it helps that issue too. Nothing worse than looking like one of the Monkees pop group at 73. Yikes!

Wood Magnifying Glass | Gold Magnifying Glass

Most things that make my life easier are also pretty frickin’ cool. So this is a twofer. I have a paintbrush magnifying glass by Cyan Design. It’s not only coolio but unfortunately helps me immensely (getting old is a full-time job). It was one of the best gifts I have ever gotten.

Pantry Wooden Bread Bow

I also own a bread-slicing knife by Farm Pottery. After getting used to a baguette a day living in Paris earlier this year, it comes in real handy. I’m still doing a baguette a day. Found a great bakery in Sonoma called Baker and Cook. Back when I used to frequent bars regularly I would walk in and my drink would be waiting for me. Now, I walk into a bakery and my baguette is waiting for me. Don’t know if that’s good or bad.

Herb Harvest Strip Tool

I also just came across an herb stripper made by Bare Bones. It’s a simple gadget but saves time in the kitchen. Shockingly, I have gotten into gardening…sort of. Must admit there is something about having your hands in the dirt that I didn’t understand before. Amazing!

some of my garden loot

Garden Hose and Holder

Because of that, I bought a cool garden hose and a hose holder from Garden Glory. Mine is called “Night Rider Kit “. It’s kinda expensive but really good looking on the front of my house.

my girl, babe.

Dog Puffer Jacket

If you have a dog in your life (I have a new one, Babe!) Blueberry Pet actually makes a puffer jacket for dogs. Who knew?

two of my other girls, martini and olive (since they lay olive-colored eggs)! they’re best friends

Chicken Feed

If you have chickens in your life (I have five, yikes again!) I got a subscription for chicken feed from a company called Grubbly Farms. It’s easy and shows up every month. Quality is unmatched.

my airstream, dorthea.

Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker

If one of your recipients owns an RV, there is a tabletop ice maker that is great. There are many brands. I have a Frigidaire. I own an Airstream and would always have to buy bags of ice when I got to the campsite. Not anymore, the first thing I do is plug in the ice maker. All set for the duration. It’s really nice to have. Also, when I have dinner parties or the like I’ll set it up on the patio with the drinks so people can serve themselves. Really cool and makes my life easier. Yay!

Boxer Briefs

Now, not to get too personal but all men need underwear (with the exception of the Scottish regiment). Boxer briefs are the best invention of the modern man’s wardrobe. How we did without them is beyond me. I have tried several different brands over the years. The winner is the Calvin Klein. They are soft and silky feeling. They provide great support and really last. They sort of make you look like an athletic type also. Who doesn’t like looking like a jock? Even an old man like me.

I hope I was able to give you some ideas. I’ve always been of the opinion that “outside the box “ is always better than “dull in the box“. 

Krazy Klean Toilet Cleaner

Before I go I would like to give you all a gift, I live in a part of the country with hard water. One of my issues was always having a ring around my toilet bowl. I found myself cleaning that thing almost daily. If I had guests in my home I knew when they used my facilities they thought they were in a gas station on Route 66. It was annoying. I then stumbled on a product called “Krazy Klean“. I think I saw the ad on TikTok. Here was this person who said she hadn’t cleaned her toilet in a year. Really!? I got suckered in and ordered some. The instructions say you must clean the bowl thoroughly with a pumice stone. Then you drop this cartridge in the tank and you’re done. I did that six months ago and have not touched my sparkling toilet since. It is amazing. Who knew that I could get excited about a toilet bowl cleaner? Certainly not I.

Plant Paper Toliet Paper

And, as long as we’re in the powder room let me tell you about another product. I was at my niece’s wedding. Upon using their restroom I noticed the toilet paper was different than the usual. It was beige in color and had a different and soft texture. When I left the venue the next morning I went into their gift shop to see if they sold the bathrobes that were in the rooms. I liked the burnt orange color and I could use the robe at my hot tub. I then noticed that they also sold the toilet paper by the box so I bought both. When I got home I googled the brand “Plant Paper“. The website explains a lot of things I didn’t know about toilet paper. I was sold on this ecologically and environmentally safe product. I promise you, you’ll like these two bathroom products. 

I didn’t mean to end this gift guide in the crapper it just sort of happened. I hope it was ok. 

One more thing, don’t forget about you. I went to Iceland recently to witness the Northern Lights,  Merry Christmas to me. So do something nice for yourself. You are the one person that you can buy for and not need a gift receipt. Ha!

during a bunges’ christmas card shoot circa 2014. never not explaining the very important facts of life to them. ha.

 I hope all of you have a fruitful and satisfying Holiday Season.

The post Relief Is Here! Our Official Boomer Dad Gift Guide From A Beloved (And Trusted) Source, Jess’ Dad appeared first on Emily Henderson.

It’s (Finally) Time For An Update On Arlyn’s Rental Kitchen: Here’s Her *Actual* Design Plan

What do you get when you mix five months with some elbow grease, snafus, design pivots, and a lot of interruptions from a very cute toddler? Well, my cherry rental kitchen redo, that’s what! That’s right, I’m back with an update…the final update because SURPRISE! The space is actually done and I LOVE IT. It truly makes me so happy. Stay tuned in the next few weeks for the reveal but for today, I have a lot of in-between progress to share to catch you up.

First, let’s remind you where we started, which I shared back in June on this post.

The Original Cherry Cabinets In My Rental

My biggest hurdles to jump in bringing this place to life a bit were as follows:

Somehow lighten the heaviness of the cabinets without actually changing the cabinets (again, this is a rental so I have a lot of limitations and everything has to be reversible). Update some of the early 2000s vibes of the hardware, lighting, laundry closet doors, etc. Create a breakfast nook so we could eat in here.Add more storage so I could clear off the counters some more.Bring some cohesion to the mismatched appliances.

In general, it was a totally fine space, especially considering I’ve had way worse as a renter. But it was just bland. As personable as a sack of bread flour. And if you know anything about my design style, “bread flour” is a far cry from what sets my heart ablaze. I like pattern, color, and charm. Someone once asked me to describe my aesthetic (wait…it might have been for my bio on this website), and I think I said something like an English grandmother’s cottage after her hip grandkid came in and pared it back just a little.

In my original post about how I was going to modernize my cherry Shakers, a lot of you thought it just couldn’t be done, but then the moodboard I presented changed a lot of your minds. My product choices evolved since this summer (keep reading) but the *vibes* are still pretty dead-on.

Evolution of a Moodboard

Here’s the very first design plan I shared and frankly, I still love it. It’s impactful, colorful, lived in.

Brass Cup Handle | Brass Bar Cabinet Pull | Green Tile Backsplash | Paint | Curtains | Pinstripe Fabric | Checkerboard Flooring | Brass Rail | Brass Hooks | Wicker Hanging Baskets | Rug | Dining Chair | Dining Table | Burgundy Cabinet

After ordering six different peel-and-stick backsplash options (more on that in a few scrolls), including the one shown above, I decided on a different product and also found a bistro table that was just the right size for my eat-in area. Additionally, I sourced two secondhand wooden dining chairs very similar to the ones shown below on Facebook Marketplace for about $60. Here’s that board updated with these picks:

Bistro Table | Peel & Stick Backsplash | Dining Chair

As a reminder, my plan for the curtains was to take out the laundry doors and replace them with panels. I’d color-match my final selects for a paint color for the walls so that it all felt seamless and visually cohesive. I loved the idea of bringing a dash of burgundy on the other side of the space via the cabinet to balance the red of the kitchen cupboards. And well, who doesn’t love a checkerboard floor right now?

But then a few things happened…

Picking Final Material Selections

I know I already revealed the backsplash I went with, but let’s take a look at some of the other samples I considered.

The left is a skinny tile that closely matches the sage green of the countertops (it doesn’t look like it in the photo as much as it does in real life). I liked the color variation and how they felt modern but timeless. The four on the right are all by a company called Smart Tiles. It’s hard to see in my photo but the top two do look like zellige tile just…very glossy. They were beautiful, and the material was kind of gel-like and felt durable. Neither color worked for me (too dark, too blue in undertone), and neither did the penny tile or the other subway. They were very minty and also read “2004 glass tile” which I did NOT want.

Remember my “cohesive paint and curtain” plan? Yeah…no. The second I laid eyes on Jenni Yolo’s Chasing Paper collection that launched earlier this fall, I knew I had to have it. (P.S. You might notice there’s a green cabinet in the photo with the wallpaper samples…the red one I wanted went out of stock and stayed out of stock, so I settled on the emerald version instead, and honestly, it’s the best happy “inconvenience” that happened because it’s perfect in here.) While I was deadset on the yellow and green colorway, the wonderful team at Chasing Paper sent me samples of the entire line in all the shades available and I pivoted once again. The mustard felt too heavy in my small space but the lighter tones of the bottom paper were beautiful and soft and happy.

This Ruggable rug was one of the first things I picked out for the whole space. I LOVE the Blackthorn pattern from Morris & Co. in theory, but when the rug arrived, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t right in here. It had a little too much vintage-esque fading, and the dark green I thought comprised the rug when I saw the photo of it online turned out to be more of a dark blueish black.

I lived with it for months and one day just decided I didn’t want to settle. They graciously let me donate it instead of having to mail this large, heavy thing back and I went on the hunt for a secondhand rug on Facebook Marketplace (spoiler: I found an amazing wool Armenian rug for $80 and grabbed it IMMEDIATELY and it’s gorgeous and makes me very happy).

My Biggest Spend: New-to-Me Appliances

My absolute biggest challenge in here was figuring out these appliances. Before we moved in, we swapped the white electric coil stove for a great GE Profile glass-top stove I found on (you guessed it) Facebook Marketplace for $350. That’s what you see in the original images I shared, but here’s what it looked like when we first got the townhouse:

The fridge was white, the stove was white, and the dishwasher was black. So when we brought in the new stainless range, we had three colors going on in here. It was wild and no amount of backsplash or pretty wallpaper was going to solve that problem. I considered adding some stainless wrap or contact paper to both but the truth was, the dishwasher was ancient and barely washed the dishes we put into it (not to mention how inefficient it must be from an energy standpoint), and the fridge was too small for our needs being that I cook most meals here. Plus, the freezer door was always popping open randomly and we’d come back hours later to an open freezer and everything soft and squishy.

Charles and I checked with our landlord about replacing them, which she was okay with as long as we footed the bill (and put back what was here when we eventually move out). We didn’t want to spend $5,000+ on a new fridge and dishwasher, so I hunted for weeks, nay…MONTHS for the right product at the right price on Facebook Marketplace.

Guys, this was my EVEREST. I found a nearly new LG smart dishwasher for $125, and a GE profile French door fridge (in a hyper-specific size that had to be both counter depth AND no wider than 33″ because the opening didn’t fit a full-size fridge) for $400.

All in, we spent about $1,000 on the range, fridge, and dishwasher after delivery, and to us, it was money well spent. We can bring these appliances with us to our next home or possibly even leave them if our landlord is willing to pay us for them.

Plus, the obvious win of looking considerably better than our mismatched monstrosity from before.

A Last-Minute Lamp Snaffu And A DIY Pivot

So, we’re finally near the end, and before I show you my finally FINAL moodboard, I wanted to also tell you of another shift I had to make at the absolute last minute. I found this beautiful woven pendant for the breakfast nook from Lulu & Georgia on Facebook Marketplace (my BFF) for $125. It was originally about $400, so it was a TOTAL score. Except that a week before my scheduled photoshoot, it arrived broken. The seller claimed it happened in the mail, I think he sold it to me broken because there was nothing in the very sturdy box that could have caused this damage.

Long story less long, he offered me $50 to keep the (broken) lamp, or a full refund if I sent a video of me further destroying it and throwing it in the trash. My heart couldn’t handle that, so so far, I’ve kept it. I don’t know what to do with it (any ideas?!?!?) but trashing it feels immensely wasteful.

All of that, of course, meant that I needed to find a solution for my shoot with only days to spare. I looked on all the secondhand sites to find something, but everything was either out of my budget (considering I was already out $125), or just not what I wanted stylistically. So I contemplated somehow making something myself and went on the hunt for inspiration. I’m very into the pleated lampshade trend so after some research, I landed on just buying a cheap Empire lampshade and trying my hand at adding some fabric to it. I found pretty patterned sheets on clearance at Target (much cheaper than fabric most times!!), watched a handful of YouTube tutorials, and the finished product is one of my product DIY moments. I can’t wait to show you it! The day before the shoot, I bought a mini pendant kit, strung it through the top part of the lampshade, and wired and hung it myself.

The Final Moodboard

I’ve come a long way with a lot of near misses, and bobs and weaves, but this is where I finally landed:

Brass Cup Handle | Brass Bar Handle | Pendant Light | Striped Fabric | Paint | Peel & Stick Backsplash | Peel & Stick Wallpaper | Yellow Chair Fabric | Table | Dining Chairs | Display Cabinet | Rug (vintage)

Well…except for with a different pendant. I picked a green paint that coordinated with the wallpaper to paint the laundry doors instead of taking them out (they provide good sound buffering which curtains wouldn’t do), and as mentioned, changed the display cabinet to emerald. That’s a (very bad) photo of the rug I bought so forgive me but you get the gist. I’m realizing now I didn’t even begin to discuss what I was doing with the striped fabric but I’ll get into that in the reveal post instead (hint: a very cheap DIY for anyone who loves a Roman shade). And because I loved the mustard of my original wallpaper pick, I brought it into the fabric I used to reupholster the seats on my used chairs (thanks Max Humphrey for sending me some of your Pindler & Pindler fabric, it’s perfect).

And that’s it. This is where I leave you. Again, I’m so, SO excited to show you the finished product because the change is so good without being wildly over-the-top in terms of effort. Yes, it took me 5 months but that’s just because life and money got in the way. The Internet loves things to be instant, but real life takes time. And I’m glad I put in the time to get it all sorted in a way that excites me every day when I walk through that kitchen door.

Stay tuned.

Your friend in “make it work” design, Arlyn

The post It’s (Finally) Time For An Update On Arlyn’s Rental Kitchen: Here’s Her *Actual* Design Plan appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: The Best Family Non-Holiday “Togetherness” Movie, Mal’s Dream $24 Holiday Dress, And A Cause We Are More Than Happy To Support

Happy Sunday everyone! As you can see above we are now in full Christmas mode (well at least the Henderson home is:)). But we also hope that your Thanksgivings were full of love and good food. We know it’s just the craziest marketing time of year but hopefully between our gift guides and Black Friday post you feel well-equipped if you are participating. So with that said, here are more links. Ha.

This week’s house tour is the kind of home that will make your heart sing and cause lots of envy. The home of Rixo co-founder Orlagh McCloskey (a fashion brand) not only created a lot of the art in their home due to massive frustration with the cost of large-scale art but also had a very talented carpenter as a partner and interior designer twin sister. What a team! The home, while a new build, is full of 70s Matisse-inspired design and lots of cool vintage. Go read all about it here!

From Emily: Y’ALL, I’m coming in HOT with this year’s best family non-holiday togetherness movie (already), It’s called Leo, by Adam Sandler (and others). It is LAUGH OUT LOUD funny, has sweet music, and is so relatable for both the kids, us parents of elementary school kids, and the grandparents. The messaging is so good for all of us. It’s about a classroom lizard who is approaching old age and perhaps the end of his life after being a school pet for 75 years. He’s seen it all, has tons of advice to give, and it’s just a real hero’s journey that is so feel-good for the whole family. I swear Adam Sandler had many school teachers consult on this one – it’s safe for everyone and we are definitely planning on watching it again (and we are also very excited for The Family Switch BTW but as of publishing time it’s not out yet).

From Caitlin: Oooooh baby – I’ve been buttering all of you up with posts for the last 4.5 years and I’m finally here to request a favor!!! My dear friend (and ice skating teammate!) Gillian is the founding director of Resilience Rising, a nonprofit organization that provides support to survivors of sexual trafficking and commercial exploitation through residential treatment and community-based mentoring. Gillian is exactly the type of woman who you’d want running an organization like this: she’s warm, brilliant, dedicated, and seemingly unflappable. I really look up to her (on and off the ice!) and her work is SO important, especially as her team establishes their new home base in Southern California. If you’re on the hunt for an easy way to do some good this holiday season, might I suggest buying a (tax-deductible!) gift from a current resident’s wishlist? Lots of items are on sale now, the average price point is between $7 and $30, and you’d truly be lifting the spirits of the women and infants in Resilience Rising’s care. I’ve never put out a call like this on the blog, but it’d mean the world to me if you’d consider adding something small to your next Amazon haul this winter:) THANK YOU!!!

Also from Caitlin: Struggling to find a good under-$20 white elephant gift that folks will actually want to steal? I GOT YOU. Enter this disco ball bottle opener – it was a total hit with my friend group. Did I mention it comes in pink, too?

From Gretch: One thing I’ve learned from working at the Henderson’s is that ice matters. I’ve been spoiled with their incredible pebble ice machine. It’s simply the best–always ready, always crunchy, perfectly pebbly, and secretly tucked away. Comparatively, my at-home ice situation is less than ideal. For years I’ve been stuck to the tray, filling it to just the right amount, precariously stacking them in my already cramped freezer, waiting HOURS to quench my thirst, usually forgetting to stay on top of production all together. But I finally figured it out! While my apartment doesn’t lend itself to built-in appliances, I realized that a countertop ice machine could work just as well. And I’m happy to report, that I absolutely love mine. Ice is ready in about 7 minutes, stays frozen in its bucket, and replenishes on its own! And while it’s not that perfect pebble ice, it is ice. It’s WAY quicker than an ice cube tray and plenty crunchy. It holds me over just fine until the start of the work week when I can go back to the best. If you’re in the market but maybe looking for a more elevated model, I also had my eye on this one and this one, but couldn’t justify the price at the time. But maybe on Cyber Monday…

From Mallory: A HOT Black Friday deal coming at ya – I convinced myself to buy this dress when I was pulling together my list of flowy, comfy dresses that are perfect for for fall/Thanksgiving and it’s better than I ever could have imagined. It’s SO soft and comfy, and I wasn’t sure if it had pockets or not but GUESS WHAT IT DOES. But the best part? It’s literally 60% off and is only $24 currently!! I love the way it looks with a black sweater over it and high boots if ya can see the vision. Snag it while it’s on such a hot sale!!

From Jess: I can’t remember if it was last year or the year before but I came across a product called Fresh Peaches through the Add to Cart podcast. It’s a gel that makes toilet paper a wet wipe. Y’all it’s INCREDIBLE. It doesn’t weaken the toilet paper, works like a charm, and is WAY better for the environment. There isn’t anyone on your list who won’t use and love this product (even if it’s not till they actually need to use it). These little to-go-sized ones might be the gift my friends didn’t know they needed this year. But you can get a full bottle and a to-go bottle at Target too! Practical, useful, and funny:)

Also From Jess: So remember those Everlane jeans I was raving about last week??? Well, they are currently 50% off!! Now, that’s the kind of Black Friday Sale I am into. The only catch is that what’s on sale is final sale. However, I found them to be very true to size and the reviews reflect that too. As an almost 5’4″ person I got the 26.5 inseam length which puts them perfectly at my ankle but they have two different length sizes if you are taller or like your jeans longer! I also got my original pair and my new pair in the Vintage Mid Blue wash because I think it’s perfect and looks better in person than on the website:) Just an FYI!

From Arlyn: I’m not a big believer in buying my clothes on Amazon. Everything is always two sizes too small and I haven’t had a ton of luck finding brands that make quality items (except leggings and things of that nature). But I saw someone share this great cardigan and it was just what I was looking for for something more dressed up. The knit is thick and sturdy and the gold buttons are so pretty. Also RUN, it’s on sale for about $18 right now. 

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow. xx

Opening Image Credits: Design and Styled by Emily Henderson | Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: The OFFICIAL First Farmhouse Christmas! (+ A Great Ribbon Hack And My Dream Color Palette)

The post The Link Up: The Best Family Non-Holiday “Togetherness” Movie, Mal’s Dream $24 Holiday Dress, And A Cause We Are More Than Happy To Support appeared first on Emily Henderson.