Emily Henderson's Blog, page 76
September 3, 2023
The Link Up: The Softest Blanket Em’s Ever Bought, Mal’s New Lightweight Fall Sweater, And Some CUTE Halloween Decor
We know it’s not “technically” fall (especially since Labor Day is the first Monday in September…aka tomorrow) however once it hits September 1st, we automatically feel fall in our bones. Yes, it’s still hot. Yes, you might have some beach days left in you. BUT, if you show us a pumpkin and a cozy throw, it just feels right. But to honor these waning warm summer days, we wanted to throw up another photo from Em’s Soake pool reveal post (we’ll the first summer reveal:)). If you haven’t checked out the post YOU SHOULD and then come back. If you have, thank you, and please proceed to the links!
This week’s house tour is of a rental home for the design lover. It’s called the Foam House and has 3 beds and 2 baths with a couple common spaces. This home is full of color, textures, wallpapers, you name it. It’s whimsical yet relaxing AND has a covered trampoline. Basically inspiration for daaays. Go check it out here!
From Emily: You might’ve already seen it on stories, but I wanted to share a closer look at the roman shades we ordered for our family room doors. Our doors were long and skinny and the western sunset light was BLASTING through right at the times that we wanted to watch tv (around 5-7pm). So we partnered with Two Pages and I am so extremely happy with how they turned out. We had to go custom with these because there were just no ready-made window treatments on the market that would fit the dimensions of these long, skinny windows. I spent a minute deciding on the right color and texture for the space (so many samples to choose from) and I love love love what we chose and how they look. The shades are an almost-perfect color match to the paint and the overall quality is super nice. They also came SO FAST (under 3 weeks) and were very easy to install (thanks, handyman Dave!) plus, for around $200 per shade, they’re so much more affordable than if I had gone “custom-custom”. Can’t recommend these enough (and yes they do drapes, hardware, and woven shades, too).
Also From Emily: We believe in seriously cozy blankets in our house and the kids drag them down almost every morning. While they have the Target ones, I was recently in Crate & Barrel, looking at my fun signage with my face on it (yay!) and I found this blanket and HOLY MOLY it’s the softest thing I’ve ever felt. So I bought it for me and it was quickly co-opted by the entire family (while we binge Alone – y’all that show is so good). It feels really high quality and heavy and the color is so pretty (and look so good on our blue sofa). Instant fall coziness.
Did you see our Labor Day sale post round up?? If you haven’t and are in need of anything, may we suggest checking it out! Caitlin is DEDICATED to finding the best deals, with EHD recs, and she somehow makes sales really fun. We promise:)
From Mallory: I just bought this sweater and it’s the only thing I want to wear right now – plus I just found out that it’s 40% off right now (thank you J. Crew for such solid sales!!!) It’s a great summer to fall transition sweater because you can put a light tank underneath it and unbutton it to wear it as a cardigan or button it up if you get a fall chill. I’m very obsessed!!!
From Jess: Whenever I am in New York, my best friend always asks if I want to go to her workout class at KKSWEAT with her. I probably workout more in New York than LA at this point! Can you tell I don’t do it very often?? Ha. But despite my current lack of routine, I have done tons and tons of workout classes in my day and theirs are some of the best. Why? Well, the co-owners and my friend’s dear friends, Kara and Kate, have been leading the way in the boutique fitness world for over a decade teaching all over New York City. So they most definitely know what they are doing. Their barre studio is in Flatiron so if you are in NY absolutely sign up for their classes. But if you aren’t in NY then they have both live and tons of on demand options. 10/10 full body workout.
Also From Jess: I was in my friend’s bathroom the other day and noticed her really cute towel storage rack. It easily holds three large towels but also has a top shelf for small folded hand towels so it’s perfect for small spaces. It comes in few different colors but she has the gold so I’m partial:)
From Caitlin: If your holiday decorating vibe is a little more “minimalist-meets-sweet,” may I please introduce the CUTEST FREAKIN’ HALLOWEEN OUTDOOR DECORATIONS I’VE EVER SEEN? I hereby present this light-up labrador (he’s dressed as a ghost!!!) and his devilish doodle companion. I mean, how adorable would these be perched by your front door, welcoming trick-or-treaters to your home? Growing up, I loooooved the weekend when my mom would pull out our quirky holiday yard stuff – we’ve had everything from festive flying pigs to gift-giving T-Rexes – so I have a real affinity for these charming Halloween versions, especially at this price point (you can grab both for just under $100!). They bring a lot of cheer to your curb appeal – there’s nothing like seeing a sweet little vignette illuminating the yard when you get home after a long day (especially as the days get shorter). Probably not the best rec for those who prefer scary or gory Halloween decor, but they’re perfect for me:)
From Gretchen: Fall seems to be fast approaching in Oregon. The last few days have teased the cloudy skies and cozy temperatures of the upcoming season and suddenly all I want to wear are comfy sweats. I’ve been obsessed with hooded onesies (think adult footie pajamas, but less cheesy and no footies). Caitlin made a great case for the lounge-y, jersey jumpsuit last week, but I’m ready to add sleeves into the mix! I have (and LOVE) this hooded onesie from Savage x Fenty and it is beyond cozy but sadly nearly sold out. Thankfully, Free People has a really similar one that’s arguably a little more presentable for public view (if you have to leave the house) andddd it’s already in my cart. Catch me living in this one as soon as it arrives, for all of fall.
From Arlyn: As I’m sure the entire nation heard, we had a bit of a tropical storm here in L.A. and when I did a quick inventory check of supplies in case the power went out, I realized we needed another flashlight (I could always use my phone, but when the electricity is out, you want to preserve your battery as long as you can). I hunted for something small that I could keep in my nightstand but I wanted to make sure it was powerful. This GearLight LED flashlight is about the size of a small zucchini but literally lights up an ENTIRE room. It has a zoom feature so you can go wide or narrow, and it takes standard AA batteries instead of a 9-volt/C/D that I almost never have on hand.
That’s it for today! If you have a long weekend we hope it’s as fun and replenishing as possible. See y’all tomorrow. xx
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: Our Soake Pool Review (And Reveal) – Can A Small Pool Really Be This Great?
The post The Link Up: The Softest Blanket Em’s Ever Bought, Mal’s New Lightweight Fall Sweater, And Some CUTE Halloween Decor appeared first on Emily Henderson.
September 2, 2023
My Journey To Find The Most Comfortable Pajama Set Ever – AND I FOUND THEM
I had four pairs of my favorite pajamas that I’ve been wearing for YEARS. But someone (starts with B, ends in Uttercup) ate the crotch out of most of them over the last year which I’m trying to take as a compliment. I recently went to replace them and they no longer sell the set that I love which was devastating (they were from the Gap, had a henley shaped top and jogger shaped bottom but were so comfortable that I LIVED in them). So it felt time to go on a journey to find my next PJ uniform. What you are about to see isn’t a bunch of super cute/stylish PJs – I don’t care too much about how they look. I want comfort, I want soft fabric, I don’t want elastic to cut in ANYWHERE, and I want breathability. I want to feel like I’m practically naked in my bed because my PJs are so soft, weightless and comfortable that I don’t even notice them.
Full disclosure I think I have a sensory issue – I just really don’t like to feel my clothes on me. I take necklaces off within 10 minutes of wearing them, and I won’t even wear athleisure that is too tight (which is why these are my forever favorite leggings – I wear a medium). I think my extreme discomfort to anything that is uncomfortable is abnormal, which puts me in the unique position of really being able to recommend THE MOST COMFORTABLE anything. When I say it’s comfortable, you can for sure count on it.
I went to Nordstroms. I’ve tried some fancy stuff but I didn’t like them enough. So here is what I found that IS comfortable enough, and why.
Beautifully Soft Short Sleeve Notch Collar Top and Shorts Pajama Set – Target
Years ago (when I first shopped for my favorite PJs) I loved these and the ones from The Gap (the OG winner that is no longer available) and both were excellent. These are my backup if my Gap ones were dirty. I’ve had the long sleeve/pant and short sleeve version of this for a long time and they are great, too. For the price point they are VERY GOOD, drape easily, and have a soft and forgiving elastic waist. I’m wearing a medium here. These started pilling a bit on year three, which is NOT bad (and admittedly during Covid I almost exclusively wore PJs and athleisure so perhaps more wear and tear than usual).
LENZING™ TENCEL™ Modal Pajama – Gap
These are my new favorites (tied closely with the J.Crew below). These are the same fabric that my OG pajamas were out of – this trademarked LENZING™ TENCEL™ Modal thing that the Gap does so well. It’s just so buttery soft, falls, stretches, drapes and breathes. Its so lightweight you feel like you aren’t wearing anything. I bought a small on top and medium bottoms and I’m going to get a medium on top going forward (these aren’t tight in the arms, but not as loose I prefer). They come in other colors, but I like the dark and plan on buying 2 more sets. WINNER WINNER. These present as expensive (and you have to buy separately) but they are always on some sort of sale so don’t buy unless you get the 30% off. I also love the pink and blue (but find that the black holds up to my self-tanner addiction quite well lol).
Satin Pajama Set – Old Navy
I hadn’t tried on Old Navy PJs in years. These are pretty cute, y’all – with boxy top and wide legged pants (with a slit up the leg). They were more of a satin/poly blend that I know a lot of people would like. I really like zero constriction in my PJs (I like stretchable and movable) so these are great for lounging around, less rolling around in bed (I hate when you roll and the fabric pulls or gets stuck). But they were good enough to show you.
Satin Lounge Tank Top and Shorts Set – Old Navy
Well well well. I was also very curious about their little satin sets and figured I’d give them a shot. I get nervous about cheap fabric to sleep in, especially when brands add a lot of bells and whistles (lace, bows, push up stuff) so I applaud how simple these are – they don’t look or feel cheap at all. While I wouldn’t say that these are “sexy” they might be what I bring on a weekend away versus my nightly set. I also just wish I had a more subtle color but I think these were the only ones in stock at the time.
Soft Lounge Sleep Set – Skims
I’ve been dying to give Skims a try and they did NOT disappoint. Oh my goodness the fabric was ribbed and so soft, with stretch and still really drape-y (it’s weightier so it drapes really nicely). We decided that these were by far the most flattering. I mean, Kim Kardashian cares about looking good/sexy. I just wish I had ordered a medium. These fit but the waistband was just a bit too noticeable when I was wearing them (meaning I could feel it, even though they didn’t cut in). If you want to splurge on a pair that is super flattering in a subtle way, these would be my pick. They are a bit thicker (but not thick) than the rest of them but still really lightweight (they cling in places, but since they are thick enough you can’t see bumps underneath and so soft that the kids were begging to snuggle with me).
Eco Dreamiest Short-Sleeve Pajama Set – J.Crew
I know, I know. They ALL LOOK ALIKE. This J.Crew version is also EXCELLENT, just a teeny tiny bit thicker than the Gap (which made them feel more high quality TBH). I love them almost equal amounts – the Gap wins slightly because their shorts have a cuter style and are a tiny bit sportier (literally no one will notice, they look identical) and the waistband was a bit thicker and sat on my hips in a nice way – loose, but not falling off. I’ve been mixing this top with the Gap bottoms and it’s my definite preference (but only because I need to size up on the Gap top).
End-On-End Cotton Pajama Short Set – J.Crew
Kaitlin and Gretchen agreed that these were the cutest and most “me”. The cut is a bit more modern and has some good detailing (piping accents, cute pocket). I wanted to try one poplin set, to really shake it up. I tested them out over a few nights and admittedly they are very comfortable to sleep in and didn’t constrict me like I thought they would. I still prefer the LENZING™ TENCEL™ Modal fabric from the Gap but if you want 100% cotton for extreme breathability, these are really good. Generally, I don’t love cheap poplin, but these felt high quality (but I haven’t washed and dried them yet). Definitely flattering, classic, and I felt cute in them.
Ok so here are my favorites in order:First place: The Gap and J.Crew (Eco Dreamist) tie for big winner. The Gap is 10% thinner, but both are just extremely comfortable, flattering, drape nice, breathe well, and feel totally weightless in bed.
Second Place: Target. It’s just 4% less soft than the Gap/J. Crew (and still so soft!).
Third Place: Skims. I know I’ll reach for these more in winter when it’s chilly around the house.
Fourth Place: All the Old Navys. These are honestly really great, I just don’t love the satin as much as something that has more give and stretch.
I know that these are all pretty darn boring/basic, but I went into Nordstroms and tried on many others but none of them made the cut (at least what was in store). These win because the fabric, fit, and comfort level is very high which is all I care about. Ok GOODNIGHT!!!!!
*Photos by Kaitlin Green
The post My Journey To Find The Most Comfortable Pajama Set Ever – AND I FOUND THEM appeared first on Emily Henderson.
September 1, 2023
Our Annual (Highly Selective) Labor Day Sales List – The Best Expert-Approved Deals in Furniture, Decor, Fashion, and More
HI, FOLKS. Welcome to the 2023 edition of EHD’s Labor Day sale roundup. Let’s get one thing straight – stretching your dollar feels even more crucial right noq, so we wanted to bring you the list of the best, most relevant sales (you know, in case you’re in the market for something special. This is a pressure-free zone!). So if you’re trying to update your WFH situation, grab a classic fall sweater, or make your home a little cozier, this is the weekend where you’re going to find the best deals of the year.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of our favorite Labor Day sales with the biggest savings. (And if you’re in the market for inspo, be sure to check out a few of our recent posts, like this official fall furniture & decor picks or Em’s cooler-weather clothing review (so many cute pieces in there!). And now, without further ado, let’s get to the deals 🙂
Home & DecorAllModernSale: Up to 60% off furniture, decor, holiday, and more, plus an extra 20% off sale items with code GET20.
Best Deals: 31 Accent Chairs for Every Style | Orlando’s Sleeper Sofa | Quiet & Graphic Textured Neutral Rug
Sale: 20% off site-wide plus free-shipping with code HAPPYHOME.
Best Deals: A Dreamy Indoor/Outdoor Rug with 9 (!) Color Options | My Harlequin Jute Rug | Chunky Woven Rug, Perfect for High-Traffic Areas
Sale: Up to 50% off in-stock and custom furniture, decor, candles, and more.
Best Deals: The Sweetest Scalloped Task Lamp | Kitchen & Dining Favs – Love the Colored Glassware! | Woven Leather Ottomans
Note: OMG, this sale is SO GOOD. Take a peek at all the deals here! (If you’re planning to host any friends and family this season, this is the perfect place to grab some cheery finishing touches for your space.)
Sale: Up to 40% off select items.
Best Deals: EHD’s Go-To Leather Sofa | Sara’s Comfy Lounge Chair | Bowser’s Chic Outdoor Sectional Set
Note: See makeovers featuring the sofa here, the lounge chair here, and the sectional here. These are some tried-and-true EHD picks! 🙂
Sale: 20-75% off site-wide, plus free standard shipping.
Best Deals: Elevated Fall Decor | The Cutest Entry Cabinets (Those Door Details!) | Deeply-Discounted Clearance Finds
Sale: Up to 70% off select items.
Best Deals: Swivel Accent Chairs | Small Kitchen Appliances (From $39!) | Beveled Edge Mirror
Note: Overstock is no more – they’ve acquired Bed Bath & Beyond and have adopted the BBBY branding. Combined, they’re a great Wayfair alternative – tons of affordable finds for home (and they’re carrying everything from tupperware to furniture, which rocks).
Sale: 20% off site-wide.
Best Deals: Bedding Bundles (Up to 40% Off!) | Bath Towel or Bath Sheet Bundles | Luxe Bath & Lounge Robes
Sale: Up to 40% off furniture & decor, up to 50% off outdoor, and up to 70% off clearance.
Best Deals: Ceramic Lamp with Unlacquered Brass Shade | Streamlined Oak Wood Secretary Desk ($899, Down from $2,000) | Walnut Bookcase with Drawers
Note: We used that bookcase in one of my all-time favorite EHD makeovers. Can you believe it’s been three years?!
Sale: 20% off statement styles, plus an extra 10% off furniture.
Best Deals: Low-Profile Storage Baskets | Thonet-Inspired Curved Wood Counter Stools | Extra-Long Leather Lumbar Pillow
Sale: Up to 30% off furniture, up to 25% off kitchen accessories, and up to 60% off clearance.
Best Deals: Jess’ Chic, Multifunctional Desk | Deeply Discounted Dyson, Le Creuset, and KitchenAid Essentials | Oak Media Console with Tons of Storage
Note: Check out all of Em’s curated picks (plus some cute video footage of the boss herself!) by tapping right here.
Sale: 20% off furniture and accessories, including Knoll classics.
Best Deals: Iconic Story Bookcase | Half-Priced Glass Straws (Perfect for Gifting!) | Em’s Surprisingly Affordable Bedroom Pendant Light
Sale: 20% off orders over $250; 25% off orders over $500; plus free shipping on all orders over $199 with code SAVEBIG.
Best Deals: My Stair-Climbing Rolling Cart (Great for Groceries, Laundry, and Thrifting) | Outdoor & Gardening Essentials, In Time for Fall | Anything/Everything by Five Two
Sale: Up to 70% off site-wide, including clearance.
Best Deals: High-End, Heavy Duty, Pretty Doormats | ‘Create Your Own Set’ Outdoor Furniture | Bar & Counter Stools
Sale: 25% off site-wide with code LABORDAY.
Best Deals: A Fresh Interpretation of A Classic Desk | Narrow Nightstands with Shelving | Mal’s (Quick Ship!) Living Room Sideboard
Sale: 25% off sitewide, including markdowns, with code NEWLEAF.
Best Deals: Playful & Dramatic Oversized Sconces | ‘Better Together’ Bundles (Huge Savings!) | Irreverent Needlepoint Pillows
Sale: Up to 60% off select styles, plus an extra 20% off with code TAKE20.
Best Deals: This Timeless $750 (!!!) English Roll-Arm Sofa | A Bold Modern & Organic Coffee Table | A Vintage-Inspired End Table with Bobbin Legs
Sale: 20% off site-wide, including markdowns.
Best Deals: Ginny’s Furniture Collection (Obviously!) | On-Trend Vessels, Candelabras & More | Playful Sarah Sherman Samuel Disc Pillow
Sale: Up to 25% off site-wide.
Best Deals: Fresh Upholstered Bed | Refined & Luxe Shagreen Boxes | Keep-Forever, Heirloom-Quality Bench
Sale: 15% off sitewide with code LABORDAY23.
Best Deals: Direct-from-Artist Home Decor | Personalized Stationery | Fine Art Prints
Sale: 20% off site-wide.
Best Deals: Jess’ Outdoor Loveseat | Em’s New Lounge Chairs | Protective Furniture Covers
Note: See Em’s video review right here!
Sale: Up to 60% off site-wide.
Best Deals: Traditional Planters, Birdbaths, and More | Em’s Living Room Sofa ($1,600 Off!) | 6-Drawer Raffia Dresser
Sale: Up to 50% off furniture, outdoor, rugs, and more.
Best Deals: Seasonal Decor Favorites | Handcrafted Metal Outdoor Lanterns | Charming Vintage-Inspired Wood Bistro Chairs
Sale: Up to 75% off lighting, furniture, hardware, and more.
Best Deals: Hardware, Knobs & Pull Upgrades | EHD’s Go-To Nesting Tables | Sleek and Vintage-Inspired Pendants, Sconces, Chandeliers, and Fans
Note: This is the best sale we’ve seen all year from Rejuvenation – it’s another great one to grab all those finishing touches that’ll get your space guest-ready for the holidays.
Sale: An extra 20% off site-wide with code SUMMER.
Best Deals: Lauren Liess’ Collection | Timeless Navy Buffalo Plaid Rug | Arvin Olano’s Collection
Sale: 20% off orders over $250; 25% off orders over $500.
Best Deals: Bright, Punchy Throw Pillows | Cheery, Sleek Table Lamps (Perfect For Desks or Nightstands!) | Our Favorite Quilts and Coverlets
Sale: Up to 40% off site-wide.
Best Deals: Coastal Bar Carts & Console Tables | Charming, Functional Nightstands | Textural, Quiet Coffee Tables
Sale: Up to 40% off furniture and home decor.
Best Deals: Studio McGee, Jungalow, and In-House Furniture Favs | Our Curated Decor Picks
Sale: Up to 40% off furniture, fire pits, indoor pots, decor, garden structures, gear, and more.
Best Deals: The Sweetest Indoor Planters | Chimineas, Fireplaces, and More | Seasonal Wreaths & Faux Stems
Sale: Up to $700 off the Mint Hybrid mattress, plus up to 40% off select furniture, bedding, and more.
Best Deals: Mint Hybrid Mattress | Round & Minimal Dog Bed | Weighted Blanket (Nearly $100 Off!)
Note: Em, Jess, Bowser, Julie, Malcolm, and I all have T&N mattresses (and I know I’m forgetting some other EHD folks, too). I know there are a lot of online mattress brands out there, but this really is the best one.
Sale: Up to 70% off select home pieces, up to 50% off pet essentials.
Best Deals: $150 Metal King Bed Frame | Desks & Chairs to Upgrade Your Back-To-School (or WFH) Setup | Elevated Dog Feeding Station
Note: I know it’s early to think about Christmas, but the Holiday section has some major deals on garland, trees, wreaths, lawn decor, and more – if you have the storage space to grab things now, you can save a lot!
Sale: Up to 60% off
Best Deals: Metal Console Table (3 Colors, 2 Sizes!) | Curved Seagrass Storage Baskets | A Simple, Clean Sofa With a Modern Plinth Base
Sale: Up to 70% off sale styles.
Best Deals: Half-Priced Paper Poplin Skirt (Recently Featured on EHD!) | Playful Mixed Stripe Shirt | Neutral Recycled Denim Pants
Note: AHH. Alex Mill rarely puts stuff on sale, but when they do, it’s a HUGE deal. (Literally – savings-wise, it’s a huge deal. Pretty much everything here is at least 50% off, but it’s bound to sell out fast – check it out, ok?)
Sale: An extra 40% off sale styles.
Best Deals: Deeply Discounted Dresses | Wide Leg Pants, Culottes, Jeans, and More | Dreamy Skirts for Transitional Weather
Sale: Up to 60% off markdowns.
Best Deals: Leg-Lengthening Pants in a Fall Hue | Half-Priced Textured Cardigan | A Very EHD Blouse (Blue, Striped, Puff Sleeve – Perfect!)
Sale: 40% off site-wide; up to 50% off select jeans, sweatshirts, and t-shirts; up to 70% off clearance.
Best Deals: Em’s (Very Popular) Denim Button Up | Dresses for All Occasions | Classic, Pulled Together PJ Sets
Note:
Sale: 20% off sitewide; orders over $125 will receive a free recylced backpack.
Best Deals: Longline Tank Bra | Jess’ Favorite Compressive High-Rise Legging | Sporty Skort (With Pockets!)
Sale: 40% off site-wide, plus an extra 60% off sale items with code SHOPNOW.
Best Deals: The Sweetest White Button Down Dress | A Chic $6.80 (!!!) Striped Turtleneck | A Sunny, Cheery, Blousy Top
Sale: 50-70% off site-wide.
Best Deals: Luxe Sweaters Under $69 | Blazers That Only *Look* Expensive | Skirts That Go from Work-to-Weekend
Note: If you’ve returned to office and you’re looking to add a few special staples to your work attire, this is a REALLY great sale.
Sale: 30% off pre-fall styles, plus an extra 30% off sale with code COOLDOWN.
Best Deals: Perfect Vintage Flare Jeans | Em’s New Fav Kitten Heel Boots | A Simple, Easy-to-Tuck White Button Up
Note: We’re very into non-skinny jeans right now – see Em model three new Madewell cuts in a quick video right here!
Sale: Up to 50% off select styles.
Best Deals: Em’s Go-To Comfortable Sneakers | Jordan Hex Mule (For the Brave Folks) | Wear-Everyday Sneakers in a Muted Fall Palette
Note: See Em’s sneakers in action here!
Sale: Up to 60% off women, men, kids, shoes, home, and beauty.
Best Deals: Olive Utility Jacket | Deeply-Discounted Ulla Johnson Pieces | Sophisticated Wool Blend Ralph Lauren Coat
Sale: Up to 60% off site-wide; up to 75% off clearance.
Best Deals: Waist-Defining V-Neck Dress | The Most Flattering & Affordable Top I Own | On-Trend Loafer Mules
Sale: Up to 20% off site-wide.
Best Deals: The Refined Version of a Simple Sweatshirt | My Favorite Travel Pants (They’re High Waisted!) | The Jumpsuit I Can’t Stop Talking About
Sale: 20% off clothing, shoes, and accessories for fall.
Best Deals: A Tried-and-True PJ Set | My All-Time Favorite T-Shirts (Only $4.80!) | An On-Trend, Two-Tone Hair Claw Clip
I’ll be here, updating this post allllll weekend long with the biggest and best sale updates. Happy official end of summer – here’s to having a great fall. xx
The post Our Annual (Highly Selective) Labor Day Sales List – The Best Expert-Approved Deals in Furniture, Decor, Fashion, and More appeared first on Emily Henderson.
August 31, 2023
This is 44…Personal Thoughts About Growing Up And Aging Through Digital And Social Media
Tomorrow is my birthday, so to celebrate I closed the “office” for two days and I’m giving myself two “Yes” days (think cold plunge, walk/hike with podcasts, vintage shopping, wine at lunch, Barbie (2nd time) with my best friends, kids snuggles, man snuggles, pig snuggles, and friends from LA coming in to probably Alpaca snuggle). But we can’t let 44 fly by without a little self-indulgent/reflection post because this age/decade is so much more fascinating than I could have predicted.
To celebrate 44, I wanted to quote my friend Jason Derulo via Armchair Expert last week who talked about the top 10 biggest “missers” in NBA basketball – the players that missed the most attempts at scoring. As you might guess they are the GOATS: LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, etc. The players that have the most misses, have the most wins. I found this stat so inspiring, comforting and have repeated this ad nauseam last week to my kids, friends, team, grocery clerk, UPS dude (shout out to Dustin) and anyone who will listen.
Mid-life is hard, but also so empowering. Like most people in their 40s, I’m really enjoying the clarity that comes from stirring the pot of life ingredients – i.e. heavy work/family responsibility, daily mistakes, some successes, terrible parenting moves, trips/falls, and recovering on all fronts. Oh and with a dash of try-hard-know-it-all-ism. Let’s call it middle aged soup. Every day is an opportunity to fall on your ass and get back up, which seems to get easier each time, until the fall is greater and the way back up is unknowingly hard. On a good day, I love this weird game of life, while recognizing that I’m lucky enough to do so from a really privileged vantage point. While my vanity doesn’t enjoy getting older, the increasing moments of clarity and wisdom are so worth it – and spoiler: you only get to have wisdom by aging. I’ll take the ladder.
Right now our kids are 7 and 9 and Brian and I are loving these “magical years of parenting” where they can get themselves fed and dressed, but don’t hate us yet. We have a slower, simpler life with dogs, pigs, alpacas, and a neighborhood/community that we value so much. But a career that is heavily embedded in social media is not always easy. I started my (second) career as a design blogger in 2010 before influencing on multiple platforms was a thing and adapting to it has been a REAL WILD RIDE.
2022 was specifically challenging in regards to social media. My relationship with it was already challenged. I fundamentally changed during lockdown and felt immense pressure to go back to a chaotic work life presenting “perfection” all day every day on social media and I just didn’t have it in me anymore. Meanwhile TikTok was disrupting this industry in a really alarming way and the numbers were changing fast. I didn’t adapt as well as I wish I had (mentally or professionally). The numbers were BUMMING me out. I was saying a lot of terrible things to myself that I don’t even want to write down. Essentially, I was full of insecurity/self-doubt and wondering if I still fit in. I’ve been doing this for 14 years, which is like 278 in social media years. Digital (specifically social) media is a game that has so much potential for reward (and I’m so grateful for parts of it) but due to the algorithms it often feels like the Hunger Games – we are all thrown into a battle where the second we figure out how to use the weapons we were given, the rules change and that weapon no longer works. My professional self-worth was getting caught up in it. We were scrambling to try to hit the numbers we had during Covid, and I was secretly wondering if flipping houses would offer more stability and better mental health.
This is also a HUGE reminder to us all – that social media can be very dangerous, mentally if you don’t know how to approach it in a healthy way. I didn’t start blogging until I was 30 and on social media when my frontal lobe was super formed at 33. And even I find myself super affected by “likes” and comments when I’m not in a clear head space.
Thank GOODNESS for my wonderful team. They do so much behind the scenes you have no idea and were so supportive. You see, there used to be just 1-2 social media platforms and that’s it (the blog and maybe OG IG). Now we have/GET to shoot, record, bank, edit, and publish content for 5-7 platforms most days (some vertical, some horizontal, some quick and catchy, some long form, some short form to promote the long form, some visual, some written, some with caption, some long articles, voiceover, etc). Each platform has different requirements, formats with different audiences that want different things. It’s really, really hard to know what will hit (and I’m not alone, all the marketing execs at top companies that I partner with and every content creator I know are equally flummoxed and trying new things every day). You have to look at it like a creative challenge that you get to take otherwise it can be an impossible place to lead from. Last year, I was trying to create the content mostly by myself up here, which wasn’t working AT ALL and I wanted to give up. I missed my team so much. I wasn’t doing the best job, I wasn’t enjoying it, I would forget to get the right footage for the right platform, and I was so mad – I used to be so good at this!!! I found myself really resenting social media, as if it were the problem, and I felt like such a brat. I knew that I was the problem. I had to make a big shift.
The Big Shift…I took a break – some time to think/focus/read last January. Time is the world’s most privileged commodity of all and I am so grateful I was able to take some to reset. I asked myself so many hard questions. I went through all the “whys,” honed in on my value (shout out to Brené Brown). I read about blockages and started the work to remove the ones that were making me feel so terrible and negative about myself. I dove more into spirituality to feel more connected bigger/higher power/universe (who others might call God). If this makes you bristle or want to roll your eyes, I get that. This is not about organized religion (for me) or weird wellness stuff. Just feeling more connection to what feels good and bigger, to each other, and to the planet. All that meaning and purpose stuff. It might be placebo, I don’t care. Collectively it all worked.
It was like a pair of cloudy gray glasses were lifted off my eyes and for lack of any less cringey terms, I felt really supported, warm, hopeful, clear, and like I belonged here. My pep came back in my step. I felt light and bright again. I was saying yes again to opportunities that felt so aligned with where I wanted to go. I re-invested my time back HERE, into this blog – the one element of this job that I’ve always loved with my whole heart. And the numbers followed. Funny how that works 🙂
I’m so glad that I didn’t make any large changes when I was feeling so down on myself. I could give you all the steps that helped, books that I read, mantras I wrote and repeated – but it’s personal and specific to my life, my problems and career and I don’t want to evangelize or proselytize (but will in person if you want me to:)).
Boundaries… FTWOne thing I did (that I would highly recommend) is identifying the real pain points in my job and strategize how to fix those, without throwing out the baby out with the bathwater. When you are down it’s so easy to be like, “thats it, I’m calling it,” when there might be 1-4 changes that could make everything better. Not everything is fixable but my reaction to the problems and my approach became so much better. We started monitoring comments, which has been wildly good for all of our mental health. I now have a very strict and manageable on-camera shoot schedule rather than feeling the pressure to be “on” all day every day (the recipe for burnout). And on the days that I don’t feel like being on social, I don’t. A huge thanks to my team for posting and managing all our partnerships – it’s a really big job that is super invisible. They allow me to take breaks when I need to and they take the reigns to keep the business going 🙂
The days that are frustrating are less “doomsday” and more just “life”. Doable. All OK. And every time I feel negative (like if I invested heavily in a project that didn’t hit at all), I have so many more tools to help me see it as a lesson, not a total failure. Besides, the numbers are just numbers. The posts that give me joy and make me excited are what I care about.
I’m so grateful that this blog exists and is still growing. I’m so thankful that you are here and that we’ve been able to stay open and thrive despite every major digital media shift. And listen, the middle aged cliche is actually really comforting. Instead of a Porsche I have a cold plunge, and instead of an affair with a younger man we have some alpacas and piglets. The sense of reinvention feels exciting and ripe with possibility. There isn’t an “after” in this case, it’s a “forever tweak”. And I just won’t, can’t, and will never quit you. So thank you. xx
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: Our Back Patio Reveal! (+ How Everything’s Held Up To 6 Months Of Portland Weather)
The post This is 44…Personal Thoughts About Growing Up And Aging Through Digital And Social Media appeared first on Emily Henderson.
August 30, 2023
The Real Simple Feature Is Out!! Our Farmhouse Is In A Print Magazine
Three years ago I pitched the farmhouse to Real Simple, which frankly isn’t normal. I had nothing to show them – just a promise that I’d make it really pretty and a good past relationship. They shot and featured our house in LA and this house. Both were (and are) so family oriented yet still elevated so it felt like a good fit. As you all know, we moved home to Oregon to raise our kids in a slower environment (which might have been doable in LA, too, but this felt more natural to us) and to indeed simplify our lives. While there is nothing simple about a renovation of any size, let alone on this scale (gut, additions, three years of work), the intent of the move has in fact lined up with the result – life has gotten simpler. Maybe it’s leaving a huge city, maybe it’s not having toddlers anymore, maybe it’s being middle-aged, but it just feels really good up here. While the house was done and livable months before this feature, I tried to take my time designing the interiors and enjoy as much of the process as possible, and they were SO gracious to allow me that time. Originally, I pitched it for a September 2022 publication date, LOL, but I think we all know that we didn’t make that self-imposed deadline. So three years after first falling in love with this property and the potential of this life, we are featured in one of my favorite magazines – Real Simple.
photos by alana haleA huge thanks to Leslie Corona, the editor who I worked with on this story who was so wonderful, patient, and lovely. This feature was shot by Alana Hale, who I’ve worked with before and just LOVE her photos. She did an incredible job of shooting and lighting our home (it’s very fun to see how different people capture the same space). I asked that my friend Scott Horne to style it, which means he’s the one bringing the flowers and food, and behind the laptop screen making sure that there isn’t a branch coming out of the back of my head or a tag showing. I had the house almost 100% styled but someone has to style it for the shoot and I’ve found over the years that if I try to be on camera, host everyone at my house, AND do the hard schlepping that stylists do…it’s a recipe for a mental breakdown. My team up here – Gretchen and Emily M. helped me have every room dialed in, but there are still changes and certain angles you don’t know what how they will ready on camera. Things always need to get moved:)
There was so much to shoot and I knew that I wasn’t going to have every room ready (nor would we be able to shoot every room). So about four months out they picked the rooms (based on our photos) that they wanted to feature, on what I thought was for sure was going to be done as well as what they thought would resonate with their audience. You can’t possibly shoot a whole house for a feature as it’s usually only eight pages. For this one, since we had really good scouting shots of every angle of every room, we were able to send them a deck two weeks in advance and they told us what their favorites were (with some flexibility, of course).
Then myself and my team made sure I had a lot of options for those rooms – pillows, vases, soap dispensers, trays, etc – all the usual suspects. I definitely had some new pieces that I wanted to show off so I made sure they got into the shots and could have their moment!
We wanted to keep a few rooms exclusive to this feature so y’all would go pick it up:) So in this issue you’ll find a shot of our family room, bedroom, and bathroom – all of which will be fully shot and revealed on the blog soon. Until then, please go snag it and support print magazines if you are into them (I am, very). And thank you so much to Real Simple for featuring our home and being so wonderful.
Photos by Kaitlin Green unless otherwise noted
The post The Real Simple Feature Is Out!! Our Farmhouse Is In A Print Magazine appeared first on Emily Henderson.
August 29, 2023
You Asked For It: 5 Color Palettes to Freshen Up a Tired Honey Oak Kitchen
Hello again EHD universe. It’s Arlyn, and I’m back with MORE HONEY OAK KITCHEN content. The last post (check it out here if you want to see real reader kitchens!) exploded with popularity, and many readers asked in the comments for actual moodboards and color palette ideas to help them refresh their dated kitchens without demo or painting cabinetry. So, because I can’t help myself from fake shopping and putting together simple design ideas, I got to work putting together five ways I think anyone can help breathe some life back into their 1980s or ’90s-bedecked homes.
For each color palette idea I cooked up, I have some *loose* inspiration because listen, it’s not easy finding good photos of older kitchens that have much to pull from them. Every photo I include here has warm oak-ish cabinetry that you have to make the mental leap with a bit, but the key is working with the warm, heavily-grained yellow/red/orange tone of this wood type.
Another thing you’ll notice is that most of the below kitchens have white countertops, which in my personal opinion is a massive help to lighten the load of honey oak. Not a single kitchen submitted to us (including some of the ones we didn’t show you) had white stone counters. Most had either some yellow-tinged Formica or a dark brown, gray or black granite. The same goes with flooring. Beautiful flooring goes a long way to making basically anything look good, so anyone looking to take real action in their homes will need to consider what they’re working with or cover/replace if it’s in their budget and something they want to do.
As for the individual pieces I’ve included on each board, it’s less about the exact product and more about the idea behind the product. Not everyone will need barstools, but those play the role of what color dining furniture would work if it’s included in your space; it doesn’t matter if your window coverings take the shape of cafe curtains or Roman shades but the fabric and hue shown is a good jumping-off point; and any tile, paint, hardware or rugs could happily live in the tonal range shown on each board.
Alright, so, now that I got my disclaimers out of the way, let’s dive in and explore some concepts I sketched out that honestly, make me kind of wish I had a honey oak kitchen to transform (though I may be biased…).
Color Palette to Try: Cool Neutrals Like White, Marble & BlackThe Inspiration:
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Custom Wood Products (@customwoodproductsks)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by deVOL Kitchens (@devolkitchens)
The above inspiration is all about keeping the heaviness of the oak below your sightline and ensuring that anything above that is white and airy. The example from deVOL leans a bit warmer but a peek of a black and white mosaic floor tells me they are also using black to ground the material choices.
Don’t be afraid to bring in some color via accessories like vases, cookware, cookbooks, dishes and glassware, etc., as long as you keep the base choices monochromatic.
The Moodboard:
Cool neutrals paired with crisp whites and sharp blacks are the path of least resistance for *any* honey oak kitchen, no matter the undertone of your cabinet. Marble or white tile, flowy linen curtains, white shelving, black furniture and accents…it’ll all make most people happy and make the room feel like an entirely new space.
Make sure that the backsplash pairs well with the white color you choose. If you go a bit warmer, a creamier marble or tile would work best; true white would be great with slightly bluer undertones of marble.
Hampton 22 in. W x 27.75 in. H Base Cabinet Decorative End Panel in Medium Oak | 2. Monet 2″ x 8″ Honed Marble Decorative Tile in White Carrara | 3. Timeless | 4. Big Boy Floating Shelf – White | 5. Oversized Ethan 1 5/8″ Diameter Round Knob Multipack (Set of 10) | 6. 3″ Center Bar/Handle Pull Multipack (Set of 12) | 7. Carson 12″ Cord Pendant in Matte Cream | 8. Portside Swivel Counter Stool | 9. Kiel Indoor/Outdoor Rug | 10. 2pk 42″x36″ Light Filtering Honeycomb Curtain Tiers WhiteColor Palette to Try: Warm Neutrals & Natural MaterialsThe Inspiration:
View this post on InstagramA post shared by deVOL Kitchens (@devolkitchens)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by The Design Files (@thedesignfiles)
A very solid design choice no matter what room you’re in is to lean into what you have. In this case? Play up the warmth of the oak, instead of trying to counteract it. Take that kitchen from The Design Files directly above. They could have easily used a bright white tile but instead opted for a (non-yellow) cream. And in the kitchen from deVOL in this group of examples, the walls are a welcoming, glowy buttery hue. Again, the key here is to avoid using anything on the walls that could go too yellow.
In fact, if your honey oak is more yellow than it is orange or red, this may not be the route for you (your kitchen will better jive with the blue or green moodboards below…keep reading).
The Moodboard:
This look plays up warmth. I picked a shade from Clare called No Filter that they describe as “a beautiful light beige with warm undertones” and I think it would be quite lovely with oak. Not everyone likes bright white spaces, and a shade like this would be beautiful in a kitchen that gets great natural light.
A tile to match the wall paint would be nice but I opted for a creamy mosaic with sand-hued diamonds to borrow color inspiration from the wood. Antique or unlacquered brass hardware would blend in with the cabinetry while still giving them a bit of an elevated touch. And for the pieces to round out, a rug with some pink and brown would shake things up just enough that the design is interesting without adding too much contrast, and natural materials like wicker, leather and neutral oak might just make the honey oak feel intentional.
Hampton 22 in. W x 27.75 in. H Base Cabinet Decorative End Panel in Medium Oak | 2. Bouchon Zellige 12″ x 12″ Mosaic Wall Tile | 3. No Filter | 4. Ethnicraft Wall Shelf in Natural Oak | 5. Top Knobs Serene 1 Inch Round Cabinet Knob in Honey Bronze | 6. Top Knobs Serene 5-1/16 Inch Center to Center Handle Cabinet Pull in Honey Bronze | 7. Highler 1-Light Matte Black Island Pendant with Natural Rattan Shade | 8. Ceylon Woven and Wood Barstool | 9. Dawn Ombre Wool Rug | 10. Lined Yellow and White Stripe Faux Roman Shade ValanceColor Palette to Try: Green, Rust & GoldThe Inspiration:
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Montér Minde Kjøkkensenter (@montermindekjokkensenter)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Multiwood UK • kitchen door manufacturers (@multiwooduk)
As much as I love the neutral path, the green route is my favorite. That’s no surprise to me being that I tend to prefer analogous colors over complementary as it’s more interesting to my eye. But the great part about this is green works with either yellow-toned honey oak or red/orange-toned honey oak. I picked a cool (toned, not “hip”) sage and a darker green with blue undertones in my moodboard, but you can play around with those to best suit your exact finish.
If your cabinets are warmer, go with a cooler green and vice versa, though the bathroom above from Montér Minde Kjøkkensenter pairs a warmer green with a fairly yellow wood tone and it works so well so…maybe any green will work here no matter what you’re working with. 🙂
The Moodboard:
Green and gold is a gorgeous combination, so gold would be my pick for any finish in hardware, lighting, and fixtures. And because I think keeping the contrast at a minimum is a good idea in a kitchen with honey oak cabinets, try to find a window covering and any seating or table in a material that closely matches the tone of the door fronts. A little pop of rust, pink or red in a rug rounds things out to my eye.
One note for the paint color below. I don’t necessarily think I’d like that on the walls (a warm white like Benjamin Moore Pale Oak or, you guessed it, White Dove), since I’ve seen photos of people who went with a dark color on the walls to “modernize” their honey oak (too much contrast to me), but if someone has, say, an island or freestanding furniture piece in a wood tone, painting it in a similar green would be quite nice.
Hampton 22 in. W x 27.75 in. H Base Cabinet Decorative End Panel in Medium Oak | 2. Santa Fe Green 3.93 in. x 11.96 in. Polished Ceramic Wall Tile | 3. Pewter Green | 4. 24″ Brookside Rail System | 5. Vernon Bin Pull in Unlacquered Brass | 6. Howell Cabinet Knob in Unlacquered Brass | 7. Hinkley Lighting Somerset 1 Light 12″ Wide Pendant with Etched Opal Glass | 8. Axelle Solid Wood Bar and Counter Stool (Set of 2) | 9. Danvi Hand-Knotted Runner | 10. Natural Cordless Woven Wood ShadesColor Palette to Try: Blues & Warm NeutralsThe Inspiration:
from: the farmhouse kitchen reveal and all my thoughts and feelings about it | photo by kaitlin green | design by emily henderson and arciformLook familiar? Ugh, what a dream space Emily created here in her Portland farmhouse kitchen. While of course her kitchen is a far cry from honey oak anything, I thought it would be a great example to show how well light, dusty blues would marry with a honey oak that’s a bit redder. Orange and blue are complementary on the color wheel, so they just work because color science says so. Cool balances warm. Simple.
The Moodboard:
Such a breath of fresh air, huh? This hand-glazed tile, in a classic square, is a great chambray blue and just so good-looking. I would love to see it in a kitchen where the uppers were removed (or at least some of them) so it could go either all the way up the wall or to the bottom of a top floating shelf. What a showstopper that would be while still feeling quiet and calm. This blue paint leans a bit green which works so that nothing feels overly same-same, and again, maybe not for the walls, though if you like that vibe, go for it.
I opted for chrome hardware and a white metal shelf to keep things in the “cool” arena, rather than going warm with brass or more wood. As for the stool, a cognac leather is a nice monochrome moment with the cabinetry but then a darker walnut lifts up that lagging honey oak. A rug with slate and reddish accents is the perfect addition underfoot to make everything come together nicely.
Hampton 22 in. W x 27.75 in. H Base Cabinet Decorative End Panel in Medium Oak | 2. Marin 4″ x 4″ Ceramic Wall Tile in Misty Blue | 3. Saturday on Sunday | 4. Tromso FM 3 Steel Floating Shelf | 5. Brill Hardware Knob in Chrome | 6. Brill Hardware 4″ Pull in Chrome | 7. Henry Pendant in Milkglass Dark Bronze | 8. Sede Toscana Tan Walnut Counter Stool | 9. Amber Lewis x Loloi Billie Ocean / Brick Area Rug | 10. Jawara Linen Cotton Roman Shade CordlessColor Palette to Try: Subtle Earth TonesThe Inspiration:
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Zia Tile (@zia_tile)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Zia Tile (@zia_tile)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by R & M Bespoke Ltd (@r_mbespoke)
I may have started with the easiest sell (cool neutrals) but I’m ending it with perhaps the hardest sell. This one won’t be for everything, but I love it as I’m firmly in my earth tones era right now. This inspiration is the most alive and “now” of the bunch, but perhaps the hardest to pull off. All the colorblocking of burgundies, rusts, terra cottas and (surprise!) blushes above—like in that dreamy kitchen from Zia Tile’s feed designed by Francesca McConchie and bathroom by Meet West—are so good. R & M Bespoke’s kitchen is a wild card, for sure, but I couldn’t help but share the drama and bravery of a rich, dusty pink hue on the walls and ceiling.
The Moodboard:
The key to making earthier tones work is employing white as an accent, rather than the other way around. Creamy white tile, reflective polished nickel, milk glass lighting, white shelving…it all is the perfect canvas for going with a peachy or pinky wall color. Throw in a brick red and white checkerboard floor and well…when can I move in?
Hampton 22 in. W x 27.75 in. H Base Cabinet Decorative End Panel in Medium Oak | 2. 4″ x 4″ Terra Cotta Honeycomb Singular Wall & Floor Tile (Set of 48) | 3. Terra Bella | 4. Big Boy Floating Shelf – White | 5. Strasbourg Solid Brass Cabinet Pull in Polished Nickel | 6. Colmar Brass Cabinet Knob in Polished Nickel | 7. Sculptural Cone Pendant | 8. Walsh Bar & Counter Stool (Set of 2) in Cognac | 9. Inax Hand-Knotted Natural Wool Runner Rug | 10. Orange Blossom (CP) – Mediterranean Floral Kitchen CurtainHow’d I do? Was this helpful to round out the honey oak kitchen story from before? Which one of these speaks the loudest to you? I honestly really love them all for many reasons and think each has its merits depending on the tone of your cabinet (for the record, I wrote out the word “tone” 15 times in this article, so sorry for the overload…it’s just important when discussing wood).
See you in the comments.
Your friend in design, Arlyn
The post You Asked For It: 5 Color Palettes to Freshen Up a Tired Honey Oak Kitchen appeared first on Emily Henderson.
August 28, 2023
Our Soake Pool Review (And Reveal) – Can A Small Pool Really Be This Great?
There has been an unquenchable amount of curiosity about our Soake pool – and I get it, it’s not a normal pool. So I hope you are thirsty because today you’ll see and read about every detail. It’s here, installed and absolutely glorious, exceeding our expectations which were very high. We’ve used it almost daily since it’s been finished, and many, many nights, too. If you are in the market and want to know deeper details about the install and design process make sure to check out part #1 HERE). Today you’ll get the afters and all my thoughts, feelings, and anything I would have done differently.
We installed in February and had to finish all the landscaping around it before we could use it, but when June rolled around it was done and ready for us. And now that we’ve shot it it’s time to share it with you. Summer #1, Soake pool information coming at you. All your questions answered 🙂
But first a fun little teaser video for the full long form YouTube version! (Just wait for the short ad to play)
Why Did You Get A Soake Pool Instead Of A Big Normal Pool? Yes, this is the main question and I’m happy to break it down. Our Soake pool is very special for the following reasons:
We can use it year round. That’s right, it’s a pool in the summer and can be a hot tub in the winter. This was the only reason we even considered a pool – one that can be used year round. It’s a smaller physical footprint – should that be what you want. It’s filling a hole (ha) for a lot of us who either don’t have the real estate for a huge pool or don’t want to use the real estate for something so large that you might only use a few months of the year. It’s big enough for us to play in during the day and yet small enough to heat up quickly and efficiently to become a hot tub at night. Let that sink in a bit. This means that the kids (and us) can play during the day (temp stays between 75-85 degrees without heating because it’s so warm right now) and then should we want to say, have adults only, it heats up 10 degrees an hour. I honestly didn’t predict that we would be so obsessed with this pool. I thought this was more for our kids or the hot days that we want to cool off with friends between pickle ball sets. I’m dreaming of so many fall nighttime parties with friends and yes, even winter hot tub nights. It’s designed and built off-site – meaning you don’t need a pool contractor and it’s shipped to you on a truck. On it’s own it’s a simple, high-quality design and construction, and nails its main jobs (with really tasteful and stylish tile options). It’s not plug and play like a free standing hot tub – which I’ll get into later – but if you’re like me and designing a huge pool feels daunting (maybe because you’d make it so expensive like I do everything) it’s an excellent option. With a smaller footprint there is simply less risk and cost – A friend of mine was telling me horror stories of their huge pool – how long it takes/expensive it is to heat, how expensive it is to maintain, how when the pool doesn’t work neither does the hot tub, rendering the whole huge thing moot. He joked that he wants to farm Tilapia in it because it just sits there empty now that the kids are grown! They saw this and said they wished so bad that this is what they had. Smaller is just easier and more affordable to manage in every way.
How Big Is This Pool? Our pool is 7′ wide and 13′ long, and the depth is around 60″ (water depth a bit lower). There are some other options that are smaller. I tell most people it’s like the size of a large living room rug, but there is nothing “kiddie” about it.
Do Kids Really Play In A Pool This Size?Yes. Our kids are 7 and 9 and they love it, especially when friends are over. They can swim, but can also bop off the bottom and easily reach the sides. They can jump in (but obviously no diving). They are still supervised and can’t uncover it without us being out there, but point is it’s big enough for them to have a lot of fun. We’ve had eight kids in here, like a playpen, lol. We knew that we were getting a small pool, so it’s a different experience than a big one obviously. This has to make sense for you and it did to us.
Does It Have A Pool Cover? 
Yes. We opted for the electric safety pool autocover which opens and closes with a toggle switch off the side of the pool house (too high for kids to reach for now). The cover itself is housed under the wood planks at the back of the pool. You can see it all in the video:) The electric one does cost substantially more, FYI, between $10-$12K depending on your installer. It’s wonderful and feels very safe.
What Type Of Pool Is It? Salt Or Chlorine? 
This pool is saltwater but a saltwater pool actually is still a chlorine pool because you generate chlorine from the salt through the app (yes, there’s an app). That’s a common misconception with saltwater pools in general. It’s just that with a saltwater pool you keep the chlorine levels low which we love.
It also has jets, which are fun to sit next to when it’s warming up. One thing I didn’t think I would enjoy is that Brian changed the light color from the app on his phone while we were partying in there the other night, which was a fun little surprise. We also had glow in the dark pool balls so…
Can It Be A Cold Plunge In The Winter?Yes, because if you don’t heat it and it’s cold outside it will drop to the outdoor temperature (they recommend it at 52 degrees Fahrenheit for an ideal cold plunge:)). We are likely not going to use it for that as we are getting a separate cold plunge and think we are going to use this more as a hot tub during the winter. But even in freezing climates, it’s totally fine to use all year long! Soake just recommends keeping the pool at 70° minimum during freeze temps and of course always keeping the water moving. If you’d rather not use it in the winter you would just drain and winterize like a traditional pool.
Do You Sit, Stand, Swim Or Float In this Pool? All of the above. There is a step and a bench that three people could sit along, but since it’s under 5′ deep it’s easy to stand and it goes up to my neck (I’m 5’3″). It’s just way more fun to hang out in here than a big hot tub. Obviously, I also float around on floaties and read or hang out with friends. My whole team came up and we sat in here for two hours, all of us just on pool noodle hammocks and it was SO FUN.
Who Installs This Pool? Can You DIY This? Unless you are extremely in the know on construction stuff (or a contractor yourself) you’ll need to hire out and have a contractor help you. We hired our landscape contractor to execute it because he’s done a lot of on-site hot tubs and water features. You need someone to book and manage the digging of the hole, back filling it, electricity, gas, filter, etc and then install the hardscape and pool cover. It comes on a flat bed, then gets craned in – all stuff you can manage if this is your wheelhouse. I was grateful that Dan’l was handling it all (he runs Northwest Native Landscapes which typically does landscaping but now that he’s done this once he’d be a great resource in Portland). So yes, you’d be paying a contractor and subcontractor in addition to the cost of the pool. Everything adds up in construction projects, which I always think is helpful to remind us all:) But you don’t need a pool contractor, just someone who understands mechanicals and has contacts with subcontractors.
Umbrella | Chaise Lounger | Lumbar Pillow | Towel | Side Table
How Long Does It Take To Order And Install A Soake Pool?If you time it right and don’t have a ton of other landscape work, the install can be a matter of a couple months. Our project was huge, as we were doing the entire property at once, so we opted to drop it in during winter, with the idea to finish everything around spring so that the whole space could be done by summer. That worked and by June we were swimming pretty. If you are just carving out a spot for Soake and you aren’t doing a project of our scope it could go so much faster. For instance, if you had a large lawn near the back of your house, already flat that was easy to access for digging, trenching and craning, it could be pretty darn easy.
Chair | Pillow | Towel | Blue Floatie
How Much Does A Soake Pool Cost? They typically run $45-$48 (if the autocover is involved) and depending on what size you choose, tile and add ons, that price can go higher. This doesn’t include the hardscape, contractor/sub contractor fees. Oh, and shipping can add an additional $10k. If you are closer to New Hampshire (where the company is) it will be more like $2k, but far west like us in Portland, it’s more like $9k-$10k. However, IF they can get two on a truck going to your area, the shipping cost is shared. So depending on where you live it’s likely much more affordable and faster than a huge fancy pool, but again it’s not a cheap fiberglass product. It’s still a high quality, luxury product, and priced accordingly. So if what you are really wanting is a big old pool for kids to play in you might just want to get a big fiberglass pool (which I think are cheaper). We specifically wanted this year round product, so I reached out and negotiated a partnership, leveraging photography, video, marketing and PR services, which is a typical part of my business. We incurred all the labor costs of course, and now that I’ve experienced it for a summer I am so happy to say that this would be absolutely worth it.
What Would I Do Differently? If I could go back and do it all again I would have started the process earlier to avoid the rainy weather/mud which set us back. Had we ordered it in early summer (2022) to arrive and be installed in fall, we would have avoided the 30″ of mud that we encountered on the hill up to the pool area, (due to weeks of severe rains in the winter). The mud and hill combination made the install more difficult than it would have been any other season. We had to use a smaller crane to make the turn on our property and the smaller crane couldn’t crane it far enough from the bottom of the hill to plop it in. So typically you can crane over a house from the street – it’s pretty darn incredible. Our tumbled bluestone hardscape conducts so much heat that we can’t sit or walk on it on really hot days (in the afternoon). This isn’t Soake’s product, this is what we chose to work with our blue flagstone pathways. It’s VERY pretty, but y’all it holds so much heat. This is why we have three umbrellas to create shade not only for the kids in the pool, but so they can sit around it. I would choose a larger stone that could cover the pool cover motor. I didn’t know that the material needed to be 24″ deep and our stone wasn’t, so we had to make a game-day decision. The stone just didn’t come big enough (but I could have waited and shopped around to find something that integrated better). Dan’l and his team troubleshooted and built this wood cover which is very well done and works perfectly, but it’s really dark and more orange than I’d like. Now that it’s all done with a lot of other wooden elements, it bothers me so much less. 
How Much Do You Love It?WE LOVE IT SO MUCH. It’s simply wonderful and so perfect for our needs and wants. It checks more boxes than I thought possible, plus it’s really pretty to look at! It’s such a lovely, enjoyable visual feature and combined with the farm vibe, with the wild grasses and split rail, still feels appropriately understated. We love it so much and feel so grateful and thankful to live here.
It’s just so fun for the whole family and perhaps even the neighborhood. Since pools are way less of a thing here than they are in many other parts of the country we get to be the house that people gather at which makes us VERY HAPPY. After working so hard on this property for so long (with so many wonderful teams of people) I really want it to be enjoyed a lot, by many, for years and years. Especially those teenage years – “Hang out here!” says this large hot tub:)
Oh, and I know I didn’t really talk about the decor/furniture because it’s not the official styled reveal but I have to shout out those teak chaise loungers from Neighbor. We reached out to see if they were interested in gifting and man am I glad they were. We love them! They are so well built, cool without looking trendy, and just really comfortable. Highly recommend.
Don’t forget to watch the full dedicated video HERE where you can see our Soake pool in action. And if you have any questions we’ve asked a Soake customer service person to answer them in the comments.
My Suit | My Shorts (Old Free People)
*This post was brought to you in partnership with Soake Pools – a product I love and feel proud to share with my readers.
*Photos by Kaitlin Green
The post Our Soake Pool Review (And Reveal) – Can A Small Pool Really Be This Great? appeared first on Emily Henderson.
August 27, 2023
The Link Up: A 30% Off Sale on Em’s Fall Clothing Essentials, The Jumpsuit Caitlin Is Wearing All The Time, And A NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO REVEAL
Happy last Sunday of August! This was a pretty exciting week getting to meet the three newest Hendersons, amirite? We are all here for that cute alpaca content we didn’t know we needed but absolutely do. And speaking of things that live in the backyard, we have another YOUTUBE REVEAL VIDEO!! Yep, we’re going outside and taking a dip in maybe the sweetest and coolest pool out there, the Soake Pool. Be sure to watch the video and come back tomorrow for more info and all the pretty photos! But first, links.
This week’s house tour is a very cool yet warm-toned bathroom reno that has an even cooler secret litter box compartment! As animal lovers we always love seeing how designers incorporate them into their designs. Go check it out!
photos by kaitlin greenFrom Emily: Madewell is having a 30% off pre-fall sale this weekend and I am officially still recommending these perfect vintage flare jeans to all my friends and family who’ve asked for denim suggestions. I know we highlighted them last week (catch up on all my fall fashion picks here, in case you missed it) but they just make me feel really good and confident. It’s a welcome alternative to skinny jeans and I’m so excited to style them with chunky sweaters or a cute cropped coat as temperatures cool down. (There’s an extra 30% off sale items, too, BTW – it’s a really good sale right now.)
From Mallory: I just discovered the absolute coolest home store and gifting one-stop shop – Eleven Madison Home!! Yes, it’s from the creators of Eleven Madison Park (Michelin star restaurant –– ranked best in the world in 2017!!) And these items are GOOD. Their cocktail section would make an excellent gift and their products are all so cool…have yourself a browse it’s REALLY FUN.
Also From Mallory: You guys were big fans of Em’s olive green Tevas a few months ago so I thought I’d share that these cute Tevas are only $34 right now! Summers’ not over yet IMHO (just ignore the pumpkins you’re seeing all over Instagram for just one moment) because it’s still sweaty hot and will continue to be hot for at LEAST one more month, if not two. Anyway, if you’ve always wanted a pair now’s a great time to snag some (plus I love that they’re velcro and so easy to get on and off)!
Did you see Key’s feature in Good Housekeeping?? It’s such a great read and you get to see more spaces in her home (her dining room is stunning!). Go check it out here🙂
From Caitlin: I know we linked up this jersey jumpsuit in yesterday’s post, but let me double down real quick: THIS THING ROCKS. (And it’s only $63 right now – so you know I grabbed one in charcoal, too, using our EHD-exclusive coupon code. This job is dangerous!!!) ANYWAY. I turn to this jumpsuit in a few super specific situations: it’s perfect to wear to a spray tan appointment (and comfortable enough to sleep in afterwards, too), it’s a great option for bridesmaids (this is SO much more functional than a robe – take it from someone who’s been in, uh, a trillion weddings), it’s a total dream for laundry day (there’s something mentally satisfying about knowing that I’m only wearing one piece of clothing while getting the rest of my stuff clean, you know?), and it’s great for heavy-duty cleaning days (more comfortable and breathable than sweats, and no risk of accidentally flashing your butt crack!). If you’re the type of person who delineates between “outside clothes” and “house/play clothes,” this is a TOTAL DREAM. Cute AND practical!!! What a freakin’ treat.
From Arlyn: I used to be a full-coverage foundation girlie, but I don’t love that look anymore for normal day-to-day. I want my skin to come through, but would prefer the discoloration and imperfections to be minimized. Enter my new favorite everyday makeup: Fenty Beauty’s Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint. I bought this on a bit of a whim and didn’t have enormous expectations for it but it surprised me BIG TIME. Skin tints normally don’t go very far for me in terms of coverage, but this really does blur. Plus, it smooths on like absolute velvet and blends like a dream. I find if I set it with a little powder on my oily T-zone spots, it lasts all day. If I’m going out and want a little something extra, I’ll just pair it with my go-to Kosas concealer. A+++++
From Gretchen: Confession: It’s been a while since I’ve read a book. That’s something I’m a little ashamed to admit, but something I’m working on changing! I used to read all the time and I’m joining a book club soon, so to get back into the habit of flipping through pages, I picked up a book I’ve been meaning to read for the longest. It’s called, The Book of Boundaries: Set the Limits That Will Set You Free. A friend recommended it to me recently and I’m so glad she did! I love a good self-help book, and this one is just so approachable and applies to anyone who’s got even a touch of the people-pleaser gene like I do. It’s broken down into simple, absorbable chunks – boundaries in friendships, relationships, family, the workplace, etc. each have a dedicated section. The read was easy but so valuable, and I’m truly inspired to get to boundary-setting in alllll the categories of my life!
From Jess: Visiting friends is the best for many reasons and one of those reasons is getting their product recs. When I asked my two friends what they were loving I think I got, I kid you not, 15 incredible skincare and makeup recs. So I’ll start with two that I’m going to get since I tried and really liked both! First up is this blush stick. It’s Huda Beauty’s Cheeky Tint Cream Blush Stick in Proud Pink. It was so easy to use, gave me a great, happy glow, and was super buildable. Then I tried this cleansing oil. Now, I’ve stayed away from oil cleansers in the past because of pore congestion issues but my friend and I have super similar skin (normal to dry) and she said it’s changed her skin so much. That’s COMPELLING! I only used it once but it smelled amazing and my face did feel great.
Finally, we want to give our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Laura Ann Carleton who was shot and killed at her store in Lake Arrowhead for flying a pride flag. We are constantly reminded that tolerance, acceptance, and love are not inherent, making it mandatory to support louder, demand change, and push for laws that protect everyone. This isn’t an isolated incident or belief system. All of those things help to shift societal perspective which is the only way to keep everyone truly safe. Please consider waving a pride flag outside your home and businesses because the more we support, the louder the message that hate is not welcome. If we find a way to support the Lake Arrowhead LGBTQIA+ and/or Laura’s family we will let you know. See you tomorrow. xx
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: Meet The Newest Members Of The Henderson Family – Our Pet Alpacas 🙂
The post The Link Up: A 30% Off Sale on Em’s Fall Clothing Essentials, The Jumpsuit Caitlin Is Wearing All The Time, And A NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO REVEAL appeared first on Emily Henderson.
August 26, 2023
15 Pull-On And Go Pieces That’ll Make You Feel Chic, Even When You’re Only Running Errands
There’s nothing like a whole-hearted recommendation from a friend…so when Arlyn sang the praises of Pact, a fresh brand that sells luxe and comfortable clothing made from organic cotton at an affordable price point, I listened. (Duh. The gal’s got great taste!) And then, I did even more than that: I reached out to the team at Pact and scored an EHD-exclusive coupon code, EHD20, so you can try whatever you’d like at 20% off (that’s than their usual 15% off discount – it’s the best deal you’ll find on the internet!).
There are a lot of reasons to love this brand – they’re ethical, committed to sustainability, and affordable to boot! – but honestly, they just make really cute wear-everyday clothes that I know you’ll love, too. (Like, literally – I’ve seen the data on what y’all like, and these pieces are going to be RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY.) Wanna take a peek at some of our highly-recommended pieces that’ll elevate your weekend style?
Oversized Button Up, $86.40 (Normally $108)
CHIC, CHIC, CHIC. How sophisticated does this model look?! Toss on this oversized button up to jazz up a simple all-black outfit for a grocery store run; pair it with some trendy boots for a fun night out; wear it unbuttoned at the beach or pool as an elevated coverup.
Courtside V-Neck Sweatshirt, $46.40 (Normally $58)
This is my favorite Pact piece! The v-neck cut feels so much more tailored and thoughtful than the standard crewneck we see at this time of year. It’s a simple swap that blends comfort and style – who knew a camel sweatshirt could look so refined? (PS. It comes in nine different colors that are all perfect for fall, too!)
Classic Fine Knit Cardigan, $78.40 (Normally $98)
The shape on this cardigan is dreamy – it’s not too tight and not too loose. I’m particularly taken by the cut of the arms, which drape in a really lovely way. It’s also 100% cotton, so you don’t have to worry about pilling or stretching. I’ve had a lot of trouble finding a simple, timeless, relaxed cardigan over the past few years – most are either too cropped or too oversized – so I’m really impressed by the Goldilocks fit of this piece.
Midi Shirt Dress, $102.40 (Normally $128)
Shirtdresses are obviously a closet staple, but they really shine during this time of year as temperatures start to cool down. I love the hem on this one – it’s a modest length, but it highlights your legs in a really beautiful way! – and it’s easy to belt if you’re looking to define your shape a bit more.
Fine Knit Front Zip Sweater, $102.40 (Normally $128)
LOVE. Nothing dresses up a pair of leggings on a Target run like a refined zip-up sweater. You’ll also be the most put-together person as you sit on the sidelines and watch the sun rise at your kid’s early morning sports practice, I promise. (I mean…the collar! The dropped shoulder! The slouchy fit that isn’t bulky or heavy! So good.)
Brushed Twill Zip Front Jumpsuit, $118.40 (Normally $148)
PAGING ALL ART DIRECTORS AND ADVERTISING EXECS. How cute is this jumpsuit?! Can’t you see this piece roaming the halls of a creative office? It’s playful enough for the weekend, but polished enough to still give you some gravitas in the workplace. (PS. If you’ve been loving Em’s jumpsuits lately, the navy option is a great way to try the look – sustainably! – at only a quarter of the price.)
Airplane Colorblock Pullover, $67.20 (Normally $84)
Full disclosure: I am OBSESSED with Pact’s Airplane collection. I’m an LA transplant in a long-distance relationship with someone on the opposite coast, so I spend a lot of time on airplanes – around 12 to 36 hours in the air every month! – and am admittedly the exact target demo for this line…but y’all, nothing compares to feeling polished and comfortable at the airport (vs. my normal sentiment, which is usually “panicked and schlubby”). I love the shape and color on this one, but especially want to call out the barrel neckline – it’s one of my favorite cuts and I it was more common.
Popover Top, $59.20 (Normally $74)
I love a popover top – you get the effect of a button-up, but you don’t have to worry about managing any awkward gaping in the chest region. This one is particularly easy-to-style – french tuck it, full tuck it, leave it untucked! – and it’s just as comfortable to throw on for school pickup as your favorite lightweight t-shirt. (Did I mention that it comes in eight colors, too?)
Lounge Jumpsuit, $62.40 (Normally $78)
OBSESSED. I have a full, overly-detailed review of this piece coming in The Link Up tomorrow (so come back to hang with us again, ok?), but here’s what I’ll say: if you’ve ever gotten a spray tan, or been a bridesmaid, or spent a hot day cleaning your house, this jumpsuit – with its breezy fit, functional pockets, and pull-on-and-go construction – makes all of those tasks SO MUCH SIMPLER. (But seriously, I never want to wear another too-small robe while getting my makeup done for a friend’s wedding again. I’ve gone full-on practical, baby!)
Brushed Twill Straight Leg Pant, $94.40 (Normally $118)
The taupe and olive colors of this pant are also REALLY lovely, FYI. These lightweight pants have a bit of stretch (so they’re not totally “hard pants,” for those of us who are still struggling to stop wearing leggings every day) and they’re a great alternative to throwing on a pair of jeans. The slim fit even works for those of us with curvier hips (there are some great firsthand reviews on their site!).
Airplane Easy Hoodie, $62.40 (Normally $78)
HOODIE EXPERT REPORTING FOR DUTY. This is another piece from the airplane collection, and it’s VERY thoughtfully designed (again, coming from someone who spends too much time in the sky). Elements to note: the wide neckline and large hoodie (we’ve all worn a hoodie that’s a little too tight at the neck – it can be suffocating, doubly so when you’re exhausted from a long day of travel!), the breezy bottom band (I just think this looks cleaner than hoodies that balloon at the body and cinch at the bottom), and the sleeves are the perfect length for curling your hands up in. I just love seeing a tailored version of a closet staple, you know?
Brushed Twill Pull-On Pant, $70.40 (Normally $88)
If the button and zipper on the aforementioned twill pants were still a little too formal for you, don’t fret!!! You know I’ve got you covered with a pull-on option that still looks intentional. No one needs to know that you’re wearing elastic pants! (I’m especially partial to the mustard shade – it’s so bright and cheery!)
Coastal Jumpsuit, $78.40 (Normally $98)
SO PRETTY. If you’re looking for a way to make your legs look, uh, A MILLION MILES LONG…you’ve found it in this jumpsuit. The fabric is light and breathable, but the gauzy texture, waist construction, and removable belt give it a clean, refined shape. (Plus, who doesn’t love the effortless nature of a jumpsuit? You put on one piece, your outfit is pretty much finished, and other people think you’re stylish because you’re wearing a jumpsuit. Total life hack.)
Airplane Pant, $62.40 (Normally $78)
THANK YOU, MORE PLEASE. That’s not only my gratitude mantra (yikes, have I ever written anything more LA-coded?), but it’s also exactly what I said when I saw the drape and shape of these sweatpants. Leggings have held court for too long, folks! It’s about time that we’ve earned a looser, loungier, comfier alternative. Pair these with one of the earlier hoodies – or anything else from the airplane collection – and you’ll be the chicest barefoot woman that the TSA has ever seen.
All Ease PJs, $30.40-$46.40 (Normally $38-$58)
If you’ve been a little resistant to hopping on the matching PJ set train, you’re not alone! But let it be known that Team EHD swears by a PJ set – Em’s often said that it’s the one small thing that can totally change her mindset from “I feel frazzled” to “I am put-together.” And, I mean, it makes sense – switching from my past bedtime attire of “whatever shirt I wore that day” or “college sweatpants” or “oversized hoodie I found on ‘the chair’ that I’m 70% sure smells normal” to an actual pajama set has changed how I feel at the beginning and end of my day, too. All that said, these are a great entry point into the world of PJs – you can mix and match tops and bottoms and they come in 12 sweet colors, too.
That’s it from us today! Thanks so much to the team at Pact for partnering with us to offer our readers an exclusive 20% off coupon code. (Reminder: It’s EHD20, and it’s active through Monday!) It’s really exciting – and genuinely fun – to bring special deals from cool (and nice!) brands straight to your screen, you know? Hope you found something cool (or at least a new retailer to check out in the future, next time you’re in the market for some well-made pieces!). See you back here tomorrow for a fun Link Up. Until then… xx
The post 15 Pull-On And Go Pieces That’ll Make You Feel Chic, Even When You’re Only Running Errands appeared first on Emily Henderson.
August 25, 2023
Rapid Fire Remodel And Design Questions From My Friends (And All My Answers)
Two of our closest friends are renovating their first home and they are IN IT. They recently came to visit for a few days and asked me all sorts of questions, mostly wanting my opinion based on my experience. I’ve probably written about all of these before but thought it would be fun to document how I answered them all casually right now, in 2023. Remember there are a million ways to do remodel and most of design is based on personal preferences, but I also LOVE giving my opinion for those open to it. So here you go:
Solid Wood Or Engineered Wood Flooring?
photos by kaitlin green | left: farmhouse kitchen | right: farmhouse living room I am pretty team “engineered flooring” these days – it’s just gotten SO GOOD and is easier to deal with. Our Zena wood flooring is applied to engineered plywood to make it more durable (less warping and buckling). For my brother’s house we have Stuga (shell color) and it’s beautiful (not installed yet but the samples are so pretty). Most of the higher end ones you can still refinish up to four times. My two quick thoughts are stay away from the fake hand scraping texture and don’t go too dark and shiny – that usually means it’s a cheaper product and looks like it. But I love my solid wood flooring at the mountain house so much so either can be great.
Smooth Coat Walls Or Sprayed Orange Peel? Smooth Coat
photos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: portland project living roomOrange Peel
photos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: portland project media roomThis one is very based on budget as there is a huge price and time difference, with orange peel being SO much cheaper and faster. It’s essentially masking the drywall seams by spraying a bumpy texture on it, whereas smooth drywall takes weeks of mudding, taping sanding, over and over. Smooth wall looks clean, flat, pretty and higher end, whereas orange peel can look contractor grade. I’m a designer and my pickiness with finishes is extreme so I haven’t opted for the orange peel. But knowing the cost and price difference I would never come down against orange peel for most people. And honestly if I were on more of a budget in a future project (not my forever home) I would do a combination – I would likely do the rooms you care about (living room, kitchen, etc) in smooth walls (or light hand trowel if it’s common in your region – its not in Portland). Then in basements, TV rooms, kids’ rooms, playrooms, kids’ baths, etc – the rooms that you simply don’t care about as much, save some money and go for that orange peel. This is what we did at years ago and no one noticed the orange peel down in the basement (including the bedroom and the playroom). Additionally, stay away from rounded corner edges unless you are going for a post-modern vibe – instead opt for metal corner edges that look cleaner (especially with orange peel). Two of my best friends have an awesome house, all orange peel and their stuff is so cool that you do NOT notice it (nor were they going to pay to have the entire house redone). So if you bought a house with Orange peel walls and you feel bummed, just know that if you go more matte with your paint color and have cool art, no one but a designer will notice and then who cares?
Should We Hardwire In Speakers For Music?I know this seems so specific but my brother and I talked about this SO MUCH as well. What he ended up doing is putting in speakers that can work with any system. I personally am scared of high tech permanently installed in houses because it can break or date the house very, very easily. But I’m probably the wrong person to ask because I don’t love loud music and I’m perfectly happy with blue tooth speakers when/where we are listening to them. Ken and Katie also don’t want high tech to break or date the house so he said this systems is so basic that it can work with Sonos and the machine itself can be updated. He’s also doing a very high end house, so I get having some smart features. If you listen to a ton of music all day every day I think it’s obviously a great feature. But wiring that through your house is also not cheap, FYI. Nothing is cheap 😉
Exposed Or Closed Treads On Stairs?
photos by sara ligorria-tramp | left: mountain house living room | right: portland project entryI like both! We exposed the treads in the OG Portland Project and our mountain house because the sculptural shape of the individual steps can look really pretty. I think it’s historically been the more classic and high-end look. Having an outer stringer that covers the edge of the stairs so you can’t see it is cheaper to execute which is why it’s more common in builder grade houses. It can look really pretty though. I loved how Chris Loves Julia and Sarah Sherman Samuel (obviously way more post-modern in design) did it in their respective entries.
Carpet Or Wood Flooring In A Kids’ Playroom Or Bedroom?
from: kid’s mountain house attic playroomI love both. It really depends if food and paint are going to be involved because then definitely don’t go too light. I LOVED the carpet in our mountain house play attic (don’t forget the 1″ memory foam carpet pad). I love a cozy wall to wall, but if you have toddlers and you think they might rub their disgusting little marinara hands on everything then I’d go wood + washable rug.
What Paint Finish Do I Paint Everything?There is so many ways to do this, but here are some general guidelines that we did (and ARCIFORM agreed):
Ceiling: Matte/flat as there might be more imperfections and anything with a sheen will show more imperfections.
Drywall Walls: Eggshell or matte. Eggshell is slightly more sheen and slightly easier to clean, but they are pretty close.
Door and Window Casing: I like this to be slightly more shiny than the walls, so likely satin or semi-gloss. I personally think that when they are painted the same color in a flat finish it looks like you only wanted to tape off once and shows no architectural/textural difference.
Wood Paneling (on Walls): Satin or semi-gloss. I think this is mostly for durability on the wood.
Bathroom Walls: I think flat/matte or eggshell is fine. I don’t love satin or semi on most normal drywall rooms, TBH.
Doors: Match the trim/casing (Again, I like slightly more sheen than on the walls even if the walls are flat and the casing/door are eggshell).
I have strayed from this many times, but this is off the top of my head what I would recommend right now.
So leave more of your questions in the comments and if you like this post I’ll do more like these. And just a reminder, you can literally break every rule, you can make anything work, your house is yours and shouldn’t be a source of stress. It’s almost all about personal preference and how you love to live in your own home (but if you like this post and don’t have my book yet, you could snag it where there is a lot of info like this in it).
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: Welcome To Our Bedroom + All The Upholstered Beds We Considered And What We Chose
The post Rapid Fire Remodel And Design Questions From My Friends (And All My Answers) appeared first on Emily Henderson.
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