Emily Henderson's Blog, page 79

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… FTW

One 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.

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 hale

A 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.

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 & Black

The Inspiration:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Custom Wood Products (@customwoodproductsks)

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A 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 Materials

The Inspiration:

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A post shared by deVOL Kitchens (@devolkitchens)

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A 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 & Gold

The Inspiration:

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A post shared by Montér Minde Kjøkkensenter (@montermindekjokkensenter)

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A 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 Neutrals

The Inspiration:

from: the farmhouse kitchen reveal and all my thoughts and feelings about it | photo by kaitlin green | design by emily henderson and arciform

Look 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 Tones

The Inspiration:

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A post shared by Zia Tile (@zia_tile)

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A post shared by Zia Tile (@zia_tile)

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A 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 Curtain

How’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.

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)

Soake Pool

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?

Blue Floatie | Pink Floatie

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.

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 green

From 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.

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

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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 Coatphotos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: portland project living roomOrange Peelphotos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: portland project media room

This 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 entry

I 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 playroom

I 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.

The Power And Practicality Of Sofa Tables (Em’s New Favorite Hardworking Piece)

I feel like the coffee and occasional tables get all the attention, and for good reason. But for both our living and family rooms I needed a table behind the sofa to solve multiple problems – the sofa table. My problems were as follows: A. The coffee tables in both rooms are just a bit too far away to easily set down a drink, B. We needed a lamp but had no room for a side table (family room) and C. I don’t love the when the back of a sofa is super prominent (although these don’t bother me at all) but a pretty table is always pretty.

If you could also use a sofa table here are some rules/guidelines to help you find the right one!

RulesIdeally, at least 2/3rds the length of the sofa.Don’t go too deep! Keep in-between 12″-20″.Should be around the same height or no more than 6″ lower than the back of your sofa (helps with visual impact). If you have a higher backed sofa go for higher, lower go for lower. Best if it looks visually light so go for open shelves! Sofas are chunky, so something that looks visually lighter is best (Could be a bookshelf, glass front cabinet, or more of an open table like mine).

I really liked the table I found (made by Purl) so he cut it down to the right height. Once against the sofa it felt empty underneath so I we were going to add either two mushroom stools, two ottomans, or some baskets. But then I had all these books that I love with no bookshelf so I stacked them there and I love how they look.

design by emily henderson and priscilla frost | photos by sara ligorria-tramp | from: my best friends 1970s basement gets a comfortable, cozy makeover – wood paneling and wall-to-wall carpet included

For the family room (not shown above:)), I wanted something chunkier to work with the chunkiness of the sofa. Originally, I wanted black but I couldn’t find anything that worked. Then I realized that wood would be even better and tie in with the wood coffee table and all the wood/gold frames on the wall (sorry, I know I haven’t revealed this yet). I found this one at Pottery Barn and ended up getting two because together they fit PERFECTLY, looking almost built-in or custom.

photo by bethany nauert | from: lisa’s house: living room

So since I am now a sofa table/console advocate, here are 10 of our favorites online currently. Of course please check the measurements to make sure they work with your sofa!

Cayman Console Bookcase

This one is so versatile but very modern Scandi, has a ton of styling potential and is great if you have a sofa with a back that’s 28″ or a little higher. If your sofa is nice and long, you can easily get two of these so they look almost like one long unit.

Level 70″ Media Console

This one is already a great length and would be perfect in a more modern-leaning or industrial styled home. The different cubby sizes also give it a good amount of visual interest while still being a sleek, simple piece.

Seymour Faux Wood Modern Media Stand

So while this is a media cabinet, it would work great as a sofa table/cabinet. It actually looks very similar to the ones I got for the family room but at a more affordable price point!

Open Plan Long and Low Bookcase

Oh, this one is very pretty with those clean lines and mix of open and closed sections. I really love this walnut wood tone but it also comes in a white and black oak too! Plus, I know Blu Dot’s quality is really good so it’s definitely worth the price if it’s within your budget.

Cecile Low Natural Wood and Rattan Cane Bookshelf

Why not add some texture while getting a sofa table?! Plus the overall pill shape is so cute and a little unexpected which I love. It’s also 60″ so it’s not a bad length either!

Always, take note of length. Since you want your table to be at least 2/3rds the length of your sofa, you might need to get two that can easily look like a single unit like I did in my family room. A piece like this one is a stand alone since the ends are rounded. Hope that makes sense.

Wood and Metal Console Table

At $55 how can you beat it? Sure you’d likely need to purchase two but at that price it’s much more doable. Plus, the design is simple and easy to mix into a ton of styles!

Arlene Console Table

Well, this one has farmhouse written all over it. And look at the sweet joinery! I definitely love so much about this one but if you want some storage (like a second shelf) you might want to consider that before purchasing. Otherwise, it’s so good!

LAFORA

Talk about a super cool option! It’s a piece of art in and of itself. It’s also 72″ long which is incredible. If you like the style but wish it was in a lighter wood, don’t worry. It also comes in oak:)

Ventura White Oak Console Table

I know we just featured this guy in our fall collections post yesterday but it’s too good not to talk about again. And actually, the one we featured was in the darker color so it’s a little different. It was also designed by Lawson-Fenning which is why it’s so good. I love the single drawer detail and how easy it is to change up the shelf heights.

Padilla Console Table

I really appreciate some extra storage and this one is great! Not only is it real pretty and has those three drawers, but you can also easily throw some storage baskets or bins underneath it.

Extra Long Narrow Couch Console Table

A 70″ piece that’s under $200 is a great deal. Also it’s definitely for a more rustic, industrial style.

Gemini Light Ash Wood Bookcase

I can almost bet you are going to need two of these (unless you have a small sofa) but it’s so cute that why wouldn’t you want to? The light wood is so pretty and I love the shape of the legs in this wood too.

Those are all of our currently favorites but you can also always check on Craigslist or thrift stores too. Remember that you can “customize” most anything a little like I did with the one in my living room. Hope you will soon enjoy all the pleasures of a sofa table:) xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: The HIGHLY Anticipated…Farmhouse Living Room Reveal – Let’s Get Into It:) + LOOK! MOM! I’M ON YOUTUBE!

The post The Power And Practicality Of Sofa Tables (Em’s New Favorite Hardworking Piece) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

We Analyzed The Fall Home Collections From Target, Anthro, CB2 + 12 More – Here Are The Best New Releases For Each

I say it every year, but the fall drops are my favorite drops of the year! Cozy is king, creativity is high, and personally, fall colors are my preferred colors. This year is no different! Well, it’s a little different. The market is constantly changing and strategies shift, you may have noticed that fewer retailers are announcing full-on seasonal collections. Instead, what’s happening now is that “collections” aren being saved for all the wonderful designer collaborations we’ve been seeing (ie Crate & Barrel x Athena Calderone, Lulu & Georgia x Ginny Macdonald, etc.) But don’t worry, the old model of seasonal drops isn’t dead! Seasonal lines are still here but it’s just seems that a lot of retailers are simply adding AWESOME new products to their sites more frequently…and I am here to talk you through it all. Per usual I went through A LOT of sites, but it’s a hobby (and my job, ha) to see what all these brands are putting out:)

from: what’s next in fall decor from crate & barrel (spoiler: it’s real cozy) + my personal rules on designing with extreme comfort in mind

But wait, we actually already kicked off the fall collection drop last week with Crate & Barrel! Did you see the living room Em put together? It was so cute and I still am not over that candelabra! I saw it in person too and it’s incredible. Go to that post to see all of those links and more of our favorite picks…there’s a lot because a lot was so GOOD:)

Ok, now onto the others!

Targetphotos via target

Tapered Banana Sheet Basket | Short Metal Lantern | Boucle Sphere Throw Pillow

photos via target

Rounded Pumpkin | Decorative Light Wood Tray

No one does affordable fall decor like Target, amirite?? I think most of the Target pieces I own are from the fall drops. So when I decided to do this post I was pretty excited to see what they had in store. Per usual I was not disappointed and a few things are giving CB2 vibes which I REALLY love.

Luxe Double Taper Candleholder | 2. Tapered Banana Sheet Basket | 3. Boucle Sphere Throw Pillow | 4. Rounded Pumpkin | 5. Sedum Arrangement in Wood Vessel | 6. Wood Turned Candleholder | 7. Short Metal Lantern | 8. Block Print Square Throw Pillow | 9. Decorative Light Wood Tray

See that I mean? That double candleholder and sphere pillow (that also comes in olive) feel very CB2 but at an even better price! I also love love that large woven basket. I think that rich brown is so beautiful and would work stylistically in almost any home, don’t you? Oh and Target’s pumpkins are the best in the biz every year.

Soho Homephotos via soho home

Maris Pendant | Duetoni Coffee Table | Carlisle Six Drawer Dresser

Soho Home is one of the newer editions to the EHD favorites list and there is no surprise as to why. While not inexpensive, the quality and designs are so special and interesting. I mean it’s where Em’s living room chair is from! Naturally, I had to check out what their fall offerings were:)

Pia Mirror | 2. Carlisle Six Drawer Dresser | 3. Vivienne Sectional Four Seater Sofa | 4. Maris Pendant | 5. Duetoni Coffee Table | 6. Raimundo Rug

I love how iron is being used in beautiful modern ways so this mirror is RIGHT up my alley. Then if you want a rich, plush sofa, I don’t think you’ll find a more stunning option than #3. Even the legs are incredible! But what really has me swooning is that oversized pendant. Look at it in the photo above! It’s soft and bold all at the same time. I’m debating if I need it for my bedroom:)

West Elm X Colin Kingphotos via west elm

Ceramic Table Lamp | Kirkwood Sofa | Stripe Rug

photos via west elm

Pedestal Table | Deluxe Linen Stripe Pillow | Iron Taper Holders

I am never not wildly excited when I see a collab with stylist, Colin King. But this one might be his largest one yet! The colors are moody yet comforting, the materials are textured and unpretentious, and the silhouettes are GOOD. But I wouldn’t expect anything less. Let’s get into it:)

Kirkwood Sofa | 2. Ceramic Table Lamp | 3. Deluxe Linen Stripe Pillow | 4. Pedestal Table | 5. Bronze-Finished Nesting Tables | 6. Ceramic Vase | 7. Iron Taper Holders | 8. Stripe Rug | 9. Rustic Wood Side Table

I love that Colin decided to make the feet of the sofa simple but in a cool shape we don’t get to see very often. The contrast of a classically shaped sofa with a modern foot is so chic. The short, chunky lamp is great and he also used wrought iron in a beautifully clean way with the candlestick holders (they come in three sizes). I also really appreciate the simplicity of the storage side table. If you look at his work you know he loves to style with raw textures so I love that we chose that rough wood. That tone is also just beautiful:) You should definitely check out the whole collection.

Schoolhousephotos via schoolhouse

Cascade Pulls | Gantry Pendant

photo via schoolhouse

Milo Chair

A classic EHD fav!! Schoolhouse has always been our go-to for cool utilitarian and classic decor. It’s always exciting when they have new products! I really love how they’re leaning into brighter poppy colors for fall:)

Milo Chair | 2. Gantry Pendant | 3. Shelburne Cotton Coverlet | 4. Cascade Pulls | 5. Schoolhouse Utility Stool | 6. Sidnie Lamp

For example, this chair and this table lamp. Really simple lines in awesome, bold colors. They both have other color options (the table lamp though has A TON of color options including a Barbie pink:)). Also, I’m sure you all love this coverlet that has been in Em’s homes for years (and is currently $60 off). Well here is a new one! It also comes in that fun bright red with blue accents. It is guaranteed to add personality to any room.

Pottery Barnphotos via pottery barn

Rowan Canvas Abstract Art | Zenia Floral Quilted Pillow | Ellis Metal Table Lamp

photos via pottery barn

Faux Queen Anne’s Lace | Rylee Nightstand

Classic, rustic, modern, and traditional! All the ways to describe Pottery Barn:) I really love how they are moving into cleaner lines and this collection is no different. Pottery Barn is another one of those brands that thrives in fall! Two peas in a pod.

Modern Farmhouse Rectangular Console | 2. Zenia Floral Quilted Pillow | 3. Ellis Metal Table Lamp | 4. Rowan Canvas Abstract Art | 5. Rylee Nightstand | 6. Faux Queen Anne’s Lace | 7. Kensington Metal Floor Lamp | 8. Heirloom Stoneware Oval Platter | 9. Manzanita Shelf

I’m pretty over the moon for that nightstand. It’s a perfect example of those cleaner lines I was just talking about! Then if you love fall florals, that pillow and faux Queen Anne’s lace are GREAT ways to incorporate them. And if that photo above is any indication of how good those faux flowers are then I am sold.

Chasing Paper X Shadé Akanbiphotos via chasing paper

Kuba Geo | Berber Diamond

When I saw this new collab with Chasing Paper and artist, Shadé Akanbi, I thought it was so great! The patterns are beautiful and bold and come is such stunning colors (I told you I love fall colors:)). These papers also come in a few different types – peel and stick, traditional, faux grasscloth, and matte performance vinyl.

Berber Diamond | 2. Cleo Stripe Horizontal | 3. Kuba Geo

That rust color is my favorite in the Berber Diamond! Then I love how playful yet cool the Cleo Stripe is and the Kuba Geo is perfectly bold and neutral.

Terrainphotos via terrain

Floral Candelabra | Midnight Florals Ceramic Dinner Plate

When you want whimsy, Terrain is must stop. It’s never not extremely fun to browse through their site! This season is no different. Also I love how they are pretty into mushrooms…trending fungi? Ok, let’s get into these sweet products.

Post Box | 2. Forest Mushroom Napkins (Set of 4) | 3. Weathering Steel Outdoor Fireplace with Grill | 4. Floral Candelabra | 5. Midnight Florals Ceramic Dinner Plate | 6. Mixed Silhouette Tapers

Can you handle that mailbox?? The cutest! Terrain also has florals on lock – that candelabra and plates are pretty darn wonderful. And while it’s a bigger purchase, that outdoor fireplace would be so awesome for all those cozy nights. For the inside, I love how they sell a mix of three different types of taper candles in one set.

H&M Homephotos via h&m home

Seagrass Basket | Stoneware Plant Pot

Another truly awesome affordable place to get decor. We all have H&M in our homes because we honestly love their stuff! They just have really give stylish, chic options. Here’s what they’re serving up right now…

Seagrass Basket | 2. Stoneware Plant Pot | 3. 2-Pack Patterned Cushion Covers (Set of 2) | 4. Large Stoneware Serving Dish | 5. Jacquard-Weave Cushion Cover | 6. Wall Decoration

Good, right?! The textiles are playful and patterned but totally versatile (and real affordable). I am surprised how much I love that jacquard-weave cushion cover! Then for my organic modern lovers, that planter and black wall art are right up your alley.

Lulu And Georgiaphoto via lulu and georgia

Damon Chandelier | Rodolfo Coffee Table

photos via lulu and georgia

Luis Table Lamp | Philana Dresser | Morey Curio Sideboard

We could talk about our love for Lulu and Georgia for eternity. Their collabs are some of our favorites but they also just have an incredible inventory that yes, they just added to! Let’s just get into it since it’s really needs no other introduction.

Banks Accent Chair | 2. Damon Chandelier | 3. Rodolfo Coffee Table | 4. Luis Table Lamp | 5. Karine Round Dining Table | 6. Morey Curio Sideboard | 7. Cato Coffee Table | 8. Nedda Boucle Pillow | 9. Philana Dresser

That accent chair looks cool AND comfortable. Not an easy mix to find sadly. Oh and it comes in other colors too! And normally that chandelier wouldn’t totally be my style but after seeing it in the photo above I think it might be. Oh, and if you need a dining table before the holidays this is SUCH a great one. You’ll be the coolest one in your family FOR SURE:)

CB2photos via cb2

Marble Table Lamp with Brass Shade | Armless Geometric Patterned Chair | Natural Oak Wood Credenza

photos via cb2

Bronze Brown Velvet Bench | Swivel Black Wood Floor Length Mirror

And no, CB2 did not disappoint because to me they are perfect. I am partial to their modern yet throw back vintage ways. They also work with designers/studios and feature them in the products descriptions. Cool, no? It’s been a long time since I haven’t want MULTIPLE pieces from their collections and this one is really versatile.

Natural Oak Wood Credenza | 2. Marble Table Lamp with Brass Shade | 3. Acacia Wood Coffee Table | 4. Bronze Brown Velvet Bench | 5. Mardones Camel Velvet Sofa | 6. Swivel Black Wood Floor Length Mirror | 7. Antiqued Black Rectangular Mirror | 8. Short Walnut Wood Bookcase | 9. Armless Geometric Patterned Chair

Both #1 and #8 are extremely cool storage solutions. Are the cheap? No. But they are quality pieces that will make your home look incredible. Then I feel like that coffee table is the modern, warmer cousin to Emily’s live wood Anthro coffee table. That chunky rounded edge is too good! Honestly, I adore every piece and I hope if you need something this helps.

World Marketphotos via world market

Chestnut and Marble Bar Cabinet | Acacia Bench with Cream Cushion | Extra Long Ash Dining Table

World Market is slept on too much if you ask me. Their range of products is so great and the prices are fair. They will always have the classic “boho” style in a ton of their pieces, but they too are changing with the times and going a little sleeker. Wanna see?

Chestnut and Marble Bar Cabinet | 2. Extra Long Ash Dining Table | 3. Wood Ringed Taper Candle Holders | 4. Upholstered Swivel Dining Chair | 5. Rattan Belly Baskets | 6. Acacia Bench with Cream Cushion

That bar cabinet looks great and the shape is special! If I had space that bar would be a no brainer. I also prefer all of the closed storage:) The (extra long) dining table and bench are also examples of the modern lines that I think are so pretty. Oh, and those baskets are a 10/10.

Jayson Homephoto via jayson home

Tensira Bedrolls

Remember the post we did about the decor shops you might forget about when shopping? Well, Jayson Home was on that list but should never be forgotten! Their array of truly special pieces and vintage far has this puppy really in the running for the EHD favorite (aside from the fact that it’s already a favorite).

Avignon Mirror | 2. Tensira Bedrolls | 3. Avila Lamp | 4. Kendall Diamond Pillow | 5. Bastille Stool | 6. Ulysses Vase

I have dreams of owning a mirror like that one! It’s such a stunning piece. Then those bedrolls and fringe ottman are looking very similar to the fabric trend I was talking about:) I also can’t handle that woven lamp. It would make such a great statement in any home.

Rejuvenationphotos via rejuvenation

Glencoe 6-Light Chandelier | Sedona Console Table

If you’ve looked at any project Emily (and anyone on the team) have done in the past few years, you know Rejuvenation is peak EHD! Elevated, modern traditional with a heavy dose of vintage describes us and them perfectly. We also love that they are very choosing when releasing new products (aka it doesn’t happen often) so this is very exciting.

Roswell Chair-And-A-Half | 2. Theo Pendant | 3. Leather Open Weave Basket | 4. Poplar 54″ Quad Pendant | 5. Verona White Oak Surface Mount Medicine Cabinet | 6. Grace Drawer Pull | 7. Wren Toilet Paper Holder | 8. Glencoe 6-Light Chandelier | 9. Sedona Console Table

I am really loving that polished nickel pendant! It comes in other finishes but there’s something about that metal in particular I am into. Don’t they remind you of the pendants in Em’s kitchen? Well, in shape at least. That–chair-and-a-half is one you would easily own forever and the wood framed medicine cabinet is perfect.

Anthropologiephotos via anthropologie

Beaufort Bouclé Sheba Daybed | Andrea Mirror

photo via anthropologie

House of Hackney Curio Cabinet

What you thought I’d forget Anthro? No way! Given that Terrain and Anthropologie are under the same umbrella, the whimsy only continues.

House of Hackney Curio Cabinet | 2. Glass Salt & Pepper Shakers | 3. Josie Bell Lamp Shade | 4. Maude Blanket Ladder | 5. Molto Table Lamp | 6. Georgine Mirror | 7. Beaufort Bouclé Sheba Daybed | 8. Andrea Mirror | 9. Mimi Thorisson Italian Hours Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

For instance, the cabinet and blanket ladder. How unreal are those?? But if you want to tone things down then you must get your hands on that lampshade if you are in need of one. It’s perfect! What is also perfect, are those salt and pepper shakers. As a collector of sorts, I am going to need to snag those asap:)

Well, there you have it. All the things from all the collections (or drops) we are currently loving! If you have any other recs let me know!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo via Rejuvenation

The post We Analyzed The Fall Home Collections From Target, Anthro, CB2 + 12 More – Here Are The Best New Releases For Each appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Farmhouse Backyard Update: All About Our New Sports Court – (It’s A Real Thing, Per Usual)

In continuing with our “first summer backyard tour,” which is less of a bunch of reveals and more of a progress/update/learnings, today I have for you all things sports court. Originally, she was big and cracked and now she’s smaller and unfinished. Check this progress out (I love watching this over and over and over).

When we first bought the property it had the world’s largest sports court on it – basically a tennis court size with like 20 extra feet in every direction – HUGE. Like many things in this house, we thought it was fine “as-is,” thinking that changing it would be daunting (and we were right!). We figured we’d hire someone to resurface it so it didn’t LOOK so cracked and call it a day. Brian and I really divided up the outside workload based on what was important to each of us – which means he took the lead on all things sports court, driveway, farm animals, and the south play lawn. At this time, I was busy designing the inside of the house so I barely thought about these things. I couldn’t clutter my brain space trying to book a sports court resurfacer. I don’t know if I have all the details right of this process TBH – or perhaps I’ve blocked them!

Here’s a quick process video for you to check out too! (Just wait for the little ad to play:)

I believe the original court was 120′ long by 60′ wide – HUGE. Our property was big so we maybe we didn’t realize it before. But as Brian had different subs come over to consult on how to make it better, they all said the same two things:

“We will not resurface this, No way”. Essentially it was so badly cracked – everywhere, that no one would put their name on resurfacing it because they all said it would just crack in a year and look like garbage. And…“This sports court is way too big”

Part of me wanted to try to just get a someone super inexpensive to do it knowing that it was a five year bandage. That’s the “let’s deal with this annoying and expensive situation later,” part of me who is a big part of me honestly.

So what were our options?
1. Hire an asphault company to just make it a big black top (cheapest and a two day process)
2. Resurface it ourselves, knowing that we don’t know how to do that and that all the experts say wouldn’t be wise.
3. Pour concrete over it, another layer and hope that it doesn’t crack?
4. Demo it out and start fresh (and smaller).
5. Wait and hope that whatever we decide wouldn’t ruin all the investment into the landscape we were about to make.

We ended up finding the most affordable concrete guy who quoted $18k (our first quote was $45k) to demo out and re-pour (but 1/2 the size), but when he came he said that unbeknownst to him there were many, many, many layers of concrete, poured over many years and it was going to be much more. I think it was up to 10″ in many places. That is a LOT to demo. And we had to do this NOW. We couldn’t decide this later because all of the landscaping was happening (irrigation, grading) and you can’t plant and landscape and then bring in huge machinery – it would literally ruin it all, break irrigation, destroy plants and trees, etc. So once again, a rushed expensive decision. The good news with this is that the hillside just off the end of the sports court was the one that we were going to bring the Soake pool up on. We were actually able ground the concrete into gravel to help get the crew trucks up. The less good news is that it remains there and we have no idea how to get rid of it.

At this point we definitely wanted it smaller and Cali put it into the plans:

That seemed like the wisest plan and obviously we were grateful that we could make this choice. Now that we are on the other side of this and we love how incredibly usable our property is, we have calmed down. But, needless to say there were huge financial implications for all of this and it was very, very stressful. None of this was budgeted for and I’m not a landscape content creator so it just didn’t seem like a great area be allocating so much money. But we would either need to pause the whole landscape project to get our brains around what to do and how to budget for it, OR deplete more of our savings from selling our LA house and just get it done so we can keep moving forward. This is also when the entire outside was mud (except for this broken sports court). Now that I’m writing about it, in hindsight, the whole year had this cloud of overwhelm over it. I’m not asking for pity, obviously – we are so privileged to be able to do this and have this space – but it’s just a reminder that if you’ve ever attempted a remodel/renovation and have felt extremely overwhelmed and depleted, you aren’t alone. If you’ve ever let your ideas get out of control and then you find yourself forced to make really expensive decisions really fast, you are not alone. And then the real question is was this even the right decision????

This kind of decision making is also hard when you have a guy there, with all his machinery to do the job! The availability of subs last year was SO HARD to lock down, especially for outdoor jobs during dry weather spells in Portland. So you make choices:) And here’s what we did.

Again, we removed the entire OG sports court, ground it into gravel, poured it like a fountain all over the then beat up driveway (which did help with the mud/machinery). “We” then re-poured the new concrete with rebar and the whole shebang – but half the size of the original. I will 100% admit that we don’t know if this was the best choice. If we could do it again were there other options that would have been better than concrete that we should have explored? Probably. I’m also not concrete’s #1 fan for a few reasons – it’s expensive, it STILL CRACKS, and it’s not porous. But is it a ground foundation for a sports court? I guess so!

We also did one smart thing and one stupid thing (at least). The day before we poured the concrete – we scrambled to trench for future electrical to go out to the barn – not knowing what we needed but making sure it can have at least lights and outlets. But we didn’t trench for plumbing/water out there, because we truly didn’t think we needed it and it was so expensive. Now that we have alpacas, we have to bring a hose (like 200 feet) back there to fill up their trough – every day. HUGE WHOOPS. We are trying to come up with a solution (and no we can’t trench now – it’s all landscaped with hardscape, french drains and plants/trees). There are options I won’t bore you with because they all kinda suck TBH.

This is the view to the now Soake pool area that I can’t wait to show you coming ASAP.

And Here He Is Now…

This is not an after, but it’s where we are now. We have yet to take it from concrete slab to sports court. But the kids certainly play on it.

We spent a night shooting photos and video for all the backyard posts (including the alpacas and pool) so we figured having some people in these shots would make it far more enjoyable to look at than just concrete.

Right now we mostly use this for pickle ball (all-four of us play), basketball, roller blading, sidewalk chalk, and they can ride their bikes but don’t as much on this.

Brian was desperate to ge the lines all drawn this summer, but I basically begged him to wait. I was so done with construction, the mud, the decisions, the WRONG rushed decisions, and this court was so usable as is – so for the love of god, just wait. I wanted to make sure we knew how we were going to use the court, where we wanted to face while playing pickle ball, where we wanted the basketball hoop – all based on the sun. We wouldn’t know this in a week of playing, we needed to experience the property for at least one summer.

So that’s where we are now – totally enjoying this court on our first summer post-mud. It’s been REALLY wonderful and we feel extremely grateful.

Do We Think It Is it Too Big?

Yes and no. If we could snap our fingers and have it be 12 feet smaller, just lining up with the shed house, I would. But I also want to wait and see how we use it before giving that full diagnosis. We have zero plans to actually demo it out anytime soon, but I do wish it had slightly less presence. I wonder if painting it green with the white lines would help? The rest of the property is just looking so pretty and natural, and it’s really hard for a concrete slab to integrate in design-wise.

But we also love it, and we don’t know what the future of this house/property will be after the kids graduate (small events? group retreats?) so maybe we would want this space for a use we haven’t even predicted yet.

More to come summer 2024 – surely by then we’ll have the lines painted (if we are even going to do that) and if we plan on installing a net maybe that will get done in the spring. Again, this is all Brian’s domain and he’s taking the lead because he cares about it way more than I do which works for us. We also have so much more to do to “finish” it – fix the backdrop behind the green wall (it’s falling down), finalize any outdoor lighting we want so we can see past 4pm in the winter, figure out where to put the BBQ (right now it’s just floating on wheels on the sports court) but I have ZERO rushes and no real deadlines. All of the timely decisions have been made so the rest we can piecemeal as we feel motivated to tackle them and take some time to actually enjoy the non-construction zone with our now 2nd and 4th graders!!!!!!

*Pretty Photos by Kaitlin Green

The post Farmhouse Backyard Update: All About Our New Sports Court – (It’s A Real Thing, Per Usual) appeared first on Emily Henderson.