Emily Henderson's Blog, page 79

Welcome To Our Whimsical Farmhouse Kids’ Shared Bath – It’s Reveal Day!

Welcome back to the reveal day of our kids’ bathroom. In case you haven’t been following along (thanks for popping by :)) we started recapping this bathroom last Monday (OG bathroom post with design plan here), then dove into the tile, custom vanity, and tub nook curtain leading up to today – the full monty. Ready for the full tour including an Irish setter painting hanging on a window? Let’s do it…

Wall and Trim Color

Oh, she turned out so happy and fun. Once we hung that patterned curtain we changed a lot of the styling to be more whimsical and colorful which made way more sense for a kids’ bath. What started out as a pretty strict color palette of green, white, and gold (perhaps a Go Duck’s homage??) shifted once we added that teal in there. It definitely reads as more “kid” and “fun” with that added in. Had it been our bathroom I would have likely kept it more white. What I didn’t call out too much last week was the vintage/antique light fixture that we had made with Rejuvenation (through their antiques and vintage department) that turned out SO PERFECT. Shout out to Jordan. We found the antique shades and he built it exactly to our ideal design – hanging down 18″ in total, spread out to take a more linear shape with that nice pop of green that brings your eye up and balances out the floor tile.

We are about to get into it but don’t forget to watch the full Youtube video tour HERE (with a lot of personal commentary, TBH), and of course a shortened one here (just wait for the little ad to run!):

I obviously went a little whimsical and fun, styling this bathroom and I’m currently very into it (but the good news is that it’s all changeable should I want to amp it up or pull it back in the future).

The large-scale buffalo plaid is so happy and adds such a jolt of color, and definitely contrasts the seriousness of the telephone faucet, for instance. Fun fact, since we started designing this bathroom (over two years ago) our kids no longer take baths so joke’s on me for caring so much about this niche. Obviously, I’m still SO GLAD that we did it for future use (I’ll teach the kids the ways of the bath when they’re ready) and for any potential resale, but both my kids shower now. Also, can we talk about this for a second – are we the only household where the kids want to almost only shower in our shower? Both in the mountain house and here!! I know my brother’s family is the same way and it’s hilarious if not frustrating (because they use my fancy stuff and leave water all over the floor and then we get soakers in our socks, etc).

Tub Faucet | Light Fixture (vintage/custom)

What you might notice (and be a little perplexed/upset by) is that the tub faucet is satin brass and the light fixture is aged brass – which technically wouldn’t be my first choice. We chose the finish on the light fixture to work best with the antique light and thought that the brighter satin gold would be too bright (and I still agree with my former self). But we also chose this at the factory not really thinking about the faucet finish. So when we brought it to our house I was worried we had made a mistake. When you see them next to each other in these side-by-side photos you notice the difference, but in real life with the distance between them and everything else going on it looks great. Your eye just doesn’t clock it (of course it will now :))

Tub | Tile | Curtian (similar) Dark Teal Towel | Waffel Towel | Stool (vintage)

I LOVE that shot – just so happy and fun! The floor tile base border is such a feature that I want to recreate over and over. Sure, it still looks a little like grass, but with everything else going on it works!

Art (vintage) | Towel Bar

I know I pointed it out last week, but for those of you who may not have noticed the grout color changed from the green (darker) to the white (white grout) – a big thanks to Level Plane for appeasing my ideas 🙂

The shower door was originally a basic door but what we did, that I love, is add the metal trim around the whole thing, giving it more presence and even a more vintage look (the tiny knob is really cute which you can see below). When it was first installed I was weirded out that it wasn’t the full height of the opening, but I guess it needs to be to let hot air out (although we have a fan inside so unsure if that really was necessary?). Regardless, it eventually stopped bugging me.

Loofa h B r u s h

Ya’ll, all the outlets and switchplates make SUCH a difference. I know that designers harp on these kinds of things and they are the LAST thing that you want to budget for during a renovation, but they really are a detail that I LOVE and have found pretty necessary when doing an older home (I’d say skip them in more basic rooms like bedrooms if you want to cut down, but install them in places that need to feel more “historic” like kitchens and bathrooms).

Switchplate | Towel Hooks

Shower Set | Shower Head | Tray (similar)

The shower is a lovely dreamy little room, with a ledge (not a niche) which tends to be my preference these days (can lean on, put your foot up on it for shaving, and of course just creates a simple line, less tile confusion, etc,.). Also, I thought that eucalyptus was just a stylist thing that looked cool, but it absolutely makes the entire bathroom smell like a spa for MONTHS AND MONTHS. I refreshed it for the shoot, of course, but don’t plan on replacing it with fresh branches for months (Trader Joe’s, $8).

Toilet | Bath Mat

I haven’t mentioned the toilet yet, but I really, really love this toilet (style-wise, functionally it’s great but no big bells and whistles). The shape of the base is just really pretty and classic (it’s Kholer).

Terrazzo Bath Tray | Marble Lidded Box (similar)

OK, so I have some beef with those framed pieces. It isn’t the art pieces themselves, it’s that they are so flat when against the tile when everything projects out so much more. I just think they need more weight to them – either bigger or deeper. And no, I didn’t feel like permanently drilling into the tile to hang another piece of art – that’s far too much of a commitment for me.

Light Fixture | Mirror | Toothbrush Holder (vintage) | Toothbrushes | Outlet Cover | Faucet | Wood Tray (unavailable) | Plaid Cup | Toliet Paper Holder

At one point I was worried that the mirror was going to project too far out, hitting the light fixture and it does come close but doesn’t hit (thank goodness). I meant to put the little fern back on the vanity for this shot (it was shot on the toilet) but this cup is what the kids use to drink after brushing their teeth. And obviously, those $1 Target toothbrushes worked perfectly for our shot because our kids’ toothbrushes are disgusting in every way and I was not going to let them ruin my reveal 🙂

Vanity (vintage/custom) | Countertop Stone

I just love it so much. Please note the feet on that vanity! The knobs! The keyholes! All the round elements echo each other (mirror, sconce shades, knobs) and contrast so well with the shape of the vanity and the tile.

We ended up putting the toilet paper holder on the side of the vanity, but hot tip – I meant to tell Jamie to install it the other way so that you can rip the TP forward with one hand (this is very specific I’m realizing as I write this). How it is installed right now is fine but you have to use both hands to make sure that it doesn’t fall off forward with the momentum of the pull. 🙂

Ready for some before and afters? It’s probably the least dramatic of all of them because this bathroom wasn’t that bad to begin with! But it’s still quite the transformation 🙂

A big shout out to Julie (our recent kitchen makeover recipient) for gifting me that vintage painting. I saw it at her house during a site visit (she is a vintage/antiques dealer) and fell in love with it. It was such a lovely thank you gift and it found its place (but honestly could have looked good in so many places upstairs).

Dress | Sandals

A little flirty hide-and-go-seek shot for you. I hope you enjoyed this bathroom/reveal. Every time I walk upstairs and turn the corner I get so excited. I LOVE how it turned out and so do the kids. Don’t forget to watch the YouTube Video (which does have them actually in the space with some iPhone footage). Thanks to ARCIFORM (our design/build team) for executing everything so expertly and Eric and his team from Level Plane for their tile install. Thanks to Stephyn for helping us with tile square footage (or what is called “the tile take-off”) because details and numbers are not my strength and it’s a lot to figure out. All resources below!

Bathroom Resources:

Tile: Pratt + Larson
Bathtub: Rejuvenation
Plumbing Fixtures: Rejuvenation
Shower Door: Local
Hardware: Rejuvenation
Wall Color: SW 8917 Shell White by Sherwin-Williams
Mirror: Rejuvenation
Vanity: Custom/Vintage
Stone Countertop: Bedrosians
Curtain Fabric: Unavailable (similar)
Art: Vintage

*Design by Emily Henderson and ARCIFORM
**Tile Installation by Level Plane
***Photos by Kaitlin Green

The post Welcome To Our Whimsical Farmhouse Kids’ Shared Bath – It’s Reveal Day! appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: The GPS/Texting Watch Em’s Kids (And Parents) LOVE, Arlyn’s Post-Baby Approved Undies, And Our Next YOUTUBE REVEAL Video!!

Happy Sunday! We don’t want to give you any decorating panic with that beautiful fall tablescape since I think most of us are still melting from the summer sun. However, we’ve been shocked at how many people are already searching for fall decor ideas (like a lot)! So if you too are dreaming of a fall breeze and cozy fires then this post that stylist/ entertaining expert, Royale Ziegler, wrote for us a couple of years ago is the one you are going to want to read. It’s all about decorating for the fall (and all of its festivities) once. It’ll be hard not to get excited and inspired. Ok, links?

This week’s house tour was originally a crumbling 1890s spec house in East LA referred to as a Pyramidal Victorian. But then Patrick Bernatz Ward and his wife, Shannon came to the rescue and brought it back to life. So while they restored and designed the entire house, Patrick also designed most of the furniture!! It’s truly incredible. Go check it out here!

READY FOR ANOTHER FARMHOUSE REVEAL YOUTUBE VIDEO??? Us too. Em gets into the nitty gritty of designing her kids’ bathroom and we promise it’s great! Enjoy and come back tomorrow to get more info and see all the beautiful photos:)

From Emily: Our kids have been using the Gabb Watch since last September and we love, love, LOVE it. It’s for kids (ours are almost 8 and 10), to monitor their location and give them the ability to communicate with us (and only us). Maybe there are other products on the market that are just as good or better, but we have been pretty happy with this one (and so have our kids). Basically, it’s GPS (with an awesome real-time locations app that we use) + texting and calling ONLY the people in their contact list (Brian, me, and the grandparents). We live in a very safe quiet neighborhood with tons of families and we really wanted to give them autonomy and a sense of independence, but I feel SO much comfort knowing that I can reach them at all times if I need. As you probably imagine we are a few years away from smartwatches/cell phones (and even longer away from social media) so this “phone” is fairly bare bones and does the exact job we want/need. We also have it set so they can’t use it at all during school hours (they can call one number (Brian’s) in case of emergency). There are a couple of dumb games on it (productivity games), but that’s it (these other ones that have games on it seem so odd to me – like read the room, the parents who want this bare-bones watch likely don’t want their kids on video games either when we can help it). The whole point is outside freedom with a little bit of comfort for us. Independence. There is a monthly plan (I think it’s like $8.99 each) which adds up, but we use it SO MUCH.

From Jess: I did it. I finally bought a tongue scraper and I can’t even being to tell you how much I LOVE it. IT’S SO SATISFYING!! Now I can’t speak to the long-term benefits of helping with immunity and slowing the growth of plaque since it’s only been a couple of weeks, but I can say that my mouth feels cleaner and it’s definitely helped my breath. If it ends up that that’s where the benefits stop that’s good enough for me!

From Caitlin: Let me let y’all in on a little secret: this Head and Shoulders shampoo and conditioner is THE BEST smelling haircare product on the market. Full stop. I’m a big “leave the house with wet hair” girlie (read: lazy, generally unbothered by my appearance) and I am stopped EVERY TIME by someone being like, “wow, your hair smells amazing.” It happened this week in the pharmacy line at Walgreens. It happened when I stopped by my hairdresser for a 10-minute bangs trim. It happened when I was on a Zoom with the EHD team (did I stop a meeting after I caught a whiff of my own hair to tell everyone how good it smelled? YES.). It’s fresh and bright without being too saccharine – I wish I could get an entire shower set that smelled like this stuff! The scent can be a little tricky to find, but I order mine in a $14 set from Target and it’s absolutely worth it (none of the options in the store can compare IMO – you can also grab on Amazon, but it’s almost 2x the price so definitely go the Target route!).

Also From Caitlin: My favorite dress is on sale for $45 this weekend (down from $178 – I paid full price and I still don’t regret it)! If you’re in need of something white, PLEASE give this a peek – it’s SO comfortable and the pockets are awesome and it’s super easy to dress up or dress down. I got a 14 and had a good amount of room in the chest, even with 36F boobs, and the silhouette is pretty cute! (I’m not selling it here – Jess disagrees – BUT but I wore the yellow version to a wedding in June and felt so comfortable and un-selfconscious all night. Pro tip: steam your clothes after your redeye flights! Can you imagine how powerful I woulda felt if I hadn’t been rumpled?!

Today is the last day of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and there are still a bunch of great things still available! So if you need some pieces at truly great prices maybe go take a peek. Here is our blog post about our initial picks and below are some more of our favorites:

Tiered Satin Midi Dress | Day Trek Organic Cotton Blend Anorak | Camille Acid Wash Denim Blouse

Clip Dot Pintuck Cotton Top | Topanga High Waist Straight Leg Jeans | Goddess Coin Pendant Necklace

From Mallory: I’m finally getting into running because it’s SO fun to workout outside in the summer (ideally when it’s not 100 degrees but still) but I desperately need some good running shoes. These are on the Nordstrom anniversary sale (my mom has this brand and loves them) but I also keep hearing about the brand Hoka…anyone have running shoe insight?? Right now I wear my APLs which I love and will always love as an everyday walking shoe/weight lifting shoe but the sole just does not have enough support for concrete running impact. Please help!!

From Arlyn: I’ve been on the hunt for undies I actually like to wear, and I’ve gotta tell ya…it hasn’t been easy. For anyone who has had a baby or just has a pooch that just won’t quit poochin’, you know finding underwear that hit you above your fluff (but below your belly button) is crucial to prevent that annoying roll-down. Everything I’ve bought so far has either been way too high-waisted, lower cut than advertised, or pinches in all the wrong places. UNTIL NOW! I became the victim of a scroll-by ad on Facebook for the brand Pact, which sells organic cotton clothing and home goods. I may have just entered a new long-term relationship with their Lace Waist Brief. The lace banding up top prevents muffin tops, the bottom is full coverage to prevent the dreaded wedgie, and, most importantly, the rise is perfect. I found that their sizing runs a touch large so if you’re in between, I’d size down. I went all in on a 6-pack (on sale right now for $48) and I don’t regret it for a second. 

Well, thank you as always for spending a little time with us today, don’t forget to watch the newest YouTube video and see y’all tomorrow. xx

Opening Image Credits: Design by Royale Ziegler | Florals by Shawn Chamberlain | Photo by Lindsey Stewart Photography | From: How To Basically Decorate ONCE For Fall, Halloween, And Thanksgiving

The post The Link Up: The GPS/Texting Watch Em’s Kids (And Parents) LOVE, Arlyn’s Post-Baby Approved Undies, And Our Next YOUTUBE REVEAL Video!! appeared first on Emily Henderson.

These Clothes Only *Look* Expensive – 25 Editor-Approved Pieces Under $150

Clothes that look expensive, you say? THAT’S RIGHT. Today, I’m walking you through 25 different pieces – starting at only $18! – that’ll make you look like you’ve stepped right out of a Nancy Myers movie. The parameters are simple:

Classic Color or Pattern: Neutrals are great, and so are desaturated colors (think olive and rust). Lean into simple, effortless patterns like a great sailor stripe. Timeless Shape: An A-line skirt. A fit-and-flare dress. A wide-leg pant. A comfortable sweater that’s juuuust big enough to wrap around your palms. There are a lot of great trends out there today – they’re just not in this post. Tailored Fit: You know all those experts on TV who say that tailoring makes a huge difference? They’re right. The goal is for you to wear your clothes, not for your clothes to wear you. A Little Something Extra: Maybe it’s a sleeve with a little extra volume, a bit of sparkle from a gold button, or a surprise detail on the back…but when clothes look expensive, you can tell that someone put a lot of thought and energy into making a piece look finished.

Ready to see the selects? Let’s kick it off with a tried-and-true favorite from Emily herself…

Puff Isla Top, $118photo by kaitlin green | from: the farmhouse living room reveal

Starting off with a classic top from one of Em’s new favorite brands, Emerson Fry. (That’s the Puff Isla in Navy above – that color is currently sold out – but you may also recognize this top from some of the photos she shared last week!) Emerson Fry’s India Collection, in particular, is filled with a lot of Ulla Johnson-style blouses at about a third of the price (think $98, not $300).

Striped Mockneck Sweater, $18 (Sale)

Your eyes don’t deceive you – this J. Crew-designed sweater is only $18 this weekend. I love this fresh take on a timeless sailor stripe – it’s playful and considered without being loud. It’s a total Goldilocks situation on the fit, too: not too loose, not too tight. Easy to tuck into jeans, but with enough shape to wear it as a standalone piece. (Still can’t believe the price tag.)

Fit and Flare Linen-Blend Midi Dress, $40

Ok, SUCH A PRETTY NECKLINE. This linen-blend midi drapes in a beautiful way – love seeing how great it looks on all the size-inclusive models! – and it’s a great transitional color for fall. Pro tip: as the weather cools (or, uh, if it ever cools), extend the life of your midi dresses by pairing them with a comfy sweater. (I swear by all three hacks in this video – this dress would be a perfect contender for the sports bra method!)

Ruffle Trim Button-Up Shirt, $98

If the designer’s assignment was “take a classic piece, but make it feel a little special”…well, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Formal but not stuffy; sweet but not saccharine; easy to dress up or down – you’ll be able to keep this piece in your closet for years.

Standard Skirt, $145

It’s really hard to find a simple, timeless A-line skirt these days. And this one comes in navy, lapis blue, vintage khaki, and copper! The styling on the site is to die for, too – total masterclass in the casual/dressy mix. (Highly recommend for outfit inspo!)

Harlow Wide Leg Pants, $118

LEMME SING THE PRAISES: These wide-leg pants come in standard, petite, tall, AND plus sizes. And there are nine colors to choose from! They’re breezy enough to pair with sandals at the beach, but tailored enough to wear into the office. I have REALLY wide hips and pretty big thighs and they don’t cling at all – they’re a great entry point to the wide-leg pant trend!

Cotton Nico Cardigan, $150

Em owns this cardigan, so I’ve had the honor of seeing it in the flesh! (She wore it for EHD’s panel at the Meridian Experience, in case you’re wondering what the contents of my brain look like – just a catalogued encyclopedia of my boss’ outfits, like all normal employees.) To quote the boss herself, it REALLY is a “simple but special” piece – there’s a timeless silhouette, but it just looks so luxe and refined in person.

Dream Shift Dress, $73 (Sale)

How tailored and chic is this little mini dress? Pair with thick, warm tights in the winter or with your finest gold jewelry and cute sandals in the summer.

Heritage Chino Pant, $98

These relaxed-fit chinos come in seven colors (praise be!) and are a great little upgrade for those of us who find ourselves pulling on the same two pairs of jeans every day. I love the olive color – it’s vibrant and cheery – but the pink is SO CUTE for anyone who is currently embracing their inner Barbie.

Patch Pocket Sweater Jacket, $138

OMG. LOOK AT THAT WOMAN. Tell me she does not look like she should be on a boat, or chairing an event, or holding court over the most refined brunch you’ve ever imagined. This sweater comes in a 3XS-3XL (and there are solid versions for $128, if stripes aren’t for you).

Long Sleeve Split Neck Top, $25 (Sale)

The drape on the sleeve? The way that front falls? It’s SO PRETTY. (And again, how refreshing is it to see a size 12 model?) This comes in a few prints and patterns, but the solid white and the solid black are the two choices that look expen$$$ive.

Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater, $98

OOPS MY HAND SLIPPED AND I BOUGHT THIS (In antique white). I’m always a fan of a good cable knit or fisherman sweater, but the good ones always get really picked over by the time I’m ready to buy – not this year, though!!! Size up for a loose fit that’s reminiscent of this model, or grab your regular size for a throw-on-and-go sweater with a little extra ~pizazz~.

Satin Pleated Midi Skirt, $72 (Sale)

There aren’t many (or, like, any) things I wish I still had from my college wardrobe, but I’ve ALWAYS regretted giving away my navy pleated midi skirt. It was so easy to style – it looked particularly great with all my jewel-toned tops and sweaters – but it was also easy to dress up, like in the images above. There’ve been so many moments over the past 13 years where I wished I had a skirt like this back in my closet – it’ll become a staple piece for you in no time, I promise!

Sleeveless Turtleneck Sweater, $48

The woman who buys this type of top intimidates me. IT’S SO FREAKIN’ CLASSY. I picture you working in a high-rise corner office, living the type of life that deserves to be captured in some sort of HBO mini-series. If I’m in a crisis situation, I’m absolutely taking orders from the woman in a clean, refined, knit tank. It just gives off a powerful vibe, don’t you think?

Short Sleeve Midi Dress, $35

UM, I’M SORRY, THIS IS SO CUTE. Who gave Target the right to make such sweet dresses??? If you told me Reformation was selling this for $250, I would believe you! I love the construction of the top and the length is perfect for transitional wear. (Catch me using the hack I shared earlier to wear that white cable sweater on top of this dress later in the fall!)

Merino Tank and Cardigan Set, $80 (Sale)

I love a great two-for-one deal (don’t you?) and this set can take you straight from summer and into fall and winter. Wear them apart! Wear them together! Grab two (it comes in a light gray, dark gray, and a really pretty taupe-y neutral) and mix and match! However, you slice it, it’s a great deal on some high-quality, easy-to-wear basics.

Button Back Crewneck Sweater, $150

The collar. The texture. The sleeves that have volume, but aren’t too balloon-y. AND DID YOU SEE THE BACK?! I’ve said it before, but Alex Mill is really channeling the 2008-2010 J. Crew look that captivated the world. They’re putting their own stamp on some refined silhouettes and they make getting dressed feel fun. Big fan of this cutie. 🙂

Canyon Knit Tank, $38

Ah, yes, the relaxed cousin of the turtleneck tank. The price point is great here – especially for Reformation! – but the ribbed knit and square neck make this top feel a lot more elevated and polished than a more traditional jersey tank.

Layton Midi Slip Skirt, $79.50

The person who wears this kind of skirt chooses a side salad at lunch (because she genuinely likes vegetables). She has a garden at home, and it’s FLOURISHING. She does her skincare routine every night. She threw this skirt on and she looks amazing. (Some clothes just have a VIBE, don’t you think?)

Veja Campo Sneakers, $135

Nothing says, “I’m a chill, casual, effortlessly stylish gal” like an understated pair of white sneakers…and these are a great option. The branding is subtle but cool – you won’t feel like a walking advertisement, but it also feels great when someone recognizes your Vejas. (I’ve had a pair since 2016 that always get compliments from the coolest and best-dressed women, I swear.)

Organic Cotton Waisted Dress, $73

Something about this shape just looks expensive – like an art director or a gallery owner in NYC should be wearing it. I love the sleeve, the waist-cinching detail, and the simple flare of the skirt.

Trench Coat, $99

I mean, the idea of the trench coat has been shoved down our throats since birth. (Do you also remember being a kid and reading that trench coats were, like, the epitome of fashion? It was in EVERY MAGAZINE, I swear!) To that end, though…maybe all those writers were on to something? The trench is such a simple way to dress up any outfit – it just adds a layer of polish

Oversized Button Down, $25

I’m a sucker for an oversized striped button-down – I have three hanging in my closet, and a few more in the laundry basket right now – but this navy and white option is a great choice for those who want something a little timeless and charming. I love the horizontal stripe detail on the cuff and back, too.

Washable Silk Midi Dress, $130

OMG. Can you believe that you, too, could look THIS elegant for $130? What a show-stopping wedding guest dress this would be – and you DON’T EVEN NEED TO PAY FOR DRY CLEANING. It’s the trifecta: a tasteful length, a comfortable neckline, and THAT BACK. This woman looks like a million bucks and SHE KNOWS IT.

Norma Zip Front Sweater, $91

Obsessed with the weave, drape, and oversized collar on this zip-up sweater. I’d pair it with some leggings for my grocery store run – it’s perfect for the days that you want to be lazy, but you also want to look like a functioning member of society. It also comes in navy, if this color is a little too warm for you!

THAT’S IT FROM ME. Here’s to all of us feeling a little more like a Nancy Myers character without totally breaking the bank. Have the best weekend – come back tomorrow for a VERY EXCITING new YouTube video.

PS. If anyone wants to debate, I am an ardent believer that The Parent Trap has the best-dressed cast of all time. Every single character nails the “effortless-meets-expensive” vibe and nothing is dated or trendy (seriously, do you remember these outfits?!). Do you agree? Disagree? THOUGHTS?

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: The Farmhouse Kitchen Reveal And All My Thoughts And Feelings About It

The post These Clothes Only *Look* Expensive – 25 Editor-Approved Pieces Under $150 appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Farmhouse Kids’ Bathroom Deep Dive – The 8 Fabrics I Considered For The Bathtub Nook Curtains

The bathroom reveal is coming on Monday, but not without me needing to try out eight different fabric options for our totally unnecessary but so cute tub niche. I can say, almost unequivocally that I love fabric more than most design elements. There are endless patterns and colors and for the most part, it’s super non-committal and flexible (besides upholstering your sofa, for instance). I started my career styling exclusively for magazines and for whatever reason I found myself in the fabric district in New York every week (shout to Mood and M & J, if they are still around). So my fabric collection is LARGE and for interiors, I absolutely don’t just stick to “decorator” or “home” fabrics (I would for upholstery, obviously, but not for virtually anything else). Often the fashion fabrics are more interesting and fun. So between what I already had and a trip to a few local fabric stores I found no less than EIGHT options that I thought could work.

As you can see the tub stayed in the place that it was originally but we designed and framed it out this little niche mostly to put this curtain idea. I guess I just thought it would be fun and playful and an opportunity to add color and pattern (again in a non-permanent way – so I could have more fun with it). Those shots are before we painted the white to match the white of the tile 🙂

At first, I tried just white, and it was sweet, but definitely low impact. It felt like I was missing an opportunity to be more fun – especially for a kids’ bath.

Almost all of these were real contenders. There wasn’t ANY that we were like “bad, no, take it away”. They all did something totally different to the room. Let’s dissect…

Option #1: Large-Scale Green Damask

Iphone shots coming at you. I liked this one SO MUCH. It instantly made the bathroom more interesting and it certainly worked color-wise. The scale of the damask looked so good with the tile – contrasting without being too competing. But we didn’t stop there…

I love a ball fringe or tassel fringe a lot so I grabbed a few samples (quarter yards) to play with. Admittedly, I wasn’t very impressed with the local selection (New York and LA both have stores full of one million trim options and it’s incredibly fun and inspiring…but Portland was definitely lacking or maybe I just don’t know where to go yet). Some of these fabrics wanted fringe, some didn’t. The more decorative/patterned fabrics looked cute with them but it sure did go old-world-fancy really fast (so less Scandi farmhouse, which is totally fine, but you have to know you are taking it in a different direction).

Option #2: White, But Make It Special

I really liked the white in here – calming and simple, and had it been our bathroom I might have continued to work with this vibe (washed linen, tassel fringe, etc) but it did kinda bore me for a kids’ bath.

The gold tassel fringe looked the best, though, and really pulled in the faucet brass.

It could be pulled back with a tie, creating a cute fun shape, too. These were just two white linen tablecloths that I had (they didn’t match which you couldn’t tell).

Option #3: White, But Make It Special (With A Texture Pattern)

I also loved this Swiss dot fabric, which was so sweet in person (and whimsical) but again, pretty darn low impact. It was also so thin that it would need to be professionally sewn to ensure that it didn’t look messy and haphazard.

Option #4: Bold Pink And Green Floral

Well, that really changed the vibe, didn’t it? Birdie LOVED this one and honestly so did we!! But I don’t think the bathroom was big enough (nor was the niche) to handle this much fabric in such a large scale.

Option #5: Plaid + #6: Gold Stripe

Both of these were real contenders at first. The green plaid felt appropriate (I think it was just shirting material), but a little on the safe side. Then the gold and white was so exciting but very “GO DUCKS” next to the green tile.

Option #7: Sweet Floral With Green And Butterflies

This one was a last-minute add in the fabric store. I didn’t LOVE LOVE the fabric on its own – a little too basic/sweet for me (but I could be biased because it was a cheap fabric so maybe if I had found it vintage I would like it a lot more?). But it actually worked really well! The green looked good and it’s hard to see but there are also gold butterflies.

If we had gone with this one I would def add the ball fringe or tassel fringe – it needed more style to make it cool enough (IMHO). Birdie also LOVED this fabric and wants to sew pillows out of it (their sewing hobby is still in full swing, BTW – y’all we have SO MANY KID-SEWN PILLOWS).

Option #8: Large Scale Teal Gingham

When we put this one up Gretchen and I both loved it. It felt like the right vibe (Scandi farmhouse) but still whimsical and certainly not boring.

It was a “home” fabric and on the more expensive side than the rest of the fabrics (but still coming in at $15/yard and we needed six yards).

Down To Two…

We knew that this fabric would change the rest of the styling of the space – and while these aren’t crazy different they certainly change the mood/vibe. When you see the full reveal you’ll see what we chose on Monday! So if you love curtain porn and want to see this whole space styled out, set your calendars/alarm 🙂

*Pretty Photos by Kaitlin Green

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The Farmhouse Kids’ Bath Deep Dive – Our Vintage Dresser Turned Custom Vanity

One of my favorite (best?) moves is to bring vintage into every room (obviously), but it’s harder to do in bathrooms aside from styling. I’m not sure if this idea was born out of desperation (I don’t have a vanity but I have this dresser, ok!) or if I had planned this from the beginning but I know this much – I intentionally didn’t get a readymade vanity in the hope of using something vintage. I love this English pine antique dresser so much (the keyholes) so when I was asked what our plan was for the vanity I thought, “Uh, would this work?” and we went for it.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: mountain house: the kids’ room reveal!!

We originally shot this dresser for the kids’ room reveal at the mountain house (four years ago?? and I’ve been hoarding it ever since (I intentionally moved it from there knowing that it would work so well in this house somewhere). But Jamie (ARCIFORM) had to do some magic on it to turn it into a vanity.

Now, very often when someone takes a vintage piece and turns it into a vanity they use a vessel sink on top – I think it’s just an easier application. I did this in my kids’/guest bath at our Glendale house:

photo by tessa neustadt | from: guest bathroom reveal

This totally worked for this bathroom (more midcentury and graphic) but I not what I was going for in this farmhouse kids’ bath (also pretty darn sure that there wasn’t enough room between the vanity and the toilet per code – but we didn’t use permits on that old bathroom soooooo…).

Jamie had to measure and cut the hole for the sink, then I believe that he reinforced the underside with some wood to make sure it could handle the heavy sink. He secured it from the underside as well.

Of course, he would need to cut a hole in the back for the plumbing, like so…

Jamie did such an expert job at this – although I’m sure it could be DIY’d if you have some carpentry skills.

Wait, So Can You Still Put Storage In The Drawers?

You betcha! You lose all storage on the top drawer – it’s just a dummy drawer that houses the sink. The bottom drawer fully functions with lots of space. But the trick became the middle drawer.

Jamie hacked out space for the plumbing and built a frame into the drawer – thus preserving the storage space on each side.

Wire Baskets

It actually holds a lot now. The drawers are tall enough to put in more vertical things upright (like shampoo, conditioner, etc.). There’s even a decent amount of space in front of the cutout.

Woven Baskets

And then the bottom drawer fully functions, like it did before.

The Countertop

Now this dresser was on the narrower side. We knew for sure that we had to do a wall-mount faucet because we wouldn’t have the space for a deck mount. The first wall-mount faucet we chose came out much farther than this one – technically the water made it into the bowl, but it looked dumb. So I had an extra one of these (long story) and we changed them out which isn’t always as easy as it sounds, but worked in this case…thankfully!!

We drew out the backsplash to be this pretty shape and I just LOVE how it turned out.

There she is. Another vintage dresser turned vanity piece in the books and we LOVE IT. I’m sure we should seal the wood now that it’s in a bathroom which we haven’t done yet, but I also may never 🙂 Come back tomorrow for some bathroom styling (the tub niche curtains) then the full reveal on Monday! xx

*Pretty Photos by Kaitlin Green

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Want Em’s Eclectic Living Room Look? We’ve Got 5 Great Tips And CUTE Shoppable Picks!

When someone refers to a home with a “modern farmhouse” style the immediate visuals are LOTS of whites, woods, hits of black, and very clean lines. An NY Times article that recently came out about the style said, “Love it or hate it, the modern farmhouse is the millennial answer to the baby boomer McMansion.” Honestly, that statement feels very true to me…as a millennial:) And while that version of “modern farmhouse” isn’t my particular style, there is nothing wrong with it for those whose style it is. However, in a world that is also increasingly obsessed with cool vintage and a more “granny” aesthetic, I think many of us want to move into uniqueness, color, and warmth. So when I saw Em’s “modern” farmhouse living room, I thought, “YES! That’s the kind of farmhouse I would want to live in.” If you also had a similar reaction to this room reveal and would like to recreate the key elements, then you are in the right place my friends. I do want to say that I think that it’s important to note that the overarching way to nail this “modern” version is individuality. You need to bring yourself into it – your heirlooms, your treasures, your own beloved color palette. Yes, Em had the advantage of years of thrifting and a healthy budget but I promise with time and patience, your home will look just as special.

But since we love to teach and send you in the right direction, I am going to break down the elements that all together, really make this room sing. Ok, class is in session.

LIGHTING

Oo baby, do we love to mix and match lighting styles and we learned from the master, Emily Henderson. It’s such a user-friendly way to make a home feel collected and unique. Think about all of Em’s homes…she’s been doing it forever. But for the farmhouse, Emily used her three favorite types – modern traditional, sculptural, and of course, vintage/iconic. Take the photo above for example. She started with those wonderful modern traditional double sconces from Rejuvenation as the “base,” since they are “more permanent” lights. She wanted them to match the style of the farmhouse’s architecture. Great, layer one complete! Then to add in some visual tension (in this particular shot) she decided to bring in this incredible and iconic Noguchi floor lamp she’s wanted for basically a decade. Both are technically modern, but they’re of two totally different styles and eras. The colors are also all neutral which helps them to play nicely together:)

Inspired? Well, I’ve picked out nine pretty affordable “modern” options to help you get the look…

Modern Lighting

1. Andre Wall Sconce | 2. Gold Ambient Lamp | 3. Crissey Sconce | 4. Walnut Plinth Floor Lamp | 5. 3-Head Floor Lamp | 6. Burnished Brass Pendant Light | 7. Black/Gold Ceiling Fixture | 8. Ceramic Lamp with Tapered Shade | 9. Antique Brass Gallery Sconce

The lighting market is so good right now because look at these options! It’s hard to choose favorites but for a sconce, I love the new Rejuvenation sconce (#3). It’s similar to the one Em used but is just a little less detailed which is just my personal preference. Both are beautiful! For a floor lamp, that World Market cutie (#4) is one I could even put in my current apartment! So versatile, but works great for an eclectic modern farmhouse with that warm wood base and simple drum shade. Then lastly for a table lamp, the white Target x Studio McGee (#8) is so good. The shape is simple but special (DRINK) and it has a mix of materials – ceramic base and fabric shade. I told you it was good!

Sculptural/Handmade-Looking Lamps

Is it an Emily Henderson room without a sculptural or handmade-looking lamp? Not often. They act as both a piece of art and a source of light. Win-win! This is also where the “eclectic” part of “modern eclectic farmhouse” starts to come into play.

1. Naomi Table Lamp | 2. Ceramic Geometric Lamp | 3. Ivory Table Lamp | 4. Ruins Ceramic Sculptural Lamp | 5. Tournage Oak Wood Lamp | 6. Square Table Lamp with Tapered Shade | 7. Blonde Sculptural Lamp | 8. Ceramic Lamp with Tapered Shade | 9. Cassandra Table Lamp

The good news is the market is FULL of them! Why? Well, they look good with almost any style, bringing in shape and texture. Take #5 and #7 for instance. Both have a modern, interesting shape in an organic material but are offered at two different price points. Something for everyone! Also, if you only want to dip your toe into this style then #2, #6, and #9 are still awesome but on the simpler side. But if you want to go for some more drama then #1 and #4 are truly excellent.

Vintage And Vintage-Inspired Lighting

Vintage lighting has a special place in our hearts and will without a doubt always bring soul and uniqueness to your farmhouse style (or any other style for that matter).

1. Ellery Tripod Lamp | 2. Kenly Table Lamp | 3. Ceramic Lamp with Tapered Shade | 4. Floor Lamp with Tapered Rattan Shade | 5. Mid-Century Round Orb Lamp | 6. Brown Suede and Metal Dome Lamp | 7. Green Ceramic Lamp with Rattan Shade | 8. Kalani Sconce | 9. Mid-Century Turned Wood Lamp

Clearly, most of these are of the “inspired” variety but can’t you see how much life they would bring to an eclectic farmhouse space (especially paired with some modern fixtures:))? The natural fibers of #1, #3, #4, and #7 give off an instant warmth and softness. I really love that #8 is a sconce! How pretty would that look? Then for a more modern feel that still leans vintage, look at #2 and #6. I’ve actually considered buying both of those for my house too. But there really is something special about the real thing like #5 and #9.

COLOR AND PATTERN

Ok now that we’ve got lighting VERY dialed in, color and pattern are 10000% the most important element. Why? Well, what sets this farmhouse style apart from the very neutral “millennial modern farmhouse” is ummm…color and bold pattern. FYI, this is not a “we hate neutral modern farmhouses”! They are great and again, if that’s your style we absolutely support you. But yes, going eclectic means deciding on a color palette and infusing your home with it. For Em, it was greens, blues, rusts, blacks, and whites, but you can choose whatever you love.

Fun Pillows

First let’s play with pillows, ya? They are a perfect noncommital cozy decor piece that adds color and texture. What a dream!

1. Tensira Porter Bolster | 2. Modern Throw Pillow | 3. Velvet + Wool Circle Pillow | 4. Round Leather Throw Pillow | 5. Grid Stitch Pillow | 6. Brown Leather Bolster Pillow | 7. Buffalo Check Pillow Cover | 8. Corduroy Throw Pillow | 9. Woven Alpaca Wool-Blend Pillow

Mixing patterns and solids will help balance the overall look of the room so it feels fun but not overwhelming (unless that’s what you want). Then make sure you mix bold colors with more neutral tones for the same reason. This is also a great opportunity to add a little “luxe” into your room with material like velvet, corduroy ( #2, #3, and #8), or leather (like #4 and #6). For patterns, you also want to make sure if you are using more than one to vary the scale of each pattern. Oh, and lastly make sure to vary those pillow shapes. That was a lot in one little paragraph!

Boldly Patterned Throw Blankets

Of course, throw blankets are a must and the same pattern rules apply! As you can see Emily mixed new and vintage but varied the pattern scales and kept the color palette consistent. She also gave you a few examples of how to display your beautiful throw blanket:) Shall we just jump right into the shoppable options?

1. Blue And Green Plaid Throw | 2. Ezcaray Matisse Throw | 3. Ivory Windowpane Throw | 4. Handmade Kantha-Stitched Throw | 5. Ikat Striped Throw | 6. Young River Knit Blanket | 7. Ivory and Terracotta Checkered Throw | 8. Eleanor Pritchard Dovetail Throw | 9. Pantelho Throw

Emily is more of a geometric gal when it comes to patterned blankets (but plush solids are a close second)! #1 and #8 remind me the most of the one that Em used in her shoot but #5 and #9 are also so good. If you really “went for it” in the color department for your pillows, then I love the idea of using #3 and #6 for their neutral colors but large-scale pattern. You really can’t go wrong with any of these.

ART

Ahh now comes time to talk about art. Buying art can feel sooo intimidating but we promise if you take it slow, it doesn’t have to be. Emily, of course, has been collecting for years but I’ve found some pretty great options that are affordable (for the most part) and very much fit the vibe of Emily’s specific living room. But if you want more guidance, Ryann wrote an awesome post about buying art when you’re feeling paralyzed. For this type of electicism, try to be really restricted with your color palette. If you look at Em’s art, it’s an array of blues, greens, whites, and blacks. Like that’s it. This allows for the art to have a ton of movement and dimension without making the room feel too visually intense. This art both excites you and puts you at ease. Did I just describe my perfect man?

1. Abstract Framed Canvas (36″x36″) | 2. Tide IV | 3. Neutral Abstract Framed Canvas (24″x30″) | 4. Landscape Collage 101 | 5. Set of 2 Watercolor Abstract Prints | 6. 1985 Antoni Llena Poster | 7. Abstract Framed Print | 8. Moment of Night (41″x41″) | 9. Split Lines 2

I can’t tell you how impressed I am with Target’s art selection. I mean look at #1, #3, #5, and #7! They are all so pretty and come in a range of sizes (#1 is 36″x36″!). Minted is also a classic trusted affordable source that supports artists all over. I really love #2. But if originals are something you are able to invest in we love places like Uprise Art. I have a couple of pieces from them and was so impressed with their beauty and quality. I’ve had my eye on #4 and other pieces from Jordan Sullivan for years. But also never forget Etsy or Chairish! I love that poster (#6) and those are great sites to find lots of similar options. I do want to say that the bigger box stores like Crate & Barrel and West Elm have really wonderful large-scale art selections too. I know #8 is expensive but if you have the budget, 41″x41″ is HUGE!

INTERESTING OBJECTS

Ready to get into the small details? Cool. So the final touch to nailing this style is pulling out or hunting for some fun/interesting/weird objects. Bonus points if they look handmade. These can range from sculptures, vases, bowls, candelabras, etc. As with art and lighting, Em has been collecting them for YEARS but they really aren’t that hard to find as you’ll see below. Of course, flea markets and thrift shops are really fun places to hunt. But if you don’t have access to places or events like that, the internet is your friend. Let me show you.

1. Wood Block Sculpture | 2. Lore Sculpture | 3. Ceramic Slate Bowl | 4. Norfolk Jug | 5. SIN Ceramics Candelabra | 6. Gordie Knots | 7. Nordic Candelabra | 8. Villa Ceramic Vase | 9. Terracotta Sculptures

Like Em’s wooden sculptures on her mantel, #1 and #6 are great affordable alternatives. Do they serve a purpose other than looking cool? No. But to us, that is purpose enough:) For the extra “organic” looking vibe, #5, #8, and #9 are so awesome. Emily actually recently bought #5! Then for some darker color contrast, #2 and #4 are both extremely beautiful and come from one of our favorite places to shop for accessories, Jayson Home. And lastly, don’t forget about places like Target (how cute is that bowl? #3) and Anthropologie. They are always coming out with cool interesting things to add just the right amount of eclecticism to your farmhouse (or any other kind of house:))

MIX AND MATCH DESIGN STYLES

We made it to the last tip! This one is less about products (even though you will need products to achieve this) and instead more of an idea since there are truly endless possibilities. What I’m talking about is mixing design styles. Few people do this better than Emily and it’s why her homes look soulful and textured yet fresh. As shown above, don’t be afraid to mix a classic mid-century modern chair with a rustic antique cabinet. Em’s rule is that you can mix any style you want as long as they share similar tones and/or materials. So for the chair and cabinet, both have gray neutral undertones and the warm wood on the chair’s legs talk to the distressed, unpainted parts of the cabinet. It’s also kind of a gut check at the end of the day to decide what looks good together but those guidelines can help:) The more you do it the better you get. Happy styling!!

Hope this is fun and helpful. Collecting pieces you love to decorate a home can take a long time so don’t put pressure on yourself. It’s a process that’s hopefully a really enjoyable one. These are just tips to guide you along the way.

Love you, mean it.

*Design by Emily Henderson and ARCIFORM
*Photos by Kaitlin Green

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The Farmhouse Kids’ Bath Deep Dive – All Things Tile, Grout, And Playing With Simple Shapes!

I feel like I was a different person three years ago when I was initially designing this bathroom, and yet thank GOODNESS current Emily loves how it turned out. I remember sitting on the floor of the mountain house with buckets of samples from Pratt + Larson and so many pieces of paper that I had cut out into shapes, trying to come up with unique ways to use simple tile shapes. I had so much time (it was during lockdown) and had a real “bee in my bonnet” about the kids’ bath having this fun tile floor/wall border.

So first we chose this picket shape feeling like it could go from green to white in a way that created a cool shape. It was really inspired by this photo:

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A post shared by gamble + design (@gambleplusdesign)

I played around and around and ultimately simplified it. I find that this is a pattern of mine (not sure if it’s a good one) – where the initial idea is complicated and busy, then it gets pared back and ultimately becomes the simplest version of the initial design. I guess my hope is always that styling and other more flexible and less permanent elements will help the designs come to life. I think for the most part it has worked, but in some cases, I wish I had gone a bit riskier.

At first, we wanted this whole room tiled – floor to ceiling but decided that maybe we didn’t need to do that and instead having it go up to a peg rail height would be enough impact. And in fact, maybe that would be a better look and highlight the tile more.

Wait, Are Those Custom Windows?????

YES MA’AM. A quick note regarding the fancy windows here – you might see these more custom windows in the renders which we obviously wanted to do, but couldn’t for budget reasons. They were quoted at $5k each, for those of you still learning math that is $10k FOR OUR KIDS GD BATHROOM WINDOWS. Soooooooo…listen…we love our kids, but not “$10k for windows” much. We kept the same basic wood ’90s windows that were totally fine. And sure, there are many times (especially from the outside) where I wish they had the vintage diamond pattern had it been free (or even $2k), but there was simply no way we would spend that in this room. We felt confident that we could make this bathroom beautiful enough through styling (we were right and don’t regret that for one second).

Back to the tile. For the most part, I really liked how it looked in the renders. It was the first bathroom we designed and it barely changed in the two years of the design process which is pretty impressive/rare. I felt that it was simple but special (DRINK!) and again, that with styling it would come alive.

But that’s jumping ahead. Back to choosing the different tile shapes:

For this house, I went with less pattern contrast and instead did more texture contrast with big colors, simply executed. This is just the method I chose for this house (which I REALLY like). So we have the same green handmade tile from Pratt + Larson in a small 1″x3″ herringbone on the floor, 1″ hex on the shower floor, and green and white picket tiles on the walls.

Then The Install…

The floor tile went down pretty seamlessly. But once we got onto the walls we had some figuring out to do. At this point, we weren’t hiring ARCIFORM for their time (mostly because I was in Portland and could do it, and they were so busy with other jobs that locking down their time was hard. Plus they charged hourly which could add up quickly so I tried to make decisions by myself – for better or worse). The decision in question was how many green picket tiles do we install for the border before changing to white?

I hadn’t remembered what was in the plan (nor did we have a hard copy of the tile plan to give the tile installer). Of course, I could have tried harder to find the plan but no one is less digitally organized than this girl (I see the irony). This is endlessly frustrating when you spend hours of designer’s time making decisions and cementing them into plans, just to go rogue when asked on the fly what to do with a tile. Was it half a picket up the wall, one full one (which is really one and a half), or two (two and a half)?

The answer came pretty quickly when we realized we didn’t have enough green tiles to do more than one and a half tile border around the bottom. I love when the means/facts inform the decision, not the other way around. NO CHOICE!!! We spent hours on site trying to figure it out just to be told that we had no choice. Honestly, it was a relief.

But Where Do You Stop The Tile?

We decided early on that we wouldn’t go to the ceiling once a reader told me that a fully tiled room would be too echoey (and I have auditory issues). Not sure if reducing it to 60″ high really avoids that problem but in my mind it made me start questioning the floor-to-ceiling of it all.

We ended it at 74″, butting it into flat trim that would eventually house a peg rail.

The Grout Color – The Most Stressful Decision Of Them All??

I think “THE POWER OF GROUT” should be a separate course in design school (maybe it is, I wouldn’t know). For the floor we knew that we didn’t want white – despite how “cleanable” it is, I KNOW that it’s not and that white grout will eventually look disgusting unless you are not messy or are a daily cleaner (not me). And yet we wanted white grout for the white wall tile. So we asked our tile installer (shout out to Level Plane) to mock up a few boards with extra tile to help guide our thoughts and feel confident about the decision.

We had him do one dark, one medium, and one lighter.

We even went to NE Portland to visit a site of his where he had just installed similar green tile to see the green grout that he had custom-made. In our opinion, it looked brown so we decided not to wait the extra two weeks nor spend the extra $200 to have a color-matched grout for our tile.

We also didn’t want to go super dark because once we saw that, it looked really harsh and too masculine. So it came down to platinum and Autumn green. We chose platinum and it’s great, but there are times I wish I had done a lighter grout.

For the shower, I’m honestly not sure why they started the white picket where they did (with just a little diamond tiny piece at the bottom). It doesn’t totally bum me out, but I feel like that was a specific layout choice. We did hex on the floor as you can see, with a square drain.

Tile Reveal!

It turned out sooo pretty and the floor grout has of course lightened up so you can see the pattern even more (which we are happy about). Let me know any questions! I don’t have a $$ amount for installation because it was tied in with the whole house, but these tiles are def a lot more than large-scale subway tiles to install (just more intricacies and cuts). Hit me up with your questions in the comments.

A huge thanks to Pratt + Larson, a local handmade tile company, for partnering with me on this tile. They are always so wonderful to work with and their product has endless options (as you have seen throughout our whole house).

*Pretty Photos by Kaitlin Green

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The Farmhouse Kids’ Shared Bathroom Is Coming VERY Soon!! Let’s Recap (And See Our New White Paint)

This week we’ll be documenting the full process of our kids’ shared bath (with a full, styled-out reveal and another YouTube video coming within DAYS – watch the first video if you haven’t yet HERE). BTW this is one of those rooms that looks straightforward, not moving any plumbing or changing the layout from the original room – easy peasy, right? But y’all NOTHING IN LIFE IS STRAIGHTFORWARD, especially when remodeling, creativity, and the internet are involved. There is just so much to break down and I have a lot to say (surprise, surprise), with a compulsion to share everything I learned. You really shouldn’t pay to go design school (once you learn renderings), future designers should just follow me around all day during a renovation year – you’ll learn so much!! It’s truly endless what you can learn (and if any designers say it’s not, don’t trust them). The creative process is a beast – so let’s hope it turns into a beauty this time, shall we??

Where Is This Bathroom In The House?

Today we are upstairs, off the landing where the two kids’ bedrooms and our guest bedroom are located. It’s a decent-sized bathroom and was the only room in the entire house that we seriously considered for months not doing much to (just paint, really). See for yourself…

See? Pretty cute! So how dare I tear this all out? Good question. Well, first off for you purists, it wasn’t original (done in the ’90s), but done with classic finishes in a totally tasteful way. Had we not been redoing the electrical and plumbing of the entire house (which we had to do, she was OLD and it wasn’t pretty) we likely would have not opened up these walls. But we still considered leaving it be until ARCIFORM did a bit of fortune-telling and reminded us that the whole house is going to be freshly, and perfectly renovated – do we really want one room to feel like it’s in a different house? Would we end up upgrading it to match the vibe of the rest later on? And if so, we should just do it now. You might have opinions about that, which I fully get. But I did picture the whole house done and leaving only this room mostly untouched started to not make sense.

But the location of everything was great (and how adorable is that vintage toilet that broke upon us trying to salvage??). ARCIFORM also pointed out a lot of tile imperfections – not the tile itself but the install, which I didn’t notice but once they pointed them out I sure did.

I want to say kudos to the former homeowners who remodeled this in the 90s – besides the paint color and maybe the light fixtures, this bathroom is totally timeless and classic.

We kept that train rack which I JUST found in the garage and have the perfect place for it. Everything else was donated to the Rebuilding Center and sold quickly.

So we set out to redesign it in an updated way that felt more “me” with a Scandi-farmhouse bent. Here were the renders that ARCIFORM did based on my design. Stephyn and Anne were so incredible at helping us see the vision with these renders (they use Chief Architect which is so much faster and more intuitive than others and can do 3D, plan view, and elevations at the same time – when you make a change it changes it across the board).

Tomorrow I’m going deep into the tile choice and why we did what we did, how we chose this design and any lessons learned for all of you design enthusiasts (hi! me!).

But you don’t go from renderings to all done without some hard work. When you have to redo the plumbing and electrical it’s really your chance to fix all the things inside the walls and make it a solid new house again (spoiler – this is also where your budget will explode, so if you don’t need to open up the walls, simply DON’T).

ARCIFORM did all the stuff that I honestly don’t even know about – Jamie (our project manager) becomes more of a national treasure every time I see old photos like this. SO MUCH HAPPENS without you even knowing it. Reinforcing stuff, adding insulation, a billion things to problem solve (our new pantry is right below so a lot of engineering need to happen). Everything. Is. A. Thing. (that might need to be a new EHD drinking game phrase along with “simple but special”). The point is, you can (almost) never make a big decision without it creating a domino effect (and sometimes those dominos are BIG!). I feel incredibly grateful that our house is basically brand new from the inside out now because ARCIFORM did such a high-quality job – no shortcuts – renovation.

When you aren’t making major changes it seems so funny to go from walls to no walls back to walls as if seven subcontractors weren’t involved. But it’s freshly done and going to last FOREVER.

Plumbing (rough-in), electrical (J-boxes), then drywall went up (you can say “hang rock” if you want to speak contractor language, although I doubt they’d appreciate it if you are a lady which is just so cool…). Then tile, trim, and paint. SO EASY. 🙂

Tile Install ProgressThen… My Paint Fail

So last August we moved in, and the bathroom looked like this. It’s pretty incredible EXCEPT for my dumb paint color choice. I wrote about it more here, but essentially, while the tile was covered with plastic I made a blanket paint color choice for the whole house, which has worked well in some rooms, but not so much in others. The white I chose was too white and once the plastic was off the tile, I was super bummed/nauseous to see that the once white tile now looked very, very beige and it was all my fault. And y’all, I can handle ivory, cream, and taupe but this new beige-looking tile was a real problem for me (it was even worse in person, trust me).

I was SO MAD at myself and of course, had to tell anyone who stepped foot into this bathroom how much I had effed it up. It felt like such a rookie mistake. Fixable, sure, but again (sorry for being a broken record but there are always new faces here), we had JUST paid tens of thousands of dollars and it took three weeks to paint the entire house. So to have to pay to repaint and disrupt my family again because I didn’t obsess enough about the white color just felt so dumb. Plus my confidence was in question and so much self-doubt had seeped in that I didn’t even feel like I could make the right white choice on my own. Turns out decision and renovation exhaustion can affect your judgment, PLEASE BEWARE.

But we kept moving along even while I was awaiting the right paint color to magically reveal itself in my brain.

We went round and round (ha) about mirrors. Playing with a lot of vintage ones (none of which were chosen) because drilling into tile isn’t for the faint of heart.

Ultimately everything came together and y’all, this bathroom is FUN. What you’ll see this week is all things tile choice/design, how we retrofitted this dresser into a vanity, designed a new antique vintage light over the bath, and styled it out with a bold patterned fabric bathtub niche curtain. Adding color and pattern on a quiet foundation is my favorite game to play. I hope you think we won 🙂

And good news! The bathroom got repainted with a white that matched the tile, and…THE TILE LOOKS WHITE AGAIN. You might think you know what this bathroom looks like but styling goes a long way so please come back and watch it come ALIVE.

*The Pretty Photos by Kaitlin Green

The post The Farmhouse Kids’ Shared Bathroom Is Coming VERY Soon!! Let’s Recap (And See Our New White Paint) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: The $45 Overnight Bag Em Bought, Arlyn’s #1 Blush Rec, And THE Dorm Room Essential

Happy Sunday, everyone! Did y’all like our surprise kitchen reveal week?? It was truly such a special project and made even more special (and extremely cool) that we got to partner with Crate & Barrel! In case you missed it, here is the intro post that goes over things like budget, here is the post about ice blasting the ceiling (and a cautionary tale), and here is the REVEAL! So before we get into a very special “bathroom week” let’s talk about these links…

This week’s house tour was designed by a designer/architect, husband-wife team (ummmm the dream??) who 13 years ago moved from Mexico City to Los Angeles. The home they ended up renovating for themselves was a gorgeous 1940s Spanish-style home in Santa Monica. So not only did they restore and tastefully modernize this home but made sure to let Mexican influences be seen in the overall design, colors, furniture, art, and accessories. It’s so so good. Go check it out here!

Duffle Bag | Brian’s Outfit: T-shirt | Shorts (similar) | Sneakers | Sunglasses + Em’s Outfit: Denim Blazer | Blouse | White Shorts | Sandals | Sunglasses (similar) | Purse (similar) | Pearl Necklace (similar) | Gold Chain Necklace (similar) | Gold Bead Bracelet (similar)

From Emily: Y’all I got this new cute new affordable weekend/overnight bag that I’m very much enjoying (and even trained it up to Seattle for the T Swift concert). I bought it for Brian because he didn’t have one and he genuinely doesn’t like it when I spend real money on stuff for him, but he was using reusable grocery bags for when he just needed to throw in a few things in the car. I personally think it looks way more high-end than it is, has a cute black and white stripe strap that could be a really great gym bag or a quick overnight bag. Oh, and while I love the idea of real leather more, I find it to be way too heavy for a shoulder bag. The faux leather makes it super lightweight.

From Arlyn: I’m not wearing much makeup these days because A: it’s so hot, everything just melts off of my face anyway, and B: My toddler isn’t impressed much by my mascara. I’ll put some on before a Zoom meeting or if I’m going out and want to feel good about myself. Especially in this heat, I’ve been finding that my powder blush just sits on my skin, making it feel a bit cakey. My cream blush doesn’t really sink in and wears away quickly. So I set out to try a new blush I had been eyeing for a while and I LOVE IT. The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush by Rare Beauty (Selena Gomez’s makeup brand) lives up to its 4.5-star rating across over 6,000 reviews. It blends in beautifully, you only need a tiny bit since it’s very pigmented (which means it’ll last a long time) and the color offerings are just right. I found a new holy grail, I think. 

From Mallory: These are the only hair ties I use because they don’t damage your hair and they leave noticeably less crimps in your hair when you take it out of a ponytail!! Personally, I’m a fan of them for workouts because they’re strong enough to hold your hair together even in the highest-intensity workout classes. Highly recommend if you’re in the market!!

From Jess: Last time I was at Target I spotted this extremely cute thin gold picture frame and decided to snag it (I got the square one). Did I have a plan for it?? Not exactly but I knew I’d regret it if I passed on it. I’m planning on getting a solid mat to float mount an old picture of my mom or a cute Polaroid. Then when we were up at the farmhouse last week, Em had a few which only made me feel validated in my purchase:)

We wanted to let y’all know that J. Crew is having a pretty great sale right now (and if our numbers are right, J. Crew is very popular around these parts:)) So if you are in need of an affordable flowy dress or a “not bank account breaking” breezy top then go get 30% off wear-now styles, plus extra 50% off select sale styles. Just use code: SHOPNOW. Enjoy!

From Caitlin: OMG. If you’re about to send a kid to a dorm (or if you’re a 31-year-old woman who spends hours schlepping pounds and pounds of clothes, towels, and bedding to the laundromat every week), I HAVE FOUND A GENIUS INVENTION. It’s a laundry backpack!!! I grabbed one on a whim earlier this month because my laundry was overflowing, the strap on the laundry bag I’ve been using since 2009 broke (RIP), and I wanted a hands-free option (way easier to carry). I expected to like it…but y’all, I freakin’ love it. It fits two full collapsible hampers worth of stuff (is that a helpful measuring system? Several loads if that’s easier to gauge) and there are pockets on the outside for your laundry essentials! It’s only $17 and it’s SUCH A GOOD PRODUCT. Like, gang, I’ve been carrying laundry around for 14 years. This is the best bag. Seriously – from here on out, this is going to be my go-to gift for any person moving to a place without in-unit (or in-building) washers and dryers. 5 stars is not enough!!! (The other reviews seem to match my passion, just for the record!)

Ok, that’s it for today! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and see y’all tomorrow, xx

Opening Image Credits: Design by Emily Henderson and Sarah Weldon | Styled by Emily Henderson and Emily Bowser | Photos by Steven Mcdonald | From: The Prettiest Green And Pink Kitchen Remodel That We Completed In 7 WEEKS

The post The Link Up: The $45 Overnight Bag Em Bought, Arlyn’s #1 Blush Rec, And THE Dorm Room Essential appeared first on Emily Henderson.

20 Affordable VERY CUTE Lightweight And Airy Summer Blouses We Love (Most Are Under $80!)

Ok, so two weeks ago we talked about 16 pretty wonderful affordable dresses that were all summer heat-approved. You all really seemed to love it so we thought that this week we would chat about our second favorite summer clothing item…The Breezy Blouse TM! A lot of you might know that this is a topic that we care A LOT about, especially Emily. She has been The Breezy Blouse queen for literal years (proof here and here and basically every fashion post ever). These blouses are meant to be billowy (no sticking to your sweaty body), regular bra-approved (VERY IMPORTANT), and yet super stylish. None of us want to look like a disheveled, sweaty mess in this 95-degree weather that both LA and Portland are having. Is everyone else ok?? I hope so.

imagine all of these tops with shorts:) but these photos do prove that these blouses can be worn year-round!

In one of our previous blouse posts, Emily even created a “scientific formula” to decipher if a blouse was cute and comfortable which I’ve laid out for you below:)

She, of course, has been branching out to other styles (like the oversized button-up) but we all love her stunning Ulla Johnson and The Great tops, right? But most of the time they are out of our budget and so that’s how this post was born! About 75% of these tops are under $100 and 50% are under $50 which I am pretty excited about. I categorized them in terms of pattern starting off with florals and shapes. Let’s get into it, shall we?

Puff-Sleeve Striped Smocked Embroidered Poet Blouse – $28 (On Sale)

Let me tell you that Old Navy has a GREAT selection for these kinds of tops at truly wonderful prices! But what I loved about this one was that it followed all of Em’s previously stated rules (hello tassels), the neutral colors are so pretty, and it goes up to 4X (well the 4X is currently sold out but maybe it will come back?)!

Ruffled Puff Sleeve Shirt – $60

For a slightly more tailored look, how cute is this ruffle puff sleeve number?! The sleeves give you a sweet drama and the buttons give you the option of how much (or not much) you want to show the girls off. This also comes in white and looks the most “romantic” of the three colors IMHO. The size goes up to XXL.

Floral Puff Sleeve Tie Neck Top – $45 (On Sale)

Similar style to the first option but I really love this beautiful blue print! It’s been a minute since I’ve shopped at the Loft (like maybe high school??) but I was also very impressed by their selection of cute tops. Definitely worth checking out!

Smocked Shoulder Tie Neck Top – $45 (On Sale)

Can you tell we love this particular style?? I just really loved this one too for the fun print that would beautifully transition into fall. This is included in the Nordstrom Anniversary sale so to get that price I would grab it sooner rather than later:)

Livvy Top – $148

Ok, so $148 isn’t necessarily what I would consider “affordable”. However, when I saw this top I LOVED it. The print, the way it drapes, and it’s from a sustainable brand. So if you are someone with a budget that is more robust then this could be a great option for you! It does only go up to an XL and for some stupid reason is not offered in their extended sizes.

Frances Blouse – $128

This brand, Emerson Fry, was just introduced to me by (you guessed it) Emily when she revealed her entry with this top and living room with this one! I reeeeealllyy loved those tops so I poked around and naturally found more (this is only one of them). Again, over $100 for a top doesn’t scream affordable but they are also a sustainable brand that uses natural fibers and has a serious goal of creating zero waste! Check out their “about EF” here to get all the info. So with an incredible mission and beautiful pieces, if you have the budget this feels like a VERY good brand to buy from. Plus, The Breezy Blouse queen herself is a massive fan:)

Ruffle-Trimmed Cotton Blouse – $30

Y’all this little ruffle, eyelet number is CUTE!!! It’s easy, breezy, will make you look very put together and the sizing goes up to XXL. I love the contrast of the sweet top with those raw-edge shorts too. Plus for $30 I just don’t think you can beat it.

The Linen Puff Sleeve Shirt – $78

Can you tell we’re in the striped section now? A pattern that is near and dear to our EHD hearts…especially light blue stripes:) I love that this is a button-up with a twist! The mock collar is super chic and those puff sleeves make it perfect for summer.

Oversized Poplin Boyfriend Shirt – $40

But for something more classic, Old Navy has this awesome oversized button-up that goes up to 4X! But to give you a little styling inspo, here are two ways Em likes to wear her button-downs in the summer…

from: emily’s easy, throw on and go summer outfits that still make her feel put together

Ok, so it’s really just one flap out or no flaps out but notice that she sizes up in her jean shorts to make them a little slouchy and that this look could either be a little dressed up with clogs (or low heels) or a casual sandal! If you are wondering where the blue striped shirt is from here you go🙂 The pink one is no longer available:(

Mille Talia Puff-Sleeve Blouse – $198

I promise this is THE ONLY top at this price point! I just couldn’t resist because this green-striped beauty screams “easy breezy summer top”. A true “throw on and go” piece if you will. Actually, Em tried on the dress version a few weeks ago too!

photo by kaitlin green | from: i went to the mall and here is what i bought or loved (in search of cute comfortable summer clothes)

This was her exact quote about it: “I couldn’t put this dress in my basket fast enough. I’m going to wear this all summer long. The sleeves are so fun, it has pockets, and the green/white stripe is a hell yes. It’s lined and feels high quality (it should be, it wasn’t cheap). This is my dress of the summer.”

The dress comes in a few other really cute prints in case the stripes aren’t your thing but there’s a white eyelet version that’s on sale so…

Pilcro Long-Sleeve Popover Top – $118

The stripes continue but the blues are mostly gone. Ha. I really love how classic yet unique this one is. The colors are a little unexpected and the collar and front detail are super cool. This has effortless “cool gal” written all over it.

Linen Button-Up Camp Shirt – $75

See a little more blue but this time with purple! I love this color combo and the oversized short sleeves. It’s another one that feels effortless but for those who still like some structure (Jess quietly raises her hand:)) Madewell KNOWS how to do a boxy button-up!

Adeline Top – $148

I had to throw in one checkered option, right?! The shoulder and sleeve detail/overall cut had me swooning. It’s simple and sweet yet chic and also comes in FIVE other patterns and colors. 10/10.

Pleated Eyelet-Trim Shirt – $118

If you’re an eyelet lover then this is a super special option (this is the last one over $100 I promise)! The color is great and summer-y and I love that the oversized detailing goes along the trim. Also, THE PLEATING! Great for the office, brunch, etc. It also comes in black and white.

Short Sleeve V-Neck Woven Eyelet Top – $30

Just, yes. For $30 you can get this great and versatile top with just enough detailing to make it look extra special. It also comes in three other bright colors and goes up to a 4X (which is currently in stock)!

Broderie Anglaise Blouse – $40

I know this one might be a little tricky with a bra but it’s SO CUTE! I love the tiny ruffles and the eyelet pattern so much. Causal Romanticism<3 Oh, and it goes up to a 4XL!

Short Sleeve Top – $28

I am a big orange fan and always have been. So I really love this color for a summer top! It’s fun with just the right amount of detailing if you are someone who shies away from that sort of thing. Sadly, this top is on clearance and only has up to size XXL but if that works for you then I am fully in support of this purchase:)

Oversized Blouse – $25

Look at that drape! Chic, chic, chic, and I love that the front has both buttons and a tie. I just think this is a very elegant option that I might be buying for myself. It also comes in black and mint and goes up to XXL.

Textured Gauze Square Neck Top With Volume Sleeves – $37

This one is also calling my name. I love a gauze-y fabric because that really says “it’s summertime” to me. Plus those sleeves are cute and I don’t need to worry about cleavage which is always a plus for me personally:)

Clip Ruffle Button Blouse – $53 (On Sale)

Ah, we’ve come to our final pick! When I saw this one it immediately reminded me of Em. The color, the subtle pattern, the sleeve ruffles, and the neckline. I also think this is a great year-round top so no need to put it away when that fall breeze hits! 10/10

Any thoughts? Any suggestions? Of course, some of these will work in better climates than others but hopefully, if you were on an affordable summer blouse hunt you found at least one option that you loved:)

Love you mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Left – Photo by Kaitlin Green + From: The Farmhouse Entry Reveal | Middle: Photo by Veronica Crawford + From: My “Casual, Comfortable, Cool” Spring Weekend Wardrobe | Right – Photo by Kaitlin Green + From: The HIGHLY Anticipated…Farmhouse Living Room Reveal

The post 20 Affordable VERY CUTE Lightweight And Airy Summer Blouses We Love (Most Are Under $80!) appeared first on Emily Henderson.