Emily Henderson's Blog, page 87

The Link Up: Em’s NEW Favorite Romance Beach Read, The Concealer Makeup Stick Jess Has Been Dying To Try, And A New Clothing Store We LOVE

Happy Sunday y’all! The warm weather miiiiight be here for good and we are PUMPED!! Some of us might even attempt a beach day this weekend:) Hope the weather is great where you are too but before it’s time to soak in those much-needed rays of sunshine let’s get to these links…

This week’s house tour has us all pretty jealous! Chloe Fineman (SNL Actor) might have the most wonderful apartment we’ve seen in New York. And it’s a rental! It’s clearly full of beautiful (expensive) pieces including lots of vintage but you can also feel like a real person lives there (not always the case with fancy house tours). It’s layered, full of pattern and color but in a muted and cozy way. Go check it out here!

From Emily: I just finished Emily Henry’s new book and I smiled for days while reading it. If you are into my rom-com recommendations (easy reads, happy endings, zero anxiety, look forward to reading every single night) then this book is for you. I loved her first book (Beach Read – Kindle and Local), enjoyed her second book (People We Meet on Vacation – Kindle and Local) and less so, but still liked her third book (Book Lovers – Kindle and Local). I was nervous that she was starting to pump them out too fast (which I fully understood and I want her to dominate financially so those book deals are so huge). But I’m so happy to say that I loved Happy Place (her most recent – Kindle and Local) as much if not MORE than Beach Read. It’s a coming-of-age romance, about a group of college friends and a super appealing/sweet love between two of them. It’s about what happens the 10 years after college and I found myself relating to it so much (Brian and I met in college as you know, all our friends dispersed and struggled to stay in each other’s lives, etc). Per usual her dialogue is excellent (funny without seeming like she tries too hard) and the pacing, the friendships – all of it. Listen, I also just finished The Candy House so I do dabble in real literature too, but y’all, I didn’t enjoy it (gave me anxiety) and it just felt like so much work to follow the story (more of a reflection on me than the book, I know). This book, Happy Place, I enjoyed reading it so much – every single second. I’m very excited to dive into Meet Me At The Lake (Kindle and Local) this weekend (Carley Fortune’s new book and if you haven’t read Every Summer After you should RIGHT NOW – Kindle and Local). It’s truly the beach read of this summer – you can’t put it down and it makes you feel VERY GOOD.

photo by kaitlin green

Also From Emily: I just wanted to shout out my favorite denim dress one more time. It’s definitely not cheap but I’ve had it for over a year and I wear it A LOT. Whenever I throw it on I feel so comfortable (it’s loose) and cool (an added bonus:)). If you missed yesterday’s fashion post I have a few more options I also love.

From Arlyn: You know the things you have you love so much, you lose track of how many people you’ve recommended them to? That’s these Bombas Gripper Slippers. I don’t recall ever sharing them here, but if I have, consider this a reminder. My husband calls these my “elf shoes” and a friend asked me “what are those?!?” once when she saw them, but neither of them know anything, and these are great. They’re basically a roomy sock with grippers on the bottom and a little cushioning to make them more like a slipper. Plus, I just feel really good about buying from Bombas for so many reasons (including their lifetime guarantee on their products: if they don’t hold up or are getting too worn down, they’ll just send you new ones…for free…what?!?). 

From Mallory: I was emailed marketed hard for this cute and classic crop top and man did that marketing hit its target. I immediately added it to cart and can’t wait for it to arrive!! This almost made it into my cart too but I had some restraint this time (but no promises for later though, it could end up in my closet eventually). I’ve bought a few different pieces from Oak + Fort recently and have always been impressed by the quality compared to the price. It feels like it’s really hitting that Zara price bracket but with slightly more elevated pieces and I am here for it. If you’re in the market for some summer clothes check them out:)

From Caitlin: I just tried these new ingrown hair patches – like a zit sticker, but for areas that grow hair! – and I HAVE BEEN BLOWN AWAY. I am about to write some very embarrassing personal information, so buckle up: my waxer recommended these patches to me because I have a few cystic ingrown hairs that keep coming back, wax after wax. I don’t necessarily love the aesthetics and I’ve caused scarring in the past by extracting them myself (again, not proud to write this on the internet), so I was in dire need of an at-home solution. While I initially balked at the price tag (that much for 12 patches?!), I can now confirm that these are 100% worth it – I’ve since used four of them on two particularly stubborn ingrowns and the results have been INCREDIBLE (though I would argue with their “6-hour” claim – it took mine two nights to totally surface and calm down). ANYWAY – if you’ve ever shaved or waxed and struggled with an uncomfortable ingrown hair afterward (and they work anywhere – face, armpits, chest, legs, pubic area, you name it!), I can’t recommend keeping a box of these on hand enough – they’re total lifesavers.

From Jess: I finally did it. I bought Merit’s “The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick” and so far I love it! I really don’t love wearing a ton of makeup but I also want an even skin tone…which I don’t naturally have lol. So this concealer stick is great because it’s a buildable medium coverage that you can apply with your fingers that looks really natural! Everyone’s skin tone is clearly different but I was matched with the Bisque shade if that helps at all. Enjoy!

Also From Jess: If you haven’t heard, let me be the first to introduce you to a WONDERFUL new podcast called Wiser Than Me, with host Julia Louis-Dreyfus (I KNOW!). Julia (in her early 60s) is exclusively interviewing women older (and wiser, or so she says) than her. Women like Jane Fonda, Fran Lebowitz, Isabelle Allende, and more! With each passing year, I find that I want and need stories of older women who have led and continue to lead beautifully full, inspiring lives. I’m so grateful for Julia, this podcast, and the women who are willing to tell their stories.

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their Sunday and be sure to come back tomorrow afternoon for a very fun surprise deal you all might be interested in:) xx

Opening Image Credits: Design by Velinda Hellen for EHD | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Sara’s Living Room & Dining Room Reveal

The post The Link Up: Em’s NEW Favorite Romance Beach Read, The Concealer Makeup Stick Jess Has Been Dying To Try, And A New Clothing Store We LOVE appeared first on Emily Henderson.

5 Flattering Dresses, 1 Cute Matching Set, And A Romper That’s Actually Comfortable: Emily’s Warm Weather Wardrobe Review

I was slow to the dress and sandal train this year (since I’ve left LA actually) because April RAIN tricks you into thinking summer will never come, but then all of a sudden it was 90 degrees and I was wearing constricting jeans and full toed shoes and these baby sausages were hot. But I can’t with the constricting anymore, I need loose, comfort, which I know is a behavioral result from the “covid comfort years” and some weight fluctuation. So right now, my summer outfit game needs to be lightweight, comfortable, loose (in the places I want it to be loose) yet flattering. I don’t think any of these are going to get me laid, but there is some cleavage involved so, maybe? Ha.

Dress | Shirt | Sandals

I hate to start with the most expensive, but I wore this dress three times last week because it’s just so good and I feel so great wearing it. I bought it last spring (or the spring before, it’s all a blur) but it’s always available as a staple (and yes a gold-plated staple, she is expensive). It’s a perfectly cut, perfectly distressed layerable piece that can span all four seasons and handles all my fluctuations. I wish it were shorter, but once I tie something around the waste it creeps up and everyone is happy. That shirt is super cute (wearing it right now as I type), and while I’d wait for a sale (it’s $88 full price) I think it’s excellent (I’m wearing it over biker shorts currently).

Dress | Shirt | Sandals

Back to this. I have a lot of denim dresses, and this one is not the most flattering of them all, but it is the one I want to wear and do wear the most. It’s my favorite. Full stop. Besides, all you have to do is pair it with some tanning foam and Arizona Birkenstocks and you look like a stealth wealth lady of leisure. Please don’t look closely at those pedicure-less toes (although I love how the Birkenstocks mask my bunion – that should be a whole post – open-toe shoes even bunioned people can wear without shame! My dad could make a cameo).

Dress | Heels (similar)

Here she is ready to attend literally any daytime event that includes champagne, ladies, Jesus, or tea (it’s also the perfect wedding guest dress). So lightweight (poplin cotton), and busy enough with the alternating stripes to give all the guests eye enjoyment with no judgment and full modesty. I felt GREAT in this dress – she’s pretty and pulled together.

Dress | Swimsuit | Sandals

I bought this as a swimsuit coverup and yet I wore it on a really hot day to clean the house and again to run errands. It’s so lightweight (gauzy), flowy, and drapes perfectly with so much volume (but really short). We found it hilarious that I was trying to strip-tease a sexy shoulder as if I had some sort of “come hither” swimsuit underneath when it’s literally a gingham high-necked full but coverage one piece (hey felllllllaaasss!!!). The suit is GREAT though, (the new Andie Malibu in Gingham). The sandals are Reef and have a cork bottom that is super comfortable. If I’m being honest they are more comfortable than the Birkenstocks that take a while to form (what with the bunion and all). These babies really highlight my spray tan/orange toes.

Dress | Sandals

I’m unsure if this dress is “sexy summer date night” or “Renaissance Faire”. Is it flattering? Yes. A little cheezy? I think so. I’m going to let Brian decide if this dress is a yes or no (not because he owns me, no need to be offended by the patriarchy this time, but I really like when Brian thinks I’m hot and this low coverage would be to specifically attract my own husband, not other guys. So if he’s not into this dress, then I’d rather not have, let’s say a waiter, trying to locate my areola while refilling my water).

Matching Set (Top + Shorts) | Sandals

All my lady friends freaked over this outfit when I debuted it. I think it looks like cute pajamas but I guess that’s in and the level of enthusiasm was high with my team who is all far younger and cooler than I am. So yes, this is an extremely comfortable, cute, and casual outfit that I will be wearing a LOT this summer. I would buy the top on its own TBH and wear it with Levi’s shorts which is more my jam, but obviously, these cotton boxer-looking things are far more comfortable and I guess more on trend so win/win. She’s comfortable and cool!!

Left: Dress + Purse (similar) + Slides | Right: Dress + Sandals

None of us are sure that a purple bubble dress should be a thing, yet all of us were into it! And as the person embodying this dress, I was very pleased with how free I felt. It’s short and voluminous, thus making your legs look long and tiny if you are into that. I actually thought I bought the white one, but this one arrived and I think maybe the statement is better. We all decided that if I lived in New York and had a job at a magazine (a la Devil Wears Prada – I would be Emily Blunt, not Meryl or Anne). I would wear this in the summer because it’s so cool and comfortable, but this has a lot of style and is kinda editorial (this girl isn’t basic). But since I live on a farm and I throw on lace dickies for Zoom calls methinks this isn’t for me. Those mules though, always and forever.

Jumper | Sandals

Now THAT’S ME. I hate to bookend this post with another splurge from the same company (and no, I have no affiliation and #ipaidforthis), but it’s the best short jumper I’ve tried yet (and I have a few more coming from other brands, stay tuned). This is flattering on any day and I always feel pulled together. I have a decent-sized beef with fashion designers for thinking that we want these jumpsuits to be fitted and all body con. We do not wear these to show off sexy curves. No, these are cool and utilitarian. We want jumpers to have a structured shoulder, be fitted in the armpits (to show our frame), but roomy around our waist. And then again more fitted in the inside of the crotch but then flair out in the leg. I know that sounds specific (and I’m giving away my future million-dollar fashion line), but all my favorite ones are expensive and have that all in common – the perfect flattering cut. I should probably start a fashion line but like many a lady before me, I’m sure I’d find that in order to get those cuts they have to cost what that one does. But I bought the linen version of this last year and I wore it 3-4 times a week all spring/summer and fall and already have worn it a ton this year. So I splurged on the denim one.

Thanks for coming and staying 🙂

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

The post 5 Flattering Dresses, 1 Cute Matching Set, And A Romper That’s Actually Comfortable: Emily’s Warm Weather Wardrobe Review appeared first on Emily Henderson.

5 Design Tips To Keep In Mind When Designing For A Kid (Or Adult) With ADD/ADHD…From A Designer/Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist

As any parent who has ever faced an ADHD or ADD diagnosis for their kids knows, the journey to get answers is fraught with worry followed by feelings of confusion about what to do next, even with that diagnosis in hand.

As a licensed Marriage and Family therapist of 20 years, I know all too well that as parents and children with ADHD begin weeding through diet, medicinal, and behavioral possibilities, post-diagnosis, so begins the deluge of well-intended but often overwhelming opinions that can be heaped upon us you by your peers or other parents. Those suggestions, meant to be helpful, can cloud the clarity you think you’re gaining as you learn more.

In my book, Home Therapy, I talk a lot about the ways our homes can support our healing paths, including for ADD and ADHD. As you can very well guess, our environment can be supportive or destabilizing to our journey. The truth I’ve learned is this: how we go out into the world begins with the tools we establish at home.

In my design projects, I absolutely love to put these tools into practice, as was the case with a family who hired me to make their home more supportive for a son struggling with ADHD. Specifically, this family brought me in to transform their 1988 home into a relevant and functional living space that would support every family member from the inside out. Our goal – as is the goal for every design project for me — was to put the mental health needs of the family in first position. Through this very intentional project, I was able to increase their calm and happiness throughout the home.

Here are the places I began that transformation:

COLOR

Color is by far the easiest and most impactful place to begin with ADD and the home environment. When we see color, our retina sends a message to our brain. That transmission triggers the release of certain hormones in our brains such as dopamine and serotonin. In each project that I’ve worked on with an ADD child, we begin with color. 

Here’s a fun fact: rooms for ADHD do not need to be all white. There is a notion that ADD or ADHD means you are over-stimulated. That’s false. Many ADHD individuals — kids and adults, alike — are actually being understimulated in a way that results in their symptoms. Using colors, especially in these situations, can be an appropriate way to increase healthy brain regulation. 

Blues, greens, and whites are the go-to when creating a sense of calm, but if we want to encourage productivity or increase energy, pops of reds, oranges, and yellows are where we turn. 

This room was designed for the son of my client who was struggling with his ADD. We wanted to land on a color that could meet him on two planes. He wanted a space to decompress at the end of the day but also encourage an increased amount of focus for reading or homework when the time called for it. Together, he and I landed on a blue that was both calming when he needed it and invigorating when his goal was to be productive.

ORGANIZATION

Organization is a great way to empower our kids to be in charge of the behavioral symptoms that often come along with this diagnosis — those symptoms being forgetfulness, lack of focus, and an inability to stay on task…among others. In the case of a loved one suffering with ADHD/ADD it’s difficult to watch them struggle with symptoms while simultaneously finding yourself frustrated at having to deal with the very same symptoms they are experiencing. In fact, I think I’ve heard every parent of an ADHD/ADD kid say at one point or another, “I get sick of asking them a thousand times to do something and them not doing it. It’s like they don’t even hear me,” — which by the way is a problem for every parent, but is definitely magnified for a parent of an ADHD kid. 

Diagnosed or not, organization is good for all our brains. Things like order, consistency, and schedules, not only help us be more productive, they make us feel safer. All of which is important, especially for children with either of these diagnoses. But, here’s something important to know, people have different styles of organization that speak most to their brain. Some of us are visual, others are listers, while some are more abstract. What feels like chaos to you and I, makes sense to them. 

When I’m designing organizational systems into a client’s home, I bring them into the process, especially if they have ADD or ADHD. Do the same with your kids. Start first with the intention of the room and organize to that goal. The reason being, what works for the cook in the kitchen might not work for your 13yr old who needs something very different for their space.

Also, expand your mindset around organization. Yes, it’s bins and baskets, but it’s also behavior. If we can solve or establish a behavior before the disorganization begins then we are remedying the symptom before it happens. What that looks like is this:  

In this client’s home, we turned a 1988 wet bar into a mudroom wall, complete with a drop zone cubby system. Each family member had their own cubby and we had lower baskets for shoes, bags, and purses. Hooks  — which I  love to ensure we are using all the vertical space —  went on the opposing wall, keeping jackets, scarves, and hats off the floor.

The bar top was also zoned to include a spot for keys and an intention tray, my solution to help give visual to your personal goals and dreams.

This entire space, built first to give their child with ADD a system to keep them on track, quickly became a solve for the whole family. 

TIME IN

There are three main ways that ADHD presents. Those three are: Inattentive, which is the difficulty to pay attention, Hyperactivity-Impulse, which leads to extreme struggles with sitting still or impulse regulation, or Combination, which is a blend of the two. What complicates all of this, is that there are other challenges that can look like ADHD or ADD but aren’t, like depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders. While all of that adds to the confusion of what your child may be facing, one thing is clear. For children wrestling with a range of these symptoms, there is a real struggle for them to feel in charge of or in tune with their mind/body connection.

As science shows us, the mind/body connection is increasingly-important, affecting focus, productivity, healing, and so much more. As a tool to solve this, I like to create TIME IN spaces, these are spots in our homes where your child can reset and be present.   

The payoff for TIME IN with kids is HUGE. 

In this TIME IN space, I created a nook under the stairs by DIY’ing a faux wall with foam board. I lined both sides with temp wallpaper but on the other side – facing into the dining room – I used the space to put in a wine rack.

This space is almost always small in scale to cocoon the child. It’s meant as a quiet space where they can sit and read or simply daydream, all to calm the mind and body.

On the wall we installed bins and filled them with intentional activities that research has shown, quiet the mind. These activities can be tailored to the child but often include a sensory focus such as aromatherapy and music to help the child connect their mind to their body, always adding in quiet games to increase focus and blankets or plushies to soothe. 

COMMUNAL

With ADD and ADHD, it can be easy to give more focus to behaviors that are less than ideal in our kids than it can be to speak about what is working. In other words, we risk no’s and criticisms becoming louder than kudos and compliments. I like to reverse engineer our thinking on parenting from correcting behavior to building it. 

I have three daughters hitting three different developmental stages — a 16-year-old, a younger teen at 14, and a 3rd grader. Our schedules are bananas! Yes, we have all sorts of scheduling apps that we can resort to, but somehow paper, clutter, and junk find their way onto every surface from the stair steps to the kitchen countertops. Like my clients, we too, were desperately in need of our own dropzone. To define ours, I traced out the most common path from where we enter the home through the garage into the kitchen and I saw how our stuff pile-up began the moment our kids hit the door. So, I followed the advice I give to my own clients. I created a FAMILY COMMAND CENTER. Like them, I chose the wall that we never paid much attention to and maximized it.

photo by ali harper

To start, we added hooks to utilize all the vertical space. Next – and I love this tip – I used paint to define and frame our wall workspace. It is SO effective because the color is the cue to pay attention, something that if you’re like me, you are always shouting at your kids to do. TBH, I lump my husband Travis into that, too. He has ADD and I’m on him as much as the kids to help keep the schedules and the space organized. This wall is my first line of defense.

By choosing an unused wall, you are building a home organizational system seemingly out of nothing and tailoring it to your needs!

photo by ali harper

Another great thing is to add a habit board to your wall. This is where we can build positive processes and patterns that become the habits that keep us on track. No habit is too small. Plus it allows us to celebrate our wins as a family. 

I devised my own habit tracker in my primary bathroom to help me get into the groove of exercising and meditating, during the pandemic when I literally lost all of my personal space, I created a small corner in my bathroom to lift weights, do yoga, and meditate. My habit tracker reminds me to keep up with my habits so that I don’t lose track of my previous routine. 

Between the colors or sticker systems, this entire wall becomes a visual cue for our goals. And for children with ADD or ADHD, it can help build focus and establish routines that lead to positive behaviors. Don’t shy away from customizing this space with family goals or memories, whatever it takes to make this a destination. 

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, set a weekly family meeting. This is where you all come together in the same communal space each week. I like the dining room. Phones go away and we check in with one another. As parents, arm yourself with a list of family goals, needs, and updates as well as plenty of questions to get those kids talking.

For my client teenager struggling with ADD and his family, we found that their dining room was the perfect neutral space to share feelings and frustrations as well as problem-solve. Finding a non-judgemental area in the home, where they could meet regularly, was the key to opening up positive communication for their family. When I was a full-time therapist, this was the main tool I helped families implement.

There is so much rich data that tells us that parents and kids talking like this leads to goodness in their mental health and ours. That might sound obvious, but with devices, activities, and a zillion other things vying for our attention – not to mention an already over or under-stimulated brain — and it’s too easy for hi and bye to be the extent of our daily exchange.

The number one thing to remember about our spaces and our struggles, be it ADD, ADHD, or something else, is that our homes are more than just a backdrop for our lives. They are a reflection of the habits and balance we are creating in ourselves. When we evoke the design of our surroundings to support us, our homes can actually lift us up and enrich our mental health.

*Designs by Anita Yokota
**Styling by Emily Bowser
***Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp (unless otherwise noted)

The post 5 Design Tips To Keep In Mind When Designing For A Kid (Or Adult) With ADD/ADHD…From A Designer/Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Is Sunbrella Fabric Worth It? An Outdoor AND Indoor Review, 2 Years In The Making

Hey friends – do you trust me? Because I have been living with and testing some incredible pet-/baby-/child-/chaotic-adult-proof fabric over the past 2 years and I’m finally ready to share the honest pros and cons. That’s right, baby: TODAY, WE’RE TALKIN’ ABOUT SUNBRELLA. You’re probably familiar with the name (maybe you’re even rocking some Sunbrella fabric on your outdoor furniture as we speak!), but I’ve tested it out in a ton of different applications – Curtains! Pillows! Outdoor cushions! Indoor upholstery! – and have since amassed a whole lot of first-hand experience that I’m excited to relay to my fellow home-loving companions. You’ve probably read my blurbs about this material in a variety of blog posts over the last few years, but I’m so excited to partner with the brand (!!!) to compile my thoughts in one place.

So if you’ve ever wondered if Sunbrella fabric is comfortable, or easy to clean, or stain-resistant, or pet-friendly…well, I have all the answers you’ll ever need below. (Spoiler: I LIVED IT, I LOVED IT.) Let’s take it back to the beginning of my journey…

My OG Inspirationphotos by sara ligorria-tramp | styled by emily henderson and emily bowser | from: after three years we can actually use our upper deck

…or, uh, Spring 2021. (Same thing.) I saw these photos of Em’s mountain house deck, read her Sunbrella fabric testimonial, and was pretty immediately #emfluenced. Weather-resistant? Fade-resistant? stain-resistant? Easy to find at the stores I already patronize? SOLD. See, I was working on my own outdoor space at the time – a tiny 4’x10′ balcony, just off a major 6-lane road in Los Angeles (so, uh, basically the opposite of Em’s idyllic mountain retreat) – and I decided to invest in a few pieces with Sunbrella fabric for my own home.

My First Trial Runphotos by sara ligorria-tramp | styled by emily bowser | from: caitlin’s hard-to-design balcony gets a palm beach regency refresh (+ her #1 balcony must-have rec)

And y’all, I am SO GLAD that I did. I hung those sweet cabana stripe curtain panels made with Sunbrella fabric over the summer in 2021 and they still look brand new after nearly 2 years of near-daily sun exposure (same with the pillows – they’ve held up beautifully).

My favorite part, though, was the cushion I grabbed for my secondhand rattan loveseat. This thing exceeded my expectations in every way – the fabric is easy to clean with a wet towel and some soap (essential for those of us who live near roads and often find our outdoor possessions covered with a thick layer of black dust), it is mold and mildew-resistant (I didn’t feel bad about leaving it outside during the freak rainstorms we’ve been having in 2023, which is awesome for those of us who lack storage), and the kicker: after a lot of testing, I can confirm that Sunbrella is a GREAT fabric choice for pet owners.

Buff, my cat, spends a ton of time out here on this cushion – making biscuits (kneading? You know, whatever your regional term is :)), stretching in the sun, playing, jumping, zoomie-ing, all that jazz – and while no fabric is totally indestructible, the stuff out here REALLY held up to the elements. To that end, I knew that Sunbrella fabric was going to be the most durable choice for my indoor upholstery, too.

Wait, Can You Use Sunbrella Fabric On Indoor Furniture?can you spot buff?

You sure can! And it’s pretty widely carried at many of our favorite EHD retail destinations. My search for indoor, stain-resistant, pet-friendly furniture for my home brought me to Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, which carries a really lovely variety of Sunbrella fabric.

I landed on the Sunbrella performance basket weave fabric (in ‘Almond,’ in case you want to match!) because I fell in love with the texture – it looked classic and timeless, but the weave also felt pretty sturdy and forgiving and easy to maintain long-term. (And for the record, MG+BW carries a really nice assortment of other types of Sunbrella fabric! I eyed their Sunbrella two-tone linen weave and their Sunbrella chenille fabric for these chairs, but am SO happy that I landed on the basket weave.

Is It Comfortable?

YES, BIG TIME. I think that a lot of the time, when people hear “performance fabric,” they think “canvas.” (Guilty as charged.) And while you can absolutely use canvas indoors, there are SO MANY more options and textures to choose from! Case in point: the Sunbrella basket weave texture I landed on doesn’t just look luxe – it feels great, too. It’s soft and comfortable while also being tough enough to stand up to daily life.

Is It Actually Stain-Resistant?

Yes, THANKFULLY. I got these chairs delivered back in September 2022 and the upholstery has absolutely seen its fair share of spills and “whoops” moments in the many months that have passed since. True to form, I accidentally got dirt ALL OVER this chair about a week after it was delivered. (The cut of the arms is perfect for those who love to pull their legs up underneath them – just forgot I had sandals on!) It was pretty nerve-wracking at first – had I just ruined my new furniture before I had a chance to share it with the world? – but then I remembered that this kind of situation was exactly why I wanted to use Sunbrella fabric on my indoor upholstered furniture.

All Sunbrella fabrics are manufactured with technology that saturates every fiber with color and UV-stabilized pigments before being spun into yarns and woven, which means that you can easily clean up messes when life happens. Much like the cushions on my patio, all the muck and gunk removed super easily with just a little bit of soap and water. CRISIS AVERTED. (If you opt for a piece that’s been slipcovered, you can also throw your Sunbrella fabric straight into the washer!) This is why we CAN have nice things. 🙂

Is It Pet-Friendly?

ABSOLUTELY. And while I can only speak to the experience I’ve had with Sunbrella fabric and a cat who loves to climb and claw, I’d emphatically recommend this fabric to any pet owners out there. Look – long-lasting, quality furniture is an investment (as it should be!), and it makes sense to protect that investment by choosing a fabric that will give your pieces the best possible chances at survival, you know?

While I don’t want to make any extraordinary claims, I’ve been so pleased by the way that the tight weave of the basket weave Sunbrella fabric I chose has held up to daily wear-and-tear from Buff, a nearly 13-year-old cat whose sprightly movements and constant zoomies could rival any kitten. I definitely don’t encourage her to use these chairs as a scratching post, but I do feel like I have the freedom to be a little less precious. It’s awesome to be able to sit back and enjoy my furniture without worrying that it’s on the constant verge of destruction, you know? (PS. Dog owners, you can read Em’s firsthand testimonial about choosing Sunbrella for her dining nook right here!)

TL;DR – Yes, Sunbrella Fabric Is Worth The Investment

Y’all, it is SUCH A TREAT to have the opportunity to write this post. I don’t take my recommendations lightly, and it’s been a dream to write about something that I’ve tested (both indoors and outdoors!) that I genuinely love and believe in. With Sunbrella fabric, I’ve been able to get the aesthetic look I wanted (soft, textured, tailored, clean, and comfortable) without any of the stresses or the extra mental load that usually come along with maintaining white or upholstered furniture.

Since Sunbrella fabric is designed to withstand the toughest messes, it’s the PERFECT choice for those whose interiors often take a beating. 🙂 I, a person who spills constantly (and who spilled that Hawaiian Punch all over immediately after taking this photo), am still no match for Sunbrella fabric. Buff, a cat who is seemingly in the running to become the nation’s preeminent feline-free climber, is no match either! I’ve written about my experience with this fabric ad nauseam in tinier chunks over the past year and a half and it’s been so exciting to be able to share all my thoughts and opinions in one place. (Can you tell I genuinely love it?)

Let me know if you have any questions. Here’s to making our lives a little easier and a little more beautiful, too. 🙂 

This post was sponsored by Sunbrella but all words and opinions are all mine🙂

*Design by Caitlin Higgins (me!)
**Styled by Emily Bowser
***Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp (unless otherwise noted:))

The post Is Sunbrella Fabric Worth It? An Outdoor AND Indoor Review, 2 Years In The Making appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The IKEA Headboard Hack For Charlie’s Room That Only Took Emily One Day To Make

Today I have a fun Charlie room update for you – a new, bigger bed, with a DIY IKEA no-sew headboard. This time around I’m trying to involve the kids in their projects as much as physically (and for me, mentally) possible – while keeping it positive. I want to do some more DIY’s with them, but they need to be fairly basic and I know they need to actually enjoy the process. So we came up with something really simple to make that involved, well, a staple gun (the new trigger pull version that is admittedly very fun). Tuft & Needle had reached out about a social partnership and I love their mattresses (we have them in the kid’s bunk room at the mountain house which I actually need to shoot as I never have). Technically Brian and I didn’t need a new mattress (although after laying on this one I’m very jealous, it’s extremely comfortable). But Charlie needed both a proper bed and a new mattress as we wanted to upgrade his to a Queen (not because he needed one but more because his room is big enough to be a second guest room which we are going to need this summer as families with multiple kids will be staying here). I know that couples can technically sleep in full beds, but as an enthusiastic King bed sleeper, I figured at least a queen would be nice to provide. Here’s where we last landed when we showed you his room a few weeks ago:

photo by kaitlin green | from: designing with an almost tween boy: charlie’s room update/progress with a thrifted 80s vibe

This room now won’t be shot for the magazine (it’s just not very close and we have so many rooms to shoot) which is fine by me because I want to do a Banyan Bridges-style mural but Racheal is so busy with her show, Artfully Designed, that she won’t be able to help me til fall. But in order to keep moving we hacked this bed to give him a proper headboard (and Kaitlin took home this old frame and mattress to her daughter for her big girl bed.)

This DIY won’t break the internet (like Brady’s DIY headboard that we all still talk about) but it’s a vintage plaid that I love, over a simple IKEA frame that looks cute and does the job and simple enough that Charlie was able to help me with it (sorry, he helped the day before Kaitlin came over to shoot so no photos of him, but he is in the reel).

We bought this bed from IKEA – attracted to the pine sides and how easy it would be to hack. Realizing we wanted it taller we then added a foot with a 1x12x6 piece of lumber, secured with some straight/flat braces. We then wrapped two layers of batting using a staple gun, a 9 year old boys dream diy tool.

We thought about playing with the shape but figured once we get a playful mural up on the walls something more linear was safer.

This post isn’t sponsored by Tuft & Needle, but in case you are in the market this is their new mint hybrid mattress which has both springs and their patented foam technology and is EXTREMELY comfortable. I love a softer mattress and this one is really really good.

The fabric is one of my quilted Japanese Boro plaids that I love, and this one was dark and really pulled your eye in a good way.

There you go! It took a day of gathering stuff and a day for Gretchen and I to do – with Charlie’s staple gunning help of course. The bed itself wasn’t that easy to put together but it is SOLID.

Y’all these pups will NOT allow for a photo shoot without them. They follow me around all day and I can’t not put them in shots (which I love because it adds “life” and keeps my kids for the most part off the internet :))

I still need to figure out if I want to strip or paint that nightstand (and the matching chair) or leave its 1970s orange, which honestly does kinda work in here. Thoughts??!!

Resources:
Window Treatments: Decorview
Carpet: Stark Carpet
Wall Color: Extra White by Sherwin-Williams
Outlet Covers: Rejuvenation

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

The post The IKEA Headboard Hack For Charlie’s Room That Only Took Emily One Day To Make appeared first on Emily Henderson.

How To Build A Stylish Room Around The Neutral Classics (A Gray Sofa, Walnut Dining Table, And More) + Another Chance To Win A $2,000 Article Gift Card

2023 marks the seventh year of me working in this industry so I think it’s fair to say that I’ve seen my share of furniture companies wonderfully evolve while still maintaining their style and ethos…and others, sadly not. Article is one that I am consistently impressed by and even more so recently. Y’all if you haven’t been on their site lately might I suggest you take a scroll. Every product still looks like a classic, is made with high-quality materials, oozes comfort, and is fairly priced… and to my complete delight, they are playing with even more fun shapes and pretty materials. There are so many pieces that are just cool (but not in an overly trendy way). So when Article reached out about doing a sponsored post together for their Memorial Day sale, I was pumped. Not only because we get to give a lucky reader a $2000 Article gift card again (YES, I KNOW!!) but we get to show you how you can build a truly beautiful and eclectic room that will stand the test of time, with just their products. Article has been an EHD go-to for yeeears because it’s a brand we love and can always count on. I mean did you see the basement makeover Emily just did?? Plus, the customer service is ridiculously good and the delivery times are fast.

So to make this post both fun and helpful we thought we’d show you how to build a room around a classic “anchor piece” or “staring piece”. All of the anchor pieces are on sale (exciting!). Should you want to purchase any of them, you’ll know how to build a stylish room around each one. Oh and to enter for the $2000 gift card, all you have to do is check out their site and leave a comment here with the piece that you’d love to bring home. Let’s start with the living room!

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: styling to sell: the playroom/family room and the 4 lessons i learned along the way…

Sofa | Green Pillow | Grid Lumbar Pillow | Wood Coffee Table | Gray Pouf | Rug | Sheepskin | Floor Lamp | Sconce | Side Table with Leather Shelf | Accent Chair | Striped Lumbar Pillow | Black Side Table | Media Console

Ah, the heart of the home (well aside from the kitchen of course:)). I wanted to start with the famous Sven Sofa. We are big ole fans of this modern MCM-style sofa. Sara has literally owned three (seen here, here, and here), Emily had one in her LA house, and one of my best friends has had her eyes set on the leather one for years, although I think the sectional version would look great in her space:) But enough about us and more about this sofa. It’s got personality without taking over the whole room – meaning it’s super versatile. This is great since it gives you so much room to play with lots of different styles and colors. I decided to keep things pretty neutral in color and focus more on shapes and light patterns. As I am looking at it now I realized I worked in triangles. By that I mean that most of the elements are spaced out, making it all look balanced (at least to me, ha). For example, all of the upholstered pieces are different tones of gray yet none of them look drab. The sofa has clean, structured lines, the pouf is lightly patterned and round, and the accent chair has a beautiful and interesting wood frame. There is also a good balance of round and squared-off shapes as well as a variety of wood tones.

So while technically “neutral,” I still wanted the room to have visual depth. An easy way to do that was to choose a dark rug and this one is SO pretty. The color is rich but the pattern and fringe make it feel a little playful and fun. After the rug was selected I went with that incredible black side table, that beautiful floor lamp, and pillows that had dark tones. I also feel that the leather shelf on the other side table brings some extra depth to that side. Speaking of that side table, how good is it? Secret: It’s actually a nightstand. Shhh, no one will ever know! And that media console???? Article is killing it! And yes my love of nesting coffee tables knows no limit:)

design by arlyn hernandez | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: arlyn’s moody dining room reveal

Dining Table | Dining Chair | Brass Pendant | Rug | Accent Chair | Side Table | Sideboard | Mirror | Table Lamp

Moving onto the dining room. I chose this dining table as the anchor piece because not only is it super versatile style-wise but it’s also extendable! It’s nice to have a furniture piece that can be upgraded to have multiple seating options. Now, while I love the MCM look, I didn’t want to lean into it too much hence the contemporary dining chairs. They have a 2023 feel which is a nice style contrast to the table, and the dark tones of the chairs and table work really well together. And who doesn’t love a comfy upholstered chair?! Another bonus is that the dark blue colorway hides accidental food mishaps, win-win!

Moving to the floor, I wanted to add a little pattern. I think this rug is SO good. The pattern is subtle but cool, and the rug has a low pile so it’s great for a dining room where food and drinks are consumed (and sometimes spill). Pattern is important to any room (no matter how small) but so is texture! That’s where this beautiful sideboard comes in to save the day. The chunkiness perfectly balances out all the legs of the dining table and chairs. In addition, the rattan adds such beautiful visual interest and depth (and actual storage). It also helps the overall design from leaning too dark.

Speaking of that, you know this room needed a little luxury: Enter the brass pendant and gold table lamp. They add just enough sparkle without the space feeling too glam. The final element in this sideboard vignette is the wall mirror. The shape is so great and the wood tone speaks to the dining table. Mirrors almost always make a room feel bigger too which is an added bonus. 

Now, not every dining room has room for a seating area, but I figured this room could be whatever I wanted and stuck one in! The warmth of those swivel leather chairs really makes the space pop in the best way and the side table’s black top pulls in the dining chairs and sideboard. What’s not to love??

Bed | Nightstand | Sconce | Pouf | Rug | Pendant | Floor Mirror | Dresser | Table Lamp | Accent Chair | Side Table

Every time I start to write about a new room design in this post I think, “Oooo I really like this one!” That’s mostly a compliment to Article and their furniture:)

So starting out with our anchor piece: The Bed. Simple, classic, and the wood grain is so pretty. It’s really interesting how deeply I’ve fallen in love with dark walnut. The richness just makes my heart feel full so this bed and dresser were no-brainers. Also that dresser is so beautiful. Wow wow!

In order to maintain that rich depth, I went with those pretty black nightstands. Look at all that storage! And since I went with black nightstands, I wanted to choose decor that had that same richness. For lighting, I chose sconces with a black accent (and don’t take up any nightstand real estate) and a black table lamp that would likely go across the room. I also added a tall beautiful black floor mirror and a black side table for the reading/lounge chair. For a liiittle color, I went with yet another beautiful rug with a subtle but impactful pattern as well as those incredible rust velvet poufs! Then lastly for texture and lightness, I chose that very cool rattan pendant and awesome ivory bouclé chair. Overall this is a rich but calm space that I would happily sleep in:) Would you??

design and styled by emily bowser | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: emily bowser’s back unit yard reveal, 2022 musings, new year resolutions, and other meanderings…

Sectional | Black and White Pillow | Light Clay Pillow | Umbrella | Pink and White Rug | Rattan Ottoman | Rattan Lantern Set | Bar Cart | Modular Corner Seat | Side Table | Soft Pouf | Tall Planter | Medium Planter | Floor Rattan Lantern

Our final Article look is, of course, an outdoor one. I personally have this table and LOVE it so much. But if you want a real example of what outdoor Article furniture can do check out Emily Bowser’s back house’s back patio. It’s such a special space! And the exact outdoor sectional she used is on sale people!! This is not a drill! Naturally, it had to be my anchor piece. Plus when you compare Bowser’s design and mine above it only proves how versatile this piece is.

Article had lots of pattern and texture options which made me extremely happy. Look at all the rattan lanterns, the double ottoman, the pillows, the umbrella, the rugs! They all make for a very happy design don’t you think? But given that the sectional’s cushions are a dark charcoal, I wanted to make sure that dark tone was evenly sprinkled throughout the space. That of course creates balance but also grounds the design. I must stop and give a special shoutout to the clay-colored modular corner seat. It’s such pretty color while still being relatively neutral and brings the whole space to a new level. If I had that chair I would live in it. No question. Especially if it’s as comfortable as the other outdoor Article chairs I’ve sat in.

So who’s excited about the $2k gift card now??? Article really is a near one-stop shop for modern, quality furniture that’s also nice on the wallet (with most products getting to you FAST). We really appreciate Article sponsoring this post, not only so I could flex my design skills (jk jk) but also to give one of our readers a truly awesome opportunity to make their home more beautiful. As a reminder, to enter for the $2000 gift card, just check out their site and leave a comment here with the piece that you’d love to bring home. But also their Memorial Day Sale is gooood so don’t miss your chance for a great deal if you’re in the market. And if you need an extra bit of motivation, EHD readers are also being offered an extra deal of $50 off their first purchase of $200 or more until May 29. Click here to have the discount apply automatically at checkout.

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: A Quick Update: The Changes I’ve Made to My LA Living Room

The post How To Build A Stylish Room Around The Neutral Classics (A Gray Sofa, Walnut Dining Table, And More) + Another Chance To Win A $2,000 Article Gift Card appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Case For The Quiet Neutral Wallpapers

When people ask me “What wallpaper did you end up choosing for the ______ room,” I find myself responding with a classic Emily caveat, “You are going to be underwhelmed… lower your expectations…” Then I show them the sample and sure enough, they are underwhelmed and often confused, like “why that one?”. Here’s the thing (for me) – I LOVE pattern, texture, and color but if you have all of that in a room it will have a lot of contrast which is fine for people who like a more exciting and visually stimulating home. But (and I feel like a broken record) I want a calm, quiet, warm home. This is virtually impossible with my job (so much production here), kids, pups, and years of hoarding/collecting wonderful things that I want to play with. So for me, the solution is to go big at times (on the floor, like our sunroom) but keep what is at eye level more calm/tonal/quiet. This is the first time I’m doing this strategy so I’m not saying that this it’s foolproof, I’m just trying it to ensure that on a messy Thursday afternoon, after a long week, I don’t look around and see utter chaos and want to escape my own home in search of calm (which used to be the case in LA and why I loved the neutrality of mountain house so much). So if I like “stuff” (which I do) and I like color (which I do) then it’s my current theory that I need to go quieter OR tonal/monochromatic (which is quiet in its own way) on the prominent walls in order for me to be able to still explore with color, pattern and all my vintage “stuff”. So that leads me to gravitate towards and use what you could say are very, very neutral wallpapers.

I also want to quickly say that I did indeed also choose at least two busier/more colorful wallpapers in the house already (Elliot’s room and the guest bath which hasn’t been installed yet). And I have two left to choose and I’m not sure what way I’ll go. That means we’ll have a total of six papers in the house, btw 🙂 See? I like pattern and texture 🙂

The Entry Wallpaper

Wallpaper

Y’all. It’s so pretty. It’s the Scalamandre Raphael Sandberg wallpaper in white. This wallpaper for this room was extremely hard to choose because of the following:

It’s the literal first impression of the house so I wanted it to set a happy, calm tone. The window to the left is the star, so whatever pattern we choose needs to complement it, and while I did consider some more linear patterns, something more organic would look better with the window’s lines. You see this entry from the living room, dining nook, etc, so has to look good with everything.At the same time, this is an enclosed space and could be an opportunity to do something more fun. I didn’t want to just paint.

After looking at more bold florals for months and months and months, some of them I got tired of looking at if I’m being honest. This might be due to again, the fact that I stare at design on the internet all day and I see these patterns repeat (which is going to happen if they are good!), but slowly I began eliminating the ones that I felt that I would tire of or were just wrong for a variety of reasons. And what was left were all the soft neutrals.

Bench | Pendant Source | Rug (vintage)

I really really really love it. After living with it for two weeks I’m even happier. I had a literal nightmare about it being underwhelming, but when I woke up that morning and came to look at it again I was like, “Nope, this means I get to have more powerful art”.

That light fixture is vintage from the Antiques and Vintage part of Rejuvenation. I LOVE that they still carry vintage on their site since as we all know the profit margin isn’t necessarily high for this compared to manufacturing new. I love that three-way bulb fitter in this as well. Thank you, Jordan 🙂

Let’s talk about that bench real quick. It is from Thos Moser and it’s just stunning. I ordered it months ago, awaiting this exact spot. It’s two different kinds of wood – marrying the darker and lighter wood tones we have in the house and the craftsmanship is out of this world. It’s an heirloom piece that we’ll keep forever, by a company that I’ve loved since I was an assistant stylist in New York. Thank you Thos Moser for this beautiful piece that greets our guests. That swoop is just so pretty!!! Also, I may or may not paint the inside of the door 🙂

See what I mean??

The Stairway Wallpaper

Blue Wall Color | White Trim Color

That window from Sierra Pacific is just ridiculously beautiful. White oak on the interior, a custom pattern that ARCIFORM helped me design. So many high fives. Also, the blue on the walls (SW 9631 Mantra by Sherwin-Williams) is reading bluer than it does in person (but it does change throughout the day for sure). If you look REALLY, REALLY HARD you’ll see that the stairway is indeed papered in a tiny subtle pattern.

Wallpaper

Do you see it here!!??? It’s a very light warm gray/blue and white ticking stripe. I’m ABSOLUTELY obsessed with it and it makes me so happy every time I walk up the stairs. The reason I went so quiet here is that I’m going to be hanging a ton of family photos/personal kids’ art all up the stairway. So I wanted to do something here, but it had to be super quiet in order for it not to look chaotic.

Switchplate | Stair Color

It’s all up on the landing, too (the hallway that enters all the bedrooms) and it looks SO PRETTY. I feel like I’m trying to convince you here (and I must be) and no, it doesn’t necessarily read on camera well (like at all). I guess this shows/proves that I’m designing for me and my experience in this house and less for the camera/photos (which is both good and bad).

See? There it is 🙂 Here’s my case for it – it’s like limewash or a textured paint treatment. For this house, we didn’t choose a paint texture anywhere but a quiet wallpaper like this does the job of adding texture and interest, without busyness.

Sconce

Here you can see both work together and what it looks like from the living room. Both make me so happy and allow me to go a little more nuts on art/rugs. Now the real challenge is how to do a family gallery wall up the stairs without damaging the wall with a million holes… I might, for the first time, try a different technique to ensure that where we hang everything the first time is the right place. Wish me luck 🙂

Resources:
Wood Flooring: Oregon White Oak by Zena Flooring
Windows and Doors: White oak, Aspen Casement by Sierra Pacific Windows
Floral Wallpaper: Scalamandre Raphael Sandberg Wallpaper via Lulu and Georgia
S triped Wallpaper: OSCAR – 6263 by Scandinavian Wallpaper
Stairwell Color: Smoky Blue by Sherwin-Williams
Wall Color: Mantra by Sherwin-Williams
Trim Color: Extra White by Sherwin-Williams
Lighting and Hardware: Rejuvenation
Bench: Thos Moser

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

The post The Case For The Quiet Neutral Wallpapers appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: The One Piece Swimsuit Em Bought Mulitple Of, Caitlin’s Perfect Wedding Guest Dress, And A Great Summer Walking Sandal

Happy Sunday and most definitely Happy Mother’s Day to everyone who celebrates. We know this holiday is such a joyous one but is also not easy for everyone for many reasons. So whatever you choose to do for the mother in your life or for yourself, we celebrate that. Let’s get to these fun links, ya?

This week’s house tour is like looking at the most relaxing vacation in house form. This makes sense since it’s an actual summer home in Spain by architect, Alessia Schoor. The way she used microcement is truly incredible but there is so much to take and enjoy…so go enjoy!

From Emily: We packed very light for Costa Rica (carryons) so I had to think hard about what swimsuit to bring. Since it was a family trip I wasn’t puttin’ together “lewks”. I’ve had this Andie swimsuit for a year and it’s what I want to wear most swimsuit days because it doubles as a tank top – meaning you don’t feel super exposed and can easily pair it with jean shorts or my favorite nylon shorts that I swim in. In my opinion, it looks cool, the buttons come low (so it can be sexy), it has a support shelf (I literally don’t understand one pieces that don’t), and has a double compression layer (so it hides the small bumps). I burn easily so I like that it’s more coverage without it needing to be a full rash guard. I will say that one of the snaps popped off (after probably 30 wears) and I was annoyed, but the first thing I did was reorder a new one (so that should say something). I just saw that it comes in plaid so I’m ordering that. I wear a size small, normal (not long torso). It also has good coverage, medium rise. Two of my friends have it too – all different body types. I’m sure if you are smaller up top this might not be your go-to but for those of us who don’t mind showing off some cleave, without putting it all out there (and covering our armpit areas), this is one to check out.

From Jess: Boy oh boy do I have some niche recs for you today! My brother is very good at telling me what he wants for his birthday and Christmas presents. I used to get bummed out that the gifts wouldn’t be a surprise but our interests could not be more different so it’s for the best. I want him to love what he gets. I do the same for him and I am always excited to get my gift in the mail which is why I don’t care about the surprise part anymore. His birthday is a couple of weeks away and he is very into archery (which is actually really fun if you’ve never tried it) and needed a bow rack. Yep, the man (I almost called him a kid because I’m his older sister but since he’s turning 33 I’ll give him some credit:)) has multiple bows. This was the hanging leather bow rack he sent me. It’s handmade and in Oregon, where my brother lives, so it also doesn’t have to travel all that far. Both things that are important to him (and me too but he’s stricter and better). I usually keep my Etsy searches far and wide but putting in a location close to you is an easy hack to keep the carbon footprint down. Not always possible but nice to try first! This could also be a good Father’s Day gift for any archery dads out there:)

Also From Jess: Niche item #2… if you are still on the gel x nail train like we are, this is for you. I’ve started to daaaaable into nail charms. I doubt I’ll ever be into a heavily charmed nail, but one or two on one or two nails is something I’m into. I love a minimalist look and it’s getting harder to find designs that I like and am willing to rock for 4-5 weeks. Anyway, as y’all may know I LOVE an abstract shape, so when I found these little cuties on Etsy I immediately hit purchase. Oh, and when I got my nails done the manicurist asked for the link!!

From Ryann: This summer all I really want to wear is easy to throw on flowy dresses and this one certainly fits the bill. I love the neckline and the tiered shape makes it really flattering.

From Caitlin: I know I technically included this in yesterday’s post, but there were lots of picks in there and this one in particular deserves its own paragraph!!! GUYS, I’VE FOUND SUCH A GOOD SUMMER WEDDING GUEST DRESS (or, honestly, the white could also be a great shower/rehearsal dinner option for the cool gal brides out there!). You can dress it up or down, the fabric is cool and comfortable, and the silhouette is SO pretty. The cut and length are perfect, too – it looks polished and considered, but there’s a good amount of chest coverage and a super sweet length (so if you’re in the market for something that could be a little more modest, this would be a great pick!). It’s 100% cotton and fits true to size. I’m usually a 12/14 and went with the 14 to accommodate my chest, which was the right call. I’m headed to an art museum wedding in June (so fun, right?!) and I can’t wait to bust this one out! Going to be a struggle not to wear it a ton before then, though, because it’s unbelievably flattering and too freakin’ adorable to sit in the closet. Anyway. HUGE THUMBS UP FROM ME ON THIS DRESS THAT MAKES ME FEEL LIKE A BUDGET VERSION OF REESE WITHERSPOON AT THE 2007 GOLDEN GLOBES. (You know the look I’m talking about, I swear.)

Also From Caitlin: This article about  – written and photographed by two Connies, no less! – is SUCH A GREAT READ. Join me in WEEPING towards the end – the whole piece was viscerally kind and hopeful and optimistic and I totally loved it. Remember how season 1 of Ted Lasso made you feel during the throes of the pandemic? This is that, but in written form. SO GOOD. This was my favorite part: “At the photo shoot, the photographer, Connie Aramaki, 46, told Ms. Chung that she’d originally thought her parents had chosen the name Connie because they wanted their daughter to become a journalist like Ms. Chung. Now, she’d come to appreciate what they actually intended: ‘What it means is your parents want you to work hard, and be brave, and take chances.’ Ms. Chung’s voice, normally clear and confident, was barely audible on the tape I’d been sent: ‘I did do that,’ she said quietly, and I felt something unfasten in my chest.“

From Mallory: I just bought these sandals for summer and could not love them more. I love a classic leather sandal (I basically wear them every day in the summer) and these check all my boxes. They’re completely flat so they’re not annoying to walk in, they’re leather so they look nice and elevate any outfit, plus they’re very comfy. I have them in black but the tan color is also VERY cute:)

From Arlyn: The older I get, the more and more seeing a tangle of cords everywhere gives me agita. Maybe because I have more and more things to plug in? These appliance cord organizers have been great, especially for things I don’t normally keep plugged in. Just wrap the cord neatly behind and it actually stays put. I have a few more in my junk drawer that have yet to claim an appliance, so I may try it on things actually on the counter to reduce cordage (a word??) and see how I like that, too. 

Again, Happy Mother’s Day and see y’all tomorrow! xx

Opening Image Credits: Design and Styled by Emily Henderson | Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: How I Convinced My Friend To Paint Her Room Really Dark: A Kid/Dog-Friendly Basement Makeover With Article Furniture

The post The Link Up: The One Piece Swimsuit Em Bought Mulitple Of, Caitlin’s Perfect Wedding Guest Dress, And A Great Summer Walking Sandal appeared first on Emily Henderson.

More Than Madewell: 15 Similar Brands To Shop For Comfortable, Stylish, Wear-Everyday Pieces

What’s that thing called where the clock strikes midnight, you turn 30, and suddenly you’re like, “uh, where am I supposed to shop now?” If you’re like me, or Em, or literally anyone who has ever worked at EHD the answer has probably been “Madewell” – but what happens if you want to expand your options a bit?

THAT’S WHERE I COME IN, PAL! Today, I’m introducing you to 15 tried-and-true retailers at different price points who capture that same cool, effortless, Madewell aesthetic that we all know and love. Each brand is labeled with their available sizing – I’m recommending some businesses that carry sizes through 4X! – and I’ve also noted the price points (from $ to $$$$, to avoid any “Say Yes to the Dress” syndrome where you fall in love with something that’s not currently in the budget). Let’s begin with an EHD fav…

ABLE

1. Ann Twill Straight Leg Pant | 2. Nera Sneaker | 3. The Merly Jacket | 4. Mamuye Classic Tote | 5. Ginnie Wide Leg Jean | 6. Harris Oversized Button Down Shirt

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XXS – 3X
Our Review: Ooooh, y’all are gonna love this one: ABLE is a sustainable brand working to create jobs for women…and their leather goods, jewelry, apparel, denim, and shoes are heirloom-quality at an achievable price, to boot. (Amy Poehler had it right: women do get things done!) Check out ABLE for quiet, cool, put-together looks and ethical Madewell lookalikes.

Alex Mill

1. Phoebe Pant | 2. Nico Chunky Cardigan | 3. Double-Button Shirt | 4. Indigo Dyed Crosby Half Zip Pullover | 5. Button-Back Crewneck Sweater | 6. Britt Work Jacket

Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XXS – XXL, 24-33, 0-14
Our Review: If you also love scrolling the Alex Mill website, it’s for a good reason: this is some LEGACY good design. The team behind the scenes? Alex Drexler (the OG, who started selling shirts in 2012), Somsack Sikhounmuong (the former Creative Director of Madewell and J. Crew), and, uh, Mickey freakin’ Drexler (founder of Old Navy and Madewell; former CEO of The Gap and J. Crew). If you’re missing the Madewell and J. Crew of yore – you know, the kinds of clothes with clean colors, simple silhouettes, and fresh, delightful details – THIS IS WHERE THEY’RE ALL AT NOW. You’re welcome! (The back on that white shirt? Worth a peek. And that button-back crewneck sweater comes in solids, too!)

AYR

1. The Pool Boy | 2. The Beat | 3. The Extra Extra | 4. The Easy Breezy | 5. The Deep End | 6. The New Age

Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XS-XL, 24-34
Our Review: That yellow striped button-up inspired this entire post, actually! A few weeks ago, I mentioned that AYR’s button-ups were the best out there (this is coming from a gal who name-drops two Madewell pieces in her author bio) and it turns out that a lot of you agree! Visit AYR for quality, true-to-size, coastal Nancy Myers movie-esque pieces that’ll last the test of time (seriously, this is even one of Oprah’s go-to basics brands!). And while you’re at it, be sure to peek at their sale section for huuuuuge markdowns. I love a business that knows how to throw us a deep discount, you know?

COS

1. A-Line Short-Sleeved Shirt Dress | 2. French Toile Linen Shorts | 3. Draped Open Back Mini Dress | 4. Elasticated Pleated Midi Skirt | 5. Boxy Short-Sleeved Poplin Shirt | 6. Pleated Elasticated Pants

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XS-L, 24-32, 2-14
Our Review: Elephant in the room: COS has work to do on the sizing front. But if you fall into the “straight size” basket right now, this is a great source for chic, interesting, on-trend clothing that won’t feel dated this time next year. COS excels at the classic details (those pleats! Toile shorts!), but they can also make a basic piece feel a little extra special (the back on that dress is incredible).

Everlane

1. The A-Line Denim Short | 2. The Tread-Bare Sneaker | 3. The Tencel™ Way-High® Taper Pant | 4. The Boxy Oxford | 5. The Linen Boxer Short | 6. The Organic Cotton Cutaway Tank

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XXS-XXL, 23-33, 00-16
Our Review: If you’re also a little nosy (I am), you’ll LOVE the material cost breakdowns at the bottom of each product. Everlane’s whole thing is “radical transparency” – they were one of the first movers to embrace the “cutting out the middleman to reduce our prices” messaging that the world’s since come to know and love. Check them out for well-fitting denim, breezy linen (can confirm: those shorts are a dream), organic cotton tops, and special pieces that can take you from office to night out (hi, printed pants!).

Frank & Eileen

1. Ireland Long-Sleeve Playsuit | 2. Mcloghlin Utility Shirt | 3. Wicklow Italian Chino | 4. Theo Perfect Tee | 5. Jameson Utility Jogger | 6. Patrick Popover Henley

Price Point: $$$$
Sizes: XXS-XL, 0-12
Our Review: This is one of Em’s favorite brands right now! (You can watch her video review of the romper above right here.) If you’re the “save up, buy once, buy for life” type, Frank & Eileen ABSOLUTELY needs to be on your radar. They’re a women-owned, women-led business producing ethical, sustainable pieces that’ll stand the test of time. I mean, that shacket? Those chinos? Even the cut of the t-shirt is considered and a little special! If you have the budget and you’re ready to buy *THE* basic that you’ll turn to for the rest of your life, this is a great option.

The Great

1. The Sea Stripe Boxy Cardigan | 2. The Bonfire Short | 3. The Hemingway Top | 4. The Short Nightingale Dress | 5. The Sailboat Lodge Cardigan | 6. The Dakota Dress

Price Point: $$$$
Sizes: 0-3 (read: 0-14, for us normies who only know regular sizing numbers)
Our Review: Had to fit in one more splurge-y recommendation for those of you on the hunt for investment pieces! The Great is an incredible resource for the kind of clothing that people will stop you in the street to ask about (and I know this for a fact, because Em gets a BANANAS number of DMs on Instagram anytime she appears in stories wearing a piece from here, haha). If you’re a Madewell lover who also enjoys the quirk and charm of Anthropologie, spend a few minutes browsing The Great’s website – it’s fun, even to just look, I swear!).

J. Crew

1. Slim Demi-Boot Chino Pant | 2. Natasha Skirt | 3. A-Line Stretch Cotton Poplin Midi Dress | 4. Squareneck A-Line Dress | 5. Gwyneth Slip Skirt | 6. Maxine High-Neck Shift Dress

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XXS-3X, 23-37, 00-24
Our Review: HOLD UP. J. CREW IS SO, SO, SO GOOD AGAIN? There were a few years there where it feels like J. Crew kind of fell out of the cultural conversation, but if you haven’t shopped there in a second, pop back in – OLD J. CREW IS BACK. Simple cuts, easy-to-mix-and-match basics, UNBELIEVABLY flattering dresses (I bought this one and will be writing a full-length ode to it tomorrow, never fret!), MAJOR sales (the pink version of that slip skirt is on sale for $36!), and all in a beautifully-selected, curated color palette. I did a major wardrobe refresh with a ton of stuff from J. Crew last December and have been THRILLED with how well everything’s held up so far (and it all looks good together, too!).

Monrow

1. Utility Pants | 2. Supersoft Fleece Boyfriend Sweatshirt | 3. Supersoft Sweater Knit Flare Pants | 4. Poplin Shorts | 5. Supersoft Sweater Knit Checkered Bomber | 6. Poplin Maxi Dress

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XS-XL
Our Review: Monrow is a go-to shop for those cool girls who embody the “I woke up like this/I just threw this on” vibe. Their pieces drape beautifully, come in gorgeous earthy colors, and are cut in such a thoughtful way! (Like the back of that maxi dress – low enough to be a little flirty and breezy, but high enough that you won’t be the subject of conversation at your next family barbecue.) Their sizing leaves a bit (or a lot) to be desired, but the oversized fit and flexible construction of their clothing means that their XL still feels comfortable and breezy. And, I mean…how good is that bomber sweater?

Nisolo

1. All-Day Woven Heeled Mule | 2. Catalina Slide Sandal | 3. Go-To Flatform Sandal | 4. Emma d’Orsay Oxford | 5. Stella Go-To Block Heel Sandal | 6. Women’s Huarache Sandal

Price Point: $$
Sizes: 5-11
Our Review: As the owner of not one, not two, not three, but SIX pairs of Nisolos, I say this: these shoes last forever and look better with age. I grabbed my first pair – the d’Orsay oxford – in 2019 after joining the team at EHD, and my collection has only grown since. Their summer sandals and slides are so cute, but their Chelsea boots and winter flats are ESSENTIAL (I survived multiple walking tours in icy, salted-out Quebec in these heeled boots). Their pieces come in a variety of colors and tones, so you can find a nude shade that works for you! HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Old Navy

1. Linen-Blend Tie-Shoulder Top | 2. Striped Linen-Blend Boyfriend Shirt | 3. High-Waisted Jean Shorts | 4. Flutter-Sleeve Mini Swing Dress | 5. Slouchy Jean Cut-Off Short Overalls | 6. Fit & Flare Mini Dress

Price Point: $
Sizes: XS-4X, 0-30 (plus petite and tall offerings!)
Our Review: OK GIRL, I SEE YOU. If you’re used to the Old Navy of olden times – you know, the place where you’d stop in to buy an American flag shirt on your way to a July 4th celebration – you’re missing out on high-quality, SUPER size-inclusive clothing that looks and feels WAY more expensive than you’d expect. I mean, be real – if this didn’t say “Old Navy” up top, I would have assumed these were from Madewell! Pop on over to the site and enjoy being pleasantly surprised by the new Old Navy.

Quince

1. Cotton Modal Muscle Tank | 2. 100% Washable Silk Skirt | 3. Organic Cotton Twill Overalls | 4. Washable Silk V-Neck Cami | 5. 100% European Linen Jumpsuit | 6. Fit & Flare Dress

Price Point: $
Sizes: XS-XL, 25-33, 0-16
Our Review: Quince will be a new brand to a lot of y’all, and you’re in for a treat! If you’re looking at these prices and thinking “Wait, you can’t sell a responsibly-made, washable silk skirt for $60?” – QUINCE DOES, AND IT ROCKS. (Thousands of nearly-unanimous 5-star reviews can’t be wrong!) The founders of Quince built their careers working at high-end brands but wanted to make the same high-quality essentials at an achievable price point for the average person. Mission accomplished, right?

Reformation

1. Bea Skirt | 2. Frieda Linen Dress | 3. Marla Zip Sweatshirt | 4. Catarina Dress | 5. Bucatini Linen Dress | 6. Kathleen Dress

Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XS-XL, 0-12, 14-24
Our Review: Before I praise their clothing, I wanna take a second to call them out: Reformation, GIRL, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Why are the extended sizes banished to separate listings in a niche, difficult-to-find part of the website? It’s SO FRUSTRATING. I don’t want to “Where’s Waldo” my way around your website, I just want to buy a cute dress that I saw on Instagram! (For ease, here’s the separate link to shop if you’re a 14-24.)

ANYWAY. If you can manage to navigate the website without pulling an Andy Bernard (screaming; punching a hole in a wall), Reformation does make gorgeous, sustainable clothing. They’re most well-known for their dresses – you may recognize them as the go-to wedding guest dresses of millennial women across America – but their everyday basics, like this skirt or this quarter-zip, are well-made and durable. (And to give them their flowers, they do have models with diverse body types! And they do make clothes that fit larger bodies! Except again, it does feel like it’s been banished to the boonies, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.)

I clearly have a love/hate relationship with Reformation (like why do this and this have to have totally separate pages? You could link a pair of shoes, but not the same dress in a larger size?), but I do have a platform here, and maybe it’s big enough that they’ll stop making my fellow 12/14 + gals feel like freakin’ lepers when we’re just trying to give them a bunch of money! Anyway. Great clothes that will make you look/feel like a princess, UI that actively works against extended-size shoppers. PLEASE FIX IT, REFORMATION! (I’ll buy so much more, I swear!!!!)

Sezane

1. Leana Dress | 2. Tomboy Shirt | 3. Solana Dress | 4. Marino Trousers | 5. Nicolo Shorts | 6. Aurena Dress

Price Point: $$$
Sizes: 2-14, 23-36, 0-16
Our Review: Here’s another one of Em’s recent go-to brands! (You may recognize the Leana Dress from our recent Article shoot, or from this video review – be sure to follow us on LTK for more real-time fashion reviews!) ANYWAY. Man, Sezane does it so right. That button-up shirt is covered with sweet blue embroidered dots, but their pieces come with tons of different color/print options – embroidered flowers, sweet stripes, you name it! If you’re looking for clothes with an effortless, charming, Parisian vibe…look no further. Happy shopping 🙂

Target

1. Ribbed Tank Bodysuit | 2. Danica Platform Loafers | 3. Picnic Midi A-Line Skirt | 4. Sleeveless Eyelet Sun Dress | 5. High-Rise Wide Leg Pants | 6. Relaxed T-Shirt

Price Point: $
Sizes: XXS-4X, 00-30
Our Review: PSA: The ‘A New Day’ line at Target, in particular, is FILLED with good Madewell dupes. (I’ll let the photos speak for themself.) But let me call out two pieces in particular – that bodysuit has a fuller-coverage bottom, which is a DREAM for those of us who don’t love thong bodysuits; I will scream about those $6 t-shirts ad nauseam until EACH OF YOU tries one. (I bought mine years ago – including one in that olive color – and they’re the best t-shirts I own. Drape-y without clinging, perfect cut, nice sleeve length, and fabric that holds up to hundreds of washes. Feel one in person on your next Target run!

Tradlands

1. Nico Dress | 2. Mandrn Atlas Woven Fann Pack | 3. Paloma Linen Pant | 4. Shelter Cotton Cardigan | 5. Midi Heirloom Claw | 6. Box Button Up

Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XXS-4X
Our Review: A final, super-size-inclusive brand for my slow fashion fans! The cuts here are simple, oversized, and clean and the details are SO thoughtful (think reinforced buttons, fabrics that get better with each wash, and constant product iterations based on real customer feedback). If your style is unfussy, a bit earthy, and timeless…Tradlands might be your new favorite store, I think.

That’s it for me today – are there any brands you’ve tried that you’d like to recommend to the class? We’re all ears… xx

Opening Image Credits: Styling by Suzanne Trudelle | Photo by Veronica Crawford | From: Six Fall Sweaters I’m Loving (+ How To Wear Them)

The post More Than Madewell: 15 Similar Brands To Shop For Comfortable, Stylish, Wear-Everyday Pieces appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Case For Plug-In Sconces And Non-Hardwired Lighting (+ Where To Buy The Good Ones)

As a long-term renter who is currently apartment hunting yet again, I am a big proponent of no-fuss, versatile, renter-friendly design. While hardwired lighting is by no means inadvisable for renters (my fellow EHD comrades will attest to that), I’m currently not in a place where I want to invest in it. As I said, my husband and I plan to move to a larger place soon so buying and installing new hardwired lighting in my current apartment feels like an unwise investment. This is a personal choice that stems, in part, from my fear of spending big money on temporary things–a topic for another day or perhaps a therapist :). As much as I love customizing my home, I can be quite noncommittal when it comes to lighting and at this time in my life I am okay with creating ambiance and style through plug-in lighting. Is anyone else with me?? I hope so, because today is all about non-hardwired lighting and where to buy it if you are in the market.

Wait, What Are The Benefits Of Non-Hardwired Lighting?photo by kaitlin green | from: our custom farmhouse dining nook reveal

Before we go any further, I must admit that there are many pros to hardwired lighting. It makes your home look custom and intentional and as design lovers we want our homes to look as good as possible. But sometimes it’s not the most practical, budget-friendly, or even a possibility if you don’t have the ability to remodel. It’s important to know there are other options out there. It also should be noted that I personally like the relaxed look of a swagged cord and find no offense to it (to each their own–I know it’s not for everyone). That said, there are some pros to non-hardwired lighting, too:

You have more freedom where you put the light. Hardwired lighting needs to be wired to a junction box, and unless you are renovating, you don’t have control over where that junction box is located.While a hardwired light is often specifically tailored to fit a space, non-hardwired lighting is more versatile and can easily be moved from room to room. If you are a renter this is especially helpful if you move or plan to move eventually.You don’t have to hire an electrician. This saves money and time thus making the plug-in options more budget-friendly.

Along with those pros, I think that plug-in lighting can be just as stylish as its hardwired counterparts. Especially now that there are so many great companies that make high-quality non-hardwired lighting, you don’t have to sacrifice style for function. For example…

design by arlyn hernandez | styled by emily bowser | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: arlyn’s bedroom reveal

In Arlyn’s bedroom, she flanked her headboard with two gorgeous plug-in sconces from Hudson Valley Lighting to provide stylish bedside lighting. Hanging sconces is a great way to add height to your lighting plan as the light from lamps and floor lamps can only go so far. But since Arlyn is a renter, she didn’t have the option to hardwire the sconces. Instead, she opted for these plug-in sconces and the impact is really special and looks more custom than if she would have gone with table lamps. If you are not a fan of the hanging cord look (as I know many of you are not ;)), placing it behind a nightstand or another piece of furniture is a simple hack to make the cord less obvious. You also get more nightstand real estate which is very nice.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: our guest room/office basement suite

Can I direct your attention to the above sconce in Emily’s basement guest room at her last LA house? This “sconce” is actually a vintage table lamp that Emily retrofitted and attached to the wall. Genius! It’s a really simple and unexpected trick that adds a lot of personality.

Now hopefully I have done my job in convincing at least some of you that plug-in lighting is not so bad after all (and maybe preferable in some cases:)). If you are in the market or just want to see what options are available, here are some of our favorite places to shop for them:

1. Zig-Zag Task Sconce: Here’s a sleek modern swing arm sconce that would be a great addition to any room.
2. Accordion Sconce: I love the vintage-inspired lampshade and the accordion-style arm adds a ton of personality.
3. Mixed Shape Multi-Arm Sconce: The mixed shade shapes add a really cool touch to this multi-arm sconce.

1. Leggero Black Pole Sconce: This long and slim sconce will add height and visual interest to your walls.
2. Mantis Swivel Wall Sconce: The shape of this elegant brass sconce is really lovely (reviewers say it’s bigger than expected so make sure to check out the measurements before buying!).
3. Swing Arm Sconce: I love the simplicity of this black swing arm sconce with an exposed bulb, and the attached cord has a stripe pattern that adds a little flair.

1. Plug-In Industrial Copper Pendant Light: This copper zigzag pendant is really unique.
2. 1970s Vintage Crystal Clear Glass Ceiling Light Swag Pendant Lamp: This 1970s vintage glass ceiling pendant would instantly add charm to a space.
3. Mark D. Sikes 1 Light Hampshire Plug In Wall Sconce: This vintage Hudson Valley Lighting sconce has a lovely aged brass finish.

1. Seguin Burnished Brass 2-Light Plug In Wall Sconce: This traditional double light sconce has a nice brass finish and an elegant shape.
2. Pixi Rose Metal and Wood Swivel Plug-In Wall Sconce: Add a pop of color with this wood swivel sconce!
3. Morgan Black Adjustable Arm Plug In Wall Sconce Light: Modern and cool and you know we are big fans of the accordion arm style.

photo by kaitlin green | from: birdie’s room progress – are you ready for this?

1. Edvin Plug-in Wall Sconce: Reviewers rave about the quality and style of this sconce. The seller also offers hardwired options!
2. Pendant Light Ceramic Shade Brass Ceiling Light: I am obsessed with these and think they would look so cute in a vintage farmhouse-style kitchen.
3. KRINOLIN Mid-modern Plug-In Wood Pendant: This handmade wood pendant is really special and affordable.

1. Noah Wall Light: Gantri is known for design forward plug-in lighting that is made from plant-based materials. This oversized bulb light wall light was inspired by the designer’s son and recalls the shape of a pregnant belly. How cool is that?
2. Carve Wall Light (Right): This light would add a sculptural element to your walls.
3. Gio Wall Light: This one is 70s inspired and comes in a variety of colors.

1. Navin: Simple, elegant, and could work with a ton of styles.
2. Cranbrook: There are so many lovely details on this one that really stand out and make a quiet statement.
3. Fifi: The scallop detail on this picture light is really special.

1. Level Wired: This minimal wall light is 44″ long and would add architectural interest to a room.
2. LAHM 04+ Pendant Wired: The geometric shade on this pendant creates a warm and diffused light.
3. Otha Sconce Wired: How cool is this asymmetrical cube light?

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: our guest room/office basement suite

1. Alameda Plug-In Sconce: The twisted arm is so cool and modern and I like that it is paired with a traditional shade for a balanced look.
2. Dellon Double Plug-In Sconce: I LOVE this modern take on the accordion-style sconce.
3. Sereno 2-Light Plug-In Sconce: This sconce has rotating slim brass arms so you can angle the light in different ways.

1. Nelson Cigar Bubble Wall Sconce: A true classic that will never go out of style! Remember when Em had the ball version in her primary bedroom??
2. Vernon Picture Light: A picture light that’s a plug-in is such a dream. No commitment to sconces or art placement needed. These also come in a couple of other sizes.
3. Platet LED Cone Wall Sconce: A cool, modern statement wall light!

1. “Potence” Style Otis Light: This long arm sconce is incredible and the wood ball handle is a really nice detail.
2. Double-Jointed Swing Lamp: You can customize this double-jointed swing lamp and mix and match the finishes.
3. Night Shelf: A shelf and a sconce! This would be perfect for a small space.

1. Darcie Sconce: This French Midcentury-inspired sconce has an articulating arm so you can direct the light as you please. I love the wood detail, too.
2. Carson 12″ Plug-In Indoor/Outdoor Pendant With Cage: I am a sucker for vintage lighting. I would love to see this in a retro kitchen!
3. Cypress Double Swing Arm Pin-Up Sconce: I want to see this double swing arm sconce in an MCM-style home immediately!

1. Isaac Plug-In Sconce: I have always loved this bright red Schoolhouse sconce. The color is intense but looks VERY cool in the right space.
2. Apartment Plug-In Pendant: There are so many customizable options available for this pendant.
3. Gantry Pivot Plug-In Sconce: This sconce reaches over 36″ and provides great direct light.

1. Looped Rope Convertible Pendant: This rope pendant would add texture and warmth to any room.
2. Cyrus Arched Swing Arm Sconce: This one is vintage industrial-inspired and I love the aged finish.
3. LED Gooseneck Reading Light: Simple, modern, and perfect for bedside lighting!

1. Modern Swing Arm Wall Lamp: This sleek swing arm wall lamp comes equipped with a full range dimmer switch.
2. Swing Arm Adjustable Wall Lamp: The rattan shade adds softness add warmth to this modern wall lamp.
3. Cleo 1-Light Matte Black Plug-In Sconce: If you are looking for an affordable modern wall sconce this is a great option.

1. Fatboy® Bolleke Indoor/Outdoor Pendant: This battery-operated light can be used both indoors and outdoors and the silicone loop can be twisted however you’d like.
2. UO Fabric Cord Kit: With this pendant light cord kit, you can find the perfect shade to complete the look.
3. Bradley Sconce: I love the color and finish on this one.

Are there any other lighting roundups you would like to see from us? Sound off in the comments below. xx

Opener Image Credit: Design by Brady Tolbert | Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: Brady’s Bedroom Makeover With Parachute

The post The Case For Plug-In Sconces And Non-Hardwired Lighting (+ Where To Buy The Good Ones) appeared first on Emily Henderson.