Emily Henderson's Blog, page 88

May 14, 2023

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.

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Published on May 14, 2023 01:00

May 13, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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Published on May 13, 2023 01:00

May 12, 2023

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 l a s t 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.

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Published on May 12, 2023 01:00

May 11, 2023

Design Agony: The “Too Small” Coffee Table Has An EASY Solution (We’ll Prove It)

In what is now my second time fully designing a living, I have fallen madly in love with a coffee table that is yet again “too small”. Jess, “What makes a coffee table too small?” Well, a coffee table should be at least half the length of your sofa. So naturally, this measurement is completely dependent upon the sofa you have. In my first apartment, I was dealing with two other issues – 1. My living room was small and narrow, not leaving me with a lot of coffee table size options in general and 2. I had fallen madly in love with and secured the navy pouf you see in the photos above and below. Whoops! I clearly didn’t consider that the height of my pouf was equal to or taller than most coffee tables…coooooool. But after hours and hours of searching, that sweet little black metal oval table came to my rescue and was the perfect height, shape, and material I wanted to beautifully contrast the pouf. So yes, today I’m going to talk about the wonders of nesting coffee tables and your many options in this category! I’m also going to walk you through my current coffee table situation because, “oops I did it again” 🙂

design by jess bunge | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: makeover takeover: jess’ long awaited (small space) living room reveal

But before we get much further let’s go over the three basic “rules” (or our recommended guidelines since rules can always be broken).

RULE #1: I know I just said this but your coffee table should be at least half the length of your sofa. The right scale is going to look and feel so good. The last thing you want is for a coffee table to make your living room look smaller than it is. Scale is crucial to a well-designed room.

RULE #2: Your coffee table should be no more than 4″ higher or shorter than the top of your sofa seat cushions. This gives you A LOT of room to play so I wouldn’t stress about it. Just make sure you’re going to be happy with the height you’re setting your coffee cup down:)

RULE #3: 16″ to 18” is the ideal distance between the sofa and coffee table. Don’t cramp the space! This also means you want to watch out for the width of your coffee table so you don’t end up with something too big that takes up the area. This has been (and currently is) a pain point for me and has limited my coffee table options.

What I’m Working With

Did I know the coffee table was too small when I bought it? Yes. But I knew I wanted to do nesting coffee tables again because I wanted a round shape and my living layout couldn’t handle a large round coffee table. I also honestly love the nesting table look as it’s an opportunity to bring in another material, texture, and potentially a pattern. This particular vintage coffee table was also just too unique to pass up. I must have seen it on Craigslist for at least a month, never being able to get it out of my head. Now, while I LOVE it, coming up with its ideal “nesting buddy” hasn’t been as easy as I’d hoped (it’s my overthinking that’s been the problem to no one’s surprise).

Naturally, I tried it with the metal table first. It’s not terrible but it also isn’t right. I want the wooden table to be the star and having the metal table tower over it, it’s taking a back seat. Oh, and it you’re wondering where my beloved navy pouf is, don’t worry, it’s currently acting as my office chair footrest. It’s too tall to nest with my new table which I sadly also knew when I bought it. But speaking of poufs let’s start playing with my first option…

Option #1: Upholstered Pouf/Ottoman

This idea is seeming like the frontrunner at the moment but that’s currently all it is, an idea. It’s easy to come up with cool ideas in your head but finding “the right” piece that is the perfect size, color, and price is easier said than done (like with my first living room coffee table height issue). And because I’m me, I might see if I can get one made but that adds another challenge (the money challenge). I’ve been dreaming of a custom-made pouf because I’d love to use a patterned fabric. All of the patterned poufs that I could potentially buy or get gifted are simply not my style or aren’t the right size or not the right color. Is there another pouf option? Of course!

I am open to a more pillow-like soft pouf which might be a nice look in a room with A LOT of structured lines. With this style, I could potentially have an extremely talented, beautiful, smart, cool friend that knows how to sew *cough* Arlyn *cough* help me. Do you think public flattery will work on her? Working moms typically have lots of free time to help their friends make pieces of decor, right?? It also might not be as expensive as I’m thinking to get made since it’s basically a pillow and not a more solid piece of furniture that requires a wooden frame. This one is also a little easier to find if I’m ok with a solid color.

Option #2: Stacked Pillows

In my last(?) blog post about this room, I talked about all of the coffee table and rug options I had considered as well as my floor pillow idea with fabric samples. This option is that idea but I’ve realized that I need to be extremely careful with the pattern choice. I have some decor pieces you can’t see in this photo (I’m saving them for the reveal) that make me very nervous about adding more than one pattern. The impulse to overdecorate, given the hundreds of ideas in my head, is STRONG. I keep reminding myself that I need to cool it. With all that said, I think I can find a pattern that works and brings in color (likely a dark blue). When I originally had this patterned pillow idea, I was planning to mix two or three patterns, now I think only one pattern for both pillows or one patterned and one solid. Arlyn did technically offer to help make these after I gently asked if she’d be willing…but I asked her after I hung her dining room pendant a couple of weeks ago. That wasn’t my plan I promise! I had zero ulterior motives! I still might find some I like but so far no dice.

Option #3: Another Coffee Table

Another super legitimate option is simply another round (ish) or oval coffee table that’s shorter than the one I have. Ideally, this would also be vintage to add additional soul and depth to the room. My graphic is comically bad but as you can see I’m looking for something visually lighter, maybe with legs. The size is just my biggest challenge. Finding a coffee table I like that is under 15″ tall, under 24″ in diameter (at most), and not very expensive is a tall order. But who knows! Maybe one day soon the perfect option will pop up on a late-night Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace search. Anything is possible!

But enough about me and let’s talk about YOU. First, let me make sure you know that no matter the size of your living room, you can always have nesting coffee tables. This isn’t just for small space dwellers. Actually, if you have a really large living room, it’s a perk to be able to separate your coffee tables to accommodate guests sitting in various areas. Now that we can all have them, there are two types – matching and non matching. One is not better than the other. It’s simply preference. So naturally, I rounded up some options in both categories so if you need a coffee table setup and don’t want to have to search, hopefully this with help.

Matching Sets

Matching sets are great for a couple of reasons – it creates less decision-making to create your “nest” and they are visually calmer since they aren’t contrasting each other (like a mixed set would). Here are my current favorites:

1. The Morro Tables: Simple, organic yet modern, and would look good with so many styles.
2. Nesting Coffee Table: Perfect if you want a little drama that isn’t too visually heavy.
3. Pompeo Round Ivory Cast Resin Nesting Coffee Table Set: Trendy but in the best way and can be used outdoors!
4. Wade Nesting Coffee Tables: Emily has used these before and they are SO pretty in person. Modern traditional at its finest. They come in all three of those wood tones so you can mix and match or go with one tone.
5. Cannellini Nesting Coffee Table Set: Another trend-forward set that I adore. If I didn’t think the small one was too chunky I’d grab it for my living room. Also, I’m pretty sure they are only sold as a set…
6. Jewel Round Coffee and Side Table Set: Affordable, cute, and lots of texture, what’s not to love?!

Non Matching Sets

I was reminded of a few things when I was putting these together. Not all coffee tables are meant to be nestable. Unless it’s a set made for each other, you need to make sure the main coffee table has an overhang. That’s what makes most nesting possible. As you’ll see below, you can have your small table be taller than the main but then that table needs an overhang. Just some thoughts before we get into these combos (measurements have all been checked:))

1. Augie Oak Wood Coffee Table + Willy Charcoal Brown Round Pedestal Side Table: I love the modern chunky look and it’s making me think maybe I just need a smaller pedestal table instead of my “larger” oval one. The coffee table does actually have a matching nesting buddy in case you prefer that look.
2. Zeke Oval Brushed Oatmeal Coffee Table + Boucle Black Pouf: Simple, chic, AND affordable!
3. Ellington Round Coffee Table + Olivia Round Pouf: Playful with that pretty fluting and pretty rust ottoman (that actually comes apart into two floor cushions!)
4. Volume Round Pedestal Coffee Table + Hopedale Modern Jute Pouf: This feels like a refined organic vibe, right? Also, those prices aren’t bad either.
5. Miri Coffee Table + Square Ivory And Rust Checkered Pouf: For a more contemporary look, this is perfect. While the pouf is a little more on trend, that coffee table will last a long time stylistically.
6. Homage Round White Oak Wood and Marble Coffee Table + Cassius Side Table: Oh I really love this one. Lots of different materials. Chunky yet delicate. Just perfect:)

I hope this was a fun read that got you thinking about the wild world of nesting coffee tables and if you needed one, maybe you found it! Wish me luck on my continued journey:)

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Jess Bunge | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Makeover Takeover: Jess’ Long Awaited (Small Space) Living Room Reveal

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Published on May 11, 2023 01:27

May 10, 2023

How I Convinced My Friend To Paint Her Room Really Dark: A Kid/Dog-Friendly Basement Makeover With Article Furniture

Today, we have for you a makeover for a friend who likes to play it safe and ran out of design steam – both reactions I have felt in the past (that have spawned regret). Kaitlin Green is our photographer in Portland who I’ve become close with so when Article reached out for another makeover, we were brainstorming about empty room candidates on set and she raised her hand REALLY, REALLY HIGH. She and her family had recently remodeled but ran out of steam/resources on the basement so it was a fresh empty white box with old furniture and no design direction. I knew that they had good taste and would hand over some creative freedoms (mostly :)). Plus I could easily relate to their situation – two kids, busy jobs, needing a media room that was kid/dog-friendly that they would actually like to hang out in. I got you, Kaitlin. I got you.

Here it is before they remodeled and added the wood flooring. It has one east-facing window, but otherwise just a box with a foundation that came up half the wall.

Before I met them they put their old sofa downstairs and had this IKEA cabinetry put in.

They had installed the desk and shelf, and it’s where Kaitlin did all of her editing after the kids went down (she would also watch Love is Blind on a laptop next to her monitor where she edits). In other words, this room was used mostly for TV/movie watching with the kids and editing for her – AKA all dark room compatible activities.

On Handing Over The Reins

We had six weeks to do this project and the “before” was totally fine, obviously, but if given the opportunity to have a design brain and more resources on the room she was happy to hand over the reins. Well, kinda. Listen, it’s still their house and after a year of renovating while having a baby (and a 4-year-old), they were kinda done taking big design swings and generally liked to play it safe because they really really didn’t want to do something they would have to undo. They were scared. And of course, I can relate to that. But it’s a basement and you have a designer volunteering their experience to make it not just better, but potentially great! Let me do my thing! That was my spiel, anyway.

The Paneling

We knew we could just paint the drywall, but felt more confident that installing paneling would take it next level (and we were right). We reached out to Metrie to partner on the paneling – it’s a simple 1×6 V groove and it took two days to install (and cost around $3000 for installation, $900 to paint, plus $2k in traded materials). And yes, EHD covers these labor costs if it’s a sponsored makeover to make sure that we create beautiful backdrops for partnerships and not force people to pay for design elements they might not have done outside of a partnered makeover. Again, we had only about six weeks from beginning to reveal, which sounds fast (and it is) but y’all Article ships FAST. So it was actually totally doable.

I had a deal with Kaitlin that she would be my design assistant on this one and I tasked her with creating product boards of Article pieces that would physically fit in the basement and obviously be their preference (instead of me guessing). She sent through two boards for me to choose from:

They were both great, but I had a strong preference based on my personal experience. Last summer I myself got this Article sectional at the Mountain House right when it launched and couldn’t believe how comfortable, soft, cozy, and beautiful it was – all the things. I said to Kaitlin (and I quote), “As your friend I’m going to insist that you get the Beta in green, not the leather. I can’t let you not get this sectional”. We all love the look of leather and it of course wears well, but no, it’s just not as cozy as a velvety corduroy. I think she was initially bummed to not have the beauty of the leather but likely relieved to have someone with sofa experience literally INSIST on one thing over another. Let’s just say their whole family knows we made the right choice.

THE REVEAL!!!!

My friends, I am happy to report that my pushiness totally paid off and this room SINGS – in such a low, cozy, baritone kinda way. You walk down into the basement and with the sectional and the walls being monochromatic, the vibe is so strong, mellow, and extremely good.

The Beta Sectional

There are days when I’m jealous this isn’t the sectional in our living room and I wonder if I’m going to regret my choice – that’s how much I love this sectional. Is Article paying for this post and makeover? Yes, but if I There are days when I’m jealous this isn’t the sectional in our living room and I wonder if I’m going to regret my choice – that’s how much I love this sectional. Is Article paying for this post and makeover? Yes, but if I didn’t love it so much I would tell you my thoughts and show you the pretty photos. The reason that I’m harping on this so much is that buying what looks like comfortable and good-looking sofas online is so scary because you truly can’t trust the quality/look and comfort without experiencing your own butt on the cushions. So I will hereby swear on my children that this is one of if not the best cozy sectionals I have ever owned and sat on. The cushions are filled with some magic powder/foam that has give but remains in shape with the right amount of bounceback. Granted that we’ve only had ours for less than a year (and Kaitlin less than a month), so I can’t speak to longevity here. But having owned other Article furniture (remember this from the Glendale house?) for years, I have enough experience in the quality they bring to their offerings that I can extend that confidence to this sectional, too. Oh and the comfort is at 100%.

The shape/style is great for a low 70s-style sectional, for sure, and might not work in every living room should you want it more formal or sculptural (that was my conundrum). But what makes it more special than other 70s-style sofas IMHO is the wide whale corduroy fabric that reflects the light so beautifully (same as in the mountain house – it looks ethereal when the natural light hits it). It’s far prettier and more high-end than what a linen would look like. So with the corduroy, you get a slight pattern (tiny tonal stripe), texture (varying heights of velvet), a fabric that reflects the light, AND the softness of mother-loving velvet!!!!! I’ve been trying to find a good corduroy for other pieces of furniture ever since we got this sofa (in blue) at the mountain house. It’s obviously going to make a comeback.

Another feature of this sectional is that it’s completely modular. The set up here is comprised of a few different pieces from the Beta collection to create the perfect configuration for this corner. I love that you can order pre-built options or go a la carte and order pieces individually to make your ideal lounge-worthy piece.

I want to get to the rest of the Article elements but first the other star of the room…

The Dark Green Moody Paint Color

On Convincing My Friend (And Myself) To Trust Me Despite Having Made Paint Mistakes This Year…

After a year of paint fumbles in my own home, and subsequent repainting of those rooms, I was nervous, not fully trusting my own eye as I tried to pick the right color. Kaitlin has been along this paint mistake journey with me, shooting the house weekly, and has watched my extreme frustration as we have repainted many rooms. So I think neither of us 100% trusted me, which is why we really belabored this “not as safe” darker color choice.

We knew that the color we picked needed to work effortlessly with the sofa color, so we basically brought a sofa cushion to the paint store and held it up against as many different greens as possible. We were open to other colors as long as it looked good with our star piece of furniture. That was non-negotiable. This is, AGAIN, why I believe in choosing the paint color last (should you be able to which often you can’t in a renovation) – there aren’t a million fabrics but there are so many paint colors that work with fabrics. So I tend to choose the furniture/decor first and then hone in on the exact shade of paint after. And so we did.

On Finding The Right Color/Tone

We came home with 3-4 that we felt OK about. But the fluorescent lights of the store, next to the extreme natural lights of the store windows was just not going to be accurate. You have to, I repeat HAVE TO try the color in your own room.

A quick anecdote about that – the Still Water dark blue/green that I chose for the family room looks rather bright teal in a brightly lit room. Even with the lights on it looks different. So we practically chose it in the dark with a lamp on because that’s when/how we were going to be in that room.

We loved the tone of Mountain Road with the sofa and in the space but they were SO NERVOUS, and so was I. Because of their hesitation, I made the safe call – let’s just paint the paneling white. The room looked fine in white, the green sectional would pop. White it would be!!!

Just as I was texting Kaitlin to confirm our safe color choice, she texted, “Corey and want to go dark. We promise. Let’s do dark”. I pushed back with a lot of, ‘”Are you sures?? Are you going to hate me if I’m wrong and it doesn’t look good? There are no guarantees with any paint color that once you get it on all four walls that you’ll love it”. They assured me that they knew the risk they were taking and that they agreed that this room would be a missed opportunity going white. I can’t wait to show you the rest of their house – they have great taste and a distinct Scandi + PWN vibe. We all felt as good about it as we could. We ordered the paint and I went on vacation.

So that’s the chapter of my memoir titled “The Journey to Get Myself and a Friend to Trust My Risky Paint Suggestion After a Year of Paint Missteps and Self-Doubt,” with the subtitle, “Why Making Mistakes, Analyzing the Hell Out of Them and Honing Your Eye Can Make You So Much Better at Your Job”. Alt title could be, “How Emily Got Her Paint Groove Back”.

Y’all, We NAILED This Paint Color

Paint Color

It’s just so pretty and with all that furniture??!!!!! It’s so good! You walk down into the basement and my goodness it’s so cozy and inviting. If I didn’t get grossed out by words like “delicious” I would use that word. It’s such a vibe. We brought in 100% Article furniture (they even had some pieces already) and with the help of some accessorizing, we pulled this room together. Remember one of the best things about Article is their speedy delivery – often within just a week or two and that was the only way we were going to get this done in time.

Throw Blanket | Far Right Pillows: Jaipur Floral Block Pillow + Gray and Ivory Patchwork Lumbar Pillow | Middle Pillows: Velvet Throw Pillow + Black/White Grid Pillow + Oversized Textural Woven Throw Pillow | Left Pillows: Oblong Boucle Color Blocked Throw Pillow + Sheepskin Pillow

Little almost 2-year-old Mara showing us the scale on the sectional 🙂 We went with a new favorite color palette of mine: Mostly green + some brown/earthy tones. It’s like a forest! And my goodness it works – especially for a cozy PNW basement.

I bought all the vintage art at Urbanite and at the Rose City Flea last year. They work pretty darn well in here, especially in combination with those Schoolhouse sconces. Also, Remi is doing a great job of showing how deep the sofa is – she is a decent-sized dog 🙂

The coffee table is a lovely and chunky one that is perfectly in scale with the sectional (should you just want to replicate it). Also, that wood tone perfectly warms up the space so it doesn’t go too dark. Plus it brings in the Scandi part of their aesthetic. Not to mention, rounded sturdy coffee tables are my preference with young kids:) We also hired our painter to paint the credenza fronts, and Kaitlin/Corey took off the sides and top because they were essentially empty. Wow, what a difference it made to have it just be a credenza and not a full “media unit”.

Faux Aloe Plant | Ceramic Candlestick Holder

I’m not big in the faux plant world (but understand the desire to not kill real plants), but that faux aloe is so good (we have the same one on top of our closet that looks VERY real).

Sconce | Side Table | Table Lamp

The black side table and lamp are also from Article – don’t sleep on their decor pieces because these are so good. Perfect accents to help keep the space feeling modern and fresh. Since there wasn’t room for a lamp on the far side of the sectional we added these sconces from Schoolhouse which you can also aim upwards or diagonally (and with a low wattage bulb they wash the walls in a very lovely way).

Lastly, Kaitlin got her leather wish in the form of a chair – the Denman chair and pouf from Article. Wonderfully proportioned, perfectly ergonomic (the back has the perfect support for a casual but not too loungey lean) and that caramel leather is extremely buttery.

I even matched my spray tan to the color palette 🙂 The rug is nubby and super soft (and might take a while to stop shedding, FYI like most looped wool rugs). That texture really brings the cozy vibe home in a big way. I also love that while the rug and ottoman are similar in texture, the pattern scales are different so the contrast is minimal (easy on the eyes) but not boring at all. While Article does sell some pretty pillows we supplemented with pillows from Target and World Market to give an extra cozy eclectic feel.

The Office/Editing Zone

File Cabinet | Office Chair | Planter | Sconce

On this side of the room we styled out the desk and shelves a bit, but mostly just added a few Article pieces that Kaitlin needed – the chair, lamp, and filing cabinet all served their purposes beautifully. Pretty, functional, and reasonably priced office furniture isn’t easy to come by so I was so excited to see these awesome pieces as options. The striped pot is from a local maker named A Handbuilt Ceramics and the painting was a $35 score from Stars (the local wonderful antique mall).

Table Lamp | Candle | Match Cloche

I had the Rejuvenation sconce in my storage awaiting its debut in our home, but it looked so good that I brought it over (I might need to snag it back) and hung it on the wall. I love it because it can also be aimed to wash the wall in a way that provides a lovely ambiance.

And there we have it! I was honestly super nervous about getting this done in time, with all the stuff we have going on at the farm, but with the help of Kaitlin and my PNW team (Gretchen and Emily M), it turned out soooo wonderfully.

I’m also extremely happy to report that Corey, Kaitlin’s husband who also couldn’t be happier with this room, so I’m a total hero over there. They have promised delicious lattes forever. I’m so glad/grateful that it turned out well, not just for the partnership or for the photos, but when you are in there it’s genuinely a lovely, cozy, pulled-together basement family room that any family would feel lucky to have.

Thank you Ar t icle for partnering on this. They really are such a great resource if you’re in the market for quality furniture at great prices that ships quickly. Which is basically everyone, right? Shopping with them is always so easy and a delight. All designs and words are our own. Please ask any questions about them in the comments. xx

*Design and Styled by Emily Henderson
**Photos by Kaitlin Green
***Contractor: Don Lunan Construction

The post How I Convinced My Friend To Paint Her Room Really Dark: A Kid/Dog-Friendly Basement Makeover With Article Furniture appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on May 10, 2023 01:00

May 9, 2023

How Much Is Too Much To Spend On The Design Of Your Rental? Long-Term Renter, Arlyn, Gives Us All Her Opinions And Tips

Moving sucks. For so many reasons I’m sure I don’t need to expound upon because this is a universally known fact of human existence. Beyond the normal terrible things about it (exhausting, infuriating), my recent moving experience has left me a bit introspective about some things. You see, the last home that I lived in with my husband for five years was the first home I poured myself into making just right. I picked furniture that was the exact measurement needed for a nook. I arranged art and got things framed in specific sizes for my existing wall space. I hunted down an armoire for months (years?) that I had no guarantee would work anywhere else we’d ever live.

That apartment felt really, really good. I was so proud of it. I didn’t do it for anyone’s approval—IRL or even the internet. I did it for myself and how I like to feel in my spaces (but the hypothetical flowers thrown at me from visitors weren’t bad, either).

But you see, that last home was a rental. And if you missed my 1,000-word explanation of why I no longer live there, hop on over to my bedroom reveal to read all about it. The short of it? The landlords wanted our apartment. The landlords gave us some money to leave so they didn’t have to evict us. We left. The end.

All those items I painstakingly selected, things I loved dearly, things that made that home sing, ::cough:: things we spent a lot of money on ::cough:: well…they don’t all work in our new place. Some logistically in that they actually do not fit, and others stylistically.

oh how I love these sconces from hudson valley lighting, but there are no hardwired sconces in our new home to swap out with these. so they are now currently living in boxes in the garage. the same goes for our dining room chandelier.

Those first few days in our current home (also a rental) were filled with a strange cocktail of emotions. I was mourning everything that was relegated to the garage and likely either had to stay there until we moved or until we sold them/gave them away. I was also mourning the feeling of our old place. About 40% of our furniture and decor makes sense here, but 60% is a bit like a square peg in a round hole large enough that it can slide through, but you know while you’re doing it, it’s not actually the right answer.

It all made me think of something my older brother said to me years ago. While I don’t remember his exact words or even the circumstance in which he said them to me, the gist was this: don’t spend money or invest in anything if you’re just renting. “But don’t you want to like where you live and feel good when you’re home?” I said to him (or something like that). Ever the pragmatist, he flatly and without any doubt in his mind said no, and we moved on.

charles and i designed this bench and we had sara’s brother shade build it to measurements that were specifically chosen to sit where we wanted under our front window. it’s currently too big for where it makes sense visually now, and too small for anywhere it actually fits. in fact, it just…doesn’t make sense anywhere because of our new layout.

His words rang in my ears while I thought of the sheer amount of money, time, and passion that was spent on things we wouldn’t or couldn’t be using here. Now, don’t get me wrong, I plan on keeping most of the things I’m not totally loving here. We have a daughter who likes to eat and wear clothes her own size, which are far more important to me than whether the doors on the media console are too warm of a gray against the stark landlord-special white on the walls. But truly, some things just don’t make sense.

It’s not just furniture or decor items. If you’ve seen any MOTO (Makeover Takeover) reveal around these parts, you know an EHDer loves to go hard on making their rentals their own, be it through wallpaper (and not removable kinds), lighting, custom-built furniture, and shelving.

photos by sara ligorria-tramp | left from: caitlin’s first moto reveal – a vintage bathroom gets a modern update | right from: makeover takeover: jess’ long awaited (small space) living room reveal

These are things that have completely transformed Caitlin’s and Jess’ homes, and probably how they feel (felt) in there. If I knew them at all, the work they put into these apartments has seeped into their lives in the most positive ways. Their work. Their social lives. I’m not exaggerating.

after photo by zeke ruelas | from: brady gives a refresh to his vintage bathroom

And remember Brady’s old apartment? He changed nearly everything in his bathroom (I believe with his landlord’s approval though…but I might be wrong about that).

Are we…absurd for doing this? Yes, some brands are nice enough to gift us items that we are not paying for just for the photos and promotion. But the fact is, a lot of this stuff is either staying in place or not being used in the next place we go to.

So, I couldn’t help but wonder (hope that phrase isn’t copyrighted), was my brother right all along? Is it a waste of money and energy to invest in furniture, decor, and art as renters when the nature of it is so impermanent and transient? I’m of two mindsets about it all, and lucky for you readers, I’m going to lay them both out here. Spoiler alert: there isn’t going to be a right answer, because the decision is highly personal, but let’s just see where this takes us, shall we?

Mindset #1: Not Absurd: You Value How You Feel At Home Based On Design

There have been plenty of studies proving the positive impact a well-designed room can have on your mental health. None of you would be here reading this if you didn’t think the state of your home mattered to you. I know I don’t have to argue that, but I would be remiss if this wasn’t one of the biggest backing points for why investing in your home—rental or not—is worth it. (And I just want to say that how I’m using the word “invest” isn’t necessarily just monetarily, but emotionally, with effort or time.)

When I first started talking to Jess and Ryann about this topic, I used the phrase “depreciation for appreciation.” This was in regards to buying something for the time you live in any given place and then reselling it at a lower price (will go into this further later on in the post). Meaning, there is absolutely a value to the length of time you get to enjoy something and it improves your life in one way or another.

But is a rental home any less well-designed if it cost less, or wasn’t custom-designed, or didn’t push the limits of a security deposit?

Mindset #1.A: You Don’t Want To Buy Disposable Things

the nightstands i used in my bedroom are pricey. they just are. but they are well-built pieces that i’ll have forever, whether i use them in my room in the next home or not. i’ll always find a way to use them because they’re worth it.

Apart from everything mentioned above, there’s the very big and possibly paramount discussion point of waste. I’m not going to sit here and pretend I’m an environmentalist that gets an A+ in all my efforts. I have my (large) faults. I could do far, far better than I do. But I can’t help but feel an immense responsibility to not buy a bunch of poorly made “for now” pieces that are destined for the garbage dump when I’m onto the next thing.

It’s kind of like the idea of not buying quality clothes for a body you swear will be smaller in the coming months or years. I’ve been guilty of talking myself out of purchasing something well made or that fit my body really well over a certain price tag because…what if I lose weight? I have been meaning to work off those 30 or so pounds I’ve been carrying around for, oh, a decade. I’m renting my size. I don’t own this size. Let’s delay gratification for much, much later…or never. So I often rely on fast (cheap) fashion, because it feels like squandering funds to “invest” in a lasting wardrobe when I hope to get back to my pre-pregnancy (or beyond) figure.

I feel like I’m writing in circles, and it’s because I kind of am. As I said a few paragraphs ago, there is no right answer here, but I do have some ideas to share to make more sense of all this if you keep reading.

Mindset #2: Yes, Absurd: Save Your Money If Homeownership Is What You Want

could charles and i own a home if we didn’t have this $1,200 article sideboard (that was gifted to us by the brand)? ha, yeah right.

That same very practical brother I have would likely tell me that perhaps homeownership would be in the cards for me if I didn’t spend all my money on rugs and case goods. Of course, this is a hyperbolic overreach of the truth. It’s like every article ever written about how Millenials can’t buy houses because of all the money they spend on avocado toast or iced coffee. While yes, you can only spend the same dollar once, the promise of the American dream that looks like “work hard, buy a house, live happily ever after” is just not realistic anymore for many of us, depending on where we live, what our finances look like based on income or circumstances…like how much money we had to borrow just to get a college degree.

This leads me to…

Mindset #2.A: Maybe Homeownership Is Unattainable For Some Of Us

My parents bought our family home in 1990 for right around $100,000. Their mortgage, if I remember correctly, was about $800. Including a line of credit for our pool. My mother was an elementary school teacher and my dad was a pharmaceutical sales rep. We were always squarely middle class, definitely not “upper” middle class by any means. This was in Orlando, Florida, where the average cost of a home is now $366,135 according to Zillow, and the average household income is $54,000.

A quick search for “how much house can I afford making $54,000” leads me to the answer: $165,000. That’s a far cry from $366,135. And this is in Orlando, which I left many years ago because my earning potential in my chosen industry was nowhere near where I wanted or needed it to be.

So I moved to Los Angeles after a stint in South Florida, where the home values are even higher, but the salaries are a little higher, too. Let’s take a look at figures in the city of Los Angeles.

Median household income: $69,778 (in 2021)

Median home value: $705,900

Uh…good grief. “Then leave Los Angeles and move somewhere with a lower cost of living.” That is the very easy, very straightforward suggestion someone might offer me. Heck, even you might be thinking it. You’re not wrong, but in the industry my husband works in specifically, moving somewhere else would surely cut his take-home pay in half.

my beloved armoire sits in my garage now, waiting for another time and place, if that ever comes.

There are many variables I’m not diving into here since this story isn’t titled “Why It Feels Impossible to Buy a House Right Now Even Though My Partner & I Make Good Money,” but of course, debt to income ratio, interest rates, home inventory and where you live all play huge roles. Regardless, it’s completely understandable why many of the 30-somethings I know, in the greater Los Angeles area, and even some in much smaller cities, feel like owning is a pipe dream.

The townhome my husband and I rent is valued at roughly $1 million. It sold in 2009 for around $500k. With 20% down ($200,000), our very high credit scores, and current interest rates, a mortgage at that cost would be about $4,500, before property taxes, HOA fees, and insurance. For a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home of less than 1,500 square feet.

My friends, the math ain’t mathin’. This landscape is bleak for many my age or for anyone in my income bracket or lower.

So…can we be blamed for wanting to cover our rental kitchen floors in peel-and-stick checkerboard tiles? Or changing all the light fixtures? Or installing that custom floor-to-ceiling library bookshelf system in the homes we have right now being that our “forever” homes (or heck, even a starter home) are very far off, if attainable at all? When we have the itch to design and decorate and build out solutions for ourselves that maybe don’t make sense given the temporary nature of renting, are we supposed to just…not?

Yes, the king-size bed we upgraded to last year was super limiting when we were searching for a new apartment. Maybe we should have waited for something that size until we put down roots in a home. But the extra space has been so great with the baby and my need to not be touched at night. Is not saving my marriage worth it? (This is a joke, my marriage is fine…now…with a king-sized mattress.)

So…What Is The Solution Here? Glad You Asked.

We’ve reached the part of this long, possibly inane article where I offer some useful tips if you’re staring down the long runway of being a long-time or forever renter.

Tip 1: Buy Quality From The Get-Go If You Can.

Hear me out: If you buy the best you can for the money you have, there’s a lot you can do with those pieces later on. Their resale value will be higher if you need to offload them. Quality will (hopefully) be better, so they have a longer shelf life. My mind specifically goes to real wood vs. MDF or particle board for furniture. Real wood is always a good investment because:

It can be easily repaired if it gets damaged during a move. It can see many lives through painting, staining, sanding, new hardware, no hardware, etc. It holds its value. Tip 2: Buy Secondhand (And If You Plan On Reselling, Know Its Resale Value).

i picked up this awesome dresser from a local vintage seller via craigslist for $800. it’s solid wood, beautiful, and has so much soul. and if ever the day were to come that i didn’t need it anymore, i could likely fetch something close to that same amount by reselling it.

Honestly, the best thing you can do if you know your home design choices have an expiration date is to buy second-hand, and I’m not just talking about vintage. Electronics, lighting, soft goods like curtains and rugs…all of this can be found locally through peer-to-peer selling or even online through sites like eBay.

Prepare yourself, I’m going to talk about the armoire again: While it was heartbreaking, I’m glad I bought my armoire on Facebook Marketplace for $500, rather than the new $2,000 versions I was considering. If we choose to sell it and move on, it could easily be listed for $500 again (or maybe even more), whereas the new armoire would never get what we paid for it.

Hot Tip: If you’re buying something super customized in space or style to your current living situation, do some searches in your area for what other things like it are selling for. It’ll give you a good idea of what market pricing is should you need to sell it down the line.

Tip 3: Buy The Longest Curtains You Can Find/Afford.

the ceiling line here was fairly low, so I hemmed these to about 84″, but they’re actually much longer curtains because I knew i’d want to use them in another home should the time come…and it did. now, i just released the hem and they fit my very tall sliding glass door.

I learned this one the hard way, but now that I know, it’s been a game-changer. As long as it’s not super cost restrictive, I opt for the 108” curtain panels, even if my windows only allow for 84”, for example. Get them hemmed (iron-on hemming tape is a Godsend) to the height you need, leaving all the extra fabric to give you flexibility as you move around and your window heights change.

Tip 4: Be Prepared For A Little Heartbreak, And Then Move On.

One word (again): armoire. In the end, everything is just “stuff.” Release yourself of the weight of things and find an opportunity for new things to love, while hopefully giving your items a new home.

Tip 5: Take Your Time.

Yes, invest in your home, no matter what the permanence situation looks like, but also…take your time. A home doesn’t come together as quickly as a 27-minute HGTV show leads you to believe. Don’t rush to fill a space. Obviously, buy what you need to live your life, but everything doesn’t have to be finished or fully rounded out *right now* either. It’s okay. Pick the spaces you spend the most time, and start there.

So…I’ve reached the end of my mental loopty loop. This is where I hand it off to you, dear readers to throw in your own points of discussion or considerations. If you’re a long-time renter, how do you justify home expenses that some people might question your sanity on? If you’re a homeowner that used to be a long-time renter, where do you stand on this? I can’t wait to hear everyone’s thoughts here.

See you in the comment section.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Arlyn Hernandez | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Arlyn’s Moody Dining Room Reveal Is All About the Insane Power of Paint

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Published on May 09, 2023 01:00

May 8, 2023

THE REVEAL: Emily Bowser’s Front Yard Edible Urban Garden (Don’t Worry, There’s A Big Dose Of Plant Drama)

Hi hi hi! I’m back! This time with the conclusion (yeah, right) of my front yard saga. This is the third of the three blog posts that have been postponed because the hell that has been my life for the past 7 months, not just because of cat drama, but also a lot because of cat drama. Of course the past week of trying to put this blog post together was no exception, Daffy landed back in the hospital because her seizures returned, came home for 2 days and then was hospitalized again from symptoms from the stress of her seizures (she stops peeing, it’s weird, they don’t know exactly why yet). Luckily we seem to have all the meds calibrated (at least for the time being) and at last I can bring you some pretty pictures of a space we’ve been talking about for more than a year (and we started construction on 2 years ago). I always talk about it, but things take time. Especially things that literally have to grow :). Alas, because it’s been such a long process there’s going to be iPhone pics that I took peppered in here, I just say that so you don’t confuse them with the actual real photos Sara took and think she’s somehow become a subpar photographer. I’ll note when they are mine. We talked and talked and talked about it last year, and I left you with the very beginnings of my urban garden by Down to Farm.

photos by me and my iphone

Summer came and went, we had a decent amount of luck with some herbs, chard, cherry tomatoes, and peppers. There was an early heat wave that made the harvest a little weak and a learning curve on my part. We didn’t shoot the space because I wanted to let the passion fruit grow in and it needed to cool down before I could plant the surrounding garden of pollinators. The passion fruit grew so fast, which I was expecting, especially with all the opinions in the comment section about it taking over all of Los Angeles if I wasn’t careful. It was on track to be my new ficus hedge (a hedge I planted in 2018 that is now easily 15 feet high, don’t worry you’ll see it later). Here’s a bad iPhone pic from TWO MONTHS after we planted it:

photo by me and my iphone

The passion fruit understood the assignment: Cover the ugly back of my neighbor’s fence ASAP. You can see the summer plantings here, right before harvest, this is mid-October. It finally cooled off and we could plant in the planters and along the perimeter of the garden without fear of all the plants getting burned. By November 5th it looked like this:

photo by me and my iphone

I know, my glorious hedge! And the passion fruit! The box at the bottom of my stairs for someone to trip on!

The fall planting was my favorite. Here’s a list of what Eden from Down to Farm planted while I sat around and talked her ear off:

ArugulaRed Veined SorrelMizunaRomaine & Little GemsSpinachRed Leaf LettuceParsley, Cilantro, Rosemary, Dill Calendula & Pansy Flower

photos by me and my iphone

So many leafy greens and herbs. I constantly had food to pick from, we had an herb-y salad almost every night for months. It was perfect because I could pick as needed and didn’t have the guilt of lettuce going bad in the fridge before I could get to it. I’ve never had luck with cilantro and let me tell you, my cilantro and parsley are (still) going crazy strong. Whatever Eden does to her soil: it is magic.

Along the perimeter of the fence and the front wall, we planted every type of sage a person can plant. Russian, white, Texas, and baby sage. All the sages. Oh and my favorite, Mexican Tarragon. They all smell AMAZING, the bees and hummingbirds agree.

We let it grow in a little and shot the space in December…

You can tell the time of year by the garland, snowflakes in the window, and wreath I guess 🙂

Table (vintage) | Chairs (vintage) | Over-the-Table Rod | Gilded Botanicals Iron + Velvet Garland | Solar-Powered Lights

Before we talk more garden, let’s take a moment to appreciate my flea market vintage folding table and perfectly patinated 40/4 chairs. If you are curious, like I was when I found them in 2013, they are called 40/4 chairs because 40 chairs can be stacked in 4 feet…stacks. Both have had former lives before me, spent time in different areas of our past homes but have been sitting in my garage for years. I was doing one of my 123942374/year garage cleanouts (a must when you are a hoard…erm, stylist) and had a lightbulb moment. I thought it would be more of a work surface for the garden than a place to sit but it’s actually very nice out here during sunset and we’ve found ourselves here for happy hour more than once. The over-the-table rod is from Anthropologie and it’s sort of a stylist must-have item. For tabletop shoots when you have to hang florals or candles or whatever it’s a nice tool to have in the ‘ole kit. This one lives here though, through the torrential rain and everything. I’ve hung two solar-powered lights on it, along with some iron botanical garland that just gets better with weathering.

Oh look! I even set a scene for ya’ll. Can’t harvest a simple salad without setting a scene can we??

To the left of this photo is the walkway to the gate. We talked in one of the last posts about how it’s a little *too* much space in my opinion. These L-shaped corten steel planters from Veradek were perfect for filling that empty space and delineating between the walkway and the garden.

Steel Planters

The steel turns color with time and exposure to weather. These were in the process in December and with all the rain they have changed even more. Check out my instagram stories today to see some current snaps of the garden and planters.

The planter on this side of the garden is also helpful for keeping people from falling out of this space. You see, the ground ended up getting raised quite a bit higher than the math in my head thought it would (I know, shocking) when drainage was put in, dirt was put in and leveled, and of course, a couple inches of gravel added some height as well. Even though from the sidewalk, the stucco wall is a few feet high, it should have been a couple feet higher. The plants on the front of the wall add a few feet of height and obviously, the raised garden bed blocks some of the side wall but this particular corner felt a little dangerous. This planter is my much less expensive fix than adding to the wall.

We used pots I had around and mixed them with Veradek’s lightweight and versatile Pure Kona Planters. We used one in the back house backyard makeover, and two here. Side note, you can also see the difference between the corten steel planters from that shoot when they were in the process of changing vs this one (that shoot was about 6 weeks before, and about 300 days of rain somehow).

Pure Kona Planter

photo by me and my iphone

As you can see from my updated photo, my blueberries are coming in now! I was worried because apparently, you need another blueberry bush close by to pollinate with it in order to get berries? Well, I guess there is one because my bush is with child! Lol. I’m not a garden scientist but I’m going to give credit to all the pollinators that attract tons of bees and hummingbirds that are growing in so nicely…

I could write a whole blog post about my love for Mexican Tarragon (which isn’t Tarragon at all)…but I’ll save you. I’ll just say this: if it grows in your area: get it. The smell alone is everything.

I’ve talked before about the benefits of using Down to Farm. They have a lot of options of services: they make custom beds, do seasonal planting, irrigation, do upkeep and care, as well as harvesting. I obviously needed all the things. In December Sara captured Eden, who is now one of my favorite people – and not just because she’s a garden whisperer, doing some winter harvesting.

I apologize for the harsh shadows, it was December, and we were chasing the light around all day. Despite that, what an urban dream, right?? This 16’x16’ foot space has been transformed! It’s amazing to have a vibe-y space to sit and a garden that literally feeds us. Practicality and beauty together is my love language. More glam shots of Eden…I mean, the garden…

Also – look how freaking pretty the garden is. I am living for the purples and greens. Like I said, every night I would come out and pick a salad. It lasted for months, probably 5 months? Someone do the math on how much money I saved and mostly – let’s be honest – shame I saved from not throwing away unused bags of lettuce. I also found my salads were so much more tasty because when buying from a store I would try to get less ingredients so less would go bad before I could eat it all which made my salads, well, boring. When I would go out to the garden, I could pick more or less of this and that which made each salad more novel and thus, more exciting to eat. I also made my own dressings every few days with all the fresh herbs.

My personal favorite was discovering red mizuna. It’s the red lettuce in the basket on the right. It’s peppery and dare I say, meaty? And yes, obviously I grew edible flowers and yes, it’s for looks.

And we ate the salad and all lived happily ever after.

J/K

Of course, there was garden DRAMA, which is what I know you all just live for.

Ok. This is still hard for me to talk about…I noticed when we were shooting this that the right side of my passion fruit was looking a little sad. Like, it was dying? Maybe? BUT WHY?? I wasn’t sure at the time, but I also wasn’t too worried about it because we planted two, and honestly, one was more than enough. Passion fruit vines are no joke, as we have talked about in length in the comment sections about this garden. The next week I was confident it was dead and cut it out.

photo by me and my iphone

See? It was kinda fine. I knew the other vine was more than enough to fill in the space soon. Two was too many for the space anyway, right?? January came and went. February…March…

By the time we got to harvest in March the whole garden was more wild. I had gone out of town twice for long periods of time and couldn’t keep up with what the rain was doing to the garden. It was an absolute jungle and most things had gone to seed.

photo by me and my iphone

Wild right? This is why I should have at least paid Eden for upkeep while I was gone. I feel like there was a lot of waste because of my neglect. Lesson learned. But, if you can look past this HUGE garden, you may be able to see…MY OTHER PASSION FRUIT VINE WAS DYING. Then I remembered, way back in the recess of my brain, that my neighbor Ben had told my husband about how proud he was about smoking out a gopher that was killing his grass.

Smoked it out.

And obviously, INTO my yard.

*sigh*

I wasted no time and called a gopher exterminator. I wasn’t playing around. The guy was like, “You cool if we get rid it” and I had a twinge of guilt and then looked him straight in the eyes and said, “Do what you need to do” because THIS:

photo by me and my iphone

WHYYYYYYYYY?!?!?!?!!

He had also taken out a couple of the plants around the passion fruit. So we are currently back at square one with the passion fruit. I ripped it out and replanted, this time with a gopher guard around the root ball. The good news is I planted it around this time last year and it grew in so fast and nicely. The bad news is, well, the gopher is no longer with us. I do feel bad about that. Also now I’m paying a guy to come by once a month to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Here’s where we are now…

photos by me and my iphone

It’s a little sad for sure but hopefully, it will grow in fast, and in the meantime all the other plants are helping obscure the fence more than last year, so that’s nice.

Fire off in the comments if you have questions about the garden and I’ll make Eden answer and head to Instagram for more video content!

*Design and Styled by Emily Bowser
**Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp (unless otherwise noted)

The post THE REVEAL: Emily Bowser’s Front Yard Edible Urban Garden (Don’t Worry, There’s A Big Dose Of Plant Drama) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on May 08, 2023 01:00

May 7, 2023

The Link Up: The Hammock Em Is VERY Excited About, The $40 Dress Catilin Wears All The Time, And The Magical Deodorant That Keeps Us Smelling Fresh No Matter What

Happy Sunday! The word is FINALLY out! If you read Wednesday’s bedroom reveal post then you know that EHD Alumn, Arlyn is now going to be a very regular contributor (we had to wait until her bedroom was revealed because her juicy moving story needed to be told before she could write anything else about her new living situation). We are SO excited to have her beautiful words and design perspective back on the blog! Ready for some links now?

This week’s house tour is not your typical Laguna Beach remodel. Instead of white walls and Carrara marble countertops, this home design by Hammer and Spear is covered in warm, dark wood and oozing soul. Their work is always impeccable so it all made sense when we discovered who the design team was. Hope you love it as much as we do. (Fun Fact! A blanket Jess linked in her post on pattern post is on one of the beds so you can see it in action:))

From Emily: As you might know, we are hammock people over here. We had one at the mountain house and we would lay in it for hours. So when I saw this one I immediately knew that it would be perfect at the farm. The pattern is 100% perfect and the quality looks really good.

From Caitlin: I have another clothing recommendation (my third in four weeks – WHO AM I?) and it’s A GOOD ONE. I grabbed this sweet exercise gingham dress for $46 (!!!) and it’s AWESOME for both work and play. I bought it to wear casually (a cute print at an affordable price, can you blame me?) but it was actually intended as an activewear dress – it has built-in shorts with a pocket (!!!) AND it’s made of athletic material, so it stays cool and comfortable all day. It looks really cute paired with a jean jacket and some white sneakers for my daily life, but I also feel like this would be an AWESOME buy for moms chasing kids (no flashing!) or those who are trying to expand their pickleball wardrobe (I’ve never played, but I feel like I’d be court-ready in this, no?). It also comes in black and a cute floral print, if you’re trying to stock up! I grabbed my normal size (XL) and love the fit – I even feel comfortable going braless! Long live the activewear dress:)

Have y’all seen David Quarles, IV’s newly remodeled kitchen?! It’s a perfectly colorful, mid-century modern dream with a heavy dose of David’s incredibly joyful aesthetic. Go read his blog post because he takes you thorough the entire process, gives you how much it all cost, and you get to stare at a beautifully designed kitchen. Also, we cannot get over his brass hood!

From Arlyn: As much as people tell me their pricey leggings from brands like Lululemon and the like are worth every penny, I just can’t bare to spend upwards of $100 on them. I found these from Old Navy back in December and they’re the ones I grab for every time I go to throw something comfortable on. They’re soft, stretchy, tight but not compression, and the high waist keeps my belly nice and tucked in. Plus, they come in petite, which is always clutch for my 5’3″ frame.

Also From Arlyn: I know the last thing we all want is another email, but when it’s something you look forward to every week, it has a welcomed spot in your inbox! If you don’t follow Deema Lopez of Pretty on Fridays, I recommend you start. She launched a newsletter this past year and I enjoy it every Friday. It’s funny, full of heart, and feels like you’re part of her community.

Did y’all see the new Molly Baz Crate and Barrel collection?! It’s so fun and modern and perfectly colorful. It feels like a breath of fresh kitchenware air. Her cookbook is truly amazing (and SO user-friendly) so it’s no surprise that her kitchenware line is equally as playful. Here are some of our favorites:

The Tini Glass: If you are a color lover or your bar cart could use some, these are so fun! They also come in a blue stem/clear glass combo.
Stoneware Utensil Holder: We love that this isn’t your average shaped utensil older! The shape is so unique but the color allows it to work in a ton of (maybe not as colorful) homes.
Wooden Salt and Pepper Mills: Remember when Em did her post on her kitchen accessories and proved what a difference they make? Well if you love color these are an incredibly fun and cool option for salt and pepper mills.

The Rocks Glass: We love a classic, easy to use cup in a clean but interesting shape. However, we aren’t sure which color we like more:)
Wooden Fruit Bowl: How cool is the shape of this bowl?? It’s another really versatile style and material.
Stoneware Butter Dish: If you are a “on the counter” butter dish person like Emily, then let us recommend this beaut! It’s a modern take on a classic style and that buttery cream color is very pretty and on trend.

From Mallory: I used to be a smelly gal. That is until I found this life-changing product. As warmer months are approaching ahead, it’s time to think about sweat control (especially for us sweaters), so I thought I’d bump my favorite deodorant that literally made me go from queen B-O to a sweet and delectable smelling lass. I cycled through hundreds of deodorants in my life and nothing seemed to work, but this boujee little deodorant stick keeps me smelling fresh even after a full hour of high intensity workout. If you smell like I used to, try this and you will smell INCREDIBLE.

From Jess: If you’ve been reading for long enough you know I have a big ole love affair with these hoodies from Target. They are $18, perfectly cropped (not too much), and make me feel cool. However, when I went in the other week I spotted my hoodie’s crewneck cousin and I immediately picked it up. It’s perfect for my morning walks and lounging around the house and anywhere else I want to throw on a simple but cool sweatshirt.

From Ryann: This travel pillow is a complete game changer. After seeing this video I knew I had to try it because I find average neck pillows pretty ineffective for sleeping on a plane–plus they are so bulky and hard to pack. This one is compact and makes so much more sense to sleep on. I am SO happy I bought it for my 12-hour flight to Japan.

Enjoy the rest of your day and see you tomorrow. xx

Opening Image Credits: Design by Arlyn Hernandez | Styling by Emily Bowser | Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: 3 Years In The Making Then An Unexpected Move: Arlyn’s Bedroom Reveal Is A Lesson In The Beauty Of “Unfinished” Design

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Published on May 07, 2023 01:00

May 6, 2023

We Painted Our Bedroom Blue And Here’s How I Feel About It…

This room is not designed yet. I put it on the back burner because honestly it was good enough and I like really simple bedrooms. We had a bed, our old nightstands, lamps that we’ve had forever, and a huge new mirror. But no, it didn’t feel finished and not a room that a designer had touched. So we needed to move forward with it. After staring at the paint swatches for literally months, I finally made the decision on what I felt was the perfect warm, moody, happy, mid-tone powder blue.

I had two main conflicting fears – 1. That it would feel too gray (a big no no up here) and 2. that it would be overwhelming and be a color that was too blue. And y’all you truly don’t know how anything is going to “feel” until it’s on all four walls – you just don’t. You can do all you want in Photoshop and put paint stickers on all four walls and stare at them at different times of the day, and you can have a lot of experience painting colors – but you simply don’t know how it’s going to “feel” when you walk in until it’s on those four (in this case 5) walls!

So when I made the decision I was at 80% sure (my new metric I try to get to before making a big design decision). But that is still 20% unsure. I gathered so many opinions – my team, Brian, friends, everyone. I felt about as confident as I think I could have. We all agreed that SW 9139 Debonair was the right color. We would do all the walls and trim (flat on the walls/ceiling, satin on the trim). It took a day and a half. We slept in the guest room. Easy Peezy.

After the first coat, I walked in and was SO EXCITED. I LOVED the color, vibe – the whole thing gave me so much hope.

So How Do I Feel Now?

I don’t know!!! Brian loves it. Kaitlin loves it. At times of the day, I love it. But other times and in certain areas it feels too blue, too much. So we did this update shoot (which is genuinely so helpful) to show you and honestly to help me see it more objectively. The color itself is very beautiful, but is it right? Should I have left the ceiling white? Is it the wrong vibe/too dark for a spacious room full of so much natural light?

Mirror | Sconce (unavailable)

When we painted the family/TV room the dark SW 6223 Still Water, it felt an instant “so much better” but I was nervous for a few hours. It took bringing back in the sectional and the rug to be like, “Oh yes, this is it” and now I’m 100% in love with it. But when the recessed lights are on I don’t like it as much because the pigment of the paint pops and it reads as a really bright dark teal – which is fine because this room is meant to be enjoyed with lamp light. So if I were to recommend it to someone I would say it’s so great for a room like ours, with very little natural light and meant to be very dark and moody.

So I guess what I’m saying is that A. Not all color choices are an immediate “yes,” some colors need the context of the other design elements to make the color make sense. And B. Even if this is the perfect color, perhaps it’s not the perfect color for this scale/size of the room.

My biggest pet peeve of it all is how prominent the recessed lights are. No thank you. I’m not sure what to do about it but they can’t stay like that. It’s all I can see.

So my options are:

Shop for brass or black canned lights and switch them out. Paint the ceiling light or white.We’ve joked that we are going to put the paint stickers over them and just pretend that they aren’t there – this is obviously a very bad idea, but it sure is easy! Paint the square part but leave the round light inside white. This is not advisable in any way, but it is a not ideal option we’ve thrown out there.

I’m wondering if I should change the trim color – make it lighter or darker? Should I paint back the ceiling?

What Am I Going To Do?

For now, I’m definitely going to keep working with it and see if we can get to a point of it being right. It’s not overwhelming but if I had a clear idea of how I would change it, I would do it. But it might be that I just need to get used to it and that it needs more powerful furniture to contrast against it. I went from a boring white box to this. Maybe I went too far too fast? I don’t know. I have ordered a new bed, in camel velvet (this one) and I’m excited to see how it is. The bed we have here is from Maiden Home and is so simple and pretty, but it’s too wide and covers the light switches, and is too low for the room (the mattress, not the back). I also wish I had chosen more of a statement bed (I was in Scandi mountain house mode when I ordered it) So I regret to say that this will be heading to another great home soon (maybe the river house guest room!). The piece of art is from the OG Portland project, by MaryAnn Puls, the nightstands are from Made Goods, the table lamps are from Rejuvenation (that I’m likely keeping but with a different shade), and that incredibly cozy chair and ottoman are from Crate and Barrel. I LOVE how the chair contrasts with the wall – so I’m leaning into those tones. Re the bedding – I just bought this duvet cover from Parachute and I love the color, but I’m open to exploring other tones, too. It’s all up in the air and I’m really really happy we painted and can move with a design direction. I would genuinely love your thoughts, though. Not a “do you love it or hate it” but more, what would you do in here? Do you see a clear answer? Or do you, like most people around me, think that it’s so awesome and think that I’m not used to having such a saturated color in my bedroom??

Let’s chat! xx

Resources:
Wood Flooring: Oregon White Oak by Zena Flooring
Windows: White Oak, Aspen Casement by Sierra Pacific Windows
Roman Shades: Decorview
Fireplace: Slimline 7X with Tranquil Greige Refractory Brick by Heat & Glo
Blue Wall Color: Debonair by Sherwin-Williams
Current Fireplace Color: Smoky Blue by Sherwin-Williams
Skylights: Skylights with Room Darkening Shades by Velux Skylight
Lights and Switch Plates: Rejuvenation

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

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Published on May 06, 2023 01:00

May 5, 2023

We’re Shooting Caitlin’s Kitchen In 3 Weeks – But How Are You Supposed to Decorate Above A Stove? (+ 5 Styling Options)

HELP! Home chefs, kitchen connoisseurs, gourmands: today’s post is a desperate plea for your advice. You see, I’m currently running off the momentum of my recent living room reveal – an object in motion stays in motion, as they say – and I’ve managed to grab some time with the dream team (alternatively known by their real names, Emily Bowser and Sara Tramp) for a kitchen shoot on May 30th, but y’all…I’M NOT ACTUALLY DONE YET.

Okay. Maybe that’s a little alarmist – it’s 90% of the way there, and I have 25 days to make a minor decorating decision. I’ll live! And while the kitchen has made leaps and bounds since I first moved in – I’ll catch you up on some of the design progress below – there’s still a ludicrously capacious space above the stove that is in dire need of some ~pizzazz~. I want to make this spot functional, but if I’m being honest…I’m not great at cooking (yet, she wrote, brimming with cautious optimism), and I don’t really have the skill set to know what constitutes being functional.

To that end, I’ve researched a ton of vintage kitchens and have consistently come across the same 5 decorating formulas for that awkward space above the stove. They’re all beautiful options that would look awesome in my home, but I do need help deciding which is the most livable (i.e. I don’t want something that looks good in photos but is a nightmare to maintain). So if you enjoy cooking at home (or if you have strong feelings about shelving, sconces, pot racks, and the like), please read on – I’d really appreciate your opinion here! But first…

Where We Started

move-in day!

HI, WELCOME TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST GALLEY KITCHEN. (Joking, but also not joking.) She’s about 15′ long, 8′ across, and somehow contains more cabinets and drawers than any one person should be allowed to have. You know how Carrie Bradshaw had to store sweaters in her stove? I could store Carrie Bradshaw’s entire apartment in my kitchen cabinets with room left over. THERE IS SO MUCH STORAGE.

The floors (linoleum, difficult to clean, impossibly noisy), appliances (old, but it’s a rental, so c’est la vie), and 90-year-old tile countertops (I mean, enough said) all leave something to be desired…but honestly, I’m just nitpicking. Over the past few years, I’ve learned that I feel most comfortable when I’m designing around some immovable elements – they feel like built-in bumpers that keep me on track. I do not do well with a blank slate, so I’m grateful to have some parameters to work around. 🙂

The In-Progress Transformation

like a breath of fresh air 🙂

She’s been a work in progress for a long time, folks! Here’s what’s been done so far:

Wallpaper: It’s ‘Orange Blossom’ by Cole & Son and IT’S SO CHEERY. Hanging this wallpaper took the kitchen from “old and tired” to “vintage and charming.” Glass Knobs: I wanted to honor the 90-year-old original cabinets with something a little more period appropriate – these were splurge-y (part of why this reveal has taken so long, ha!), but they’re also timeless and so, so, SO pretty. I’ll be using these for the rest of my life, I think.Window Treatments: Conversely, I didn’t splurge on these – grabbed two of my favorite cheap $40 wooden roman shades in ‘Deer’ (a blonder, subtler wood color than the ‘Squirrel’ I used in my living room). Modern Lighting: I LOVE a modern/vintage mashup, especially when it improves the functionality of a space! I fell in love with the shape of this fixture (inspired by leaves and petals, which feels fitting with the blossom motif), but I also love that it’s convertible – I’m using it as a semi-flush in my kitchen, but I could use it as a chandelier in a future home! (More brands should make lighting like this! It’s genius for renters, IMO.) A New Runner: SO CUTE. It’s jute! It’s scalloped! It’s a 10′ runner that only cost $130! FYI, this Etsy is a treasure trove for super sweet, super affordable rugs – comparable pieces on Chairish and Mainly Baskets go for 3-5x the price. Check here first!Updated Switchplates: I’ll be covering the switch and outlet covers with wallpaper so they blend into the wall. (How many tears will be shed as I attempt to achieve the perfect wallpaper lineup? You’ll find out when we share the reveal in mid-June!) Enter: My Problem Area

new room, new problem corner

GET A LOAD OF THAT OPEN SPACE. If you’re also struggling with the design around a free-standing oven in an old home, I SEE YOU. There’s no backsplash, no hood, NO NOTHING in this corner – just a big expanse of wall in need of something. I love the way my wallpaper brightened up this corner (standing here staring at a blank wall felt like a punishment previously, TBH) but it’s definitely pretty graphic and in dire need of some visual balance.

This is where I turn to you, my wisened kitchen pals, to ask a simple question: which of the following five decor layouts would you opt for in your own kitchen? I’m not a great home chef yet, but I’d love to choose a setup for this area that’d be enjoyable to use once I get better at cooking! Options are coming in hot below…please advise. (But like, in a genuine way, and not in a passive-aggressive email way.)

Option 1: Two Shelves

I have to admit that I do love how simple and clean this layout is. It’s classic for a reason, you know? A pretty light oak shelf like this one would bring a little warmth to the sea of white while speaking to the lighter tones in the wallpaper. There’s also a lot of flexibility with this type of open shelving – I could store spices, dishes, cooking utensils, a tiny lamp, etc. up there! – but on the other hand…do I really need more storage in this room? If you have an open shelf above your stove, has it been a positive experience for you?

Option 2: Classic Pot Rack Or Peg Rail

Two more super classic configurations: the pot rack and the peg rail. I do worry that a pot rack may be a little too visually busy with the wallpaper – there’d be a lot of small bits in one area! – but I love how practical it is, and I do also think that seeing my cookware encourages me to use it more. I think I’d be eyeing a brass rail like this, but I’m open to recommendations if anyone has a more affordable option that they love!

I also like the peg rail as a sweet, period-appropriate alternative to the pot rack. If I went that route, I’d do something in a light wood – a piece that speaks to the blond window treatments and jute runner – and while I think it’d be AWESOME aesthetically (case in point: this Reath Design kitchen), I worry that it’d be less functional long-term than a rack in this particular space.

Option 3: Joint Shelving And Pot Rack

As Hannah Montana once said: you get the best of both worlds! I loved how Sara mounted a brass rail to her floating shelf in her kitchen reveal, and I think it’d be nice to do something similar here. The same concerns still stand from before, though – will it get too busy? Is it hard to clean? Is it possible to have too much storage in a kitchen? (No, right?) GOOD COOKS, PLEASE HELP. I’M OVERTHINKING!

Option 4: Mirror/Art + Sconce

I do have an outlet right above my stove (in case you haven’t noticed, ha) and it would be a great candidate for a plug-in sconce. It’d be helpful to have more light while cooking, right? (Seriously, I’m asking!!!) A mirror might be a nice option here too – I loved the old federal mirror Jess hung near the stove in her old kitchen, and I don’t necessarily need more shelving…thoughts?

Option 5: Ceiling Rack + Decor

OH BABY, SAVED THE WILDEST FOR LAST! I spotted this exact layout on oldhouseonline.com (can you tell I’m a kid who grew up watching Antiques Roadshow with my mom???) and it’s AWESOME in person – click through and check out the photo! I know there’s a lot going on in the graphic, but the idea is pretty simple: pop a ceiling-mounted pot rack up top, and give myself some space to play and experiment with the styling down below. I know this would look beautiful and interesting, but am I setting myself up for a cleaning nightmare long-term?

This is where I’ll open up the floor for discussion, and I’ll happily welcome any and all constructive feedback. Which option would you choose? (And if the answer is “girl, none of them,” I’d love to hear your suggestions!) Will hanging something above the stove make my life a nightmare? (Insert footage here of my sweet boyfriend Dennis, calmly explaining the physics of melting butter and grease to me in an attempt to dissuade me from placing precious art above the stove.) Are some materials, textures, or colors better or easier to maintain than others when it comes to cleaning off kitchen grease? I can’t be the only one who’s struggling here – let’s all help each other out, yeah? HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND – I’ll be looking for your tips in the comments. xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Caitlin’s Long, Dark Hallway Makeover

The post We’re Shooting Caitlin’s Kitchen In 3 Weeks – But How Are You Supposed to Decorate Above A Stove? (+ 5 Styling Options) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on May 05, 2023 01:00

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