Emily Henderson's Blog, page 95

Drew Michael Scott’s DIY Packed Kitchen That May Have You Designing Your Own Range Hood

If you don’t know already, Drew of Lone Fox Home is an incredible DIY content creator whose work is extremely inspiring and entertaining (you must check out his youtube channel!). So, when he reached out wanting to write about his recent kitchen makeover that he renovated alone, we of course said YES PLEASE. So please enjoy and make sure to follow him here if you don’t already.

When I purchased my 1929 Spanish Revival stacked duplex, I opened the two units together which left me with two kitchens. The bottom kitchen was untouched with original tile and the top had undergone a recent renovation and no original character remained. Since I wanted to use the top floor as living space (the bottom is more of a workspace) that is the kitchen I decided to renovate first.

This was the first project I undertook with an extensive demo, and I loved the creativity that it offered me. I decided to open the wall from the dining room into the butler’s pantry with a large arch. I also decided to convert the butler’s pantry into a coffee bar by removing the doors on the upper cabinets and lining the back with marble remnants from my countertops.

The cabinets were brand new with inset doors, so I opted to keep them. I knew I wanted the countertops to be the main focal point, so choosing my marble was a priority. I browsed a few stone yards until I found a Calacatta Monet slab that I loved. The marble had a really interesting grain pattern that would scare a lot of people, but I had a vision and fell in love! I asked my countertop fabricator if I could place all the templates with him so I knew my vision was being executed perfectly. He even suggested we create a sink with some of the offcuts and I thought that was just a marvelous idea. I didn’t even know an integrated marble sink was something you could do… let alone with a garbage disposal.

I knew I wanted to go dark on the cabinetry for a more unexpected moody vibe for my kitchen. I went with Van Buren Brown from Benjamin Moore which I pulled directly from some of the marble’s veining. For the hardware, I chose unlacquered brass handles from Rejuvenation, which I thought tied in well into the Spanish style of the home. When I first shared the cabinetry the response was actually not as positive as I thought! A majority of the Lone Fox fam was preferring the white cabinets over the brown as it let the marble shine. However, I had a vision and knew a lighter plaster on the upper halves would brighten it up whilst adding some subtle movement.

range hood progress

Before applying the plaster I built a range hood from some 2x4s and a vent hood insert that I purchased on Amazon. The fireplaces in the home are what inspired the initial shape which then was tweaked a little to something I felt was more current. This was a different DIY for me as I’ve never really built something into a home that serves a function. Those types of projects always scare me a little and I almost just purchased a prefabricated range hood but felt making my own would be so much more rewarding. It 10000000% was and the range hood was finished in the same plaster that I used on the walls. I wanted a stone-like finish across the walls and ceiling and opted for Meoded’s Tonachino Firenze, which was tinted to a color you can now request as “Drew’s White”. Meoded actually named the color after me, haha! I couldn’t believe it when they mentioned it.

The application of plaster on the walls is pretty simple and very satisfying, however, the ceiling is a whole other story. I used a metal trowel and burnished the plaster onto the walls and under all the archways as well. When it came time to do the ceiling, the plaster was falling and dripping over EVERYTHING. It was getting pretty messy and half the product ended up on the floor, but once everything had a second coat it was perfect. I had some paint matched to the same color as the plaster and painted the can light inserts for a seamless finish.

I actually opted to do the tile floor last and the only reason was that it took about 2 months for the tile to arrive. I ordered from Cle tile and these are the pantry paver tiles. I laid them in a traditional offset brick pattern but the square shape of the tile creates more of a cobblestone look. This was also my first time ever tiling anything in my life but it wasn’t hard at all! I actually found the range hood to be trickier than the tile work in this space. We got a tile saw from Home Depot and I cut all the edge pieces whilst my friend Justin laid out and measured the cut pieces. After 3 days of constant cutting and mortaring, we let the floor fully harden for another 24 hours before piping every joint with grout. Piping in the grout is something you see more in masonry work, but I wanted the floors to have that aged authentic look to them, and giving the grout a “hand-done look” adds to that effect.

After three months of work in the kitchen, it was starting to take shape. I had this exact kitchen in my head since day one and it was becoming a reality! I hung two antique sconces that I sourced from an antique shop in Pasadena. I’ve been extremely into more gothic-style Spanish pieces and love to juxtapose them with a softer material like marble. I mixed metals throughout and knew copper would be a big element in the kitchen. I just love the warmth copper gives a space. After gathering everything I’d been collecting for this space it was time to style. In the coffee bar, I set up the new espresso machine which ties a bit of the stainless steel you can see in the fridge and range. I almost forgot to mention how incredibly stunning the range I got for this kitchen. She was found on Wayfair and I got the range in just a month after seeing ship times of over a year at other stores.

The open shelving was stacked with glassware, copper pots, and antique treasures collected from flea markets around Los Angeles. In the main kitchen space, I added more of your quintessential kitchen items like a mixer, bowls, and canisters along with some of your not-so-usual kitchen finds like a gothic spike hanging candlestick holder! You can also find a lamp on one of the counters. The kitchen is one of two complete rooms in my home and I must say it’s currently my favorite. The brown cabinets were such a great choice and every day I see this kitchen in a new light that makes me fall in love with it even more. It’s been about a month since it’s been completed and I’ve noticed myself cooking more, making coffee of course, and enjoying the early morning sunshine. When I shared this space on my Instagram the response was just incredible. I’ve never had so many kind comments and messages about a project I’ve done! The breakfast nook is a work in progress, but I plan for the design to accompany the kitchen. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the house turns out! 

*Design and photos by Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox Home

The post Drew Michael Scott’s DIY Packed Kitchen That May Have You Designing Your Own Range Hood appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: The Fun, Easy Beach Reads Em Took On Her Spring Break Vacation, Caitlin’s Biodegradable Gift Idea, And A Bikini Line Razor That Won’t Give You Razor Burn

Happy Sunday everyone. We are excited to have Emily back from her spring break vacation so we can vicariously live through her stories! We also want to make sure you saw Julie and Velinda’s reveal this week. It’s beautiful, welcoming, and thankfully not the last one you’ll see from them this year. Shall we link up??

This week’s house tour via The Design Files is a Mediterranean-inspired home by artist, Gemma Leslie and her partner, Mike Chambers. It’s a happy, inviting home that is clearly filled with beloved treasures from their lives. This home feels like a hug when looking at it:)

From Emily: The two books I’ve read (so far) on our spring break trip (both were hard to put down) and what is next in my cue. Like in design, I am picky but not snobby when it comes to what I read and planned mostly fun, easy-to-fly-through books for this trip. I have a lot to tell you but basically, the first four days of our trip were so action-packed that I barely read – only when going to bed, but I couldn’t get Daisy Jones and the Six (Kindle and Local) out of my head. Admittedly in the middle of it, I was frustrated with the writing format (very documentarian, with all the exposition told from 10 different characters). At times it felt a bit muddy to wade through and I was like, “move it along already!!!” but the writer Taylor Jenkins Reid must be doing something right because I couldn’t wait to get to it every night. I LOVED her other book, Malibu Rising (Kindle and Local) so much, but less so The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (Kindle and Local). And to be fair I didn’t finish it so maybe it paid off and I think I’ll pick it back up next week. I am VERY excited to see the series now on Amazon because I sure did fall in love with the world and the characters (it’s set in the 70s about a rock band making its way to the top, with a lot of very human problems that go along with that time in that industry – i.e. addiction, fame, the patriarchy, feminism, ego, and of course, LOVE). After that, I switched to Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren (Kindle and Local). Fun fact – they are two women/best friends named Christina and Lauren. I’ve read almost all of their rom-coms and mostly thoroughly enjoyed them. I flew through this in two days and it was exactly what I was in the mood for – a coming-of-age teen love story, revisited 14 years later with some family drama and enough layers to keep it from feeling totally basic. It’s like reading Sweet Home Alabama – you know what is going to happen and that knowledge is actually so comforting.

As you know, I started reading rom-com fiction during the pandemic which absolutely helped with my daily situational anxiety – it’s my emotional comfort food. This one was one of their better ones although it took me 10 pages to get hooked (sometimes I’m hooked on page 2). Now on day 7 of our trip (with two days left – writing this on Wednesday) I’m 20 pages into The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (Kindle and Local), which I’m fearful might keep me up, so the new Jojo Moyes book, Someone Else’s Shoes (Kindle and Local) and Ali Hazelwood’s Below Zero (Kindle) as backups. Who am I kidding, The Candy House might be less of a good beach read and will finish it when I’m home (it’s already a tiny bit unsettling). All hail the convenience of the kindle when traveling:)

From Ryann: This is the perfect crewneck sweatshirt. I have it in a few colors and it’s one of those pieces that I find myself gravitating toward every day (to be fair I am definitely into utilitarian basics as of late – probably because of all this rain!). But I do love it (I sized up for an oversized look) and wear with leggings or jeans and sneakers for a very laid-back but pulled-together look.

From Mallory: Summer is right around the corner so I think this is an appropriate time to bring up the bikini line conversation. I’m personally a shaver because I don’t love having hair down there (for me personally, totally cool if you’re in another camp :)) but shaving constantly in the summer brings up some razor burn issues that I also don’t love. ENTER MY RAZOR BURN SOLUTION. I heard about this wet/dry trimmer on TikTok and for $30 I was certainly ready to try it out. Not gonna lie I think it’s going to change my life in the coming months. It works GREAT. The three-blade system gets the bulk of the hair outta there but it doesnt give you razor burn because it’s not a CRAZY close shave. Plus I love that you can shave dry with literally no product, so if you have a spontaneous pool moment you can get that bikini line ready to rock without having to fully take a shower. Now I’m still planning to do a razor shave once in a while because it will be a smoother/closer shave, but this will be a great way to keep the hair down without constantly irritating the skin down there. Highly recommend!!

From Caitlin: It’s been a minute since I’ve fallen in love with a candle, but I am SO EXCITED about these “plant the box” scented candles. There are 8 different scents (running the gamut from Lavender to Tomato), but my favorites are the Fresh Cut Grass and Sweet Sunflower. The best part: the boxes they come in are biodegradable and filled with seeds, so you can actually grow the plant that the candle is based on! I’m going to try the Siam Poppy scent next – I can’t wait to grow some Flanders poppies on my balcony this spring:) (This would be a really great gift for Mother’s Day, too! It’s a slam dunk for anyone who loves candles or gardening…or both. Just something to keep in mind if you’re trying to get your gifts done early this year!)

From Albie: I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting closer to 40, however, I feel like I’ve been learning so much more about my body, and especially my skin…which in term triggered a whole skincare journey that I’m currently on. One of my fave new finds and facial skin care tools is this cryo ball. I leave it in my mini skincare fridge so it stays nice & cold, and use it every morning. Y’all… it feels so good on my skin! Bonus: it’s owned by a black woman! And without even realizing it, many of the other items in my facial skincare arsenal are black-owned, which means they were created with melamine in mind. I love that for me. 

From Jess: When I was talking to my dad this past week, he asked where I bought the sweatpants I got him for Christmas because he wanted to buy more. If you have anyone in your life that is hard to shop for then you know the wave of pure shock and excitement that went through my body. I DID IT!!!! I got him a gift he actually loved!! He says they are the best-fitting sweatpants he’s ever worn but also are so comfortable that he doesn’t want to change into his PJs. Y’all he bought TWO more pairs (dark gray and navy) and the man is particular about his clothes. I really have to thank Brian and his gift guide from this last year. He talked them up so I thought I would try to gift my dad a pair of “cool but casual sweatpants.” So here’s another rave review if you are stumped for a gift for your dad or a person in your life. Oh, and they come in tall sizes too!

Before we leave you, we, of course, need to talk about the most recent mass shooting that happened in Nashville, TN this past week killing 6 people. It’s unimaginable to us that anyone who lives in the US feels good that these shootings continue to happen. Clearly, a gross understatement. And yet there is a recorded video interview of an actual Tennessee congressman saying quote, “It’s a horrible, horrible situation, and we’re not going to fix it.” He says more but it doesn’t get any better. The protection of our guns over our lives has to stop. Giving up is not an option. Sensible gun laws HAVE to be put into place. No one is saying guns can’t exist but our lives, and especially our kids’ lives, are just more important, aren’t they? What an unbelievable sentence to have to write. Please call your reps. Here is the official phone list. Also, pay attention to when your local and state elections are. Google it because it matters.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Velinda Hellen Design | Lead Designer: Julie Rose | Contractor: McLeod Construction, Inc. | Styling by Emily Bowser | Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: A Kitchen Makeover That Focused On Small Changes For A BIG Impact (Julie And Velinda Did It Again!)

The post The Link Up: The Fun, Easy Beach Reads Em Took On Her Spring Break Vacation, Caitlin’s Biodegradable Gift Idea, And A Bikini Line Razor That Won’t Give You Razor Burn appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Wedding Guest Dresses Based On Bust Coverage (Everyone Should Feel Beautiful AND Comfortable:))

It can feel like a blessing and a curse to have lots of close friends and family once those save-the-dates start rolling in each year, amirite? The curse part, of course, is the fact that you need to get an outfit that you ideally feel great in. And look, you may have options from years past or are lucky and can shop a friend’s closet. But if you are like my cousin who is attending six weddings this year or me with only two (but one is my brother’s so I want to look my absolute best…photos are forever) you might need some new options. Especially when most weddings require at least two dressy outfits!

So as I was about to start pinning for this post, I asked the team what they thought the most helpful angle would be. A “Pretty Wedding Guest Dress Options” post is all well and good but I wanted it to be more serviceable. Immediately we agreed on different coverage options. I think this is how most of us shop anyway. We know how much we are willing to show whether that be bust, arms, legs, etc. Also depending on the type of wedding (for example a family wedding doesn’t have me clamoring for anything low-cut since my chest isn’t small), you might want to go for something different than your typical style. Whatever the reason, I feel pretty confident there is something for everyone in this post from varying styles to a wide range of sizes. I did focus the categories mostly around bust coverage but a few are focused on skin coverage. So with that said let’s get into the first and most complete coverage options of the group…

Total Body Coverage

There are lots of reasons why full (or nearly) full-body coverage is a great and desired option. Maybe you’re simply a conservative dresser, for religious reasons, temperature, or peak comfort – Whatever the reason I really loved all six of these options.

1. Satin Batwing Bias Cut Maxi Dress | 2. Satin Draped Dress | 3. Satin Biased Maxi Dress with Button Detail | 4. Neck-Tie Kaftan Maxi Dress | 5. Curve Exclusive Satin Maxi Dress with Batwing Sleeve and Wrap Waist | 6. Relaxed Gathered Detail Maxi Dress

I love that while #1, #3, and #5 keep everything covered they are still kinda sexy. The silky fabric may have something to do with it:) But also look at that button detail on #3. So good! Then #2 and #4 have beautiful draping that gives them something a little extra special. Lastly, #6 isn’t total coverage in terms of arms and legs, but this would be a great warm spring/summer dress if you want to be mostly covered up.

One Shoulder (A Little Peek;))

I love the look of a one-shoulder dress. It makes it look a little extra special and sexy without showing anything more than a shoulder! What a dream. And aside from one dress that has an open back, I believe you could wear a strapless bra with almost all of these options.

1. Tiered One-Shoulder Dress | 2. Ruffled One-Shoulder Midi Dress | 3. Collection Side-Cutout Midi Dress | 4. Fallen Shoulder Manipulated Tuck Body-Conscious Midi Dress | 5. Pryce Off-Shoulder Satin Column Gown | 6. Oona Dress | 7. Diana Gown | 8. Mondie One Shoulder Puff Sleeve Midi Dress | 9. Chiffon Ruffled Dress

Ok, let’s start with the open-back dress – #3. So fun for a spring or summer wedding as well as #8 and #9. Those colors are so sweet and pretty! I also think for a stylish yet slightly more casual vibe #1 and #2 are perfect. You could also get a lot of non-wedding use out of them too. But for chic, fancier options #4, #5, and #6 are perfect! I personally almost bought #7 for my cousin’s wedding last year but good thing I didn’t because my other cousin wore it (and looked stunning in it:)). Highly recommend and it comes in a ton of colors.

Halter And High Neck (No Cleavage Here!)

I LOVE a halter or high-neck dress. I think it’s such a pretty cut! They can get tricky when it comes to bras so just keep that in mind when looking through them:)

1. Colorblock Halter Dress | 2. Halter Turtle Side Slit Gown | 3. Senna Dress Es | 4. Casette Linen Dress | 5. Mock-Neck Side-Slit Dress | 6. Printed Satin Dress | 7. Metallic Dress With Halter Neckline | 8. Mina Tassel Knit Gown | 9. Slim Asymmetrical Dress | 10. Amiah Knit Dress | 11. Veria Silk Dress Es | 12. Indi Boat Neck Bodycon Maxi Dress

#1 is sooo pretty and could easily be worn casually. #2 is simple and chic and #11 is gorgeous and comes in extended sizes! #8 is incredibly special and a guaranteed showstopper. If you like the idea of the “almost one shoulder” then #9 and #10 are it. I am actually HIGHLY considering #12 for my brother’s wedding. I’m in the bridal party and was told I could pick my own dress as long as it was long and black – check and check. The top says conservative but the slit says, “I’m not dead yet”:) Plus makes dancing easier. I’m trying to be extremely practical…

Short With Covered Tops (Show Them Legs, Baby)

Hey, you might be more in the mood to show off those limbs! The lower limbs of course. But that doesn’t mean you want to show off any cleavage. If that’s the case I’ve got you.

1. Printed Short Dress | 2. Turtleneck Ruffle Skirt Dress | 3. Eveline Knit Dress | 4. Zenni Linen Dress | 5. Alden Knit Dress Es | 6. Erika Peña Off-The-Shoulder High-Low Dress

Sleeves and prints? A great combo if you ask me. #1 and #6 are perfect if that’s what you’re looking for. Plus #6 would also be perfect for any beach vacation. Speaking of summer, #4 can easily be dressed up or down. But to up the elegance, #2, #3, and #5 are all great options!

Square Neck Top (A Possible Hint Of Cleavage:))

I really love a square neckline because usually, that means a strapless or sometimes a regular bra (depending on the bra’s cut) can be worn without a problem!

1. Coming For You Dress | 2. Babydoll Tied Sleeve Detail Dress | 3. Knitted Rib Maxi Dress With Belt | 4. Frankie Silk Dress Es | 5. Relaxed Double-Puff Sleeve Dress | 6. Curve Puff Sleeve Midi Dress | 7. Contrast Panel Mini Dress | 8. Slinky Jersey Maxi Dress | 9. Belgium Linen Dress

For that body con, sultry look, #1, #4, and #8 are perfect. I really love a puff sleeve for some added drama which #2, #5, #6, and #9 all perfectly nail. But if all you want is a slightly thicker spaghetti strap then #3 and #7 are for you.

V Necks (For Some Hot But Respectable Spice)

Of course, a classic neckline is the V! Clearly beautiful and is a perfect way to show off a little (or a lot of cleavage) should you want to. I tried to give a range of “depths” so there’s something for everyone:)

1. Satin Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress | 2. Slip Dress with Feather Detail | 3. Plunge V-Neck Midi Dress | 4. Maxi Embroidered Mesh Button Front Dress | 5. Hadley V-Neck Back-Bow Empire Gown | 6. Collection Bow-Back Puff-Sleeve Dress | 7. Kourtney Dress | 8. Tiered Puff Sleeve Dress | 9. Embroidered Long-Sleeve Dress | 10. Palladio Kaftan | 11. V Neck Rectangle Gown | 12. Silk Ruched-Shoulder Dress

Let’s start by talking about the dresses with a modest v-neck. #4, #5, and #10 all fall in that category from the looks of them. Then if you want to get sultry (one of my favorite descriptors if you can’t tell) go for #3, #11, and #12. Want more of a glam look? Then #1 and #2 are ideal. I personally have tried on #7 and LOVED it. I would say that unless you are really comfortable with cleavage (I tend to not be, unfortunately) then those with larger busts might want to skip this one.

Strapless and Double Off The Shoulder (Easy Breezy!)

Ah, my other favorite style of dress! It’s classic, automatically feels dressy, and can also work great with a strapless bra, What’s not to love?

Here I am at my cousin Becca’s wedding last summer (tbh it may have technically been fall but boy did the heat not get the cool breeze memo). It was a perfect wedding and this was the dress I bought for it (#4). I loved that it felt dressy but that I knew I could wear easily wear it casually because it was linen. Unless a wedding is wildly fancy, I really try to choose dresses (when possible) that I know I can wear more than once. And with this one, I didn’t even need to wear a bra!! The linen was thick and my boobs looked good enough:) 10/10. Here are some other options I really like.

1. Strapless V-Neck Pleated High-Low Gown | 2. Leonara Dress | 3. Archival Dress | 4. Marcella Linen Dress | 5. Aurora Dress | 6. Baela Linen Dress | 7. Agatha Dress | 8. Ruffled Strapless Dress | 9. Strapless Silk Fringe Dress

For those extra fancy weddings, #1 and #8 are incredible. But for me, if I had to pick one dress it would be #2. I am obsessed with how that neckline and those sleeves create the coolest shape. It’s out of my price range now but someday it will be mine! For a much more affordable back dress option, I am digging #5 more than I ever thought I would. Those feathers are just so fun. But just like all of the dresses in this post, I like all of these options…because I chose them. Ha.

Well, that’s it y’all. I truly hope you found this helpful and that they were a wide enough range of good options. Shopping for clothing can be stressful and dress shopping for a special event can be even harder. We should be able to feel both beautiful and comfortable. Don’t forget that<3

Love you, mean it.

The post Wedding Guest Dresses Based On Bust Coverage (Everyone Should Feel Beautiful AND Comfortable:)) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Our Easter Tradition (AKA The Easiest Easter Party Meal That We Look Forward To All Year That Pleases The Whole Crowd)

This year we MIGHT be able to have a little Easter gathering at our house – the sod is going in as I write this and while the work won’t be done (and our driveway is painfully broken up, waiting to be redone) I’m hoping to execute my favorite Easter tradition – a ham, mustard, and pickle sandwich bar. I have no pictures of this tradition but will be sure to document it this year. We started this in LA years ago and it was SUCH a crowd pleaser, so easy, relatively affordable, kids loved it, adults loved it, and I don’t think I can ever look back. Here’s what you’ll need:

The Universal Power of The Humble Hawaiian Rolls

Y’all I didn’t know these existed until 9 years ago when we started doing sliders for kids’ parties, and my goodness the sweetness of these rolls combined with the saltiness of the ham is incredible. Last year I got pretzel rolls, too, just to give variety but everyone gobbles up the Hawaiian rolls first. So soft and sweet – don’t bother getting the healthier options. 

Honey Baked Ham

You’ll likely need to order ahead, but this is the only time of year that we really indulge in ham (and if you are vegetarian this sandwich totally still works with multiple slices of cheese). They usually pre-score it for you, but if not you cut about 1/2 of it for your guests in sizes that would fit the sandwich and lay it out on a platter (you’ll have leftovers so try to give it away to guests at the end because you won’t want to eat ham for 6 months after this day).

Lots Of Cheeses

You can get a cheese variety of course, but we have found that swiss or provolone works best here. Please tell me I’m wrong in the comments and suggest another cheese that works with ham because I’m certainly open. The sharper the better and of course supporting local farms feels nice if you can:) 

Many The Mustards! 

In order to fully indulge in this sandwich bar we need many types of mustard (this is where the cost can add up if you aren’t careful, but we are a mustard family so we’ll go through them). Sure, you might be fine with just yellow – but let yourself live out all your condiment fantasies on this glorious day. Obviously dijon, spicy dijon, stone ground, etc.

Classic + Artisanal Pickles

Whatever you do, do NOT think you are above bread and butter sweet pickles. It’s my humble opinion that these are the best, despite their basic reputation. However, this is your chance to indulge in all your pickle dreams and support some local pickle makers and impress your friends (if they are into pickles – this will not impress them if they are not into pickles). Dill, spicy, sweet, relish, etc. My LA team loves Kaylin + Kaylin pickles (they swear by the honey mustard flavor) and I might have them ship a jar to me. Heck, with enough time I might even make my own. Yes, you can try relish, but for me, I love a sweet pickle SO MUCH in this sandwich that I dabble in dill but only momentarily before I head back to sweet. 

Extras

Last year I got horseradish and fried onions (from a can) which I enjoyed. You could also go for capers or literally anything canned from the condiment aisle. You can even get a variety of chips and put chips in your sandwich (if you have never done this might I suggest you stop denying yourself the deliciousness of the internal sandwich chip? Salt and vinegar, ruffled Lays, and classic salt & pepper are all good options. Lastly, we love mayo a lot but this more popular condiment takes a back seat on this day. Feel free to go full “Starke” (my maiden name) and indulge in some Miracle Whip or make your own aioli (which I just started doing and is delicious) should you want to offer something a little less artery-clogging. 🙂 

That’s about it. We usually do bunny pancakes in the morning and Brian makes deviled eggs while I make a huge delicious salad because I love combining it with a cold crunch. Then in the afternoon when we invite folks over we’ll put all the above ingredients out on platters, on the island, or dining table. Please save yourself a big headache – don’t decant or label the mustards. Just shove a knife in each jar and line them up next to each other on a table. Part of the charm of this grab-and-hang meal is its ease and casualness. This is obviously not best for a sit-down meal, it’s more for a party atmosphere. Let the kids help themselves (what’s the worst that could happen? Yes, they might just eat roll after roll but it’s Easter and they are going to have a sugar hangover regardless :)). So pop some white wine or local IPAs and indulge in what will be a joyous and gut-busting Easter day. 🙂 

Opening Image Credits: Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | Styled by Julie Rose and Velinda Hellen | From: Need Some At-Home Easter Brunch Inspo?? Our Never Before Seen Easter Shoot From Last Year Has You Covered

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What You Bought This Past Month – The Data Is In And It’s Clear We Are All Thinking The Same Thing…

Now it may have been a cold and rainy month (at least it has been in LA) but it’s clear that sunshine or more likely, vacation is on everyone’s mind. But hey it’s March! Are we really surprised?! We have warm days full of sunshine and outdoor activities heavily on the brain. However, we are a design blog after all so there were a few big winners that are definitely also helping our homes look and maybe even feel warmer too. Ready to see what’s been coming off the shelves quick this past month??

Staggered Glass Adjustable Sconce

Sconce

Man, I was happy to see this sconce on the list!! I have a personal attachment to it because it’s from my sculptural sconce post. I know there was some interesting debate in the comments but we are FIRM believers that if you have the wall and/or space, a sculptural sconce is such a cool and beautiful design piece. Sadly this one is no longer available. Did y’all sell it out?? I’d like to think so, ha! Here’s a similar one if you’e interested.

Lewis Double Push-Button Switchplate

Switch Plate

I’d like to take credit for this one with my special switches and switch plate post but I don’t think I can. This beauty was probably snagged from Emily’s farmhouse kitchen and that is anything but a surprise. I know switching out outlet covers and switch plates can feel unnecessary but if you have the budget it’s such a special touch that we love. I’m planning on switching out as many of mine as possible! (At least the visible ones:))

Round Mini Shoulder Bag

Shoulder Bag

This is what I was talking about when I said vacation was and is on all of our minds. This is Ryann’s new favorite bag (that is going to be perfect for her upcoming Japan trip) and this is what she had to say about it: “My husband and I are going to Japan in less than 2 months (EEEEEEEK) and a few weeks ago he surprised me with this super versatile shoulder bag. I love how simple and utilitarian it is and think it is going to be perfect for our travels. Speaking of our travels, I would love any Tokyo recs! Know of any restaurants, shopping, design stores, excursions, or sights we must see?? Let me know!!” It also comes in a bunch of other really cute colors.

PowerChill 7/8-Length Cami Jumpsuit

Unitard

Oooo baby did y’all have OPINIONS about unitards last Saturday. However, the popularity of this little number in the link up was the final straw that told us people were into this trend because of how many of you bought it. Thanks to Albie and her new self proclaimed title of “comfort influencer” a lot of you are owners of fashion’s current hottest trend – unitards.

As a reminder this was her review: “Hi my name is Albie and I’m your fave comfort influencer lol. One of my fave new comfort finds is this jumpsuit from Old Navy! So good! I purchased two colors to start and now I want em in every color. What I especially love is that I can wear em around the house with a robe and then switch out my robe for a shacket to pick up the mini from school or do a quick Target run. There’s a built-in shelf bra that’s surprisingly supportive considering how too heavy I am, although to leave the house, I pair it with a bralette to be safe.”

Poetto Pull Down Faucet

Faucet

This is a mystery link but there’s zero mystery why this beautiful faucet was popular! It’s modern but timeless and that Rejuvenation brass is without a doubt stunning in person. You just can’t go wrong with anything from them.

“Plungey” Swimsuit

Swimsuit

GET US TO A WARM BEACH… or pool… or lake… or river… or even a clean puddle at this point! Once I’m there I want to be in this swimsuit because not only did Emily make an incredible case for it, so did Caitlin because she bought TWO. It seems that a lot of you felt the same since it’s #5 on this month’s list. Here are Caitlin’s exact words: “I have been #emfluenced (yes, it happens to our team, too) and I AM GLAD. After reading Em’s glowing review of her new TA3 swimsuit, I grabbed two of my own (the Plungey, which she recommended, and the Lacey, which is a little more covered up – that’s the one I’m wearing up there) and both are AWESOME. I love swimming/the beach/the pool and don’t have a ton of swimwear-induced agony – like, I’m at a place with my body where my general feeling is “it is what it is” – but these suits made me feel SUPER comfortable AND cool. They were both incredibly supportive (the lace-up back is NO JOKE – you’re in TIGHT, in a good way!) and held up awesome after hooooours and hours in the ocean. My friends and I are renting a blow-up waterslide later this month and I can’t wait to wear this one again for the whole day.”

Now, I know we shouldn’t care about how we look in a swimsuit but I think most of us still do and this shapeware swimsuit really does a great job at making whoever is wearing it feel confident. What’s also so great about this brand is that their sizing goes up to 4x and they show models in varying sizes. I think this is the year I’m investing in one.

Infrared Sauna Blanket

Sauna Blanket

It may have taken momentary break from this list but IT’S BACK! Maybe we’re all still cold or maybe it’s just an incredible product that I also very much want. If you didn’t catch Em’s updated review after three years of use check that out there🙂 IT’S COMPELLING.

Wide Leg Linen Pants

Pants

EE! This was my link and I hope whoever bought these pants loves them as much as I do. I truly would sleep in them if I could BECAUSE they are that comfortable. I even bought a slightly different black pair because I couldn’t get enough. I’ve been dressing them up and down depending on the day so I stand by their versatility. Now, they are linen so the wrinkling is real after a day of wearing them but that’s what irons are for right?

Tropical Groove Midi Dress

Dress

Same brand as the pants (Farm Rio) but an incredibly fun and colorful dress that Mallory almost bought to wear to a friend’s wedding! While it didn’t work for the style of wedding Mal was attending, it’s SUCH a cute dress and hopefully whoever bought it has been loving it. I think anyone who has tried on Farm Rio’s clothes can attest to the high quality. They just feel so good on.

Women’s Boxy Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

AH! It’s been a minute since one of my links was #1 so this is an exciting Friday for ole Bunge:) But truly, this shirt is one of my new favorites because of how soft, cute, and AFFORDABLE it is. A perfect layering piece when it’s cold (I have my Paris trip to prove that) but can easily be worn on its own. 1000/10! It also comes in other colors.

Well, that’s it for today! Hope you enjoyed this little data review and if you bought something we really hope you are loving it.

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Sarah Zachary | Styling by Emily Bowser | Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Afraid Of Designing A Boring Home?? This Designer Will Steer You Clear By Showing You Her Tricks

The post What You Bought This Past Month – The Data Is In And It’s Clear We Are All Thinking The Same Thing… appeared first on Emily Henderson.

This Animal Print Trend Is Taking Over But We’re Not Mad About It

Happy hump day friends!! We’re here to chat about the latest animal-inspired trend that’s popping into our homes in 2023: the tortoise shell. Now I could’ve seen this one coming given the fact that leopards and leopard print have been on the rise for the last few years. The tortoise shell is a similar color way and pattern but it feels slightly more new, fresh, and modern in the year 2023. I’m not sure why but I LOVE animal motifs in design, so this is right on the money for me. I bought some tortoise shell decor a few months back and I must say it is a controversial trend in my household. I found two of these vintage candle votives at Big Daddy’s Antiques (thank god I bought two because I dropped one and broke it a mere two weeks after purchasing but what’s new). Here’s what the last one standing looks like:

I am a HUGE fan but my boyfriend is confused by the tortoise shell pattern. I’ll admit it’s specific and certainly not for everyone. Also note in the above photo I put a tea light in there but once it ran out of juice I swapped it to a battery operated candle and I am in love. I love having candles in the house at all times so this is my “backup candle” for when I run out of real ones and am desperate for ambiance. It works great! I also recently realized that I purchased a phone case that’s tortoise shell and I’m also thinking of getting this apple watch band. Too much?? Turns out I’m a tortoise shell addict and it might be getting out of hand.

Now this trend is most common in glassware, but I’ve recently seen it expand to furniture, lamps, coasters and all sorts of other items. Because it goes hand and hand with glass materiality, one of my favorite ways I’ve seen this trend incorporated in the home is in the dining room. If you’re having a dinner party and are in need of some fun new dishes, glasses or coasters, here’s are some fun ways you can add tortoise shell decor to your table, starting with this cute placemat styling by CB2:

via cb2

Placemats

I love the red undertones of these placemats and think it’s such a chic and subtle pattern addition to a dining table. If placemats aren’t your thing I love some of the tortoise glassware (linked below) in a table setting. Or for an even more subtle accent coasters are great too. It’s all really good, here’s what we love for the dining room:

Glass Set | 2. Nesting Bowls | 3. Coasters | 4. Wine Glasses | 5. Double Old Fashioned Glass | 6. Charger

Another cute way to add tortoise shell decor to your home is through vases and lamps. There are SO many good ones on the market, and a lot of them have expanded colorways and designs beyond the classic black and brown pattern. Here are some very cool vases styled by Anthropologie so you can get a sense on how to bring these into your home:

via anthropologie

Vases

Want more options?? Here, let me show ya some of our favorites!!

Chairish Vintage Vase | 2. Square Glass Lamp | 3. Small Glass Vase | 4. A & B Glass Vase | 5. DWR Vase | 6. Ansel Glass Table Lamp

Aren’t these so cute?? I MUST give an honorable mention to this vintage tortoise shell mirror as well (proof that this trend has been around for a while, but is just coming back around the course)!! How cool is this?? It’s $4,000 so certainly out of my price range but man it’s fun to look at 🙂

Tortoise Shell Mirror

I am in love. So what do you guys think? Are you sold? Comment below if this trend is a hit or miss for you, we’d love to chat! Xx

Opening Image Credit: via Anthropologie

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Dee Murphy’s Home Tour Is Giving Us All Wallpaper Envy

When I see a colorful home, it reminds me of why I love interiors. A colorful home is not only exciting to look at, but it shows the art form that is interior design in a really powerful way. Much like a painting, the decision to use color (or not use color) in a room plays a huge role in how a space will turn out. Although there are no strict rules, there are ways to use color well and Dee Murphy’s home is a prime example of that. Her home is colorful yet balanced, making it feel personal, layered, and eclectic. As I said there are no rules, but virtually touring her home is like taking a Masterclass on how to use color (and pattern) in your home. So, shall we begin taking notes? Let’s get into it.

Wallpaper

The entry stairway wallpaper should give you a good idea of her style and bravery when it comes to pattern and color. The size of the stairway and her commitment to this wallpaper really intrigued me so I asked how she chose this wallpaper for this space (and how she approaches choosing wallpaper in general):

“When I choose wallpaper, whether for myself or for one of my clients, the inspiration comes from both the home (how old is the space, what does the architecture provide?), and from the aesthetic we are aiming for (moody and cozy, bright and cheerful?). My home was built in 1920 and feels very much like a Parisian apartment. You enter from a center courtyard into a tall, somewhat dark staircase. I wanted the wallpaper to be impactful and dramatic, to embrace the moodiness, and to ‘speak to’ the flowers and foliage just outside the front door.”

At the top of the stairs, you can see Dee’s expert eye when it comes to mixing colors, tones, and patterns. The wallpaper brings in varying tones of blues and greens which she complements with the green framed mirror. The plant and coffee table books pepper in more blues and greens, which are grounded by the clear glass console table. For more movement and texture, there is the concrete ball sculpture that is both bold and dramatic. This might be one of my favorite vignettes ever! It is balanced, eclectic, and so fun.

Immediately to the left of the stairs, you enter the most sun-filled room of the house where Dee wanted to play with the beautiful tension between dark and light.

When introducing colors to a neutral room, balance and cohesion are key so I asked how she goes about mixing colors. She explained, “When mixing colors in a room, you begin with the strongest hues from your statement piece (for me that usually means the wallpaper or the rug), and you layer in some accessories in those shades. The more interesting and fun part, though, is to find the ‘supporting cast’, and to work those less obvious choices into the room.”

In this case, the colorful Persian rug creates the backdrop for so many different colors to come through. The most obvious is blue, which is showcased most notably with the gorgeous blue sofa. Then you see more blues peppered throughout. The throw pillow, the coffee table book, the art, and even the wallpaper in the connecting dining room create a calming cohesion throughout the space.

The more subtle tones in the rug allow for other colors to shine in the room as well. The tan sofa color is pulled from the rug so it feels very connected to the rest of the room. The styling on the bookcase also speaks to the rug so there is so much continuity throughout the space.

It is my opinion that we can’t fully appreciate color without first recognizing the absence of it in a space. In this room, for instance, the white walls and molding create a canvas for all of the colors and patterns to really pop. With a really bold wall color or wallpaper in here, all the wonderful colors in this room could get lost, so the white walls are the perfect backdrop.

I love how the light green fireplace breaks up the white walls and adds another calming color to the space. I was really curious about this color choice so I asked Dee if it was painted prior to her living there, or if she painted it herself. She told me, “The fireplace was painted that color when we bought the home, and I always found it to be an interesting choice, so I have lived with it that way for the past six years. I recently repaired the firebox, though, and had a stone specialist take a look at what might be underneath that green. There are roughly six layers of paint! I am finally going to strip it all off to restore and reveal the original stone, which will accentuate the beautiful details.”

In the dining room, the wallpaper is the focal point that introduces color and pattern but instead of pulling colors straight from the wallpaper, she introduces new colors and patterns for an eclectic look. The pink curtains are light and neutral enough that they blend with the room effortlessly and speak to the light wood tones and the jute rug. The stripe pattern on the rug adds another dynamic pattern to the mix that creates more visual interest.

With many colors and patterns blending together, I love that she kept the wood tones similar so the space feels grounded. By the way, how incredible are those chairs?? I am sure you have already noticed that Dee has a keen eye for blending vintage and contemporary furniture, which gives her home a sense of warmth and “lived-in” energy that is intoxicating.

This balcony off the dining room is SO dreamy and I love that she kept this area of the home quite neutral and inviting.

In her kitchen, Dee still manages to play with color in a really exciting way through decor. Of course, the vintage rug runner adds fun doses of color and pattern that really pop against the white cabinets and neutral tile backsplash. I also love the wood paneling on the ceiling that adds so much texture and warmth, which contrasts the dark floor tile.

The green oven range creates another powerful color moment that I am obsessed with. I also love how she played with more green tones by adding the landscape oil painting. It is also worth noting that we are big fans of leaning mirrors in kitchens 🙂

In the hallway, I really love this colorful wall-to-wall gallery wall that displays a mixture of art and family photos. The different frames make it feel extremely eclectic and personal.

Paint Color

Dee’s bedroom is a primary example of maintaining a cohesive (but striking) color palette. I even wrote an entire post about it here. Again, the rug acts as the perfect jumping-off point which allowed her to pull colors from and sprinkle them throughout the room.

The wall color (Off-Black by Farrow & Ball) immediately pulls you in and creates a moody vibe, but I love how she sprinkled in warmth through the decor. The brass details, wood tones, and floral accents balance the room so it doesn’t come across as dark or gloomy.

The bathroom mirrors the moodiness of the bedroom which creates continuity between the two spaces. I love how she honored the architecture of the home by working with the vintage tile and keeping the decor classic and timeless.

Another way she expertly mixes colors is by playing with different tones. The dark blue paint color is paired with a brighter, more saturated blue dresser and both are tied together with the blues in the vintage rug.

To end this home tour, we are going full circle and back to where we started. Off of the entry stairway to the right, there is this magical bunkroom that is doused in rich color and pattern.

Wallpaper

Isn’t it lovely?? The green paint color is a custom color by Fine Paints of Europe and it is STUNNING. It is such a happy color that pairs beautifully with the whimsical wallpaper. For more color and texture, I love how she hung tapestries on brass rods in each bunk, which almost gives a ‘headboard’ effect. This is such a cool feature that creates a really dynamic, eclectic look.

Big thanks to Dee Murphy for giving us a tour of her vibrant home. Which part is your favorite? Sound off in the comments! xx

*Design by Dee Murphy
**Styled by Velinda Hellen
***Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp and Zeke Ruelas

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A Kitchen Makeover That Focused On Small Changes For A BIG Impact (Julie And Velinda Did It Again!)

How has it been over a year since we “EHD-alumns, turned-sister-team” reported back?! Today, Julie and I, along with Grace (our other EHD-found-friend who supported this project while juggling many others) are happy to say it’s been for good reason. We have a couple of large projects that will be INCREDIBLY fun to share when they are installed this/next year. We also aim to revisit some more E Design reveals (of which, we’ve nearly reached 300!) soon. (Shameless self-endorsement: you don’t have to be in Los Angeles to work with our team! Join us through E-Design!!!!)

For today’s reveal, we’re rewinding time… Back to the days of wiping down apples and oreo packages before bringing them into our homes, back to when wood prices were sky high and sofas were taking 9+ months to deliver instead of the “currently-impressive” four months… yes, I’m sorry, we’re going back to 2020… to the Days of Quarantine… the “DQ”. During the DQ, VHD (Velinda Hellen Design) was a months-old team and were lucky enough to have a still-to-this-day-favorite client reach out with this proposal: “Is Ojai too far???  I promise it’s a nice break from LA!”. Alongside this client, during a crazy time, we found a new appreciation that “small improvements” really do matter! Changes don’t always need to be big, to be high-impact. Great news for most of us “human-projects-in-works”! I can speak for myself, despite all the therapy, there’s still clearly some sorta “mold or asbestos-like” infestation up in these “studs”. It’s probably safest to just keep some wonky drywall in place and look the other way, am I right?! (Legal Disclaimer: this is not home advice. If you fear spores below surfaces, call remediation asap. If you’re personally a little “wonky,” join the rest of us!).

Back in the DQ, Julie, who was the lead designer on this project, was new to the VHD team and we hadn’t-yet ventured outside of our own city for “Full Service” projects. Although, thanks to remote projects as a part of the EHD team, we already had tools for that type of experience. Our client’s promise of being merely a fun road trip away, nearby orchards, and a tour of a newly-attained Airstream had us nature-needing designers trekking. When we arrived, the space looked like this: 

Upon meeting our client, we discovered that during a time of absolute unease, she was, well… an ease and a delight! Frankly, we had forgotten anything in the world could possibly be so. She and her husband are smart, have great taste, communicated well, already had a contractor that they trusted, and the capacity to serve as their own project manager. This is something we never really encourage, but in a household of multiple lawyers, we didn’t doubt that every “T” would be crossed. We felt lucky to get to help (and eventually camp with???) this client.

Appreciating simplicity, they wanted a clean look with a natural coziness that didn’t pull the eye from the surrounding views of nature. I’m SURE their THREE boys UNDER the age of 10 never distracted from this Zenful setting. But juuuust in case they ever did introduce chaos (doubtful) we all agreed some hidden storage and a better “running through and out of the house flow” might prove beneficial.

While the location and home were a dream, the allocations of some pretty unimportant walls were not. The dated, pass-through wall, half-heartedly divided the kitchen from the rest of the space unnecessarily. Meanwhile, the entry seemed to be missing part of a wall that would transform the function and visual impact of the home’s first impression. 

By client-request, we originally explored additional footprints. For fun, here’s a quick look at a variation; the “what could have been”.

We love the puzzle-solving nature of the design process and appreciated a client who wanted to see varying project scopes in order to fully compare, but in the end, this was the simplified design we landed on! Notice that the “befores” shown above and the “afters” to follow are the results of changing only TWO, ITTY-BITTY PARTIAL WALLS. The major footprint, plumbing, and windows were left alone. 

The aim was to solve the following dilemmas:

A dated kitchen & dark, divided spaceThe lack of an entry/landing space for the kid’s school bags/dog supplies & an awkward opening into the living roomMissing kitchen functionality (for their needs), a want for updated appliances and ease for multiple cooksAn overall lack of storage and visual “anchors”

So, onto the solve:

The first thing to note is that the layout of the major plumbing and appliances remained the same. To do this we simply combined the stovetop and oven into an induction range (which is environmentally friendly!). At first, we encouraged moving the sink from the diagonal, but it was important to our client to keep it there for easy surveillance of backyard activities, which I assume means watching her boys garden and meditate. 😉 

Stools (similar) | Rug

We put a huge emphasis on seamlessness within this design in an attempt to keep the eye flowing throughout the zones of the home. Where it was previously unnecessarily divided, a few tricks helped hide functionality within visual unity! An obvious help was panel-ready appliances, which we love for their ability to contribute to a clean, unobstructed look. When it came to cost, this was a priority more so than shifting appliance locations. So, leaning toward accepting existing plumbing provided extra funds for added panels and panel-ready machines.

Appliance Pulls | Brass Handles

And while we’re hiding appliances, let’s talk about the coffee and small appliance “garages”! The desire to hide frequently used, usually countertop-located machines is common, but not all of us have the extra space to lose to added widths required for retractable doors (which has become a popular “appliance garage” solution). Since this was a smaller space and we needed to utilize every inch, the solution became soft-opening cabinet doors that operate on a mechanism to go “up” and get out of the way.

A few additional space-and-clutter-saving solutions we opted for: pull-out drawers to flank the range to eliminate “stuff” on the countertops (spices, oils, cooking utensils, and cutting boards). A small shelf above the range for an easy-to-reach surface space when cooking. Lastly, keep a “ledge” behind the corner sink to display some greenery & bring that Ojai nature feeling indoors.

By losing that unnecessary wall and keeping the sink in the corner, we were able to create a large, seamless island with a wonderfully “unbroken” countertop surface for cooking day prep, homework, crafts, and beyond! (By “unbroken” I mean there isn’t a sink or stovetop). We used the island’s depth to hide even more cabinets for storage on the stool side which is operated by subtle, finger-pull hardware. The design of the doors was meant to be softly disguised as a millwork face. 

Island Pendant | Rug

While on the other side of the island is where we have some necessities that are hidden away from view when you first enter the home. A built-in microwave with a large drawer below, in the middle two large drawers for pots and pans, and last but very necessary the pull-out drawer for trash & recycling, topped off by the staple of everyone’s home, the “junk” drawer.

The other note-worthy cabinets in the space are the full-height, countertop cabinets. We really hate letting vertical space go to waste in a smaller kitchen, but we didn’t want to overpower the eye with heavy/solid floor-to-ceiling cabinets since they were so close to the corner windows. We found a solution that our client could store infrequently-used items up top, while masking plates, bowls, and your favorite mug behind the glass fronts which creates a sense of depth and “airiness”. The MVP for this game: reeded glass. It comes with a lot of the expected perks of a glass cabinet (“visual room” and lightness) but it hides more. If you like to keep your cabinets styled and ready to feature in the next issue of (insert your favorite home magazine here), you may not need this option. If you have three boys, two dogs, and an active cooking life, meet your new best friend!

Dining Table | Pendant (similar) | Chairs (Simiar) | Rug

The dining room was simple, both in style and solution. The idea was to increase the “feel” of the size of the kitchen by confusing the eye as to where it stopped and the dining room began. So, we tied the tone/style of the custom buffet build into the kitchen cabinetry. Aiming again to reduce visual bulk, open shelving was utilized within the overall goal to keep most storage “hidden”. And as an extra, nod to the kitchen, the same wood detail on the sides of the kitchen island was used as the back of the open shelving. This also contributed to added depth and texture in this open dining space helping to define and “anchor” the area a bit more from its before version.

Rug

Both of these spaces lived within the eye line of the home’s main door, meaning they contributed to all “first impressions,” but not perhaps not as immediately as the entry itself. Our clients had lived in their house for years prior to renovating, which meant they knew what they needed more and less of within their space… and what they never used. The latter proved to be the under-utilized access between the front door and the living room. We decided to redesign this “zone” for something a bit more craved – a spot to “land,” put on shoes, and hang jackets. So, we turned that “dead zone” into storage, adding a drawer for shoes and hooks to the space above to hide unsightly leashes and doggie bags in baskets. 

Then, on the other side of the new wall, we gained shelving in the living room, providing the perfect place to display book collections and family photos. The client loved the new spot for a cozy reading chair by the fire. Bonuses on all sides!

Table Lamp | Built In Color | Coffee Table | Leather Pouf (similar) | Rug

Since we’re in the living room, let’s look at the major impact the custom build had on the space. That’s really the only major change in the room…. Well, it’d be unfair not to emphasize what a MAJOR impact a good vintage rug can have. We actually added one to every room we touched on this project.

We customized a full-height, wall-to-wall storage unit, built around the size of their television and customized it to store large speakers and electronics. The design allowed for unobstructed sound and ventilation as well. We also balanced open shelving for displaying cherished collections and art with hidden storage for lots and lots of legos! Above it all, awning-style cabinets function well for accessing more seasonal items.

Small, careful changes made a big impact for our clients who proved, in the end, to be as delighted as they were delightful. And though we have yet to see them in person without masks, we’ve decided we’re invited along for their next Airstream camping adventure! Should they find themselves asking us for small-design solutions for said camper, SO BE IT! Bring on project #2. Until then, we’ll leave you all with one last, post-COVID thought: you still need to add at least a week or two to listed lead times, but your apples no longer taste like Clorox. Cheers to improvements!

ROLL CREDITS:
Design By: Velinda Hellen Design
Lead Designer: Julie Rose
Contractor: McLeod Construction, Inc.
Photos: Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Styling: Emily Edith Bowser

The post A Kitchen Makeover That Focused On Small Changes For A BIG Impact (Julie And Velinda Did It Again!) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: The Fabric Line Em Is Using At The Farm, Albie’s CUTE Faux Leather Midi Skirt, And A Lighting Fast Phone Charger

This past week Emily giggled when we (the LA team) decided to reschedule a team lunch because it was raining…HARD. “Oh you definitely can’t have lunch when it’s raining,” she playfully mocked. And look we get it! But we are also crossing our fingers that sunny days are soon for us all. So for now, grab a warm beverage, sit in a cozy chair (or sofa or bed), and enjoy this week’s link up:)

This week’s house tour is pretty out of this world but also extremely personal which is why we are fascinated by it. It’s the home of actress Debby Ryan and musician Josh Dun and was inspired by their love of treehouses, games, and fantasy. Go check out their Ohio home and we highly recommend you watch the video.

From Emily: A big shoutout to two of my favorite Portlanders today – Max Humphrey and Kaitlin Green. This feature in Domino was so warm and welcoming and Max’s new line of Sunbrella for Pindler is AWESOME (I have some of it in my upcoming dining nook that I can’t wait to show you). The Irish blockchain motif is really perfect for me (and you might see it on some Adirondack chairs, soon). It’s only to the trade right now so I’m not sure where to link it, but hoping that someone will make pillows out of it so any of y’all can have it in your home. Great write up Domino.

From Mallory: When I tell you my life changed from getting this phone charger, I mean it (the cord is sold separately here). We refer to it in our house as “the fast charger” because it does exactly that. Your phone will be FULLY charged in less than an hour. I hate carrying around portable chargers, so this was a real game-changer for me. Even if we’re leaving the house in 10 minutes, I’ll plug it in and it will go from like 20% battery to 60% that fast. It’s amazing and I don’t know how I ever lived without it tbh.

From Jess: I’ve been using my oven more lately and want to re-shout out these baking sheets. They are nonslip, easy to clean, and I’ve had them for at least three years and they still look great. These would also be such a great gift!

ATTN Vintage Lovers! Drew from Lone Fox is dropping his second highly-curated vintage haul on March 26th at 10 am. He has an impeccable eye so be sure to check it out! Last time it sold out very fast so we suggest heading over there quick:)

From Caitlin: My former startup advisor-turned-friend Lucas just relaunched his app, Hipstamatic, as a social network!!! If you’re chronically online like me, you may remember Hipstamatic from the late aughts – they invented the square filtered photograph (!!!) and it was also the only app Steve Jobs EVER named as Apple’s “App of the Year,” which is incredible. ANYWAY, Hipstamatic relaunched this week as an IG competitor and it is AWESOME – a chronological feed, no algorithms, no AI, and no ads! Just simple, square, filtered photos of your friends and family that disappear after four weeks (it’s user supported – you can pay for more features. I do :)). Remember when IG was just photos of your friends having a nice breakfast or sweet photos of sunsets? WE CAN HAVE THAT AGAIN!!! Come check out unstaged, unstyled photos of my house, my nails, my pets, and my vintage finds right here –  I’m SO EXCITED for this to be the next big thing in social media:)

From Ryann: I am in love with my new sneakers. I wear them almost every day with leggings, a plain t-shirt or tank top, and a zip-up or hoodie. They are so comfortable and cool and it’s becoming hard to wear any other shoe. 10/10!

From Albie: A few years back, I remember when @signedblake released her very first collection with Amazon The Drop. It was glorious! The colors. The silhouettes. The fabrics. I’m actually wearing a dress from that first collection in my living room reveal from that year. Then she released a second… and a third… and a fourth… each collection arguably better than the last. During this same time I’ve also been trying to refine my personal style outside of the house — I have my work-from-home wardrobe on lock! — and had been on the hunt for a leather pencil skirt. Ask and ye shall receive! The faux leather midi skirt from Blake’s most recent drop is exactly what I’d envisioned in my fashion mind. The material is luxuriously soft. The way it drapes over my hips is like a glove. Now that I’ve found the skirt, I just have to figure out where I’m gonna actually wear it lol. 

Hope you have a great (and dry) rest of your Sunday and see you tomorrow. xx

Opening Image Credits: Lead Design by Julie Rose | Styled by Emily Bowser and Assisted by Lauren Day | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: A Dark Attic Becomes The Most Joyful Bedroom For THREE Kids – Thanks To Velux Skylights And Some Clever Storage Solutions

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This New Fashion Trend Makes Getting Ready FAST And We’re Into It

Look there’s something we need to address. We’ve been seeing this article of clothing EVERYWHERE in 2023 and it’s time that we brought it to your attention. I’m not sure how this came to be but it turns out that this is the year of the unitard. Yup you heard that right. We are stripping down to our skivvies and pulling on some surprisingly comfortable, shaping unitards (which are also affectionately referred to as bodysuits or onesies, the unitard is rebranding). Albie even talked about a unitard she bought and loved in the link up a few weeks ago. Here’s what she had to say about it: “Hi my name is Albie and I’m your fave comfort influencer lol. One of my fave new comfort finds is this jumpsuit from Old Navy! So good! I purchased two colors to start and now I want em in every color. What I especially love is that I can wear em around the house with a robe and then switch out my robe for a shacket to pick up the mini from school or do a quick Target run. There’s a built-in shelf bra that’s surprisingly supportive considering how too heavy I am, although to leave the house, I pair it with a bralette to be safe.”

Now at first, I wasn’t sure I would be diving into this trend, but when I saw the viral target unitard all over TikTok, what was I supposed to do? I clicked on that link. And was it already sold out? You bet it was. Did I sign up to be notified when it came back in stock? YES, I DID OKAY. So low and behold, it came back in stock and I immediately added to cart. Here’s what it looks like for those of you who are curious:

flare bodysuit

It’s a dupe of the Aritzia jumpsuit and it’s honestly a very good one for half the price. Now note it’s not AS shaping as the Aritiza one, but I bought it and find it incredibly comfortable and I constantly want to put it on. Once I solidified that I’m a unitard kind of girl, I invested in this next lil number and I love wearing it to the gym and to my Rumble boxing classes 🙂

breathe short onesie

So I know what you’re thinking…is this all just workout gear?? Or is this a real fashion statement that I can wear around town? I’m happy to report that athleisure IS fashion right now (which is ideal), and we love a sporty-street wear kind of look, so yes you can wear this around town and HERE’S HOW.

There are 3 main formulas, let’s break them down:

Dad Shoes + High Socks + Sweatshirt

One of my favorite ways to wear a bodysuit like this is with a sweatshirt tied around the waist or around the shoulders (like in example #2). I love how effortless it looks with a simple tied sweatshirt even though I know getting that sweatshirt tie to look good involves much effort. Another notable element of this outfit formula is the dad shoe + high sock combo. We are not wearing ankle socks anymore no no no, instead we’re wearing cool white 90s dad socks with some chunky white sneaks (Just kidding, if you love ankle socks that’s great. This is just what’s very much on trend:)). Also the more accessories, the better. I’ll show you in some other examples below but just know you can never have too much. Add that fanny pack belt bag over your shoulder, pair it with those sunnies, and throw on a baseball hat. The thing about the unitard is that it’s simple and you make it your own with the accessories. So that’s a daytime athleisure look. Here’s how you’d wear a onesie in a more “going out setting”.

Chunky Boots + Blazer + Sunnies

YUP, that’s how it’s done. I know it may feel WILD to wear a unitard out to a restaurant but I’m telling you it’s fun and comfortable. The blazer adds some structure to the shoulders while the uni SNATCHES that waist. The contrast makes for a gorgeous silhouette and a trendy outfit. Now onto the last bodysuit formula and maybe my fav:

Sneakers + Button Down + Accessories

How cute right?? I love the open button-down or the button-down tied at the front. So into this look. Now if you’re convinced that these are the best ever and you want to purchase a bodysuit to call your own, here are our favorites right now!!

1. Target Shorts Bodysuit | 2. Lowback Bodysuit | 3. Mindset Jumpsuit | 4. Ecostretch Jumpsuit | 5. Cami Bodysuit | 6. Good Karma Onesie | 7. Skims Rib Stretch Cotton | 8. Berry Flare Jumpsuit | 9. Alosoft Sunsout Onesie

What are your thoughts on this new trend?? Drop your comments below, let’s chat!! Xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Liggoria-Tramp | From: I Let My 20-Something-Year-Old Staff Dress Me in 2019 Fashion Trends

The post This New Fashion Trend Makes Getting Ready FAST And We’re Into It appeared first on Emily Henderson.