For my 35th birthday, Emily surprised me by showing up in a rented passenger van full of our best friends. She drove us all up the freeway to the amusement park Magic Mountain for a day of roller coasters and thrill rides. Now, if you know Emily, you know how much she hates driving, so hauling a big 12 passenger van up the I-5 during morning rush hour was pretty remarkable – 6 months pregnant. But even more remarkable were the t-shirts she had made for the occasion, which everyone wore the entire day – a screen printed silhouette of a picture of me at 17, naked behind an electric guitar, smirking carelessly into the distance. It wasn’t until I stumbled off the first roller coaster that I realized how ironic the shirt actually was. That care-free 17-year-old on my chest would have yeeehawww’ed his way back into line for the next go-round, he would have scream-laughed through every death-defying, tummy-twirling ride until the park closed. 35-year-old me however, needed a long sit-down and a Dramamine suppository. Being bashed and sloshed and zipped around at high G-forces was something that my younger body loved, but now, middle-aged and out of shape, it felt like a torture chamber, like Magic Mountain was interrogating me in a black site about future terrorist plots I had no knowledge of. I wanted to barf and sob. I did my best to avoid going on any more rides that day, but was my b-day so I had to suck it up and enjoy the rest of the day with everyone. And with every ride I understood more and more the plight of kids who get stuck in tires as they roll down hills. It was my, like, least favorite feeling. Ever. And I think that’s how my poor dog Oscar feels about any moving vehicle. So I’m writing for some help. Dog owners, where ya at? We have to move our pups up to Portland in a couple of weeks and we’re stressing about which way is the best way to do it. A little about the doggies – they’re one-and-a-half-year-old rescues who have some skittishness issues already, don’t trust many strangers, and are very co-dependent. Buttercup fares pretty well in a car, has never puked or whined, and she just lays down in the back or tries to come upfront with us. Oscar on the other hand, despises anything that moves, even anything in the vicinity of anything that moves. Like, he stops dead in his tracks when we get near the upper-upper steps of a dock, even when the boat is still fifty yards away. In a car, it’s like trying to wrangle a wild boar into a steam shower, and when you finally get him in, it’s like someone has opened a spigot of drool in the poor guy’s mouth, then he shivers and pukes the whole time the car is in motion. It’s so, so sad. We basically only have two ways to get these fuzzballs up north with us – by car or on the plane. And I’d love to hear your advice. You’ve heard what happens in a car, I can only imagine what will happen on a plane. And we can’t register him as a support dog. At least as far as I can learn online. I know that back in the old days, people used to fly with dogs packed under the plane no problem. This was back before every dog owner claimed them as “support animals” and were allowed to bring them on board the plane. But we have to take Alaska Airlines and they have really cracked down on what is permissible for a support animal and we definitely don’t have the official paperwork for that. So. It’s either in a crate underneath the plane, which is about a two and a half hour flight (plus the hour-long drive to the airport, the hour-long check-in, and the half-hour drive from the airport home) or a three-day car trip, which would include two stops overnight on the way. We’re visiting our vet on Friday to get some advice and anti-anxiety drugs, but I know there are a lot of dog people here on this site and figured I’d ask y’all if you had any experience with traveling with dogs and know the best/most humane way to do it. Any advice is welcome, I really don’t want my poor little guy to feel like I did after getting off The Riddler’s Revenge. I want him to feel like he’s in high school about to shred a wicked solo on a knock-off Fender. Naked. The post What’s The Best Way To Travel Over 900 Miles With Two Dogs? Dog Owners, We Need Your Help appeared first on Emily Henderson. Originally from Emily Henderson https://ift.tt/3BYOigg
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Few things really rev people up like pot-fillers – I had no idea. Such was the subject of our first actual farm fight of the renovation. I thought it was a no-brainer that we don’t need one because I rarely used the one we used to have and we don’t have one here and I rarely wish we did. Brian, apparently, had a secret emotional, passionate connection to our former plumbing fixture – a daily connection unbeknownst to me in our LA home. Here’s how it went down: on the day of the post about the prep sink (last week) I was reading comments from you about pot-fillers (which came up because I mentioned that never really used ours) and was innocently wrapping up the design of the kitchen. Brian sauntered downstairs, to me announcing that “‘hey’ I’m was nixing pot filler from the design because we never really used ours and it’s an indicator of a luxury new build”. Ladies, my #1 warning is to wait till coffee kicks in before talking renovation with your partner. He was caught off guard and vehemently disagreed with me insisting that he used it ALL THE TIME in our old house and misses it every. single. day. We were not on the same page and it seemed worthy of a discussion here: Pot-fillers – ostentatious luxury or daily utility of convenience? Let’s spout off: I’ve had a winding relationship with pot-fillers myself and my opinion on them has flip-flopped a few times over the years. When I first heard about them I thought they were pretty, but kinda silly, as if the added real estate from the sink to the stove warranted additional plumbing. Seemed to me like a rich person’s kitchen feature. But that was when I was 28. Before I cooked, before I had kids, and certainly before I could afford to renovate a kitchen with such luxuries or even know what elements should go into a well-designed kitchen renovation. Cut to 2016 when we were planning out my first kitchen renovation in the LA house and I wanted a pot-filler – maybe I was ready for more adult kitchen elements, thinking that IF you are renovating you obviously should make choices that align with what a “nice” kitchen should have. I think at this point Brian could take it or leave it because we had never had one. But you don’t want to miss an opportunity when renovating, right? Over those 3 years living there I rarely used it, so it was mostly for jewelry – for looks and admittedly I do LOVE the way it looks. Brian had a different experience. Looking back I realized that those years were when Brian actually cooked the most, and we made a lot of mac and cheese, pasta, and rice for the kids. So he is very attached to this bit of plumbing because he came to really use and rely on it, and I get that. So let’s explore the pros and cons from my point of view, on the inflammatory pot-filler. Pros Of Having A Pot-Filler:If you have a big kitchen having a pot filler can be a convenience, for sure. We are not big pasta and rice people (besides kids stuff) but filling up huge stock pots for broth would be helpful, and surely for boiling potatoes or corn on the cob, which can get heavy. So if you are you big stove pot people it’s nice to have and you can just fill up your pot while on the stove instead of carrying it full from sink to stove. I think we all can agree that this is a bit silly/unnecessary (a comment that Brian did NOT respond well to) but it absolutely depends on your kitchen size and your lifestyle (and your arm strength haha). They are very, very pretty – if you are into plumbing fixtures, which most designers are – then it’s another pretty feature in your kitchen. They are a piece of jewelry that can break up a wall of tile, stone, or drywall (if you are into that), bring some metallic shine over your range, and tie in with your sink faucet finish. Strictly as a design element – they are a nice touch. Their shape can add an architectural and sculptural element. Speaking simply design here, they articulate out (which we love) and when they recess back they look cool and have a weird shape that contrasts nicely with the straightness of cabinetry and stoves. They can make a kitchen look more custom, high-end, and luxurious. The question you have to ask yourself is if that is what you really want anyway (this is my issue). Like jewelry, I think that they add elegance. From my perspective “elegance” has not been an adjective that we have used to describe our future farm kitchen – it’s more “charming, utilitarian, warm, soul-full, sweet, practical”. No glamour or elegance needed, so I felt that maybe no pot-filler was needed. The high spout allows for other “around the houses” uses, especially if your sink faucet isn’t a gooseneck or bridge (high). Think about filling flower buckets and vases, mop buckets, and watering cans for plants. Right now I tend to go to the hall bath or our bathtub to fill up big watering cans so, yes, that could be very useful. People who drink a lot of tea with tea kettles love the convenience, too. Pot fillers are good for resale (there are literally no facts to back this up, it’s just my hypothesis just like anything that seems like a luxury is good for resale). It is something that people see as a luxury that might shift their emotions towards a kitchen when looking to buy. I’m not saying that it should, but I think it does. The “Cons” Of The Pot-Filler:It adds to your budget, but not as much as I thought. When you are gutting a kitchen and moving a lot of plumbing it can feel like adding a pot filler is nominal, but it is still likely a couple of hundred dollars in labor before the fixture itself. It’s only a cold water line which can be small. It really depends on how far away it is from a water source for how expensive it is. if you are just updating and not gutting, it’s harder to add (unless you have access through the back wall or if you do a countertop pot filler if you are changing out cabinetry). But if you are doing a full gut remodel then it’s much easier. Now the fixture itself can vary from $200 – $2K so that’s where you’ll spend the bulk of it. ***I’d like to point out that you still have to haul the pot OFF of the stove back to the sink to drain, so put your burly friend’s number on speed dial. They aren’t “necessary”, technically. Unlike the sink faucet, a pot-filler is a “good to have” and I think it’s important to question all of your “good to haves” in your home to make sure that you are putting in something you USE, not just something you like. Ahem. Hello, pot? Kettle calling. I know I have a lot of chairs that I LOVE that people don’t necessarily sit in, but going forward this is not the goal. Designers are certainly guilty of this crime, which in my past I didn’t think was a big deal but with the planet screaming at us to stop consuming I currently really think we should lean away from things that are solely pretty, without function. If you use it? Great. If you don’t think you will, rethink it. They are a sign of luxury and newer construction. This is both a pro and a con depending on what you are going for, but for our house this was is the best “con” against a pot-filler for me and one that I attached my argument to quickly. They are a newer invention and therefore do signal a “new build”. They may send a message of “new and fancy” which may or may not be the message you want to send. It’s not the message I want to send so for me it was an easy “nix”. In short – pot-fillers are for convenience and beauty, but that’s about it. So now you have to weigh your affection towards both of those attributes and how high they are on your priority list. For Brian it’s one of the few things he has put his foot down on (thus the fight) because he uses it a lot, and who am I to deprive him of his relationship towards this plumbing fixture. I personally love how some of them look (not all of them) and when done right don’t necessarily look like new construction. Much like a beverage or freezer drawer they indicate new remodel, but not necessarily “luxury”. DeVOL designs their kitchens for utility first and they always put in a po-filler. We ended the fight with me saying “just because we like something doesn’t mean we should have it if we don’t USE it frequently”, and Brian responding that he promises that he’ll use it, every. single. day. Deal. If you think they are silly, dumb, and pretentious, simply don’t put one in. For me it’s like having both trail running shoes and HIIT workout shoes – it really depends on how often you do the two different activities to warrant two different pairs of shoes designed for slightly different utility. Having the daily convenience can bring joy and ease to people’s busy lives – and there should not be any judgment on that. If you are super into design and cook a ton it might be an element you want, but if you aren’t then it might be simply unnecessary. Ultimately, in the scheme of things, like most design elements it’s nothing really to argue about and we felt SO dumb for letting it ruin our morning. Brian won this one pretty quickly because he is so rarely passionate about a design/functional element and as his partner, I wanted to respect his perspective and desires in this renovation process. And listen, I like a pot-filler too so this wasn’t a big concession. While convenience + beauty = perceived luxury, it actually doesn’t have to be a very expensive one. Plus if you get daily use out of a beautiful convenience, then no, it is not a consumptive waste. So Brian and I came up with an obvious rule for our big purchases – that “liking” and “wanting” a ‘”luxury” isn’t good enough (and it shouldn’t ever have been a good enough reason for us), you have to really use it often and appreciate its use and function to include it in our home – whether it’s a splurge or not. I feel like, despite the national pot-filler divide, THAT is something that we can all agree on. P.S. I was going to do a roundup of them but generally, you should try to match the style and finish of your sink faucet (IMHO). Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: All the What’s, Why’s & How Much’s of the Portland Kitchen The post The Pros And Cons Of The Pot-Filler (+ Brian And My First Farm Renovation Fight) appeared first on Emily Henderson. Originally from Emily Henderson https://ift.tt/3BWQfKk The Wicker Trend Is Stronger Than Ever The Exciting Ways We Are Seeing It Played With Right Now7/29/2021 Just when we thought wicker has been overdone, it proves to be a versatile and ever-evolving design feature that we can’t get enough of. Over the past few years, we have seen wicker lighting and furniture thrive amongst a myriad of styles and now we are certain this design element is not going anywhere. If anything, people are getting more creative and bold with wicker accents, making it an exciting decor choice that transcends coastal and farmhouse styles we typically think of. Once again, wicker is taking on a new form and becoming more modern and cool by the minute. But before I show you just how hip it is, let me let you in on some trivia: despite popular belief, wicker is not a type of material but rather, it describes the technique in which it the material is woven. In fact, wicker is often made of rattan material but not all rattan is woven wicker. It’s a lot to take in, I know. Stay tuned for a post on just that (only half kidding…). Now, you might be wondering what’s so interesting about wicker now? Well, besides the fact that it adds texture, warmth, and natural elements to a space effortlessly, it’s popping up in more unexpected ways than ever. Hint: Animal sculptures are involved and there IS such thing as wicker motorcycle sculptures and that is just scratching the surface. Allow me to demonstrate the new and exciting wicker decor trends of 2021: Animals And SculpturesThese wicker animal heads by Madrid artist Javier S. Medina are just the weird flair we’ve been hoping for and the fact that they are handmade by Medina (who calls himself a self-taught basketmaker) makes them a spectacular conversation piece. He calls them Eco Animal Trophies and they are in fact, the cruelty-free, vegan-friendly substitute for animal head trophies. Oh, and they are DOPE. Clearly. Here Benjamin Reynaert styles the buffalo head by mounting it over this bed frame, making it a focal point of the room. Note that the wicker detail provides this otherwise colorful, bold, maximalist room with an organic texture but doesn’t take away from the modern bold style. It’s neutral in color but odd enough that it blends effortlessly in this anything but boring bedroom. A wicker animal head can also add a sculptural element to a gallery wall. Again, the wicker juxtaposes the colorful, maximalist space making it more dynamic. If you are worried about getting too funky with animal decor, just know that it has its place in minimal neutral homes too. For example… Anything that is part sculpture part furniture earns a hell yes from us. The Nalgona Chair by Chris Wolston proves that a woven jaw-dropping conversation piece is never a bad idea, and Arent & Pyke expertly use this piece to add some character to this modern coastal Sydney home. The chair is weird and sculptural enough to make a statement but it still compliments the neutral color palette and airy open feel of the space. This chair was also virtually used in the iconic home by Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters of FORBES+MASTERS and if you haven’t seen it yet, RUN DON’T WALK. They call the space they created “For Children Over The Age of 30” and I just love it so much. Obviously, we all need a long-necked wicker hat stand? No, not really but if you are looking for a free-standing object that could add height and a bit of weirdness to a shelf, you have my blessing with this one. Even styled alone as just a fun sculptural piece it would turn heads (no pun intended). 1. 1950’s Spanish Wicker Mule | 2. Wicker Woman figure |3. Vintage Tall Natural Wicker Giraffe Plant Stand | 4. Wicker and Rattan Elephant Basket With Storage | 5. 1970s Danish Golden Wicker Motorcycle Statue | 6. Vintage Boho Wicker Kangaroo Basket | 7. 1970s Decorative Wicker Boots Shoes | 8. Rhino Head | 9. Vintage Wicker Giraffe Planter See? I told you wicker motorcycle sculptures are happening, and if that’s the case, why not add in some wicker motorcycle boots too? At this point, I’ll take any wicker sculpture any day of the week. They are just too fun! Walls & Permanent FixturesA wicker accent wall by Atelier Vime is something I had no idea I needed in my life. Just think of the possibilities now that you know a wicker wall is possible?? It can create visual depth to a space that lacks architectural interest, add warmth to a dark space, and bring in a ton of character to a dull room. Atelier Vime makes these wicker panels custom, but a cost-effective and renter-friendly way to replicate the same vibe would be to use a wicker room divider or wicker mural. Yep, if you didn’t know I am going all-in with wicker. Give me all the woven textures!! In this bathroom, wicker makes another unexpected entrance as a tub covering paired with a matching valance by none other than Atelier Vime. We actually predicted wicker tub exteriors would be a trend in 2021 and I am happy to see it is coming to fruition. But let’s dissect why the wicker element here feels fresh and new 1. Since the tub is not freestanding, the rectangular built-in shape could come across as too boxy, so the woven detail adds movement and 2. The wicker valance complements the tub and helps to bring the eye up so your eye also catches the wood beam ceilings which is a key architectural element of the space. One thing I have noticed about wicker decor is that nothing compliments it more than–you guessed it–more wicker. Mixing wicker with wicker or any of its close relatives (rattan, cane, bamboo) is an easy way to add even more warmth and natural textures to a room. The above bathroom also proves that wicker and wood are a match made in rustic heaven. Who needs color when you can have varying shades of brown and tan combined with varying weaves and textures? It may sound boring but clearly it is anything but. Pedestals And Oversized PlantersOnce again, if anything can make the case for wicker everything, it’s Atelier Vime. They do wicker and rattan like nobody else, as is made evident by the wicker pedestal and matching oversized vase combination. The pair creates height and movement not to mention it adds a roman architecture esthetic that we just don’t see enough of nowadays. Sans the pedestal, the oversized urn-shaped planter is the perfect accent for any entry table or console. It is still oversized and dramatic and if you can style it with a plethora of wild foliage and branches, well, you are the plant goddess I aim to be. Wicker planters are not revolutionary, but I have been seeing a surge in large basket planters paired with thin trees and branches. I love the one in the above home tour that has a wavy movement to it, making it appear like a soft and flexible woven bag. It leans into the organic and nature-centered style effortlessly and the thin branches only emphasize the oversized look and feel. 1. Elegance 2 Piece Wicker/Rattan Basket Set | 2. Rattan Fine Weave Round Basket Brown | 3. Wicker Urn And Pedestal | 4. Wicker Pedestal Plant Stand | 5. Antique Wicker Plant Stand | 6. Vintage Wicker Plant Stand Extremely Oversized Pendants In Modern Or Traditional SpacesImagine if this pendant wasn’t wicker, but a solid color or metal? It just wouldn’t have the same effect. The weave brings in texture to this otherwise bare staircase, and the size makes it a statement so it can stand alone. In fact, when you are trying to decipher how neutral homes can be minimal but not at all boring, take note of the textures present. Chances are you’ll find wicker, rattan, and knobby woods which bring so much dynamic to a space while maintaining the soft, neutral color palette. A Captain’s Cottage is a classic canvas for wicker decor, and this moody room proves that wicker can thrive outside light and airy spaces. This wicker pendant complements the dark blues and deep maroon accents and the fact it is oversized brings in an even more dramatic element to the space. It should come as no surprise that Beata Heuman executes the oversized wicker pendant flawlessly, and shows how they can work with a range of styles and color palettes. On the left, the scalloped wicker pendant complements the traditional farmhouse style and brings in much-needed warmth to the crisp white walls. The kitchen on the right however has a bright modern farmhouse feel making the low hanging oversized pendant appear playful and whimsical. Multiple Pendants In A Row (The More The Merrier)We are used to seeing long narrow hallways being an avenue for design risks (think wallpaper ceilings, bold paint colors, floor to ceiling gallery walls, etc, etc) so a string of pendant lights is a pretty genius design risk to add to the mix. Besides being functional and adding light to a dim corridor, the different shapes and weaves of the wicker pendants make them feel collected and intentional, adding a lot of personality to the space. With this room above that has a sitting area and dining area in one, the layout calls for something to break up the room. Over the long farmhouse table, the pair of wicker pendants creates the illusion of two separate zones, and the wicker texture pulls together the minimal coastal style of the whole space. If you can’t get enough of wicker lighting, show it off by hanging multiple over a long wooden table like the above. It’s so impactful when used in a neutral space so you can keep everything else soft, minimal, and effortless. The only thing more interesting than the vaulted ceilings here is the not one, not two, not three, but SIX wicker pendants hanging above and around the kitchen island. That design choice alone is cool, but the wicker texture is also important because it makes it so the pendants are not weighing down the whole space and instead, they reflect a light and airy feel. Note that are a lot of fixtures and hanging pieces but the room itself is not overwhelming or chaotic. 1. Santa Barbara Round Pendant | 2. Elodie 1 – Light Single Dome Pendant | 3. Elodie 1 – Light Single Bell Pendant | 4. Santa Barbara Pendant | 5. Vintage Large Rattan Woven Coffee Stained Pendant Fixture | 6. Handwoven Wicker Bell Pendant Lamp, Natural | 7. Wicker Pear Shaped Pendant Lamp | 8. Santa Barbara Taper Pendant | 9. Mid 20th Century Vintage Wicker Parasol Pendant Light Wicker Wrapped ObjectsIf you simply want to dip your toes in wicker and sprinkle in some fisherman meets Italian Riveria flair, look no further than a wicker-wrapped bottle or object. This not-so-new decor piece is making a comeback and it’s not hard to understand why. There is something very old-world Europe about it and it’s a gloriously simple way to liven up your shelves. 1. Vintage Wicker Covered Wicker Wine Bottle | 2. French Wicker Wrapped Demijohn | 3. Rattan Wrapped Jug | 4. Vintage Large Wicker Wrapped Demijohn Bottle Lamp | 5. Vintage Wicker Jug | 6. French Wicker Wrapped Bottles Display A Collection Of BasketsAre you over the traditional gallery wall? No problem. Displaying a collection of baskets in varying sizes and colors is a simple and inexpensive way to bring character to a room. The seemingly arbitrary way they are hung up on this wall just adds to the casual and effortless feel of the space, and if you do in fact collect wicker baskets, what better way to display them? 1. Hanging Wall Wicker Basket | 2. Vintage Wicker Woven Storage Basket | 3. Set of Three Jute wall hanging baskets | 4. 1970s Mid-Century Wicker Basket | 5. Vintage Woven Wicker Umbrella Basket | 6. Vintage Woven Wicker Shopping Basket With Handle Lampshades…ObviouslyDid you think I would leave you without mentioning wicker lampshades? Well, ye have little faith because I could never. The wicker lampshade trend is not new but it is still going VERY strong (bonus points if it is wicker and scalloped). In fact, I hope it never ever goes away because I may have a few wicker lampshades that will appear in my MOTO (makeover takeover) that is coming to you soon. 1. Vintage 1970s Wicker Rattan Scalloped Ceiling Shade Lamp | 2. Rattan Table Lamp | 3. Maison Maison Small Scalloped Lampshade in Seagrass | 4. Maison Maison Medium Scalloped Lampshade in Water Hyacinth | 5. Rattan Wicker Natural Lampshade – Lampshade | 6. Ballhead & Corky Rattan Lampshade Okay, now that I have managed to write the word wicker over 50 times I want to hand it over to you. Do you have any questions? Comments? Concerns? Drop them all below and have yourself a happy Thursday. xx Opener Image Credit: Art by Javier S. Medina | Photo by Davit Ruiz for Loewe | via Remodelista The post The Wicker Trend Is Stronger Than Ever + The Exciting Ways We Are Seeing It Played With Right Now appeared first on Emily Henderson. Originally from Emily Henderson https://ift.tt/3zLyiMB After coming off the heels of an 1878 Victorian renovation, my family and I decided to sell our home and embark on a new project: A 1945 Colonial fixer-upper during the height of the pandemic. With real estate prices soaring, we were lucky enough to win our bid and began transforming our new house into a home we love. When we first stepped foot in this home, we fell in love with all the natural light that poured into the kitchen and the east-facing side of the house, however, the other side of the house was a different story, it was dark, dingy, and quite honestly, depressing. The room which I believed once served as a living room, was now an oversized dining room with one south-facing window, and then right off of that room, was a sunken living room addition with a dated, broken slider that led to an old metal screened porch that was surrounded by nature trees, which basically equaled MORE DARKNESS. Oh, and did I mention that the popcorn ceilings in the living room space were less than 8 feet tall? I knew right from the get-go that if we were to buy this home we would need to make some serious changes to this space, and the first thing that came to mind was… raise the roof! Well, not literally, but I knew this space would definitely benefit from vaulted ceilings and skylights. I knew that vaulting the ceiling and adding skylights would not only provide some much-needed headroom, but it would also make the space feel much lighter, brighter and so much more welcoming. “How did you know you could vault the ceiling?” You may be wondering. Well, luckily for me, my husband is in the construction trade and had an engineer friend come check out our ceiling and roof structure. Our ceiling was basically a drywall drop ceiling with insulation; it had no ductwork and no electrical, which made our ceiling an easier candidate to be vaulted. A few things to consider when thinking about vaulting a ceiling:
5. Prior to insulating and closing your vaulted ceiling, you should make sure that your roof is vented, (ours wasn’t) so we needed to have ridge and soffit vents cut for proper airflow and insulation. This cost ranges between $1,000-$2,500 including insulation. Once we did our due diligence, two months later we had a VELUX installer in our home installing not one, but two VELUX No Leak Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights. It was literally a dream come true! And here we are today! The transformation is UNREAL! These skylights are so amazing and truly changed the whole feel of this room. We went from a dark and cave-like space, to a light, bright and airy room that we actually want to spend time in. Not only does the addition of the skylights allow natural light to flood our living room, but they also allow fresh air to flow into our home. As you can see, the skylights weren’t the only updates we made to this space. PaintOnce the skylights were installed, it was time to think about how I wanted the space to feel, although, at this point, I had already checked off a few of my light, bright, and airy requirements. To stick with this theme, I painted the walls Basalt Powder by Sherwin Williams, it’s a light greige color which helped to freshen up the old paneled walls. CeilingsOnce the skylight installation was complete, we were torn about planking the ceiling or just having them drywalled. Ultimately, we chose drywall considering we hadn’t planned on removing the wall paneling during this phase of the renovation, and we didn’t want to have too many paneling styles going on in one space. Floors and DoorLuckily the oak floors were still in good shape, so we cleaned them up and decided that floor refinishing might happen down the line. But the sliding door, on the other hand, needed to be replaced. I think the second-best decision we made in this space was replacing the slider with french doors. They make the room feel updated and special. We’ve also since removed the metal screened porch, which makes us feel so much closer to nature and allows us to take in the beauty of our wooded lot. Sconces | Cabinets | Shelves | Blue Swivel Chair | Black Woven Back Accent Chair | Brown Pillow | Rug Furniture and DecorThe other huge challenge in this room that I’ve yet to mention is that it’s long and narrow. At approximately 12 feet wide by 24 feet long, with a centered door on one side and a set of stairs on the other, it made the furniture layout a bit of a challenge. We removed the old built-ins and replaced them with wall-to-wall Ikea Havsta cabinets to serve as a media console and toy/game storage. Since I won with the vaulted ceiling and skylights (who am I kidding? We all won!) I let my hubs get the big 70” TV. We mounted it and flanked it with Ikea Mosslanda ledge shelves cut down to fit and painted to match the wall so that focus would be less on the shelves themselves, and more on what’s displayed on the shelves. Speaking of which, while there isn’t a ton of room to display large items on the ledge shelves, I had fun styling some of my collected treasures, vintage prints, a few vintage brass candle holders, some modern sculptural pieces, and some books. There’s no doubt in my mind that the styling of these shelves will change quite often, but I love that it serves as sort of a play on having built-in shelves flanking the tv. Another solution I have planned for the layout issue is to find a pair of swivel chairs to be placed in front of the cabinet. That way they could be used facing the sofa for conversational situations or turned towards the tv for gaming or movie watching. For other seating in the room, I kept with the family-friendly theme, by choosing the Arlen slipcovered sofa from LuLu & Georgia. Some may think choosing a light-colored sofa with kids is a little daring, but I’m comforted knowing that I can remove the slipcover to be washed when needed. I love this sofa’s clean lines, and how cozy and relaxed it feels. We decided to keep the placement of the sofa off the wall to make the space feel more intimate. Which then led me to think about decorating the area behind the sofa. Faux Leather Lumbar Pillow | Green Stripe Pillow Decorating behind a sofa can be a real struggle. But there were a few go-to options that popped in my mind, and my thought process went a little like this:
So, I ultimately settled on a DIY sofa table and a very large, textured DIY art piece with a framed and matted print layered in front. I flanked the art with a small grouping of brass candle holders and a good size planter with a rubber plant. I balanced the sofa table vignette with my Fiddle Leaf Fig, Stella (who, by the way, is holding on for dear life, in fact, all of my plant babies have been peeved with me since the move.) Under the sofa table, I placed some jute poufs, for extra seating when necessary, or to be used as a footrest for when we’re feeling really loungy. To the right of the sofa table, there’s a small built-in shelf. I updated it by painting it to match the walls and then replaced the shelves with thicker, stained wood boards, for some warmth, texture, and interest. I styled them with some framed vintage sketches, my grandmother’s 20+-year-old pothos, books, and a few of my favorite brass animal figurines. And on the bottom shelf, I placed 2 medium-sized baskets: one to hide the internet modem and another to hold excess throw blankets. For the coffee table, I generally keep my styling pretty simple: I use a tray, a small plant in a pretty planter, a candle, coasters, and books, which are great for everyday use. But when I want to be fancy, I may swap out the plant with a large vase with foraged stems. Our coffee table is the Gweneth Oval coffee table from Lulu & Georgia. I love its sleek modern shape and black ash finish which coordinates perfectly with our dining room chairs in the adjacent room. While it may not be conventional to have a dining table in front of a fireplace, we were so happy to be able to utilize the dining table we had already owned in this space. We added these beautiful Lawnie Dining Chairs from LuLu & Georgia to tie in with the other black accents in the room—we love how fresh and modern it looks and feels Dining Chairs | Light Fixture | Dining Table | Blanket Ladder | Curtains The dining room accent wall was actually courtesy of my husband. Although I actually wasn’t on board at first, the dark, moody gray grew on me, as it gives the room depth and makes it appear larger and much more interesting. While I still find myself tweaking things every now and then (I mean, is a space ever truly complete?), the transformation of this room turned out to be everything we envisioned and more! What used to be a dark dungeon-like room, is now a bright and welcoming space where we enjoy spending quality time together as a family. *Design by Carli Alves of Made by Carli The post Can Anyone Vault Their Ceilings And What Does That Cost?? (Plus See Carli Alves’ Dark Living Room Get A BRIGHT Makeover) appeared first on Emily Henderson. Originally from Emily Henderson https://ift.tt/3lacfvj Hey everyone! I’m Cassandra LaValle, founder of Coco Kelley – a lifestyle blog and housewares shop, and I’m an Interior & Prop Stylist in Seattle. I’ve had my blog since 2007 which makes me old school around these parts. It also means that I’ve actually known Emily since we were both starting out in this industry! It’s been nothing short of amazing to watch her grow this community, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be here today to share the reveal of my most recent home project – a total renovation of our basement kitchen into what I’ve dubbed our Garden Suite and Cellar Kitchen. Sounds fancy huh? Well, it didn’t start out that way. When I first moved into the house owned by my then-boyfriend, now-husband, I had mixed emotions about the whole thing. I had never owned a home, and as a decorator, I was so excited to be able to put my touch on everything. I was also, however, slightly disappointed that I wouldn’t be going through the process of actually choosing my first home. (Now, with the real estate market being what it is I couldn’t be more grateful to be spared that adventure!) One of the things that I despised the most about the house was the basement. Not just the fact that it was an old, musty-smelling, poorly remodeled basement, but the fact that it had cold, saltillo tile covering every surface (not just the floors, but the window sills and stairs!) was baffling. A 1920s brick craftsman home in Seattle, with saltillo tile floors? This made NO sense in my design brain. So when we finally decided to tackle the basement renovation in the fall of 2020, I was ecstatic. I was finally pulling out those tiles. And then… I started designing. And budgeting. And realized that maybe… just maybe… they weren’t so bad after all? I debated. Yes, terracotta floors are having a moment, but would I like them in another year or two? On the other hand, not tearing them out would save us so much money. What if we painted them? Finally, after several Instagram polls and walking a few design friends through the space, I made a decision. The floors would stay. It’s amazing what can happen when you embrace a design element that you may have seen as a challenge or eyesore and work with it instead of against it. In this case? It became one of my very favorite parts of our entire basement kitchen remodel. Once I knew what I’d be working with, I decided that the entire basement would have a Mediterranean vibe. I’m Italian by heritage and I began to imagine the space as an homage to my grandparent’s basement. A true cellar kitchen! Before I start designing, I always think about the function of the space. Seeing as this was a secondary kitchen, it was almost more important to consider its use. Connected to our backyard, its ultimate purpose would be as a garden kitchen. A place we could easily duck in and out of while planting, harvesting and processing flowers and veggies from our garden. It would also serve as a guest suite when friends and family came to visit, and – ultimately – a space that we could rent as an apartment down the road. I wanted it to feel welcome and charming, like a true vacation for guests, while keeping things classic enough that we could rent it out in the future. It may sound like a tall order, but really, all of these elements felt cohesive and easy to me because they are already such a part of who I am and how I design. Now, let’s break these design decisions and materials down, shall we?? First off, the cabinetry. To keep things budget-friendly, even though we gutted the entire room, the layout stayed exactly the same. I love having the sink right below the window, and by opting for floating shelves along that wall instead of cabinetry, the space immediately felt lighter and larger. Plus, they provide a fun place for me to style – always a bonus. Wooden Accordion Reg Rail | Strawberry Terracotta Pot (similar) | Dutch Door (custom) | Brass Door Handle | Brass Dead Bolt Rather than continue the cabinets on the opposite wall from the sink, I opted to use a storage piece I already had, and I love the way the oak brings an additional material into the space. A vintage bench and some storage for garden hats complete that little ‘entry’ moment. Brass Mister (similar) | Cabinets | Pulls | Sconce I worked with Master Brand Cabinets Diamond line, choosing the Liberty style. The beadboard ties so well with the age of the house and brings the European look I was going for. Choosing the paint color was hugely important because – as some of you may know from experience – when you have a floor (or wall) with such a strong tone (terra cotta) it will reflect in the colors around it. One surefire way to tone this down is to choose the color opposite on the color wheel. So in this case red/green. That’s how I landed on the ‘Limestone’ option for our finish. It has a subtle green undertone that I knew would balance the terra cotta floors perfectly! Refridgerator | Stove | Hood Opting for smaller appliances appropriate to the scale of the room also helped immensely in opening up the space, as does the white finish! When considering stainless steel, my concern was that it would feel like a wall of gray with the cabinetry, and nobody in Seattle needs more gray – especially in a dark basement! The white finish with the brass handles is perfection and I was even happier with that choice when I saw it all come together. As a total stroke of design luck, the white also brought in that freshness I needed to create a more Mediterranean vibe, which I hadn’t even considered. Woven Sconce | Faucet | Blue Lamp Kitchen Towel (unavailable) Speaking of brass – one of the details I had the most fun with was mixing my metal finishes, which is something I’ve not done much of elsewhere in the house. On the main floor we have a lot of brass (you can see the main kitchen here for reference!), so I continued that finish downstairs in the lighting fixtures, selecting a polished nickel finish for hardware and plumbing fixtures. I’ve always found this is a great way to figure out how to mix your metals, by assigning finishes to categories for consistency. The gorgeous faucet and classic pulls from Rejuvenation blend nicely with the cabinet color which was intentional as I wanted them to be more subtle, less statement. I’m secretly hoping they’ll patina a bit too! We also used Rejuvenation for the custom dutch door hardware, and it’s such an elevated moment. Countertops | Dutch Door Latch As for surfaces, I had seen Caesarstone Cloudburst Concrete countertops at a friend’s home about a year prior to our renovation and instantly fell in love with the finish. So much so that I didn’t even consider other options, which is very unlike me! I love how visually soft it is in the space, while offering the durability of quartz. For tile, I opted for a fun accent color in the backsplash behind the range, choosing not to wrap it around into the walls for two reasons. 1) It feels a bit more old-world to have tile just over the stove and 2) I love color but not that much color. We used Fireclay Tile in their brick style, which has a nice organic feel to it. I chose San Gabriel, which I happen to think might be the most perfect blue/green tile ever. Last but not least – the question everyone always asks – what color are the walls!? After many swatches (why is white SO hard?) we landed on “Marshmallow” by Sherwin-Williams for every room in the basement. It’s a super lovely soft white with a warmer undertone. I learned very quickly that in a basement there’s almost no such thing as too bright a white, but you definitely don’t want it to feel cold. This one strikes the perfect balance for me. I almost painted a green trim around the window and doors to match the backsplash, but panicked at the last minute (gah! color!) and decided to go with ‘Extra White’ which is a pretty standard trim color. One place I did insert a lot more color was in all the accessories! It’s definitely my style to choose neutrals for the large items in a room, and top everything off with items that I can easily switch out if I get tired of the palette. It was important to me to use a lot of vintage elements in styling the open shelving as a way to bring some old-world style into the space. I pulled most of the pieces from my own shop, and it’s been fun to rotate through items and restyle the shelves as I find new treasures, since I’m always hunting! There are a few items, however, that are more permanent, like that perfect art piece. We also stock the shelves with more practical glassware and coffee mugs when visitors come. I guess that’s the perk of open shelving – it’s easy to switch up! Overall, this space has become as beautiful as it is functional for us in so many ways!! Our guests and families have been loving it too. And – yes – I’m still SO glad that we kept the tile floors. They’re easy to clean (while hiding dirt trekked in from the garden!), they lend a lot of character to the space, and – as we most recently discovered – they keep the basement very cool during the craziest of heatwaves! And there you have it!! Every major decision made about this renovation in the most condensed format I could possibly muster. If you’re interested in more info on any of these topics specifically, you can find all of my more in-depth design posts on my blog, and I’ll happily answer questions in the comments too! Thanks Emily & Team for having me share this joyful space with you!! *Design by Cassandra LaValle The post Coco Kelly’s Basement Kitchen Reveal!! + A Case For That One Original Design Element You Hate Becoming Your Favorite appeared first on Emily Henderson. Originally from Emily Henderson https://ift.tt/3iTQOMc The Best Reviewed Carry-On Luggage And Travel Accessories So You Are Prepared For Your Next Trip7/26/2021 Traveling is on the horizon but I assure you this post is not to convince you to pack your bags and jump on a plane if you are not there yet. Do what makes you feel comfortable/safe, be aware of Covid spikes and new variants. Be vigilant, folks. We are not out of the woods yet. Now I do think people are planning trips or will be in the near future, hence the inspiration for this post. I for one am staying in the states this year but overnight and weekend trips are certainly happening, which got me thinking: Is it time for a luggage upgrade? I personally have zero travel swag with my completely mismatched luggage and zero functionality tote bags that I lug around with me when I have to bring anything other than what I have on my back. Not surprisingly, things are more enjoyable when you are adeptly prepared and bonus points if you can combine function and style. As I was absently searching for the best carry-ons and weekend bags, I figured many of you might be on the same page. If anything 2020 made me realize I have taken for granted the freedom to travel for far too long. Once I get the A-OK I will be traveling more and experiencing things other than my four walls. Anyone with me? If so, I am happy to share my heavily researched findings, with a variety of budgets and needs in mind. Let’s get into it. Best Reviewed Carry-OnsThe Away Carry-On | Monos Carry-On By now you probably know all about Away but have you heard the competitor, Monos? They are almost identical but some reviewers are claiming that the Monos version is superior. What I am gathering is those who have tried Away before prefer Monos as it has more compartments inside and the inside feels a lot more spacious. Price-wise, Monos is more expensive but marked down right now at $220 (for the small carry-on) and the Away small carry-on is $225. Talk about tough competition, folks!! They both have lifetime limited warranties but I have to say Away’s is better as it covers cracks or breaks in the shell, and other wear and tear mishaps where Monos is not as forgiving. Regardless, I think you won’t go wrong with either. Reviews on both are raving so it just depends on personal preference, I think. Side note: Mallory was telling me that at baggage claim it’s pretty wild how many Away bags come through and it must be incredibly frustrating trying to spot yours amongst the plethora. I have a cheap purple one from Amazon with yellow zippers that’s as embarrassing as it is easy to spot, so I don’t have this problem. Yet. If and when I do upgrade I don’t want to regret it and I certainly don’t want one more thing to worry about at the airport (i.e. someone grabbing my bag on accident or me grabbing someone else’s). Away bag enthusiasts, what are your thoughts? Is it as annoying as it seems or no big deal? You tell me. BEST (And Most Affordable) Away DUPEHardside 20″ Carry On Spinner Suitcase This guy seems more my speed. Like I said, in the before times I didn’t travel a bunch. I am at like a first-grade level when it comes to traveling (never been out of the country, never have had a passport, slightly anxious flyer–you get it). That said, I can’t justify spending over $100 on a carry-on because it won’t get a ton of use. At least not right away. I am also shamefully not the best at taking care of my things. It’s a horrible character trait of mine so sometimes I think it best to avoid expensive things that I might not take the best care of. This one is affordable enough, durable, and has all the compartments one needs. If You Are Looking For A Show StopperCalpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage She’s cute. She’s glamorous. She’s probably going to be the only rose gold number on the plane. It also comes in gold if you are into that (and if you are, more power to you). It’s a little more affordable than Away or Monos coming in at $195 (currently marked down to $146) and has a similar amount of compartments and GREAT reviews. In fact, all Calpak products seem to be well-loved by the populous so they might be coming for Away’s crown too. Ohh I love the DRAMA. Best Weekender Bags1. Large Foldable Travel Bag, $26: This bag is made from the same material as a parachute which I think points to the fact that it is extremely durable. It is also waterproof and foldable so it’s so easy to stow away. As someone who doesn’t have a ton of storage (you didn’t think I’d get through this post without mentioning storage did you?), I appreciate anything that can be made more compact. 2. Luka Duffel, $110: This little number is stylish and has NINE pockets so you can stay uber-organized. I love that it has two straps and it has luggage sleeves so you can slip it on your carry-on and live your best life! 3. Weekender Bag, $80: This sleek bag from Target has surprisingly great reviews. People say it is the perfect carry-on and is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you on a plane so it can be your plus one carry-on (aka it might just save you from having to pay ridiculous checked bag fees). 4. BAGGU Travel Cloud Bag, $78: BAGGU is a brand that I have been a fan of from afar for a long time. I don’t own any of their bags yet but I love all the colors and patterns and the fact that they are ethical and sustainable. At $78, this bag is not wildly expensive and it’s lightweight so you can shove as many clothes in there as possible without it becoming way too heavy to carry. 5. Tech Novel Duffle, $170: You can never go wrong with a Hershel bag because they practically ooze functionality. This duffle has a shoe compartment and internal organizers AND it can be easily attached to luggage so you don’t have to lug it around. 6. Murphie Underseat Carry-On Luggage, $110: If you are an over-packer like me, this little guy might need another companion to house multiple pairs of shoes and outfits you probably won’t wear. I do love that it is compact and can fit under the seat on a plane and it has WHEELS. Cause who wants to carry a bag when you can roll it, right? Best Travel Backpacks1. Metro Backpack, $195: This sleek guy is the perfect companion for someone who loves a minimal design. I think anyone who is in the tech industry would love this one just judging by the look of it and the fact it has many sleeves for various laptops, tablets, etc. 2. Travel Pack 2 Backpack, $160: This is Caitlin’s favorite and I would trust her with my life so I certainly trust her backpack recommendations. From Caitlin: “I will recommend this backpack till I die – it’s that good. It’s very Mary Poppins-esque in that you get it and you’re like, ‘shoot, there’s no way it can fit all I need’ and then BAM, it does. I backpacked Europe in winter with this as my lone piece of luggage and it held everything – all of my cold-weather layers, my shower shoes (there’s a separate shoe compartment!), my souvenirs…everything. As an added bonus, it can still generally fit under a seat, so you’ll never have to gate-check if the luggage bins get too full on a plane or pay any extra baggage fees if you’re overseas (TBH it’ll take up a liiiitle bit of legroom, but I’m tall and have had it underneath the seat in front of me on 10-hour flights without it being too annoying or frustrating). It’s been almost 4 years and it’s IMPOSSIBLE to get this thing looking even a little dirty or raggedy – even pet hair doesn’t stick to it. Plus, it’s normal-looking enough to use every day while still having some of the amenities that make carrying or traveling with it way easier, like a great side handle and buckled shoulder straps. AER MAKE ME THE SPOKESPERSON, I LOVE YOUR BAGS!” 3. Standard Rucksack, $460: This one is made by a Black owned company and while it is on the more expensive side, it is handmade with vegetable leather and will likely last a lifetime. It’s perfect for someone who travels a lot for work as it’s the ideal size for a laptop and would be an exceptional gift. 4. Hartmann Metropolitan 2 Executive Backpack, $192: I really appreciate the functionality of this one. It’s no-nonsense, but still cute (I love mustard colored anything) and has ample pockets so you can stay organized. 5. Gathering Bag, $68. This is my top pick because it’s affordable, unique, and utilitarian, with lots of pockets for various travel necessities (which in my case is mostly snacks and 4-5 books I probably won’t open once). It has a seasoned backpacker look about it and I would assume anyone who has it is well-read and sophisticated. It’s just cool and it is sold by a sustainable Black-owned brand we love. 6. Tech Backpack, $130: I trust anything Hershel makes. They think of everything and their designs are just sleek, modern, and cool. As always, this backpack has like 10 sleeves so you can be super organized and let’s be honest, anyone who wears a Hershel backpack looks scholarly af. Best Toiletry Bags1. Hue Toiletry Bag, $48: I am starting to realize Calpak really knows what they are doing. This toiletry bag is solid and functional, perfect for a one-night getaway. 2. Premium Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag, $24: This is another great toiletry bag if you are going somewhere for one night and just need the essentials. It has room for skincare products and has compartments for makeup and makeup brushes and over $10,000 have things mostly great things to say about it so if you wanna go on an Amazon review rabbit hole, here’s your chance. 3. Sonia Kashuk Weekender Makeup Bag, $20: I can always trust Sonia Kashuk products to be practical and stylish. This one has two sleeves so you can keep your makeup and skincare separate and at $20 it’s just a solid and affordable travel companion. Its slender design means it can slide easily into luggage and take up less precious space. 4. The Hanging Cosmetic Case, $58: Here we are getting into the big leagues. If you have a good amount of makeup, skincare, vitamins, serums, etc etc. you will want something that has multiple pockets and can spill down like so. It also has a little hanger so you can hook it on the back of a door so it doesn’t take up precious bathroom vanity space. 5. Nimbus Cosmetic bag, $65: This one comes in two sizes and has RAVE reviews. People love how much it can hold and how stylish it is. The material is also nice and it is easy to clean which is a plus if you know how gross toiletry bags can get. 6. BAGSMART Toiletry Bag, $23: Okay, sign me up for this bad boy that has 4 separate pockets that spill down so you can see everything. I have actually acquired a ton of makeup and skincare over quarantine so I need something big and ridiculous like this. Over 13,000 have reviewed it and highly recommend. And you know strangers on the internet are the best people, right? Alright, that is all from me but you know I have to ask, what are your favorite travel bags and accessories? Drop em below and have a lovely Monday, sweet friends. xx Opener Image Credit: Design by William Hunter Collective | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | Produced and Art Directed by Emily Henderson | Styled by Velinda Hellen and Erik Staalberg |From: 5 Outdoor Ideas & Hacks That’ll Instantly Add Style (& Save You Money) The post The Best Reviewed Carry-On Luggage And Travel Accessories So You Are Prepared For Your Next Trip appeared first on Emily Henderson. Originally from Emily Henderson https://ift.tt/3kWmtPF We’ve arrived at THE LAST Sunday in July! Whew, that was quicker than we could have possibly imagined. I’m sure like us you are trying to soak in every last sun-drenched moment you can so let’s link it up and get the heck out(side)… Our house tour this week is a burst of colorful joy that also takes the definition of texture to a new level (just wait and see what we mean). You are in for a treat because designer Lisa Burdus gave her client the “party house” they wanted in the most fun yet sophisticated way. The blend of English and Moroccan styles paired with A LOT of vintage and patterns just makes the home a total feast for the eyeballs. Go check it out! From Emily: I love a workplace gossipy page-turner so let’s chat – 1. The Herd. This is fictional, of course, but I’m pretty sure it was written based on The Wing – the all-female exclusive social club started in NYC. I have a lot of skepticism around these types of clubs, and this book did NOT dissipate that. It’s a fast, gossipy read, set in New York involving a murder, and gives some insight on what goes on inside these “female-empowering” clubs. 2. I just started The Other Black Girl last night which is set in the publishing industry and so far it’s THRILLING (I can’t wait to finish it this weekend). I’m taking a break from historical romance as we start to think about office culture again and these two are particularly thrilling. Also From Emily: I just switched from my “spring” pajamas to my “summer set” (I like a matching set and feel so uneasy going to bed if they don’t match). I bought this set two years ago (remember my PJ review?) and they are going strong (I need another set, actually – and I plan on buying the exact same color so I don’t have to try to find the right match each time). From Jess: Last year I discovered a GREAT hair care company called Briogeo and really loved their Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo and conditioner. However, they send me a sample pack of the Be Gentle, Be Kind Matcha + Apple Replenishing Superfood Shampoo and after testing it out my hair felt sooooo good. So while I was super happy with the first purchase I was also kinda waiting for it to run out so I could get my hands on the other one. Highly highly recommend! Plus on top of their products simply being awesome, it’s also a black-owned company. So all around a really great brand to support:) From Caitlin: I found the best outdoor (and indoor) pillow shop on Etsy!!! It’s run by a woman in Pennsylvania and her work is IMPECCABLE – I bought this banana leaf print pillow for my balcony and I am blown away by the quality. I wanted a pillow that was made from Sunbrella (because the air out there is filled with gunk from being so close to the road AND it gets blasted by the sun every morning), that was aesthetically appealing (the piping makes it look so luxe), and that wasn’t going to cost a day’s pay (some of the similar pillows I found on traditional decor sites were OVER TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS!!!). I bought the 18×18 version and am now eyeing a leopard print lumbar because I can’t resist an animal print:) I love supporting a small business – especially one with such a great quality:price ratio – and am just SO JAZZED to shoot the space and show y’all the finished product. Highly recommended – bookmark this one for any pillow needs moving forward!! Also From Caitlin: Does anyone else make monthly or quarterly playlists? This is what I’m listening to right now in Q3 but I’d love to follow your playlists and get some new recommendations from y’all in any genre!! I’m usually a pretty indie-leaning gal with a special love of depressing lady singer-songwriters and dudes who lock themselves in their bedrooms with synthesizers BUT right now, I’m on the hunt for some good country recommendations (the more cliche the better – give me ALL the songs about beer, friendship, going home and/or small towns, Saturday nights, etc.). I’m obsessed with Spotify’s Hot Country playlist but are there any of you out there who can give me some deeper cuts in that same pop/modern vein? (PS. I used to work at a prolific hardcore record label so I have REALLY come full circle in my life, haha.) From Mallory: I bought this $20 top while we were all shopping for shorts for yesterday’s post (lol I know I should have been buying shorts but it was too good to pass up). It’s crazy comfortable and I LOVE the little ruffle sleeves!! I’ve been wearing it for the last 3 days because it looks great on Zoom calls, is breathable (yes even though it technically is a sweater material), and it looks cute with denim shorts. 10/10 would recommend this top for anyone who wants a good wfh/summer top (and it will transition into fall well too!!) From Ryann: I really enjoy listening to music while I work, but lately, I have had the hardest time choosing the right playlists or genres to listen to. This means I end up sitting in silence for most of the day which is probably not great for my serotonin levels. But this week, my fiance showed me NTS radio and my work life is so much better for it! It’s free and ad-free and it just has really great curated music that I can turn on and forget about. You can listen live or listen to any previous broadcasts. My favorite playlists are FEELINGS which includes a mix of soul and disco and LOW KEY which plays smooth r&b and low-fi rap. Also From Ryann: I’ve finally found the best moisturizer for my skin and I am OVERJOYED you guys. It’s Dewy glow jelly cream by Innisfree and I just wish you could feel my skin right now and see how it’s transformed. I used to have chronic dry skin but I literally don’t anymore. It’s wild. I am so happy with this product and it’s only $25!! From Albie: After six long months of dealing with the kitchen renovation (see the reveal here!), one thing has become painfully clear to us — the garage needs help! Yep… renovating the kitchen, brought to light all of the garage’s deficiencies, so I have doing a lot of design daydreaming. After the announcement that I will be one of The Container Store’s 20 brand ambassadors, I immediately began “window” shopping garage solutions and this track system is everything! It’ll really help us free up some floor space and use the walls to hang a ton of tools that have otherwise just been in the way. Ok go outside, soak in those rays, and see you tomorrow!! Opening Image Credits: Design by Lisa Burdus | Photo by Maree Homer | via The Design Files The post The Link Up: Emily’s Go-To Summer PJs, Caitlin’s GREAT Etsy Pillow Shop, And The Garage Storage Item That’s Super Functional But Also Very Pretty appeared first on Emily Henderson. Originally from Emily Henderson https://ift.tt/3rGcO16 Here we are again, on the hunt for a great pair of shorts. It was 10 am Wednesday morning, LA heat was already ablaze, we were sweaty and ready to spend a half day trying on shorts for the sake of the blog. It’s what influencers do. But in all seriousness, us EHD gals were on the same page in that we needed shorts for summer (this heat is apparently going NOWHERE) and we agreed that buying shorts is not a breezy task. It should be, but it’s not. Is there some conspiracy that brands are behind where they menacingly mix and match sizing and laugh behind our backs as we try them on in horrible fluorescent dressing room lighting? Judging how the world is going right now, I am afraid anything is possible. Funnily enough, this post is actually coming around almost two years to the day since our last shorts review post, so it felt serendipitous to be back at the Americana (an outdoor mall in Glendale) albeit this time donning masks in this strange new world. We started the day off extremely excited to be in each other’s presence, looking forward to lunch at Bacari (the absolute BEST in town IMO), and practically giddy with the promise of new shorts. But enough talk, let’s get into the nitty-gritty: Our task was to try on as many shorts as possible, take photos, and give you our HONEST reviews. This post is 100% #notsponsored, just fueled by grit and determination to find the perfect pair. Let’s begin. RyannShorts Relationship Status: In theory I love denim shorts but hate how brands use the most arbitrary metric to determine sizing. I just want to have some faith that I can go into most stores and have a slight idea of what my size will be. Emotionally speaking, I don’t have any qualms about showing my legs, I just want the length to be long enough that my a** doesn’t hang out and I want the rise to be HIGH. The higher the better. I also am a weirdo in that I prefer my denim shorts to be rigid rather than stretchy even if that means they are widely less comfortable to sit in. Basically, I am down to take my shorts off at the end of the day and see every seam imprinted on my body. Go-To Size: 32 WOMEN’S HIGH-RISE JEAN SHORTS, TARGET, $18Size: 14 Why I like them (or don’t): I already own these shorts so this is technically cheating. It was probably a good thing that I started with these since the day would prove that shorts are a diabolical article of clothing. But these are good. Great wash. Good length and a healthy amount of stretch and legroom. The ones I have at home are a size 12 but I like the size 14 better. I am all about looser clothing lately and these were looser but still form-fitting (aka I wasn’t swimming in them just really comfortable). Here is the side view and as you can see they don’t hug my thighs which I am so grateful for. By the way, Target actually has killer shorts that don’t just fit, but fit WELL. What a concept! WOMEN’S HIGH-RISE VINTAGE STRETCH JEAN SHORTS, TARGET, $18Size: 14 Why I like them (or don’t): These have the same shape and feel as the ones above. I love the exposed buttons and the light wash is very good. They might even have a little bit more legroom which I appreciate and they are wildly comfortable. Like you can sit all damn day in these and feel like you’ve been wearing pajamas. I clearly felt really cute in them and now I am wondering why I didn’t buy? I think I was thinking this shopping day was going to be much more successful than it was and didn’t want to put all my eggs in one basket so to speak. They are currently in my cart and I might buy them by the time you finish this post. If just ONE person comments below that I should buy them, I will love you for justifying my inevitable purchase. DENIM SHORT IN SQUASH WASH, J. CREW, $80Size: 32 Why I like them (or don’t): After not finding any shorts in my size at Madewell (seriously, they didn’t have anything in stock over a size 30) I am annoyed at this point, feeling like shorts are the enemy. Or perhaps more accurately, brands that make shorts are the enemy. I am over brands that don’t understand how to make shorts for bigger bodies. They need to not only expand the waistband but also increase the rise!!! When you have a belly there just needs to be more fabric and because in this case there wasn’t, these were not as high-waisted as they should have been and instead of going straight across, the waistline made a super unflattering V shape, exposing my stomach. Needless to say, I skipped these! AMBROSIO DENIM SHORTS, CITIZENS OF HUMANITY, $160Size: 32 Why I like them (or don’t): This one made me laugh so I had to include. They are a size 32 and huge in the waist but fit snug in the thighs. This was right after I tried on these Levi’s that were a size 34 that fit like they should have been a normal size 32. I am not sure if I even like this length on me, but I was still down to try. Alas, the sizing was way off and further proved that brands need to start prioritizing more body types. Just like, have more fit models?? It shouldn’t be that hard. Parker Long Short, AGOLDE, $128Size: 31 Why I like them (or don’t): Here we have the clear winner of the day. I ended up buying them despite the high price point because A) I need to work on self-control and B) I fell in love with the wash and fit immediately. In the moment, I might have been desperate to find THE one so I won’t leave out the fact that I had some scary buyer’s remorse as soon as I left the store. Luckily though, once I was home I put them on again and I do truly love them. I am wearing them now in fact but you should know they have NO stretch so if you want comfort over style I’d skip these. They are true to size (FINALLY) although they could have more of a high waist. Like I said the higher the better!! Okay, this concludes my journey so let’s move on to the rest of team EHD. Take it away, Caitlin. CaitlinShorts Relationship Status: I don’t know WHAT is going on, but my self-esteem has been SOARING over the past few months. I think I’ve just finally come to terms with myself – like, this is what I look like, this is how my body looks, and IT’S FINE. To be fair, it’s still a bit of a work in progress – when I first saw my ~gams~ in the pics from today my internal monologue literally said, “Buzz, your girlfriend…woooooof” – but then I shut that self-talk down real fast. Like, yes, I am very pale and my legs look very jiggly in certain lighting situations (and they can also look dynamite in other lighting situations!!) but I am also an ADULT LADY who is too tired of letting REFRACTED LIGHT dictate the way I feel about myself. I’m too ornery for this. When we ran this post 2 years ago I was like “ehhhhh, I can go either way with shorts, hehe!” but now I’m militantly here to say “IT IS TOO DAMN HOT AND I WILL BE STRUTTING ABOUT IN MY BREEZY, COMFY PANTS.” On a less self-empowerment note, though – finding shorts that I can wear has always been a struggle. I just measured to get some clarity and have a 15″ waist-hip difference (you’d literally never be able to tell as my preferred style of top can best be described as “muumuu-esque”) but finding shorts that pull up over my hips/butt and don’t squeeze the ever-living bejeezus out of my vageen when I’m sitting is basically impossible. I don’t have many shorts to share today but I am VERY PASSIONATE about the shocking brand of choice Go-To Size: 30 – 32 (My old pants still fit but I’m up ~20 pounds over the past year and now buy larger sizes so like, WHO’S TO SAY?) HIGH-RISE PULL-ON SHORTS, TARGET, $18Size: XL Why I like them…or don’t: These are $17 bucks, a great color, and they felt surprisingly luxe (like a really affordable version of the Madewell pull-on short that I normally recommend to folks who want a comfier short). There’s a ton of stretch – like, another person could have fit in there with me – so I could have gone down to the L, but it’s really hard for me to find shorts that don’t cling to my butt so I looooved the amount of literal breathing room these had in the legs. They’re one of the rare pieces of elastic clothing that I actually think you could dress up OR down, which is super impressive. Just as a side note: they’re described as “high-rise” and maybe it’s just because I need a lot of fabric to cover my butt but these are DEF like… “line below your belly-button-rise” at best. (Does anyone else have that???) I also bought that shirt in 2 colors because it’s AWESOME – it was $10, the fabric was so good (perfect amount of drape/flow), and I loved the length of the sleeves. Normally I’m an “invest in your basics” type but after trying this on I’m like “DON’T INVEST IN YOUR BASICS when this $10 shirt exists!!!!” CURVE LOVE HIGH-RISE MOM SHORTS, ABERCROMBIE & FITCH, $59 (ON SALE FOR $30)Size: 32 Why I like them…or don’t: Hi, uh, quick little venue change because Abercrombie doesn’t actually carry these in-store but they’re too good not to share. LET ME SCREAM FROM THE ROOFTOPS ABOUT THE ABERCROMBIE CURVE LOVE LINE. Ryann threw these on my radar and I am forever grateful – they’re made with extra space in the hips and thighs and I LOVE THEM. I usually go with a 31 for daily wear (I’m in the 31 in the opening photo and you’ll see another shot of me in the 31s with Jess below) but I’m actually obsessed with the way that these size 32s fit. TBH they’re too big at the waist – they definitely fall down below my belly button which kind of defeats the purpose of a high-waisted pant, so they need to be belted – but I’ve NEVER been able to find a loose jean short that gives me some room around my big ol’ thighs so these are my dream come true. I definitely wear this pair more for house stuff (cleaning, waiting for packages so I can run down the stairs in something that’s not PJs, running errands – really anything physical labor-y) but maybe one day I’ll pair them with a tight, non-blousy top to be like “BAM, LOOK, I HAVE A SHAPE! CURVE LOVE 90S HIGH-RISE CUTOFF SHORTS, ABERCROMBIE & FITCH, $59 (ON SALE FOR $30)Size: 32 Why I like them…or don’t: GAH. These, tragically, are my absolute favorite…and they’re too big because I sized up, like a dip. You can kinda see the fabric folding over itself in the front because there’s too much of it annnnd they’re also still falling down despite being belted BUT with all that said, I would 1 MILLION PERCENT reorder these in a smaller size. I have a feeling that these are the most popular curve love jean shorts (they’re ALWAYS sold out) but I love the way that they’re made – there’s tons of space in the legs, the structure feels great (the cut is way different from the earlier mom jeans in a way that I can’t identify but definitely prefer) and overall, these get 10/10 marks from me. If you’ve been on the fence about shorts, have an average American-sized body (especially if you’re larger in the hips/thighs), and don’t really want to put yourself through the whole try-on ringer, I am EMPHATICALLY recommending you to give Abercrombie’s curve love line a whirl. (My 2000s Hot Topic-shopping self would be SHOCKED to know that one day that sentence would cross my lips.) JessShorts Relationship Status: Better than it’s been in a long time but still super fragile. After dealing with some health stuff that I may or may not talk about at some point (FYI I’m totally fine), I started walking most mornings back in March. I called it “Bunge’s Marching March Madness”. It was a dumb name and had not a thing to do with basketball but it helped and I’ve kept it going. So while I wish I could have pranced around in shorts at any of the myriad of sizes I have been over the past few years (or in this single year), only now am I actually comfortable enough to wear them outside my house (but also HUGE shout out to Megababe’s Thigh Rescue for making this actually possible because my baby-powder-between-the-thighs youth was worthless). Body positivity and/or body neutrality is the absolute goal but 33 years of severe mental conditioning is tough to shake amiright? But also please don’t be like old me and wear those shorts people!! It’s too damn hot! Go-To Size: 28/29 WOMEN’S HIGH-RISE SHORTS, TARGET, $20Size: 8 Why I like them…or don’t: I didn’t buy them but now I’m kinda regretting it. They were so cute and really comfortable. I just didn’t really need them. They are the perfect shorts where you don’t have to worry about anything “falling out”. Also perfect if you generally like a little more modesty in your shorts and great for running around with little ones. But are kinda a chic utilitarian look too, right? Ah, should I get them??? WOMEN’S HIGH-RISE VINTAGE STRETCH JEAN SHORTS, TARGET, $18Size: 8 Why I like them…or don’t: I also didn’t get these but liked them a lot…especially for $18. The length and wash were nice but I was looking for a sturdier denim. But definitely cute and recommend. However, I bought that shirt! It didn’t photograph as cute as it is in person, but it’s a perfect lightweight summer top with a fun pattern which I’m trying to buy more of to spice up my wardrobe. RELAXED DENIM SHORTS IN TILE WHITE, MADEWELL, $70 (ON SALE FOR $50)Size: 27 Why I like them…or don’t: First off I am NOT a 27 right now. So if you like these I would for sure size down at least one size depending on how you want them to fit. I didn’t try on a 26 but if I wanted them more fitted I think a 26 would have worked which is wild sizing, WILD. Look, I don’t hate “vanity sizing” because you know, society has thoroughly conditioned us/me to think the smaller the size the better. But a size 26 on me is straight-up laughable and just far too unrealistic that I couldn’t even pretend that might be real. This also echos Ryann’s point about sizing. Get it together brands! All this to say that I did really like them and they were very comfortable. But I didn’t buy them because I wasn’t on the hunt for white shorts (maybe I’ll actually get a pair early next summer). FYI they also come in a bunch of different washes online so white isn’t the only one in this fit. Em has them in a blue denim, loves them, and says to also size down depending on the amount of bagginess you want. FUN FACT (or fun-ish): These clogs are from Madewell if you were eyeing them:) SEASIDE SHORT IN INDIGO STRIPE, J. CREW, $40Size: Medium Why I like them…or don’t: I didn’t love these. Or maybe I should say, these would be great “inside shorts” for me because they felt like pajama bottoms. That isn’t a bad thing and you might LOVE the sound of that. They make them in a ton of colors so have at it:) AGOLDE PARKER SHORT IN ENCORE, NORDSTROM, $128Size: 29 Why I like them…or don’t: Y’all these were THE ONES! But of course because why on earth would I NOT choose the most expensive pair of the day????? I love the fit, I love that they’re more of a mid-rise than a high-rise, the love the sturdiness of the denim, the distress, and the wash. My only small, small wish is that they had a zipper instead of buttons to fasten up these bad boys. Seriously though, that’s it. I just feel f*ing cool in them and that’s all this gal could ask for. BUT WAIT! MY TOP! This cropped little shoulder-padded tank is so good! Trinny Woodall, who if you don’t follow you should because she’s funny, plays so hard with her fashion while still making everything look so chic and is very pro shoulder pads to add shape and interest to an outfit. It made me want a top with shoulder pads (she has one that’s really cute) and now I own one. It comes in a bunch of colors and there’s also a non-cropped option too. The ladies said I looked like “a nice gal that could also kick your butt is necessary” which honestly was the greatest compliment I could ask for when talking about my clothes. Don’t mess with Jess, you got that!? CURVE LOVE HIGH RISE MOM SHORTS IN DARK WASH, ABERCROMBIE & FITCH, $69 (ON SALE FOR $30)Size: 28 Why I like them…or don’t: So I am still a little back on forth on these but I do love them a lot. The sizing is my biggest hurdle. The reason I got a 28 in these was because they are from the Curve Love line which gives you a couple of extra inches in the hips and leg area. So great, right?! I know Caitlin has already confessed her love for these and I concur. It’s really nice to not have a weird gap above your butt too! However, this size is snug but I can totally sit and breathe so there’s that. I should also say that I got a 29 in the not Curve Love option and they felt kinda big and not flattering. HOW? That makes me think a 29 in the kind I have will be even bigger?? So for the 28s, I can’t tell if I’ve just been hiding my body for so long that “showing it off” in smaller, tighter shorts just feels wild or if they are just a tiny bit too tight. IDK. I think I might keep them and get out of my comfort zone. It’s 2021 baby. MalloryShorts Relationship Status: I’ve always struggled to find shorts that are tight enough on the waist and baggy enough on the thighs. From what I hear from women in general, this is a common problem and I personally have only found success in one short: the recycled Levis from Urban Outfitters. I love these shorts. Maybe too much…I wear them almost every single day (they say low-waisted online but mine certainly are not) and I had another pair of the same shorts before too and literally wore them until they have holes and even then I sew up the holes and continue wearing them until I literally can’t anymore. Well, the pair I have right now is starting to get to the “overly worn and not in a good way” phase, so I knew now’s the time to find some new shorts. Why not buy the same recycled Levis? Well, I already have them ordered but the main issue is they’re recycled so each one fits a little different than the last…sigh. 8/10 times I like the fit of these shorts, but I ordered one recently that just wasn’t as good of a fit and I had to take it back (big sigh). That’s why I was so stoked to be going on this shopping excursion since I really really needed to do this myself anyway. And guess what? I found a pair!! Come join me on this journey… Go-To Size: 26/27 BLACK SHORTS, TARGET, $18Size: 26 I’ve always debated if I needed a pair of black shorts in my wardrobe or not, so when I saw these for only $18 I thought why not give them a try. I really like the way they fit (super stretchy and comfy) and they can either be longer or shorter (I rolled them up once in this photo) which is nice for versatility. I would have bought them except for my mission was more about denim shorts, but if I decide to finally get black shorts I might come back for these. I did get this shirt though on a side note because it was very comfy and cute (it’s gonna kill on zoom calls too) and it looks way more expensive than the $20 I spent on it. RELAXED FIT DENIM SHORT, MADEWELL, $70 (ON SALE FOR $50)Size: 24 I’ve tried these on a few times before and have never loved the fit on me, but Emily bought them and SWEARS by them (she said in our last meeting that these are the only shorts she wears now). Well, I figured out why I didn’t love the fit before…they run BIG. Especially if you like your shorts to fit tighter like I do. I sized down 3 sizes from what I normally am (but in my opinion most pants at Madewell run a little big so I usually always size down at least 1 size) so these are a size 24 and I finally like the fit. They’re not the stretchiest shorts in the world but also aren’t as stiff as Levis in my opinion. Also, since I’m going for a tighter fit in a “relaxed fit short” I felt like it was giving me a camel toe but Caitlin is a firm believer that all shorts do that no matter what and that they looked totally fine. All in all, I’d give these shorts a 9/10 but didn’t buy them in the end because I just wanted to see what else was out there and this was only our second stop. Honestly though, if I didn’t find another pair, I would have probably gone back for these. I know Jess already discussed these, but just wanted to add that these shorts in white are MUCH stretchier and in my opinion are more comfortable than the denim ones (obviously because real denim really isn’t that comfortable until you break them in). I didn’t get these because I wear denim shorts way more than white, but if I was in the market for white shorts I would CERTAINLY come back for these. LEVI 501 LIGHT WASH SHORTS, LEVI’S, $70Size: 27 Winner winner chicken dinner. In a not-so-surprising turn of events, I tried on some classic Levi 501s (not the recycled version but still VERY light-washed) and fell in love. These shorts are admittedly a little tighter on the thigh than the recycled ones I have and wear all the time, but I’m pretty sure that’s just because they haven’t had the chance to break in yet like the other ones have. I love that these have a raw hemline with a little rip (my other’s don’t have any rips so it’s fun to shake it up) and I love how high they come up on my waist. All in all these shorts get a 10/10 and therefore took all of my money. There you have it, folks. We had a great time doing this for y’all so we hope it was informative or at the very least entertaining to watch us navigate being “influencers” for the day. The post The Shorts We Bought That Made Us Feel Really Good (And The Ones We Would Skip) – AKA A Very Honest Review Post appeared first on Emily Henderson. Originally from Emily Henderson https://ift.tt/3iKFtxM I feel like Carrie Bradshaw, but less sex columnist and more design writer. After a lot of reflection, provoked by a reader’s comment, I came to ask myself last week, “is a lot of tile really want we want? Are we over-tiling because we can and perhaps it’s not always the right choice?” Until recently I was on team “tile” everywhere, all the way – like in Jessica’s farmhouse kitchen above. Like a fashion stylist might love hats, I LOVE tile as a design element, a lot. I wrote more about the desire in this post but the idea is how you can take a simple tile and create high impact by putting it on all walls. It reflects the light, gives the rooms so much texture, and you barely need any art or accessories to dress it up. This was my intention a couple months ago in the kitchen and our main bath… until I read this comment from a reader, Lane, on the tile post… From commenter Lane (edited slightly for context): I’m European, having grown up with it, I don’t like tile on all walls. I love the simple design without excess trims, but not tile all over. I think it’s based on limitations of the past. Homes were humid, people were scared of mold, there was steam, bacteria, no ventilation, often no window in a bathroom either. I love to leave some walls without any tile. It makes a bathroom look and feel warm, pleasant, approachable, room-like, spa-like. Kitchens also feel warmer like a place to gather rather than prep meat. These (drywall) are actually good parts of American design. Kitchens with tile everywhere remind me so much of butcher shops and fish markets. That’s a completely different feeling that I want in my kitchen. Finally, tile is much colder material than drywall, plaster or wallpaper, both in terms of actual temperature and its reflection. So that’s my case against it, having lived both in Europe and in the States. I do believe many of my European friends wouldn’t agree with me. But many of them actually change their mind when they come here. I’ll be curious to see what you do. I’m sure there are exceptions to what I think about tile all over. In any case, I just wanted to point out these things in case it might be helpful. Perhaps, you’ll find a way to mitigate this if you decide in favor of this. Lane’s comment was so interesting to me and truly made me stop to think. Thank you, Lane. I love an opposing perspective based on real-life experiences. So when I perceive a ton of tile on all walls as beautiful (like above), I now see that it can also be read as sterile, “easy to clean,” and cold. Now, I think without a lot of natural light it’s nice to have a texture on your walls so the room doesn’t feel “dead” and to give it movement, but that texture could be wood or painted paneling, plaster, limewash, special molding, etc. It doesn’t have to be tile or even just drywall. And it made me wonder if in our main bathroom and kitchen we should do more plaster, less tile, which saves on material AND labor and maybe it will make it feel warmer and give us more of the vibe we want? I’m not talking backsplash or near wet surfaces, just on the walls away from where water can actually damage. A TEST CASE – OUR MOUNTAIN BATHSo I gave myself a test: I love the vibe of our bathroom at the mountain house and while we are infusing more color in the farm, and it will have more of a traditional bent (grids on windows, more classic lighting, custom wood vanity), I want the same feeling – quiet, spa-like, warm and not overly designed. So as I was contemplating Lane’s comment I asked myself if I would want tile on more of the walls in this bathroom (not just behind sink and toilet), and the answer was not an immediate HELL YES. It was more of a “sure, that could be pretty if it’s quiet and with non-contrasting grout”. Here’s a rendering of our farm bath to give you an idea of the space (it’s not designed yet): I think if everything else is really pretty (custom vanity that I’m PSYCHED about pretty stone countertop, huge windows, and blue-tiled floor). But then I wonder if it’s just not necessary to put on all walls. Anne’s vote is a huge “YES, MORE TILE” and Brian also thinks it will be extra beautiful (the tile we have chosen in here is SO PRETTY, high gloss and handmade from Pratt and Larsen with so much reflection and movement and a twist :)) But he admitted that it probably won’t be necessary to put it on multiple walls, either. I know it would be stunning, but would plaster actually be more the vibe we want? Aside from budget reasons, I ask myself, is less tile a better idea? But plaster ain’t cheap. What we did at the mountain house on the walls is this almost fake plaster finish where after they mudded the drywall, they did a pretty messy hand trowel on the walls that left a lot of “plaster-like” schmears. Then we painted on top of it. This isn’t apparently common but as I’ve written about it before is much cheaper than a flat finish OR plaster, and kinda gave the same look and is very forgiving. You are supposed to do semi-gloss in the bathroom, but since we’ll have a closed shower door we aren’t going to – if we were to do drywall we’d do this hand plastered fake technique and paint a flat paint on top. That’s all to say that maybe we don’t even have to use plaster at all! Here’s a close up of what it looks like (it’s super hard to shoot, sorry): In-person we really like it (admittedly in these photos I’m not that impressed with it and it looks fake, but you barely notice it in person and it just looks warm and hand-done but not too much at all). Would I like proper plaster more? Yes, but the cost difference is huge especially if you are doing a big space. We’ll definitely price it out, too and it might be worth doing in some rooms but not all of them. THE FARM KITCHEN = WITH OR WITHOUT TILE?So let’s analyze the mountain house kitchen, which has SUCH a good vibe and we LOVE its simplicity and warmth (admittedly I understyled these shots, but trust me that the light and wood are enough and you don’t really need “stuff” in here). Would that wall be prettier with a simple stacked white tile? Maybe, right?? It was something we thought about but honestly I don’t miss it on a daily basis at all and I like how understated it is. Now to be fair the wood grain adds a lot of texture and movement so that’s why I pulled it back with a simple white quartz and no tile – letting the wood and windows really shine. But a matte white tile, stacked vertically up to the vaulted ceiling would be beautiful, actually – just on that back wall. No regrets, just fun to analyze and explore with you all. SO WHAT ABOUT THE FARM KITCHEN?In the farm kitchen, we have designed a ton of windows and skylights (as you know) to bring in light to the kitchen and living room. Right now in the renderings, we have tile in between the windows and up around the door, but the more Brian and I think about it the more I’m wondering if not only do we no need it but would the kitchen be warmer and more the vibe we are going for with less tile. Or is the tile around the windows going to be just so pretty? Especially with pretty light switches popping off it? And here, below, is what it would look like if it were just a short backsplash up to the window and flanking the hood (again, not designed yet, guys). One of the best/worst things about me is how open I am to new ideas, and frankly how much fun it is to explore different perspectives and figure out which one fits the best with what you are going for. There are some things that are not negotiable, but then others where seeing an opposing view might actually yield a result closer to the goal. Living and working in this home I want a certain feeling and it’s not an “OMG WOW SO MANY STATEMENTS”. It’s more of a “roasted Sunday chicken, comfortable furniture, and casual warmth” and then you slowly feel the vibe and see the details and quality of the materials. ARCIFORM is pretty darn exceptional at the details that make an older home feel appropriately designed. And Anne (founder and lead designer) is quite the tile pusher It’s a pretty darn fun debate if you ask me and I don’t really think there is a way to lose or be “wrong” if you choose the right tile for the vibe you want – it can always be more understated even if it’s a high quantity. Thoughts? Opening Image Credits: Design by Jessica Helgerson and Yianni Doulis | Photo by Aaron Leitz and Lincoln Barbour | via Architectural Digest The post Can You/I Have Too Much Tile In Your Kitchen And Baths? A Drywall/Plaster Vs Tile Debate Inspired By A Reader Comment (For The Farm…) appeared first on Emily Henderson. Originally from Emily Henderson https://ift.tt/3xZsfDR It’s the summer of safe, small gatherings outside and are we ready. So today I have partnered with PRESS, a woman-founded, independently owned premium alcohol seltzer to show you how you can throw a little backyard seltzer garden party in an elevated yet casual way. We took over my friend’s backyard, styled it all out, brought the EHD crew over, drank some PRESS, and laughed A LOT. Tip #1: Bring The Indoors Out To Elevate The Space (And Avoid Waste)Farm Table (similar) | Fabric (similar)| Pink Napkins | Copper Beverage Tub| Blue & Gray Plates | Pitcher Vase (similar) | Black Tray (similar) |Tray (similar) Not everyone has extra pretty outdoor tables or sets of 12 matching plates, but for parties you can absolutely bring your indoor furniture, glassware, dinnerware, and linens outside and it will instantly elevate the space. It will also make it look and feel more special and helps reduce single-use waste. None of this has to match, just choose a color palette and play in that world. By the way, the PRESS can is fully recyclable and their packaging has been designed to be as well, and the can itself is attractive so you can skip the glassware if you chose. You’ll notice that we have a stack of three different plates and different pink napkins – it works, I promise. For this party with PRESS, the cans are honestly so nice looking that you can leave them in buckets without glassware but if you use glassware just mix it up within the color palette to help it feel special (this can also help avoid people grabbing someone else’s drink). We added reusable glass straws because they are adorable plus they help make the drinking experience a little more fun:) It’s like a cooler wine tag. Tip #2: Keep It Easy (But Delicious) With A Variety Of Top-Notch Seltzer FlavorsThe hard seltzer movement is upon us but not all are created (or taste) equal. I signed up to do this partnership because A. I love supporting female-founded businesses (over say, large corporations that own most of the seltzer brands) and B. They taste VERY GOOD, as they were designed to be really flavor-forward, with no after-taste and truly delicious all-natural ingredients. PRESS has 8 different flavors, 4 per box which makes it really fun to provide variety. We love Lingonberry Elderflower, Pineapple Basil, Pomegranate Ginger, and Grapefruit Cardamom. I also really love that they are easy drinking – meaning that with a slightly lower ABV (4%) so you can sip easily and responsibly. Tip #3: Skip The Traditional TableclothIf you are covering a folding table I get the to-the-floor tablecloth choice, but it can look a bit “catering” or “wedding” and is just not necessary. Even a “too small” piece of cute fabric set diagonally brings in a ton of personality. It lets your wood shine through and still protects most of it. So next time you are at a flea market or thrift store and see a pretty piece of fabric or even a thin blanket, snag it and use it as a fresh tablecloth. Tip #4: Create Multiple Drink/Food Stations For Good FlowAvoid the bottleneck (ha) and provide easy access with multiple drink stations throughout your space (depending on the size of the space and # of guests). Table (similar) | Table Runner (similar) | Terracota Bowl | Lantern | Wood Serving Board (similar) | Pitcher Vase (similar) We put tubs with drinks on tables in multiple areas to help move the gathering and create multiple spaces for easy access. Tip #5: Opt For Unfussy Flowers In Simple VesselsThe flowers at the grocery store or in your backyard are so pretty in the summer. Skip anything that looks too formal (or “arranged”) and opt for something more wildflower-y (aka weeds) next to peonies or white roses that you can likely get at the grocery store. If you are getting roses get them a couple of days in advance so that they look more open and pretty (rather than a closed tight bud). We used pretty glasses as vases (aka you don’t need to necessarily buy “vases”) and old jam jars with votives for lighting. Tip #6: Create Food Art With Charcuterie BoardsThere is something so satisfying about putting a bunch of ingredients on a board and making it look like art. Bowser is excellent at these and we call them “Boards by Bowser”. See? SO pretty, easy to grab, and perfect for parties that are in-between meal times. Tip #7: Create Pockets Of Conversation AreasChairs (similar) | Bistro Table | Canning Jars | Napkins | Wood Bowl There was this little courtyard on the side of my friend’s house that I have ALWAYS wanted to shoot (it’s so sweet). So we rented furniture from FOUND Rental Co. in LA (they have SUCH good stuff, a ton of vintage and casual furniture, and great for parties). We turned it into a more intimate conversation area with bistro chairs and tables and allowed for some more intimate chats. Some of the EHD team (and their guests) arrived early so they hung out here while we finished shooting in the lounge area and it honestly was so great. Tip #8: Give Your Guests Conversation Starters And GamesCanning Jars | Gold Card Holder The PRESS cans all have a QR code on them that you can scan for fun questions that are great conversation starters. Of course with good friends you likely don’t need a prompt, but after a year of less socializing maybe we can all use a little prompt. We also loved the idea of bringing out card games or BINGO to give everyone an activity. We find that even pulling out a deck of cards can change the vibe and make it feel casual and tells people that this isn’t a fancy affair. Extra Large Cutting Board (similar) I love the idea of layering rugs on the floor to create a soft lounging area and then using a big cutting board as a “table” on the floor to house food/drink. Tip #9: Have Multiple Types Of Lighting For Good AmbienceI know I sound like a broken record but I believe strongly that lighting is key to good ambiance and good ambiance is key to people feeling relaxed and in whatever mood you want them to be in. I treat an outdoor space for gatherings like indoor – ideally you want multiple soft light sources peppered around the space – string lights, lanterns, and candles. We even added fairy lights at the food/drink tables (that don’t shoot well so we took them out of shots). Of course we had an awesome fireplace, too, which doesn’t hurt but you can see the candles on the stones lining the back and the lantern on the “tray” on the floor. I never have professional photos of me and my friends, so I asked Sara to take one of me and Suzanne (her dress is linked here, because I know you all will ask – it’s awesome). She lit the fire with tortilla chips which I did NOT know was a thing, and her dog Boris joined in as well, obviously. Tip #10: Good Friends = Good PartyIt was SO FUN to have an occasion/excuse to see everyone safely. We kept it all outside and we are all vaccinated so those from the EHD team that were in town came plus the production team – Sara, Emily B., Hina, and Shade. Hina, on the right, made all the charcuterie boards (under Bowser’s art direction #boardsbybowser) and has helped out on a lot of EHD shoots behind the scenes so it was nice to actually see her in person again and hang. And that’s Shade, Sara’s brother who has been our amazing PA on most of our big shoots the last three years so he got to hang with the ladies. We joked that it looked like a “bachelor garden party” with all the ladies crowding around him, asking to “grab him for a second”. We all snacked, caught up, and imbibed responsibly with PRESS, which was so refreshing, light, and delicious for a strangely humid LA day. A huge thanks to PRESS for partnering on this garden party. PRESS is available nationwide. To find a local retailer near you, visit enjoypress.com. When you buy PRESS, you know that you are not only opting for a more delicious seltzer than others, but one that is female-founded and independently-run – which is refreshing Thanks to Found Rentals Co. for all the major pieces of furniture and of course to Emily Bowser who led the execution of this awesome design, Hina who assisted (and did the boards), Shade for being our awesome PA, and of course Sara who produced and shot the whole thing. I love, love, love working in-person with my EHD team. 1. Copper Beverage Tub | 2. Fabric | 3. Pitcher Vase | 4. Pink Napkins | 5. Blue & Gray Plates | 6. Farm Table | 7. String Lights | 8. Wood Bowls | 9. Gold Card Holder | 10. Canning Jars | 11. Votives | 12. Amber Glass Vase | 13. PRESS Hard Seltzer | 14. Colorful Glass Straws | 15. Black Tray | 16. Elevated Serving Board | 17. Tray | 18. Chairs | 19. Bistro Table | 20. Table | 21. Table Runner | 22. 14″ Metal Candle Lantern | 23. 11″ Metal Candle Lantern | 24. Persian Medallion Tassel Area Rug | 25. Red Kilim Pillow Cover | 26. Wood Cheese Board | 27. Blue Contemporary Mirage Rug | 28. Edge Drink Glasses *Styling by Emily Bowser The post How To Throw An Elevated Garden Party with PRESS Premium Seltzer + Sustainable Outdoor Party Styling Tips appeared first on Emily Henderson. Originally from Emily Henderson https://ift.tt/3kKgBZy |
Author Kimberly ReedDesign Consultant at Furnishing Knowledge:KI Archives
April 2023
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