We had such a busy and buzzy week over here, with three reveals in three weeks (coming soon), but one has to wear clothes, and it’s fall, so without further ado, here are some of my current favorite classic fall outfits that I wore a lot to work this week.

Trench Coat | Purse | Jeans | Shoes

I feel like a non-bulky trench coat is hard to come by. But this one doesn’t have all the bulk of a trench, but it still has the shoulder straps, cuff detail, and trench look. It cinches at the waist so you can control the shape. Shout out to this super affordable bag that looks expensive (and is big enough for a laptop).

Trench Coat | Boots

I ordered this one from Quince, and it came after our shoot, but goodness, it’s good. It’s structured but still drapes nicely. It comes in a few different colors and is just perfectly classic, again, not being too bulky (if you can’t tell, I keep trying on trench coats and they are all just unflattering and add so much volume in places where you don’t want volume). This one just falls really well. It’s true to size. I’m wearing a small and can have a thin sweater but not a thick one. So if you are in between sizes and want to layer over anything thick, then size up. Also, THOSE BOOTS. Merlot + kitten heel + Italian leather = so so soo good (I wear them with jeans, too).

Sweater | Purse | Jeans | Belt | Shoes | Gold Charm Necklace

This sweater is such a fall hit. I ordered it in two sizes (S and XS) and am wearing an XS, so consider sizing down. It’s a thicker knit but not too bulky. Great dropped shoulders and roll neck, not to mention the perfect fall color palette. The jeans are awesome – from Target, their “boyfriend” jean. They are a great wash and length, low- to medium-rise, and $40!!! I’m wearing a size 2, so size down. The penny loafer mules are so comfortable and still slimming (I’ve tried on a lot of penny loafers, and they can be so bulky, stiff, heavy, and uncomfortable). These are soft and so comfortable.

Sweater | Skirt | Socks | Shoes

We aren’t done with the schoolgirl look apparently, but I’m really into it (those socks are key, FYI). The sweater is a fantastic color palette and fit, roomy (so size down; I’m wearing an XS), and the faux leather skirt is oddly classic and seasonless. Like, I think I’ll wear it a lot, year-round. Shoes are so pretty but need some breaking in.

Sweater | Jeans | Belt

J.Crew does sweaters so well. This quarter-zip is so soft, with a subtle classic cable knit and very layerable. It’s roomy and cozy and high quality enough for work, but you bet I’m wearing it on work-from-home days. The jeans are a fantastic barrel, especially if you like mid-high rise. They are true to size (I’m wearing a 27) and have great front pockets (which are flattering).

Jacket | Jeans | Boots | Burgundy Beaded Necklace

For those of us who might want a shorter “trench,” this one has a great high collar and cuffs, but cinches at the waist. It comes in chocolate brown, which was so pretty (but they didn’t have it in my size). Wearing an XS, but the small fit too, just more voluminous. Quince Bella jeans in off-black, for the win again, and of course their kitten-heel tall burgundy boots that are a fantastic fall addition that feels both on trend and timeless.

Hat | Jacket | Shirt | Shorts (same cut) | Socks | Shoes | Multi Colored Beaded Necklace | Gold Charm Necklace

The number of times I look in the mirror and think I look like a Boy Scout is more than would be predicted at this age. And yet this is such a normal weekend look for me. The oversized denim jacket is $60 with great big pockets, slimmer arms, and a corduroy collar. FANTASTIC. I’m wearing an XS, and it fits, but if you want to layer it over a sweatshirt, order your normal size. I LOVE these new caramel brown Sorels. They are both cool and extremely comfortable while being more neutral than my blue Seavees (which I also wear a ton).

Jacket | Shirt | Shorts | Socks | Scarf (unavailable) | Shoes

Madewell is playing hard with this fantastic cargo jacket. Another totally timeless fall staple that is so easy to throw on and looks on-trend without being too trendy. Parker shorts, FTW, and my new mules, which I think look particularly great with socks.

Sweater | T-Shirt | Jeans | Shoes | Burgundy Beaded Necklace | Gold Charm Necklace

I won’t stop praising or wearing this cardigan. It’s a four-season staple for me that can be thrown over so easily because the knit is this magical weave that is easy to layer over, clings to nothing, and I even wear it without a shirt underneath it with a silk skirt, which is my version of cocktail attire. I have it in cream, too, but I wear the navy almost like a jacket many days. And yes, those sneakers are awesome – comfortable, cool, and neutral (look good with anything). The jeans are new and good, mid-rise with a cut hem (true to size).

Blazer | T-Shirt | Jeans | Belt | Shoes | Burgundy Beaded Necklace | Gold Charm Necklace | Bag

I LOVE the Madewell blazer that I wore last week, but it was $250. So I ordered this to see if it could compare (at $100). I still like the warm tones of the Madewell one for fall, but this one is fantastic. I will likely wear it more like a jacket, less as part of business attire. It is oversized in a way that is good – like menswear. The shoulders are structured, and then it falls (so it’s not trying to be all body-con). I’m wearing a small, and it layers easily over a thin layer. It’s fantastic, and I hope they come out with new colorways (like a warmer tweed or a navy).

Sweater | Pants | Belt | Shoes | Multi Colored Beaded Necklace | Gold Charm Necklace

Hold on to your dupe-hating; Target has nailed the viral Free People slacks (which were probably knocked off of some higher-end brand, BTW), and my goodness, they are fantastic. They have the same slight barrel shape, curvy fit (roomier in the hips, come in at the waist), and the back has the roomy pocket detail. I will say that the Free People ones are more “barrel-y” and have a more pronounced horseshoe shape. I like them both a lot but was so impressed with the Target versions considering how affordable they are ($35 – wearing a size 2). The cardigan by Quince, which is thick enough to not need a shirt underneath, but thin enough to just be a shirt. The shoes are from Anthropologie, and I love the shape but returned them because I felt that the leather on top is too thin and could wear out too easily.

The big hits for me are the Target jacket and pants, the mules, that Madewell sweater, and my continued love for Quince for quality staples.

Ok, see you tomorrow! xx

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

It’s potluck season, what with all the fall gatherings, back-to-school stuff, and of course, holidays coming up. We tend to host a pre “Trunk or Treat” party (our last one since Elliot is in 5th grade!!) and lots of football-watching get-togethers (Brian and Charlie are in like 3 fantasy football leagues), so we are enthusiastic about easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing foods (my soups are NOT the popular choice, apparently). A few years ago, I asked for your favorites, and you delivered. Every year I update this post with new ones that I’ve tried or friends swear by – all from Trader Joe’s. I bookmark this page and come back to it ALL OF THE TIME. Thanks to you and Trader Joe’s (totally non-sponsored), I have gatherings covered. Let’s go.

Ok, first the new additions!

I love that they continue to innovate with different country foods (i.e., those Kimchi potstickers and the Turkish bread rings that look so gourmet).

Trader Joe’s Perfectly Pickled Pups

What they are: Mini uncured beef franks infused with dill seasoning, vinegar, and garlic, then wrapped in a crispy, pickle-dusted crust. Y’all, this is a crowd pleaser and a conversation starter in one. I know that pickles are having a moment, and we are here for it.

Trader Joe’s Mandu Korean Kimchi Potsticker

These were DELICIOUS but a little spicy, so one of my kids avoided them. But the grownups all love these.

Dietary Info: 100% vegan and plant-based; the kimchi uses a vegetable broth base instead of traditional fish sauce or shrimp paste.
Filling Ingredients: Napa cabbage kimchi, textured soy protein, chives, sweet potato starch glass noodles, and radish.

Simit Turkish Sesame Bread – These are the ones that look so gourmet and taste great. Oh, and they are also plant-based, which is always nice to have as an option.

Mini French Baguette – These were highly recommended and are not only so cute but can be used in so many ways – little sandwiches, charcuterie boards, for dipping, etc. They are both crispy on the outside and chewy in the middle. Oh, and since they are in the frozen section, you can portion them out if you want to avoid food waste and freeze the rest for later. Big fan.

Potato Cheese Sticks – Who doesn’t love potatoes and cheese? Very tasty and the kids love them. I did get a tip that if you want the ideal texture, bake instead of microwave. That will keep the crunch. But hey, in a pinch, do what you need to do:)

Vegetable Dumplings – These are pretty and thankfully have some veggies. They are filled with chives, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and cabbage and are the perfect bite to throw in your mouth!

Handheld Chicken Pot Pies – What a perfect little fall meal that’s warming but not too filling. Only two come in a package, so maybe not ideal for a huge party:)

Mandarin Orange Chicken – 10/10 for our kids (they only love Panda Express better). So delicious.

Chicken Spring Rolls – A great grab-and-go snack that has a little more sustenance…but doesn’t skip on the flavor.

1. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread: This was maybe the #1 suggestion when we asked people for their new favorite Trader Joe’s dips and spreads. Gretchen also made SURE it was on the list because she thinks it’s incredible. That’s a lot of praise across the board so y’all this should probably be on all of our shopping lists if you eat cheese.
2. Chunky Artichoke & Jalapeño: This was a big repeat suggestion and it’s easy to see why. Artichokes and jalapeños are incredibly delicious so matched in a dip only makes sense. Then grab a bag of delicious chips and you are set.
3. Vegan Carmelized Onion Dip: Another big repeat suggestion! This also sounds delicious and it’s always nice to have a vegan/dairy-free option for people that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

1. Organic Corn Chip Dippers + Everything and the Elote: Everything and the Elote dip was suggested A LOT. Very excited to try it. But when someone suggested the corn chip dippers, it sounded like such a fun and easy combo that would be a huge crowd-pleaser.
2. Organic Jalapeño Seasoned Corn & Rice Puffs: This combo was actually a Gretchen rec! As stated before, the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread is a crowd favorite, to say the least. But there weren’t a ton of recommendations on what to eat it with. However, Gretchen says they are incredible with the Jalapeño Seasoned Corn & Rice Puffs. According to her, “The puffs have just the right amount of spice, and the spread finished it off perfectly”. She also loves the texture combo together!
3. Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers: These poppers were also recommended by a bunch of you, and man do they look good! Fried, lots of flavor, and melted cheese? Sign us up.

1. Fig & Olive Crisps + Cream Cheese + Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish: Talk about a perfect seasonal appetizer! Who doesn’t love those fig and olive crisps? And then you add that seasonal relish on top of a little cream cheese? Try to keep me away:)
2. Triple Ginger Cookie Thins + Goat Cheese + Fresh Raspberry Jam: Another little delicious snack to assemble yourself or put on a cheese board for others to make themselves! This one is a little more of a dessert since the base is a cookie, which I don’t think anyone will complain about. Ha.
3. Raisin Rosemary Crisps + Goat Cheese + Honey: If you love the fig and olive crisps and you for some reason haven’t tried the raisin rosemary, then you are in for a treat! This combo is a total crowd-pleaser.

Baked Lemon Ricotta Cheese: I keep hearing about this cheese and how it’s more like a dessert! Y’all recommended pairing it with a berry compote, which sounds so good. Definitely is a dish that is going to look and taste fancier than the price tag.

1. Spanakopita: So many of you recommended this. Everyone swears it’s a party hit and is great to have in a pinch.
2. Parmesan Pastry Pups: Sign me up for fancy pigs in a blanket any day of the week. Great for kids and adults!
3. Samosas: The samosas were another greatest hit in our DMs. You guys insist they are super popular at parties or for a quick and easy snack.

1. Fried Stuffed Olives: I can’t wait to try these. They are breaded, fried olives with cream cheese, so I can imagine they would be gone very quickly at any gathering.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese: I am not at all surprised to hear these are fantastic. Jess Note: They are actual pieces of heaven in your mouth.
3. Chicken Cilantro Wontons: I know the frozen chicken potstickers are great, but I haven’t tried these yet. I am excited to buy them next time I go to TJ’s.
4. Feta Cheese and Caramelized Onion Puffs: Oh, these sound so delicious. A LOT of you said these are the best, so I am very excited to try.

1. Buffalo Chicken Dip: This buffalo chicken dip is another clear winner. Y’all suggest pairing it with bread or crackers, and I imagine there are some great recipes you can use this in too.
2. Vegan Tzatziki Dip: You all said this is great paired with veggies and is a perfect vegan alternative for a dressing or dip.
3. Truffle Dip: If you have had anything truffle-based, you know it is RICH, so I bet this dip would pair so well with celery or carrots.

1. Baked Brie: This baked brie en croûte looks delicious. It looks and tastes fancy, and everyone loves bread and cheese, right?
2. Corn Salsa: I didn’t realize tomato-less salsa is such a thing, but now I know. We are told that pairing the corn salsa with their blue corn tortilla chips is absolutely delicious.
3. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Almost everyone in the DMs noted that the frozen spinach and artichoke dip is killer.

1. Cooked Lentils + Crumbled Feta + Bruschetta Sauce: We were all blown away by how many of you recommended this combination. You guys suggest putting the mixture on a crostini, crackers, or just serving it as a salad. I can’t wait to try.
2. Croissants with Spinach Artichoke Dip: YUM. Bread
+ creamy spinach and artichoke dip never misses.
3. Triple Cream Brie with Raisin Rosemary Crackers: So many of you swear by the triple cream brie cheese, and a huge number also suggest pairing it with the raisin rosemary crackers.

1. Roll Goat Cheese in Everything But The Bagel Seasoning and Serve with Crackers: I knew Everything But The Bagel Seasoning was popular, and now I am so excited to try it with goat cheese the next time we do a charcuterie board.
2. Pair Brie with Fig Butter on Crackers: Again, the triple cream brie was a very popular suggestion, and the fig butter is supposed to pair with it perfectly.
3. Blueberry Goat Cheese and Pepper Jelly: This is a very interesting pairing that I am intrigued to try! A TON of you told us the pepper jelly is a staple and pairs well with so many things.

Hope you enjoyed the new Trader Joe’s offerings, and as always, a big thanks to everyone who sent us their recs. Please, if you have more, drop them in the comments. xx

Opening Image Credit: Photo by Kaitlin Green

I LOVE A NICHE POST FOR A VERY SPECIFIC PROBLEM. Welcome to the roundup that I was born to write! I’m glad you’re here! Here’s the background: a while back, Em mentioned that Brian’s burgeoning record collection was getting out of control and that the Hendersons are in need of some new storage options.

And this is a problem that I know VERY well!!! My record collection is enormous. Prior to joining the team at EHD, I worked at labels, in streaming, and spent years on a vinyl startup, so I also have hundreds of LPs hanging out around my apartment.

But here’s the thing: trying to find visually attractive ways to store these records is THE. FREAKING. WORST. The universal go-to choice is the IKEA Kallax, and while it’s sturdy and affordable (I had a full warehouse outfitted with these at my last job!), it’s not necessarily an aesthetic fit for every home. So today, I’m here with a collection of not-ugly vinyl record storage solutions for all types of decor styles!

But first, some parameters to help you on your future search:

1. They’re Big: For simplicity’s sake, let’s just say that the average LP is 12.5″ tall by 12.5″ deep. Units with adjustable shelves or open backs will be your friend.
2. They’re Heavy: In my experience, it’s safest – for your furniture and your flooring – to assume that 50 records will weigh about 30 pounds. LPs are DENSE. The aforementioned 50 records will also only take up about 13″ (read: not that much space), so you need to keep shelving’s weight limits in mind. Do not overload!
3. Store Them Upright: You want to keep records as vertical as possible at all times to prevent both warping and damage to the outside sleeve (which can happen if there’s any unbalanced pressure). You also want to keep them out of direct sunlight if possible, but I digress.
4. Keep it Local: If you’re into mid-century pieces, check Craigslist/FB Marketplace first for vintage pieces that were specifically designed for vinyl. If MCM isn’t your style, I’ve got you with picks below And honestly, once you get into larger collection territory – like, 300 or 400+ – it’s probably worth connecting with a local woodworker (or with one of the Etsy makers below!) to make something custom for your needs.
5. My Recommendations: Since I always get asked, this is the best turntable for starting out (get it with the built-in preamp), and these are the best speakers to pair with it. It’s actually the setup I use because it’s beautiful AND it sounds great (Suitcase turntables are affordable and very cute, but anything with the speaker attached to the unit and without an adjustable arm will damage your records a bit during play.)
6. You Might Snag an Etsy Discount: THIS ONE IS IMPORTANT! A handful of the following pieces are handcrafted and available on Etsy. Add them to your favorites (or to your cart) and give it 48 hours – the seller might send you a deal! I’ve gotten discount offers on the below ranging from 10% all the way to 55% (!!!), which means major dough back in your pockets. You can buy a new record with those savings!

Now that we’re on the same page, LET US BEGIN…

Vinyl Record Storage: Small Size

1. Vinyl Record Storage Holder | 2. Mid-Century Style Record Holder | 3. Minimalist Steel Vinyl Record Stand | 4. Wooden Ball LP Stand | 5. Vinyl Record Display Shelves | 6. Iron Record Storage Rack

If you’re just starting out (under 50 records), these are perfect for you. #5 is a great entry point – it’s a simple, sweet wall-mounted option for those interested in displaying a handful of albums as decor. I’d recommend #1 and #2 for any growing collection – both hold around 50 LPs and can be placed on top of an existing tabletop or sideboard, or bookshelf. They’re compact, AND you can flip through your records while they’re forward-facing, which is way easier than trying to find things based on the spine. #6 is very cute, but I’d remain cognizant that these should not be placed in direct sunlight and that they should be left with some breathing room to keep your records safe and undamaged from weight or pressure.

But for me, the real winners here are #3 and #4 – they’re unexpected, functional, design-forward, sturdy, and easy on the eyes. (#4 might actually be the most beautiful vinyl record storage rack I’ve ever seen – the ball is so tactile, fresh, and dynamic. I put one on my Christmas wishlist (I know, I know – I already have cabinets full of LPs across both coasts, but this would be a perfect way to stash a few of our most frequently-played records within reach!)

Vinyl Record Storage: Medium Size

Onwards to the medium options for my pals with ~100 records! Before we get started: YES, there are full-sized bookshelves here. NO, that does not mean that you have the freedom to pack all of the shelves with LPs. These are choices for medium-sized collections only! Please be mindful of weight limits (again – records are thin but dense) so you don’t end up with shelves bowing or breaking.

1. Hand-Welded Vinyl Storage Cart | 2. Midi Storage Locker | 3. Steel Vinyl Record Crate | 4. Wall-Mounted Record Player Stand with LP Storage | 5. Handcrafted Wood Record Player Stand | 6. Walnut Wall Mount Bookcase

I own a now-discounted storage piece from the maker of #1 and #3 and can vouch for the quality – they have a myriad of awesome solutions for collections of every size. Each of their products is hand-crafted by a tiny 6-person team in Ukraine and can be personalized in an array of classic finishes or punchy colors. You can feel good about the sturdy steel construction, too!

I’m also newly obsessed with the joint stand-and-storage combos of #4 and #5. I LOVE THESE, especially for a budding collector. They’re sleek, clean, and welcome aesthetic upgrades to the classic cube storage of yore (trust me – solutions like this did not exist even 5 years ago!).

Now, the classic furniture pieces: if you go this route, you’re going to want to keep the record sizing and LP weight we discussed above in mind (12.5″x12.5″ and ~30 lbs per 50 records, for reference). I’ve used classic bookshelves and cabinets like #4 and #6 in my own home before, and they’re great solutions for those who want to mix all types of media in one place – just make sure you’re not overloading the weight limit of each shelf and that everything has been safely attached to the wall. Vinyl record storage doesn’t have to be so specific – you can work with a beautiful furniture piece, as long as it’s the right size!

Vinyl Record Storage: Large Size

And now…the big guns. Solutions for my pals with hundreds of albums! I’ve sourced a lot of open-fronted options buuuuut if you’re trying to cut down on visual clutter, there are a few credenzas, too. (You can see a bit of my record collection above in the Keaton media console from Room & Board, which I ADORE. That’s also the turntable and speaker setup I recommended earlier – I practice what I preach!)

If you’re planning to go with a piece of closed storage (from here or from anywhere!), PLEASE just verify that the shelves are adjustable. In some cases, you may end up stashing that adjustable shelf in a closet – LPs are tall! – meaning that this will be a piece solely dedicated to your record collection. That said, it’s nice to have a place that can serve as your vinyl record storage and your record player stand all at once.

1. Modular Steel Cube Storage | 2. Steel Record Storage | 3. Modular Metal Shelving Unit | 4. 4-Deck LP Stand | 5. Steel & Oak Media Console | 6. Large Record Player Stand with Vinyl Storage |

If I were starting a collection from scratch, I think I’d likely choose something like #1, #2, or #3 – all are modular solutions, so you can start with one shelf and add on as your collection grows. I’m really enjoying this futuristic, brutalist vibe too – it’s a welcome alternative to all the mid-century LP cabinets out there.

Speaking of brutalist – how chic is that little (ok, ok – fairly large, actually) oak and steel number from CB2? It’s simply begging to stash your record collection! (When it comes to closed storage in general, CB2 will be your best bet for sourcing, as they have an awesome variety of credenzas with adjustable shelving.)

If you’re looking for just a little edge, #4 is also a little Bauhaus-y and unexpected – it’s another one from my favorite Ukrainian maker, and I LOVE that it can stash a huge number of albums (240!) in an ultra-petite footprint (just 13″x13″x49″). And #5 is a budget-friendly pick – it’s a fabulous size in a burl finish that’s easy to mix with other styles.

7. Large Low Bookcase with Storage | 8. Solid Wood Bookcase | 9. Oak Wood Media Console | 10. Keaton Media Console | 11. Browser Standard Bookcase | 12. Handcrafted Record Storage Cabinet

WE’RE GOING FULL-BLOWN FURNITURE, FOLKS! These picks are for those of us who have fully committed to the physical media lifestyle and who are willing to splurge a bit on a solution that will stand the test of time. I have #10 in my own home, as seen above, and I ADORE IT. The Keaton collection comes in a variety of different shapes, too – think wall units, bookcases, and larger media consoles – so you can personalize your setup to perfectly fit your collection. Added bonus: since these are a little less specific to vinyl record storage, they’ll be easy to sell if you ever decide to get a different hobby. (Not likely, but hey – it could happen :))

When it comes to alternatives to the Kallax, I’m bullish on the bookshelf-y solutions like #7, #8, and even #11. I’ve had a lot of luck with stashing records on long, low storage shelves in the past (they’re deceptively strong, and easy to reinforce in case of bowing); Blu Dot specifically designed their tall bookcase to be strong enough for records. I love that this storage makes your collection feel a bit more intentional and a little less “BAM, here’s my record collection in my glossy laminate box!!!”

And for those of us who want to feel like we’re living in a record store: might I present you with #12? The pull-out bins are awesome and a worthwhile investment for anyone with a huge collection. (This maker also manufactures larger sizes, if you have a massive collection.) In any case, there’s something really nice about bringing the record store bin-flipping experience home.

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT: the vinyl record storage solutions that I have tried (or that my friends have tried) over the past half-decade, along with my recommendations for the Hendersons.

My questions for you: who else has had to figure out where to put their vinyl? Does anyone wanna trade Discogs info? What’s your most valuable record??? (Here’s mine, I think, though I still have a couple hundred that I haven’t added to my account. I actually worked on that album in my past life as a studio rat manager – we had a blast recording, and it’s nice to see that it’s still valuable more than a decade later.) LET’S CHAT!

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: The Reveal We’ve All Been Waiting For! Caitlin’s Mostly Thrifted, Postmodern Regency Deco Living Room

I know you were curious how America’s most controversial bathroom is coming along…me too (lol). The framers have been in and out for weeks, so progress has slowed, but as I said the other day, I don’t mind the pace because I know I’m behind on some design decisions that they’ll need the answers to quickly. This month we are shooting and producing three sponsored makeovers in three weeks, so come early October I’ll have the brain space to dive back into this project. But the updates are pretty dang fun to see, imho. Come see where I’m at with the guest cottage bathroom!

The restored window is back in (thanks to Sash & Cord), and it’s huge and beautiful, and as my framers said, “woah that’s a big window for a bathroom”. They don’t know that I have a track record for big windows in bathrooms (see mountain house bath and our primary bath). Now, this was the window that was in the game room, but the view in there looked out to a chain-link fence 3′ away from our house, covered in a million weeds. So we removed it and added it to the “restore” list. But once Daniel and Matt (of Sash & Cord) got it back to the shop, they realized it was in bad enough shape that restoring it wasn’t a real possibility. So they suggested replicating it. I was so slammed at the time, so I approved this change, trusting them, and my goodness, it’s gorgeous. But would I have put in such a huge window if we weren’t using a salvaged window? Maybe not. But I’m SO HAPPY.

We raised it off the floor a bit to scale it better with the high ceilings (and allow for a bench or some sort of cute seating in here). They did such an incredible job. It will be trimmed out, and the entire thing painted a dark color to work with the reclaimed wood walls.

You can see the ceiling partially clad in that shot, so imagine all the walls. She is rustic, but I think once all the elements come together, it will be so exciting.

As you can imagine, the natural light in this room is off the hook. The Velux skylights are huge and beautiful, and it makes the room just glow. Yes, it’s not necessary for a bathroom, but my job is not typical, and this bathroom is more of a creative idea space, someplace for me to learn, try some new things, and show off some of my favorite design elements.

Wow. She sure is enthusiastic in that shot:) The little water closet is framed out, and the rough plumbing is in. There are changes that I’m scared to tell you about, fun things that got nixed due to enough people (experts) encouraging me not to try to do the most complicated thing and instead use common sense. Let’s just say I’ve learned some things about myself during this project. I’ll fill you in later (still shame spiraling, lol). But in other fun news, remember those doors that I bought from Aurora Mills? Well, they are almost ready to be fitted with all of our stained glass. We have this on the schedule for October (and we are only rethinking 1 of the colors – the brighter red).

If you are wondering if I’ve thought about putting a skylight or ceiling window inside the water closet so that the actual skylight can get light in there and light up the stained glass doors, the answer is “I sure have”. Stay tuned on that, too.

This week I need to figure out what happens on the walls inside the water closet. I’m leaning towards painted beadboard only because tiling is so expensive these days and installing those beadboard panels is so easy (and since there is already so much original beadboard, it works with the house).

I also need to feel 100% sure about using the thin brick herringbone on the floor. I have it all picked out but haven’t bought it yet. I love the way that it looks, but I am concerned about keeping it clean. We’ll likely have our cleaning service that comes every other week to our house take turns coming out here, but is this thin-set brick flooring really hard to clean? Or do you just use soap and water and know that it’s more rustic than tile? We already have enough wood in this room, and doing a tile would be so expensive since it’s such a big room (but would look epic). Stay tuned on that as well.

The guys come back next week (while I’m out of town, which isn’t ideal) to finish cladding the room, cladding the WC with siding, and if I have my ducks in a row, trim out the window and install the paneling inside the WC. My eye has been so far off this ball, so it’s time to really give it more attention to make sure that this highly abnormal bathroom gets the full treatment it deserves

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

We’re back with everyone’s new favorite column (at least according to the comments and page views): Design SOS. As a quick recap, this is where we take reader-submitted rooms and give them quick, practical style advice to elevate things and get everyone feeling great about their homes. It’s so fun seeing into people’s personal spaces, but I also know how vulnerable it can be to show them off (especially something unfinished) to the world, so thank you to everyone who continues to submit photos of their rooms to us. As a quick catch-up, you can see previous Design SOSs from me, Jess, and Emily here, here, here, and here. Now, let’s get into today’s lineup!

Practical Style Advice For: Rounding Out a Blue-&-Brown Color Palette

From the Reader: “Here’s my predicament: The couch is a cool light gray, and I’m not sure that it goes with the new rug I’ve just added from Quince. I’d love any advice on how to style the couch to make it blend better with the rug and how to style the rest of the room to pull it all together. I did read and love the long post on all the different couches you’ve reviewed, and eventually I think I’ll replace this couch, but I’m not ready to do that yet. In the meantime, I’m looking for some design solutions that can pull the room together and make it feel intentional with the current brown leather chairs and gray couch alongside this rug.”

I can’t tell you how many times in my own home and life I’ve bought a big statement piece of decor thinking it would solve all my problems, only to introduce new problems. While this reader is worried that her new rug doesn’t go with her old sofa or leather armchairs, I promise that with a little styling and the addition of another color to round out the palette, everything will start feeling much more cohesive. Because to me, that’s the biggest issue here: It’s playing it too safe. Sure, grey, blue, cream, and brown work well together, but it’s not enough. The blue from the rug isn’t showing up anywhere else, neither is the grey, and then everything else is just brown or mid-tone wood. Let’s introduce some variety, shall we?

But first, there are some other things she can do to make this room feel more pulled together, and it doesn’t involve spending a single dollar. Here’s my checklist of what needs to be done here, starting with easy (and free) shifts:

Design SOS Checklist:

• Move the sectional off the wall about 6 inches so that the front legs of the sofa (not just the chaise) are on the rug.
• Take the chairs and be intentional with their placement. My preference would be for them to have their front legs on the edge of the rug, side-by-side and straight (facing the long way of the rug). Put the side table between the chairs.
• Add rug tape to the edges of the rug where it’s kind of bumpy and curled up.
• Move one of the floor lamps to the right side of the sectional
• Consider taking down the plantation shutters to let in more light and limit the brown of the wood.
• In terms of styling: Bring the blue from the rug throughout the design of the room via curtains (in a soft denim) and through pillows; introduce another warm color in the palette (in this case, cream, rust, and a touch of brown) to balance the coolness of the gray and blue; add in a coffee table in a lighter wood tone than the floors for variety; consider swapping the media console to a lighter tone to add contrast between it and the leather chairs.

Here’s a moodboard I put together of some of these new decor additions to give you a sense of how it all comes together with the help of Spoak.

Curtains | Roman Shade | Curtain Rod Pivoting Corner | Coffee Table | Media Console | Rug | Throw Blanket | Striped Cream Pillow | Floral Lumbar Pillow | Rust Striped Pillow | Navy Striped Pillow | Blue Plaid Pillow | Sectional | Leather Chairs | Glass and Wood Side Table

I sourced a sectional and leather chairs that were similar tones to what our reader had in their home and pulled in the rug she recently bought from Quince. Given that the rug is dark blue, light blue, and varying shades of creams and off-whites, I pulled from that and just shifted the tones a hair to make it a bit more interesting. I take any chance I get to use a light blue linen curtain (you might have noticed, if you’ve been paying attention to my designs)! Here, I went with a hue that leaned a touch more warm than icy and then echoed that color in a plaid of a dark blue throw pillow I popped on the armchairs. (If she’s willing, I’d take down the wood mini blinds and replace with a white or ivory drapey Roman shade for some softness against all the squared off angles.) A navy pillow on the couch brings in the darker shade of the rug, as well as an oatmealy-cream option with a fun, modern pattern. I didn’t want to go too wild with the color palette, but I took the brown of the leather and slid over on the color wheel a bit to orangey rust for another pillow, as blue and orange always play nice together. A dusty, floral lumbar pillow brings in some of the browns and oranges but in an unexpected way so things didn’t feel overly matchy-matchy. A creamy white throw with a navy grid pattern rounds it out. Notice how I didn’t add in any more grey or true brown. Even the new coffee table is a lighter yellow-toned oak, and the same for the media cabinet. This all breaks up the monotony of the wood finishes and introduces contrast and warmth.

For a better look at some of the selections, above is a moodboard of just the new soft goods, as you can’t see them very well scaled down on the previous room moodboard.

Practical Styling Advice For: Transforming A Foyer Or Entryway

From the reader: “My entryway has been the same since we moved in 8 years ago. I’m not a modern farmhouse gal and don’t know how to make this better. I do like my gigantic pew, and it’s very practical. I’m up for painting it but don’t want my entry to look like a preschool either. Please help!!”

As soon as I read our reader’s email, I knew I wanted to tackle her modern farmhouse foyer transformation! While I don’t actually have much information as to what her design aesthetic actually is, I’m hoping something I did below at least inspires her to make choices that better align with what she wants her home to look and feel like. Here’s what I think could take this space and flip it on its neutral, Kirkland-Signature-Chic head.

Style SOS Checklist:

• Take down all the “modern farmhouse” choices, such as the pendant lamps, the “gather” sign, faux greenery, and the baskets on the wall.
• Swap the solid tan rug with something that makes a real impact. Your foyer is the first peek into your personal style; what you see immediately when you walk across the threshold. Go ahead…lean into your style vibes.
• You can’t see it in these photos, but the exterior part of the front door is a fun yellow, so she clearly isn’t afraid of color. Go with that. Paint the baseboards, door frame, and door something—may I suggest an olive green?
• If she’s into it, maybe try a playful wallpaper on the walls. (You can either take down the shiplap if it’s not overly destructive, or just paint it the same color as the door).
• Add a long, narrow console table under the hooks. This not only balances the pew, but it adds a spot to throw keys.
• Bring some greenery in and pop it on a plant stand. Pick something that doesn’t need a ton of light.
• Put a mirror (or art) above the pew; I picked the mirror as a helpful spot for a last look before going out the door, as well as its practical ability to increase light in this somewhat dark corridor.

Here’s a side-by-side of a rough placement of some of my selections and a Spoak rendering for something a bit more realistic (even though it altered a few things slightly, like the runner and light). The green is a bit more sage than I was intending, but it’s honestly not a bad option, either! Though I do prefer the Mountain Olive from Behr I link below.

Olive Green Paint for Door & Baseboards | Wallpaper | Flushmount Light | Runner Rug | Console Table | Plant Stand | Mirror | Wood Key Bowl | Amber Glass Vase | Solid Olive Pillow | Blue Patterned Pillow | Beige Check Pillow | Mustard Velvet Lumbar | Under Bench Baskets

You’ll notice in the above moodboard some additions: Throw pillows in a combination of colors pulled from the runner (olive, blue, cream, ochre), an amber glass vase for a big pouf of fresh-cut blooms on the console, and baskets to pop under the bench to throw shoes or anything else that ends up in a foyer. I have these same baskets, and they’re great, FYI. And considering how much baskets cost these days, these are incredibly affordable compared to many other options this size and quality. Also, you can’t see it in the above renderings, but I picked a Sandberg striped wallpaper; it has almost a hand-sketched quality to it, which I like for a family home so it didn’t feel too serious. Another move in the “not-so-serious” game is the auburn ceramic bell Schoolhouse flushmounts and the slate blue hue on the console table; sure, she can do something in black or white or wood, but I couldn’t help myself. The table is only 12 inches deep, which is important for a narrow space like this, so you can still move around and not want to scream every time you walk in with both shoulders weighed down with grocery bags, for instance.

Practical Style Advice For: Creating A Cozy Multi-Purpose Kitchen Nook

From the reader: “I have this area in my kitchen that I don’t know what to do with! I used to have a small round table with a drop leaf and three chairs so my kids could sit and eat breakfast. I love the idea of having an eat-in kitchen, but I would also love to have a little spot for me to sit and have my coffee or even a spot for additional kitchen storage.”

This last reader submission is also something I’ve actually been sitting on this one for a few weeks. I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do here to satisfy her requests, but then I just decided to play, and I like where I landed! Some difficulties that could affect whether what I suggest works or not spatially: I don’t know the measurements here. I can assume each tile is 12 inches, but they could be larger or smaller; I don’t know what the path of travel looks or functions as in this part of the kitchen; what else am I not seeing here that could make my style choices feel either cohesive or like a bad fit? BUT, either way, as is always my hope, perhaps this reader can see what I did, and follow the formula but in her own way.

First up, our to-do checklist.

Style SOS Checklist:

• Lay down a rug to set this space apart. Something small, such as a 3’x5′ or a 4 or 5-foot round rug.
• Opt for varied seating to give you a soft landing spot for coffee sipping, but add in traditional dining side chairs for anyone else in the household who needs a spot at the table for a quick nosh.
• Add lighting, as this corner feels dimly lit. My preference would be a plug-in long-arm wall sconce that can function as an overhead without having to hardwire anything.
• Introduce art in a unique way (such as a hanging art rail) or add a floating wall shelf for storage of collections or some kitchen goods.

I kept most of my choices fairly neutral considering I don’t know much about this reader’s style choices, but I can gladly say that the banquette has some storage in it under the seat, the bistro table is on sale, and the chairs are lightweight so they can easily be moved if they end up in the way. I also found this shelving unit on Etsy, and it’s an incredible price, though it is incredibly narrow, so it’s more for small cute little pieces of decor rather than storing anything substantial of a kitchen nature.

For anyone who likes the more realistic take, above is a Spoak rendering. But for the nitty-gritty details and some shopping links, see below:

Storage Banquette | Bistro Table | Side Chairs | Rug | Wall Shelf | Sconce

I also really love the idea of adding some real character and a personal touch via photos or small art in a hanging gallery wall style such as the below. It really leans into the charming coffee house or bistro aesthetic I was going for for her nook:

Gallery Wall Rail System

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And that’s where I leave you today. Please keep sharing any rooms you need help with (small things, not huge overhauls, please…that’s not the nature of this series) and include as many deatils about what your needs are, what your style preferences are, what colors you tend towards, and the like. The more, the better! You can send them to me (arlyn@emilyhendersondesign.com) or Jess (jess@emilyhendersondesign.com). Can’t wait to hear from you, and for the readers who were featured today, let me know if you’re here today and what you think!

Until next time, friends…

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Portland Project: The Entry & Staircase Reveal

The other week I was watching a small-space home tour video on YouTube, and once it got to the bedroom, I noticed a glaring missed oppurtunity. It was the headboard. Now, while in a beautiful shape and in a pretty fabric, it didn’t extend beyond the mattress hardly at all…and this was a custom headboard…a $4,000 custom headboard! Anyway, to me it made the space feel even smaller. The room, of course, didn’t have a ton of space to work with, but a few more inches on each side would have made a huge difference in making the room feel a little grander/bigger. I know this sounds counterintuitive- going bigger in a smaller space but it can often be the answer. But choosing a headboard that is extra-wide is a great hack for almost any size room, especially if you want it to feel bigger than it really is. So today I’m going to show you examples, give you DIY ideas if you like a project, and of course, some shoppable options. Let’s start with a bang:)

Here is a bedroom I designed for my dear friends a few years ago. This bed was from Living Spaces (sadly isn’t available anymore), but it was the perfect option given the look my friends wanted. I love an extended headboard in general, but choosing this one was a happy accident. To show you what I mean, I created a version of the room where the headboard was more of a standard size. Is it still pretty? Of course. But doesn’t the extra-wide version make the room look bigger and grander? The scale just feels right and more intentional.

Our ever-talented Emily Bowser (EHD alum) DIYed this incredible extra-wide headboard, and the difference between hers and the standard-sized version is staggering! The room feels so much better and bigger with the wall-to-wall headboard, doesn’t it? Again, there’s nothing wrong with a standard-sized headboard, but this is just a nudge to consider what a wider one might do to the look of your room. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how she made it!

Speaking of DIYs…

This was the DIY headboard that was heard around the internet in 2017. The fact that this room is almost 10 years old and still as cool and chic as ever proves this type of bed (and room and color palette:)) proves it’s pretty freaking timeless (and Brady’s taste is good). He also took his headboard wall-to-wall, which keeps your eye moving and seamless. Plus, for him, creating this custom headboard made it so he could make an impactful but low one so that it didn’t block any of his window. It will always be one of my personal favorites.

Here’s his step-by-step guide on how he created his headboard.

Then the amazing Malcolm Simmons made his bed nook a stunning statement. Yep, that beautiful reeded wood headboard is another DIY. He took advantage of his room’s architectural feature and made the most of it. A standard-sized headboard would have been pretty, but this custom feature extends your eye and the size of the space so seamlessly.

Don’t worry, Malcolm did a step-by-step tutorial too!

There are so many rooms that have umm…tricky layouts and architecture, and Suzanne’s old bedroom was no different. Not only would a standard headboard not work height-wise, but one that was about the same size as the mattress would have likely looked odd and cut off the visual lines in not a super great way. This was actually another DIY, but sadly we don’t have a post to show you how they did it.

OK, here is a ready-made extra-wide headboard that Gretchen got to use in the first version of her bedroom! As she will tell you, this room is not large. So what’s so perfect about this headboard is that not only was it wide to make the room feel grander, but it also had nightstand shelves. Truly the best of all the worlds when you have a bedroom with limited space. And luckily for all of us, this one is still available.

BUT FIRST BEFORE WE MOVE ON! IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are thinking, “Oh, I can just buy a king-sized headboard for my queen bed,” it’s not that easy. Remember that most standard headboards (without bedframes) don’t go all the way to the ground and have brackets that are supposed to either attach to the wall or a standard bedframe. So here are headboards and full beds with frames that won’t give you any trouble- just a beautiful bedroom.

Let’s Shop For An Extra-Wide Headboard

Olalla Queen Headboard | Ericsson Floating Headboard w/ Nightstands

I had to start with the headboard that Gretchen used. It’s so pretty and has mixed natural materials, as well as those nightstand shelves. This next one is a beautiful classic MCM extra-wide headboard. This one does “float,” so it doesn’t extend to the ground, but that’s an intentional look. Oh, and what is nice is that this also has built-in nightstands, but they are drawers:)

Clark Pecan King Wood Bedframe with 2 Attached Nightstands

If you love this MCM, built-in nightstands look, but want to have the whole bed in one piece, this one is great! It’s totally timeless, a nice low profile, and a very pretty medium-dark tone.

Aquarama Headboard | Madeira Headboard

Now, if you have a healthy budget, these two from Claude Home (my favorite decor site to window shop) are so, so special. Both solid wood, both vintage-inspired, and both stunning. I had to at least show you all!

Somers Upholstered Headboard | Isolde Platform Bed

This first one is a beautiful and simple option that you can either buy just as a headboard or a full bed frame. I really love the soft rounded edges. And if this color isn’t speaking to you, don’t worry; there are 260 other fabric options to choose from, ha. For a more classic rectangle shape, this platform bed is another totally classic and versatile option. Truly, these beds will work with any style.

Bodi Extended Headboard | Overlap 2 Panel Bed

For a more paneled look that you don’t need to DIY, here are two great options. The first headboard leans modern but not too much, and while there are 35 fabric choices, I really love this ochre color. Then the full chocolate brown bedframe is a bit more modern in look but also kinda retro? Honestly, it’s just cool!

Larchmont Upholstered with Storage Bench | Valkyrie Oak Bed

Who doesn’t love a little wood accent?! Well, I do, and if we are talking about the first one, I also LOVE some bed storage. This one isn’t as wide as some of the others, but that’s ok! You don’t need a foot on either side to make the visual impact if you don’t have the space or don’t love that dramatic of a look. However, if you want more width, this second bed has the same wood and upholstery plus WIDTH. A neutral but visually impactful piece of furniture.

Gladys Extended Headboard Platform Bed | Seraph Upholstered Extended Winged Bed

Yearning for a curve? These are for you! These could go modern traditional, English granny chic, post-modern; the style options are endless. The blue one does lean a bit more modern and is offered in three other solids and one very fun floral pattern. The cream one has 41 fabric options:) These feel so special with just the right amount of drama to me.

Hathaway Extended Bed

Ok well, if we are taking visual drama, check out this baby! This is a shape that you really don’t see but is so chic. It’s powerful and soft at the same time. A bedroom couldn’t help but feel grand with this in the space.

Kennedy Extra Wide Channel-Tufted Upholstered Headboard | Gia Francois Tapestry Headboard

I know I’ve shown you a lot of full bedframes, but it’s (mostly) headboards for these last handful of options. This green one is beautiful and clean, with 74 other fabric options. I’d say to get this one if you don’t have any desire to DIY. Otherwise, this one isn’t cheap, but I’m sure well made! Now for a truly unique and romantic headboard, this trifold tapestry one is sooooo good. The reviews are great. If this is your style, I can’t imagine not loving walking into your room every day.

Almelo Queen Velvet Headboard | Hendrix Half Moon Bed

Of course I had to end with some arched options! This first rust colored one is an incredible statement with the channel tufting. Still simple but not boring. You also get those nightstands, which, depending on your preference is really nice. No need to shell out for nightstands! Oh, and it also comes in green. But if you want proper nightstands, this green bed is unreal. It’s from Lulu & Georgia, so you know the quality is good. With that shape and size, there’s no way your room won’t feel incredibly cool and big.

So do you agree? Did my examples convince you? Do you like extra-wide headboards and planning your DIY project for this weekend? Let’s talk!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Jess Bunge | Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: The Feel-Good Modern Romantic Bedroom Makeover Jess Did For Her Dear Friend (All Thanks To The Company Store)

Happy Sunday, everyone! We had a big shoot this week, so get excited that a reveal is coming soon:) And actually, we have another shoot this month too! We are most definitely back to school lol. Hope everyone is staying cool and ready for this week’s links.

This week’s house tour was like the last Christmas present you don’t realize is coming. And that present was Heidi Caillier’s personal San Francisco Victorian home. It’s a feast for the eyes, to say the least. Enjoy every last inch of it!

From Emily: A cozy fall show that even my conservative parents love. I skipped Sullivan’s Crossing for a while because the clip that they played on repeat when you scroll over it was SO CHEESY that even I, lover of all things romantic, had to turn away (Chad Michael Murray had his shirt off for zero reason). But on a desperate Sunday, when I needed to design/shop online all day on my computer, I threw it on, and it turns out I really loved it (I binged three seasons in a week while working). It’s a fish out of water story (boston surgeon, moves back to small town), enemies to lovers vibes that is admittedly really easy to double screen in front of (BTW I’m not proud of double screening, I know that its ruining TV and that writers are now asked to write shows that are so easy to understand that people can be on their phone/laptop while watching, just like what I’m doing), but it moves at an easy pace and has such cozy small town vibes (think Virgin River) that it keeps me company on the weekend days or nights where I need to work (pin, moodboard or shop) but want to do it in front of the TV. My parents and I don’t share a lot of media interests in common, so when they mentioned they watched it, I was like, “Ooooh!! Me, too!!!” So it’s a great one for multiple generations and isn’t scandalous at all:) Anyway, the 5th season just came out, and I’m thrilled (especially since I just finished Sterling Point – WHAT A GEM – do NOT double screen that one, and the second and seemingly last season of Ransom Canyon). Let cozy TV season begin.

From Caitlin: It’s taken a while, but I’ve recently felt myself coming back to life a little bit – I’m being more social, I’m leaving the house, and I’m finally ready to stop dressing like Adam Sandler!!! (I’ve essentially been living in sweats for the past ~20 months.) The overwhelming majority of my clothes are still in LA, and I am CRAVING some variety after donning the same pants and tank tops all summer. To that end: I just renewed my Nuuly and BNTO subscriptions and couldn’t be more excited! Both cost $98/month and ship 6 pieces straight to your door. I love Nuuly for trying out things I’m actually interested in buying (they carry tons of cool small brands mixed with Anthro, Free People, and the like), while I prefer BNTO for their accessory collection (cute necklaces! Fun bags!) that make it easy to zhush up my boring basics. I so appreciate being able to play around with new brands, styles, and cuts without splurging on stuff that doesn’t fit or that I’ll never wear again – it’s a really fun way to fall back in love with getting dressed every day. THREE CHEERS FOR RENTING!

Also from Caitlin: I bought a pair of not-ugly bike helmets and need to share with the class because I LOVE THEM. I got one in British Racing Green, Den got one in Speedway Creme, and we’re both huge fans – I love the protection, obviously, but I also love that they’re easy to lock with your bike and that they have an awesome magnetic closure instead of a pinch-y buckle. I’m a nut about helmets (lots of concussions will do that to you!) and love that this one doesn’t feel embarrassing to wear in a town of helmet-less beach folk. (Full disclosure: I bought them direct from the brand but wish I hadn’t – the site is buggy and customer service isn’t great. The helmets are amazing, but this is a rare occasion in which I’d highly recommend purchasing from the devil’s department store to spare your sanity.)

From Jess: Like many of us, I have lower back pain. I have an incredible pelvic floor physical therapist, so I’ve made a lot of progress! One thing she agreed was a good idea was to get a pillow for in between my legs since I’m a side sleeper. I got this one for under $15, and it actually stays there all night! I don’t think I’m a big mover when I sleep in general, but when I’ve tried to use a regular pillow, I almost always get rid of it not long after. So happy to have this specialized one.

From Gretchen: I don’t know what it is about a sporty t-shirt, but I’m hooked. This one from Old Navy has become a new favorite. The little red details at the shoulders and collar paired with the way the long sleeves flare out, I just love it. It’s comfy, casual, and cute. And I love the price tag even more. Also, I really lucked out with Old Navy’s birth year being 1994, because it’s the same as mine, and every time I see a big ’94’ emblazoned on a t-shirt for under $20, I feel like, spiritually, I just have to have it.

From Arlyn: I planned on linking something else today, but then an email came into my inbox that I actually opened, and it excited me! As someone who gets bombarded with press releases, I have to admit—I skip opening a lot of things unless it’s from someone I know or a note I’m waiting on. But just look at these absolutely gorgeous Artifact Uprising photo books wrapped in St. Frank prints!!! They look like designer coffee table books, except they’re something you make with your own memories. I mean, what a fantastic design-forward gift for anyone in your life who cares about that sort of thing. I’ll definitely be making one of these for myself whenever I can find the time to dig through photos and put something together (so…maybe never? ha J/K…)

From Marlee: After eyeing this sofa online for a while, I just scored one on FB Marketplace for $200 (!!!) and I am in HEAVEN! It’s deep, cushy, and so so so comfortable. We got the 82″ width multi-seat, which seats 2 comfortably and could squeeze 3 if you’re down to get cozy. It’s the perfect sofa for a 2-person household – I love that the arms are thick enough to set a coaster/my drink on, and it comes with a ton of pillows that you can adjust to your comfort preferences. It’s in the performance velvet, which I get a little nervous about velvet sofas looking too shiny/cheap, but after seeing it in person, I’m really happy with how it looks. The folks we bought it from had it for 3 years, and it seems to have held up really well. If you’re looking for a contemporary, COMFY sofa, I would totally recommend this one!

From Mallory: You guys! A really awesome family friend of mine just started an embroidery business called Bancroft and Grand that you have to check out. Linda and her best friend, Jenny of 30+ years, decided to invest in a super high-quality embroidery machine that they can take to brand activations or really any event, and they can custom embroider nearly anything for you on-site. They just embroidered personalized hotel-esque robes for my house, and they did some really cool custom Philadelphia Phillies embroidery too! I went to high school with Linda’s daughters, and I’ve known their family for forever, so it’s just so fun to see their new adventure – if you’re planning an event and want to make it special, hit them up!

Thank you for hanging out with us today! See y’all tomorrow. xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: My Friend’s Moody Dark Green Dining Room (You Should See The Before)

I always appreciate how the “higher-ups” designed the year to make you look forward to a season, get used to it, and then BAM, you’re so ready to be done with it and move on by the end (even if the next season will have cold and rain). Living in LA, I never really dressed or thought seasonally outside of the holidays – you just put on clothes with varying layers most of the year. But up here I love leaning into it a bit – representing the season, letting yourself be informed by the literal colors of the trees (fall is so gorgeous up here for leaf peeping). So here are a few cute outfits that I’m really into in case you need some fall clothes ideas.

Blazer | Sweater | Jeans | Shoes | Purse | Gold Charm Necklace

A fantastic oversized wool jacket in a classic tweed. And when I say “oversized,” I just mean that it’s not trying to be fitted; it’s a bit more “menswear” fit and, as you can see, is roomy enough to layer over a thin sweater. It’s from Madewell and splurgy, but I just love it with that striped sweater, and I think it’s super timeless. Speaking of which, that sweater is so soft and thin, roomy with thin arms and a great crewneck. I’ve been wearing it a lot because it’s mid-weight and the color palette is perfect. The jeans are part of the Levi’s for Target line, which I had never tried on before but really love.

Blazer | Shirt | Skirt | Boots | Purse | Scarf (unavailble) | Bangle | Burgundy Beaded Necklace | Gold Charm Necklace

I love this outfit. The blazer is in constant rotation (it dresses up any t-shirt/jean look) and the new boots are beautiful and perfect – tiny kitten heel, fantastic color, and high-quality leather at a great price. I found this cream top at Target, which was easy to layer over and dressed it down a bit (rather than a button-up). The skirt is quintessential fall and is the perfect length for taller boots (although I wore it below with socks and oxfords, which I think is pretty dang cute).

Sweater | Skirt | Socks | Shoes | Purse | Burgundy Beaded Necklace | Multi Colored Beaded Necklace | Gold Charm Necklace

This is the chunky fisherman’s sweater I wear all the time – around the house, at night during the summer, and I even dress it up with a navy silk skirt for a casual nighttime look. This is my first foray into this sock trend that’s been around for a while, and I think it works because these socks are cream and so thin (and I love those oxfords – I thought they would be uncomfortable since they have elastic in the back, but they are great).

Jacket | Sweater | Jeans | Shoes | Burgundy Beaded Necklace | Multi Colored Beaded Necklace | Gold Charm Necklace

Obviously, an easy denim look is always a hit for more casual days and weekends. These are the Mother Jeans that are mid-rise and “flood” length for those of us who don’t want high-rise. They are fantastic (if you like a slightly higher rise, the Kick it High jeans are excellent). These ramblers are the typical Mother stretch (the below Mother Ramblers are stiffer, and the butt is more flattering because it’s tighter, IMHO).

Sweater | Top | Jeans | Shoes | Multi Colored Beaded Necklace | Gold Charm Necklace

Ok let’s get it out of the way – one of my best friends, who works at The Great, sent me this sweater for my birthday. Now it’s splurgy as hell (The Great has a huge cult following and their customers are willing to collect these sweaters), but I know that some of you might be into it (it’s so thick and still drapey, and I can’t wear it without getting like 90 compliments – many from men, which is pretty funny).

Sweater | Top | Jeans | Shoes | Multi Colored Beaded Necklace | Gold Charm Necklace

The denim is the mid-rise Rambler but the slightly longer and thicker/stiffer version. I find them really flattering and containing (the dark wash helps), and the butt is tight and lifts in a good way. Big fan of those slides. They look cuter IMHO when you can see a sock and a twinge of ankle, but I like them here nonetheless.

Sweater | Top | Jeans | Shoes | Multi Colored Beaded Necklace | Gold Charm Necklace

Lastly, a sweet little fall tank that is thick cotton with a sweet pattern that I feel really great in. Easy to layer over with a cardigan (what with no sleeves), so while many of us don’t buy tanks in the fall, this is a good one for layering (and for those of you in sweltering heat right now). Same low-rise Levi’s for Target that I love, and I have to apologize to all my Nike friends for wearing these Adidas, but the powder blue and brown leather is so good (and like $80!).

Happy fall, even if it’s 100 degrees and humid out (shout out to our LA peeps). xx

For some other cute outfits and inspo, here are my favorite fall jeans and pants!

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

A pretty room with poorly hung curtains is like a beautiful, pulled-together lady wearing pants that are the wrong size. It cheapens everything else and stands out in a jarring way. A few years back, we decided to combat the problem by going through some of the biggest mistakes people make when buying and hanging curtains, and with many a homeowner (and disgruntled curtain) in need, we figured it was time to update the post with some new tips, as well as pull together some of our ready-made favorites in a massive roundup. I can promise you that putting up and hanging curtains the right way WILL change your room for the better.

In case you missed the other design mistakes: The Generic Sofa Roundup | Rugs That Are Too Small | Painting A Small, Dark Room White | Bad Wood Finishes | How To Hang Curtains | Generic Art | Not Having A Plan | Who Pays For Design Mistakes | My Biggest Design Mistakes -And What You Can Learn From Them | When to Hire vs. DIY | The Too Small Credenza | Mixing “Leggy” & “Chunky” Furniture Is The Secret To A Balanced Space

So, let’s start with the curtain hanging mistakes.

I used to do this; I hung my rod just slightly above my window frame, mostly because I would buy the wrong length of curtain. Then, as I was trying to avoid the too-short curtain (see below), I was forced to hang it lower. Now, it doesn’t ALWAYS have to be 20″ above your window, literally just under the ceiling, but go at least 1/2-2/3 the distance towards the top to help your ceilings look as high as possible. It’s not just the better way to hang your curtains, but at this point we have a “cultural height” of where your curtain rod line should be, the height where we, as a collective people, are used to seeing it, and if you get too close to the windowsill, and if you have a lot of space to play with, it just stands out in your room. Lift the rod, which lifts the eye, which makes your ceilings look higher and your space bigger.

What I do love, however, is how that white pillow is styled on that chair in the above/right shot. It’s all WHUT, I’m not just a pillow; I’m a diamond. And I get ladies. 

Meanwhile, the most common curtain mistake is just painful to look at – the “too short” curtain. The “waiting for a flood” curtain. It does EXACTLY what pants that are too short do – it cuts off your room (leg) in a really jarring way, making it look, feel short/stubby, and awkward. You have three other options – all good/legal ones to avoid this look:

1. The Slight Float – Less than an inch above the floor. If you want to hang your curtains without any break at all, so they hang totally straight, then the float is the best option for you. It doesn’t touch the floor, but only just barely.

2. The Kiss – It barely touches the floor. This is the hardest one to pull off, as you need to measure SUPER accurately from the rod (and make sure to include in your measurements the rings/clips or S hooks). It is my favorite as it looks the most custom and intentional, but it is the hardest to accomplish. There is often a tiny break/bend in the curtain when it’s open that I’m totally ok with.

3. The Puddle – Where it does just that, it puddles all over the floor. This is best for you romantics out there, or for those looking for a more feminine, old-world, European feel. Marie Antoinette puddled hard all over that villa, dripping with her cakes and sapphires. We just installed a couple of puddles in a baby girl’s ultra-feminine nursery, and it looks BEAUTIFUL. It’s especially a good idea if/when your fabric is really high quality – either washed linen or velvet- because the more it puddles, the more you can see the beautiful texture of the fabric that you probably splurged on. It should be thick and grand, not dinky little cotton curtains that will simply look accidental and way too long.

Another common mistake is not having the rod wide enough on both sides of the window, so that your curtains are forced to hang partially in your window, blocking light and making the window look smaller (thus making your room feel smaller). Extend the rod at least 6-10″ on either side of the window frame (if you have the space) so that when the curtains are pushed totally open, you can see almost all of the window.

The height above your sill can be similar to the space on either side of the window sill – lift and widen where you put the rod so that the window frame feels as big as possible and allows for as much light in as possible. Remember, natural light is your best accessory, so let it…shine…

If you have a big window, make sure to have double-wide panels on both sides of the frame. Say your window is 100″ wide, and your panels are 54″ wide (standard), then SURE, when they are closed, they will technically block the light, but they will be taut and won’t have any softness in them. Additionally, when the curtains are open, they will look really dinky and disproportionate to your grand window. You may have to buy four panels (2 on each side); we do that often. You can either have your tailor/dry cleaner sew them together, OR just hang them as-is, and often you can’t see the break because now they are so full and billowy.

Now, with all that said, you may be asking your self how do I not be the girl with ill-fitting pants? With the help of illustrator Jonna Isaac, we have created this handy guide to hanging your curtains the very best way possible. You may have to invest in longer curtains or even more panels if you have a larger window, but otherwise, hanging a curtain the right way actually costs the same as the wrong way. So please, follow this guide and save everyone the discomfort of the “too short,” “too low,” “too thin,” and “too narrow” curtain.

But where do we buy these?

Well, we’ve pulled together a roundup of our favorite ready-made long curtains for you. There are very few houses that only need 84″ high curtains. It’s like the housing and curtain industries had lunch, got drunk, and one of them said, “We’ll make the standard height of newly installed windows around 6′ or 7′ high, so you just go ahead and only manufacture curtains around 84″ high, and they’ll all buy it, and we’ll all become millionaires”. But 84″ is almost always not long enough. Annoyingly, 95″ can often be too long if you have 8′ ceilings, but it’s better to buy the 95″ and have them hemmed to around 90″ (which is what we usually do in that case) than to go for the 84″. Of course, I’m hoping that the heads of the world’s curtain senate are reading this post and will start implementing change, making a 90″ length as a standard size. And if you still make 72″ long curtains, go ahead and press pause on that mission. It’s a failed one, and you are doing more harm to society than good.

On to my favorite long/affordable/readymade curtain options (in a variety of styles to satisfy many of you) that will hopefully solve all your problems.

1. Light Filtering Linen Window Curtain | 2. Faux Linen Curtains Pair (Set of 2) | 3. Pleated European Flax Linen Curtain | 4. Luxe Linen Blend Woven Blackout Curtain

1. Blackout Aruba Window Curtain Panel | 2. European Linen Room Darkening Curtain | 3. Faux Linen Curtain

1. DYTÅG Curtains (Set of 2) | 2. 100% French Linen Curtain Set (Set of 2) | 3. Linen-Blend Curtains (Set of 2)

1. Cotton Velvet Room Darkening Curtain | 2. Loria Plush Velvet Blackout Curtains | 3. Indigo Blue Cotton Velvet Window Curtain Panel (Set of 2)

1. Linen Cotton Ladder Sheer Curtain | 2. Floral Jacquard Organic Cotton Linen Window Curtain Panel | 3. White Plaid Sheer Linen Curtain

1. HÄGGVECKMAL Room Darkening Curtains | 2. Verity Tweed Cotton Blackout Curtain

1. Diamond Lattice Floral Curtain | 2. Judarn Printed Cotton Blackout Curtain | 3. Emma Chamberlain Floral Curtain

1. Judarn Cotton Linen Sepia Curtain | 2. Soft Pink Stripe Floral Curtains | 3. Francine Woven Cotton Floral Curtain

1. Modern Faux Linen Cotton Blend Semi Sheer Curtain Pair (Set of 2) | 2. Linen Curtain with Handmade Trim Edges | 3. Coastal Stripe Linen Cotton Curtain

1. Luxe Linen Wide Stripe Blend Woven Curtain | 2. Emma Chamberlain Multi-Stripe Curtain | 3. Cotton Woven Stripe Curtain

There needs to be a whole rod/ring conversation, but I’ll just say this right now – when in doubt, go simple (white, black, brass, or silver), stay away from crazy curly wrought iron stuff unless you live in a Scottish Castle (or an old Hollywood home), and fancy finials are only your friend if the style of your house can handle it. Also, if you can’t tell, I’m not the biggest fan of grommets (the metal circles a rod goes through). I’d go for a simple rod pocket when in doubt.

I promise that if you follow these guidelines, your room will feel and look so much better (and bigger). Have a great time hanging curtains!

In case you missed any of our posts from our Design Mistakes Series/PSAs, check them out here: The Generic Sofa Roundup | Rugs That Are Too Small | Painting A Small, Dark Room White | Bad Wood Finishes | How To Hang Curtains | Generic Art | Not Having A Plan | Who Pays For Design Mistakes | My Biggest Design Mistakes -And What You Can Learn From Them | When to Hire vs. DIY | The Too Small Credenza | Mixing “Leggy” & “Chunky” Furniture Is The Secret To A Balanced Space

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: River House Living Room Reveal

Progress has been made!! All summer long, there was some sort of banging from the guest cottage (and the guest cottage kitchen). We were in and out a lot and often didn’t know what was happening or when, which isn’t typical for any remodel I’ve done, but I was fine with it because I loved the crew and, frankly, I’m not ready to answer all the questions anyway. Without a hired general contractor on this job (my brother is helping some when I need it), we are basically getting different subs and workers when we can, hoping that we are here to answer questions. So the progress has been slow, but honestly I’m so behind on the final design that I’m grateful that I have more time to know the answers to their questions. But the floor in the kitchen is done, the restored and repaired window in the kitchen is installed, and we have some clear next steps.

If you are wondering if those are the original floors, that is the point! There really was no “original” floor; there was a subfloor that had a lot of big gaps and damage, and decades ago (probably the 40s or 50s) they laid some pretty intense laminate flooring over it. We started to remove the layers, and it was clearly a disaster. After testing negative for asbestos, we decided to just put flooring over it all.

See what I mean? Not good. But now…

Our goal was to make it match closely in vibe with the original clad ceiling, which we definitely wanted to keep, and the clad walls (which are in ok shape, but we have a solution below). So we found some reclaimed fir wood locally from Good Wood that matched the best. After months of deciding, we made the call to go for it, but with a lot of unknowns because reclaimed wood isn’t just copy/paste. We had a big sample board, of course, but there is no guarantee that the samples would 100% match the product that we would receive after milling it, and reclaimed wood is pretty expensive ($9-11 a square foot), with a lot of little add-ons per linear foot that can really add up (think slight wire brushing, adding a bevel, end cutting, cutting out conduit holes). Anyway, long story short – it wasn’t a one-and-done decision or process, and we were nervous! We really wanted this look, but we had no real guarantees that it wouldn’t be splintery without sanding off the finish completely (which we didn’t want to do) and sealing it. We love the color and finish! Now that it’s installed, it’s gorgeous, AND yes, there are definitely splinters, so we plan on rolling a coat of some sort of sealant to bring out the richness of the wood and also seal down some of the looser bits. We also plan on rugs, and maybe this isn’t a “barefoot” house. We are also open to sanding if we need to.

We used 3″ reclaimed planks on the floor (milled by Good Wood from old barns to be tongue and groove), and it’s so pretty and, yes, feels very old and original. I don’t regret it; I still think we made the right decision. The only other thing I think I could have done is sourced a richer, darker red-toned new wood and mostly covered it with rugs, and I bet your eye wouldn’t figure it out. But after having reclaimed wood in two projects, I will say that it really adds soul and richness to a house when appropriate. And in our case, I just felt strongly that we shouldn’t mix new wood with this clearly rustic wood on the walls and ceilings. If it bugs us, we will likely sand it completely and stain it a rich fir tone that still looks good with the walls but hopefully eliminates the splinters.

Old/New Windows Are In

Look how gorgeous these windows are!!!! Don’t worry, they’ll be painted a dark color, but my goodness, they are perfect replicas of the original windows, restored (and glass replaced) to be strong and high quality for 100 more years. We hired a local small family business, Sash and Cord, who did a fantastic job (with great communication and customer service – not just a salesperson who just hands over the job to the craftspeople). Although the sashes ended up being beyond restoration once they got them back to the shop, they commissioned replicas through a local workshop, made and installed fresh components to match the original windows where necessary, restored what could be saved, and glazed the new sash with tempered glass and traditional linseed oil putty. They are made out of CVG Douglas Fir. Daniel and Matt cared so much and did such a beautiful job.

We had our framers do a new, clean rough opening, and then it took a day and a half to install them on site (including all the shimming and insulation). Up next is trimming it out and painting.

But What Color Should We Paint The Guest Cottage Kitchen??

Remember this render of the guest cottage kitchen? I really loved it, and honestly we haven’t revisited the design in a while. It was never final, just more of a vision to work towards while we make allllll the decisions.

Now let’s talk colors.

We originally wanted green in here, and it was a slam dunk. Our plan is to put beadboard behind the fridge area and take that same line throughout the room. While we love wood, two huge rooms with floors, walls, and ceilings felt like a lot, and having some more solid colors could be a nice break. The wood on the walls in here had a lot of graffiti and patching, so we figured a great solution is beadboard on the walls in the whole room. But I started having my doubts about the green…

It’s pretty, but is it too high contrast? Does it complement the wood enough? I mean green and brown work together – think trees! But once I held up this dark, rich red, I got so excited.

So what you see in my hand is the floral fabric I want to skirt the cabinets with and the dark red paint that I fell in love with. Gretch did a quick mockup.

This definitely reads a bit pinker than red, but you can see how it complements and really works with the wood better than the green and just feels like a more seamless and rich experience. Both could look good, I know. And the only for-sure elements that we have ordered for the kitchen are our gorgeous Smeg appliances (we chose the black high-gloss small version without ice/plumbing and the induction 30″ black range to match). They are beautiful. We have that sink that we bought from Wayfair, but man, I wish it were a color. There is such a hole in the market for the 15 of us that want colorful plumbing for our darker spaces. I chose a wall-mount utility sink becasue its smaller and not cabinet-dependent (meaning we could still DIY the cabinets around it), and it doesn’t need a backsplash. But there are times when I wish I had done an undermount sink that doesn’t have a bright white apron and backsplash.

I’m excited to have this juxtaposition between the beadboard (that is all over the house) and the original wood. I think it will feel cozy but give more cottage than cabin.

So what do you think? Green, red? Let’s chat. xx

*Photos by Kaitlin Green