How to Style – Emily Henderson

Let’s Make It Better – 3 Real Life Reader-Submitted Rooms Get Our Honest Decor Styling Advice

Jess Bunge — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

The other week, for fun, Marlee put up an Instastory asking the followers what they needed advice on in their homes. It was meant to just be an Instagram thing, but then we decided that it was silly not to share our suggestions on the blog, too! So that’s what we’re doing today. Here are 3 rooms, 3 different design problems, and 3 (or more) potential solutions. Let’s jump right in!

The Accent Wall…

First off, it’s definitely not terrible, but we have some suggestions to give her ideas to get the look we think she wants. Also, as a general design “rule”, accent walls are hard. They were a massive trend in the early 2000s, but since then, designers advise against them unless it’s drawing attention to an architectural feature, such as a nook. Arlyn wrote a great post about it here. They are advised against because they can feel jarring and stop your eye abruptly. I think that’s what she’s feeling with her’s.

design by ryann trombetti | styled by emily bowser | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: ryann’s living and dining room reveal

We’re not sure if this room is a part of an open concept plan; if it isn’t, we suggest really committing fully and painting all of the walls like Ryann did in her last home. It feels intentional in a great way and keeps the eye moving around the whole space. Then, if it’s in the budget, a deep-toned, colorful rug would really help to visually balance the space. Also, going up a size will also make the space feel better scale-wise. Much like Ryann’s home, we recommend leaning into richer-toned furniture and decor. In conclusion, we think that the overarching issue she feels is that the space doesn’t feel balanced. So, by painting all the walls and leaning into those richer tones throughout will definitely fix that.

And for fun, here are some rug options with a reminder of what the space looks like:)

Aymer Copper Rug | Plaid Wool Reversible Rug

From what we gather from the baskets on the wall, loving pattern isn’t an issue. Both of these rugs are rich and warm with a pattern that won’t overwhelm the room. The copper rug is a little more neutral and has a similar vibe to the baskets, while the brown and blue one is a little more unexpected and modern.

Pierce & Ward Deco Border Handwoven Wool Rug | Katasha Checked Wool Area Rug

Then, if they wanted to choose a rug with a less intense pattern, I think this golden colored rug would be very fun and complement the bright color of the wall. Or they could tone it down but still add richness with the checked one that would also talk to the brick on the fireplace.

Hope this helped!

A Bathroom That Needs More Color

This follower really wants to add more color because she thinks there’s too much white. Well, fear not because we’ve got you. The good news is that this is a beautiful bathroom, so this is going to be a breeze.

We decided to really only recommend decor changes. Could they paint the walls? Sure. But we don’t think it’s necessary to inject a healthy dose of color to cure her from her “boring bathroom” blues. Naturally, there are two mood boards (we can’t help ourselves), and we based the style and some colors on what was already there – florals, pink tones, and a modern traditional look.

This first one is definitely more green-forward, but we love that shower curtain so much that we couldn’t not include it. Speaking of the shower curtain, they should get a rod, hang it towards the ceiling, and make sure the curtain is long enough to almost touch the floor. This will make the whole room feel taller. Now, as you can see, we mixed metals. This is totally allowed, but make sure each metal looks balanced. We did, however, feel that the rod should match the shower doorframe. Then, while it’s not necessary, we liked the idea of switching out the current vanity light for a brass one to warm up the space. Just an option. Remember when I said the metal tones should be balanced? That’s why the soap pump and the waste bin are also brass. A little brass high, medium, and low. And if you’ve been paying attention, then you know our deep love for burgundy. It’s rich, is a warm neutral that is anything but boring, and it’s a perfect match for green. So that bath mat and tray (that would work on top of the toilet’s tank) are perfect additions and will really add in the color this follower is looking for. But their current bath mat could also be great. Now, for the toilet seat, I am very pro black seat cover. I have one myself, and I think it really makes the room look so much better. It feels vintage-like but not old, and since this is a modern traditional bathroom, it’s kinda perfect, right?? I also love the added green textures of the toothbrush holder and candle. And finally, the piece of art. There’s nothing wrong with the beautiful piece they have, but it does look a little small and/or hung a little too high. So if they are looking for a new piece of art, I love this idea of this print because it’s got all of the tones of the established color palette, but a little more saturated/bright to add a little pop to the whole space.

This mood board leaned much harder into the warm tones, so you can see the same color palette but with a different color emphasized. We also swapped out the waste bin and tray to be in a natural woven material, since bathrooms inherently have a lot of hard surfaces like tile and stone. Oh, and that wonderful print is again, a brighter version of the rest of the colors to add freshness. The only thing that I didn’t mention that could also be switched out is the mirror, if they wanted. It’s totally great, but a slimmer frame might feel more balanced in the space. I think a black frame would still be a perfect color, but silver or brass would also look awesome. Happy decorating!!

Adding Character To The Builder Grade Kitchen

Now, this follower has a great kitchen, but given that it’s builder-grade, they really want to add more character to it. Clearly, it’s very modern, so we’re hesitant to recommend going “too vintage”. That doesn’t feel quite right for a design like this because it may feel like too much of an overall contrast. Like they are fighting each other instead of working in harmony. We only say that because when most people hear “character,” they mostly only think “add all vintage”. Keep reading:)

So what we are about to recommend is a little vintage, but mostly things that add color and texture. It’s really about adding personality, right? With that said, the biggest change they could make is the handles. The brushed silver they currently have isn’t helping the space to feel warm. But to be fair, the cabinet colors are also not warm, so adding on bright gold pulls that would highly contrast (and may visually overwhelm) isn’t the answer either. So what could work??

Lacquered Oak Wood “Join” Cabinet Handle | Oval Bar Wood Handle Cabinet Pull

We first thought a mid-toned wood handle pulls. They could warm the cabinets up a little and be a more unexpected choice. The other issue is that we couldn’t find any wood pulls over 12″, and some of those drawers look much longer than that. It’s an option, but we think we have a better idea.

Linear Pull Bronze | Antique Brass Cabinet Pulls

Bronze. It’s not as bright as gold brass, and it seems like it’s easier to find extra-long options. We think this could be the most elevated option for what they have. Warm but not too warm, you know? 🙂 Plus, we LOVE a knurled detail like the ones above have.

Onto decor!

Vintage Bamboo Basket

We want to start with the space above the cabinets. Currently, all they have are a few gray-brown baskets that look too similar to the gray undertone of the brown cabinets. A rich, warm vintage basket like this (with others) would look great up there. It’s texture, it’s warmth, and it’s anything but builder-grade.

Orcino Green Marble Fruit Bowl | Hand Carved Wild Olive Wood Bowl

But as we said at the start of this space, decorating with all vintage isn’t necessarily the move in a super modern kitchen. So adding in pieces like this beautiful green marble footed bowl (that also adds a great rich color) would look awesome displayed above the cabinets. The same goes for these hand carved bowls. They aren’t vintage, but they have so much texture and movement. The biggest thing when decorating an area like above cabinets is to make sure not all of your pieces are the same height, and that they are big enough to make a visual impact when you’re looking at them from the ground. Create levels and don’t forget scale!

Handmade Studio Pottery Polka Dot Utensil Holder | XL Utensil Holder

We also think this kitchen could use more color and/or pattern. We love a well-placed polka dot, and that utensil holder is the perfect amount. But you know a splash of color is just as impactful, and you bet that Nickey Kehoe sells the most beautiful green utensil holder in town:)

Rechargeable Dimmable Rattan Touch Table Lamp | Ryland LED Table Lamp

This one may be tricky because it’s clear this kitchen gets a lot of action with at least one baby living under their roof. But if they can clear a little corner, we LOVE a kitchen lamp. It adds so much personality, ambiance, and guaranteed character. Both of these are rechargeable, so no need to take up any outlet space.

Moon Face Vine Dinner Plate | Antique Upper Hanley Semi Porcelain Dinner Plate | My Main Passion in Life is Bagel Plate

Ok, at first, the idea was to maybe hang a mix of modern handmade and vintage plates on the tile backsplash, but obviously, they would be difficult/potentially require holes to secure, and there’s the whole cooking grease mess issue. However, we still think that maybe the wall with the window or the wall next to the fridge could be options. Even if it’s just a single vertical line of plates or more of a gallery like this. The great thing about plates is that they are great to thrift, too! But again, for this kitchen, make sure it’s at least a mix of more contemporary and antique.

To the people who submitted, THANK YOU! And when we do this again, those who weren’t chosen will absolutely be looked at again, and we will also, of course, make sure you ask our blog-only readers too<3

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Ryann Trombetti | Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Ryann’s Living and Dining Room Reveal

Setting The Table For Fall (Or Thanksgiving) And Where To Find The Best Pieces

Emily — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

I love styling out this room, despite very rarely having grown-up dinner parties (more like 6 family frat parties). But we had a social campaign with Anthropologie (some new, some I’ve had for a while), so I played around and set it up for those of you looking for some fall, harvest, or most likely Thanksgiving table setting ideas.

I really think this is my color palette these days – blues, greens, with hits of deep burgundy and ochre/mustard. It’s all over the house (I can’t wait to show you the new living room next week). The glasses, cafe bowls, and placemats are also super holiday-appropriate color-wise, should you want to use them year-round.

The things that scream “fall/harvest” specifically are the salad plates, napkins (questionable – those could be more year-round), and the candle holders (so pretty but very delicate). The centerpiece vase is pretty incredible – it lives on my coffee table now with big black Halloween branches 🙂

It’s both colorful and soft, which I love.

This was shot on a day we were doing like 5 campaigns so I set it up and told Kaitlin to just go for it while I shot something else with video in the other room (technically we didn’t need to shoot photos, it was just so pretty and I love photography so much, so you may notice a small vase with no flowers in it and some wonky flatware, wrinkles, ec – whoops!). The flowers are from my garden, NBD:)

White Vase

The vase is spendy, for sure – a great heirloom piece or gift for someone (and likely on sales over the holidays). I typically wouldn’t style those brown gingham napkins with these other colors, but i think the brown in the plates and the amber candles help pull everything together.

We rounded up a bunch of our favorite harvest/fall tablescape pieces that are new this year, since some of the pieces above are no longer available. xx

1. Carved Edge Salad Plate | 2. Marin Botanical Stoneware Salad Plate | 3. STRIMMIG Side Plate

If you love having a full, different set of plateware for each holiday/season, more power to you! But a little hack that also saves on storage space is to just switch out your salad plates. Adds a little festive feel, and you can still use your everyday dinner plates.

1. Reactive Glaze Tapas Bowls (Set of 4) | 2. STOCKHOLM 2025 Bowl (Set of 2) | 3. Stoneware Reactive Glaze Bowl (Set of 4)

The same goes for bowls if you want!

Pretty glassware never gets old, and if it isn’t “too holiday,” then you can also display it year-round as beautiful decor.

1. Glass Beverage Pitcher | 2. VARDAGEN Pitcher | 3. Marble Wine Chiller

We love a pitcher because it can be used as an actual pitcher OR a vase.

1. Eider Brown Glass Bud Vase | 2. Amber Icon Embellished Glass Bud Vase | 3. Essential Stoneware Table Vase

Speaking of vases, we would suggest choosing one main large one with a couple more small vases, or just small vases. You want to be able to talk AND see the people across the table from you.

1. Alcantara Frederic Leather Wrapped Candle Holder | 2. Milano Small Green Glass Taper Candle Holder | 3. Mina Tall Taper Candle Holder

Boy, are we suckers for great candle holders. They don’t block the view, add dimension, and of course, ambience.

1. Plum Beeswax Candle | 2. Pumpkin Orange Dipped Taper Candles (Set of 2) | 3. Acorn Beeswax Candles (Set of 10)

For more added dimension, fun candles are a great way to get that! You can choose an interesting shape or just go for a colorful taper.

1. Fall Glass Pumpkins (Set of 3) | 2. Papier Mache Pumpkin Placecard Holders (Set of 4) | 3. Woven Pumpkins (Set of 6)

Is it a harvest or Thanksgiving table without at least one pumpkin??

1. Washed Spice Orange Linen Napkin with Fringe Trim (Set of 4) | 2. Plaid Napkins (Set of 4) | 3. Floral Napkins (Set of 4) | 4. Ivory and Chestnut Border Block Printed Napkins (Set of 4) | 5. Block Print Ruffle Napkins (Set of 2) | 6. Marin Walnut Linen Buffalo Check Napkin

There are so many great cloth napkins on the market. They can add instant color and pattern.

The same goes for placemats, and these are all great.

1. Fall Plaid Oversized Runner | 2. Marin Spruce Green Buffalo Check Linen Table Runner | 3. Autumn Botanical Linen Runner

And if you want to go all out, also include a runner! Or you could simple and skip the placemats and just use a runner.

1. Dutch Bread Oven | 2. Floral Porcelain Soup Tureen | 3. Wavy Edge Soup Terrine

Of course, a pretty lidded dish for those “need to keep hot” foods might as well be pretty, right?

1. Oval Stoneware Floral Serving Dish | 2. Large Stoneware Cabbage Serving Bowl | 3. Floral Earthenware Serving Dish

Then serving platters is where we think your personality can really shine. Are you “Colorful folk”? “Whimsical Produce Lover”? “New Classic”? Your platters can take you there:)

1. Le Creuset Pumpkin Butter Dish | 2. Carved Edge Gravy Boat | 3. Stoneware Butter Dish with Knife

And finally, to top it off, might as well also have a great butter and/or gravy boat on the table. That sweet Le Creuset one is pricey, but is one that could even be passed down.

That’s kind of the special part about festive tableware: you create so many memories over these dishes, vases, and even table linens that likely the next generation will want at least some of them for their homes. Decor is something that holds memories, and that’s what we love about it. Happy table setting, everyone!

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

5 “Grab & Go” Fall Front Door Decor Combos (Halloween Too:))

Jess Bunge — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

The season officially changed this week to our beloved fall (and also became Libra season:)) So, for the design/holiday decor lover, that means it’s time to deck your fall front doors and porches with pumpkins, squashes, festive wreaths, etc. And if you are a Halloween enthusiast, maybe a spooky (or welcoming) skeleton too. Now, for those of us who love a little festiveness but aren’t really the types to go FULL OUT, this post is for you! I put together what Caitlin so brilliantly coined “Grab & Go” Combos. Just 3-4 items to give a little curb appeal and make you feel festive every time you walk through your front door. I’m starting with a couple of Halloween combos, then the rest are strictly fall-inspired.

Faux Lit Black Berry Wreath | 3 Piece DIY Decorative Pumpkin Set | Chihuahua Skeleton | Beware Doormat

I’m starting with the more “adult version” because this is what I would do if I had an actual front door to decorate (it just doesn’t hit the same inside an apartment building, you know?) The colors are very monochrome, the vibe is “spooky chic”, and I love it. The wreath is SO good and currently on sale! It’s pre-lit, and the perfect “creepy” vibe without being too on the nose. Now let’s go to the doormat. I love it! And honestly, depending on your sense of humor could be a year-round rug:) But to really “Halloween” it up, there must be pumpkins. I love these ones, and they are actually meant to be painted if you want a DIY project. I think you could easily leave them white or just go grab some pumpkins at the store and spray paint them. I do think that might end up being close to the same price, and these ones are reusable. Lastly, a little skeleton figurine! It doesn’t have to be this one, but I think getting some kind of skeletal decor will officially nail this look.

Spooky Halloween Bat Live Wreath | 10″ Lit Metal Pumpkin Lantern | 19.75″ Lit Triple Stacked Pumpkins | Kids Ed Emberley Bat Doormat

Here’s a fun, more kid-friendly version! I also LOVE this wreath. It’s not cheap, and you might be able to DIY something similar, but if you are like me…that’s probably not happening, ha. I think it’s both elevated and fun and will last many, many years because it’s pretty timeless. Moving along! As soon as I saw that doormat, I knew I had to include it. It’s actually what this whole combo was based around. How cute is it?? We love a friendly bat! West Elm is kinda killing it. Then, for kids, goofy pumpkins are kinda a must-have. I like how the stacked pumpkins and the lantern pumpkin (less goofy, I know) give the combos different height levels, and both have a classic orange glow. Adding a few more real “kid-carved” pumpkins might not be a bad idea either:)

Now, let’s talk fall-only front door combos…

Burgundy Umbrella Sedge Dried Wreath | Bishop Ceramic Indoor/Outdoor Pedestal Planter | Allston Outdoor Doormat

Not to pick favorites, but I think this might be it for me personally (but I love all my kids, I promise!). That STUNNING burgundy wreath is under $50, WHAT?! It is for either indoor or covered outdoor use, so if that works for you, then this purchase is a go. It’s plush and cool and very on trend while still looking classic. Then notice how that great doormat ($35) has some burgundy in it to effortlessly tie in with the wreath. Finally, is it a modern traditional design if there isn’t a hit of black? I think not. This planter is clean, simple, and perfectly modern. It’s not as affordable as the other two pieces, but it’s also something that can go with any style, and you would want to keep forever. Pick a plant of your choice, and you are all set for the fall!

Dried Jasmine Wreath | Rattan Reversible Outdoor Planter Basket | French Creel Coir Mat

Maybe you love fall, but you are less into the fall traditional color palette. This is for you. That dried Jasmine wreath is so beautiful. The hits of brown and gold give this combo the “fall feel”. Then that doormat is also more “fall leaning” but is great for the fall and Christmas (with different decor) around it. It also comes in a few other colors. That rattan planter is great for year-round front door decor and is reversible! I think a little brown leaf tree would be perfect to really drive home the fall-inspired look.

Dried Natural Wheat Wreath | 25″ Outdoor Lantern | Stacked Doormat

And finally, we have my true blue modern combo. The doormat is what I started with, and I love it (it also comes in green). This is also a mat that is great for year-round use! But to really drive the “modern harvest” vibe, this dried wheat wreath is perfect. It gives a hint of rustic, but is balanced by the doormat and that great outdoor lantern. It’s classic, tall, and you can easily add a real or battery-operated candle. This combo is simple, cool, and versatile (well, aside from the very fall-specific wreath:))

Hope this was helpful and shows that you don’t need a whole big front door setup with a ton of decor pieces to make a beautiful and festive impact. Grab & go, baby!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits (Left to Right): Left Photo by Kailtin Green, From: Our Front Porch Decorated For Halloween | Center Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp, From: My Spooky (And Super Simple) Kid-Approved Halloween Decor | Right Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp, From: Make Your Home Fall Ready With 7 Simple Tricks

Never Say Never: I Bought Faux Fall Branches For My Brother’s House And Here Are The Best Ones

Emily — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

May Martha Stewart roll over in her gardening bed (have you seen her lately? The lady looks incredible). Most stylists are pretty anti-faux plants, flowers, and branches simply because the real stuff is so much prettier, more organic/nuanced/special-looking, etc. Then there is the whole plastic issue with fake flowers, which isn’t awesome, and of course, the dust, hearkening to the 90s era general badness of styling and decor. Martha does not approve, to say the least.

So, Why The Change? Why Now?

Well, a few weeks after I styled/shot my brother’s house for the big reveal (coming so soon!) I went over to their house, and all the real pretty summer branches were either dead or the vases were empty. The once pretty vignettes looked sad, and then I got sad. But I know my brother and Katie and knew that they needed my help: Not only do they not want the pressure to make sure everything looks perfect per their sister’s request, but they aren’t sure what to clip, what to buy, what looks good in what type of vase, etc. And frankly, a bad real flower arrangement is worse than no flower arrangement at all (really showing my snobbery for flowers here).

My general ethos as a designer is to create homes that reduce people’s stress, not add to it, so I offered to pick out and buy them faux flowers/branches. They said yes (with relief). What we found blew us away (it’s not the 90s anymore).

And listen, while this isn’t my thing at my house, I recognize that I’m privileged enough to live on a property with a ton of real flowers and trees right outside my door, and furthermore, I genuinely love clipping and arranging flowers and branches around my house. It comes very easy to me (lol… after like 20 years of experience – women need to stop saying that things are easy when really we are just skilled from decades of hard work). But not everyone is in my position, and you can’t have sad, dead branches, empty vases, random flower arrangements from the grocery store, or even worse – really ugly fake flowers. My brother’s new faux summer branches that we bought and arranged looked incredibly real… until fall came and the “Queen Anne’s lace” and “cherry blossoms” became glaringly fake (to me) because those flowers can’t exist in September (this is key to the faux branch program – non-seasonal flowers look extra fake). So, in the name of making sure their house, that I worked so hard on for 4 years, looks beautiful year-round, in every season, I offered again to switch the summer “branches” out for fall, and once again, after shopping A TON, we found some that look FANTASTIC. I think I just put the final nail in my career coffin of ever working for Martha, but here we go.

These were the absolute best of the best (we bought a lot more). The key to why these work is in the tone of the flower/leaf (i.e., not bright green and not shiny) and the shape of the stem (I arranged all the stems to be really organic and “random” like a real plant would be). I tried to hide the underside of some of the green leaves (that give it away). It also doesn’t hurt that all the vases are pretty dang good.

My Favorite Faux Flowers – What Started This Whole Thing

See those pretty flowers poking in on the coffee table? Those sparked it all. They look incredibly real and made me rethink the entire category (and my snobbery). We didn’t take a full shot (we came back for portraits weeks after we shot the reveal, but I never reshot the coffee table with the fake stuff).

Faux Burgundy Cosmo Stem | Vase

But here they are – and the way they flop and style really help them look even more real. The deep, dark color is really pretty and subtle, with some color variation but not too much. I actually think these are appropriate for all four seasons, and they style so easily in a vase.

Faux Autumn Leaves Branch | Vase (unavailable)

These were so pretty (and large) and flopped perfectly to look so real and dramatic. Great for an entry table or somewhere that you need the height and volume.

Faux Autumn Leaves Branch | Vase (unavailable)

We shopped at Target, World Market, Crate and Barrel, West Elm, and CB2, and Crate had the best (but are the most expensive, of course).

Faux Turning Aspen Branch | Vase

We put these in their mudroom (didn’t take a photo, sorry), and they looked pretty real. Green with a hint of “turning” to red.

Faux Seeded Eucalyptus Stem | Vase

These look really real right now, they are everywhere outside, and since eucalyptus dries really well, you can get away with them in a pretty vase like that for months while looking real.

Faux Sedum Stem | Vase (similar)

In their powder bathroom, we put these sweet little dark red sedums. The powder bath is the only bathroom I consistently make sure has fresh sprigs since people actually see it, so not going to lie that I feel a bit tempted to do this.

Faux Siberian Elm Branch | Vase

These more spindly branches work so well in here – it picks up on the gold and burgundy of the painting (ooh!!! sneak peek of the dining room styling!!!). These were oddly expensive, and they need a big bulbous vase to offset the spindly-ness (i.e., not a tall skinny vase).

Faux Black Plum Leaf | Vase (similar)

These guys, from Target, are excellent (shout out to Joanna Gaines). By far the most budget-friendly and also excellent of the group (10/10). The color is perfect, and nothing about them looks fake, even up close.

Faux Small Golden Leaf Branch | Vase

Another fantastic fall branch that looks so real. I think that branches are easier to execute than flowers in the faux department, FYI. These work so well in most rooms.

Faux Japanese Maple Stem | Vase (similar)

These wild Japanese maples were really well executed. Again with the color variation in the leaves and the organic shape of the stems.

Faux Blue Sea Holly Stem | Vase

Now, I feel like I could have styled these a little better (we were in a huge hurry, TBH) and these are too straight up and out, but I still think they are great and they are living there forever 🙂

Faux Oversized Eucalyptus Branch | Vase

These are HUGE oversized eucalyptus that we thought could work in the house, but they need either a huge entry table or a credenza against a wall (too big for a dining table). But they were very real-looking with a nice tone.

So there you have it – never say never 🙂 Always learning, right? So again, if clipping outside or shopping for seasonal greens brings you joy, let’s stick to the real deal. But you aren’t alone if having a really good faux version makes you love your home more and makes your life easier. I hope some of these help 🙂

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

This Is The Quick Fix For Your Boring Neutral Room

Arlyn Hernandez — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

As a lover of all things pattern and color in interior design, I’m most often asked for decorating advice and help from the people in my life who have neutral homes. The most common complaint I get hit with that I’m enlisted to help solve is: How do I make my room interesting? It would be easy to tell them just to add some color or fun art or pattern, but that’s not really what they’re looking for. So, I did the work for those in my life and readers of this blog to unlock the one thing I think every *good* neutral room sports: quiet pattern. Look, I’m not here to try to convince anyone that they need to colorblock and pattern-drench their home in the name of “interesting;” rather, I’m here to help explore what makes a warm, welcoming, interesting room, whether that’s a colorful *or* neutral space.

For some reason, when designing with neutrals, non-professionals and enthusiasts tend to overlook how much impact can be added to their space with some pattern, all while not amping up the energy, the key is the “quiet” part of the equation.

So, what exactly is a quiet pattern? Well, it’s a pattern that isn’t loud (obviously). It’s either subtle and neutral in color or created simply out of texture rather than contrast. It can come into play through building materials (like the image from 1stDibs below), or via fabrics, textiles, and furnishings in a space.

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A post shared by 1stDibs (@1stdibs)

Let’s take a look at this image above I found through the 1stDibs account. It was designed by Nina Farmer and is a perfect example of the magic of “quiet patterns.” It’s a room that feels so alive, so complex, yet devoid of any non-neutral colors from this vantage point besides the rust vase and the artwork. Interest comes through via the texture and “pattern” of the brick fireplace, the wall paneling, the edged rounded square on the surface of the coffee table, the neutral plaid on the sofa fabric, and even the heavy texture of the rug.

Here are a few more all-around examples, plucked from the EHD archive:

While that Nina Farmer image above was jam-packed with “quiet pattern,” sometimes, all you need is one or two injections of it to deliver a homey vibe to an otherwise stripped back room, like the Portland Project primary bedroom above. Without the hushed pattern of the bedspread (and even the speckling of the rug), it may have felt a bit too one-note.

design by emily henderson design | photo by tessa neustadt | from: staging my dream parisian hotel suite with sothebys

Throwing it all the way back to the Sotheby’s Parisian suite for those that have been around for over a decade. There’s a lot of contrast in this black-and-white boudoir, which certainly helps, but the quiet pattern moments just bring it home, including the herringbone floor, the hushed design on the rug and other textiles, and even the marbling of the fireplace surround.

design by brady tolbert | photo by tessa neustadt | from: brady’s living room refresh

EHD alum Brady Tolbert is the kind of quiet pattern and interesting neutral rooms. Here in his previous living room, texture drives a lot of the interest, but the patterns created by said texture in the throw pillows and blanket bring in that movement and distinct punch that only pattern can deliver. The chevron of the shag rug, stripes of the side chair throw blanket and a few other details complete the story.

photo by sage e imagery | design by lea johnson | lea’s primary bedroom reveal

This bedroom by our stylist buddy Lea Johnson showcases some different quiet pattern moments to consider as well, including the pattern created by the table lamp, and even the fluting in the nightstand.

Alright, now that we’ve established what “quiet patterns” are and seen them in action in neutral rooms, let’s break down each element further and do a little shopping.

Quiet Pattern Detail #1: Rugs

One of the loudest ways to bring in quiet pattern (ha) is via a rug. It’s a large stretch of floor space that tends to be very grounding to a room. It can easily be a one-and-done situation if you don’t want to think too much about any other quiet pattern element in your room.

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Case in point, this beautiful entryway (or possibly hallway?) by Studio Lifestyle. If you take your hand and cover up the rug, it’s still a stunning room, of course, but you can see how much life and warmth is introduced when you move your hand away and re-reveal the rug.

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Another one from our friend Brady, this time of his current home (I believe he has since restyled, but it wouldn’t be Brady if his home weren’t in constant creative motion). I love this example because of the dual pile rug that creates a checkerboard. No other color is needed to make the pattern, but it adds so much interest without stealing the show from anything else.

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Even more subtle is this rug in a very monotone room, by Rob Johansen. The maze-like motif at floor level breaks through the nearly entirely cream color palette. Genius (like that wildly interesting sofa that I’m sure costs more than what my husband and I collectively owed in student loans at the end of our college careers).

Now, some shoppable picks at a variety of price points:

Quiet Pattern Detail #2: Curtains

I love a good rug, but perhaps my favorite way to bring in some quiet pattern is via the window. It’s one of those more unexpected moments I find so interesting. Even something as simple as a barely-there pinstripe can make you take notice.

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I’m not sure why, but this little vignette is so charming to me. The way warm sunlight filters through a wispy, whispering, patterned curtain feels like magic. Thank you, Husband Wife for the moment of visual relief.

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A post shared by Amber Lewis (@amberinteriors)

Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors is a virtuoso of warm neutral spaces, and she utilizes quiet pattern like a master baker uses sourdough starter: it would be good bread made with yeast instead, but man, is it special this way. For the sake of this room to finish the analogy, the dining area wouldn’t lack any beauty if the curtains were just solid beige, but the block print just takes it to the next level.

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A punchy yet neutral nursery by Mindy Gayer Design checks a lot of “quiet pattern” boxes here, but I just love the curtains against the wallpaper. Sweet (and cool).

Here are a few of my favorite neutral patterned curtains (yup, even a pair from IKEA that’s about $20 a panel):

1. Heritage Strip Blackout Curtain, Set of 2 | 2. Stefana Silber Print Linen Blend Curtain Drapery Pleated | 3. Linen Cotton Ladder Sheer Curtain | 4. Embroidered Craftsman Ivory/Midnight Navy Organic Cotton Sateen Window Curtain Panel | 5. Painterly Stripe Linen Curtain Panel by Sarah Sherman Samuel | 6. HÄCKBERBERIS Room Darkening Curtains – 1 Pair 50″x98″

Quiet Pattern Detail #3: Wallpaper

Em’s farmhouse loves a quiet pattern wallpaper moment (remember this post??), and to me, it packs a very similar punch as a rug. Big area cover = big results.

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Another one by Mindy Gayer (who did the previously shown nursery). There’s a bit more color in here thanks to the green upholstered bench, but to my eye, it’s still a neutral space made charming through a quiet wallpaper.

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A bit more formal is this dining room by Lilly Taylor Interiors that introduces movement through the fern print on the walls.

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And again by Lilly Taylor Interiors. I love a window seat moment in general, but I’m particularly smitten by this one due in large part to the wallpaper.

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A polka dot will never not be the right choice for a room, as proven here by Rita Konig.

Below, you’ll find some picks for your walls, including #3 which is in Emily’s entryway.

Quiet Pattern Detail #4: Pillows & Throws

Want the smallest commitment in the quiet pattern arena? Pillows and throws, my friend. Typically affordable, easy to play around with, and still impactful for sure.

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A post shared by Space Exploration (@space_exploration_design)

Okay, this is technically a bedspread, but it’s still in throw territory, so I’m gonna let it slide (same with the next image). While a distinct, high-contrast stripe maybe isn’t so “quiet” to most of us here, it’s still a neutral pattern, and in my eyes, gives the same energy: adds interest and movement without injecting any overbearing noise or color.

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Wow, does Husband Wife know how to pack a wallop with just a few key elements. Never have I ever needed a crocheted blanket or bedspread, but well, now perhaps I do??

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The pattern mixing between the throw pillows and the sofa upholstery is fabulous (the room was shot by Nicole Frazen for Space Exploration).

I found it much easier to find pillows and throws in the very trendy “warm neutral” color palette or darker creams, beiges and even brown-toned mustards, but I plucked a few cooler neutral picks for anyone in that side of the neutral spectrum:

Quiet Pattern Detail #5: Furniture

And finally, we’ve reached furniture! This is the least obvious detail of all the quiet pattern moments, but I find it to be the most interesting. If you’re wondering how furniture (besides upholstery) can be a pop of pattern, read on.

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A post shared by Jenni Kayne | Apparel & Home (@jennikayne)

Prime example: burlwood veneer. A heavy wood grain on any casegood, particularly burlwood like on this cabinet in a catalog shot by Jenni Kayne Home, is a gorgeous way to introduce pattern with more sleight of hand.

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This squiggle metal furniture was made famous by Design Frères (it’s the Méandre design). You can see a similar table in this room by Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, shot by Nicole Frazen.

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Here is the chair version of that stool (first slide only). The soft, wavy pattern created by the metalwork pulls a lot of weight to inject personality into the vignette.

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And yes, of course, upholstery in a hushed print—like this buffalo check bench in a room by Kelly Bergin Design—is a surefire way to bring home that quiet pattern requirement of an interesting neutral room.

From sofas to benches to dining chairs and casegoods, here are some gorgeous “patterned” furniture picks for your perusal:

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I hope by this point, you feel good and confident about how to bring a neutral space to life. Of course, there are many other factors (varied tones and textures being paramount), but this is one talking point I find that is often overlooked and simply not talked about. If colorful rooms aren’t quite you but minimal neutral rooms have never hit the spot, perhaps this post is a guided path to something more in your lane.

Until next time, friends…

Opening Image Credits: Design by Emily Henderson Design | Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: Staging my Dream Parisian Hotel Suite with Sothebys

The New Bedding Trend (+ Jess’ Current Picks For Her Own Bed)

Jess Bunge — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

There is nothing more I love than looking at a boldly colored bedroom. But for myself, I want calm, I want soft neutrals, I want lightness. I need to rest in there after all! However, I don’t want only soft neutrals. I’ve been jokingly referring to my bedroom in its current state as the “50 shades of beige” room because of what I already owned/what I’ve brought in, baby, it’s A LOT of beige and cream. I knew I would never keep it like that, but figuring out the best way to add in color and pattern has been a journey (with an Italian MCM vibe, no less). Now, a very simple way that I want to add in some variety is through a “bed blanket”. Now, using a bed blanket on the bottom half of a bed isn’t a new trend. But what has gotten more popular recently are boldly patterned ones that almost have a vintage feel to them. So I’m going to take you on a little journey on what I think my best options are to create a calm but “eclectic” bedding combo, which is heavily dependent on my end-of-bed blanket (Oh, and you also get to see my new rug!!!). Then I’ll take you through some more options in case you are in the market too, but we have different styles. But first, let’s get clear on the sizing of a bed blanket:

Twin: 65″ x 90″
Full/Queen: 90″ x 90″ +
King: 108″ x 90″ +
California King: 108″ x 92″

Or if you want just a larger than average throw blanket it should be around:

50″ x 70″ or 60″ x 80″

Now, onto what I’m considering. But first, here is a little peek of my bed for more context.

left: velvet is clarke & clarke in “honey” and linen is kravet basics x thom filicia in sweeting – ivory | right: farren bench, green check fabric is gaston y daniela, and linen is kravet basics

I love both my bed and bench so freaking much. Buildlane and Kravet have truly made my dreams come true with this bed. And I am still pinching myself that I have a Katy Skelton piece of furniture.

Ok, now let’s really make these pieces shine together with some proper bedding…

First off, THAT’S MY “NEW” VINTAGE RUG! I originally was using one of our Rugs USA rugs (Starke in Beige). I loved the rug in general, but it never felt perfect. Then, for our third drop, that never happened (see here for the story), we were designing this incredible blue one that I was hoping would get to me in time for the shoot. That rug clearly never came to fruition, but my obsession with a blue rug remained. So when I found it light gray blue beauty with the rust border and tassels, it had to be mine. As you can see this color palette is expanding, and it all needs to be balanced. Not a problem, right??

In my possession, I have the rug (clearly), that perfect green patterned pillow, the striped duvet, and light mint colored sheets (I had to buy 3 versions to find the right tone). I wanted mint sheets because mint is used in the chicest way in French and Italian designs. And remember, I’m going for eclectic/slightly unexpected. I like that the linen duvet cover breaks up the color on either end of the bed but still has those thin rusty stripes to talk to the rug’s border color, the gold velvet on the bed, and in the green pillow. Speaking of the end of the bed, I really love this velvet quilt from Lulu and Georgia. The color is rich, the texture is interesting, and it’s a big pop. Also, it’s large, it can drape over the end of the bed enough to put a break in between the cream linen bedding/bed frame and the cream linen bench seat.

But is that blue velvet “too much”? Will it draw all the attention to that end of the bed? Well, this unbelievably beautiful large throw could be another option. The colors are stunning and obviously work with the rug and duvet (and potential lumbar pillow), and I love the print. I just don’t think it’s as big as I want it to be on its own. Maybe as an accent throw?? It’s not exactly an affordable piece, so I’d have to be VERY sure.

Here’s a totally different vibe that’s gives me a more airy look and feel. That big blanket is currently on clearance and $50 which is also very tempting. It’s warm without being bold, and works with the lumbar pillow. I’m just not sure about the stripes on stripes with the duvet. I think they are different enough in scale and would have a different orientation. So maaaybe.

Here can you see me emptying out my life savings. I brought back the L&G quilt and for some dimension and the Soho Home bedspread for pattern. Honestly, this is all too expensive (and maybe too much heavy bedding for Los Angeles), but I had to add it because it was too pretty not to. Moving on…

Now this feels like a real contender. I definitely love the velvet and how it will break up the creams, but I also love the idea of adding a patterned throw on top of it for more interest (or having the throw over the bench). I just may need to find a throw with more green in it though:) A lot is going on with this, but knowing how simple the walls and curtains will be, I’m pretty here for it.

Now let’s get into some patterned, bed blanket/throw options for all of you!

1. Check Wool Blanket | 2. Chipperfield Lambswool Block Throw | 3. Coastal Plaid Alpaca Throw

Here we have a variety of sizes based on the look you’re going for. The Zara Home one is a little larger than a standard throw and the pattern is so good. The stunner in the middle is from the same brand as the one on Emily bed in the mountain house and definitely big enough to be a full bed blanket. Then the Anthropologie blanket is a standard throw size and would be so pretty as an accent.

1. Claudius Throw | 2. Apex Throw | 3. Camila Throw

I wish Soho Home was more affordable because what they sell is SO GOOD. The colors of #1 are awesome. The other two are also larger throws. I love the tonal blue pattern because it’s both fun and quiet. The rust one is also so pretty and really versatile style-wise.

1. Pattern #2 Throw in Greens | 2. Khasa Throw | 3. Tatami Throw in Navy Blue

If you want a great throw blanket, Happy Habitat is such a great place to start. The patterns are bold, and the colors are awesome. These are standard throw sizes, but wow, do they pack a punch. The beautiful Bole Road blanket is an actual bed blanket, and I can’t get over how stunning it is. Maybe I should actually consider it for my bed!

1. Isadora Cotton Woven Throw Blanket | 2. Suzani Cotton Handmade Floral Bedspread | 3. Stillwater Floral Quilt

This is where “the trend of it all” is really popping off – vintage-inspired florals. The Anthro blanket is a standard throw, but my god, those colors are so pretty. I really think we are going to be seeing a huge resurgence of Suzani fabrics (embroidered textiles from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian countries) in 2025. They are so beautiful, and you can find bedspreads like #2 on Etsy from the actual makers. Then lastly, I’m sure you recognize the Schoolhouse quilt on the right. Emily has it in the green and blue colorway (among other quilts of theirs) and raves about it.

1. Olmo Alpaca Bed Blanket | 2. Kori Brown Wool and Silk Throw Blanket

I know bright colors aren’t easy for everyone, so here are two really great blankets – the one on the left is a large bed blanket in almost a modern plaid, and the cute throw on the right is a standard size.

1. Cotton Velvet Quilt | 2. Velvet Quilt

I’ve kinda become obsessed with the idea of a velvet end-of-bed quilt (in case you couldn’t tell from my options above). But finding ones that look like they don’t look cheap but are still affordable isn’t easy. This one from Quince looks great. If they had a blue, I would probably choose this one. I was really impressed with the curtain panel I tried (the color didn’t end up working), so it gave me trust in their other home products. If you have more of a budget, I love love love Citta. I am kicking myself that I didn’t buy the color I was looking at because now it’s no longer available. The quality is so good.

1. Classic Cotton Velvet Tack Stitch Quilt | 2. Shadow Toffee Velvet Full/Queen Quilt

If you want a warmer-toned velvet, how pretty are these? That one from West Elm is the prettiest color (very similar to the velvet on my headboard) and a nice mid-range price. The one from CB2 is also awesome, and the simple, lined texture is a little unique for velvet quilts. Either of these are perfect if you want a super soft but warm bedroom with a little more color than beige.

1. Pine Green Pembroke Stripe Wool Throw | 2. Dreamweave Waffle Bed Blanket

Had to end with a simple stripe. If patterns overwhelm you, but you want color, #1 is a standard size throw that comes in more than this green (even though I love the green, a lot:)). The Brooklinen blanket comes in a couple of bed sizes, and that stripe is a perfect subtle nod to a little pattern. This blanket also comes in fun, solid colors.

1. Wool-Blend Bedspread | 2. Aleah Stripe Throw

Finally, our warm-toned stripes. Well, H&M really showed up with this $75 “bedspread”. I think it’s probably going to work best with a twin or full-sized bed, but could be a nice accent blanket for a queen or king. And for even more color and fun, I LOVE the mustard and pink combo on the right. It’s a large throw and would add a lot of fun as an accent to your bed.

This is where I leave you. Caitlin and I WILL be done with our rooms in a matter of weeks. We know it’s taken forever, but since they aren’t heavily gifted, these things unfortunately take more time. But get excited because we are in the home stretch!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Mountain House Primary Bedroom

You Asked, We Delivered…AGAIN! 5 Modern Traditional Bedrooms You’ll Want To Jump Right Into

Jess Bunge — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the second installment of the “Modern Traditional” room combo series! You all seemed to really love our affordable modern traditional lighting post and our living room post, so I thought, let’s tackle modern traditional bedrooms next. I’ve made A LOT of progress on mine, so they are heavy on my mind currently. Plus, once the summer is over, our focus tends to shift to communal spaces for things like the holidays. If you are able, maybe focus on your more private spaces for right now. “Modern Traditional” style was our most requested style to dig into when we did our reader survey, so that’s why we are focusing on it. We want to give you what you want.

Now, the team has talked a lot about AI, and like most people, we have a ton of questions and deep concerns about its use without necessary regulation, but we also know it’s not going anywhere. So when used sparingly, there are uses that could make some of our more time-consuming work (that takes longer than you’d think) go so much faster…like creating a good-looking mood board of pretty products. So that’s what we tried today. This was my first time ever doing anything with AI, and I have some notes, but it is pretty incredible when used appropriately (not for everything). Let me show you what I came up with because we have some Modern Traditional bedrooms to talk about.

The “A Dash Of Color” Modern Traditional Bedroom

Dare I call this an almost colorful modern traditional bedroom? But let’s talk about style first. Aside from the rug, everything is streamlined and “clean”, making it feel modern. But these modern pieces were clearly influenced by traditional-style pieces. A perfect style marriage if you ask me. The blue upholstered bed is both commanding and simple. The size gives it presence, but the color makes it feel more neutral. That dark navy is an easy way to bring in color that feels less scary. I also wanted to mix materials. The bed is fabric, the nightstand is metal (it’s SUCH a good nightstand that we’ve used and it comes in a smaller size), and the dresser is wood. Oh, and that dresser is under $400 and also comes in black. Additionally, I love how the contrast of the lights, which are decidedly more modern, works with the rug that helps to ground the space, not only with those beautiful copper colors, but also with the vintage and more traditional design. Fun fact: the rug is reversible with a lighter shade on the flip side.

The “Updated Shabby Chic” Modern Traditional Bedroom

This pretty little combo leans more traditional on the modern traditional bedrooms style scale. But that’s the beauty of this style, you make it right for you. The first piece I knew I had to use in one of the combos was that black wood bed. It’s so chic and sexy. And would you believe it’s from Article?? I know! What this also tells me is that it’s made well. Gretchen was just raving yesterday about how her furniture still looks brand new. Another piece that I knew I had to include was this tall dresser. It’s the same one I got for my neighbor/friend’s bedroom makeover (it was actually borrowed because the one we originally chose had a shipping delay). While the one they eventually got was perfect for them, I secretly preferred this one:) I will warn you that it’s very heavy and metal, but it’s also extremely solid. Then, to give the space a little more of a “traditional” look, I found these perfect wooden nightstands from Living Spaces. They have THREE drawers (yes, that curved bottom piece is a drawer too), are under $300 each, AND have a charging station on the back side. Now, both of the lights are elegant and simple, but one leans more modern (the sconce) and one leans more traditional (the chandelier). That’s a very easy way to mix in both elements when you are designing. The sconce in the graphic is hardwired, so here is a similar plug-in version. Finally, what I loved about this rug was the luxurious, traditional pattern, with it being in a soft sage. Just a little color to make it a little more fun.

The “MCM” Modern Traditional Bedroom

In full transparency, this one really is more modern than anything with a heavy MCM bent. However, with the right traditional-leaning accent chair and decor, this could easily become a more classic modern traditional bedroom. Well, actually, I very much stand by that dresser being a little traditional-leaning. Plus, it’s under $500 and comes in three other colors. The knobs are what really got my though. The bed is also a great price at $380 and is really versatile if you end up wanting to mix up your style later down the line. The rug is a big star in the design, and what I didn’t love about using AI was the lack of seeing the rug’s texture (hence the added graphic on the side). Actually, I ended up photoshopping two other rugs into the graphics because what was replicated wasn’t good enough for me. This rug is also from Revival Rugs, which I can wholeheartedly say is so soft. I have one from them, and my cousin has at least four in her home. Point being, I know that rug is going to feel so good under your feet. Plus, the colors feel fresh, it’s washable, and it’s under $800 for an 8’x10′ size. The goal for the lights was to bring in texture as well. I love a rattan light fixture, especially for a room where moodier, ambient lighting is preferred. It’s also a little hard to tell, but the main part of the sconce is made of wood. I think it’s so warm but cool and mixes in another texture to a design that has a lot of wood in it. Lastly, if you love this Crate & Barrel nightstand, then you’ll love the nightstand in the design even more because it’s half the price. Well, actually, the black version of the Crate one is on clearance, but that also means final sale, which is a gamble:)

The “California” Modern Traditional Bedroom

I say “California” because this combo, once I was done with it, gave my Amber Lewis vibes…just much more affordable. And I also just remembered that that beautiful rug is an Amber Lewis x Loloi collab, ha. So clearly this combo is aptly named:) I chose that rug, not only because it was beautiful, but because the big green bed that I wanted to use worked so well with it. It’s already a great price, but I would recommend a cushy rug pad. The bed really brings out the rug’s green tones. I really wanted to choose a more traditional-looking nightstand, so this cutie was a great fit. It’s under $250 and also comes in black. Then, to contrast, I chose that modern dresser with those incredible handles. Makes me think of this Croft House sofa I’ve loved forever. For the lighting, I really love this kind of pendant because they look vintage but don’t have a vintage price tag. That warm bronze is so stunning to me. And while that table lamp could happily live on the dresser, I love the idea of having one on each nightstand to really show that wonderful contrast of modern and traditional and how perfectly they work together.

The “Parisian Chic” Modern Traditional Bedroom

I had to have one that went a little more “modern European”. It’s the Jess Bunge law. I don’t know which piece is my favorite. Let’s just start with the dresser. It’s from the newly launched Chris Loves Julia x Pottery Barn collection, and this piece is really stunning. Well, the whole collection is beautiful, and Julia definitely knows “Modern Traditional”. But then, of course, I wanted to contrast with a more modern nightstand, and naturally, I love this one too. The slight curve on the front, the texture on the drawers, and those teeny knobs, all really do it for me. Now what I really want to talk about is the fact that this beautiful bed has a secret…it’s a storage bed! This one is from Article, and the drawer pulls from the front. Speaking of Article, the rug is also from them. I’m always into a classic check pattern, and the variation in colors in this rug. A bit more “life-friendly”…but as you can see, AI misrepresented it a bit too much to me. Now, let’s talk about those lights. True, they are also MCM vintage-inspired lights, but I think using them instantly elevates any room. The table lamp is so chic, and that pendant is what dreams are made of. The details of the cord could knock me over alone. If you can’t tell, I really love this design.

So there you have it. 5 Modern Traditional bedrooms that are all cohesive, elevated, and collected. Do you have any favorites? Any pieces you have and love? Or don’t love?? Let me know!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: Eclectic Traditional Bedroom Reveal

How To Style Your Bed The Easy Way (+ 21 Curated Pillow Combos)

Jess Bunge — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Remember that throw pillow scene in Along Came Polly?? That bed had ELEVEN throw pillows on it. And look, that was the style for a time but I might have taken a knife to them too. I’m pretty sure my own parents had about six on their bed most of my childhood. If that is still your thing and you love it, then I love it for you. No shame. Now, at the current design moment, it feels as though using any decorative throw pillows is “out”, which, at least for me, isn’t my preference either. Is it “AD chic” why of course! Could it be a little more fun? Why yes of course. I want to advocate for this easy way to add a little zhuzh to my bed, be it pattern, texture, and/or a fun shape. But what I also want is for it to take as little time as possible to make my bed. About 10 years ago Emily first wrote about her love of the single lumbar pillow and everyone was on board! One long pillow that would make your bed look put together and only take half a second to put on or take off? The dream. And while we still love the “one pillow wonder”, I am personally really into the two-fer. Two different pillows that each bring a little something different to your bedding game. It’s what’s currently happening on my bed, so I can attest to the total ease of taking them off and putting them back on. Basically, I want us all to keep things easy, breezy, cool but with a tiny bit more variety.

I thought I’d bring back some old school pillow combos in a bunch of different styles to help you envision what your bed could be asking for:) My bed throw pillows genuinely make me smile every time I look at them and that’s how I want everyone to feel. A small change to help make your day a little prettier. Seems silly? Sure. But also not kidding.

1. Mint Green & Red Pom Pom Trim + Irregular Dots Pillow | 2. Embroidered Cushion Cover + Bettie Tapenade Yellow Velvet Round Throw Pillow | 3. Luna Lumbar Pillow + New Zealand Collection Wool Throw Pillow

Let’s start with a bang! I know these are pretty specific but man do they have bold personalities. I am really loving the color mint because it feels fresh and fun but also doesn’t overpower in a bad way. I also think that design elements like tassels or fringe will add instant whimsy and softness to an otherwise bold design. Another deep love of mine is a camel colored sheepskin fur pillow. That little ball one isn’t cheap but it is so fun and versatile. That kind of pillow is one that you could use with nearly any style you want to try. 10/10.

1. Velvet Disc Pillows | 2. Shorn Camel Brown Sheepskin Fur Throw Pillow + Mariata Pillow | 3. Tiger Jacquard Pillow + Mauree Velvet Round Pillow

I’ve always designed my bedrooms with a bit more “romance” and ” softness”. I mean they kind of lend themselves to that, right? For some, that might mean an all white/neutral color palette, while others prefer a moodier look. Regardless, some playful pillows like these would only add to the vibes. Emily used one of those disc pillows in her primary bedroom reveal! She only chose one with a long lumbar, but I love the idea of choosing two colors of the same pillow to keep it simple but fun. These also have a really great texture on the sides and act as a great lap pillow for your laptop. And see? Another camel fur pillow. Chic but fun! Then paired with that tapestry-inspired lumbar, it’s a dream combo for me. Oh, and in case you haven’t noticed, ruffles are very in!

1. Velvet Reversible Throw Pillow + Block Print Linen Pillow | 2. Green Block Print Pillow + Liza Throw Pillow | 3. Indian Hand Block Stamped Linen Print Pillow Cover + Velvet Piped Pillow

Block print has been around for thousands of years and is in no way “new”, however it’s hard not to notice the wonderful resurgence it’s having (for instance, Fariha’s wallpaper line!). Emily was also toying with the idea of using block print fabric for her kitchen cafe curtains. If you look on Etsy, there are so many beautiful pillow options to choose from if you’re looking for options. I personally really loved these three. I also wanted to pair with a velvet accent pillow to make the combos feel really rich. The sky’s the limit on the amount of combos and colors you can choose from.

1. Hi-Lo Checker Velvet Pillow + Patchwork Lumbar Pillow Forest | 2. Honeycomb Silk Pillow Cover + Carys Contrast Linen Pillow | 3. Valentina Velvet Fringe Pillow + Holly Cushion Cover

Some of you might disagree but these feel a little less “bold” than the first set of combos. So while not quiet, I love how these would bring a solid visual punch to your bed. Emily has and LOVES that multi-colored velvet lumbar pillow and can’t recommend it enough. For a much neutral option, combo #2 is a great and I adore the contrast piping on the linen lumbar. It comes in other colors too! The patchwork pillow in combo #1 is so pretty and made by a B Corp that ethically makes all of their products and is overall just a wonderful and beautiful brand. Go check them out if you haven’t yet.

1. Viola Long Lumbar Pillow + Luna Boucle Reversible Throw Pillow | 2. Oversized Textured Boucle Throw Pillow + Plaid Indoor/Outdoor Lumbar Throw Pillow | 3. Fringed Throw Pillow + Two-Tone Chunky Linen Tassels Pillow

Naturally, I had to do a blue focused set of combos. Would this be an EHD round up without it?? That first combo is a pretty special one and mostly because of that Johanna Howard pillow. The colors are stunning and the pattern feels both modern, but in a really versatile way. And for its friend, who doesn’t love a little boucle ball?? Speaking of boucle, a large square one is also a great style maverick if you will. It works with everything. And that little blue plaid cutie is a perfect companion. Finally, I wanted to give a more “coastal” option which I know we probably don’t do enough. The textured look of the fabrics, with the soft beachy tones, and fun tassels/fringe are the epitome of dreamy coastal. Take me to a beach now please.

1. Beige Cream and Dark Brown Patchwork Velvet with White Fringe + Terre Olive Green Velvet Sphere Throw Pillow | 2. Darla Throw Pillow + Popcorn Plaid Pillow | 3. Heiden Cotton Throw Pillow + Burnt Green Throw Pillow Cover

Don’t worry, I’ve got green too! These combos are a little more varied in styles:) The first one is definitely on the trendier side but also just really freaking cool. That checkered pillow is handmade and stunning. Then for a more modern traditional feel, combo #2 is a great mix of patterns and their scale. But they are both beautifully calm (but not boring). The last combo is for my mod lovers. Again, I wanted to play with pattern scale and that little lumbar is so awesome with its teeny embroidered design.

1. Moody Decor Sofa Pillow Cover + Velvet Clover Pillow | 2. Reversible Liza Pillow + Sweeney Half-Disc Pillow | 3. Sofia Linen Pillow + Kohta Pillow

I couldn’t not play with a few more shapes. I think that beds are the perfect place to have fun in terms of pillow shape because, unlike sofa pillows, you really don’t spend much time leaning them…so let’s get a little wild, ya? From the moment I first saw Sarah Sherman Samuel’s Clover pillow, I loved it. It’s cool but very whimsical. You are an undoubtedly cool person if you have that pillow on your bed. And I, of course, love the style contrast of that beautiful traditional tapestry pillow. Now, I also really love a “taco” shaped pillow. But what’s so fun about this one is that it has a great pattern on it. I feel like they are usually a solid color. Then finally, while the shapes of combo #3 are standard, the square handle-like trim on the larger one is bonkers cool. And what’s a fun contrast to squares? Circles, of course. If you have an earthy toned room, one or both of those pillows would look sick.

So while I’m on the two pillow train, a long lumbar is also a slam dunk. Here are six of our current favorites. That Schoolhouse one is SO GOOD!

Ah, hope that was fun and maybe gave you a little bedding inspo. Sometimes a small decor change can be surprisingly impactful. And if buying new pillows is not in the budget or you just don’t have the desire, maybe play with the pillows in your home! Maybe swap a sofa pillow for a bed pillow. It’s free, easy, and very allowed:)

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: Farmhouse Primary Bedroom

Some Pretty Spring Or Easter Dinnerware We Love (Despite Not Being A “Dinner Party Lady”)

Emily — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:00:00 +0000

I just watched the Martha Stewart documentary (SO GOOD) so all of these feelings about the marketing of “perfectionist domesticity” are popping up (as shown above). Did she create an industry that stresses out already stressed-out parents? Am I a part of the problem? Probably… But it sure is fun to have your home look pretty and a lot of people feel extreme joy setting a table. We are in the “family frat party” era where Easter is more “Eggs and Kegs”. We eat outside and this room becomes the de facto craft room for 12 kids (before we had the crafting shed). As an Enneagram 7, I like to be at my own party, not working it. But we all get fulfilled in different ways, so if you are a more dinner party person, here is some inspo for you 🙂

For our Easter “Eggs and Kegs”, we have a multi-family potluck with a big egg hunt, pony keg (and wine), a store-bought honey-baked ham on Hawaiian rolls, with a robust mustard and pickle bar. It’s all outside, with tons of kids running around, paper plates and everyone brings food and serves themselves – very old school potluck. I don’t decant the mustards into bowls or label a thing (nor do I remember to take photos or post about it because I’m too busy having fun). I usually put out vintage floral tablecloths, baskets, and pastel servingware (because I’m a hoarder and need to use my pretty things), and throw Trader Joe’s tulips in vases/jars everywhere. It’s a lot of work just cleaning the house, TBH, but I literally stop caring about how it looks after the first guest arrives, knowing that an hour later it will all be messy and wonderful. (Hot Life Tip – keep expectations low and casual and it’s hard to disappoint:))

So why am I showing you this pretty tablescape? Because I have great partnerships where I get to style out my home and lean into a different side of myself to show inspiration. It’s so much fun and I would buy everything here if I were a dinner party lady. So we snapped some photos for the blog while we were shooting the social campaign as inspiration 🙂

All of the above is from Anthropologie (some pieces I’ve had for a while now – like the glassware and the flatware). I think some of the standout pieces are those placemats (instant impact), the glass candleholders look like handblown Italian glass (look at the stripes and in three different heights), and if I were to register for fancy plates now I would get these floral plates and platter – they are so whimsical and special (I’ll bring out the platter for Easter for sure). The colored wine glasses are excellent (and the shorter ones are easier to drink from). I was also really surprised by how easy the tulips were to style in these pastel glass bud vases (which isn’t usually my move – I like big, foraged arrangements).

Maybe this will be the year I snap some iPhone shots of the mustard/pickle bar… Miracle Whip and all (that is if we aren’t still under construction in the backyard 🙂 All in all, if you love pulling out your best dishware and cooking a three-course Easter dinner, DO IT!!! If you are like me, might I suggest ordering a big honey-baked ham, 2 packs of Hawaiian rolls, 9 different types of pickles, and mustards, and be prepared for a post-Easter Sunday gut bust.

Here are some more pretty Spring/Easter/Sedar tabletop options we found if you are interested in adding some new life to your table. Like I said, I love the creativity of setting up a whole tablescape but also there’s so much power in a little festive pop of color or pattern. There’s no need to have a different set of dishes, cups, flatware, etc for each and every holiday (unless you want to of course). A little can go a long way. Let me show you what I mean…

Linens

Let’s start with the easiest, highest impact.

A tablecloth or table runner with your everyday dishes and glassware can make such a huge statement! You can go bolder with something like #3 or #4. Those colors are so fun and happy and could easily take you through summer. Or you could go bold with a pattern with a toned-down color palette like #1, #5, or #6. The most versatile, of course, is a solid color like #2 which could work any time of year. I truly love using tablecloths and runners.

Hot Tip: If you have a tablecloth that’s a little too small, just turn it diagonally. It’s a fun shape and will look intentional:)

Napkins & Holders

You don’t have to “go big” on the table linens if you don’t want to…a fun cloth napkin is also a perfect way to add some spring personality.

1. Dark Yellow Gingham-Checked Napkins (Set of 2) | 2. Delft Floral Napkins (Set of 4) | 3. Check Dyed Thread Napkins (Set of 2) | 4. Wanda Wood Easter Napkin Ring Sets | 5. Hand Painted Ceramic Flower Napkin Ring (Set of 4) | 6. Handwoven Spring Napkin Rings (Set of 4)

There are so many cute options on the market but these three were some of my favorites and not “too spring” or “too Easter”. A happy gingham will always be a great spring choice and that yellow is the perfect tone. The blue Delft ones are pricier but if within your budget would be SO pretty with a simple tablescape and a few flowers. Then the check dyed thread napkins feel fresh without going the pastel route which is a really nice alternative. Three different vibes that would all bring some fun to your table. Now, if you want to kick it up a notch to really drive home the season, any of these three napkin rings would be very cute. I love the subtleness of the wooden eggs. A cute Easter nod:) The flowers are just happy pops of color that would liven up any solid-colored napkin. And if you really want a bunny motif, these woven bunnies are so sweet! I also love using a leaf spring from my yard with ribbon or twine for an easy at-home option.

Now, if you are also more in an “Eggs and Kegs” era but still want pretty spring/Easter things, I love these floral and these striped paper ones:)

Placemats

Here’s the other super easy table linen to consider – placemats.

1. Water-Repellent Placemat (Set of 2) | 2. Handwoven Carrot Round Placemat | 3. Striped Linen Placemat

What I love about the yellow ones, aside from that cute scalloped border and pop of color is the fact that they say they are water-repellent. So ideally that’s an easier clean up which I’m always a fan of. Then for a real Easter treat, these round, woven carrot-trimmed placemats are pretty darn cute. And the blue-striped ones are a fun pop of color and pattern while not being “too loud”. I would happily have those on my table any time of year.

Platters

I’m sure most of us have platters that would be perfectly great for a spring or Easter meal but if you want to add a season-specific one, take a look at these.

Caitlin was the one who called the cabbage/foodware trend years ago and I think it’s so fun. The leaf bowl and lemon platter are so sweet and whimsical! Instant tablescape joy. Then for spring-themed but more “classic” #2 and #6 are so pretty. But if you aren’t a pattern lover then I love that pink one. I had to throw in the deviled egg platter because it was too cute and deviled eggs are a must:)

1. Kate Spade Seder Plate | 2. Eden Stoneware Seder Plate | 3. Scalloped Ceramic Seder Set

Passover is also coming up and I love these Seder plates! The floral one in the middle might be my favorite since it matches the dinner plate set and platter I got for my house:) But the other two are happy, colorful, and a bit more modern which might be a better fit for some people’s style.

Pitchers

If you’ve been following me for a while then you know I am a big pitcher fan. Not only do I always need water on hand at a table but they are also an incredible vase option. Very versatile:)

Let me just say that any of these could work as vases too for your spring table. You can’t go wrong. I do love the painted rabbit one because I love a handmade look and that color combo is very me. And speaking of blue, the speckled stoneware pitcher is a super playful option that’s a little less Easter-specific (not that rabbits can only come out in the spring:)). But if that sunny spring look is your goal then #4 and #6 are perfect. Then #2 and #5 are just beautiful, sweet options I loved (you know I love a footed vessel).

Candle Holders

Another favorite table accessory – the candle holder:)

A little ambiance is important to me when creating a tablescape. So candle holders, whether that be for taper or tea lights, are a must. It’s an easy accessory to add a seasonal feel that is pretty affordable and easy to store. Anthro really knows how to make a whimsical candlestick holder. #1 and #6 are slightly more “traditional” and I love them. The windowpane pattern on #3 is playful and a little bold which I love and it comes in other colors too! If you aren’t a taper candle person then #4 is great and the scalloping is so pretty. Another non-taper option is #2 which has a flower petal feel to it I love and finally #5 is simple but impactful and could easily be used throughout the year (I actually think it came out during Christmas which is why it’s on clearance now but still so pretty!).

Bud Vases

On to the flowers! Well, kind of…

I use bud vases all of the time and for larger table settings specifically, it’s nice to keep the flowers below eye level. That way you can see the people sitting across from you and there’s more room for food platters. I know not everyone wants a colorful tablescape and a neutral, color palette is also so beautiful. For those, I recommend #1 and #6. They have great, interesting shapes, and will let the flower(s) you put in them shine. For my glass lovers, #4 and #5 are great. They both have movement (one in the shape and the other in the “pattern”) which is going to look great with other patterns if you have any. Then for a more decorative vase (that’s a little less “bud” and more “small”) #2 is so cool. The handpainted design gives it a vintage feel and the shape is sculptural and beautiful. Lastly, I love a blue bud vase anytime, anywhere and this one (#3) is good.

Dinner Plates

Plates can be an investment (depending on how many you need, right?). So while I don’t have truly specific holiday dinner plates myself, I do love it when I get to play with them or see them in someone else’s home. It’s totally a preference and storage situation whether you “should” have them. But if you want to take a peek at some of our favorites, here you go!

We eat outside A LOT (when the weather permits) so nonbreakable plates are always great. These melamine plates are not only kid-proof but also so cute! On the other side of the spectrum are the white and gold porcelain plates (#2). So versatile and pretty for the whole year. You could easily add festive small plates or other decor for whatever holiday it is. Small plates like #5 actually. Those colorful scalloped plates would be the perfect small addition to a fairly neutral tablescape. A POP of colors if you will. The handpainted floral plate (#4) is another favorite of mine. That’s the dessert size but they have a whole collection to choose from. Then to really up the playfulness, #3 and #6 are perfect.

Glassware

The last category is glassware. I have a few friends who collect glassware and it’s always such a joy to look at everything together. The colors, the shapes, and the materials are always so cool. I like having both a wine and water glass on the table if it’s a full-on tablescape. The super important thing to me is that they are different heights, it makes it look better and more intentional. The #2 wine glasses are romantic. The color and all the detailing keep me staring at them. But the blue milk glass ones are so fun. A little modern and unexpected while still feeling simple. I just think choosing a colorful glass like #1, #3, and #5, even if the shapes are classic, is going to make your table feel incredibly fresh and exciting. #6 is a classic style that I have used and loved in my homes many times and those come in lots of other colors too.

Tablescapes are fun and should remain that way, without the pressure of perfection. So if any of these items or ideas get you excited then great! If you have what you need already then that is great too. It’s all about doing what makes sense for us and our families (which is eggs and kegs at our house for the foreseeable future). xx

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

1 Credenza 4 Ways (Are These OG Styling Posts Still So Fun Or Just Dated?)

Emily — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 09:00:00 +0000

We talk a lot about what makes something “dated” or not timeless and today’s post I think is a great conversation starter for that. So I recently stumbled upon an old post that had been WIPED from my brain. I suppose when you write/create over 300 blog posts a year for now 15 years you can’t mentally retain everything (OH SHOOT I FORGET TO CELEBRATE OUR 15 YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY!!!!) I showed the team, none of whom were here when we published this post 10 years ago, and we all agreed that some of them are still so fun and worth reposting, with some fresh commentary. This was when I had a photo studio and we spent so much time and money creating non-sponsored original content, like not in a home, just a set strictly for content purposes. We moved away from this, choosing real homes instead (thus all my friends and family makeovers). We also changed gears because these take so much labor (which is money) and money (which is actual money). These days (well, the last 8 years) we try to “create content” in real homes where we can leave everything all styled out, versus spending time and effort on styling out spaces just to unstyle them (feels wasteful) but there are times where I wish I had the time and resources to do, say, one mantel four ways. Anyway, without any further ado please enjoy some Vintage EHD content with 2025 eyes:)

Ok so I rented this credenza, I think from MidCentryLA or Amsterdam Modern – two of my favorite dealers in LA.

“Coastal”

I think my point was to show you how you could bring any vibe or context through styling, not just furniture (the piece of furniture is obviously mid-century Scandinavian). If you’ve been following along for a while (THANK YOU) you know that I actually love every single style (which you can see in my portfolio). It’s honestly way harder than sticking to 1-2. Would I say I’m “coastal”? I mean, technically I am from the Oregon coast, and I CERTAINLY love vintage seascapes, but no, I’m not particularly “coastal” and yet here we are.

I think the only thing that is a tiny bit dated is the Manzanita branch – not that anything is wrong with it but there was certainly an era where we, stylists, used these on EVERY SINGLE BOOKSHELF. I think they are still very appropriate in a coastal setting for sure. Additionally, that lamp is boring, but it’s also kinda fine.

Not sure what I did with that bluge piece of pottery but sure wish I had it now!!!!!!

“Mid-Century”

Ok, probably my favorite. I still have some of these pieces (which I’m both proud of but also, hoarder much??). This vignette was driven by this incredible Stephanie Vovas photo which despite how awesome it is we never could seem to land it anywhere permanently. I think it’s rad, but it’s very specific and intense (and fun fact, I ended up finding out who the actual model was, she was the ex-wife of a friend of a friend and once I found that out it was even weirder to own it).

I’m sad to say that I don’t have that blue pot anymore – WHY??????? Maybe these vintage posts are going to be harder on me emotionally than I thought – not that I need more things, but it does make me miss them (and I have strange nostalgia for the years when I was building the company so relentlessly).

“Glam”

UGH. I love this, too! But I think I’d call this a bit more traditional now. Those paintings are incredible (I have no idea what I did with them but hopefully I sold them for enough). This is also a reminder of how good the thrifting and vintage shopping is in LA – up here it’s just a lot of antique/primitive/country but in LA you get a real variety of styles.

Remember when I collected so. many. heads???? And that blue vase that you see there on the right? Still one of my favorites ever.

Def more regency than “glam” or even “traditional” but I’m still into this look (except for that picture frame – it’s fine, but meh).

“Eclectic”

OH WAIT…. now THIS is my favorite!!!! The art is incredible (I still have the huge piece but I’m devastated to say that I must have sold or gave away the cubist lady painting). The blue lamp I just sold to my brother for his bedroom (the pair with new shades) and the string art is long gone (which I don’t need but I’m still sad to see it and not own it).

One of my favorite pots ever was/is that vessel with the aloe in it – if anyone knows who owns it now let me know (I might vaguely remember it breaking, but I’m not going to let my head go there today). I think the colors in this vignette are just so exciting and fun to look at.

Which One Is Your Favorite?

I think the only thing to do next is vote – like which do you like the most and which vignette do you think holds up the best 12 years later? I would honestly own ALL of this stuff again, which I think is a great sign. What say you??? “eclectic”, “glam/traditional”, “midcentury” or “coastal”???

*Photos by Tessa Neustadt