And we’re back! It’s been a little over three months since we ripped out our small, builder-grade primary bathroom and our daughter’s bathrooms for a much-needed update. I’m so happy to finally share that the bathrooms are complete! 

Last time you heard from me, we had just demo’d, and I shared our rough design plans for both spaces. Something I failed to mention in my previous post–I’m an interior design school dropout. I was so close to going to Savannah College of Art and Design. Loved the city, loved the school, but as a small-town girl from Oregon, it was much too far from home for me. I settled on Oregon State University. However, by my second term and starting the Kitchen and Bathroom Planning course, I hated it. Seriously–way too many numbers for me! AutoCAD–woof! After barely making my way through that, I got into the photography department, and the rest is history. It’s quite comical and full circle that I now photograph interiors after an 11-year run as a wedding photographer. All of this to say, I mostly just enjoy design–being a designer is not a goal of mine. But, it sure was fun to play one in my own home for a couple of months! (I still hate numbers. Thank you, Emily & Gretchen, for all your mathing during this process, especially with the tile order!)

Back to it.. As a refresher, here is where we started.

The bathroom was boring, dark, bland, and just so, so sad. 

Medicine Cabinet | Vanity | Tile | Checkered Towels | Striped Towels

And here is the mood board we created for the space. 

I photographed The Carly back in the spring and had the pleasure of joining the EHD team on their retreat there. I’m so inspired by all the design choices that Max Humphrey and Curtis, the owner, made throughout the property—especially in the bathrooms. Each one had its own personality with paneling and pretty tile.

While our home’s style (and budget!) is definitely different from The Carly, it was fun to pull a bit of that inspiration into our own bathroom with paneling and a bolder tile choice. Also, ever since we paneled our basement, I’m pretty hooked on the look—I now want to either panel or wallpaper every room in the house. It just adds so much warmth and texture compared to painted drywall.

For our basement, we used Metrie’s individual planks, but this time around, since space was tight and every inch mattered, we went with panel sheets instead. It was a pretty affordable way to get the look we wanted. All in, we were able to panel both our bathroom and the girls’ for about $750 in materials.

The Demo 

As I mentioned in my last post, we didn’t have the budget—or the space, honestly—to expand the overall footprint of the bathroom. But we were able to enlarge the shower area, which felt like a huge win. There were a lot of exciting moments throughout the remodel, but seeing that header come down and the wall open up was easily one of my favorites. The shower is now nearly twice the size, and it completely transforms how open and spacious the whole room feels.

Tile & Grout 

Once the demo and rough plumbing were complete and paneling was up, it was time for tile. Fireclay was so incredibly kind to gift us the most beautiful blue square tile. It’s exactly what I’d been searching for. We went with 2×2 tile on the floor and 4×4 tile on the shower walls. I was leaning toward a warm, neutral gray grout that would complement the paint color we’d chosen, but after bringing the grout deck over to the River House one afternoon and getting Emily and Gretchen’s input, we ended up choosing Alabaster. I had a lot of creative freedom on this project, but I’m so grateful for Em’s perspective on this one—once the white grout went in, the tiles totally popped in a way I hadn’t expected. Yes, it’s white grout, and yes, as a bit of a clean freak, I’m nervous about keeping it pristine. But honestly, that doesn’t outweigh how much I love the look. I’ll just have to be diligent about scrubbing the grout and never wearing shoes in the bathroom, like, ever.

Ok, ok, enough chatter. I think it’s time for the final reveal!

The Reveal!

Wall Color | Tile | Shower Fixtures | Shower Doors | Striped Towel | Toliet | Vanity | Baskets | White Towels

Art (vintage) | Frames | Planter | Shower Fixtures

Tile | Bath Mat | Baskets | White Towels

The Medicine Cabinet & Vanity

I absolutely love this vanity. I was very impressed right when it arrived, and we opened it up—the quality is incredible and honestly feels custom. I don’t usually gravitate toward black countertops, but when I saw this one on AllModern, I knew it would be perfect for our space. The veining adds just the right amount of personality and gives it that luxe, designer feel. I hadn’t been specifically looking for a double-sink vanity—especially since our space is small and I didn’t want to lose valuable counter space—but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how roomy it still feels, and how much I enjoy having our own little zones.

Faucet | Striped Hand Towel | Toothbrush Holder (unavailable)

One of the few things I actually liked about our bathroom before the renovation was the medicine cabinet storage—I knew I didn’t want to lose that. When we found this cabinet, it felt like the perfect match for the new vanity. They’re not from the same line at AllModern, but the white oak finish is an identical match, which makes them look completely cohesive.

Vanity Light | Medicine Cabinet | Vanity | Faucets

Technically, the cabinet is designed to be wall-mounted, but because of our layout and the overhead lighting we chose, our contractor recessed it slightly into the wall. I love the subtle black trim around the edge and the little wooden shelf below.

The Skylight

Skylight

As you know, Em is a big skylight girly—and so are we. We already have a large one in our kitchen and another at the top of our stairs, and we’re so grateful the previous owners installed them. When we started the remodel, skylights weren’t at the top of the list, but we were definitely hoping to add them to the bathrooms, knowing they’d make a huge impact—especially in the girls’ bathroom, which we’ll be revealing next week. The installation ended up being a bit out of order because of installer availability—summer in Oregon is a busy time for skylights, as you can imagine. By the time they went in, the bathrooms were nearly complete. Since we didn’t want to make any major structural changes, we opted for a smaller skylight over the vanity area. Even with just a small skylight and our existing window, the difference was dramatic. Huge thanks to Velux!

The Light Fixture

Vanity Light

If you remember from my moodboard, I originally planned to put two lights flanking the medicine cabinet. However, once all the final measurements were done (again, I’m not really a numbers person—oops!), it became clear that side-mounted lights just weren’t going to fit. So, we opted for a fixture above the mirror, and I couldn’t be happier with both the look and the light it produces. On that note, I’m a big believer that every single light switch should be on a dimmer—even in bathrooms. So yes, this one is dimmable, and I absolutely love it. Especially during these dark winter-like mornings when waking up feels so difficult.

Worth noting because I know it was a hot topic in the River House Game Room comments last week, I did Photoshop out the outlets behind our vanity. I promise, I have zero intentions of trying to deceive anyone! We didn’t really put much thought into ordering pretty outlets until it was too late. The plates we had installed are pretty darn big and white and don’t really go with the overall vibe of the space. Something we didn’t realize until things were finishing up— again, it’s my first time designing a bathroom, so some misses were definitely made. Lastly, in photos, they were in the way of some of the vanity styling that pulled your eye a bit too much. Ideally, we would have put an outlet on the wall to the right of the sinks, but due to the new pocket door placement, it wasn’t possible. All of this to say, sorry if it’s a bummer to not see them, they just weren’t very pretty!

Bath Mat

Here’s the view from our bedroom looking into the bathroom. We definitely wanted the bathroom to feel cohesive with the Kelly Ventura wallpaper we chose for our bedroom.

Here are some pretty exciting before and afters:

And that’s a wrap on our no longer builder-grade primary bathroom! A huge thank-you to AllModern for the beautiful bathroom fixtures that truly brought everything together. And a big thank-you to Emily as well—for your guidance, and for letting me take the reins on this one. And thank you for all the hard work to Ken (Em’s brother), Nick, and Ben at Afore! 

Come on back next week for a fun little reveal of my daughter’s bathroom!

*Design and Photos by Kaitlin Green

Hey there, reader! Does this wallpaper look familiar? Any chance you remember this MOTO photo (below) from my last makeover reveal? The one where I plastered the tinier of my two bedrooms in DIY fabric wallpaper, forced a queen bed in there, and called it mine? Or maybe you’re up-to-date and instead recall a more recent post, where I flashed you my scary second bedroom, aptly named “The Doom Room”, and contemplated swapping the two?

The TLDR version goes something like this– I loved my initial bedroom design and still intended to keep the furniture (and fabric wallpaper) forever, but I made a mistake in choosing the smaller room for my personal bedroom, leaving the bigger room to be my “office”. Instead, this larger space just turned into a dumping ground for estate sale finds, crafty crap, and miscellaneous junk I wanted to close behind a door and forget about. I was sick of my excess stuff, desperately wanted more space in my own bedroom, and hoped that by switching the two rooms, I could finally free up the smaller one for guests. So I went for it, moving my bed and dresser to the larger room (which I’m loving btw), to free up the wallpapered room for a new project–a (hardly) blank canvas.

During the switch, a kismet opportunity to work with AllModern fell directly from the sky and into my lap. They were specifically looking to do a story about hosting visitors for the holidays. Like what?! This was my chance! A timely partnership paired with an insatiable desire to declutter and design a thoughtful guest space? It kicked my spare room dreams into high gear, and I can’t wait to show you how it all turned out.

Double-Sided Desk

When I first wrote the room swap post, contemplating how each area might look and function, I thought I wanted this second bedroom to double as an office space. Before the partnership, I had even picked out an AllModern desk (a piece I was eyeballing for its clever, double-sided, dual-purpose design). But the truth is, I like doing my daily computer work from my dining table and mostly use my vintage desk chair as extra living room seating, so relocating my “office” to this smaller room just didn’t make sense. What it did require was storage (and sadly, this cool desk was too big anyway).

Above all, I was craving a second sleeping zone that felt comfortable and spacious. A tucked-away oasis for any friend, parent, or first-date-mistake to have a place to crash for the night. A room that felt…roomy, despite its humble footprint. A private hang-out spot that could transform for guests but would still inspire me creatively anytime I needed to dig in the closet for art supplies. This old “wallfabric” isn’t coming down anytime soon, but with a hefty dose of some AllModern magic, I think we gave this familiar space a brand new feel…

Please, feast your eyes upon my new and improved GUEST BEDROOM! A funky lounge space by day, an artful bedroom by night, and with just enough storage to tuck my junk treasures out of sight. Let’s dig in, shall we?

Rug

One element I wanted right from the jump was a big hit of red. I knew this would help guide the design in a fresh direction. I envisioned a simple but interesting color-drenched rug, and it wasn’t hard to find a winner–I felt great about this one instantly! I love how its subtle, indented pattern references a similar repeat on the wallpaper, and I think the deep red color solidly anchors the space, don’t you?

Sleeper Sofa

Initially, I had imagined a green sofa bed in here. It had to be a sofa bed to save on space and maximize room function. But it’d need to be the perfect Goldilocks Green to work with the green on the walls, and I just didn’t want to chance it. I figured something more neutral, a beige, gray, or cream would be better overall. I was in-between sleeper sofas. Initially, I liked the 84″ Cleo Sleeper Sofa for its compact shape and long list of customizable colors. But ultimately I chose this one, the Savelle 88” Upholstered Sleeper Sofa (in Mink Chenille) because it shipped a little faster, had stellar reviews, and still looked just as good. Also, I was hopeful that a fold-down sofa bed over a pull-out mattress would better maximize space, even if the sofa itself was a little longer.

I am SO glad I went with this option. The oatmeal color looks so good in here and helps dial back the wild wall factor, allowing the rug to stand out a bit more. Plus, a neutral like this will work in just about any space I move to in the future–something I consider heavily with a piece like this. I want it to last!

But I also want it to be easy. So far, swapping between functions has been a breeze! From sofa to bed, you start by removing the two back cushions, drag the bench seat forward (it’s on wheels and works like a trundle bed), then flip down the solid back cushion to reveal a brand new, full-sized sleeping surface–just add bedding! Flip it and reverse it Missy Elliot style, and you’ll have a couch again in no time.

Ivory Sheet Set | Waffle Duvet Cover | Duvet Insert | Striped Yellow Shams | Pillow Inserts | Waffle Throw Blanket | Yellow Throw Blanket

The cushions are on the firmer side, but aren’t at all like a cheap futon. They feel more like a dense mattress, still with plenty of bounce. Two cozied-up friends or one Emily Henderson should have no trouble lying here comfortably! See? Actually, I’ve already had multiple guests stay over in this room (no, not my boss), and they all gave rave reviews on comfort. I mean, I did ask each of them how well they slept, and it is possible they lied to me… but I had the accidental pleasure of falling asleep on it myself recently, and can attest, it was a very solid slumber!

Gumdrop Throw Pillows | Wool Pillow | Yellow Throw Blanket | Side Table | Paper Trees

You may recognize some of the styling elements (like the throw pillows, side table, chrome lamp, upholstered chair, or paper trees) from our recent Christmas at The Carly decoration transformation. And well, that’s because I stole them for myself after the shoot. Actually, Em asked me to do a chunk of the shopping for that first holiday photoshoot, and instinctively, I pulled pieces from AllModern that I thought might also work in my space, hoping to cut down on the amount we’d need to style out both. I picked colors and textures I liked and could utilize here as well, so it’d make sense for me to just keep most of it in the end. Just some light, premeditated “stealing”. Like, I’m sorry, but I really wanted some of those jewel-toned paper trees for myself. This is meant to be a holiday guest story after all!

Wall Shelf

While I can cram most of my junky stuff away in the closet, I also wanted to include a few pretty storage pieces to round out the space. I found this super cute wall shelf to display a few of my favorite things, which finally gave purpose to this impossibly small wall next to my closet. It was super simple to put together and just as easy to hang.

Sideboard

Then I came across this beautiful thing. A storage piece in a wood tone I just loved, with beautiful lines… and a secret! To me, it echoed similar vibes to the double-sided desk I liked from before. At first glance, you think you know just what it is: A dresser with nine drawers. Now go ahead and move that little slider to the left for ultimate satisfaction. They’re actually cabinet doors! Boy, do I love a sneaky piece of furniture.

Side Chair

It’s a perfectly petite size, too, but with plenty of room inside. In my mind, having doors instead of drawers also allows for easier access to the stuff within, but maybe that’s just me? For now, this cabinet stores the guest bedding, but I’m sure eventually I’ll find a way to shove a hammer or a few vintage finds in there, too.

Mirror | Chrome Lamp | Vase | Pink Catchall

Above the sideboard is this funky, amorphous mirror. I love it. It’s a curvaceous walnut that pulls a little more red (exactly as I had hoped when I first saw it online). It totally complements the rug and accent pillows and pairs nicely (but not too closely) with the storage piece below. That lamp was also a Carly swipe. Its shape and material are just so sleek and reminiscent of the last lamp I had in here (which sadly broke).

Chrome Side Table

The little metal side table in the corner was a last-minute addition (eventually, a tall, spiky plant or narrow bookshelf might live here instead), but I love what these balanced pops of chrome add to the space. The platter sitting on the cabinet works great as a catchall, and the pink matches the flowers on the wall, but when visitors come to stay, I’ll likely clear the surface so they can use it to spread out and unpack. However, one MUST leave out a design-forward vase of flowers to properly greet your guests upon arrival!

We filled out the opposite wall with a few of my favorite artworks. The large painting is a piece my mom’s college classmate painted for her that I, yes, STOLE and refuse to give back. The bamboo-framed dancer print is one I scored years ago at a local Latvian rummage sale for just $10. And the newest addition is a piece Em commissioned for all of us by one of our favorite local artists, Purl. At our last team retreat, she surprised us each with a custom art piece for our birthdays. Mine is titled “Shopkeepers”. It was the final piece needed for this little gallery wall, which I think hangs so nicely over both the bed and the sofa. I didn’t even have to move the old swing arm sconce from my last makeover!

Well, folks, I think that about sums it up! In just a few weeks, I was able to carve out my little dream space for all future guests with the help of AllModern. The strong punches of color and wild wallpaper might be a bit much for some of you out there, and that’s okay! But I’m truly over the moon with how it turned out. It’s fun and functional, but the best part is there’s now SO much room for activities. Way more than before, even with the sofa in “bed mode”. I no longer feel like I’m tripping over crammed furniture or homeless piles of my “stuff”. Everything and everyone has a place now. So what are you waiting for? COME OVER!!! I’ll text you the address.

Sincerely, Gretch

*Design by Gretchen Raguse
*Photos by Kaitlin Green

Welcome to my new apartment!! You last saw my 500 sqft studio in Hollywood, and now you’re entering my 2-bed 1950s Los Feliz pad. This apartment has been in my friend group for about 4 years, and we just keep passing it down to each other because it has a ton of perks: it’s rent-stabilized, month-to-month, and in the perfect location (super walkable to all the fun restaurants here and my friends just down the street). The only issue?? It’s super old and run down, but it has incredibly charming vintage tile in the kitchen/bathrooms and SO MUCH POTENTIAL. I moved in here in June 2024 and had pretty much nothing in terms of furniture (I sold/donated most of it after a cross-country move and a ~dramatic~ breakup) but our friends had graciously left some hand-me-down pieces so it was liveable and then in June 2025 the AllModern angels came down from the heavens and asked us to partner on a 1-month living room makeover which was a challenge I was very much ready for!! I’m SO thrilled to show you the reveal today after a wild few weeks – but first, let me take you back to where we started. Here’s what the space looked like when I moved in:

The living room isn’t giant, but coming from a studio apartment, it felt huge to me (and it’s open to the dining room behind it, so it’s pretty long and narrow). As I said before, this apartment is super charming, but the living room is definitely the space with the least amount of charm architecturally, plus the fugly brown wall color wasn’t helping – that’s for sure. So yeah, I didn’t have much when we started, but here’s what I did have: original flooring, a big window that let in a lot of natural light, and a dream.

I knew the design direction of this apartment pretty much right away, and it was this: imagine a grandma that’s single and ready to mingle – she has some antiques and maybe Papa’s old sitting chair, but she’s kinda edgy and trendy for a grandma…and she’s ready to get back out on the town and get frisky. I wanted that energy mixed with clean modern lines and a touch of vintage Los Feliz, since that’s where we are after all. I love doing research on the area I’m in when I start a project, and then I like to pull elements of the history into my design plan. For example, there was a classic old Hollywood restaurant called the Brown Derby in Los Feliz in the 1940s (around the time this apartment was built). It was where all the MGM movie stars used to visit, and if you want a really fun fact, it’s where the Cobb salad was invented. It was a place where they had a wall of caricatures of all the famous celebrities that would visit, and the interior had so many classic elements I wanted to pull into the space. So we did the one thing that college frat houses and interior design firms have in common: we named the house. Ladies and gents, welcome to “The Brown Derby.”

Sofa | Coffee Table | Rug | Tapestry | Candle Sconces | Ottoman | Side table | Floor Lamp | Chair | Metal Dome Lamp | Media Center DIY | Curtains | Brown Fringe Throw Pillow | Tan Throw Pillow

It’s crazy to think this room all really came together in 1 month. Prior to starting the living room makeover, I had only made a few small upgrades to the space to make it more liveable – painted the walls white, added new curtains, and then my roommate and I found that gorgeous Baldwin piano for $175 at a thrift store (shoutout society of St. Vincent de Paul) so that was about all we had in here when we started decorating a month ago. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve prioritized decorating some the other rooms in my apartment before decorating this living room (and stay tuned because you’ll also be seeing the reveals of those other rooms over here on the blog in the next few weeks), so this living space really was a total blank slate just a mere few weeks ago.

Then, when AllModern reached out, I started pursuing their website and immediately fell in LOVE with this incredible Rosso Levanto marble coffee table – it became the jumping off point for the entire room.

Sofa | Coffee Table | Rug | Tapestry | Candle Sconces | Lamp | Ottoman | Side table | Floor Lamp | Brown Fringe Throw Pillow | Tan Throw Pillow

It looks PERFECT in the space – and how cute is that little ball ottoman?! Because the coffee table is such a statement, I wanted a sofa that was a bit more neutral, so I went with this one. It has a great depth to it, and I love the wide arms, plus the fabric is unbelievably soft. It’s a great napping/guest sleeping on the couch kind of sofa – it’s a bit on the firmer/supportive side, but it breaks in well, and while it’s modular, it has clips that attach so it actually stays together. The entrance to my front door has a tight turn that won’t fit a single bench seat sofa – so this modular option was perfect for me!

For the rug, I went with this tonal rust/brown wool 9×12, which is perfect because this living room is super high traffic since it’s a pass-through space. It’s the room you walk into when you enter through the front door. So the rug definitely needed to be durable and mid-toned. It leans a little more brownish red in dark lighting and a bit more rust in bright lighting and has just enough variation to not show stains (which is also great because we entertain a ton). Also, that floor lamp is so pretty, solid, and dimmable. It’s so perfect in this space!

Coffee Table

Here’s a closer shot of the coffee table so you can see just how stunning that marble is. FYI, it’s HEAVY and amazing quality – it gets delivered in 3 pieces, so you can take it apart if you need to move it, which is super nice. Also…anyone notice The Brown Derby book?? I spent forever looking for this cigar box but it was too expensive and rare, so I went with the book and some vintage Brown Derby postcards I found on eBay for a little touch of Los Feliz Brown Derby history. The postcards are in my dining room (which again, you’ll be seeing super soon!)

End Table | Sofa | Rug | Tapestry | Candle Sconces | Lumbar Pillow | White Throw Pillow

I said it once, but I’ll say it again since this photo really does it justice – doesn’t that sofa fabric look soft?! BECAUSE IT IS SO SOFT. I also love the modern lines of that side table and how it contrasts with the vintage pieces in the room. Also anyone recognize those candle sconces?? I had them in my studio apartment, and they came to New York and back when I moved because I love them that much. Originally, I had planned to put up a gallery wall above this sofa, so I collected a ton of art, but then, when I started hanging it, we all agreed something just felt off. Also, functionally, the back of this sofa is on the lower side, so it’s nice to be able to lie your head against the wall, which you couldn’t do with a ton of frames there. So at the last minute, I found this amazing tapestry and had it express delivered to get here in time for the shoot! I was SO RELIEVED when I put it up and it looked this good – large art can be hard to find without selling off your firstborn child to pay for it, and this one is pretty reasonably priced in my opinion.

Now it’s time for you to meet my roommate, Jade! There is nothing quite like living with a roommate who becomes a best friend. We already knew each other before we started living together and had similar life paths – we both grew up in OC, both went to LMU for college, and both broke up with our boyfriends of 7 years around the same time – so we were in really similar places in life when I moved in. But we’ve already grown so much in this apartment, and what used to feel like an “in-between phase apartment” now feels like a home, and that’s not just because of the beautiful decor and furnishings (although that has helped A LOT). It’s also a home because this roommate vibe is one I’ve never had before. We have tickets in the front row for each other’s peak career successes and utter failures. We’ve processed big feelings together from past experiences, and we’ve been side by side and championing each other when we found new relationships with men who treat us the way we’ve always deserved but never expected. I’ll never take for granted how amazing female friendships are and how special it is for us right now to walk into the next room over when one of us needs a good cry or if just wants to throw on “A Cinderella Story” and quote every line. It’s a time in life that a lot of people rush through to get to the “buy a house and get married phase,” which don’t get me wrong, I’m excited for that too – but right now I’m just happy to have some of my best gal pals close by and the incredible support system that this place has brought me.

Speaking of these gal pals – they’re in for a real treat because the Bachelor/Love Island watch parties just got a whole lot better. Let’s turn our attention to the DIY media center, shall we?

I wrote a whole post on this if you want every detail – but here’s the gist. This media center/bookcase situation was a labor of love and took a village. I found this ready-made bookcase online for $360 (it was on clearance so it’s out of stock now – I’m sorry!!), which was an insane price for how huge it was – the only problem was that I didn’t love the grey color it was originally, and I wished it had trim/was enclosed on top to make it look more like a built-in. I added it to cart anyway since it was on clearance and decided I would DIY it to make it look custom (for even less than an IKEA hack). My amazing boyfriend (and my personal TaskRabbit), Austin, built it, and it surprisingly didn’t take too long (maybe 3 hours at most). I paid Aus in pasta salad and tipped him well ;). Note that he’s also really good at building things (which is why I bought him this shirt), so it might take the average human a bit longer.

Then I painted it and enlisted my parents to bring up their circular saw and help me install the moulding (and that was a thing for sure). I paid them in margaritas for their troubles. I had extra wood crown moulding around, but the learning lesson was definitely to use a foam moulding if you can, because wood is definitely not as easy to work with – again, full details are in this post if you want to see the cost breakdown and all the details!

The bookcase also came with glass doors, and while I love the closed storage, I didn’t love being able to see everything inside of it. So I found these thin perforated metal sheets and attached them to the insides of the doors, and voila! It’s a much cleaner look and made the bookcase look way more custom.

Leather Chair | Rug | Drink Table | Black Bowl | Silhouette Art Frames

Ah, there’s “Papa’s chair”. I absolutely loved the joinery on this leather accent chair – it has the prettiest details. Then I added a vintage magazine rack next to it (to hold more records, cause we have a lot) and this slim, modern end table to set down a drink. I tied it all in by adding hits of black on the bookcase, like that awesome, sleek modern bowl that would look good anywhere. That art piece is an original I got for $250 by an artist named Mucci, who I found at the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach (truly a sleeper hit for art, you guys). It’s a sketch of the corner of Sunset and Maltman in Silver Lake, just down the road from me.

I also made little silhouettes of my roommate and I by taking iPhone photos of our face profiles, and then I put them into Photoshop, cut them out and and did a color overlay in black (see the whole process on Instagram here). Then I put them in these little $15 frames, and they make me laugh so hard – definitely the grandma moment the space needed. Behind those, you’ll find my coat closet turned speakeasy, which we also photographed, so I’ll be doing a full post on that soon too 🙂

Tall Ceramic Vase | Lamp

I had my handyman/lover drill a hole in the shelf for that cute little lamp with a drill attachment he had, and then that Abraham Lincoln bookend was hand-gold-plated a while ago by my 94-year-old grandma – another grandma touch from my actual grandmother, who is just the best. The art on the top shelf is Jade’s childhood home that her boyfriend hand-drew – it was too sweet not to frame and put up here front and center. Then, below it is a piece Em gave me years ago by MaryAnn Puls, layered with a family photo of Jade and I from an epic night at the Soho House. On the right is a detailed shot of our gorgeous piano (which has the cutest subtle diamond pattern on the music stand!), and those candles are from Pierce and Ward’s amazing storefront on Hillhurst in Los Feliz.

Leather Chair | Rug | Drink Table | Dining Chairs | Mirror

This is a peek at the dining room for context (the one that we photographed and will be giving you a tour of soon!)

I cannot thank you guys enough for reading, following, and supporting! HUGE thank you to AllModern for sponsoring this makeover – I could not love their products more, so if you’re in the market for some amazing pieces that can get there fast (like fast enough to finish your living room in 1 month fast), I definitely recommend checking them out xx

*Design by Mallory Wackerman
**Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Fun fact: my very first lead styling job ever was for the Garnet Hill catalog (after assisting on it for years). I remember viscerally how nervous I was to be in charge and have full responsibility, everyone waiting on me to arrange the perfect flowers, and me scrambling to look like I knew what I was doing. I styled for them for years (the famous Steven Whitehead was the soft stylist), and therefore my loyalty to this brand and my knowledge of the product is extreme. I know the quality of their bedding first-hand so when they reached out to partner on their new linens I was delighted not only with the colors but also the prints and patterns (look at that quilt!).

Linen Sham (in Washed Indigo) | Linen Sham (in Ivory) | Linen Sheets (in Blue Floral) | Linen Duvet Cover (in Washed Indigo) | Linen Quilt (in Blue/White) | Linen Throw (in Amalfi Blue)

We restyled my bed with their new linen colors (of which they have many, this cypress or sage green is awesome, too – more on that below), printed sheets, and the most beautiful heirloom-quality Irish Chain-inspired quilt. I LOVE that quilt.

Bonus: the geniuses at Garnet Hill tweaked this duvet cover’s proportions to create a tighter, plusher fit. If you’ve ever slept with a duvet, you might know that it starts to slide around a bit in there, despite the ties! But this cover was so brilliantly designed – it looks polished and tailored straight out of the package (and even after a good night’s sleep), no hassle required.

I actually bought a dark blue antique Irish quilt that I love, but it’s a little precious for daily use, not big enough for snuggling and it’s too bold for this room. This modern quilt’s denim-y color actually works perfectly and is hand-stitched (not printed!) and is such a pretty shade of blue.

That level of care and attention to detail is present in all the linen you’re seeing. Garnet Hill sources the finest flax from Europe where it’s grown by experts with low-to-no irrigation. It is GMO free, too. If you’re looking for bedding that has sustainability baked in from the start, it’s here! These are the types of pieces worth investing in and bringing into your home.

Linen Oversized V-Neck Sweater (in Sage!)| Coastal Linen Shorts (in Sage)

They also sent me some of their new linen clothes, which I happily created a monochrome look with and have actually worn a number of times since this shoot (that sweater looks really simple, but it drapes beautifully and is so lightweight making it a really nice spring nighttime layer).

If you’re interested in trying out a matching set but you don’t want to get something trendy, this combo is a GREAT choice. The shorts also have the perfect amount of leg room (plus an adjustable, flexible waistband) and they’ll be easy to mix-and-match all summer (and beyond! How perfect will that sweater be for fall?).

You can see the soft-washed linen on that quilt (and the pretty hand-stitching) in this close up.

If you’ve never slept in linen before, it is super breathable and temperature-regulating. I recommend it to ALL hot sleepers, or to any folks whose homes feel a little warmer at night. (Caitlin, from my team, doesn’t have air conditioning and she swears by linen bedding.)

If you are new to the linen game, start with a throw (a nice layer that feels grounding without being too hot) or a quilt.

But not all linen is created equally (and not everyone loves the feeling of linen, so make sure it’s your vibe with a smaller piece first!)! Some pieces need to be “broken in,” but Garnet Hill’s linen is INCREDIBLY soft.

They garment wash it (I don’t know how many times, but it feels like a lot) so it comes with that buttery, textured, casual look that I LOVE. It also gets softer with each wash, so your bed will continue to get more and more comfortable over time.

Linen Blanket (in Amalfi Blue) | Linen Blanket (in Bronze)

I appreciate that they make their bed throws big enough to fit at the end of the bed AND long enough to cover both sides. I love the frayed edges, the two different herringbone textures on both sides, and how soft and drape-y it is. (These come in throw, double/queen, and king sizes, BTW, so there’s a perfect blanket for every space.)

I swear this is the coziest corner that gets the most action during photo shoots – I’m a big night and weekend reader but it’s usually in bed. I need to use this space more, don’t you think? Maybe someday I’ll have more time for reading during the day, draped in my softest linen blanket 🙂

Linen Shirt (in Sky Blue Chambray) | Linen Beach Dress (in Sea Salt)

Here I’m wearing a chambray linen shirt (which yes, is very nice, drapey, loose, and cooling) and a white beach dress which is super cute (but this shade is a little sheer without nude undergarments, so more of a swim cover-up for me). The striped version is VERY pretty. (I am wearing a small in all of the clothing, and find that it fits true-to-size. It feels great on the skin, too.) The pieces I picked make me feel like a Nancy Meyers character, donning all simple, effortless, comfortable, throw-and-go goodness.

As you have probably noticed washed linen is also extremely beautiful to look at (which is why it’s so popular amongst stylists). It always looks good, straight out of the dryer. It’s just so lightweight and floppy in a really good way. Linen just adds a lot of life and depth to your bed – if your current setup feels a little flat, swapping in a new texture like this can breathe some new life into every part of your room.

A big thanks to Garnet Hill for letting me play linen stylist in my bed for a few hours. It’s a total honor and a full-circle partnership for me – it’s been a blast to reflect on the journey (from my updated, soft, warm-weather-ready bed).

These new linen pieces are so pretty and lightweight, yet high quality with really sweet prints and patterns. If you are a linen lover, head over here and see what else they are offering.

This post was sponsored by Garnet Hill but all words and opinions are all mine🙂

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

What do you get when you combine 32 yards of fabric, a beautiful bedroom bundle from Article and the world’s best boss? My very first Makeover Takeover reveal!! If you read my post from yesterday, you know how quickly this bedroom came together. Personally, I love a deadline (Em too), and though this one came at us like a 90 mph fastball, I really do think we hit it out of the park! (Insert softball emoji here) What’s so wonderful about Em–besides gifting me with an incredible opportunity such as this–is that she really let me take the reins on the design process, but stepped up for me big time when I desperately needed her eye. So when it came time for the shoot, she styled, Kaitlin photographed and I teared up in the corner as we brought my dream bedroom to life. I couldn’t be more excited to share this finished space with you all! Are you ready for the breakdown? Here we go!

Headboard | Bed Frame | Mattress

It’s not too difficult for a bed to be the focal point in any room, let alone a 9′ x 10′ box, but thankfully she’s no eyesore! I’m still pinching myself knowing that THIS is the bed I come home to every night. From the headboard to the mattress to the bedding (to the window, to the wallllll)–it’s all Article! As if they weren’t already one of my favorite places to shop for furniture (and a tried and true EHD favorite for pieces that are beautifully designed, well made, and at amazing price points), now you can literally fulfill EVERY SINGLE ONE of your bedroom needs in one convenient place. And I did!

Article has partnered with Leesa to supply you a great mattress to go atop your beautiful new bed frame. And to no one’s surprise, it’s extremely comfortable! I feel like I could recreate that classic infomercial, where the lady jumps on the bed next to a stemmed glass of red wine and it doesn’t budge one iota. Now I’m not gonna do that with this bed, mostly because I prefer a pinot gris (or in this case, an empty coffee mug), so you’ll just have to trust me on this one. It’s firm yet soft, and hugs just right without swallowing you whole. It has three layers of memory foam, each one designed to keep you cool and supported. After sleeping on the same full-size mattress I’ve had for years and years, this queen mattress makes me feel like just that–A QUEEN.

Storage Bed | Throw Blanket

Next up is the frame. I knew I wanted to incorporate this oak Pactera bed frame as soon as I saw it (the white version is also so crisp). My place has decent storage, but sadly no real spot for linens. The fact that this bed is as beautiful as it is sturdy and has hidden storage drawers, is unreal. Positioned at the front of the bed are two huge drawers, and inside them I can fit all of my extra towels, sheets, and blankets. I love that they disappear completely, tucking away into the frame’s wide base, only to be clocked by me. The added lip around the perimeter of the frame is such a nice design touch, too and more importantly, functional. Making my bed in the morning really just requires stuffing the duvet into the sides of the frame and yet somehow every time it comes out looking so polished!

Gauze Charcoal Duvet Cover | Gauze Charcoal Sham Set | Sheet Set | Left Throw Pillow | Right Throw Pillow

Speaking of bedding…Article really NAILED IT! No surprises that their new bedding launch is as good as the furniture we know and love them for. Their bedding comes in three fabrications: the delightful crinkly gauze I picked, a super soft cotton, and a classic breezy linen. Before choosing the fabric for the walls (and yes…I will get to that!) I decided on the Leni gauze bedding in charcoal. I talked about it in the Link Up a few weekends ago, but I really can’t say enough about my love for it. I just feel so dang fancy sliding into a bedding set this beautiful and high quality. And technically what you’re seeing isn’t really a set, but rather a collection of styles, which just goes to show how well their colors and materials mix and match. I snagged an extra set of gauze-y shams in taupe and cotton sheets in light taupe, too. Top it off with two cute throw pillows and this fuzzy, tasseled blanket (yes y’all Article does decor too!) and celloooo–you’ve got a bed! (Hands up if you caught either one of my School Of Rock references)

But the real show stopper is the headboard, obvi. It was a much harder decision for me to make, only because they have too many great options to choose from and I was really going back and forth on the direction of the room. In the end this one beat out the rest because the wood tone matched the other pieces so perfectly without being all from the same line. The woven rattan detailing makes it feel so high-end and lux, and I really love that it mounts to the wall. It hangs on a French cleat so I know it’s super secure, but I can also nudge it one way or the other, should I want to shift my bed a bit.

Gauze Taupe Sham Set | Headboard | Swing-Arm Sconce

Another fantastic feature of the headboard are the built-in nightstands. With my room being so small, adding nightstands into the mix could’ve made it feel clunky. Instead, the integrated shelves take up zero floor space and give me a great resting spot for my phone, a cup ‘o joe, or whatever book I’m reading–I mean, I haven’t attended book club in months, but that’s only because I had no place to set it down! I promise that’s the only reason!!

Because they’re still on the smaller side, I opted for this beautiful swing-arm sconce to keep the surface clear. I like that it provides a bit of asymmetry to the space and replaces the need for art above the bed–which I did try, but just felt like too much going on with the “wallpaper”. It’s also a plug-in so no wiring required! The mushroom lamp sitting on the other side of the bed (the previous photo) is one I stole from Em’s prop room just for the shoot, and will be going back because the sconce gives off plenty of light. But like, how cute?!

White Double Planter | Dresser | Table Lamp

That said, I’m super happy this other mushroom lamp is staying because it gives off a really nice glow and the gold shade connects well with the greenish gold of the wall fabric (I’m so close to talking about this, keep reading).

But the dresser??! Again, if you saw yesterday’s post, you’d know this was the one piece I absolutely had to have. We used nightstands from the same Vireo line in Kaitlin’s bedroom makeover, and when I realized they had the same style in a 6-drawer lowboy, I lost it. I have way too many clothes and until I get that problem under control, a dresser in addition to my closet is necessary. Whether I move or stay here for years, this is a piece that I know will be with me for GOOD. I can see it working so beautifully in my living room as a sideboard when I graduate from clothes-hoarding, that is. It just feels so timeless. The soft closing drawers are a mega bonus, but the design of the drawer pulls is my favorite element.

The one piece of art hanging in the room is something I painted. At my last apartment, someone left it in our communal free pile. It had a weird, black plastic light mounted to the top and looked like an early-stage art project left to die. I had a vision and snagged it, even though my neighbor-friends were like “Gretch, babe, that’s trash”. I’ve painted on it a few times, and I’m still not sure it’s “done” but I really love what it adds to the space, breaking up the uniformity of the wall and picking up some of the pink-ier tones in the room. References to both of my cherished apartments are hidden inside and I love looking at it as I fall asleep, reminded of the gratitude I have for those designs. There’s even a scrap of the current wall fabric pasted on the left side of it…

From Left To Right: Vintage | Planter | Planter (Old) | Footed Bowl (Local) | Planter | Box (vintage) | Planter (local) | Planter (local)

Okay wait, first the window and then we’ll talk wall fabric–I mean it!! This long but short window surprisingly lets in a lot of light. But unfortunately, it looks directly into my neighbor’s kitchen and the awkward eye contact happened enough for me to hop on the internet and order this window film. It’s made to look like reeded glass and diffuses the light beautifully. I also don’t need anything to block the light because I truly sleep like the dead, so just a bit of privacy control was enough for me.

When Em came by to see the progress of space, she suggested I extend the window ledge to display some of my plants. Love!! So I headed to my local Ace Hardware, snagged a board, cut it to size, painted it to match, and drilled it into the sill. Done. Then Em helped me pick out a few fresh plants for the shoot and I’ll be damned if I can’t keep them alive, because they’re just too perfect!

White Double Planter

Okay you’ve made it!! It’s fabric time. This wallpaper isn’t wallpaper, but rather wallfabric, as I’ve lovingly coined it. It’s something I’ve added to many of my past rentals, and I like to think it’s my signature. I will argue ’til the day I die that it’s absolutely the best way to “wallpaper” a room because it is 100% renter-friendly and a process you can do completely solo without the need to rip your hair out along the way. Now I will admit, I’m a TEASE, because the fully-fledged, step-by-step process post won’t be coming at you until next week. But I will give you this: in my humble opinion, it’s miles better than traditional paste-up or peel-and-stick wallpaper because clean-up is a breeze–any residue left behind simply doesn’t exist–and it’s sooo much less wasteful. If I move, get bored of it, or realize it belongs somewhere else, all I need to do is peel it down and give it a wash before I’m ready to start again. And by then the opportunities are endless–wallfabric another room or sew an outfit or a bedspread or a pillow or CURTAINS. Now who can say that about sticky paper?

But to immediately contradict myself, I am thinking about ordering a peel-and-stick version of the same design to line my drawers and closet shelves, because it’s slightly easier to clean. I worked with Spoonflower to find this fabric and they offer all (we’re talking literally millions) of their designs in both fabric and wallpaper of every kind. And to them I said, “Hey, how ’bout one more application?” and they said “Sure!” and I said, “Thanks, guys!”

Anyway, I am super proud of this room and extremely grateful to be given the chance to express myself with such incredible pieces. To have a room in my new place fully designed feels so fulfilling and is driving me to rethink and refresh the other rooms in my apartment. So stay tuned! And come back next week to read all about that wallfabric process. If you have any questions about it, I’ll make sure to answer them over there!

The hugest of thank you’s to Article for partnering on this project. Every single item is an absolute hit and I am tickled as pink as the flowers on my walls to be surrounded by such beauty. To the readers, thanks for following along! To Kaitlin, the photographic magic you capture is unmatched and these are photos I will cherish forever and ever. And to Emily, just wow. The things you’ve introduced me to, the projects you’ve brought to me, and the gifts you’ve bestowed, leave me speechless. Thank you for your ongoing love, support and trust throughout this process! You are so cool.

Sincerely, Gretch

*Design by Gretchen Raguse (me!)
**Styled by Gretchen Raguse and Emily Henderson
*** Photos by Kaitlin Green

Happy reveal day! I can’t express how exciting and downright fun this kitchen makeover has been to execute and see come to life. After doing my own three-year renovation-to-reveal process on our farmhouse, it has been incredibly satisfying to turn around a kitchen makeover in less than two months (!!). If you are just landing here today and this is all new to you, you’re going to want to head to this post to see all the before photos and read about the budget, timeline, and needs and wants of the homeowner. Then come back studied up and take in this beauty fully.

To help them launch their new line of renovation products, I collaborated with Crate & Barrel to give a new life to this kitchen. In just a bit, you’ll see the stunning kitchen island from the collection but know that there is so much more: a few kitchen island options, bathroom vanities, hardware, and, of course, lighting and accessories. Our reader/homeowner, Julie, submitted her kitchen for the makeover and we felt like it was the perfect space that checked all our boxes—timeline, budget, style, and the right space to show off the island. Then, we got to work. I hired a familiar team to me including my former PDX assistant, Sarah Weldon, to project manage and do all the renderings needed, as well as my brother Ken to be the contractor and manage all the subs. I have to say it went SO WELL, with a few normal problem-solving opportunities that we honestly sailed through together.

And before we get into the pictures and details here’s a fun video about the transformation! (just wait for the ad to play:))

Before

As a reminder, the kitchen before had a ton of potential and was ripe for a surface-level glow-up as it didn’t need any new electrical or plumbing, no walls moved, and no engineering—all cosmetic. Here was our to-do list again:

• Install new panel-ready appliances + functioning range
• Remove uppers and replace with open shelving and a new hood
• Refinish ceiling (check yesterday’s post for what we did)
• Add new hardware, faucet, and lighting
• Paint and wallpaper

We’d keep the following:

• Existing layout
• All the lower cabinets (and bank of drawers), as well as the sink
• Flooring
• Paneling (it would just need to be patched and painted)
• Countertops, cutting where needed (they are pretty good and replacing them is a real thing)

The whole project took almost two months, seven sub-contractors, and a lot of hard work by my team to get her done. While this is a faster and more budget-friendly kitchen remodel as compared to most, we wanted to be real about the amount of time and effort that went into it because it’s still a lot. My hope is that you can glean ideas and information from this makeover that you could implement in your own remodel.

The Kitchen Now!!!

Cabinetry Paint Color | Wallpaper | Backsplash Paint Color | Ceiling Light | Island | Stools | Knobs | Pulls | Applicance Pulls

It’s hard for me not to scream HOW GOOD IS THIS but I guess I just did. We love it so very much, can you blame me? This kitchen now has so much personality, a real point of view, and a lot of whimsical touches rendered in a really fresh way. The colors all work so well together to give it depth and a real sense of space, while the island complements it all and adds so much function. Note how well the tones of the veining on the stone work with the green cabinetry. ::chef’s kiss::

Sconce | Vase | Footed Bowl | Mug

The floral wallpaper is by Kelly Ventura and was the real jumping-off point for the room’s color palette. We pulled the green (Rosemary by Sherwin-Williams) and the light blue/green of the backsplash (Conservative Gray by Sherwin-Williams) from the pattern and, frankly, I was ecstatic to do a pink and green kitchen. We weren’t able to see the stone in person for the island so we were very pleased to see so much green in the veining. Integrating the appliances went a long way to making the kitchen feel more streamlined and modern. It wasn’t a ton of cabinetry to begin with so eliminating the visual stop of an appliance front like, say, the dishwasher, goes a long way to streamline the design. If you’re curious to learn more about how to integrate your appliances without replacing all of your cabinetry, stay tuned because we’re working on that post. For this space, it was still a $4,000 investment, but far cheaper than gutting it all.

For the new hood, we bought a hood insert and integrated it into a simple boxed cabinet that we trimmed out with a little detail on the bottom. It’s painted the same color as the beadboard since there was enough going on between the green and the floral wallpaper. While I did mention we were keeping the existing beadboard, we ended up needing to replace what was behind the range since we extended it higher than it was prior when it met the upper cabinets that were removed. That was one of our unforeseen hiccups, but it was affordable and readymade so my brother was able to source the matching profile and get it up.

The Island

Now for the reason for the season. This whole kitchen partnership with Crate & Barrel was to feature this island which is one of the four that they just launched. Before we had even selected the kitchen we were going to makeover, I chose the Terra 78″ Marble Top and Natural Oak Wood Kitchen Island with Storage because I responded quickly to it, stylistically, and I knew it could work with so many different styles. In addition to this one, they have others that are more contemporary or more traditional. The Terra is so simple and high quality, the white oak and marble are timeless and classic, and it’s extremely functional in both prep, storage, and seating. It is priced really well for what you get and comes totally built with white glove service (extremely plug-and-play).

Mixing Bowls | Baking Dishing | Measuring Cups | Dish Towel

On top, you have three great drawers for flatware, utensils, and placemats. On the left side, you have really deep pull-out drawers which I’d use for trash and recycling. In the middle section, you have two deep drawers for larger items like mixing bowls, big pots/pans, and baking dishes. Then on the right is another pull-out drawer for a stand mixer or stock pot, as well as a shelf option should you want to put other larger pots or bowls. It’s HIGHLY functional and well thought out. Bonus points? The drawers soft close like a dream.

Left: Large Ceramic Batter Bowl | Right: Wood Plate | Drawer Organizer | Wood-Handled Measuring Cups | Rolling Pin | Whisk | Slotted Spoon | Wood Solid Turner | White and Wood Spoon | White Spoon | Measuring Spoons | Coffee Grinder Brush | Vegetable Peeler | Can Opener

On the back side, you have a 14.5-inch overhang which is ample for sitting and with the opening being 68 inches, you can fit three large-sized stools perfectly.

Pot Rack | Cast Iron Oven | Ceramic Olive Oil Cruet

The marble top is a honed solid stone with a lot of subtle veining for forgiveness. We were so impressed with this particular stone; it had so many soft golden and green tones and the Crate & Barrel team pulled no stops in its quality. It absolutely does not look readymade. Something to note for anyone with a sink or cooktop/range in their existing island is that you’ll have to relocate those. This island is perfect for a kitchen like this that had a freestanding furniture piece that could be replaced with a more functional island. That, or a kitchen with no island at all that has the walk-around clearance for one.

The Plate Wall

Wall Plates (vintage) | Candlestick Holders | Vase | Plates | Napkins | Flatware | Table Lamp

Our homeowner Julie (who understandably didn’t want to be on camera) is an antiques dealer and she had this incredible collection of ironstone platters. We happily leaned into this and, after arranging them outside on the floor of the deck (ha!), displayed them all on the wall. Julie assisted us and glued plate hangers to the back of each one and then we just went for it. I couldn’t love it more. You can see a lot of the age and different designs of the rims. This collection comes from years of scouring the markets and I’m so grateful that we got to display them for her (and us).

Hardware

Knobs | Pulls

In case you don’t remember the “before,” this bank of drawers had so much hardware with handles upon handles that made it look really busy. Sarah did a fantastic job of reconfiguring the new hardware in a way that was more modern and subdued. We combined one simple brass micro-knob on the tiny drawers and one pull on the larger ones which gives them more power and more presence, with less. This hardware is gorgeous with round backs and a sweet little round detail on the handle, too.

Bowl | Wooden Mortar and Pestle

I can’t stress enough the importance of mixing knobs and handles to make something feel truly custom and well-designed. They just complement each other so well and are scaled proportionally to the size of the drawers. We also loved that the island didn’t need hardware (it has finger pulls cut into the top of the drawers) so that it could be more of a standalone piece (think like the one in the farmhouse where we did the bank of cabinets in one color/hardware, but let the island be its own thing that still worked so well).

Lighting

Light Fixture

We needed to replace the lighting over the island to have more presence and be scaled better for the large island. We found this linear pendant with two shades that worked perfectly in our design plan. The white and warm brass was exactly what this needed to not be too distracting with the lower ceilings. This fixture also comes with drop options for the length and can be much higher if you have higher ceilings (the rods can screw together in certain increments to give you more length options). Because Julie has two sons that are really tall, we wanted to go above their eye-line and not be right in their face, so we dropped this pendant a foot down (plus the shades).

Open Shelving

Top Shelf: Pitcher | Berry Colander Mug | Wood Board (similar) | Pink Planter (unavailable) | Serving Bowl
Bottom Shelf: Mugs | Wooden Plates | Ceramic Bottles (vintage) | Small Bowls | Large Bowls | Mortar and Pestle
Counter: Cutting Board | Canisters | Facuet | Wooden Lazy Susan | Garlic Bowl (similar) | Pepper Grinder

I get goosebumps every time I see this shot. The colors are so magical and you don’t even notice the simple stone that she already had because it works so well with the two green tones. One of our unpredicted costs was to get a stone cutter on site to take down the old backsplash that was there, drill an extra hole for our new faucet and remove part of the stone behind the range so we could slide it in further. We mixed both Julie’s pieces with a lot from Crate for the styling, keeping it warm, whimsical, and modern. Her two boys are grown (but still live with her at times) so her storage needs were far less than when they were little and she was excited to get the uppers gone and still be able to look at some pretty things. We offered to put all of her original plates and bowls up here when we left, but she didn’t want us to touch the styling so we left everything as-is (including the garlic). Julie, you were A DREAM to work with. I’ve never done a makeover with someone that was so legitimately helpful and so generous. She even gave me three of my favorite seascapes! Thank you, Julie!

Before And Afters

And now for some dopamine-inducing before and afters in the ever-gratifying side-by-side format to see what was accomplished. I wish I could give you all an in-person tour because once you are in this kitchen, it just SINGS. The Crate & Barrel team took some video content and a lot of social so be sure to check them out on mine and Crate’s accounts so you can get a full circuit of the space (including the island).

What an incredibly fun and satisfying job this was. Crate & Barrel was so wonderful to work with, Julie was so lovely, my team killed it, and I get to stand here and give the glow of some serious collective hard work and pride. This project was such a great reminder that when you push things a bit with color and pattern, it all pays off in the end. Being in this kitchen is such a joy.

The whole room turned out just so dreamy, fresh, modern, and sweet, and with the help of the new Crate & Barrel kitchen island, also highly functional. A huge thanks to my team, Sarah Weldon for co-designing and project managing, Ken Starke as the general contractor, Emily M. and Gretchen on my team for social and production help. Crate even had Emily Bowser come up and help style to camera while I was in front of it on the day of the shoot. They all know that my favorite line is, “Many hands make light work” and in this case, I couldn’t have asked for better and more fun hands. 🙂

Thank you SO much to Crate & Barrel for sponsoring this project and post! These are the best kind of partnerships and getting to work with such a great team and brand makes it that much better.

This post was sponsored by Crate & Barrel but all words and opinions are all mine. 🙂

*Design by Emily Henderson and Sarah Weldon
**Styled by Emily Henderson and Emily Bowser
***Photos by Steven Mcdonald

This fall is going to be different than last year – 100% guaranteed. The kids will actually go to school (after a year and a half of “home school”, they’ll start soccer and we might even know what day of the week it is. Sure, the end of summer is always a bit sad, but we are ready to cozy up for fall. Today I’m showing you the fall Threshold collection that just launched from Target and it’s all about warmth, clutter-free comfort, and setting up your home to create more analog moments. It’s time to cozy up, hunker down and create some touchpoint fall decor pieces that might involve a pumpkin or nine, depending on your pumpkin level (I’m a 2 :)).

The Importance Of Comfort

I sound like a broken record, I know, but with spending more time in our homes (and hoping that continues) I need every piece of furniture to be comfortable and inviting. I’m not interested in the chair that everyone secretly avoids sitting in. So I’d love to introduce you to a few of my favorite pieces of furniture that I LOVE, should you be in the market.

That green chair is SO GOOD and rivals this bench for my favorite piece of furniture in the fall collection. We are going to get it for the mountain house since I’m bringing up my vintage chair to Portland. The color is perfect, the velvet is soft and looks luxurious (not cheap, I promise) and the wood arms are a perfect complement to most sofas. Also the SCALE … it’s just VERY good – large enough for roomy comfort, but not huge.

The dining chairs and table are also EXCELLENT. The chairs feel solid and yet the leather has some stretch so they are totally comfortable. Again, their scale is very good – minimal in design, but large enough to be comfortable for all sizes. And that table – it’s such a good simple and modern design that can work in so many different styles of homes, but certainly has a fresh look.

Dining Table (coming soon!) | Dining Chairs (coming soon!) | Dried Branches

Also, that sconce – SO GOOD and could easily go over nightstands. The vase is also excellent with a lot of texture but such a simple shape. Target is actually selling those plumes, too!!!

1. Faux Leather Sconce | 2. Fall Trees Art | 3. 16pc Porcelain Woodbridge Dinnerware Set | 4. Placemat | 5. Vase | 6. Champagne Silverware Set

Smart Storage Pieces To Control The Clutter

You know how I feel about clutter these days (I’m NOT part of the clutter-core movement), and yet our lives require us to have some things, and many of us want to display our prettier pieces. Vertical bookcases and hutches take up less space than horizontal and they can go far more places if narrow enough. These wooden shelves above are so pretty, look very high-end (yet are affordable), and when combined with pretty canvas and leather bins they can still hide what you want to hide (toys, remotes, etc) while looking nice on a shelf.

1. Framed Landscape Print | 2. Set of Candlesticks | 3. Bookshelf | 4. Woven Basket With Handles | 5. Harvest Squirrel Bookend | 6. Squirrel Bookend | 7. Fabric Plush Pumpkin | 8. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy | 9. Magnolia Table Volume 2 by Joanna Gaines | 10. Wild Creations by Hilton Carter | 11. Educated : A Memoir by Tara Westover | 12. Glory by Kahran Bethencourt & Regis Bethencourt | 13. Home Body by Rupi Kaur | 14. Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity by Justin Baldoni | 15. Home Edit : A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals by Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin | 16. The Nickel Boys – by Colson Whitehead | 17. Leadership Strategy and Tactics by Jocko Willink | 18. The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V E Schwab | 19. Billie Eilish – don’t smile at me | `20. Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city | 21. Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On | 22. Temptations – Number 1’s | 23. Taylor Swift – evermore | 24. Halsey – Manic (LP) | 25. Harry Styles – Fine Line | 26. Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On | 27. Queen – Greatest Hits 2 | 28. Taylor Swift – folklore |29. Billie Eilish – WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

That hutch is EXCELLENT. It reminds me of the one that I had in our dining room in LA for years, except even better because it has 1/2 closed storage to hide things like extra candles or linens for entertaining. The black metal is super chic and modern, but the shape and style are certainly classic. We styled it out to go in three different rooms as you can see below – dining, den, and living room.

1. Hutch | 2. Bowl | 3. Wreath | 4. Brass Leaf Bowl | 5. White Wine Glass | 6. Red Wine Glass | 7. Wire Basket | 8. Can’t Catch Harry | 9. Exploding Kittens | 10. Cards Against Humanity | 11. You’re On Mute | 12. Throw Burrito

1. Floral Diptych | 2. Media Credenza | 3. Record Player | 4. Orange Gorde | 5. Ceramic Cream Pumpkin | 6. Ceramic Pumpkin | 7. Braided Basket

For those of you in need of a horizontal media piece, this new credenza or media cabinet is pretty darn handsome. It can even go behind a sofa facing out and act as a sofa table for lamps and extra storage for records or board games.

Fall Touchpoints In Decor – That Can Be Year-Round

Some things are distinctly fall (pumpkins) but warm caramel-y tones and textures can be year-round (or you can store them for every fall if you are a seasonal decorator). You know I love a broken stripe pillow and that one is VERY good and would work in every single room in my house, and all I’d need is that beautiful rust toned velvet pillow on our sofa to go from summer to fall (because, yes I am a seasonal decorator which shouldn’t be shocking). Add some dried branches and some woven pumpkins and there you have it – fall, done simply, affordably, and with elegance.

Baskets, Bins, And Clever Furniture

It’s hard to see in these shots, but that basket above is SO SMART. You can transform it from low and wide to tall and deep with a quick little latch change. The wood handle on top is soo good – every single person on set wanted this basket – and I very rarely freak out about baskets.

1. Chair | 2. Sweet Home Hook | 3. Wire Basket

We put it under the coffee table which takes a stack of magazines and makes it look FAR more organized and pulled together. Also, that coffee table is excellent, and the bottom shelf adds always needed extra surface area for less sightly storage (like a box for remotes or magazines/coffee table books you don’t want to clutter the top).

1. Sofa | 2. Plaid Lumbar Pillow | 3. Velvet Red Lumbar Pillow | 4. Stripe Black and White Pillow | 5. Floor Lamp | 6. Grid Blanket | 7. Wood Coffee Table | 8. Fall Candle | 9. Vase | 10. Side Table | 11. Rug | 12. Accent Chair | 13. Grid Pillow | 14. Basket | Throw Blanket

The top of the coffee table is a really pretty wood tone that looks very high end and the scale of it is great for a small space. We at EHD love a round coffee table especially when the rest of your furniture is squared off. P.S. that is a smaller version of the same vase on the dining table that we LOVE.

How good is that bench??? It looks so high end and the mix of textures (linen, wood, and leather) makes it definitely look special. The basket vase holds dried branches (also sold at some Targets) and those two pumpkins are my favorite and the ones we’ve brought out for years.

1. Mirror | 2. Oak Leaves Art | 3. Table Lamp | 4. Stripe Orange Lumbar Pillow | 5. Wire Basket | 6. Corn Husk Pumpkin | 7. Woven Vase | 8. Stripe Basket | 9. Bench

Adding Warmth To The Bedroom

While you may not put pumpkins in your bedroom the warm textiles can certainly help the transition to winter. Emily Bowser threw that beautiful rust-toned quilt over a simple wood headboard and it looks totally upholstered and high-end with mini-channel vertical tufting!).

We layered all the textures – faux fur blanket, velvet bolster, and stitched longer pillow to make it look super tied together, warm but not fussy at all. This is our formula that always WORKS (you can lose one decorative pillow if you want, but we are huge fans of less decorative pillows – just a long one or two – I’ve been writing about this for years – see this post).

The mirror is EXCELLENT – it’s oversized which takes it from your average closet mirror to a more substantial piece. It has this really pretty curved wood that is thin and delicate, making it look really high-end. Good Job, Target. This can be hung or leaned and could be great in many rooms (not just for bedrooms). I love how Emily B. hung the dried flowers over the mirror to add some character and style (and they are from Target, too!).

We were also all big fans of that wicker lamp – simple, textural, can go anywhere and feel boho in a really soft way.

1. Table Lamp | 2. Mantel Clock | 3. Cream Flannel Bedding | 4. Quilt | 5. Grid Oversized Lumbar Pillow | 6. Velvet Bolster Pillow | 7. 24″ x 30″ European Hillside Framed Wall Art | 8. Faux Branch | 9. Mirror | 10. Plaid Sheets | 11. Dot Sheets | 12. Faux Fur Throw Blanket | 13. Nightstand | 14. Vase With Faux Branch | 15. Rug | 16. Basket

Time To Gather And Entertain

This fall there will be more gatherings, but most of these pieces are totally year-round. There are heavy pottery plates that look totally hand thrown. And the cutest little personal french onion soup containers (fun fact – it’s Brian’s favorite soup and the only one I have never made. I know what I’m going to do for his birthday in October (ahem CROCKtober, now).

Those glasses are the ones that we have that I SWEAR by (thin and modern, but hard to break) and the terracotta vase and amber vessel are great additions to the collection that Emily B. wanted to steal from the shoot.

1. 14×15 Gold Oak Leaf in Ceramic Pot | 2. Pumpkin Baking Vessel | 3. 16pc Stoneware Tilley Dinnerware Set| 4. Measuring Spoons | 5. Mini Cast Iron Baker Orange | 6. Magnolia Table Book | 7. Vase | 8. Plaid Hand Towel

Analog Experiences For Family AND Friends – WAHOO!!!

Our family has had to drastically shift our screentime habits due to covid and the last few months we’ve really tried to focus on no screens (except our kindles). Board games, listening to records (the kids have Brian’s old record player in their playroom) have increased and become quite the joy for us all (and make us feel less like garbage parents).

And yes, Target sells all those records – a lot of GREAT ones that are both classic and new pop. That record player is really good, too. Brian is a big fan of records because it encourages us to listen to whole albums through – for us it’s mostly The Grateful Dead, Miles Davis, and Taylor Swift.

Dress | Shoes

There you are, folks. The Fall Target Launch. It’s full of great pieces for adding comfort and ease to this season with extremely affordable prices. Everyone deserves to have an inviting and comfortable home, all year round. Great job Target, and happy fall friends. xx

*Art Direction by me, Styled by Emily Bowser
**Photography by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Today we have a much-awaited apartment living room reveal for my friend, Chandler. It was a space dripping with potential with a massive dark accent wall that created quite the challenge that was solved beautifully by our partner, KILZ. Julie safely took the lead on this design, by using a lot of what Chandler had, mixing it with some vintage finds, pulling from our prop inventory, and I think we made this room SING. Without further ado … here … you … go.

Hi all, Julie here! I am so excited to share with you all the reveal photos of Chandler’s living room. It’s been a style rollercoaster journey from a 70s Brutalist aesthetic (which we quickly learned was more Corbett‘s vision, Chandler’s sister) to a modern-day Mad Men feel. Now, let’s go back in time to January of this year when the world looked a bit different and so did Chandler’s living room.

The Process

When Emily and I met up with Chandler for the first time to discuss the design direction for his living room it looked like this…

He had just moved in (hence the piles of stuff) and didn’t have much in the way of furniture. Although cute, those two chairs don’t really look comfortable enough to binge-watch much of anything in. Speaking of, the TV looked massive on the credenza which also lacked the closed storage you can see he desperately needed in his life. The smaller rug actually made the living room feel more cramped because all of the furniture had to be closer together to fit onto it. This is why choosing the right rug size really is so important.

The Paint & More Importantly The Primer

Skip to…the day we talked about all things paint and then revealed the KILZ paint color Chandler chose here. As you can see below, some progress had been made but mainly we just gave him a bunch of hand-me-down furniture to start off with so he could comfortably hang out in his living room. We wanted to make sure he had a sofa during quarantine! So some of it stayed and others got swapped out in the end.

One of Chandler’s main concerns was how dark the room actually felt. This was partially due to the fact that the only source of natural light was coming from those original french doors and needed to be semi-blocked with sheer curtains to give him some semblance of privacy from the courtyard entrance that is right outside. The second factor was that DARK accent wall, it’s green but almost looked black in the room because there wasn’t enough natural light reflecting off it and honestly kind of made it feel depressing. A really dark accent wall color can also make your room feel a bit lopsided which can work if you have enough visual weight to help balance it out on the other side, but that wasn’t the case here. Yes, there was a sofa on the wall opposite it, but that vintage beauty that Emily scored for about $200 bucks is very low to the ground (the seat height is 14″ to be exact) and relatively light in color compared to the black hole of an accent wall on the other side… so the color had to go.

If you have ever tried to cover up any sort of dark paint color for a lighter option without using a primer then you know first hand how it can take approximately 2,367 coats of white paint to get the job done. Alright, alright maybe not that many but it definitely takes more than two or three. That is unless you work smart, not hard by priming first with KILZ 3® Premium primer.

I mean take a look for yourself at the photos below cause I am here to tell you that is only ONE COAT of primer. Are you shocked? Because I was.

After witnessing the primer power of KILZ I know for sure that when I eventually move out of my rental, I am definitely using it to cover up the green door in my bedroom and the hand-painted purple stripes in my soon-to-be-revealed bath. (I actually had to make a run to the store just to pick up some KILZ primer mid-painting on that project. Let’s just say the paint stripe test runs – there were more than one – did not turn out as planned and my white paint wasn’t covering up my mistakes. I was elated when KILZ covered it up so easily with the first coat cause my original attempt(s) were definitely not worthy to share with you all.)

Now onto the good stuff…the reveal!

The Final Reveal

Here it is, the light and bright living room that it was always meant to be. I don’t think I will ever get over what a fresh coat of paint can do to transform a space. That Chalk Gray paint color from KILZ was applied to the walls, crown moulding, and ceiling to give the space a bright, clean slate. Since the color was so light (almost white) it made more sense to paint it all so we didn’t end up with 3 different color tones. The crown moulding has a beautiful design but it looked liked it was repaired and patched a few times over the years so this helped to camouflage the flaws.

Chandler really wanted to channel the feel of the Mad Men TV show without it feeling too dark and heavy which ended up being a game of balance, since the era leans towards dark fabric and even darker wood tones. So, I decided to sprinkle them throughout and whenever there was a chance to add a pop of color, a bit of pattern, and something reflective I seized the opportunity.

First off, swapping out the ceiling light fixture made a huge difference. The original fixture was small in size, had only one light source and wasn’t really Chandler’s style as it was decked out with crystals. I scoured Etsy and eventually found this vintage beauty which worked so well with his MCM aesthetic (not Man Crush Monday, haha you all crack me up). It has 12 light sources which illuminate the area below and the ceiling above. This is important in a space with only one hardwired light fixture, because now it disperses the light evenly throughout the rest of the room. I found a lot of fixtures in this style but only a few in brass so I clicked “add to cart” real quick.

As I said, there were a lot of hand-me-down items in this project, which is something you can easily do when designing a room for one of Emily’s friends. (I’m sure you can imagine, but virtually designing a living room during a pandemic makes sourcing a little tricky.) The sofa was an affordable vintage find, the rug was previously in the Mountain House living room, Chandler already owned that amazing coffee table, that wood side table you’ve all seen countless times in other shoots like this one but has finally found it’s forever home in Chandler’s abode and those side chairs were new but are an EHD staple because they are so versatile and very comfy. They were also borrowed by Emily to stage her living room to sell, but Chandler will get them back one day.

Adding some pops of mustard, texture, and graphic patterns into the textiles throughout the space was key. It helps to keep the gray/blue color in the paint and sofa feeling fresh and modern.

As I’ve learned from Sara, a good smelling candle can really change the atmosphere and this one is goooood. We had it going all day of the shoot and I love it so much that I bought one that night but saving it for that “fall” LA weather when the weather dips below the mid-70s and is “cozy” enough for the smell of Oud wood and musk.

Let’s talk sconces: these brass swing arm ones are from One Forty Three, a company we love and have used before in the Mountain House upstairs guest bedroom. The brass ties in perfectly with the vintage ceiling light, they are plug-in making them very rental friendly and the swing arm design is not only functional but also very playful. Their simple yet geometric design pair well with the printable art triptych over the sofa.

Large scale art can be very pricey so to cut some costs I found these three prints on Etsy which came to a grand total of: $94 including the downloads, printing, and cost of the frames. There was a large blank space above the sofa since it sits lower than typical and although that Chalk Gray paint from KILZ is pretty it felt like something was definitely missing, the large scale art and sconces help to fill out the area without adding too much visual weight.

Finding the right-sized side tables was one of the more tricky aspects to the space. There wasn’t too much room on either side of the sofa for them to live and they had to be low enough to not break the “sofa arm/side table height rule“. The black metal and airy legs balances out all the wood in the space and the low slightly “heavy” feeling of the sofa.

And of course, the subtle lip on them make for a perfect spot to perfectly style your vintage ruler over George Harrison’s eyebrow. 😉

About midway through the shoot Sara said that I designed a Mid-Century Modern version of a Hufflepuff Common Room – which I only took as high praise seeing as I am a Hufflepuff – but I think it definitely has a Ravenclaw feel as well.

Back to those beautiful wood doors & window treatments, mounting them to the outside really elevated the space once they were up closer to the ceiling. It makes the room feel so much taller since they no longer were cut off at the height of the doors. Also, the navy curtains immediately draw your eye to the back of the room and through to the courtyard view outside when you enter the space making the large living room feel even bigger.

But let’s be honest after that my eye goes straight to that bar cart.

No room inspired by Mad Men is complete until there is a bar set up and this was the perfect spot to add a bit of entertaining space to the living room since the kitchen is right through the doorway. That bar cart has been on my radar for four years now when Ginny used the same one in her dining room, it’s simple in design but adds warmth through the brass, wood, and leather details.

I love adding some unexpected art to the bottom shelf like that amazing line drawing by Brittney Deupree. Plus its height helps to fill the space between so you can keep your cup stacks low. Then adding a simple black vessel with the go-to branch hack (foraged that morning from the neighborhood) and that wood mirror above from 54Kibo complete the vignette.

Let’s move over to the opposite side of the room by the entry where we were able to add another chair for lounging and some additional storage. This is the spot where I’d enjoy my morning coffee or tea while reading a few pages before work, letting that dappling morning light from the windows fill the room. Sounds dreamy, right? Chandler, I hope you are doing that every morning.

The credenza, chair, and ottoman all have two things in common: they are all from Article and all made appearances in Emily’s living room many versions ago. The bigger credenza allows some space on either side of the TV so it doesn’t appear as massive as before. It also gave Chandler storage for all his games, video and board alike.

There was enough room for the lounge chair and ottoman but I needed a slim side table so the closet door was still easily accessible. This one is vintage from Etsy (is it French you ask? Ah oui oui) and look, there is my book and coffee cup – literally they are mine – ready for my morning read. Side Note: I was pulling props from my garage the night before and came across that LIFE magazine I had forgotten my mom gave to me which seemed very fitting to style it in the space.

The stacked 3 pieces of art help to bridge the blank space between the chair and credenza so they “speak to each other”. And topped off the area by adding more of that pop of mustard color in the amazing pillow from Justina Blakeney and texture in the throw.

A good mix of closed and open storage is important for your space, the open shows off your personality while the closed hides your mess. This bookcase is a great blend of the two, it’s modern and the wood tone/black accents complement the rest of the space without feeling too heavy in this corner since it has a relatively “open shelf” look. The best part is that the black metal bar sits in the middle of the shelf so you can still lean your books or records as shown here without them toppling over.

If you are debating between a shorter or taller version of a bookshelf like I was, consider the shorter one and then lean a large piece of art to add more height with less stuff on display.

Speaking of art and stuff, I found some amazing pieces in Chandler’s hall closet that he already owned but told me he just didn’t know where to put them. I got you Chandler. One of which was that “Chandler’s Buttons” art his sister, Corbett (one of Emily’s best friends) gave to him. How cute is it?!

On the other side of the entry right before you venture down the hall to the bath and bedroom seemed like the ideal spot to drop your keys and mail before plopping onto the sofa. Adding any more wood into the space would have been a lot, so enter (get it?) the black wood and glass cabinet that I hope to own one day. Is today that day??? Nope. I should save my money since I have nowhere for it to go.

It DOES have a classic design that could work well with so many styles with the arched glass doors and clean lines…trying to convince myself to buy it already. Since it is a smaller cabinet, hanging a large scale art piece above helps to anchor it in the corner for more of a ‘moment’. Add some more branches and a brass pull-chain table lamp, and there you have an entry table that is ready to get cluttered with mail, masks, and whatever else you may need for the day.

If you look closely you can see the sweetest black and white photo of Chandler and his sister Corbett.

The ‘Before and Afters’ were just too dramatic not to share so here are a few for you to enjoy!

And here are all the sources if any piqued your interest…

1.KILZ 3 Premium Primer | 2. KILZ Complete Coat Paint in Chalk Gray | 3. Vintage Chandelier | 4. Black Frame | 5. Abstract Art #1 | 6. Abstract Art #2 | 7. Abstract Art #3 | 8. Vintage Sofa | 9. Plug-in Sconce | 10. Black Round Side Table | 11. Clique Pillow | 12. Mustard Lumbar Pillow | 13. Coffee Table | 14. Rug |15. Mustard Throw | 16. Navy Velvet Pillow | 17. Lumbar Pillow |18. Wood Side Table | 19. Side Chair | 20. Blue Lumbar Pillow | 21. Gray Throw | 22. White Tray (similar) | 23. Wood Vase (similar) | 24. Candle | 25. Mirror | 26. Small Black Bowl | 27. Wood Bowl (similar) | 28. Marble Tray | 29. Mug | 30. Round Gray Vase | 31. Curtain Rod & Ball Finials | 32. Navy Curtains & Sheers | 33. Bar Cart | 34. Black Vase (similar) | 35. Wine Glass | 36. Moscow Mule Cup | 37. Black Marble Box | 38. Line Drawing Art | 39. Credenza | 40. Black & Gray Throw (similar) | 41. Mustard Square Pillow (similar) | 42. Wood Tray (similar) | 43. White Vase (similar) | 44. Brass Table Lamp | 45. Leather Ottoman | 46. Lounge Chair (no longer available) | 47. Vintage Side Table | 48. Black Glass Cabinet | 49. Bookcase | 50. Vinyl #1 | 51. Vinyl #2 | 52. Black Wood Bowl (similar) | 53. Book #1 | 54. Book #2 | 55. Fake Snake Plant (similar) | 56. White Pot (similar) | 57. Vinyl #3 | 58. Turntable

And you know I wore my new yellow pants that I am obsessed with to coordinate with the room decor. That is all and I hope you are enjoying your lighter and brighter space Chandler. 🙂

Emily here to sign off and wow, what a TRANSFORMATION. I just want to say a big thank you to the team at KILZ for partnering with us for this room reveal. Designing, sourcing, and installing during an unprecedented crisis was a new experience so THANK YOU, Julie, for all your hard work!!!

And as always, thank YOU for supporting the brands that support this blog. But now that you’ve seen it – and since we know it was a controversial choice – did we win you over on the gray? What say you???

**Design by Julie Rose | Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

February – It’s the time of year, for most of you, where the romance of winter has waned (hard), and the holidays are over. So what’s next? Only the fantasy of spring, of course. I’m from Oregon (rains from November to April), lived in New York for 10 years (freezing from November ’til March) so despite living in LA (I don’t want to tell you what it’s like here), I still get it. This post is for those of you who:

A. Are ready to fantasize about your life in brighter, warmer days.

B. Are just realizing that the reason they call it a “spring break” is because if you don’t go on vacation to somewhere that resembles “spring” soon, you are going to break down and light your puffy, once-cozy sleeping bag coat on fire hoping that it provides much-needed heat. Or maybe…

C. Like easy styling hacks and entertaining tips, that involve (faux) flowers, wine, bright colors and a lot of affordable (and durable) Target pieces.

Or if you just like staring at pretty, inappropriately early seasonal photos, keep scrolling – we are here for that, too. Whatever your reason, we’re gonna tackle all of the above:

Embrace the Pastels and Flowers

It’s a simple theme that is highly effective at getting the message across. Just when I think I’m too cool for pastels (January Emily), I remember that there is truly so much happiness provoked by blues and pinks. Color makes me happy, it just does and often when I try to go ‘chic’ and too neutral I don’t feel the same level of positive energy (but that’s just me).

Let’s also not forgot the years of my blue and blush craze because it’s at least temporarily back for spring. There is no shame in my blue and pink game, and we used these colors all over the table, including textiles, plates, flowers.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE those melamine floral plates (yes, they are unbreakable!), and plan on snagging the small and large for backyard parties all spring and summer. Plus the contrast of the gingham patterned plates under them is almost too good.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Faux Flowers

Here’s my advice when it comes to choosing between real and faux flowers (plants or trees) – Faux is ultimately less expensive, less mess and lasts longer – It’s like choosing engineered stone over marble. Sure, we all love the real deal more but real marble is vigilant upkeep.  In the end, it’s a lifestyle choice.

I was hesitant before I saw these blossoms in person because I generally prefer real. I thought we’d style them in the background, opting for real on the table. But when no one was looking I put them on the table and we were like “oh shoooooot” because they looked so pretty. So here’s my case for them:

1. Spring blossoms are hard to come by, even in March or April, in a lot of the country. We are lucky here in LA, but I realize not everyone wants to go to the flower market at 5am (and they can be really expensive). THESE ARE SO EASY (and look so real).
2. They were tall which added drama without taking up much space, but the glass was simple and let table conversations easily happen, not blocking the eye-line.
3. They looked really real, were in a soft pretty color palette and their shape was manipulatable. We shaped them into really pretty sculptures on the table.

Stylists are generally against faux anything, but after the ease of faux garland and tree up at the mountain house over the holidays (versus the mess and expense of real), I’m going to the dark side when it makes sense for my lifestyle.

They also come on those wreaths, which we simply hung with command strips and made us look like we were professionals (fine we are, but it was easy).

Layering and Mixing Patterns is the Key to Life (and Style)

Most of you who are here are less interested in the “fussy” and “formal,” so assuming you are aligned here is what I like to do:

Start with your tablecloth or runner. And here’s a good styling hack: We used what you might have thought is a “too small” tablecloth and put it on an angle, thus exposing the pretty wood underneath (adding texture, warmth, and depth), and showing off the pretty fringe of the tablecloth. I think this is a much more fresh, casual and “daytime” way to style a cloth and is one of my “go-to moves.”

Once you have the table cloth set, layer different patterned plates in the same color palette and theme. Or you can simply layer more “spring” plates on your basic whites for something easy that makes it feel special.

HOT TIP: Layer your napkin in between your plates and let it hang off the table. I realize that there are a million different ways to “style the napkin” but this is our favorite because it breaks up the line of the table, and doesn’t take up more room on the surface.

For the maximum amount of texture and style, bring any pillows outside (or to your dining room table) and pepper them on the chairs. This adds so much warmth, interest, texture, pattern and says “we are cozy, casual and fun people who aren’t afraid to rebel.” They do NOT need to match (see below). Just have them be within a cohesive color palette. And don’t be afraid to bring in a throw, too. We used square, rectangular, and round pillows and made sure that the patterns didn’t compete too much (i.e. putting the large floral near the busier stripe is good).

Honestly, the more the merrier because nothing gets you out of the winter blues faster than brunch food, wine, happy pillows, and throws. That’s why I also love having a “seating area zone” when I have a gathering. It’s another place for your friends to relax instead of clumping in one area (usually the kitchen, am I right?). Plus it’s another great excuse to bring in more pattern and texture to your overall space. Can I also just give a shout out to those awesome lanterns?? They are so good and the dark color also helps to ground the flowery, pastel textiles.

Ground the Pastels with Wood and Gold

Listen, if everything were white, pink and blue on your table it might be too much (and just not necessary). Use your normal flatware (could be silver, don’t worry), and cutting boards to bring in some wood to ground all the colors and pattern. Even a basket of bread would work, and would be more delicious.

Another great way to bring in some “wood warmth” is a bar cart (which also provides ample wine storage). It’s visually awesome, contrasts with the pastel party, and is crazy functional.

As a hardcore fan of the outdoor bar cart, this one from Opalhouse is great and says spring with its woven rattan details. Also, (as I spoke about just a second ago) you want “zones” so people don’t cluster in one area. This bar cart is a perfect “zone” for your friends to pour themselves a glass of wine. SO functional.

Add a Personalized Moment That Says “I Care Even Though It Only Took 2 Minutes”

Isn’t this “name card” so cute? And trust me when I say it was so incredibly easy that even Birdie could do it. Except for the fact that her penmanship is terrible and not photoshoot acceptable. Also, this is a great close up of my new favorite plates. This year may be dubbed “The Year Emily Henderson Used Floral Prints On Everything” because I am into them hard. But back to our little, easy DIY…

Here’s how we made the name cards:

1. We took the dried flowers from Target (yes, at many Targets they sell these!).
2. We wrote the name on a real leaf with a white sharpie.
3. Tied a flat and simple leaf from the yard to the flower with twine – and that’s it!

I really want to start doing things like this more when I have small parties because nothing (style-wise) puts a smile on my face faster than thoughtful little details. Plus with this little leaf DIY, it adds an additional texture and pop of color that livens it up even more. Win-win.

What is also a win is when your best friend’s dog comes over to crash your photoshoot because dogs are truly the best models and everyone loves dogs. Thanks, Boris.

So there you have it. Hopefully, this has taken you out of the winter slump and catapulted you right into spring planning. Cheers to warmer days, outdoor meals, and constant laughter about those freezing temperatures when your sleeping bag coat ruined any outfit you tried to put together. Target has once again nailed it with this spring line and seeing all of these amazing new products makes me a stupid amount of happy. So happy (almost) spring everyone. We are so close. xx

1. Cherry Blossom Wreath | 2. Ceramic Serving Bowl | 3. Oblong Serving Bowl | 4. Traditional White Wine Glasses (set of 4) | 5. Glass Clarte Tumblers (set of 4) | 6. Gingham Dinner Plate | 7. Floral Melamine Large Plate | 8. Globe String Lights | 9. Square Solid Pillow With Fringe | 10. Round Floral Pillow | 11. Compacta Pink Dry Stems | 12. 5pc Stainless Steel Izon Mirror Flatware Set Gold | 13. Wood Round Serving Board | 14. 20 pc Unscented Candle Set | 15. Check Table Throw | 16. 11″ Stoneware Floral Cake Stand | 17. Flower Petal Bowl | 18. 4pk Napkins Stripe Sour Cream Multi Stripe | 19. 4pk Hearth & Hand Cloth Napkins | 20. Mulberry 2pk Patio Chair | 21. Modern Wood Dining Table | 22. Modern Wood Dining Chair | 23. Cherry Blossom Arrangement | 24. Cylinder Glass Vase | 25. 6oz Porcelain Stripe Ramekin White | 26.Woven Stripe Pillow | 27. Outdoor Lumbar Pillow | 28. Chunky Knit Throw Blanket | 29. Floral Lumbar Pillow | 30. Floral Embroidered Square Pillow | 31. Faux Concrete Indoor/Outdoor Accent Table | 32. Britanna Patio Bar Cart Natural | 33. Small Metal Outdoor Lantern | 34. Metal Outdoor Lantern | 35. Fernhill Metal Patio Loveseat Linen

I hate starting a post with bad news, but we only have three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Last year, we had just over 4. I don’t know who decided that Thanksgiving should be so late, but they should be canceled (also, I know it’s just how the last Thursday of the month landed, but still). So, the question becomes, how do we stretch out the feeling of the holidays, create moments earlier and honestly get the most out of all the effort of decorating for as long as possible? We got you. Today, we are showing you how to “winterize” your home—how to make it feel like a snowy wonderland with a nod to the holidays (yes there are stockings, but no tree…YET) in early November that could easily be added to for the holiday you celebrate but also stripped back a bit to last you through February. This, my friends, is not a “Christmas” post; instead, it’s a “winter decorating” post that is giving me all the cozy feels.

We shot this up at the mountain house, in a few different rooms, using 100% Target product that is in this beautiful winter vibe. Our general aesthetic thesis was “Scandi hygge ski village” so we kept everything simple and minimal to work with the style of the house up there. The main palette was set with whites, grays, woods and greenery rounded out with lots of soft ambient (faux) candles (those lanterns up there are battery-operated, FYI) and twinkle lights…starting at the front door.

Create a Simple, Subtle Welcoming

That entry shot actually kills me. It looks so pretty. Faux greenery is your long-term friend and you don’t just have to use it on the mantel. We fastened it together with wood and twine to make a little winter moment instead of a big wreath for the door, and also wrapped it around the top half of the round mirror, which is incredibly welcoming with very little effort. (Oh, and sorry, but those skis are vintage…I know, it hurts.) BONUS: No messy pine needles to sweep up constantly, because nothing robs you of your joy quiet like getting needles stuck to the bottom of your feet every day or finding rogue ones deep into March and thinking they’re sprouting from your floors. 

Just around the corner near the stair landing, is this little “moment” we set up. Yes, since we were going for Scandinavian, we went all hygge on you with a lot of texture, warmth and coziness, which we get easily through more textiles. Layer it on and go for chunkier textiles (like the sherpa-like fabric on that great chair that’s new to Target this fall) if you want it to last longer.

The runner over the table tones down the black of the console so the etched glass trees and votive holders feel less high-contrast. Oh, and if you want to start early, real greenery won’t last you so here (and throughout the house) we used faux garland and greenery—this flocked wreath is great—everywhere (and yes, you can reuse year after year).

FYI, trees are year-round natural elements, guys, so I think it’s perfectly acceptable to bring them in early. Those glass hurricanes in the shape of trees add a lot of light reflection/glimmer. Again, we kept it quiet by keeping them in a very light color palette. The baskets store extra textiles nearby.

Bring in (Toned Down) Iconic Holiday Elements

This star focal point is pretty awesome, guys. It’s big but still subtle and just made us all so happy. At night, the ambiance was incredible in this room because of all the soft ambient glow coming from the star’s twinkle lights, the fireplace and all the candles smattered across the mantel. Lighting is extremely important during these darker days, and with small, grabby kids, I am pro faux candles. These glowed like the real deal, both pillars and tapers.

I wanted to note that while yes, this house is already pretty neutral, going with softer colors instead of traditional holiday hues like red and green (or even blue and silver) neutral colors really extends the life of the “winter” look. Plus, I don’t know if you’re like me, but just a few days after Christmas, I get what I call “clutter body” and want to rip everything down. I can’t imagine getting tired of cozy, pet-able pillows and glowy candles, tbh, so I know this is something that I could carry until at least spring.

It wouldn’t be a shoot with Target product without my favorite Esters chair. This is an “evergreen” product in that it is sold year-round because it’s not seasonal, but a squishy sherpa pillow and a nubby throw makes it instantly even more welcoming. Set it up near a fireplace or reading corner with a wood table (this one here is from Threshold’s 2018 fall collection and is technically a “coffee table” but it’s a great size and height as more of a drinks-and-popcorn table).

You could easily hold off on the stockings until after Thanksgiving because the faux greenery garland and candles would definitely stand on their own here. And when you’re ready…stockings up! We loved these because of their sweater knit that felt nostalgic but also really fresh and modern (and it’s always a “yes” for me when it comes to faux fur this time of year).

Add a Few Festive Touches to Get Party Ready

There’s something about a ceramic tiny house village that instantly makes it feel like wintertime, but I know a lot of them can feel very…present, like you stumbled into a Cracker Barrel and bought the whole lot, which is why these white porcelain ones are so, so great. You get that “holiday village” feel without the visual noise. These could easily work on a console table somewhere, but here we brought them into the dining room to create more of a party vibe. And FYI, these are SUPER affordable—under $10—from Wondershop. 

If you want something more casual than a big sit-down dinner, take your table and transform it into a winter scene with a few textiles (like the subtly sparkly tablecloth here). We used a faux fur runner here which is so fun because it kind of gives off snow vibes but is really just something I bet everyone will end up petting. A few more bottle brush trees (also a great budget buy) and some great faux branches (these are only sold in stores, FYI) and ta-da…you have yourself the perfect dessert or buffet table. 

Quick party hack: don’t feel like you have to run out and get a cake stand that you’ll probably use twice a year if you don’t want to. Using a larger dinner plate in the same setting (or different setting, whichever!) you already have keeps things cohesive and just simpler for you. Mix in some brass flatware (grounded by linen napkins) and anything feels special.

Fit In Unexpected Moments

How to decorate your bathroom for winter/the holidays is probably something that has (likely) never crossed your mind. If it has, maybe you should work here. But if you have a “window moment” like the one in my master bathroom, a simple (battery-operated) lit wreath goes a long way to remind you about seasonal stress while you try to unwind from seasonal stress (kidding). It’s just a smile-inducing addition to an unexpected room.

A bubble bath and a wreath moment = my winter happy place.

Those etched glass hurricanes are so pretty and high-end looking and frankly, could be used from now until…always. They have that “magic” of the winter season but would also just be so special on a random day in March.

The same goes for a corner in a bedroom (this is in the adjacent master bedroom). I love those little lit trees; they’re such a great scale to fit into basically any and every vignette around your home. Throw in a knit blanket (I LOVE the oversize tassels on this one), something to squish your toes into (may I recommend a faux fur pelt?) and the perfectly updated buffalo check wing chair and you’ve got yourself a dreamy, comfy “winter” reading nook.

Don’t Forget Your Littles

We love to let the kids decorate their rooms, but if you don’t want to hand over the reins, it’s really just about sprinkling a few little touches throughout to add a little wonder.

The soft Christmas calendar is so sweet and easy for the kids to take off the wall without fear of breaking anything. Then it’s just bringing in a little lit faux green tree, another (smaller) star and fuzzy, furry, plush textiles.

Oh, and a kid-sized wreath, of course. The lights are battery-powered so you don’t have to worry about any cables or wires if outlets are scarce. This would be so sweet over twin beds, on the door, over windows or in a nook like this one above.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m full-on ready now to bring in winter (even though it’s 75 in LA). The snow will be falling up in the mountains in no time and all that will be left is bringing in the tree.

To shop each of these looks, Target put together these super useful collection pages by vignette (or scroll down to the Get the Look to shop that way, too).

• Holiday Dining Room
• Modern Holiday Gray & Black Entryway
• Traditional Festive Holiday Mantle & Cosy Living Room Decor
• Holiday Front Porch
• Holiday Inspired Relaxing Bathroom Decor
• Traditional Holiday Reading Nook
• Modern Holiday Themed Black & White Accent Furniture Collection
• Countdown to Christmas Kids’ Reading Nook
• Holidays Kids’ Reading Nook Decor

1. Large Metal Glass Lantern | 2. Small Metal Glass Lantern | 3. Doormat | 4. Black Rattan Basket | 5. Cedar with White Berries Dried Arrangement | 6. Artificial Cedar Stem with Pine Cones and Glitter Green | 7. Woven Plaid Pillow Square White/Brown | 8. Velvet Pillow with Linen Reverse | 9. Tipped Faux Fur Throw Blanket Cream | 10. Short LED Distressed Shimmer Flameless Pillar Candle | 11. Large LED Distressed Shimmer Flameless Pillar Candle | 12. Round Mirror | 13. Upholstered Bench | 14. Raffia Basket | 15. Wreath | 16. Metallic Fringe Table Runner | 17. Tripod Table Lamp | 18. Sherpa Chair | 19. Metal Console | 20. Tall Fair Isle Embossed Glass Christmas Tree | 21. Short Fair Isle Embossed Glass Christmas Tree | 22. Small Fair Isle Glass Hurricane Pillar Candle Holder | 23. Tassel Pillow | 24. Faux Rabbit Fur Throw | 25. Solid Plush With Faux Fur Poms Throw Blanket | 26. Large Basket with Curved Handles | 27. 2pc Bottle Brush Trees Decorative Figurine | 28. 4pc White Bottle Brush Trees Decorative Figurines | 29. Light Camel Knit Beanie | 30. Pink Knit Beanie | 31. Christmas Tree Candy Dish

1. Large Lit Standing Metal Christmas Star Decorative Star | 2. 2pk LED Distressed Shimmer Flameless Taper Candle Set | 3. Cable Knit Christmas Stocking | 4. Artificial Cedar Garland | 5. Tall LED Distressed Shimmer Flameless Pillar Candle | 6. Short LED Distressed Shimmer Flameless Pillar Candle | 7. Small Ceramic Taper Candle Stick | 8. Medium Ceramic Taper Candle Stick | 9. Accent Chair | 10. Cylinder Vase | 11. Cedar with White Berries Dried Arrangement | 12. Log Holder | 13. Black and White Throw | 14. Faux Sheepskin Throw Pillow | 15. Wood Accent Table | 16. Snowflake Coaster Set | 17. Chunky Knit Pouf | 18. Corded and Tufted Throw Pillow | 19. Channeled Faux Fur Throw Pillow | 20. Snowflake Serving Bowl | 21. Empty Bottles Full of Stories by Robert M. Drake & R. H. Sin | 22. Coiled Rope Square Base Tapered Basket

1. Corded and Tufted Throw Pillow | 2. Mongolian Faux Fur Throw Pillow | 3. Faux Fur Pillow | 4. Chunky Knit Pillow | 5. Striped Lumbar Pillow | 6. Large Ceramic House | 7. Small Fair Isle Glass Hurricane Pillar Candle Holder | 8. Medium Ceramic House | 9. Small Flocked Bottle Brush Tree | 10. Large Flocked Bottle Brush Tree | 11. Glass Jug Vase | 12. Decanter | 13. Dinner Plate | 14. Salad Plate | 15. Wine Glass | 16. Cloth Napkin | 17. Gold Flatware | 18. Serving Platter | 19. Gold Turner Spatula | Tablecloth (available soon)

1. Wreath | 2. Cable Knit Chenille with Sherpa Reverse Throw Blanket | 3. Short Faux Fur Square Throw Pillow | 4. Euro Channeled Faux Fur Throw Pillow | 5. Tipped Faux Fur Oversize Lumbar Throw Pillow | 6. Hanging Fabric Christmas Countdown | 7. Faux Fur Christmas Stocking | 8. Dew Drop Hanging Star | 9. Large LIT Flocked Hard Needle Tree Decorative Christmas | 10. Judith Faux Fur Ottoman | 11. Wooden Tractor Set | 12. Corded and Tufted Lumbar Throw Pillow | 13. Mongolian Faux Fur Rug

1. Hook Rack Black | 2. Wreath | 3. Tall LED Distressed Shimmer Flameless Pillar Candle | 4. Short LED Distressed Shimmer Flameless Pillar Candle | 5. Small Fair Isle Glass Hurricane Pillar Candle Holder | 6.Large Fair Isle Glass Hurricane Pillar Candle Holder | 7. Soap Dish | 8. Bath Towel | 9. Hand Towel | 10. Candle | 11. Apothecary Glass Storage Bottle | 12. Bath Mat | 13. Black Accent Table | 14. Burlap Wrapped Plastic Flocked Tree | 15. Wood Accent Table | 16. Accent Chair | 17. Small Glitter Tree | 18. Large Glitter Tree | 19. Cream Throw Blanket | 20. Mongolian Faux Fur Rug | 21. Cedar with White Berries Dried Arrangement | 22. Mug | 23. Glass Bud Vase | 24. Light Filters In by Caroline Kaufman

***photography by Sara Ligorria-Tramp, creative direction by me and styling by Velinda Hellen