Happy Sunday folks! We hope you are enjoying the long weekend and staying safe. This week we have a short and sweet link up so you can get right back to sunbathing, resting, eating, playing, swimming or all of the above. Let’s get into it.
This week’s home tour is brought to us from sight unseen and we are still obsessing over the epert mixing of modern and vintage art, shapes, and sculptural furniture. It is pure magic plus the interview with designer Sara Rydberg Nilsson is 100% worth the read.
From Emily: Just when I thought I was only wearing jean shorts I am now into jean skirts. This one sits on hips in a way that’s good and strangely flattering. I thought the pleats on the front would add volume in an area where I wouldn’t want more volume but it actually does the opposite.
From Ryann: My niece who is 5 months old and perfect LOVES this little pacifier toy that I got her for Christmas. She is always holding it and sleeping with it and it is the most precious thing ever. Now, I realize it is her favorite now because it is attached to her pacifier so any tips on the next toy to get her when she gets older?? I am trying to win the auntie gift game over here so recs welcome and encouraged
Also from Ryann: I really need to share this photo by photographer Lia Clay Miller and implore someone to purchase it so I can live vicariously through you. It is a part of a series in collaboration with The Real Real and a portion of the proceeds will go to NAACP. I am so into her work and hope to one day showcase it in my home (but for now, would absolutely love to see it in someone else’s!).
From Jess: Not sure if “healthy” and “soda” are meant to be in the same sentence but if they ever were it would be in reference to Olipop. I am a big lover of root beer but don’t love the loads of sugar and general icky feeling I get after drinking it (or any soda for that matter). But I decided to try Olipop’s “root beer” which is actually a sparkling tonic that apparently supports digestive health… and is only 2g of sugar. Is it exactly like the real stuff? no. But it does taste great and really hits the spot when you just want to mix it up. 10/10
From Caitlin: There’s a 100% chance that as you read this, I’m still cackling over this TikTok about the real estate market. “Please, this is the eighth apple I’ve tried to buy” gets me every time.
From Mallory: I was desperate for a new phone case and while I want to buy this one eventually, but my old one was so gross and I knew I needed something (ANYTHING) else and quick since I need to mentally prepare to spend $60 on a phone case. So instead I bought this cute one in yellow from H&M and I’m PLEASANTLY surprised. It’s super soft and fully covers the corners of your phone so you don’t have to worry (as much) about the screen shattering in comparison to the ones that don’t cover the edges. If you’re in need of a new case I highly recommend these because they come in multiple colors and look great for the price. Oh and you can also buy it with the airpods case which is cool too.
That’s all from team EHD but if you are enjoying a long morning in bed might we suggest perusing our Memorial Day sales roundup? There are some great steals that you don’t want to miss. Until next time! xx
Helping our kids feel independent and develop autonomy during Covid has obviously been hard. We are alone, together. Up next in the post-Covid emotional roller coaster is the oh so fun ‘separation anxiety’ segment of this ride making the move to Oregon harder (what with the rental house + new school + making new friends). But these kids are craving independence and at 5 1/2 and 7 1/2 we are starting to trust them (as much as I think you can). They seem to be making good decisions without us – we can overhear them, we get a sense of it all. So we decided to let them have the house to themselves while we went on a “date”. We talked about it all week, they had to show us extra good judgement, show us how they would call us in emergency (we would give them one of our phones as we don’t have a home phone) and promise to just make themselves sundaes and watch a parent approved show.
They were ABSOLUTELY giddy with excitement and couldn’t stop talking about it the whole week. They are such a team and nothing makes us happier than them plotting without us – not against us but with eachother. I’m a big free range parent advocate (for our family, you do whats best for yours) and after years of “helicopter deprogramming” Brian is now, too. I’ve read a lot of articles, listen to podcasts, etc, about treating kids older than they are when it comes to responsibility – giving them more than you think they can handle, (or than is convenient to you) which helps them grow their confidence and independence. One thing I chant internally all the time that I learned from a child psychology podcast (as you do) was “competance = confidance”. Remember that one – I didn’t coin it but of course that makes sense. It’s the same as us – as grown-ups. Achieving makes you empowered to try to achieve more and thus you feel proud of yourself = confidence. I can see it with all the more complicated chores that we do around the house. It’s a battle, truly, but they feel so good after they wash, dry, fold and put away all their laundry and I’ve even heard them tell their friends on the portal about their laundry – so proud of themselves. Listen, we have lots of problems, and we don’t push our kids academically (um … they are still being “homeschooled”) and often I worry that we don’t know how to discipline because we are both so soft, but yes I do ask them to perform life tasks beyond their years including cooking, cleaning and now babysitting themselves. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. I’m still learning my totally weird parenting triggers, patterns and quirks and some are NOT GOOD (like since I was raised/ingrained to never yell I end up getting so frustrated that I’ll start crying and throw a stuffed animal SO HARD in a way that I think disturbs us all, including the animal and then I have to apologize and we all cry and its SO DUMB). We ware a product of our parenting and environment. Everything we do and learn beyond that or against that is really, really hard work.
Anyway, it was a Sunday night and they finished their chores and bath so they are allowed a big old sundae after dinner while we watch a movie. We told them that we’d be back in 2 hours. If they needed anything they can call us obviously. They thought we were going to this lake viewing area that is walking distance from our house, with a glass (or two ) of wine. BUT the truth is that it was kinda cold and Brian and I just wanted to watch a grownup movie in bed together (not like that, I think we watched two episodes of Lupin . So we said goodbye, then snuck around the side of the house, took the back stairs up to our bedroom, took off our coats and laid down. Then we heard screaming …
… LIKE A FRAT PARTY. They blasted the music. They were dancing while making sundaes. They were squealing in delight or more likely the primitive sounds of the first feeling of independance. I still remember my first car ride to the beach with 16 year old friends – I could still describe the way the wind smelled. They took like 50 photos with my phone of their sundaes (I get that) until they settled in to watch Onward. We heard them let the dogs out over the next two hours and heard their dishes clank in the sink when they were done. Brian and I kept looking at each other with that knowing glance that only parents do when reflecting on the collective joy and relief that is parenting. We didn’t mess it up and IT WAS SO CUTE.
After 2 hours we put our coats and shoes back on, walked around the house and came through the front door. Their movie was over. The dishes were in the sink, not the dishwasher but pretty close! We praised them a ton for how responsible they were, how much we now know we can trust them again, etc, etc. It was honestly such a WIN WIN. While we weren’t at a restaurant there was something really seedy and special about us just watching a movie in bed at 6pm on a sunday without them knowing. Perhaps we needed to feel a little independent and autonomous, too. Funny how that works.
They are begging to do it again and while I don’t think I’m ready to actually leave them while we go to dinner (especially without a home phone) we might try a trip to the market, or both of us take the dogs for a long walk. Baby steps – for them and for us. All in all I’m excited to get a home phone, teach them more about strangers and answering the door (or NOT!) and going on an actual date. But for now, the walk, the drive, the fake bedroom movie session did something for all of us that I think we needed during quarantine and we will absolutely be doing again.
Now I know a lot of you are going to say that you left your kids at a young age in the 80’s (we were left all the time), but with the rise of helicopter parenting (due to the media and societal pressures) it’s not so common practice now (don’t let me get started on this). I know that it absolutely depends on your kids maturity and frankly where you live (up here we feel super super safe where we might not in a big city). So I’m curious about current parents and how old your kids were when you started leaving them alone? But from that positive experience we are pretty into giving the kids more freedom when they show us they can handle it….
HI, HEY, HELLO. I don’t know about y’all, but I’ve been on a little bit of a spending spree lately – it’s all just a never-ending series of haircuts (so I can finally see past my bangs) and visits to my eyebrow lady (so I can see past my eyebrows that basically grew into bangs) and WOOPS, none of my shorts fit so like…I’ve gotta replace them too, right? And maybe I should grab some dresses while I’m out since I’m finally going on dates again, you know? And while I’m out, why not…you get it. MY CREDIT CARD IS WORKING OVERTIME. Ahh.
But it also kind of feels like we may all be navigating this weird simultaneous return-to-socialization together – you know, we’re all kind of trying to make a nice re-impression on the folks we haven’t been able to spend a ton of close/quality time with – so this year’s start-of-summer sales have come at the BEST TIME.
So whether you’re looking to grab a new patio set so you can lounge with your friends, or you wanna scoop an some awesome serving tray to highlight your newfound cooking skills (LOL I wish this was me), or if you’d just like to grab a new easy breezy dress because there’s nothing easier than wearing a giant shirt and calling it an outfit…I have a link for you! HAPPY SAVINGS (and if you own a small business – or if you know and love a small business – please be your own hype person in the comments)!
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That’s it for me (for now), but I’ll be around and updating this post all weekend. Hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy some nice and safe outdoor time with their loved ones! I’m reuniting with my lifelong best friend in upstate NY – we rented a pontoon boat before realizing it was going to be between 28 and 48 degrees, AHH – but I know it’ll be a fun time. See you back here tomorrow for a VERY fun post from Em
Beni Ourain rugs are undeniably amazing options because they fit all types of interiors no matter what style you’re going for. On top of that, these rugs come with an incredible history and culture, giving them that unique look and authenticity that cannot be replicated.
Do you have some Moroccan rugs at home, or you’re planning to get one soon? Then you might be wondering where they come from, particularly the Beni Ourain rugs. Well, you’re in the right place because that’s what this post is all about. Read on and find out the story behind Beni Ourain rugs and why they are very special:
Beni Ourain Rugs’ Colorful History
The history of the rugs we so love today dates back to the ancient Berber tribes that hail from the Middle Atlas Mountain in Morocco, specifically the Taza region. The sheep that belonged to these tribes have always been known to produce the best wool in the world with the softest texture.
In fact, these rugs were originally used as blankets and beds to help people retain warmth during the colder months. They are handwoven by the women of the Beni Ourain tribe, each one a freehand representation of their personal stories and their daily lives. It is for this reason that there are no two Beni Ourain rugs that are exactly the same (at least not the authentic ones).
Some of them feature symbols that are distinct and represent a specific family, given that the pattern and the technique for making them are passed on from mother to daughter. On top of that, each one is unique and is considered a priceless piece of art, although there are some common themes that are interpreted differently by the Beni Ourain women. Some of those themes include nature, religious belief, fertility and childbirth, rural life, and more. At the same time, the material used is 100% undyed sheep wool.
That is why the Moroccan rugs from the Beni Ourain tribe are considered among the most prestigious types that you can find today.
Why You Should Have a Beni Ourain Rug in Your Home
Not only do Beni Ourain Moroccan rugs look elegant and luxurious, but they are also extremely comfortable because, as mentioned, they are made from the softest wool from some of the best sheep in the world. Once you experience walking on these rugs, you can imagine how it must be like to walk on clouds!
Given their rich history and impeccable quality, there’s absolutely no reason for you not to get one or more of these Beni Ourain rugs for your home. Suppose you want to gain the benefits of a unique design and luxurious material. In that case, you have to make sure that what you are getting are real Moroccan rugs that come from the wonderful Beni Ourain tribe sold by reputable sources like Atlas Weavers.
Atlas Weavers is your best source forauthentic Moroccan rugsin the US that can give your home a new look. Check out our collection today to place your order!
I think the design gods are looking out for me (or trying to tell me to stop being so out of my mind). Why? Well, in my pretty ridiculous crisis over potentially having “too much” pink in my new apartment’s living room, this house was pitched to me by, you might have guessed, A 1000 X Better. The pink (as well as all of the colors designer, Elspeth Benoit used) are not only unbelievably happy but SO BEAUTIFUL. It’s an explosion of color but also not. I am in no way overwhelmed and yet happy to be so surrounded by color (ok, I’m technically am not in the space but doing my best to mentally transport or “shift” there. Have any of you heard of this thing the young kids are doing??? A topic for another time). So let’s dive into this absolute master class of designing a home where colors are not simply the decor but all over the walls and floors.
If you read this blog you likely have a love for charm-drenched homes that don’t need a ton of renovations… but wait, are there people that don’t love those?? Well, when Elspeth and her family moved into this home that’s what they got for the most part. All of that paneling was THERE ALREADY. I know. So to her, this was a blank slate. But to really make it a blank slate she painted the floors white and let it evolve. Here is the before photo:
Is this a beautiful room? Of course. But with the truest power of paint and some upgrades (bifold doors and bookcase built-in), this space looks completely transformed.
I actually think that the white floors and ceiling are what help keep the colors visually less overwhelming… and all the sunlight. Never underestimate natural lighting. That’s why Emily is so obsessed with knowing how the light moves around the farmhouse. She wants to maximize it as much as possible without living in an actual glass house:)
But then when you head into the dining room, Elspeth totally changes to the color story but still keeps it playful! Again, she uses “lighter” colors on the floor and ceiling but goes moody with the wall color. If you notice, aside from the bathrooms, all of the ceilings are white to help with continuity. That really helps to give the freedom to play with colors while still knowing you are in the same house. Plus it makes the ceilings feel taller. Ideal? Uh… ya.
Now before we move on we NEED to talk about these particular floors and stained glass windows. These modern patterns feel totally fresh and yet classic. I love the understated boldness and life they bring to this room.
Sunrooms are meant to be light and bright and that is exactly what this one is. And with that view… not sure you need much more.
Here’s one more shot before we head into a pretty unbelievable kitchen. Also, note how those VERY cool sconces not only bring in some curves in a room with a lot of straight lines but they also complement the wood tones of the table and chairs. They also just break up the dark walls. Talk about balance!
I mean it’s warm, textured, colorful, yet simple. I can’t decide what I love most but I do know that my eyeballs are very happy.
The cabinets are ridiculously good and custom-made by Dakota Witzenburg of ToDoSomething with Querkas oak (vintage oak veneered panels). The movement/natural “imperfections” make them completely timeless and warm. They perfectly contrast the sleek, polished Quartzite countertops (Alexandrita), Carrera marble floors, and modern hardware.
We also need to talk about that blue window trim. They remind me of the ones from Zosia Manet’s cabin (which was my favorite detail in her home). Painting your window trim a “fun color” is such a cool way to add an unexpected moment, some depth and it just looks awesome. A deep blue like this one, Portola Paints “Ghost Tree”, is both bold but still a color you won’t regret in a few years. It’s basically a neutral… but a really pretty one:)
Well, seeing the stone in its full glory makes me wonder if I like the stone or the cabinets more… but why do I need to choose? I don’t. They are both awesome. And that roman clay wall texture gives even MORE movement. Side note, I really need taco-shaped sconces now.
I had this idea of doing a “Timeless Wallpaper Patterns” post and if I do end doing it (is that something y’all you want??) this one would be in it. It’s SO special, bold, and is a nice balance of “feminine” and “masculine”.
And as we’ve said before when you install a bold wallpaper pattern, the rest of the room doesn’t need much else.
This might be my favorite shot in this tour because it so perfectly shows the power of intentional eclecticism. Between the wallpaper (traditional), the rug (boho), the countertop (modern), and the blend of colors, it’s a design lover’s dream. Why I think it works so well is because those three main features (wallpaper, rug, and countertop) are all different pattern scales. Large being the wallpaper, medium being the countertop, and finally the rug as the small. Plus the soft pink walls are 100%.
Oh and don’t forget to drool over the custom vanity also by ToDoSomething. So many pretty details.
The thing about designing a colorful yet not too COLORFUL of a home is to know when to pull back. This sweet little twin room still has splashes of color (hello, yellow!) but otherwise, it’s a nice neutral moment full of texture.
Hot Tip: If you have tongue and groove paneling like in this house, you are in visual interest heaven.
Rug (vintage)
What a fun and unexpected rug! I love the contrast with the pink walls.
So yes, bedrooms are a very good place to go more neutral (but cozy). It needs to be your sanctuary. And look, some people are completely unfazed by big bold decor moments in their bedrooms. I equate them to people who can drink coffee moments before bed and still quickly fall asleep. WILD CHILDS! But that’s not what these people were into:)
The deep-toned textiles and accent furniture totally pop off the walls to gentle balance and lead you to THIS BATHROOM!
Take a deep breath with me and let’s admire this room. Can you handle that marble counter (again by ToDoSomething)??? Or the fact that the drawers are also marble??? This may be the most beautiful saturated color I have seen. Like the kitchen walls, it’s a roman clay finish so it basically feels like you are looking at the ocean with how much movement it’s got going on (in the best way). Also, do you see what’s peeking through the mirror??
Our beloved Zellige tile which Em did a big post about last week. It just looks so good and I think that with the myriad of textures and colors in this home that this tile works beautifully in it. Especially with those skylights! I think it would be impossible to feel like you are on vacation in the bathroom.
Ok, that’s the tour! Hope you feel more empowered to bring color into your home because if these before and afters don’t do it for you I don’t know what will:)
Same bookcase but totally elevated (thicker shelves in a different configuration and new cabinet doors) by ToDoSomething.
Again! The power of literally just paint! Ok and a little stained glass.
A full-on reno that was totally worth it.
A new coat of paint (and some expert styling) is sometimes all a room needs.
I mean there’s no comparison. Pink for the absolute win.
When done right, white walls can really make a room feel A LOT bigger.
A little loft clean up and wallpaper is clearly all that you need:)
So have any of you really “gone for it” in the color department? Do you have any tips of your own? Or are you wanting to try but scared? What is your favorite room in this house? Let’s chat!
Love you, mean it.
Oh and one more thing…It’s for sale! If you are interesting in it here’s the listing
