Our 10 Most Popular Instagram Posts of 2019 (Plus My Unexpected Feelings)

208 thoughts on “Our 10 Most Popular Instagram Posts of 2019 (Plus My Unexpected Feelings)”

1. I think you need to give yourself a break (meant kindly!). I sometimes specifically ‘like’ your posts with others’ work, because I like to see what you like, instead of just seeing your own projects. I appreciate your design perspective, whether it’s ‘here’s what I did’, or ‘this is beautiful but not mine or not for me’. A ‘like’ on someone else’s work that you’ve shared is still a like of your voice/perspective/whatever.
   Happy new year 🙂

   1. Yes! i was going to share the same sentiment, Gwen said it very well – i love to see what you have gleaned and deem worthy of comment, so it’s still YOU that i’m hitting like about, your content shared and your perspective on it! Forget algorithms (as if that were possible!), You’re my filter Lady!!!!

      1. Moving backwards is never a good idea, but I confess that I like the Emily Henderson blog and Instagram account of a few years ago. I love what you do, but I preferred it when there were fewer blog posts and they had more significant content. I liked it when you had 3-5 blog post per week. The more there are the less I tend to pay attention. I’m sure there are others who feel differently but I’m also sure that has effected how many times I like something.

         1. My favorite posts were all the ones of your mountain house! I will say when there are a lot of emails I know I don’t have time to read them all so I just randomly read as opposed to when there’s fewer I feel like I don’t want to miss one. You do great work though! Try not to be so hard on yourself.

         2. Ditto!!!!!

         3. I 100% agree with Lorrie. Maybe less quantity, more quality. Your voice/introspection/commentary is part of what sets you apart from other “influencers.” I’d love to see more of that!

   2. Yeah I’m an Em superfan, so subconsciously I may not like your work because I know it inside out and love it so much. Sorry that screws with your engagement. I also want to give love to the people you feature as a way to be generous to them.

   3. Ditto!!!

   4. I’ve noticed my general viewing of your content matches up with what you’re noticing. I’m far less engaged. Like others have said, the fashion stuff just isn’t why we all came here. There are other people doing fashion – you are awesome at design. The fashion posts that are you/useful are a when you do a huge collection of items and break them down (like trying 15 pairs of on trend boots). Enabling posts.

      For what it’s worth, the ads on your blog have always been beyond clunky. It keeps me from reading more often. I also think it cheapens the appearance of your website. Somehow other sites manage to have a nicer and less distracting ad experience.

      Finally, your content…. it’s always great. But it used to be far more “teaching” type content. I’ve learned SO MUCH from you. Your posts have helped me remodel four kitchens, ten bathrooms… move things around, design it all. Content like, if your house is over X years old, use real marble has been vital.

      Like fashion, there are lots of pictures Of pretty and unapproachable design. Yours is trending this way.

      You excel at enabling us to be better. I would love to see more of that content. But, bottom line, you are amazing. Don’t be so hard on yourself!

2. As an avid male reader of your blog and follower on Instagram, here are my thoughts:
   1) Instagram seems to have increased the ratio of ads to posts. I find myself scrolling faster and liking less because 40% of my feed is ads.
   2) I don’t believe people weed out the IG accounts they follow nearly as often as they delete Facebook friends. The number of accounts I follow has increased as bloggers I like (you, for example), post about different artists or designers. The more content I see, the less likely I am to like posts.

   More specifically to your blog/IG:
   1) I find that your content has had an increasing number of women’s fashion related posts, which I can’t relate to. I find myself checking the blog 3-4 times/week vs every day like I used to.
   2) I’d really like to see more interesting projects. The Paris inspired bedroom and the barn that you did stick out as my favorites because they were so different from the typical EH look. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of your work, but there can be a bit of sameness to the projects (color palette, accessories, etc).
   3) I loooove your flea market posts.

   Just my 2¢. Don’t let the number of likes get you down – your content is followed and loved by so many people.

   1. I second this. Instagram is an increasingly sucky user experience. I spend less time there and engage less in what I do see. Especially since I prefer to read your blog. The Insta pics are nice and necessary but it’s just not the medium that best highlights the thinking and context of your projects. I realize monetizing makes Insta impossible to ignore. I’d be interested to see a FaceBook moderated group where we could share pics and topics with you and your other readers. Would be interesting to see what that’s like anyway. RunnersWorld moderates a few groups for runners with LOTS of members. Anyway, not sure if leveraging FB would drive Insta traffic or “likes” but I do think the opportunity to engage meaningfully is missing from Insta. I wouldn’t trust the lack or, or presence, of likes personally.

   2. I agree. Instagram has changed and so has the user experience. I also tend to “like” posts less because of the change in the flow as well as the ads. I love personal insta posts, the flea market shopping, anything before and after, and anything budget or organizational that maybe feels aspirational but still within reach. And I definitely think you should be kind to yourself–I know that “likes” drive your revenue but it’s never personal. Love you, love the blog. 🙂

   3. I agree with all of your comments! Specific to the fashion posts, I don’t need yet another platform where someone is telling me to buy more.

   4. I agree with all of Jared’s points. Instagram has changed a lot since Facebook acquired it and I also find myself scrolling through it faster due to all of the ads. I, also, am not interested in the fashion posts so completely ignore those. I follow you for the unique design posts and would love to see more of those. I love your voice and the unique flavor that you add to a design space!

   5. I 100% agree with Jared on this one–both on the ad frequency and the Facebook comparison. I’ve recently begun paring down the number of instagram accounts that I follow (and curating it to mostly design content), and as I’ve unfollowed accounts, others are popping up in my feed that leave me thinking — “when did I even start following this person? who is this?” *unfollow*

      I personally don’t mind the women’s fashion posts, though. I still find it interesting, even if it’s not directly relevant to me, but I definitely understand his perspective.

      You made a comment at the end of the post regarding the frequency of kitchens on this list, and I think that’s something to consider. Kitchens are such complicated projects with so many factors to consider. I think many people feel overwhelmed by kitchens and, therefore, welcome as much inspiration as they can get in the department.

      You’re doing great! Stay true to yourself and the masses will follow. xoxo

   6. I totally agree with all of those comments- except I’m female.. lol. Those were my favorite projects too. I used to love the different rooms and looks. I can’t relate to the fashion and I check less often too. I used sit down with my coffee and read every day. I learned so much about design. I just don’t relate so much to the other stuff. I feel like it’s less about design and relating to 25-35 year olds. I still love the design posts and love the pictures above because they are all eye candy!

   7. i also agree to all of these points—especially the love of thrifting (finds and tips!), unique design perspectives, and the darn fashion posts. i do feel like the affiliate stuff is taking over, and while i do resonate strongly with emily’s design style, i don’t at all with her wardrobe selections. which is totally ok, but it does cause me to scroll over posts and skip stories. also, i agree 100% with sameness—i follow a lot of designers on IG and everyone’s projects are starting to blend together. same materials (hello, loloi rugs), color palettes, camera angles. even their 2019 gift guides were the same stuff (hello, yeti mug). finally, while i love following along with major reno projects, for me sometimes it’s just too much content about the same house stretched over months. just two cents from a longtime reader/follower. 🙂

   8. I agree with Jared. I don’t always see your posts on Instagram and I like them when I do when they catch my attention or relate to me…like the mountain home and Portland. Some of the others aren’t as memorable for me personally, but I can find elements to love of every design. I love your designs and have followed you since Design Star in some capacity. I check the blog everyday, but there isn’t always something there for me to read or see. I’m a gay man that doesn’t wear women’s fashion or have a family. It’s great for your readers that are women with family, but there’s just nothing there for me sometimes. I loved the mountain house and Portland as well. Those were major projects that made a huge impact on me. I still reference them and share them with friends. Some of the smaller stuff are relatable like a living room or something, but I want to see bigger. The smaller projects are like my own home that I’d bored with for my house. I love your inspiration! I was really excited about your holiday posts for the mountain home and your Tudor, but it didn’t feel as strong last year for some reason. Maybe that’s because I didn’t like the Target decor as much this year though….I loved the Winterizing post however! You are a great designer and seem fun to call a friend. I think you have a very diverse following and you cannot possibly cater to everyone. I was sad to see Orlando and Brady go. I felt a connection to them being a gay man and seeing things from a male prospective. Maybe more design and less gift buying, fashion? I’m not saying to do away with them completely because there is an audience, but maybe change up the mix somewhat? Its been very heavy on the less design posts lately.

      Side note, what color did you use for the mountain house exterior? I appreciate you showing the exterior on Instagram in the snow. I’ve been wanting to see it for a while.

      1. I agree with Josh…I also get the feeling of posts seeming more gift buying/fashion and less design orientated recently and I tend to tune out of those because they’re just not for me either (straight/female!). I love the big design/transformation posts and I die for flea market finds. Like others have said though, instagram has changed and I mostly scroll to view and not necessarily ‘like’, however much I might like what I see.

         Be kind to yourself though, your blog is one I’ve followed for almost 10 years now while others have slipped away…so for a lot of us you’re doing an awful lot right, even if the ‘likes’ maybe don’t fully reflect that.

   9. I too agree with Jared. So many adds to scroll through to read your content and I tend to close before liking anything. I am also not a fan of people trying on clothes, especially to that terrible music that I’ve heard is all you can choose on Instagram. I like seeing your designs and getting tips from you. I also think Instagram may have run its course. I tend to go on much less often now because everything is a constant sales pitch.

      1. I have recently discovered your work and I love it! For what it’s worth, I begun reading your blog because I was seeking design advice from a credible source, not a “lifestyle” blog that claims to be a “one size fits” all or a “jack of all trades”. The non design posts have left me feeling underwhelmed that this too will become another “trying to be everything to everyone blog.“ Truth is none of us can be everything to everyone and that is more than ok. It’s great because we can all shine in our own respective specialties. I’m guessing you started this because you love it. So therefore maybe go back to that? It’s probably easier said than done but it’s worth a consideration? I share all of this with kindness in my heart hoping you will find your path with many loyal readers following along. As far as IG…I would maybe pivot from sharing and featuring others’ work. I know this sounds selfish but as a reader I find it confusing trying to keep up with whose content it really is. Be true to yourself and everything will fall into place. Best wishes 🙂

         1. I’m a LONG-time reader, but I agree with the point about maybe there being a little too much on the blog last year that’s not design focused but instead, more lifestyle. I’m 45 (wait, maybe I’m 46 already?), and I admit I feel kind of old scrolling through the fashion posts and others focused on the younger team members (although they all seem lovely and talented!). As for Instagram, I actually feel that I have been sucked into spending way too much time on it lately, leaving me less time for blogs in general. I guess I like seeing the breadth of photo snapshots from so many different designers (though I rarely ever click to “like”) as well as spending time watching (sort of) real-time renovations like the ones by Chris Loves Julia, Yellowbrick Home and Jenny Komenda. I hope that’s helpful. I’m still a loyal reader. Happy new year!

   10. Ditto! I have a habit of only “liking” very few things, even with personal friends. This does not mean I don’t enjoy what you are doing. Having said that I am VERY glad you are going to be going back to your roots. I whole heartily agree with maybe less is more

   11. Regarding the fashion posts, I 100% agree that I can do without them. I feel like they started out with you just occasionally letting us know what you had actually been wearing and buying – from diverse and often less known brands. But recently it’s just been totally sponsored Nordstrom posts. Not into it.

       1. The fashion posts are so not my thing. I have fashion bloggers/influencers I follow for fashion, but I follow *your* blog for the design related (and Emily-authored) content. Also, with all the kindness in the world, this year it seemed like the Mountain House project languished for a while. It was like the Monopoly game that just wouldn’t end. The end result was absolutely beautiful, but it felt like there were way more posts apologizing for/griping about being past deadline and over budget than there were posts about the final content.

   12. I second the point about the more bloggers i follow (which I enjoy) the less likely I am to “like a post.” I also agree that there are way too many Ads on IG, it makes me less inclined to really take in the real posts and appreciate the work because so many of them are just Ads.

       In far as what I enjoy, I really like your round ups, design tips, and when you show your design process such as the post you did on debating what to do in your living room with the built in’s in the back of the room. While I enjoy seeing finished projects I also like to see “real life” snaps where toys are on the ground, the room isn’t staged etc.

       1. I agree with the points about not liking the fashion posts. I think once in awhile it’s fine but there was a sharp increase in those posts this year. There are a lot of fashion blogs out there and I prefer to come to your blog for design guidance.

          I also feel a bit of content glut. You guys have SO much content now and I’m sure some people like the 2x a day posts but for me it’s just overwhelming. I think I was much more plugged in and invested when there were 4 posts a week. I would actually take my time to read every single one and I used a lot of that guidance in my own home remodel.

3. Your stuff this year was fantastic! I love that you share both your own work and work that inspires you. I’m glad you are not putting too much stock in “likes” though I also realize it’s one of the best ways you can measure engagement with your audience. Keep doing what you and your team love doing and feel good about, Emily! The mountain house, your Portland project, your Christmas decorations (and re-dos), your soups, your beautiful writing about your family, your team’s more budget-friendly renovations–it is all such great content. I’ve been following you for many years and will for years to come as I appreciate your innovative style, willingness to take risks and be transparent about mixed results, your voice and your team. Keep it up in 2020!!!!!!

   1. Ditto this post in its entirety !!

4. Hi! I personally don’t love the reposting of other people’s work, so I tend to “like” those less – so maybe this isn’t the feedback you need! But on Instagram, I much prefer seeing your own work/life, and save the inspiration pics from others for Pinterest or a blog post (I feel like I’ve seen all of those non-EHD pics above a million places this year!). Like one of your other recent posts, I agree that “weird Emily” is sometimes missing – love seeing your personality more, flea market posts, unique design/diy ideas, etc, as that has always been what makes you special. Honestly there are a million places we can go to see a fancy kitchen, but only one where we can see your vision and personality so I prefer that! I know you’ve grown over time and no longer need to DIY/thrift and have bigger budgets, but sometimes that removes some of the personality of that makes sense – every designer has their brass faucets and fireclay tile these days and while absolutely beautiful, not that unique. That’s why I loved some of your choices in the mountain house, as it felt a little like weird Emily in spots
   (Eg, green stone bathroom – still high end and pretty, but more unique and seeming in keeping with your quirky style from the brass petal days). Anyway, best of luck, still my favorite blog!

5. It looks like the most-liked posts also tend to have some sort of wow-factor architectural feature (that arched window! the inset accent wall! the brick kitchen floors!) that really stand out and are memorable. Even now, I always remember the massive brass fireplace hood from SSS design at Mandy Moore’s house, or the tiles on your patio. These things will definitely catch your eye mid-scroll, mostly because they’re huge risks and look totally different—hence, a risky choice for a designer 🙂 It’s a tough place to be!

   Maybe just take more photos with celebrities? 🙂

6. I love how real, raw and honest you always are! I can hear your voice every time I read a post on the gram and it makes me smile and usually always laugh. And I do have to say, I really miss your political posts… haha!! But it’s probably because I’m on the same page as you.

7. I rarely like anything on Instagram. And while I find that most bloggers are heavily using stories to share their content I, personally, love reading YOUR voice written out on a post with a real life picture. You share so so many beautiful, inspiring images, and not very many ‘unstyled’ real life shots. Maybe the balance of more of your voice with more of real life will feel natural and get more attention. I know it would draw more of mine. When I read the blog I am 100% more likely to read a post I’m not interested in IF the byline is your name. Your voice is why we’re all here, but writing a blog and an instagram post every day, or multiple times a day, is likely a lot. So maybe just more balance and use of your voice. You’ve been my interior design and styling teacher for years. I love to and want to continue learning from you. Thank you for all you do.

8. I don’t often hit like, even though I like things. It’s just not my habit. And i sometimes feel like liking one thing will cause a “why that one and not the other one,” rather than being positive. The fact that you get eyeballs is enough, The “likes” are a red herring. If people stop following you maybe start worrying, but please know that there are lots of us non-likers who actually love what you do.

   1. Ditto, instead of hitting “like,” I use Instagram to link to the blog articles. I read your articles daily and “like” often. So, the “likes” aren’t a barometer of my engagement. I think it’s great that you continue to be open to feedback and ways to grow, but too much may stifle you. I most appreciated the article on your desire to get back to “weird Emily.” I also like the diversity of voices from your staff in terms of sexual orientation and class. As a Black reader, I’ve appreciated those blogs that have had a more political or reflective angle in terms of our cultural moment (e.g. your blog experience at a GOOP retreat). I hope you continue to speak from your voice and support space for others to do so.

   2. Same—I click through from Insta to read this blog every day; I never click “like”. I only “like” my friends’ real-life photos, no other content.

      1. Agreed. I don’t think I’ve ever “liked” a post that was put up by someone I don’t know personally but it doesn’t mean I’m not engaged in the content.

9. Im not on Instagram, but follow the blog daily. The only social media platform i use is fb, and even there I rarely ‘like’ any non- family things. I like the idea of remaining more anonymous online (I know. That’s actually not possible), so I tend not to leave a trail of likes in my wake… My point is – online engagement looks different for everyone and the reasons ppl have for NOT engaging might not be related at all to the content they are seeing.

   1. I’m in the same boat as J. I’ve found Insta and Pinterest are now so full of ads they’re unenjoyable, sort of like broadcast TV. I use FB but only ever like friends personal pics. I come visit your blog every morning, like clockwork, sometimes before the online local newspaper. 🙂 I think you’re in a really tough spot – you need your team to drive the blog, but your audience wants YOU. Though I’m starting to feel really fondly of Emily Bowser with her unique AND a funny voice and reno reveals of her house. I really like the posts where your team shows their apartments and houses. These people have the same problems I do – working with what I’ve got, limited budget etc. And when they write with flair I love it! I feel like you could do tagteam posts about the flea, or shopping at one of the LA vintage stores where you go with your team member and they do some writing and you do some writing. (I also agree that I’m not nuts about the fashion posts. I like you writing about your style, when that’s on your body so that’s ok, but not too often please. I did REALLY liked the party makeup post.) I love when you feature someone on the blog and their work – Hommeboys for instance. Wow!! You are a thought leader who I trust to introduce me to design I should know about. I also LOVED the post about gifts your MIL said she wanted. I definitely bought that makeup mirror for my boomer mom. I also like the political and parenting posts.

      Emily you are so special, and your site is SO special.

10. I think you already know this from comments you’ve made in previous posts, but a lot of your styling this year was extremely minimal, light, and airy. That can sometimes get lost in the scrolling on instagram – most of the posts that were popular on instagram this year have intense color, moody lighting, and styling that gives a sense of life (including both of the Portland house pics above!). Those are the stop-and-stare types of pictures. Also, when I see the 15th instagram post about the mountain house, I may still like the look, but because they’re all cohesive and similar style, they become predictable. That doesnt mean I didn’t love the journey and the overall product and even a lot of specifics about it, but it doesnt get the likes from the people who solely follow on instagram to see pretty pictures rather than to follow your design journey.

    Dont be too discouraged that some of your spotlights on other designers’ work were so popular – you spotlighted those because they were captivating for you too, and that’s probably each designer’s A+++ shot – you’re comparing someone else’s highlight to your full portfolio, which is the problem of social media for all of us. I notice theres very little overlap between the most popular posts from yesterday and the most popular instas from today.

11. TBH, a lot of Instagram users on the younger side (I’m in my early 20s) are probably coming across your posts from searches for other things—in this instance, I imagine it’s hashtags like kitchens, blue paint, green paint, etc. Those searches might not even be on Instagram! (For example, I was looking at a certain fireclay tile shape by googling it, and came across a gorgeous white kitchen by @hommeboys that had it installed, posted to their Instagram. Which I know follow religiously, haha.) I think a lot of Instagram users don’t actually care (sorry!!!!!!) about who made something, and care more about how it looks. Maybe this is helpful, maybe not, just another perspective!! I think the blog is where the heart is, so worry less about Instagram engagement 🙂

12. My morning routine before work is to read the few great remaining blogs and then maybe I get to Instagram over lunch. By the time I do that, any images that were in your blog I’ve already seen so I don’t bother to like. Sorry. Maybe I should rethink that.

    There are very few designers that I like every post on Instagram. Tommy Smythe is the exception. His posts usually have nothing to do with his design work or TV set experiences and instead focus on architecture wherever he is. His narrative is always irreverent and fun.

    I also find the square format on Instagram counter to design ideas. Too much is left out of the view and viewing on my phone probably doesn’t help.

    1. This is my experience as well. I read the blog every day (and have for years and years) and by the time I get to Instagram I’ve already seen everything so I don’t end up hitting like. I do want to be more intentional about liking posts because it means so much for the accounts I love to follow.

       You’re doing amazing work every single day! Thank you for opening up your life and work to us ❤️

       1. Me too! Same pictures on Instagram and the blog so Ive already seen them.

13. I am not sure how the instagram algorithm works, but here is what I find myself doing more of lately; I do tend to scroll faster as Jared mentioned, if I am really wowed by something I comment and often forget to like for some reason. Instagram is by far my favorite social media content, however whack it might be, but I think I tend to use it for a quick browse and then look at the blog content if I am looking for more info. And maybe this has been “encouraged” by stories and the quick “swipe up”. I feel like your blog content is some of the best out there.

14. That must feel like so much pressure, Emily. I find it fascinating that these are your top ‘likes.’ And as per usual, I’m analyzing this by looking at what our society is going through at the moment (this is what I do :). It seems that these are more ‘escapist’ photos and the fact that they are mostly kitchens, the heart of the home, it seems that we crave a little more heart, and perhaps beauty, in our lives. There’s so much instability in the world – environmental issues, political disasters, depression, etc, etc. I personally go from reading the news to needing a break on your blog and others similar. When I scroll through my news feed on instagram, I get a serious news article about something terrible happening in the world and then I see a beautiful image of a home I would love to be in (I happen to follow several kitchen-oriented influencers myself as a matter of fact) and this seems to be a good place to pause and ‘like.’ I can imagine others might be reacting the same. That being said, my most favorite posts of yours are the designs for those in need (that goes back to the heart again :). So that’s my 2 cents – do with it what you will. In the mean time, enjoy your mountain retreat with your family – where your heart is <3.

    1. I have the same experience here – I go from terrible news stories to Emily’s wonderful, funny, peppy, and inspiring blog in the mornings. Re:kitchen posts, I think amazing kitchens are the most unattainable and therefore most inspiring content. Also, like someone else said, they are hard to design, so there’s a lot of image searching for them! As far as likes, I’m just one person, but I don’t actually use the like button except for a few friends posts. For all design content, I save all the images I like. Does insta measure how many images get saved? That’s my true barometer of what I like. Otherwise it’s lost forever in the scroll. I love your blog Emily – yours is the only design blog I check everyday, and I access it through insta because it’s so convenient to swipe up. I hope not having as many likes doesn’t cause you any issues, because like someone else said, people use insta differently, and the way Insta measures success right now may not reflect how users actually prefer to use it. Like all things with technology, they evolve over time, and this has everything to do with the tech and the phase it’s in and not much to do with your posts. If you stopped getting friends on MySpace, you would be amiss to think it was you ? Thanks for an amazing 2019 from you and your team!! Your hard work really showed! Xoxo

15. I agree with the comments below, it’s true I had “like” less in the pass year, but read all your blog post every week/day. Look at your link and use your website as a reference for my own Reno and design. Love number too, but maybe just “likes” isn’t an accurate way to analyse Your followers. Happy new year!

16. English isn’t my first language but I want to share my thoughts as I like your blog / insta a lot.

    When I don’t have time for Instagram (2 small kids, hubby and a fulltime job) and therefore didn’t “like” your last 2 or 3 posts, your posts are shown closer to the end of my feed. If I don’t have time to check my whole feed (reasons seen above) for a couple days I am likely to miss your posts completely and then they are put further back or at the very end of my feed. But this is just Instagram.

    There was plenty of great content this year. What I personally like most is when you mix flea market/ vintage / thrifted things with high end furniture. I get that this is harder for your reader to replicate and it’s not possible to link to it (and gain a few percent of the price if I buy it from there) But it makes you unique because you are so good at it. I like to learn from you, to develop an “eye” of what weird stuff I may find on flea markets could look good in my own home. So more flea market /thrift store / vintage content please! Second- I think for you to stay relatable is key. It’s wonderful that your business grew and you can switch out high end sofas like other people switch socks but most of your readers can’t do that or want not. I remember one post (was it about the pegboards in the playroom?) where you mentioned that you have not been to IKEA in years… Hmmm…. Don’t lose contact to the “normal people”. Ask your readers- I guess everyone has at least one item from there – especially the ones with younger kids who wreck anything anyway 🙂 I like to mix e.g. IKEA (or other stores like that) with flea market finds and more expensive “heirloom” pieces and love to see it done right by experts.

17. Who cares about likes and Instagram? This is the best blog out there. I’ve learned so much about design and how to cultivate my own style from you guys.

18. The only Instagram posts I “like” are from close friends or people who really nail a statement I feel strongly about and make me want to pump my fist and say, “YES!”
    That and, of course, Nachoflay. 😉

19. Cheer up miss piggy. Is there another designer who even had two of the top ten posts. you are so rad and four top tens is an A plus girlie!

20. I love, love, love your blog. I think I’m addicted!

    I chose to let Instagram go, simply because snapshot bites don’t do it for me.

    I prefer your sharing of quality, going ‘deeper’. That’s why the blog is a better fit for me.

    I actually miss your social commentary posts, like the ‘Why Trump’ conversation. It made me challenge my own thinking and consider the views of people I thought were nuts to vote for him. It opened my mind. I still think he’s a complete nut job, but I paused tothink, because of your considered post. Thank you…I think it will stay with me forever.

    What’s the possibility that Insta starts to fade as people shift from quantity to quality? Maybe blogs themselves have a resurgence?

    What struck me about most of those images, is that there’s a rustic, natural, imperfection in them, like a lived in-ness, a worn rug, an imperfect wall, uneven floor. Maybe getting back in touch with “weird” is just what you need?

    I think your intuitive sense of direction for2020 is the right direction, indeed.

21. It may be that most of your IG followers follow your blog, so if they’ve already seen it, they just scroll through. Not sure it’s worth the time or cost of setting up the perfect photographic conditions to try and get more likes. But tbh I love Insta and never “like” anything, ha! If I really love it, I mark it for reference.
    I enjoy your blog, especially when you post. But you have great contributors, too. Still, I am happy when it’s you writing/sharing.

    1. I agree–I follow the blog religiously. I love it! Love the content (including the fashion posts!), and I love your voice. But Instagram just feels redundant of the blog content. It sometimes reminds me to check the blog if I haven’t gotten to it yet, but otherwise I scroll through posts and skip through stories. Honestly, it mostly feels like an ad for the blog. I’m not against that, but it explains why I don’t really engage.

22. I never “Like” posts that are basically just ads unless I REALLY like what is being offered. This applies to all the Instagram accounts I follow, not just yours so nothing personal. I’m also not into the fashion posts on insta or the blog, so I skip those. All other posts I generally do like, so I “Like” them. Also, you post a lot on insta. Maybe less is more?

    With all that said, I really enjoy your blog and want to thank you for all the hard work that goes into it. Happy New Year!

23. I would guess the main reason some of your top posts “aren’t yours” is because Instagram and the algorithm is all about cross pollination. It bumps you up in the feed if you collaborate.
    I am so excited to see your personality shine in 2020. All the very best!

24. I don’t “like” almost anything on fb Or insta except pics of my BFF’s kids or political posts from my depressed friend who needs to know she is not alone. Likes are definitely not a reliable indicator of what I find interesting or amazing. You are rocking it and I enjoy all of your posts, not just a certain “type”. You are genuine and true and your personality is half of the appeal of your work. Xo

25. I’m 50 and … wait for it … not on IG, Twitter and rarely post on my FB account. But I’m also in the middle of a major home remodel and yours is one of the blogs that I read every day. I much prefer blogs over social media because I want more than bite-sized chunks of content and I don’t care much about the latest trends. This may make me an unusual reader for you but I’ve been around since your Design Star days and absolutely love what you and your team do!

26. Love your stuff and have followed you for almost 10 years. I think the mountain house lost me a bit. Didn’t feel like EHD (colorsssss) but I could appreciate your palette evolving and the property called for it. But it was too many posts, behind the scenes, decision making for a project that I didn’t connect with. Maybe the mountain house was 2018?! But I felt my peribal engagement in clicking through to the blog go down. You are a wonderful person in the interwebs. A business owner, a woman, a mom, a great designer. I just like hearing from you. It doesn’t have to be profound.

27. Emily, I am a huge fan and you are doing awesome being authentic in your posts! I follow you often and think the content is great. The biggest problem is that I am not an algorithm friendly follower. I am lazy, I do not double tap, or comment. It doesn’t mean I don’t love what you are putting out there I simply do not “do” what Instagram says is popular. 2020 should be filled with you being you, like you’ve always been!!

28. I find myself interacting with your stories far more than photos in the feed (I think as someone else mentioned, the sameness in the photos keeps me scrolling pretty fast. My brain already knows the mountain house so it glosses over). I love your stories and I think you do a great job of setting up the day’s blog post, so I usually head over to read straight from stories.
    While it’s cliche, I do think the authenticity factor is high in the accounts I engage with most (and therefore get higher placement in my feed). My animal brain wants a story to follow, so even if it’s not all personal posts, kids, food or fashion—maybe if we’re getting a peek into the EHD office or getting a few plot lines going with different team members or projects at any given time, I, personally, would eat it right up.
    Instagram is a weird place, but I think if you’re having fun, we feel that and have more fun with you.

    1. Agree with this 100%. I also like the little videos with styling tips you’ve posted in the feed lately.

       The stories seem to either (1) be complementary to blog posts (versus the same images) or (2) personal content that highlights your personality.

       Like an earlier commenter, most of my IG feed is design content these days, so it takes a lot for me to like a pretty room since I see so many of them.

       Hope that helps, but I’m sure it’s hard to figure out what works best when the algorithm is such a black box. You’re doing great!

29. I’m a former marketer (now FT mom) and I’m seeing a lot of shift in my own behavior online that echoes what others are saying above. The design tweaks on Instagram have made leaving likes feel less “necessary” for the user and I to am doing more fast scrolls that I often abandon partway because I find intagram’s algorithm tiring. Honestly I’m mostly on Instagram for Instastories and will often ignore the rest of the platform because the algorithm irritates me so much, not that Instagram cares, because they’re all about serving up ads now. I know there are many posts I miss from people but I do always search yours out because I love what you have to say, we’re a similar demographic (southern California mom of young kids, etc) and I think your design is fun. I also like hearing from your team but I get what you’re saying about losing your own voice in the process. If you have any questions for me, feel free to reach out. Happy to just chat.

    1. Me too. I hate the algorithm and find that liking stuff messes with what I get to see. Why “chronological” isn’t allowed to be a choice is beyond me but that’s why I don’t engage.
       One other thing is that I’m increasingly suspicious and annoyed by affiliate practices (as a current marketer I say that). The number of gift guides on blogs this holiday season was obnoxious. Nobody has an original thought any more…

    2. I’ve been scrolling through the comments and have agreed with points made by lots of people but I am choosing to reply to this one and comment because I am in complete agreement about my IG feed vs IG stories. I religiously watch my IG stories, and will eagerly check a few times a day when people who I really like may have posted another progress update — like when Daniel Kanter was renovating his friend’s kitchen recently on a very tight budget, or when Chris Loves Julia posts about their totally over the top remodel and there is almost nothing similar about those two projects. With my feed I’ll half-heartedly scroll a through a few images and quit. I also rarely post a photo to my feed anymore, but tend to share through stories. I think for the most part people are still off-the-cuff and spontaneous with IG stories and that’s what seems authentic.

       And since a few people have mentioned Facebook groups I would resoundingly vote no on that option. I hate FB and log on less than once a month and will not follow anyone except actual friends IRL there.

30. I think you have done a wonderful job this year, really spectacular! Did I read read 47 reveals this year? Come on people that’s an enormous amount of work, creativity and effort. You have much to be proud of.

31. Hi! First of all, I love you, your work, and the awesome team you’ve created. It’s clear that your team works hard in an engaging, collaborative workplace, and that is so so important to me as a woman in my 30s who wants to be in spaces that builds people up. Kudos!
    As I already said, I love your work. Like, a lot. I check your IG multiple times a day and I always find it interesting and beautiful, but not always relatable.

    In 2020, I’m hoping for more realistic projects. Many can’t afford to renovate much less redecorate an entire home (like the Mt Project and Portland Project) — but we could be looking for inspiration on how to create a beautiful vignette in our homes, how to take an accent wall up a notch, how to edit down our belongings in a purposeful way, and how to be happy in spaces (without buying more things). I love the stories when someone from your team shows their homes, because that’s more realistic – but often times, they’re still borrowing furniture/art because of their connections, or doing some insane DIY project because they’re skilled AF goddesses.

    You seem to have a really happy home that works for your family – maybe focus in on all the little “whys” of how it works for you, how you’re always editing it to be more functional, how you inject joy in spaces – and helping us do the same.

    And lastly, you seem the happiest when you’re helping others – yard sales for charity, surprising followers by secretly upgrading a room in their homes — maybe lean in to that a bit more? Or follow-up on the design agonies – did they make the suggested changes? Why or why not?

    Just know that you, your voice, and your eye are so so valued and admired, and that we’re all rooting for you!

    1. Emily,
       I “met” you on Design Star all those years ago and immediately loved your fun & easy style and voice. You have inspired me to just add a little something here or there or rearrange a room to upgrade my own home’s style factor. That’s what I love most about you. You’re my design BFF!

       As for content, I do have some likes and dislikes.

       My biggest likes: antiquing/flea finds & local shopping (in LA or when traveling), MOTO (your team’s projects are def relatable), Design Agony, how you incorporate your Target collections into your own home, the things you and your team love posts, building a room on different budgets, and collections of great chairs/sofas/lamps etc…

       My biggest dislikes: fashion posts (Nope—I can see your style in photos, but I don’t care where you bought any clothing), current event/political commentary (UGH—not why I’m here), other designers’ work (why? I like YOUR style), gift lists (DEF not why I’m here), anything that screams Influencer (SO tired of that word. It’s pushy and try hard. Just be YOU!)

       As for IG, I’m mid 50s so I really don’t care about “liking” stuff. I will watch IG stories as long as they aren’t too long and do click through to the blog on stories and posts. I DO enjoy your blog. I feel like we are hanging out there together.

       Anyway, that’s where I’m coming from. You’re still awesome, no matter what the algorithm might suggest. Stay true to you, and don’t go anywhere! We are here in force, and we love you!

    2. Though I am in a different age segment than Tricia, I also laud your efforts for the team and work culture you have developed and I, too, would love creative fodder and inspiration for the less whole house encompassing projects. Sometimes a space by space or room by room beautification is less daunting—both financially and psychologically. As an aside, I recently saw the collaboration you did with Niki Brantmark and Samsung and adored that project!

       Like so many of your audience, I love your work, but judiciously reserve the “likes” and they are usually for the cuteness in the animal world and sometimes small children!

    3. I agree with Tricia, as she articulates so beautifully what I love about your blog! I am not a big fan of IG, and I rarely check my feed. I love your blog for the detail, the furniture/decor links, and for the design decision process. I personally LOVED the Portland Project and the Mountain House project updates (in that order), since I felt that I LEARNED so much about the design process. I like Emily Bowser’s remodel, small “makeovers”, and the design decisions of your personal home. This year, your blog was not as strong for me, since I felt there was too much fashion and fluff and less design “lessons”. It was fine, but I was not as addicted. I also like to hear more from you than from your staff. They are all so talented, but I like to see you involved in the project or see your designs (well, I really like the designs/style/voices of Orlando and Brady). Please do not see all of this as criticism; I just want to become addicted again! Thank you for all that you give to us!!

32. I rarely look at my Instagram feed anymore. I’m mostly in stories as they’re more fun and used to have less ads.

33. I think on insta- people “like” when you share the work of other it feels like a good friend and women helping women.

34. I think these comments are all valid. Social media must be so tricky to have as a big part of your business because it changes so much and you’re basically at the mercy of each platform’s algorithms/quirks. They change something and we see your work less, but it doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate it.

    I will say this: The only Instagram content I felt like I was glued to this year, and they were happening simultaneously, was the kitchen renos of Chris Loves Julia and Jenny Komenda. Those projects really played out over Instastories, and I found myself sitting down with wine after putting my toddlers to sleep and watching those stories like one would watch a TV show. I looked forward to it and sought it out. I’m not sure how the Instastories engagement is measured but I can honestly say I didn’t really “like” their posts – I just went straight to the stories and consumed it like something that I had saved in my DVR.

    What was so enjoyable about it? I guess it’s just interesting to watch decisions and mistakes and thought processes play out in real time. That’s probably a big part of why we love your posts where you take us with you to the flea market or let us weigh in on decisions while they are happening. It’s just fun and increases our investment in the project. It’s a more realistic view of what happens behind the scenes and helps us realize that these makeovers aren’t happening overnight and they involve a lot of hard work.

    I think your business is doing awesome, and your blog/voice/content is still one of the best in the business. I also appreciate that you’re always trying to assess and grow and I hope my feedback helps a little. Here’s to a great 2020!

    1. I agree with Jordan, Jenny Komenda’s insta stories was the most engaged I’ve been on insta this year. Also I’ve been re-engaging with Sarah Richardson as she has started posting mini videos to her website about whatever she’s up to, 4 projects on the go at the moment and I am checking daily to see when another one is posted, the behind the scenes, on the job, real design life stuff has me hooked. And I use likes as a way of referencing something I want to come back to like Pinterest (even though insta has made the “posts I’ve liked” button impossible to find!). So what images I like might not be “liked”bc I have no future specific need for them (also I know I can find them again, if needed on your website). Love you design, all of it, and love your team’s work and voices too, you hired them and we trust you. Oh and I LOVE fashion and think you have a amazing and unique style but maybe just want you to tag in your clothes on a post rather than do detailed fashion blogs.
       Can’t wait to see what 2020 brings us from EHD

       1. Agree, love Jenny Komenda’s really honest IG stories this year and have been watching all of Sarah Richardson’s YouTube project updates!

35. For me I LOVE before and afters. Would love to see you take on another flip project (maybe something easier than the Portland project) where we can see great before and afters. I also do not care for outfit posts, I follow plenty of fashion bloggers to get inspiration from them and prefer when interior design bloggers don’t try to sell me their favorite skincare or clothing.

36. People LOVE their kitchens!! My living room was beloved last year – until I did my kitchen this year and it blew UP! I think a kitchen is just hard to compete with in general.

    I love seeing original content from the people I follow (especially designers like YOU with an incredible style). I save inspiration for Pinterest or larger brands that feature shots that has their product in it. As a designer and design viewer, I treat Instagram as a mini portfolio. I want to see what you’re DOING – even if it’s a progress shot. There’s a lot of “regram” accounts out there – I think those who will make it for the long haul and get authentic engagement are those who put out original content – like yourself, which is done in a fun and quirky way, unlike what the masses are doing.

37. I can’t imagine the quick changing pace of a social media-based business.
    Personally, I got bored with it recently. The perfect house scene Instagram shot, the insta stories that are less process and more “click on this 16 times and maybe you’ll click on the blog post, pretty please”
    But honestly, I feel like that from every blog I previously read daily. I feel like everything has turned into advertising or “comment and like this post or we won’t make a gazillion dollars!”
    And I don’t mean any of this to sound rude, but it’s just the world Instagram and blogging have combined to create. Blogging world used to feel real, and cool. And now it’s like flipping through a magazine. Sometimes an article is cool but rarely do you want to email the author: Love this!

    The only place I genuinely tune in regularly is Cup of Jo and that’s because 1. It’s written by writers. (You have a voice, Emily, but I don’t know the others voice yet and it got muddled) 2. Regular series posts 3. Always feels less of an ad, even in their sponsored post. It’s magical that they can do that, I know.

    So keep trucking, team! I want to engage but I’m not feeling like I’m given a conversation topic in a long while. I know you can do it! I’ve been a reader for probably 8 years, and I love ya.

    1. I really identify with this comment and some others have posted. I’ve been a follower for many years and I find myself maybe left out of the direction of the blog lately. Your projects are definitely aspirational but it’s hard to take cues from a project that features very expensive furniture or full remodels. The MOTOs are some of my favorites, but even those have focused heavily on partnerships and gifted furniture. On Instagram what I like most is posts with your kiddos or “real” moments. I rarely like posts other than my close friends are something that really strikes me as important, poignant, etc.

38. Emily, I read your blog every day and get directly from the blog all of “your” content and designs. I don’t stop to read the Instagram posts with content I’ve already read on the blog, so probably wouldn’t “like” those. Maybe I should! But that may be part of why you are seeing likes for images of other designers’ work. Don’t be too hard on yourself—you produce loads of blog content when some of the other designers I read are cutting back. Keep up the great work and happy new year!

39. I’ve always found your feed less engaging on instagram because I’m such an involved blog reader. I go to the blog almost every morning so being served that content again isn’t the most exciting. My favorite is getting behind the scenes access to you and your team in stories—that’s where the authenticity is! In general I find myself watching more stories and caring less about the feed at all. I know that stories are very difficult to measure, but I’d be curious if you were seeing an increase in engagement there over the feed itself.

40. So I’m not sure if you realize but when you go to read your articles directly from Instagram you can’t zoom in on things. So what I do is I see the Instagram post about the blog being up and then I go to a regular browser to read the article so that I can zoom in on things better. I do not then go back to Instagram to make sure that I’ve liked your Instagram post about the article even if I Love the article. A lot of us started following you for the blog and even if we love you on Instagram, it’s not the primary place we are engaging with your content. Whereas, someone who is a more casual follower of yours is more likely to give a quick like to a pretty kitchen that you’ve posted whether or not it is yours. That might be something to keep in mind.

41. Agree with others that Instagram has gotten clogged with ads and also the fashion posts, which I enjoy, make the design element of your page feel less core. And sometimes I do get tired of being marketed to. I wanted to add that I also feel a shift to a younger demographic through the posts of your team. Also fun, but I am in an older and more established demographic, and I don’t see as much content for people like me. When you have saved money to splurge on your forever home, what do you do? Especially if you’ve gone through the hard yards of younger day renovations and have leftover fear of making mistakes and wasting money? I think the key is to stay focused on the psychological aspects underpinning the design process, as well as the amazing tactics you do so well.

    You’ve done great work! Love coming to your blog.

    1. Agree with Kathy. The blog does seem to now focus on design for younger people in tiny spaces. Pretty. But I can tell you what I will see –blue sofa, white walls, a dark painted feature wall/nook, spare decorations, very small night stands and painted cabinets in the kitchen.

       I am in the same demo as Kathy and have the same PTSD from expensive mistakes in the past. Portland house was refreshing (but the posts way too spaced out) because the finishes and decor were higher end.

       TBH I stopped following you on Insta after your political comments. Your blog content is a beautiful oasis from life.

42. LOVE that pic of you and Diane Keaton! I love her! Love her quirkiness and free-ness and idgaf-ness! Don’t question your posts for likes, you create beautiful content. Keep being YOU!

    PS. when you figure out the “likes” thing let us know. LOL!

43. I “like” everything you post to support you. So while I don’t know why others skip adding a like, my guess is that they appreciate seeing something fresh, and they may have already seen a space that you did prior to that post. I also think that the number of likes for the other posts speaks to your design eye as you can identify beautiful spaces designed by others too. I don’t think it is a reflection of the quality of your work. I don’t give out likes to just anyone. EHD is very talented, innovative, and inspiring. I can’t wait to see what you come up with in 2020!

44. Yes, agreeing with others, please let up on yourself. For example, you can think about the “use case” for an Instagram image. Many times people are distracted, scrolling, not deep into the image and its context. So simple peaceful wonderful living spaces won’t get as many likes as concentrated images with a huge visual punch, all complex textures and herringbone tiles etc. Your work is more livable, but maybe doesn’t fit as many layers into the Instaframe – maybe that’s why your likes are for kitchens and bars and cupboards, the extra layers of your work are about usability, livability, not aesthetics alone.

    And to be fair, maybe Diane Keaton is feeling sad that she doesn’t get as many likes unless she’s with you;).

45. You do a great job, and I love following your account! I appreciate your personal posts, along with the work you share from others as well!

    Paige
    http://thehappyflammily.com

46. I read everyone of your posts and because I m so regular I don’t even think to hit the “like” icon. I like all what you do. I’ ll bet a lot of your readers are the same. I wouldn’t overthink this…..follow your natural evolution don’t play to the ratings.

47. I wish I could get more of you but less of instagram at the same time. Instagram is going the same way as Facebook – too many ads and far less posts from my ‘people’. I am actively trying to decrease my time spent on the platform by deleting the app for a week at a time. That said, I’m still on Pinterest!! It’s still my go to for inspiration. I’m also still spending as much time online, just in different places. Maybe it’s time to start looking for the next social ‘thing’?

    In terms of your content, I’m always looking for kids design/storage ideas. How’s your playroom holding up after a few months use?

48. I don’t think it’s you, I think it’s Instagram that’s the problem. I’d love to get more content from you but have less interaction with instagram. It’s changed for the worse. Way too many ads and far less access to posts from my ‘people’, just like Facebook. I am deleting the apps for a few days at a time just to get a break from it.

    In terms of your content, I love the mountain house project. I live in the UK and it’s more in tune with my climate and aesthetic (that said I also love your English Tudor home too). Also kids design and storage. How’s the playroom holding up after a few months wear?

49. I wouldn’t worry about our collective love of kitchens. We all dream of renovating this very used space in our home and we are constantly looking for dream material! We LOVE your design work and can’t wait to see what you’ll do next. You can’t renovate a kitchen every week, so keep on doing your amazing work!

50. I’ve been a reader of the blog for awhile now, but do not follow you in Instagram. I don’t really follow many bloggers on Instagram if I’m an avid reader of their blog and that’s where I am getting the content. As part of using my phone less around my toddler, I eliminated most celebrities and influencers on the ‘gram.

    My guess for the fewer likes- people who read your blog already know your content. That’s why I’ve really enjoyed this year seeing more posts about the homes of some other people on your team, particularly seeing how people are handling design problems in smaller spaces and different budgets. I love home reno as much as the next person, but the fully customized kitchen cabinets in the Mountain House are never going to be in my price range. Definitely not trying to fault you for being successful, that’s amazing! But I’ve probably been more engaged and returned to posts about the houses or apartments of Sara, Velinda, and Bowser.

    As a mom to a toddler, I would be interested in more decorating and organizing related to kids! I

51. I agree that insta has felt a little less “Emily”. It has started to feel A little more like a brand than a person—and we started coming there for YOU! While I love stories, I don’t love an over abundance of swipe ups. I know that it can be a way to drive traffic and a revenue stream, but it doesn’t always feel, to use a popular 2019 phrase, authentic.

52. I often don’t scroll very deep though my feed and barely like things other than friends’ posts, because there are too many ads and the new algorithm is frustrating (rather than the old chronological order RIP). I tend to rely on your stories and follow through to the blog for more info. I loved watching the design process on the Mountain House! I also really love resource round ups and high/med/low room mock ups. I love your work because it pushes boundaries and keeps up with trends, but is still accessible. That said, seeing the designs from others that get you excited is really interesting! I also like seeing more adventurous design because I can see where things are headed, even if they’re not very realistic for my home. Your work is where my actual taste is and what I can possibly come close to in my own space. Thanks for putting your heart and soul and kindness into this! It really shows and I am very grateful for your work.

53. I love the blog and have been following for years…and dont have plans to stop! I have thought that I am less engaged with your instagram lately because we tend to be so story heavy and for peoples “real” selves, orlando/amber/cjl etc. Something that I have noticed with your stories is they tend to be a lot more rehearsed and “ad” like. Bring on the YOU 🙂

54. I think the caption to the picture is just as important as the picture itself, often I find myself responding “like” to the text as part of a conversation. This could be why so many of your likes came from pictures of other designers. You’re showing us your inspiration and we’re agreeing with you! It feels more collaborative in that way ?

55. I am only one person who lives in snowy Canada 10 months of the year…but I love your space on IG. I feel like the reason those other kitchens drew so many likes was probably the reason you were inspired by it. They are unique, they looked lived in, lots of colour, and while they are designed to perfection, the riskiness of it looks like they’ve embraced it fully and they LOVE it. They look like snapshots of a GORGEOUS kitchen as someone is looking through the drawers – I think we (the reader) struggle with how to have a beautiful home whilst also LIVING in it.

    But that’s just me. Keep sharing your colourful life and love. I love seeing your evolution as much as I love the mountain home snippets and Portland Project bar area. ?

56. Probably just echoing what many have said here in the comments but the Instagram algorithm has become tiring. The ads are overwhelming and sometimes liking one post leads to boatloads of ads I’m not interested in, often from accounts I’m already following. Then it feels like I’m spending a bunch of time hiding ads – so annoying and time sucking. So I often end up only liking and commenting on my friends and family’s posts so I don’t have negative consequences from my engagement, if that makes sense. I read your blog daily, often multiple times a day, and refer to it constantly as a resource while I’m slowly updating our home. And it IS much nicer to go to the blog on a browser and be able to zoom in on those photos.
    I also love that you’ve introduced me to a bunch of wonderful, new-to-me accounts to follow (Room for Tuesday, Hommeboys, etc) for even more inspiration. It doesn’t take away from your work – just gives me a more curated feed of people I really admire.
    I love the thoughtful and encouraging leader you are with your team – it totally shines through in how your write about them and step aside and let them shine. You must be amazing to work for and it’s totally aspirational and beautiful to see.

    I think there are a whole bunch of us out here in instaville that are completely engaged with, and totally appreciative of your content that might be hidden from the analytics. When I looked through your top 10 posts I barely remembered some of them and certainly wouldn’t pick them as MY top ten EHD posts. Just know that the value your followers are getting from your content goes way beyond those 10 squares!! Thanks for all that you do!

57. “Weird” Emily is great but that doesn’t mean your content this year was boring! The Portland project and the mountain house are beautiful and absolutely timeless. Looking forward to a good mix of old school Emily and the perfectly edited recent Emily in 2020!

58. I wouldn’t put too much stock in likes. For me personally, I don’t tend to actively ‘like’ most of your posts, because the vast majority of them are not posts with content, they’re reminders for us to check out new content on a blog post (which I already read daily). And to be honest, what’s to ‘like’ about that? I understand the necessity of it from a business standpoint, and you should absolutely continue to do that (it occasionally does remind me to go check out the latest post), but I would never feel the need to ‘like’ one of those posts.

    If likes are important to you, though, I tend to ‘like’ posts from people, not businesses, and at this point EHD is a business. I scrolled through your posts just now to find the most recent one I ‘liked’, and it was your Halloween post with your kids. Because it was YOU, not EHD. You weren’t trying to sell me anything, just sharing your life with us. That’s what I’m going to stop and ‘like’, just as I would with my actual friends’ posts. It’s a way of saying thank you for sharing with us. There’s nothing personal about a post of some random kitchen and a reminder to check out the latest link up. Again, I fully understand the necessity of it, but I wouldn’t expect engagement from it (aside from clicks to your website).

59. I asked a lot of my friends – who are in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s – if they “like” photo’s on Insta and all of them said they rarely do. I do think that most ppl in their their 20’s and early 30’s (millennials) put photo’s on social media and rarely “like” what others do. Millennials don’t get offended if you don’t like their photo’s while older ppl wonder why the millennials don’t “like” theirs. I see this especially with FB. My mother often wonders why her grandchildren don’t comment on her photo’s or “like” them while she feels the need to comment on all of her friends photos. She constantly is worried about leaving someone out or offending if she doesn’t comment on their photo’s – ha!
    I don’t go to your Insta feed because it’s usually a repeat of what is on your blog. No offense, of course. I enjoy the reading more than anything.

60. Instagram helped me find your blog, which I now read everyday, and I can’t say that about other blogs. I can’t compare to your earlier design work, but I would love to see more color. I’m surprised that more MOTO posts weren’t popular. I love those! But the Mountain House is what drew me to the blog and kept me coming back. I love the flea market posts. They’ve inspired me to visit the local flea markets and antique stores more often (I already did), and embrace my love of old and vintage objects. I’ve used your styling posts to place my new treasures in my home, so I feel happier about being able to collect beautiful objects. And I will say that I probably like kitchen Instagram posts more often than others, because my kitchen is the one room we haven’t been able to upgrade. It’s a dream project, which I imagine is the case for many people. Overall, I don’t think Instagram is telling you the whole story. Clearly, you have a strong fan base, and Instagram brought me here, so you are gaining new followers to the blog. Thank you to you and your team. I really enjoy your energy, as well as your design talent.

61. I think the major turn off for me this past year are all the fashion (beauty products, hair styling etc.)posts. Love your design sense, but all the other?And even if I did love the fashion, you and I don’t share the same coloring nor body type so it’s ALL a waste of my time. So I find myself not. He king in very often anymore. Only saw this today because another Instagramer I follow mention your post. Stick to design and I’m all in!

62. Emily, I believe you have answered your own question.

    “I know that producing incredible design work takes so much time”.

    Even thou the below may sound tough, I wouldn’t taken the time, if I didn’t like your blog and earnest wanting to do better personality so much.

    It is hard to do everything at once, these designers that are producing awe gorgeous interiors, are like only focusing on that, they are not writing or heavily involved in a blog.

    I know a solid finance budget doesn’t automatically get you a “like” yet it doesn’t hurt.
    Understandably you didn’t put higher budget in Portland house or lake cabin, compared to designers who are working with a more substantial budget.
    Even if readers can’t put there finger on it or explain why it isn’t grabbing them, the eye can discern between cheap veneer wood floors, or actual beautiful reclaimed wood floors, like say in some of Amber Lewis places. Same with light light cheaper mass produced light fixtures verses beautifully hand crafted ones. Same with millwork that doesn’t look like it had shop drawings looked at. Eg if you look at your Portland bar in the space of 5 vertical lower cabinets, it looks like there is 4 different heights, almost a different height to each of the 5 cabinets. To me that looks jarring, others when flicking thru fast might not know why they don’t want to keep looking at it or “like” it, simply just pass it.

    Having said that, with everything you do, huge output, and with the more limited renovation budgets, you are producing incredible content, without doubt my favorite blog!

    You likely know, and modest not to say, some of the designers creating the awe dropping work, are spending 2 years in the concept/construction drawing stage. Stern also has up to 30 people on that team over that process time line.

63. I have been a daily reader of your blog for many years, and I refer to it as my “style bible”! I rarely comment, though, and I also rarely like many posts on Instagram unless they are posted by friends/family. The social media experience is simply too overwhelming and too much of a time-suck. Generally I’m just trying to scroll through as quickly as possible to make sure I haven’t missed anything I actually care about. As a non-business owner, I have no idea how liking/commenting affects your visibility or ad revenues or anything like that, but if I did maybe I would be more likely to double tap? If I knew I was actually helping a business/brand that I care about, it might make it seem more worthwhile for me to take a little more time to engage with the content than I currently do.

64. Lots of people “like” without ever actually “liking.” I think people are weirdly worn out about liking, retweeting, etc.

    Man, I forgot how amazing the Portland house is.

    Do not get the love for the accent wall. It is interesting, but pretty run of the mill.

65. I can see a lot of people saying they aren’t a fan of your fashion posts, so I just wanted to pop in and say those are my very favorite!!! I know you mainly do design — which I also love — but I can’t even tell you how much inspo I’ve gotten from your fashion, AND how much I’ve actually clicked through and purchased. I find myself re-watching your Outfits highlight at least a couple times a month and I always tell my friends if I could trade closets with anyone, it would be you. Overall, I love your personal posts and I looove your fashion posts. I love that that content has increased this year and I’d hate to see it go!

    1. I love the fashion posts too! And I miss the insta stories where Emily would try on different outfits for an event or something and ‘ask the audience’ for our opinions, because it’s personal, real, and relatable, and something most of us have done with our girlfriends.

66. Love your work and writing! It’s entertaining, enjoyable and “flows” without being demanding. It trickles into my day and shared at the dinner table even. I talk to my family about you like you are living down the street.
    I have a request.. can you do a feature on front load washer dryers vs top load. Building a new house and it is soon on my radar. So many thoughts and options.
    ~ Sharon

67. Since you asked…. I feel a bit like your work is less accessible to me than it used to be. I really miss the good round-ups of items (at a lower price point) and I usually love anything you do with Target. I felt the last year or two that your style and tastes trended seriously upward in terms of $$$ and it became more like “decor porn” for me than actually accessible recommendations and tips. Also – while I totally don’t think you should downgrade your house or anything crazy like that – I loved that you lived in an apartment that looked like something I could live in / afford. Now your LA and mountain houses, while gorgeous, look way more like “rich people houses” to me. That said, I LOVE the new “shopping feature” on your website, and I’m always happy to see photos of your kids.

    This is all good stuff for you so I hope this doesn’t make you feel bad or anything, but since you asked for feedback, this is definitely why I’ve gone from a religious reader / borderline zealot of your blog to more of a casual follower.

    1. I realize now that this is way more about your blog than Instagram, but to me they kind of go hand in hand.

       One thought on the instagram thing though – maybe your more regular followers are less inclined to ‘like’ your stuff because they already have seen it on the blog, whereas the other stuff you post is new to them?

    2. So much ditto! Like everyone else has said I love your work to pieces and have learned so much from it. But most of what I’ve learned feels like it came from the blog a few years ago, I really just can’t relate anymore. Maybe I’m misunderstanding but it seems like you always design with a big team, big budgets and sponsors. None of that will ever be attainable/affordable for me (maybe I’m the minority, but I fee fairly solidly middle class so I wouldn’t think I’m alone).

       I used to love the posts with a design in several budgets, and don’t even get me started on when not to use white paint (favorite/most memorable post ever).

       But seriously thank you for everything you do, I do still come regularly to look and drool.

68. you’re so honest and lovely and i’ve been following you for years. my honest feedback is the way your photos are edited turn me off and keep me scrolling – i can’t quite describe what the difference is but they feel too shiny? or over-exposed/brightened/?? whereas some of those top 10 photos of other people’s work are easier/more pleasant (at least for my eyes) to look at. ??‍♀️ i’ll always be an emily fan but i spend more time on your stories because of the photo-editing on IG posts. 🙂

69. Hello! Love you, the team, and the blog! I agree with several commentators–there’s so many “fashion” posts and it gets overwhelming when it’s not “my” style. Having different styles is obviously fine and great, but it leads me to not be as interested/engaged. For the non-design posts, one of my all-time favorite “fashion” post was the hairstyle series with your team! It was so fun to hear about them and see the transformations. I really enjoyed at the end of 2019 the featuring of more team members’ homes–your homes are stunning, but nearly purely inspirational, not relatable/re-creatable. Have loved getting to see the behind the scenes MOTOs/process from your teams’ spaces, and really enjoy their personalized writing, as well. As far as Instagram, this is going to sound harsh, but while I ADORE you and you are my favorite design blogger, you are my least favorite design instagrammer, because your posts/stories *feel* very produced and filtered and frankly like someone else is doing them. Definitely so on your insta posts, but your stories feel similiar–like there was a plan, this is what we are going to talk about, and we are going to film these stories and then post them when things are slow. Completely understand having an editorial calendar, but I like stories that at least *feel* spontaneous. For example, I don’t know if SSS even really has a very active blog, but I love her stories because it feels like organically her, walking through a project or the house and sharing her thoughts, sharing live progress. Different, but similarly with ChrisLovesJulia–they share a lot of their design process relatively in the moment, as things progress. There’s lots of walking around and I’m going to share stream of consciousness thoughts with you. Also, love Jenny Komenda’s deep thoughts where she’ll walk through her kitchen and talk about the lime wash–her plans, then her application, then the struggles, then the final product, then her thoughts later, and now the texture of her fireplace and how it will correspond with the lime wash. You are amazing and talented and frankly a fantastic design personality who should be killing it at insta—it’s like DesignStar but with an unlimited audience. I think what makes your writing/blog so great is you do share more detail and thought and process than almost anyone in blog posts. But for some reason, Insta, which seems tailormade for your personality and skillset feels very santized, and it’s “supposed” to be the least sanitized, most authentic platform. So I vote more you. More you taking the camera as you walk through a job and just talking. More impromptu stories. Keep the planned editorial insta posts, but throw up a bonus–omg look what I just saw/found/was inspired by–post when you see something. I assume you have a private insta too, maybe channel some of that in the EHD insta. One of my favorite posts of the year was y’all sharing your saved insta posts–it was like a peek behind the brilliant curtain.

    1. Do you think the stiltedness of the stories are because they are filmed professionally by Emily’s husband? My guess is that they are more rehearsed than most because they also represent his work and so need to be more polished.

70. Speaking personally, I don’t “like” anything on instagram, really – even my friends’ adorable kids. I look at photos, think “nice!” but I just don’t bother to hit the “like” button. Not sure why.

71. I love the growth-mindset you have. Always learning, always looking to move in a positive direction. It’s probably what I relate to most on IG and the blog. You are human and you let that show. A breath of fresh air!

    (Also, I really am not a commenter… but if it makes a difference to your business, I’d be happy to see if I could move more in that direction. Do comments on the blog or IG impact your business?)

72. I think you are giving likes and comments too much power. Sure, the data is interesting, but worrying too much about it isn’t healthy, in my opinion. I love following you and love your content, all of it. Thanks for being you! I wouldn’t change a thing.

73. I have been following you for quite a few years now, I even remember meeting you at IDS West and you are such an inviting person.

    I still enjoy your content a great deal but if I’m being honest I think with getting bigger (more popularity) there are a lot of pressures that come with that, being perfectionism and of course the want/need/excitement of growing your brand which means more advertising and trying to please too many people.

    A biggie for me in general….

    I dislike going on pages with tons of advertising (I know you’ve previously addressed this and reasons why which I understand) but the pages load slow and it’s distracting from the content I came to enjoy. It’s like going into a retail store where there’s too much stuff and you can’t focus on anything, I’d rather leave and go somewhere that is easier to find what I’m looking for the the visit is less stressful.

    Similar to what another person wrote I think you need to give yourself a break, it could be you are trying to appeal to too many types of people now with the growth in your popularity.

    The people who resonated with you before might just not resonate with you anymore for a variety of reasons (lifestyle, personal life, design taste etc) and that’s totally okay. I would just focus on what YOU want to share because that’s what you did in the beginning, worry less about how others feel about it (cause like I said you can’t appeal to everyone and the people who have liked you from the beginning will stick around!).

    <3

74. I really enjoy your posts about interior design. The more links to stores or products and photos, the better. I appreciate your desire to share info about clothing and products you enjoy, but I don’t read or “like” those posts.

75. Every artist and anyone in a creative field struggles with how to be successful without “selling out.” The internet has given us great opportunities to get our work out directly to viewers but I think we’ve all paid a huge price for this. Even those of us who don’t use social media for our careers feel the pressure to check likes and feel anxiety about keeping up with everyone else. I’m not on Instagram or Twitter. My husband and I have an Etsy shop where we sell my paintings and drawings and his furniture and woodworking and even though I’ve heard Instagram is the key to selling art I’m reluctant to add more anxiety and temptation to be on my phone stressing about “likes.” Your post makes me feel like I may be making the correct choice in staying off Instagram.

    I’m glad to hear you’re going back to your roots but please make sure it’s for the right reasons! You should do YOU and we all change and evolve through time, thankfully! At this point, you are in the wonderful position of having a huge audience and being financially successful. If your interests evolve and you lose some of your audience that’s ok! You’d probably gain others but even if you didn’t that’s STILL OK. Do we really need to constantly be making more money, consuming more, and gaining more praise and acceptance to “grow?” I know it sounds corny but now that I’m in my 40’s I often think about future me on my deathbed – what would I be most proud of accomplishing? Getting millions of likes on social media or being true to myself and really connecting with others authentically? What example do I want to set for my kids??

    I’m an elementary school art teacher and I have regular discussions with my students about being true to themselves and their inherent worth and unique creativity. It makes me sad that I have so many students ask me to subscribe to their YouTube channels etc, and I see that at a young age they’re already addicted to likes and gaining followers. Personally, I love all the posts on this blog, fashion posts included, but I hope that instead of giving us what you think we want, you do what YOU are interested in right now, whether it’s weird or not. You’ve worked hard to make it to a place where you can do that without having to worry financially. If Instagram is causing you stress then delete it! You now have the opportunity to be you and be authentic without worrying about putting food on the table so GO FOR IT!!!

76. IG is as the name says “insta(nt)” and one scrolls through all the pretty pictures faster and faster. IG is impersonal and quick. Lots of designer pictures are similar promoting a current trend that seems to fall out of season a lot sooner due to over exposure. I think IG was never meant to be a guide for anyone to make or break a trend, it’s looking at pretty pictures, period.
    Your blog – any blog for that matter – is personal and customized to its readers and you’ll get more feedback from long term readers here than anywhere else. That’s a valuable tool in my opinion to not only get your message across, but know what works and what doesn’t. Most readers are quite honest in their feedback and I nod in agreement with most readers on this topic.
    I love design and I love getting ideas and new inspirations in design – not so much in hair, makeup and clothes ideas as everyone’s taste is quite different there. Having said that, I do like the Sunday recommendations as it gives the opportunity to explore products I haven’t taken in consideration before and I like that!
    If I was a designer, I would use IG as an advertising tool to make reference to my blog. Put up a picture of what’s discussed on the blog and refer to to your blog for more information. This way your reader volume will increase and perhaps you have a way to cross reference if your increase in popularity comes from IG or any other social media outlet.
    Bottom line: you’re a very talented and gifted designer, don’t feel pressured from any “likes” – the posts you receive here on your blog are a testimony to you. It takes 1 sec. to set a “like”, but it takes much longer to actually respond to you with a post.

77. I find myself viewing stories way more than the feed. This is why I assume everyone is seeing less likes on individual posts – because we’re all watching stories during our social media time and not the feed.

    That’s my theory!

    1. Agreed!

78. You’re amazing, and Instagram is probably past it’s peak just like Facebook, Snap, etc.

    I don’t Insta as much, it’s gotten less fun over there as everyone is trying to monetize it. It’s the platform of diminishing returns with more ads, more stickers and gimmicky boomerangs vying for my attention. It’s like driving down the Vegas Strip now, where it used to be more like stepping into a magazine.

    The content is all geared towards millennials. Lately, it does feel like many women designers I follow are now getting into beauty/fashion/lifestyle – lash and hair extensions, fashion stories, too many hats/shoes, moisturizers, make-up, diet tips and Must Haves – it’s sort of empty trend consumerism that I try to avoid.

    I still love the blog and tend to check it with my morning coffee.

    1. I feel like I should apologize for my bad attitude about fashion/beauty stuff! It is just my own opinion, and for those who enjoy it, have fun! It’s only that as a long time fan who adores your team and you, I’m more into your interior design work, decorating, budgeting, new ideas, great finds. My favorite posts that you do are probably the round-ups. I love the thrifting posts. Brian weighing in is fun. The voices of your team are delightful.

79. I cannot tell you how many of your posts I have bookmarked…affordable lighting, credenzas, white paints, accent chairs, etc. I revisit them for myself and share them with friends. Loved the post on boots, so helpful…underwear too. Ha ! Love seeing your staff’s homes too. Gives me even more ideas! Whether the post is highlighting your project or another designers, I give you the credit! Hey, you deem it worthy? That works for me!
    PS – Ohhhhhhhhh, I love your mountain home.

80. Hi Emily, Like so many others who posted before me, I too spend less time hitting the “like” button because I’m spending more time hitting the “x” on the ads to get rid of them so i can see and read content. You asked for honesty, so here goes… I started following you on Instagram and reading your blog because I loved your interior design advice. I own your last book and really enjoyed it. I loved following the Portland Project and the Mountain House, and I really liked the blog post that showed how one of your designers showed how she goes through the design process – helping her colleague and her husband pick furniture and then show them various room layouts for their choices. That’s when your blog is at its best. All of the clothes posts should be left to a fashion blogger in my opinion. Also, I’ve noticed that LA designers all tend to do similar styling – white walls, boho, minimalism… and i get bored seeing the “LA look”. I would like to hear your take on other design. You mentioned you were traveling to other parts of the country for your new book, so I’m hoping you’re doing that. I would like to see ideas I can incorporate into my home that might have a southern flair or a New York vibe. You’re an amazing stylist and designer and I love when you comment on other’s design choices, as well as your own. Thanks Emily for asking for our 2 cents. I believe that’s why you are so popular. Besides the fact that your are obviously kind and talented, you value others opinions and you are a refreshing alternative to the typical designer with the big ego. Keep up the great work and thank you for being a bright spot in my day!

81. Emily,

    I’ve been following you since Design Star, and read your blog posts daily. I also follow you on Instagram, a platform that I really like but is changing so much with the ads (I do “like” your posts!). I am a former social media coordinator, now retired (at age 64). I love your design posts, your kids, Brian’s input, your staff’s homes, the surprise makeovers for deserving families. The fashion posts don’t really interest me (not my age group), nor the gift posts, but I usually scroll through. I’ve left FB because of the political climate, but I’m active on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. It must be difficult to run a business like yours, keep plugging away. Happy New Year, and I’m looking forward to see what you have in store for the blog in 2020.

82. I’m not a big Instagram person, so my input is probably a little off-topic, but HEART EYES to colorful, fun spaces. Also, my favorite EHD stuff is, like, vintage shopping and repurposing stuff. XOXO!

83. Just to give my perspective, I get enjoyment from seeing real time posts/stories on Instagram. I find I’m uninterested with “pre-recorded” content because I tend to close out if I see it. Hope this helps? I follow mostly to hear from Emily and find interior design inspiration for my own home.

84. I can’t speak to instagram because I find it to be a lot of noise, but I will say that I’m not visiting your blog as much anymore because there is very little design content of late. And the design content there is is written by your staff, which is less interesting to me. I’ve enjoyed your blog very much over the years, and the honesty about expenses and mistakes puts you in a league of your own, but as someone who wants to streamline her life in 2020, I’m only going to faithfully read blogs that bring me some enjoyment and information.
    (as a reference point, one of my fave rooms of yours was the green guestroom with the pink headboard – bold and risky and inspirational to me)

85. After reading Digital Minimalism and How to do Nothing I’m off social media entirely but for a weekly 20 min check/scroll and reading 2-3 blogs. I love EHD but social media is just decreasing my quality of life generally and making me feel like I should buy stuff I don’t need and try and have someone else picture perfect life instead of living my own and cherishing what I have in the present. So fewer likes might reflect people like me who just can’t do social media anymore because it’s taking away from real human connection. Just my two cents. Still love and support you and your blog!

86. I think the key is the photography editing style. The photos from Emily Henderson Design are very clear and sterile at times. The photos of the other insta posts are a little warmer, more rustic in editing and styling, and a little more “lived in.” The key to a great instagram/pinterest photo of a house is that is looks like you are standing in that house rather than looking at a magazine photo shoot like the photos of the Mountain House, etc. The non-EHD photos are so inviting and cozy. I literally want to make dinner and eat with friends in the rooms of #9, #4, #3, etc. That being said, EHD’s photography style is very consistent and “you” and therefore you probably won’t change it because it would be off-brand for EHD.

87. I feel that your posts “DO” come across as personal. It’s what made me become a faithful reader of your blog. There are a couple of other big name bloggers who started including a lot of other posters…which is fine…you do that as well. But I feel like along the way, they really lost that unique and personal touch. And it makes me not care as much. It feels like reading a magazine, instead of a note from a (pretend) friend. Personally, I think just keep up the good work and keep being your authentic self….or as authentic as it is possible to be online, anyway! 😉

88. I know my personal instagram tastes have just evolved. I’m European and I used to follow a lot of American interiors accounts, but now I just find the American look a bit “samey” and often over-styled so I’ve pared back on those accounts. I do prefer European interiors accounts (currently bingeing on Berlin), as well as some from further afield, but I’m sure that will evolve as well.

    I think it’s like other creative fields, you can only do what you want to do and hope somebody (ideally many somebodies) also like it. As a creative person myself, I know when I stopped chasing the money my output got much better – but then I had to get a boring day job to provide said money! Sp it’s a balance, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out (and yes, yours is one of the American accounts I’m still following).

89. I think the major projects that were covered this year (mountain house, Portland project) were a little generic. I did not see much personality coming through. I gravitate toward rooms with a personal twist, something odd or original. In 2020, I would love to see some new exciting projects, rooms that don’t necessarily conform to the typical EHD look.

90. I follow you on email and facebook so I’ve already “liked” your stuff by the time I make it to Instagram. And insta-stories doesn’t have a like button.
    I wish they had a “love” button for when something really hits me but then you’d be agonizing over how many loves you get.
    My favorite way to access me some Emily is the blog. It’s chock full of good stuff.

91. Emily, you are a leader, a teacher and someone we trust. Your work is fabulous and it’s also important you feature other designers so (as previously mentioned) we can know more about what your take is on a space..
    I would like to know more about trends you see coming and classic designs that are important to you. I have seen trends come and go and your designs are steady,, warm, inviting and timeless. Be easy on yourself!

92. I have been reading your blog and following you on instagram for years. Here are my two cents:

    1) The fact that your business is entirely reliant on your audience and how much they/we “like” what you’re doing is a recipe for an identity crisis. You can not possibly please everyone. I see how this is playing out in all of the posts that you’ve written about wanting to do more “weird” stuff, but you’re so worried about how your audience will react, so you poll us to find out if we want that or not. This will drive you insane and it doesn’t make sense – why would we want some kind of an amalgamation of all of our styles/opinions?? We want to see a professional do cool stuff that is driven by their own creativity and/or by their clients who are paying them to create a beautiful and functional space. That is why I think you would be better off, mentally at least, going back to paid client work and letting social media be a side thing. Rant over. (ps: I will follow either way, but do find it tiresome how self conscious this whole thing is.)

    2) I was thinking about your disappointment that so many of your top ten posts weren’t your work, and I was thinking about the hole left behind by Design Sponge shutting down. One of the most amazing things that Grace did, in my opinion, was highlight other designers/artists/makers and really advocate for them in this field (especially women, POC, folks with disabilities, etc). Maybe if you intentionally shared other people’s work who are exceptionally talented and could really benefit from your massive audience, you wouldn’t be bummed that they got a lot of likes. You might be really really excited and proud that you were able to help other people with the influence that you have.

    Happy new year! Hope you can take a break from social media! I’ll be sad and will miss your stories, but I will be there when you come back! 🙂

    1. 1000% agree with this content. It seems like once you gave up client work, the hand-wringing over how to make up that $$$ ensued and has led to the current situation. And after reading most of these comments, there is really no over-riding reason why people do or do not “like” your posts. I have read your blog every day, first thing, for what feels like forever. It honestly doesn’t even occur to me to like your Insta posts b/c it is often the second (or third) time I am seeing your content that day. People like me are your worst nightmare, and I’m sorry! I agree with everyone who is lamenting the insane number of ads that are on my feed and in my stories. It’s definitely a turnoff. But everyone here clearly loves you, so please remember that as you are reading these comments. And the fact that SO many of us have taken the time to comment hopefully will provide some validation, and some reassurance, that we want your success to continue.

93. LOVE this!!
    I’m a social director for a startup and really thinking deeply about how to approach content in 2020.

94. You’re the largest design account I follow on Instagram and regularly read your blog, so lots of love here!

    What I’ve noticed lately (and miss) is following the progress of a design project (big or small) from start to finish . You currently don’t have a mountain house/Portland house kind of project going on. It was fun to read your long blog posts about how you made design decisions for both of those projects and then see them come to fruition on the blog and Insta. I started following for interior and exterior design content, and love that the most! I just feel like Instagram in general has just become one pretty, perfectly stylized pic after another (which there is a lot design and skill being displayed in those posts don’t get me wrong). However, so many more accounts have popped up doing this that my eyes have started to glaze over as I scroll.

    Maybe we as the consumer need to pair down who we follow and focus our attention on the people/accounts we love most.

95. I just want to say that is it REMARKABLE that you have so many people willing to spend time writing their thoughts and insights to help you. That says a lot about YOU and your fans. Very cool. Happy new year! I’ll keep following.

96. As many other people have said, it’s necessary to scroll through the instagram feed fast as there’s just so much to get through. So, as far as I can tell, in order for users to stop and look and like something it has to really stand out and have immediate impact – that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best image or the best designed space, there’s just something attention grabbing about it. For instance, the photo above with the incredible arched window – that’s just an amazing room. If EHD had designed that room it would have been equally amazing but frankly it’s the window and all the greenery that make that shot so striking. So it’s not your design or your photography or your captions that are at fault, it’s just that you’re not designing or shooting things specifically for instagram (quite rightly) so you’re not always posting a high impact “wow” image, and without the context of a blog post your beautiful photos and designs might get a little lost amongst all the attention grabbing shots out there. I don’t think you should beat yourself up about it at all, I’m sure other design accounts have exactly the same issue – some shots are beautiful and stylish and showcase wonderful design but might not have that eye-catching element that gets the likes. That’s a problem with the platform and not with you.

97. I’ve been (quietly) following your blog and instagram for years and years and I still love it all. It’s evolved and changed but it’s all good. I just did a quick scan of your insta and noted I liked about 50% of your posts, while still reading about 95% of all your blog posts. Why? A quick perusal made me realize I like posts that either appeal to my personal aesthetic/style or that I want to look back on for inspiration as something I’m capable of accomplishing in my own home. Some styles I enjoy but is not what I want in my personal space. It doesn’t make me want to see your posts any less or different, but that seems to be the marker for me. Which I think just goes to show that the way everyone uses each social platform is SO specific to each person and there’s no right way to get it. Be you, and people will find you (and the old cliche of trying to please everyone will please no one will apply here).

    My sister and I are both redoing our kitchens in 2020, and since she lives in PA and I in Burbank, we text a lot of ideas and inspiration to each other. I am *constantly* texting her pics from your blog and insta to show that whatever idea one of has that might be questioned can work when done well. It’s always been about taking what’s good and making it a little extra special or turning the traditional on it’s head. It’s fun to see your staffs homes with the smaller spaces because they are practical ideas any person can use. I fall somewhere in the middle of where most of your posts seem to go. I’m definitely no where near the level of the Portland House in terms of high end finishes (which is stunning) but I own my home and will be staying here for awhile, so I’m beyond the rental fixes or “not the forever home” cheaper fixes in tiny homes. I find a little bit of inspiration in both those types of posts but neither one is specifically my space.

    I also love your personal posts because I also have a younger child around the same age as yours so I relate so much to that.

    My number one goal for 2020 is to figure out how to make my kitchen (which will open up the entire house to the dining and living room) a light, airy, cozy space (like the Mountain House) with some fun, color and whimsy (like old school Emily). Is this possible? How do I marry these two? Who on your team can I hire to help me?! Haha

98. Ack! Don’t let social media stuff get to you!! You have the goods. I especially love your flea market posts, how-to-choose-a-white-paint type posts, and before/after rooms from your staff. I have admired you since your TV days of Secrets of a Stylist when your clients would chose a tie, or favorite fork from a pile, and thus inspired you to create the room of their dreams. You always nailed it. Follow your own words on this very page, “Emily is a stylist, author and T.V. host with a strong commitment to vintage inspired approachable home style for every single person. Perfection is boring; Let’s get weird.” Get weird again Emily!

99. This is a small thing but the product placement posts do cheapen the design feel. A Target piece here and there is great. Two months of pushing seasonal decor merch is too much. The other thing I would note is that you are about to get a little more time and occasional solitude given ages of your kiddos. Both those things, time and solitude, are important to your creativity, so I think you can expect a new chapter to emerge that will feel true/quirky/personal/good. I found plenty to like and study in 2019 as well but did see the air leave the tires a little post Mountain House. I hope found objects, design constraints and limited budgets will be your friends – necessity is the mother of invention and you are inventive at heart!

100. I’m reading right now as a break from a kitchen DIY project. I’m about to paint our cabinets the exact color you used in the Portland project and I used your tile layout guide to convince my husband to do square tiles in an offset pattern (he kept arguing square is contractor-grade). There tend to be a lot of commenters saying that your content has gotten too out of reach price-wise but for me it is inspiration. I love your content and that of your team but the measurements I’d use if I were you are page views or time on site and not likes.

101. I love your work, and admire and respect your thoughts on everything design, so maybe your top 10 is a result of the audience taking note of not just your design but the things that YOU think work. It’s second nature to you but takes more effort for us. Plus, highlighting someone else’s work is selfless so I always try to “like” those as saying thanks to you.

102. I must be a weird outlier because I’m not seeing these Instagram ads that people are talking about! With me though, I don’t like it when it feels like someone is obviously trying to get me to engage. It’s “not authentic” as much as I hate that word. I just went to your Instagram feed and it feels like you’re either trying to get me to click somewhere (your blog which I still love), or get me to buy something, or a post was carefully crafted to get me to comment or like. Basically I don’t like it when I can tell when a post was written to get me to respond a certain way.

     For me, I also only really liked Jenny Komenda and Chris Loves Julia’s stories and your flea market ones because they feel like you guys are just sharing a journey or advice with me. Not trying to get me to do something.

103. I left when you got overly political over time and only come around from time to time. For all I know I got blocked for mentioning something from a conservative perspective.

104. Test

105. Honestly, I think we also have gotten a little tired of hitting the “like”button. Not for any account in particular and not because we don’t like the content shown. Just laziness and Instagram over-use.

106. Only because you ask:

     I think you nailed it. Sometimes spontaneous, colorful, casual, and imperfect feels more personal. I love following along and look forward to next year. The latest projects have felt very luxurious, but not necessarily as warm, quirky, and interesting as some of your past work. That said- who gives a crap what I think. I wish you all the courage to do exactly what you want and if we get the pleasure of following- awesome!

107. I think another person’s work stands out more on your account because it’s unexpected. When I see a post from you I expect one thing and see an unexpected image which triggers a response. I think it’s human nature to gravitate to the unexpected.

108. Overall I think people are getting “like” fatigue. I find mind myself not even liking all my friends posts because there are so many.

     If I think back on your projects/posts, it could be that your actual work is getting “diluted” on the like count because you do tend to stretch out the reveals of rooms or projects over multiple posts. So, if you like ones, do you like ALL the pics/posts? Probably not. Perhaps that’s why some of the other photos from other sources are getting higher individual counts because they are, individual?

109. Your likes are going down because people are consuming so much more content. How many more accounts are you following? You can’t like everything so you view everything and like two things – personal moments when you want the poster to “feel” your like and things you want to save for reference – almost the same way as Pinterest. A lot of your top 10 fall in the later – a wall gallery you can imitate yourself, color inspiration, etc.

110. I know how you feel, felt this way last year about my top 9, almost none were personal, and had a total transformation year with my channels. Sharing inspiration pics on stories or emails only and trying to make my own feed super personal and I can say that with all the highs and lows, I
     saw a significant difference. My personal story telling and imagery reflected that this year and it does feel good. I can’t wait to see your new charge and it will work out the same way, promise.

111. I read your blog almost exclusively, so I don’t have great feedback on the Instagram questions. I love the decor blog posts, but I pretty much ignore the fashion ones. I know my style; not gonna get anything from a fashion post with items that I would likely not order anyway. LOVED the mountain house/Portland house renovations. Flea market posts and roundups are probably my faves. Don’t worry about the likes. Your readers love you.

112. When Instagram stopped showing the # of likes on each post, I feel like it took the incentive away to tap “like”. Not sure why, but I definitely think it’s a thing. Your Insta content is so good. Personally I’m amazed at how often I “swipe up” from your stories. I switched from Cup of Jo to your blog because I sooo prefer spending time in your world. I also love your kids but I like and respect that you keep the kid content low key. I have my own kids to obsess over and adore, that’s enough for me 😛 Also thank you for the text summaries overtop your Insta stories as you talk, I usually can’t have my sound on!

113. Above all, I follow you to learn about interior design. I LOVE the details: how to style a table, how to organize a drawer. There’s already lots of eye candy in the world, and wayyy too many personal blogs/accounts. I think the more of the nuts and bolts interior design stuff you can post, the better – that’s your wheelhouse and unique contribution.

114. You are clever, with a good heart, and inspirational sense of style. I came for the design inspo and stay for your wit & honesty about life as a young, creative working Mom. Thank you for all the wonderful content you put out there! This reflection of yours is a good reminder that liking your posts in my head isn’t the same as liking them with a click.

115. One more comment and it relates to age. People have said they appreciate the diversity of your staff but what I notice is that your entire staff is really young. I wonder why you don’t have any staff similar in age to yourself or older? I assume its a lot of factors from the fact that you are in LA where youth and beauty trumps all, to the fact that early career employees earn less than mid-career, to the fact that younger people are quicker to adapt to social media platforms, and that a young energetic staff can make work fun, etc. As I read through the comments there are a lot of people here who have followed you since Design Star and earlier. That’s a pretty good indication that they are not in their 20s, but likely mid-30s and above. I like the personalities of many of your young staff, and I’ve really enjoyed the MOTO series and the horror stories of buying houses in LA, and Velinda acting as Sara’s interior designer, but ultimately I’m here for your style content not theirs. There have been other influencers who are now in their 40s whose 20-something staffs now run their blogs, and I have completely lost interest even though they are trained to “stay on brand”. I don’t want content curated by a team trained to figure out what you like, I just want you to tell us what you are liking. That’s what’s interesting to me and more so as you continue to mature. Since you can’t produce all the content yourself I do prefer the really personal posts as mentioned above, those that really have nothing to do with your style but instead are specific to your staff.

     1. It has also occurred to me as well about the ages of the EHD staff. They are so young and their lives are focused on rental home designs or small home renovations. Perhaps someone over 40 or 50 on the staff to bring that perspective into the conversation??

     2. I completely agree with this. I wish that you had someone even older than you on your staff. I love reading what the younger adults are liking and how they are designing their first homes, but I would also like to read about older homeowners–how to design with stuff that we already have, what to get rid of, and what to drag out of storage, how to rethink things that we already have. I still love your blog though. It’s the only blog that I read regularly and I love your voice and design style, Emily!

116. Interesting top posts! I am also a huge EH fan generally and LT follower. I’m surprised by these findings but being honest, I also now realise I haven’t read or liked as much of your published content in the past year at least, because:
     *** Ads *** They are completely over powering and I don’t want to see them (at all.) I feel that they massively ruin the aesthetic (flashing banners) and distract from the content. Plus NO-ONE else I follow does this and presumably manages financially, so I have other options.
     Overall though, I think you should do whatever work you prefer, maybe you’ll lose some readers, but gain others. HNY to you all!

     1. The issue with likes may be that many of us only like posts by people we know personally. I very rarely like posts by businesses or influencers. (When I do, it’s probably because they’ve expressed a risky opinion that I want to support or have shared something very personal that inspires me to acknowledge them as, well, human.) And I definitely never like a sponsored post. But I’m still regularly engaging with the content and even sometimes buying something you recommended. I know that’s probably shitty to hear as it sounds like the likes are required to convince advertisers to hire you. But as my feed becomes more and more cluttered with ads, celebs and design influencers (which is of course my doing because I follow them!), I like to reserve my comments and likes for the people I actually know, to ensure a) my friends don’t get lost in my algorithm and b) that THESE are the people I focus my energy connecting with since I have relationships with them IRL. It’s tricky. As much as I appreciate the excellent and free content you share, and think it’s fair to want us to pay for it with likes…. you are still essentially a business, posting for the business of making money, and we are all so so saturated with that everywhere we go, that it all just starts to blur together into one big influencer bubble. I love seeing your design posts and wouldn’t want them to just be personal posts or fashion posts, but I don’t know that I would change my liking habits. I don’t know what the answer is! This is a really tough medium.

        1. Sorry I meant to post this as a main comment, but it posted as a reply to the previous commenter. Just clarifying that I wasn’t intending to directly address the above comment 🙂

117. I’ve truly enjoyed (almost) all of your blog content this year, which is as much as l can ask of any style site. I’ve almost completely withdrawn from social media (Instagram, even Pinterest) due to burnout, so l actually really appreciate when you highlight not only your original content but pictures of other designers’ work, because l would otherwise never come across it myself. I especially loved those different style series you did a while ago (Modern Victorian was my absolute favourite, but the others were great too.) So many inspirational pictures that l saw only because of your blog. I also love the mix of small spaces/Target deals versus higher end/architectural posts. Yours is the only site that l read every day, and it’s the high/low mix that l love.

118. Nice Interiors, if you’re looking modern curtains and sofa fabrics Red Velvet is one of the best Classic and Modern fabrics for curtains and upholsteries.

119. I heavily curate Instagram in terms of what I follow. I want positive, creative, happy, content that isn’t trying to sell. I want to see things regularly. And dare I say fun? Your world is one that I delight in visiting! I’m not a mom, I’m an older generation, live in red state South Dakota and yet feel so connected.

     I like that you are watching likes for feedback-what was engagement? I love the votes and things that pull us in to be part of the story. It may feel gimmicky on your end but it doesn’t to me.

     I find that even some accounts I like constantly wind up falling out of my feed (Caribou, New York Times cartoons) and I do think #%~^ algorithm when I notice I’m missing one.

     The story is my favorite and is most consistently there.

120. I heavily curate Instagram in terms of what I follow. I want positive, creative, happy, content that isn’t trying to sell. I want to see things regularly. And dare I say fun? Your world is one that I delight in visiting!

121. I love all of your work, but I am excited for the more fun version of Emily. That is who I was drawn to and could not get enough of. Quirky Creative Emily can’t be found elsewhere and that is what I love to see. I agree with the other reader that sometimes a few less posts resonate more, but understand you have to feed the machine. Thank you for making the world a more interesting beautiful place. Do your thing sister and stop worrying about our opinions. That is when it was the most pure and fabulous.

122. I simply love you and everything you do! Frankly, I’m SOO over insta and rarely “like” posts. Not sure if I’m the only one who doesn’t hit like (even if I like a post in my feed), but I’m more about looking and scrolling and then getting off my phone. Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t let “likes” hold any weight!

123. Coming back to say that the Insta storyline I found most engaging this year was Daniel Kanter of Manhattan Nest’s redo of a (you-guessed it) kitchen. Play-by-play including his dilemmas, informal but fun. In case you are casting about for inspiration.

124. I don’t even begin to understand how all this social media works or what it means to your business. I follow you (and other designers) on instagram, but almost never “like” anything. I’m busy….I flip through instagram when I have a minute of idle time, but I seldom spend the time to analyze those little squares and give them a “like”. Personally, what little I do know about social media seems like a bit of a game to me. Don’t get me wrong, I love looking at pretty interiors, and am often inspired by some of those little squares, but I don’t tend to give my input with a “like”. How many people are like me, and appreciate what we see, but don’t give feedback?

     I receive your blog posts in my email. I usually scan through the posts on fashion and other hoopla, but the posts of your design work……I devour those! I read every word, study every photo, and try to figure out if I could do something similar in my own home. Your Portland Project and the Mountain Home were perfection, in my opinion. When you were revealing those projects, I literally would pull up my computer while I ate lunch, hoping there would be new content/info on those projects, and feel like I hit the jackpot when there was. That’s where you excel…..you have an amazing talent, and I can’t get enough of that. Now, I realize those large scale projects require a lot, and I can’t expect a big reveal every post, but that’s the stuff I most look forward to.

     I guess what I’m trying to say is I don’t know what true value the feedback from those little Instagram likes give you. And perhaps I should start “liking” every Portland Project/Mountain House photo so as to encourage you to keep doing what I believe is what you do best. Carry on, Emily Henderson; I think you’re the shit. 😉

125. I read and view your website and I too am a EM Super-fan. However, I don’t jump into the “likes” and “comments” arena because it seems that it can become “ugly” in nature although I note your followers tend to be more positive. I have particularly loved that you post sources (artists, products).

     Reflection is good – just want you to know that not everyone in audience feels it imperative to comment – we are still watching, listening and supporting you. Looking forward to more in 2020!

126. I love your “authentic” (sorry) voice. Yes, give yourself a break. It’s got to be hard to come up with new content of spaces you did yourself every day. I like seeing the spaces of your staff- because the budgets are closer to what most of us can do. I think your styling is the star and you can do that pretty easily without a huge design project.

     Sometimes I wish you were here near me so you could help me style my house- maybe you could do more with the spaces of your readers- not huge design projects, but smaller styling projects.

     I was a huge Martha Stewart fan back in the day. She had such a great voice in so many areas. When she had to leave her post at her company, it became a shadow of its former greatness. I feel sometimes you could be in danger of that because some of the content written by your staff just isn’t- you.

     I come to read your blog every day. I am not an Instagram fan. Maybe it’s Instagram that’s going to die off, not your voice! To me, Instagram is so shallow it’s not worth my time to look at it.

127. I haven’t been here for ages. I follow sometimes, then unfollow. I think I saw you talk at Alt Summit years ago and really had no idea who you were at the time, but liked what you had to say. So sometimes I come here. I am certain I am not your target market, but I do not dislike you – you seem like a nice person with good positive energy and ideas. Home Design isn’t my ‘world’ but good design is. I am looking for cabinet hardware for my kitchen renovation I am doing (by myself) ~ so came back here as I know you are up on the ‘latest’, have good taste and morals, and that I might find some good options here.

     And then I stumbled into this post! What I actually found more interesting than the post, were all the comments! COMPLETELY FASCINATING. This is a great representation of where the human psyche is at. As a small business owner trying to be true to myself and not get caught up in all the social media traps that are dead ends, and as a former blogger (personal, before they became a ‘paid thing’) who believes using a blog for my business is still worthwhile, I really found the comments below validating and interesting. People really love coming HERE, to this BLOG, I think that is a really great sign that people are looking to go deeper than likes (which I personally have been focussing on since 2017, and why I am commenting here). [side note, remember when people used to regularly engage in blog comments back in the day? it was so much more of a ‘community’].

     I do not follow most bloggers I am interested in on IG (including Cup of Jo – it just doesn’t interest me to see her life on IG, but I really enjoy her blog most of the time). I follow people’s blogs I like on Feedly and regularly check that feed for new blog content (I am I alone there?… I don’t think so…). And if I am really interested, I subscribe to newsletters or follow someone on Pinterest instead of IG.

     At the end of the day we can’t all win at the popularity contest, it wasn’t true in H.S., and it isn’t true in the world of social media and the internet. All we can do is be ourselves and seek our happiness from within, and hopefully somewhere in there some of us are able to pay our bills.

128. Ok…here’s my honest assessment, right or wrong, it’s just my personal feelings about said topic. Many bloggers start their blog life with a seemingly clear direction and idea of what they’re all about. Next thing you know we get ?insiders? look at everything they’re wearing, or eating, or buying. How they vacation and entertain…what they got the kids for Christmas. Maybe for a certain age group this is pertinent information. But, for many others this is not why we started following your blog. I understand that blogging is now a career; hence no longer just a hobby, but a way to make money. I have no problem with that concept. I just get tired of having to click out of multiple ads multiple times while trying my best to read content. The answer may be in not trying to offer content several times a day or week, but one good
     idea that shows us start to finish how this vignette, room, landscape, or view actually came together. The tries, options, fails that are the reality that all of us face when designing anything from a DIY Christmas ornament to a totally revamped living room or bedroom.

129. Try more crappy iPhone pics of your work and fewer same as on your blog professionally shot images? Easier, FASTER and way more real. People like new angles and stuff and there are only so many pro shots it makes sense to do.

130. Kinda piggybacking here, but I rarely like something on Instagram, even when it’s interesting. My Instagram feed is now solidly 40-50% ads, so it’s no longer an enjoyable experience. I do consistently come to the blog, though. I wish the afternoon snack was at a predictable time, but other than that I’m pretty happy. Looking forward to the new year, and hopefully some more budget rooms and feel good makeovers.

131. I read your blog and every day and I doubt I ever “like” the photos on Instagram, only because I see the photos on your blog so often. What I like to look on Instagram are amazing, probably super high cost projects (ie the kind you would see in architectural digest or Elle decor), not the more attainable ones like your Motos. But I love the blog content, and have purchased many, many things over the years because you recommended on your blog. Keep up the good work!!

132. I never like any image, but I have LOVED all of your content, on IG and the blog, all year long. You are honest and authentic and creative and thoughtful, and I know how much hard work you put into everything both in and out of the office. THANK YOU for all of it! You inspire me every day.

133. I find that people are drawn to images of something that was created out of need and they express a personal touch. I see that more in the examples that are in your top 10 that are not from your team. Especially the one with the alcove. I’m
     Betting the designer / owner created of that area did it out of necessity for something they had to make work. Necessity is the mother of invention. I think it makes us strive more and dig down deeper to find a creative solution.

134. I have to agree with others’ comments that I did like it more when there were less blog entries and they were written by you. I made sure I read them because I was interested in what you had to say. Sometimes too much content waters it down and makes it less enticing. I love when you chronicle renovations ( loved when you did the one day makeovers helping families) and loved your thrift store/ flea market excursions and incorporation of affordable finds from Target into your home. I liked seeing what you did in Portland and at the mountain house. Just found them a little less relatable because they were too high end. I really love your posts when you discussed topics such as Why people voted for Trump or gun control. I read many readers comments and I found myself often discussing the things I learned with my friends. There is so much you do well and you seem like such a thoughtful person. Please know this is all said to provide requested feedback and not meant to be critical in any way.

135. I agree with a lot of the comments about the shift in user experience on IG. There’s too many adds that I just prefer to go to your blog for the content. I’ve been faithfully reading your blog on an almost daily basis for the last 5+ years and have to agree that I prefer more thougtful design posts than numerous fashion/life/sales. I live in Canada and almost anything you post that is referring to a product is either substantially more for us to buy or not available so I literally skip over any product stuff. Love the content linking to articles or non-product things. My fave posts this year were the mountain house and flea markets. I sometimes struggle with the amount of consumerism that is promoted on the blog (I know this most often comes hand-in-hand with interior design), because it’s just not sustainable in any sense environmentally. The hard truth of this year is we all need to consume less. I think it would be phenomenal if you pursued your love of vintage and pivoted to sourcing used or took on the challenge of design with minimal consumption or environmental impact. All that’s being said, you have one of all time favorite voices and you feel like an old friend because of that. So just do you ?. And give yourself a break too!! You’re amazing!

136. I’m in it for the reno’s. I loved it when you had clients. I loved seeing how you transform or style a space. I love seeing what you thrift! The Portland Project and Mountain house are my favs. I like the fashion posts too – but I prefer them on insta rather than the blog.

137. Hummm! You won’t get an unanimous answer from all of us and it’s an exercice where you may not like the answer…

     Short answers : You were a designer who had a blog… now you are a blogger/ influencer who designs / lifestyle. Your content changed, therefore your public will change and may not change as quickly as you want!

     – Lifestyle posts that sometime feel like ads and less diverse content that sometime do not appeal if you are not into big renos!

     Long answer :

     You’re the only blogger I read, however I don’t see Your Instagram posts often, and when I see them, I have already seen them on the blog so I don’t click like, or it’s often yet another mountain house kitchen/your living room that I have the impression already seen… (it’s the impression I have)

     The reason I started following you: you are a real career designer with clients so your content was diversified… Now with your house/mountain house/ Portland house… When the style you chose was not what I would have chosen it began to feel repetitive. sorry! I really enjoy that you are now showing your collaborator houses too (Budget friendly too!)

     A lot of design bloggers are not professional and they only style / restyle their home. (Look I was given this new couch by XYZ…!!, you can buy it here!!) it’s not content to me, it’s an ad! I have the impression that design bloggers that were interesting sometime ago, now feel to me that They only post to get free upgrade to their house. Why would I willingly read that? You are not in this category of blogger, but too much of your house may begin to feel like that!

     -major home reno is not interesting to me (most people don’t do major reno often you know!) I really enjoyed when you used to decorate other people’s houses.

     – Portland project / mountain house / your new house while very beautiful do not stand out as much to me (… posts 2-3-4-9-10 seem to take more risks(?) to my untrained eye). i think you already talked about this in a previous post

     – clothes and other stuff with affiliated links: not interested To willingly read what is basically an ad unless it’s related to home design ( why I come to your blog).

     What I would like to read : how to change the style of a room without a gut reno, that takes talent (that you have and I don’t)! Bonus point if it’s a kitchen.

138. Weirdly, compared to other recent years there was a lot less content that felt relevant to me this year. The moody hues, the California fashion, the how-to-resell-Craigslist-finds, etc. neither spoke to my life nor felt aspirational (even as a key demographic 30s woman).

139. From a strictly visual perspective, I find the filters you use for your projects too whitewashed and bright. I think that trend was huge a few years ago, but now people are looking for more deep, saturated images. Perhaps that is why you are seeing this trend. I do love your content.

140. It’s is possible that some of the interest in other work on your gram is because it isn’t you. I read the blog, so I see images there and sometimes don’t pause for one I’ve seen on the blog already-I should- even if I love it. When you repost others, often I haven’t seen it yet (AND you have brilliant taste), so it stands out.
     Also, often you have different angles of the same room and some people might like the photo of the angle they love, but not every angle- that spreads the “votes” for your designs. Perhaps look at likes for all angles of a room to see the room designs that are resonating?

141. I am definitely hitting “like” these days, but not because I don’t like it. In fact, I’ll click on over to this site from a post, but won’t end up “liking” the post. I’ll try to remember to do that.
     Some of my favorite content from you has always been mood boards. 5 different powder room designs, or 5 Kitchen styles. Love those, and I miss them. I’d love less words, more “pretty”.
     I’ve been a reader for 100 years, still love you, not going anywhere! Happy New Year!

142. Love your blog, love your crew! I visit the blog regularly. I love all the different people and places you show, and I like hearing what you and your team like about them. I don’t care much about the fashion, love the design. I love seeing what y’all like.
     I realize this is your business, but I would love to see you have a few days off every week. Enjoy that beautiful family, and rest. Take the weekends off, nobody NEEDS content 7 days a week.
     Happy New Year!!
     Martha

143. Since everyone else is giving their 2 cents, here is mine….. I rarely do any likes on Instagram anymore unless it is people I know. I too have found over the years, the likes I do give on “commercial” accounts do drive more unwanted ads. I do love 90% of your stories. I hate the fashion posts because You and I have complete opposite fashion taste. Also, I have other blogs to get beauty and cooking, so I always skip your posts on those. I do love your posts on home organizations, the Mountain house and outdoor spaces. Your outdoor patio at home is my all time favorite spot. Looking forward to a new decade with you and your team.

144. I just want you to know I have to go looking for your Instagram posts or I don’t ever see them. I live your stories though! Not sure why I am not seeing your posts.

145. Hi Emily

     Is your livelihood dependent on “likes”? If so, you may have reached your peak ability to get the likes on IG. Just a function of utility and the lack of breadth in the design aesthetic here. Since the Portland and Mountain house were you main design features for 2019 there gets to be a fatigue from the readers at a certain saturation point–lovely as they are!

     Are you designing for clients again? That would broaden the design process, pictures available and commentary from you and the team. I have started unfollowing influencers who post the same room, different angle–it’s boring and clogs up the feed.

     Maybe it is time for EHD to have a product line now? Not just paid content from advertisers and looking for likes to create income. You have a special vision which Target should be tapping for product. Diversify the income streams for you and your team.

     Also leave the fashion posts for IG 🙂

146. Hi! I have followed and LOVED your blog for YEARS! I’m not crazy about Instagram and don’t think I’ve ever “liked” a post. I much rather read a complete blog post. My favorites are the ones you write (without the unattainable sponsored items) and the the MOTO have also been pretty amazing. You do have very talented (and relatable) people working with you. What I do not like are the fashions posts or worst, the political ones. Clearly you try to keep an open mind which I can appreciate, but even so, it’s very off putting and extremely unrelated to design.

147. I find this blog fun and useful. However, the best part is the affordable items you point out. Adding certain well designed, useful items to our home is always interesting. I live in the land of little retail. The internet is my portal. Keep it up. Keep it simple. Stick with what matters. Thanks!!!!!

148. I rooted for you on Design Star and I’ve followed your blog since then, so I am a fan. But I’m not on Instagram, because I don’t have the time. Also, as others have said, I Iike the more in depth stories of a blog.

     I think you and your team create an amazing amount of original content for the blog. Sometimes I wish that your team would not follow your style so successfully, especially in their own homes, because I would like to see a little more variety – the EH influence but with original twists for each of your designers. I think Arlyn has been especially successful at this.

     I think people “liked” your Instagram posts of other designers’ work because, you know, they actually like that work and like that you shared it with them. At one point you had a nice relationship with Remodelista where you both re-posted work from one another, which worked for me because I follow both blogs and I think you have some shared aesthetics.

     I have really liked some of your non-design posts this year. Brian’s post on the snip was absolutely wonderful. I would love to hear more of Brian’s thoughts on issues big or small. And your voice, too. I saw that you were “church shopping,” and I am curious as to how that is working for you? I would be interested in posts on Spiritual parenting and even Spiritual Design, which is a bit like re-parenting yourself by making your home so supportive of who you are that it feels like a spiritual home and experience. I loved your last re-design of your LA liviing room because it felt warm, lived in, restful, beautiful, and a place to be oneself. Now that is spiritual design.

     I’m not a fan of the fashion posts because most of them are not even close to my wheelhouse. In fashion and in home design I like classic with a bit of quirk added to it with jewelry or room accessories (often lamps).

     Thank you for producing such a good blog. Best wishes to you and yours for a Happy New Year.

149. Hi!

     I really like following you and everything you do — both on instagram, and the blog. I think they’re each a different side of your work which I appreciate. Since you asked for feedback — I do notice that whenever I message ‘you’ or try to interact on instagram, I don’t get the same engagement back as I do from other accounts — @sgardnerstyle , @chrislovesjulia , or @younghouselove all like posts or respond back with an emoji, just something to acknowledge that there’s someone on the other end of the line. I know that your scale is a completely different ecosystem to them so maybe it’s not feasible, but it’s something I’ve noticed and missed from interacting with you in the past (though it’s never stopped me from double tapping!!).

     All the best.

150. A few ponders for you 🙂 Are your cumulative instagram likes down? Or just your likes per post? You’ve recently upped the number of blog posts that you do, and that should make it such that each post gets less views and likes, but overall your views and likes would go up.

     Also, no worries at all about only some of the highest posts being your original work. I’ve read that successful content production should be about 1/3 new and original, 1/3 repurposed and re-used from past work, and 1/3 shared work from other folks… leaving 1/10 of free for all!! 🙂

     As others have said, I don’t like the fashion posts as much as your design content, but I view it as extra content that I didn’t get before… it’s not really replacing, just giving me more posts to choose from 🙂

151. I have been following the blog for quite a while, but I only just started following you on Instagram in the last few weeks. This is because I like your posts so much that I want to actually read what you write. Instagram is mostly for people that I just want to skim past pictures quickly, and not read. I did finally add you on Instagram because, well, how could I be NOT following you, when I love your posts so much. But the thing is, I see every one of your blog posts on my feed reader. Whereas Instagram only shows me an occasional one of your posts. So I don’t “like” all your insta posts because I don’t see them.
     And tbh, I’m only on insta at all because I use it to promote my bath and body products business. I find it rather annoying to use, because most businesses post a lot of uninteresting content, like selfies, or random pics of lunch, or their partner lying on the couch eating Pringles. (And when I post those kinds of pics on my business page, they do get likes. I could probably post a pic of the kidney stone my partner just passed, and it would get lots of likes, even though I never talk about him or post pics of him. People are weird.)
     Also, people on insta are…um…well, I can’t think of polite word. I ran a giveaway – you had to like our page and tag two friends. The MAJORITY of people screwed it up. They’d like the post but not the page. They’d like the page but not tag anyone. Etc. It was a mess to try to pick a winner when most entries had to be disqualified.
     I wonder which filter looks best on a kidney stone?

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