Okay, that is not it, YET, sadly. This room is from the Mjolk house which has been a source of inspiration for me throughout this whole process, but on to the real mountain house update.
We spent over two weeks up there over Christmas and I can say without hyperbole that it was the best two weeks of my life. The energy was so good and calm. The kids didn’t fight and barely asked to watch TV. We crafted, had scavenger hunts, went on one million walks and bug hunts, made forts, cooked so much soup, hung out with friends, and I took 8-10 micro bubble baths. I didn’t open my laptop except to order vacuum bags. At one point, I realized that I hadn’t been in a car in FIVE DAYS.
The point is, that house is doing exactly what it is supposed to be doing for me: forcing me to relax and unplug, and providing a space away from LA to connect with my family. Also, let’s face it, the sweet, sweet satisfaction of being done with the most stressful renovation of my life doesn’t hurt, coupled with the fact that I truly love, love, love the design. I suppose I felt a lot of pride in it and the only pain I felt was fulfilling your survey request to NOT show you too much on social media.
The day before we moved in back in December, my team and I went up there to set it all up. We brought up a combination of leftover furniture from my house, the Portland project (that I had shipped down) and then we brought what was over from our storage unit up in the mountains. We placed it all and I realized that it looked PRETTY DARN GOOD. Was I expecting to use my old sofa up there? No, but I really loved it in the family room. Did I think that my wood armchairs that were originally in LA would be so comfortable and feel right in the living room? Nope. And while all of it might get moved around, it made me really reconsider something…wait, why am considering replacing all these pieces that I actually like? Why not just see if I can make these work in the design of the house and then if they can’t, move on from there?
It was such a relief to make that decision, and little did I know that it was aligned with the feedback from you about more approachable ideas and less “look at my custom sofa that took six months to design.” But this does mean something else and I’m not sure how you’re going to feel about it…
…We are officially done with the “I Design, You Decide” series for furniture and decor (of course the Vacay Giveaway will still happen and everything that has been recorded thus far will still count). There might be some projects along the way to vote on, but it stopped making sense for where we are right now because I really only wanted the house to look and feel one way and creating two design plans that look almost identical just seemed like a marketing gimmick. It was awesome for bathrooms and somehow made more sense, but showing you two very similar white rugs and being like “I don’t know guys, I just can’t decide” seems well, offensively obvious and condescending.
So I’ll be approaching decorating this project just like I do with most—using my three main steps. I’m starting from scratch in a way, but loosening up the perfection reigns for what I have that already works.
HOW DO I WANT IT TO LOOK & FEEL?
I already knew the style: the Rustic-Scandinian-Modern-Mountain-Minimalist-Contemporary-California-Chalet-Cabin look. It only took me one year and 82 “debates” with Brian to figure that out, and I’m literally an interior designer that should win all design wars (except Brian is typically right).
As a reminder, here are some reference photos (some you’ve seen, some new) for the vibe I’m after:
Most of the time, your style is derived from a combination of a few things:
- The architecture of the space. Sometimes a house wants you to lean in a direction but do NOT let your 100-year-old English Tudor bully you as mine did.
- Your own personal style. Your aesthetic preferences and what feels like “YOU” is very important.
- How you want it to “feel” versus look. Maybe your style is one way at work but you want home to feel different, so it’s not just your style, it’s the feeling that you want to get from your home.
For me and this house, I want it to feel the following things: Calm. Quiet. Relaxing. Airy. Full of space and light. Comfortable. SO COMFORTABLE. Happy, but not loud. In fact, so, so, so quiet…but interesting, with some quirk and unpredictable moments.
So I created a fantasy mood board that we love…let’s call this a “feelings board.”
Great. I’ll take it all.
A huge part of the design process is this step because it really to helps you understand what you are going for, EVEN IF you/I can’t actually purchase all or any of those things. It’s aspirational and it’s important to do because it’s a good reminder of how to stay on track, and, of course, to remind me to search and find the more affordable versions of those things.
That was our first board, but as it felt a bit unattainable, we redid it to feel more achievable—something I might actually be able to do.
It’s not totally different, and yet it’s more realistic for me right now.
Next up is…
CHOOSE YOUR COLOR PALETTE
You have your “look and feel” and some style semantics to help you explain it to others, so next, it’s time to come up with a color palette. You might actually be able to pull your palette from your inspiration board, with some tweaks, so let what you’re drawn to in your aesthetic vibe guide you if you’re stuck. For me, well…before you see mine you might want to alert the authorities but please don’t bother because the Associated Press has already ran the “Emily Henderson shocks nation with revolutionary color palette” story.
But it’s different this time, I SWEAR…
The blues are muted and more grayed out. The grays are softer, more heathered. The whites are creamier. There is more black but in tiny moments (well, except for that sexy black bathroom), and the green is more earthy, less poppy. There will nary be a bright color in this house, with the exception of the kids room.
That is a pretty paired down palette and I know there will be some blushes and warmer tones involved, but you get the idea.
BRING IN TEXTURE
Besides colors, you have the all-important textures that round it all out, that can add depth where colors can’t. Our wood is light, reclaimed and with a matte finish. The black iron is thin (and also matte). The schmear on the fireplace and the plaster is soft and even the stone is subdued and softened by being leathered instead of polished or honed. I forgot to put the brass up there, but hopefully you can get it (and we’ll edit it).
Last?
SHOP WHAT YOU HAVE
Use what you’ve got. Before you start all over, assess your situation. I ALMOST FORGOT THIS STEP.
Instead of ditching everything I have, I took an inventory of what I was already storing in my garage or in my house that really fit the mountain house vibe. Sure, I shopped some at the flea market, but at first, I pulled from what I already had and brought them up there. I didn’t know where things would go or in what room, I used my “pretty looks good next to pretty” rule and brought up anything that I loved in the vibe/feel, color palette and look we were going for.
So here is what I have up there right now. Maybe all of it won’t stay and maybe it will be moved around and around and around, but I was shocked at how great it all looked together.
The vintage Børge Mogensen chair and ottoman looked bad in its original fabric in our LA house, but up there near the family room fireplace, it sings. My Target tripod lamps (both floor and table) are great. I shipped home the most beautiful mirrors (from Thos. Moser) from the Portland Project and last year, I snagged the Rejuvenation tables for a makeover that never ended up happening. The tall blonde one looks so great with our sectional.
The soft rug from Dash & Albert that you might recognize from the Portland living room is looking great in the family room. The Article chair is next to our master fireplace (although I think it would shine more not so close to a big black steel square) and the Katy Skelton sofa is currently trying to find a home up there (but I might just put it in Birdie’s old room down here since they share a room now…more on that later). Oh, and that little black table from Target, which I’ve used all over so far…I just love its updated traditional shape and matte black finish.
The navy sofa (from Interior Define), wood armed chair, vintage Saarinen coffee table and Schoolhouse lamp are all things I’ve had FOR YEARS. I’m SO glad I kept all of them. They are honestly looking so good up there. They are all so practical and comfortable (and kid-friendly) and yes, in my color palette. The one good thing about being consistent in color palette is that things date a lot less quickly.
Lastly, the world’s most comfortable shag rug (it was Brian’s only real demand) will likely make its way into our master bedroom. I’ve used this I think five other times in a project and I can’t wait to dig my toes into the cush of it in the morning before having to have the “awful” debate with oneself of whether I take a bubble massage bath or a steam shower…Also, the universe’s most beautiful chair (by Fernweh Woodworking out of Oregon) was a gift from the Portland project that will likely don the most perfect corner near a window somewhere.
Regarding the Article sectional…I have shopped and searched for something super interesting and conversation making, but ultimatley this one that already sits in the room is kinda perfect for the vibe and style. Plus, it’s VERY comfortable. Someday I might find that perfectly weird low ’70s sectional that steals all of our hearts, but until then, I love this guy. Honestly, sometimes I wish it were in my living room here, too, but then I think “surely I can’t use the same sofa twice…” But can’t I?
So that’s where we are. It’s furnished, but not finished. It’s comfortable but not perfect. It’s getting there and throughout the next 6-9 months, we’ll be finishing the rooms and revealing them. As much as I’d love to wait to reveal EVERYTHING all at once, I just don’t think I’m willing to wait that long to start showing you (and I doubt you want to wait that long either).
I literally can’t wait to show you. As a massive over-sharer (duh), it’s hard to keep it all to myself so instead, I’ll just do my best to finish it more quickly so that you (and I ) can get the satisfaction we both need. Okay, fine, here’s just one little sliver shot I took on my phone a few weeks back, because I can’t help myself:
Thoughts? Comments? Opinions?
*And again, we are working out what the rest of “I Design, You Decide” and Vacay Giveaway’ looks like but the more you comment and share, the more entries you get and YES that will still happen. I can’t wait to host any of you who have been invested enough in this project to share it…and trust me…you’ll have a good time at this house. It’s my absolute happy place and maybe yours.
What I would love to see is a drip feed of how the rooms look now with furniture but ‘unfinished’ and then a gradual reveal of how you added those extra touches/changes to make them sing. Great to hear you’re trying to work with what you already have.
I’d love this, too! I don’t have a problem picking the larger pieces of furniture that speak to me, but I struggle with styling everything.
I second Piia! Would love to see the rooms just as they are now when you’re still working with the furniture you have, working out what you still need and then seeing how the spaces evolve. So happy for you that you had a blissful 2 weeks away and that the house is all you wanted it to be for the family!
Ooo – I’d like that too, but maybe in reverse order. Ie I’d like to see the final reveal and then the unstyled before.
I love the idea of slow drip. Especially as you rearrange. I’m in the slow (years) process of tweaking a space and watching you design in increments feels more natural to how most people do. Expect those unicorns whose rooms/house/life seem to spring effortlessly from a single burst of intent. I’m blending my modern/rusitic/scandi/mountain taste with my BOYF’s minimal(why more than one chair?)/traditional (wood and ships)/tech in a house that is both too large (too many bedrooms) and and smallish (1940s size living/dining spaces). Just saying that decisions get made and remade over time. Would love to see your process for that. And congratulations on LIVING in your gorgeous new home. That is after all, the point of it all.
Yes!! Mel is a GENIUS – I would love to see how you start off decorating with the furniture basics in there & how you move stuff around / start layering to achieve the overall feel. It would be so beneficial to see the starting “outlines” and how they get added to. (even if it’s done in one post with start photos and the gradual process you went through to get the final product)
Yes!! I would love to see this, it would be hugely helpful. I’m decorating my first house at the moment and, while I think I’ve got the fundamentals right in all the rooms, taking it from there to ‘styled’ is the big challenge.
Ooh i’m interested. What do you guys mean a ‘drip feed’. We got so much feedback about showing too much of the process, so that that people didn’t care about the reveals because they had seen too much but at the same time as a reader I would also want to see this … maybe doing it backwards would be good? We can definitely capture all the photos throughout the process when i’m up there …
I wonder if we’re different contingents? I’m in the camp of people who would like to see the works in progress as updates along the way. The final reveals, to me, are a different animal, and the process is helpful. But I also like to reread books, and not everyone does.
I think “drip feed” just means seeing it evolve naturally over time. I can’t speak for everybody, but I think the feedback of seeing too much of the “process” mostly applied to the construction phase of the past projects. Things like picking cabinet layout, knowing where to place a sink, etc are more technical aspects of a project that I don’t think everyone is interested in. It appeals to people who are/will be renovating, but for others those decisions might seem, I don’t know, chore-like or tedious. I think most of us started following you because of your styling skills, which is ultimately more relatable and achievable for all readers. I know I would love to see more of the styling process as it evolves over time because that is how I think most people decorate their houses and it would tell a more personal story about how you are living at this house.
What Katherine said. I’m not necessarily interested in the technical pieces, but I like the process of the decorating and styling. I love that you are able to use some of the furniture you already have, but in a new environment. All the pieces have a similar vibe, but are also fairly unique. Can’t wait to see where it all lands.
Well said, Katherine. Please show us the natural progression.
Yes! Exactly what katherine said! The construction process isn’t as relatable, but the styling and decorating is what I assume most people are here for and is more interesting to watch unfold.
I would love to see the evolution of the room, especially since you are working with pieces you already have. Learning how to move the pieces in, evaluate what works and what doesn’t, and then see what goes into the design process of what to keep, what to lose, what to change, is something that would be hugely beneficial to me. I am going to be renovating my house in the next year to 18 months, and would really value a resource of seeing how a design professional would undergo furnishing like most of us really would – taking what we have, seeing what works, and making changes from there. While I LOVE a final reveal, since this is your house and not a client’s, will there every REALLY be a final reveal? These spaces will change and evolve as your family uses the space and gets older. Its not the same as Portland, which was a completely DONE house before you handed it off to the new owners.
Love what you do here and thanks for asking for our input.
Yeah I think drip feed is maybe just more like what you did with your current living room. Like, “hey guys this is what my living room looks like these days. here is what I kept and here is what I changed out and why”. Just how normal people design their houses. Things don’t stay totally static OR change 100% all at once, it’s just a slow progression. A drip!
Super happy to see you try to use existing pieces, too 🙂
Yeah, I think the Portland problem was just as much about the fact that the furniture and decor was determined 100% for “make it pretty so it sells” which meant there weren’t a lot of lessons to be learned in the styling process for us. And the sneak peaks of the house revealed so many process posts of the architecture and construction, which is where the lessons were really to be had. So the slow but constant drip of Portland updates were problematic because it wasn’t the process of decorating (something we’re all trying to tweak in our own homes constantly), but the process of architecture and semi-permanent construction (pretty much one and done). I bet you’ll be getting hits on those articles for a long time as people go back to reference them for their own renovations or new builds, but few people have the patience to stay excited about a home renovation for months upon months in real life, let alone on a blog. The mountain house is much more like your LA houses – you’re deciding how to decorate and furnish for both function and form, and seeing you tweak things that aren’t working (like if you… Read more »
Yes! I agree with Jessie.
yes…I agree with all of these comments. It was the construction process and sneak peaks that dragged on, but I’m dying to see the mountain house and will love to watch it evolve as you refine the decor.
I didn’t do the survey but I want to see the process (as in pictures of how you style along the way to finished) or even bare rooms finished but not styled! Then see the finished product. I think most people were probably just reacting to the Portland project maybe being too much at the same time as mountain house idk but I want any & every photo related to the mountain house ASAP…haha! So dreamy!
Backwards would be fun to see the after and then before. We can then see why you chose what you did
I love that idea too! I’m glad you’re choosing to use, some of what you have. It’s much more relatable to a lot of what your readers are able to do. Plus, I think it fits in you’re return to pulling in more vintage, quirky, and weird. I think sometime you can get there by “making do” and then discover something that works
YESSSSS THIS!
I am 1000% more interested in the process than in the final staged and perfect photos. I think the reason I wasn’t super interested in the Portland house reveals is because i didn’t see much of the decorating decision making process, and therefore didn’t feel particularly invested in the outcome. We saw a lot of renovation decisions, but the decorating is what I’m really here for, and that part didn’t get covered nearly as much . Maybe I’m the only one who wants to see MORE of this stuff on social media, but it could be the perfect medium for those little updates. Increased visibility to those decorating decisions makes me more interested in the final result because I better appreciate all the little tweaks that ended up making the end design what it is.
I think you hit the nail on the head (?) with renovation vs decorating. Hadn’t realised that there wasn’t that much about the decorating process, it just happened in the reveals. But that’s where we need the most Emily guidance. ?
I personally love the renovation stuff too, love seeing a place transformed.
Agree 100%.
Yes!!! I agree. I saw the Portland project in person and was blown away. I would have loved to have read about the decorating process.
Yes! I love more the process posts. We’ve been in our new place for a year now and things are coming together, getting comfy and decent enough to hosts but definitely not finished. I love posts that show you the process of getting to that next final finished and live in stage. The Portland house was different as it was just beautifully staged eye candy so there is only so much of that one needs. The mountain house is a space that will reflect being lived in and, while probably still unattainable, might be more relatable.
I would be down for something like this for each room too – either a decorating process post showing how you tried out different furniture/styling configurations before settling on what (and why) felt right. Or a la Mel, an initial post of basics in the space (where and why- function + beauty) and then a second post styling it out and tweaking the pretties. I really enjoy and element of “what didn’t work” before you get to the final result, as it really helps me understand best.
Yes to this! Would love to see the process of styling unfold, both to show how to learn from trial & error, and also to learn how the final styling details can “finish” a space.
YES to all of this above! Seeing how you decorate and style a room around pieces you already own would be the ideal learning experience for me – and it seems others, too. I don’t need a whole room reveal to peak my interest. For instance, just that little sliver shot at the end of the blog could be a gold mine of content. What paint color did you choose, and why? What rules did you follow – or break – to get all those beautiful woods to work together? What should you look for when you mix neutrals together in the same room – cool vs. warm undertones, etc. Thank you for all you do – and for keeping it interesting all the time!
Yes!!! Me too!
Agree! Please keep showing the process – that’s the useful part!
Hear, hear! I love the process photos (of styling especially). I somehow missed the survey and absolutely loved the Portland reveal – it just felt a long time coming.
I’d hate to wait for more mountain house rooms!
Yes! Please give us posts as the rooms evolve. It doesn’t need to be 100% perfect to show us what things are looking like now. Heck, I would have loved a post with pictures of the mountain house after construction but before there was anything inside. It would help us appreciate all the architectural changes and finishes you’ve chosen. Just as an example, another blog I read is Chris Loves Julia, and even though their style doesn’t align with mine as closely, I enjoy following along with every iteration of their den, the evolution of their cabin kitchen, etc.
I’m glad it’s over ( I design…). At the beginning I was absolut exited about it but towards the end it didn’t feel right anymore. It’ s your house, your design and your life (and often it felt such a waste of work time). BUT I still love that you did it because it was such a huge learning process for me and I love that you challenge yourself. Love that you used furniture you already had. ?
I always thought it wasn’t a great idea either and felt unauthentic. But I guess I feel the same way about sponsored posts….it’s like, here is the stuff I chose within the limited constraints of this company that is paying me or giving me these things? I mean I do understand how this works, but I guess I love all of the flea market finds that really seem more about Emily being Emily.
I think Mel’s idea could make for some fun and interesting content! Maybe you could do it for at least a couple rooms
Commenting for contest entry.
I completely understand why the I design you decide is over when you have one specific vision for the house. I have a suggestion instead! Would be awesome to see (via a mood board or something) how you would design each room for a different style
Where is the gold lamp from?
So glad you’re working with what you’ve got too, it’s so exciting to fall in love with pieces you already have in new ways!
Totally unrelated question, but how do you keep that lovely shag rug you use in the bedrooms clean? PLEASE SHARE CLEANING TIPS! We have a similar rug in our bedroom and I live in terror that I won’t be able to keep up with the white… but it feels so good! Any tips on rug cleaning in general (vintage, shag, flokati, etc.) would be SO welcome!
Since its upstairs its further away from the outdoors its not as bad as if it were to be downstairs. Then also the “dirt” just kinda is evenly distributed so it takes a long time to really notice. It’s not as bright white as it was for sure, and I’ve gotten it cleaned twice ($200 each time – they come pick it up and they put it back down – takes a week). It’s higher maintenance but boy is it so comfortable and worth it.
oh please, please do not drag out the reveals over the next 6-9 months. I know you can’t wait to show all them at once – but I don’t think they need to be perfect before you show them. Maybe you show the rooms now, then update again in 6 months when they are truly finished? The problem with Portland was how long it took to get reveals, how they dragged on, and there was no rhyme or reason to when or how they were reveled. What if you did “Mountain House Mondays”, and each Monday gave a new update / reveal? Again, even if it is not perfectly finished – I think most of us would rather see a before and after then wait months to see a ‘perfectly styled’ room. More like what you did for your LA house. It’s all a work in progress – we get it! Just my thoughts! I love you, your style and as an Interior Designer myself – I relate so much to what you are trying to do here – I just know personally more updates that are less perfect are so much better to me, then waiting forever so the… Read more »
Yes agree – this dragging out of reveals feels like a scam, and like click-bait.
Nobody wants to drag it out, I promise. It just literally takes time to actually furnish a house. We are shooting the kitchen, family room and the kids rooms in February so you’ll get three asap!!! (we have to wait for the stools in the kitchen).
Yes! Mountain House Mondays! I personally do not like just getting the “afters” in a process. I seriously go to IG all the time just to see if Chris Loves Julia has posted a story from their cabin and did the same for you when you were at the Portland project. I want to see all the thought process in action! That being said, can’t wait to see it however you give it to us.
YES to the CLJ comment. She posts just quick updates like “these chairs didn’t work, this chandelier was awesome and here is why”. I like to see little updates all the time and not just a post once it is FURNISHED like a designer home. Can we see just in between furnished?
I love this idea. Once you’ve got rooms furnished enough to use please share them! Then share updates as you make them. More like the “regular” home bloggers (without a staff) do it. Just progress shots along the way. Can’t wait to see it!!!
I’m so so happy for you!!! A second home should be ALL those things: happy, healthy and connected!
And i’m Super happy for us to see you reuse and reimagine and recombined your favorite things. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that’s what made me less interested in the Portland Project than I expected to be. I love a good reveal— but having everything new just doesn’t feel realistic! Now I CAN’T WAIT to see the mountain house.
I also wouldn’t mind a video tour of your LA home now that I know a bunch of things have changed…
I am so happy to hear a progress update on the Mountain House! And I really respect your decision to change course on the I Design series. If it helps, I completely agree that it made a lot more sense for the initial design plans (tiles, finishes, etc) than the actual furniture design, since this is something you will live with. No need to put any roadblocks in the way of you and your family actually getting to enjoy the house. 🙂
Oh, and I looove that you are using the furniture you already have! As someone with only a handful of furniture pieces myself, I keep bringing almost every piece with me during every move. Now that we have actually bought a flat, I really enjoy finding final (for now) places for them! Also, seeing how and why you move furniture around would be a post that I would be very interesting for me so I can get some ideas. 😉
Totally agree that it makes sense to let I design/ you decide go at this stage. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing! If you are ever in a genuine quandary about an item or a direction, I am certain your readers will always be delighted to weigh in. Excited for reveals and excited for YOU that you are moved in and loving it. Also am So pleased to see you use and make work pieces that you already own. Can’t wait!
Tactical question- what’s the easiest way to make a color palette image like you have above while planning a room?
Thanks for listening to our feedback! Can’t wait to see reveals.
We did this in Photoshop and it was a little complicated if you don’t know the program (we have a custom brush, color codes, etc.). If you want to create a color palette in a much easier way, I’d say go about screenshotting some paint colors that you really like, then open them all together side-by-side, then just screenshot again, and boom, you have a rough color palette. Or create a dedicated Pinterest board to your color palette, and save paint swatches in there so you can see them all together.
Thank you!!
So happy to hear you love the mountain house!! Using existing furniture, and your vintage finds will help make the house more eclectic and can’t wait to see the results!! Congrats!
I have been looking for a navy herringbone fabric like in the photo? What is the name of it?
It’s from Stark Carpets: https://www.starkcarpet.com/treemont-stria?c=129158 in the Indigo colorway. (PS, it’s a carpet, not a fabric).
Very satisfying post, a greT way to preview the finishers designs. I like seeing the furniture first:).
So I think it is a huge mistake to make us wait 6-9 months before giving us an update on all the house. I know you said you’re going to be finishing rooms and then getting them up on the site ASAP but if it still takes 6-9 months to finish all of it, you’re in literally the same situation as the Portland house which everyone agreed was mispaced. Why can’t we see everything now? Why does it have to be “finished”? You said that it is comfortable. Start a weekly (someone suggested mountain house mondays) reveal of each room NOW. we don’t even know what the finished construction looks like! I really think there needs to be a step in between “planning and executing design” and “finished room”. As someone enduring a house reno, I’d love to see the construction and the house finishes before the way you style everything with furniture. Give an update now it is now (in pictures) and then an update when everything is finished.
Ok we’ll discuss today, but you HAVE TO PROMISE to actually read and care about the final reveals. 🙂 Believe me, I want to show you every room, all day every day, sneak peeks and I actually got in trouble for showing you too much on stories over the holidays because all the feedback was that you felt like you already saw it so the final reveals were like ‘meh’. But we’ll come up with a plan that makes sense. Kitchen is coming at you really soon, the rest of the rooms will take time to furnish … we’ll figure it out. And we are listening 🙂
Would love Mountain House Mondays and would LOVE to see rooms BEFORE furniture etc is styled perfectly. As a friend above said, we haven’t even seen the architecture finished! Maybe start with the outside of the house?? I remember the post months and months (and months?) ago about the options.
Please please please. SO EXCITED! And happy for you that your relaxation home did exactly that ??
Well the problem is that with the reveals you stage it too much and then don’t change! So of course people were “meh” about seeing rooms that they had already seen staged in sneak peeks. I really want to see blank rooms and focus on finishes, and then have separate posts of how to add furniture and finishing touches. And how all of that gets thrown out the window later when you want to change things up. But sneak peaks on final reveals is just like :/ I really want to see how the remodel turned out!!
Just a suggestion, but what about letting go entirely of the idea of “final reveals” for your homes? The concept makes sense for a project with a true end-point, like designing rooms in someone else’s space, or something like the Portland house. In those instances where, decor-wise, there is only going to be that one, final look, I can see how too many sneak peaks can spoil the reveal. But for your homes, there really are no “final” reveals because you and your family are evolving constantly, so what you need, what works, and what doesn’t is also always evolving. Charlie and Birdie sharing a room now is a great example. Neither of their room reveals were truly “final” because their rooms will change over time, and seeing the process of navigating those changes from a design standpoint is exactly what I hear people clamoring for. This is the “slow drip” – showing how decor shifts as individuals, families, tastes, preferences, needs and wants shift. I think the fact that you’re starting with what you already have is the perfect set up for this. Each room has a “before” and you can talk about what works, what’s not resonating, and… Read more »
The final shots wouldn’t be “reveals,” that’s the thing. They’d just be the finals. I don’t think you could expect them to have the big bang effect of a surprise reveal. So maybe you have Good Enough To Live in shots, then First Fully Styled Shots, then Tweaks. I think it might be helpful to actually formalize the categories of shots, and stay consistent, kind of train us in what to expect!
I’m coming back to say I think I had a really good idea here. Ha! But seriously, everyone is going to think they want something different, because they do. People have different cognitive setups, and different lives and needs. So it’s up to you and your team to pick a clear structure and stick to it for a while. Clear names for the different kinds of posts, clear internal rules for what shows on Instagram and what shows on the blog, a transparent calendaring and rhythm. For example, you could do all the Ready To Live In posts for the Mountain House over the next 2 months. That way we get to “build” the house in our minds. Then do a series of Styled Mountain House Rooms over the next 3 months, so we get a deep dive. Then a weekly How We Tweaked It series over the next 3 months, so we are entertained and educated on your wizardy. That gets you 8 months of content, but gives your reader a structure and sets their expectations. I imagine you have someone on your team with some UX experience? In software design we’d call this structuring of and access to… Read more »
I love this idea. Love. A more technical way of saying what I was trying to explain.
It feels like you’re avoiding the reader feedback from the Portland project re everything stretching on for so, so long by saying you’re going to reveal them over 6 to 9 months. The mountain house has already been going on for a year? Love the idea of you working with what you have. It’s refreshing. But it seems crazy not to show your readers what that looks like. We want to see your homes evolve. So seeing it not perfect but really great for living RN and then perfectly styled with every piece just right in six months or a year would be ideal. That’s how you maintain reader interest. We like seeing what has changed, what has stayed, what worked well but didn’t look perfect and how a tiny tweak made things better.
Totally agree! I would love to see what it looks like post-construction and then again styled out 6-9 months later. The idea of Mountain House Mondays is something I am totally on board with!
You’re not the only one who thinks this. Didn’t mean to avoid the reader feedback! We’re talking about it today with the team and figuring out the best way to roll this out, keep things interesting, while making sure no one gets bored of seeing half-finished rooms.
I read a lot of the comments and I agree that I love seeing how a space develops over time. Give us reveals with how it looks now and how it looks later! <3
P.S. I really appreciated the technical posts about renovating (e.g. the kitchen design posts). They may not be as exciting to scroll through, but they are sooo useful to reference when doing my own renovation planning. Maybe they could be rolled out in between more Pinable posts?
Are rooms ever “finished”? It could be nice to see the little styled moments throughout the process of getting to “finished”
Yes, I agree! Do a sneak peek now with what you have. Then we can happily wait 6-9 months to see the styled version and see how it has evolved once you have spent more time up there!
I also agree with E’s comment about avoiding dragging a reveal on for a year…
And yes, love that you are using what you have already, makes so much more sense.
I want to start by saying I love how open and honest you are Emily. It is one of the main reasons I read your blog (one of only a few that I read). Tbis is such an exciting project and I have loved watching the process. I am really excited that you are bringing in what you have first to see what works and trying to make it feel less perfect. I really enjoyed this post and hearing your process. Keep it up, and I think that the “I Design, You Decide” worked way better for the bathrooms, kitchen, etc. I am excited to see what you come up with to finish out the spaces.
P.S. I love all of your oversharing in social media. Ha!
thank you 🙂
I love this because it’s so realistic for the rest of us. It just makes sense to use what you have, especially when what you have is perfect and fits your family’s needs. There is still content to be found by explaining why the sofa you already have works so well – the colors, the size, the texture, etc. Just because it isn’t custom and wasn’t picked especially for the space doesn’t make the rest of the info any less true or less helpful. Looking forward to seeing the rooms!
Can you tell us more about upkeep for the white rug? I’ve loved it since you first showed us, but I also have two young kids and can’t imagine how you keep it clean. Thanks!
Well, first off its in our master bedroom which is far from outside and no food/drink is ever up there (coffee is our biggest culprit downstairs. we play with kids in the morning and boom, its over). We don’t wear shoes upstairs, and when it gets dirty its kinda evenly dirty so you don’t really notice it. Then every 18 months or so I get it picked up and cleaned (which costs $200). it comes back looking almost brand new. high maintenance, but I love it sooooooo much.
I would love to see how the rooms look now, and then another update after living in them, changing etc 6 months down the road!
Fabulous!
Commented by AmericanProperties.net
love that you are using and loving pieces you already have! feels better for you and your wallet, some relatable inspiration, the environment and more! TBH i get sideline anxiety seeing you have to reinvent all the things all the time!
i vote for seeing mountain house ‘raw’ – post construction, bare bones furnishings, sooner, then reveals over time of how things get styled out. so eager to see that kitchen! glad you are enjoying your time there.
So glad you’ve ditched I Design, You Decide. Like others, I loved it in the beginning, but it began to feel more and more like we were pushing you in directions that you didn’t want to take, which didn’t feel right.
And I second the Show How It Looks Now and then the “finished”, styled rooms in 6-9 months, because I think it’s educational to see how rooms evolve.
I am all for using furniture you already have!! It feels better for the environment, and it’s more realistic for where most of us are. My whole house is decorated in the Pretty Looks Good Next To Pretty, at first because that’s what we could afford; now because it’s things I love and that have a history with us, and because my design loves don’t fit neatly into 1-2, or 5 categories.
I’m all for reusing what you’ve got! That’s what most of us do anyway, and it’s always inspiring to see how you reinvent “old” pieces for new spaces. We have an old CB2 daybed that’s been in our living room, then our guest room, now in our new house it’s in our daughter’s room with a new linen cover. It’s looked totally different each time, and holy moly are we getting our $400 worth!
Your comment, I’m literally an interior designer that should win all design wars (except Brian is typically right), is so validating to someone like me who loves designing spaces, but has absolutely no formal training. It’s all about a ‘good eye’ and trial and error on paper before you $$$. And totally agree with many other comments-showing is so much more engaging than telling!
Umm..all these comments about the mountain house (which, I understand, is the actual point of this post), but no one wants to know more about Charlie and Birdie sharing a room??? I know you promised details in the future, but yes I would love to know the details and logistics for how you make that work!
ha. right now they are literally both on twin mattresses on the ground, with a couch cushion in between them because that is where Charlie wants to sleep – on the couch cushion. Its like they are camping. Its my proudest moment ever – design wise. They wanted to share a room and slept SO MUCH BETTER up at the mountain house in the same room, so when we got back we moved them in together and they’ve continued to sleep so well. but yes, its a HUGE design challenge. They don’t want bunk beds (we tried, it was 6 nights of hell) and they love being close to the floor (me, too – i get it). I’m on it …
LOLOLOLOL as the decor loving mother of two little girls who share a room (by necessity but they love it) I am cracking up at this dose of reality interfering with desires of pretty.
Maybe you are already familiar with this concept but in case you aren’t, try searching for “shared Montessori bedroom” on Pinterest. Montessori kids’ beds are typically on or very close to the floor. It might give you some helpful ideas.
I think Em meant she would be sharing reveals starting now and then continuing THROUGHOUT the next 6-9 months..? But, I love the idea of incorporating both the ‘using what you already have’ look with the ‘you’ve added new purchases and the space has achieved it’s fully styled and ready to reveal’ status -either separately OR together in the same post. As a reader (and fan ; ), Your Process is one of my favorite sources of information and inspiration. oh! also, a FEELINGS board.!? Revelatory…
What are the paint colors and from what brands?
Thanks!
I would also love to know the paint swatch colors.
thanks
I have a question re the Article sectional (for anyone who has a sectional). We have a leather sectional from Article and the chaise pad always slides forward (daily!) and it’s super annoying. We’ve tried everything we can think of, non slip rug pad, sticky pad, velcro etc and nothing works. It’s super annoying. The chaise isn’t leather underneath, so I wonder if this is an issue with all sectionals, or Article sectionals? If anyone has any ideas on how to keep it in place I’d love to hear. It’s incredibly irritating to have to move it back daily. Thank you!!!
LOVE this post: the peek behind the curtain of your design process, the tips for us design novices, and all of your beautiful yet comfortable choices so far. Can’t wait to see it unfold! xx
Loving the return of relatable OG Emily using stuff she already had in fresh ways! There are only three or four things I would have noticed being reused from elsewhere and I read your blog every day for years now. It’s all still your look, in a different space.
I’d love to see what the mountain house looks like at 2 or 3 stages along the way! Perfect at the end is…. fantasyland and doesn’t capture me the way seeing someone’s house evolve better and better as it’s lived in. Plus 1 for mountain house mondays (or every other monday at the longest)! What does each room look like now that the fixed elements are in place? Before and after of that please! Then each room as it’s furnished comfortably for right now. Then in the fall when You’ve finished tweaking, a final-ish reveal. Yeah 🙂
This all sounds perfect!!
Very curious about kids sharing though, as that means a redesign? Always fun ?
I don’t want a designer to do all this. I think I know exactly what furnishings, decor, wall colors, flooring, etc I want. But there may be something I haven’t considered, or another way a designer could help me. Is there any way to hire a designer just to go over my plans? If they took what I’m considering as a “mood board” and chose other stuff they like better, it would be a waste of money. But if they saw an issue and suggested ways around it, that would be money well spent. Is there a name for this service? I’m thinking of it as similar to having a licensed plumber approve my work before turning taps on.
I’m in the camp of show us what it looks like now, explain what you think works, and what you need and want to change, and then show us final reveals once each room is done and styled. The now posts could include the meat of the design details/construction decisions and troubles (with the construction material links) and the later posts could be the pretty, final reveals with decorating source links. The now posts absolutely DO NOT need to be perfectly lit, perfectly styled posts (we appreciate how labor intensive those are to produce). Most of us will give you the benefit of the doubt (trolls will be trolls no matter what) about the less-than-perfect/portfolio worthy in-progress posts.
I love the idea of Mountain House Mondays. For your readers who aren’t interested in the Mountain House, they will still have new content to peruse on Monday at work by reading your new weekend posts/series.
I love the conscious plan to use what you have as opposed to designing each space from scratch. I think it must be difficult to balance the need to churn more content for the blog with the needs of your own household. Most of us design this way, incorporating the things we’ve owned and loved for years in each successive home. I can’t wait to see how the mountain house turned out.
I am so happy to see that you are re-purposing furniture, etc. in the mountain house rather than buying all new. Not only because it’s more relateable to someone like me who sadly couldn’t buy all new, but I like the idea in a vacation home of using older stuff that isn’t so precious, since you’ve had it for a while.
I’d also love to see where you are right now with the mountain house. It’s my dream in life to have a second home. I’d live for an A-frame or an old cottage by a lake. Thanks!!
I’m good with the I design, you decide series being over. Makes sense.
I’m going to agree with everyone saying they’re interested in the process of adding in your basics and then evolving to a “finished” room.
I absolutely love that you’re reusing a lot of what you have. So relatable and also educational to see how to style or reuse furniture and decor in different spaces and how to make it feel different. I would love to read a blog post on just that.
Love the furniture! I have been looking at the wooden arm chair from Eclectic Goods for a while and was wondering if this is more of an upright chair or a low slung one. Have back issues in the family and need something that isn’t real low and angled back.
I must have missed the vote to hold everything back until the end. But a huge part of why I love following specific people (ChrisLovesJulia for example) is because they show the whole process instead of just some big reveal at the end. I’d love to see more “as it moves along” behind the scenes stuff. Where you put a couch even if ultimately it moves to another location of the house. I’m just so excited to see the mountain house NOW, finished or not!
Great post! I mostly come to this blog to learn from your styling / design process and expertise so I love hearing how and why you make certain choices. I’m glad the pieces you already own look great there – figuring out how to repurpose things in new spaces is another skill I hope to learn from you. P.s. thanks for the soup inspiration too! I have to admit to being skeptical at first but I’ve made the turkey meatball soup at least 4-5 times since your first soup post a couple weeks ago and remembered that I actually like cooking! I wonder if you could do a round up of good soup bowls. I find that some are two shallow or small for it to feel like a meal. Thanks!
This plan sounds great. Looking forward to the end result and even the in-progress result.
LOVE THIS! Would love to see an article on your design process (step by step) when you guys were designing for clients. As a young designer I’ve realized everyones process is different and I find this so so interesting!
I agree with the other comments, would love to see how it looks right now. I guess I don’t understand why it will take so long? Isn’t that the difference between blogging and magazines? You take photos and post them next week. Would love to see more.
Of course you can use the article sectional again! It saves money, saves the environment, saves time, and most importantly ( I realize that depends on your priorities), it looks great and right! Reusing furniture/decorations in a different way/place, is a very approachable and realistic way for many to create great spaces! Great blog, Emily! I’ve been following you for a year:)
In love with everything and can’t wait to see it! However you decide to reveal it, I’m here for it. Do whatever makes sense to you.
Looking forward to the 3 rooms in February!
Who are these people that didn’t want to see it on social media? I want to see it ALL right NOW! ?
Gosh that last photo looks so peaceful. Think I’ll sink into a daydream now…
On a totally different front, I’d be so interested to hear why you thought the original fantasy board felt ‘unattainable’. Was it cost? Style? Practicality?
Thanks for this post, it’s so lovely to read the thoughts that contribute to the decisions you make.
YAY! This post finally makes it feel like you’re back in a happy place with decorating after WAAAYYY too much stress last year. Cheers!
I can’t understand why people would complain about seeing too much of process? I love the nuts and bolts, the before, the after, the in between, the TMI, the banal, the exciting. Share what you want to share!!