Emily Henderson
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Stylist, blogger, best-selling author, and general party animal. Perfection is boring, let's get weird.
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Articles by Emily Henderson
After Our Son Died, My Husband Gave Me The Most Meaningful Christmas Gift Of My Life
The author; her husband, Nick; and from left, their children Peyton, Aiden and Owen, at Children's Hospital Los Angeles before Aiden's first surgery. Last Christmas, I sat on the floor surrounded by wrapping paper, new toys, and happy kids, then 7 and 9. It was like being in a bubble bath with too much soap ― ribbons and bows flying as each new box was ripped open. It quickly became hard to tell what was a gift and what was trash.
After our son died, my husband gave me the most meaningful Christmas gift of my life
Last Christmas, I sat on the floor surrounded by wrapping paper, new toys and happy kids, then 7 and 9. It was like being in a bubble bath with too much soap ribbons and bows flying as each new box was ripped open. It quickly became hard to tell what was a gift and what was trash.The previous year, our 20-month-old son, Aiden, died unexpectedly during surgery to remove a tumor from his brain.
Bubblebum Teleport Booster Seat.
Product Tested By Stephanie Kavanagh – Layla 5 Years Stephanie Awarded The Bubblebum Teleport Booster Seat 5/5 I was surprised at how compact it was. It was packaged well and came with all the parts needed. I was surprised at how compact the seat was, when it all opened out it was very impressive. I was very impressed by the safety testing on the seat. This is very important to me as the seats I have used in the past have all been tested to the same standard.
BIG Landscaping Update - Phase 2 Is Done And Our "Mistake" Is Finally Fixed! - Emily Henderson
I can’t tell you how happy I was to fix our own HUGE mistake – 1/3 of the sports court is now gone in favor of a lot of greenery, flagstone, picnic tables, and trees. We hired Dennis’ 7Dees to design and execute, and it went SO WELL. Started in February and done by late April (P.S. a great hack for speed is hiring them in the winter when they have more crews available, FYI). I couldn’t believe how fast and great they were, the yard transforming every single day. Brian and I were in awe.
Our Work Retreat in Wine Country (And Some Thoughts On Running The Business 15 Years In)...
Oh, how I love a team retreat – I get both excited and nervous and afterwards feel both so full and exhausted (in a good way!). Like all aspects of our lives, Zoom is never a substitute for in-person (IRL) connection. I have found that, like a long-distance romance, the more time we go without seeing each other, the harder it is to stay healthy and connected.
Was My Custom Primary Bedroom Bed Worth It? And Do I Regret Selling It 8 Years Ago?
Nine years ago, we designed this bed for our then-primary bedroom, and I have a lot of unresolved feelings about it.
How We Made Vintage-Inspired Corbels For The Outdoor Kitchen Gazebo
As I was designing this “kitchen gazebo,” I found almost no inspiration that looked and functioned like I wanted ours to look/feel. They were mostly big boxy McMansion-looking Texas-style structures or hexagonal sweet old timey gazebos, but I found almost no images of rectangular covered structures that looked charming and pretty. So I knew that it would have to be done in the details – i.e., custom rafter tails, or in today’s case, vintage-inspired corbels.
Team Retreat Time - EHD Is OOO (Til Tomorrow :))
Our annual retreat is RIGHT NOW (as you may have seen on stories) where we are staying at two of my best friends’ new wine country retreat space in Oregon (it’s incredible, think a teeny tiny boutique Soho House that you can rent with 10 of your friends).
Let's Deep Dive Into Our Outdoor Kitchen Appliances (+ What Brian And I Didn't Agree On At First And I WAS RIGHT!!!!!!)
While you saw the full reveal of the kitchen this Monday, today I want to walk you through the Coyote appliances which help me make my corn on the cob, house all my salad mixings, and of course, help Brian Henderson make his epic smash burgers (and steaks and chickens and rotisserie and kebabs – all the things).
Our Built-To-Last Outdoor Kitchen Reveal (My Favorite "Room" To Hang Out In All Summer)
It’s a real epic show and tell today – our incredible outdoor kitchen, which felt like it went up in a matter of weeks (and kinda did). We’ve already had so many hangouts here, a 100+ neighborhood event, and so many more are scheduled this summer and fall. We feel incredibly grateful for this kitchen/life, and I’m so excited to show you and share it with anyone who wants to come over (literally, we invited our entire local elementary school, LOL).
The Versatility Of The Pedestal Table In My Friend's Home (And My Search For Finding More Traditional Versions)
We are deep diving today on what I think is one of the most versatile and timeless pieces of furniture, EVER – the pedestal table. Now pedestal tables have been around for a few hundred years (which really isn’t that long if you think about it), but they were mostly with carved wood bases, rather chunky with legs (think a 1940s wooden kitchen table in a nook). And while that has its time and place, it often feels more “country” than a lot of us want.
How We Built Our Outdoor Kitchen With RTA (Assembled In One Day, Folks)
We are wrapping up phase two of the backyard (which is admittedly a pretty large phase) and I wanted to give you an update, show you the plans, and give you a sneak peek into the new RTA outdoor kitchen (which went from a little “grill area” to full blown kitchen really fast – it’s incredible).
Kenco Expands Canadian Footprint with Acquisition of Drexel Industries’ 3PL Business
Expansion will allow Kenco to better service customers in key markets in Canada Chattanooga, TN — May 5, 2025 — Kenco, a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, today announced the acquisition of Drexel Industries’ 3PL business. Drexel Industries’ four physical locations and 100 associates will transition to Kenco, expanding its Canadian presence in a key logistics hub.
Revisiting A 2013 Project, DesignLoveFest's Apartment (+ What I Think About It Now)
In our grown-up pursuit of “timelessness” (which gets more intense as we get older), it sure is fun to see a time capsule of our youth. The year was clearly 2013, and two “internet famous” bloggers collabbed on what now feels like OG vintage influencer content. When I stumbled on Bri Emery’s apartment from 2013, I gasped and then wanted to gossip about it with you. So much to talk about. It still pops so hard and is full of pieces that I love, while also just screaming “2010’s blogger time capsule”.
Beldray 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner
Product Tested By Phillipa Hunt Phillipa Awarded The Beldray 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner 4.3/5 It looked smart in the box, nice designs on the outside clearly showing the functionality of the cleaner. It was more compact than I thought it would be! I think it’s a great concept to use steam to clean as no harmful chemicals involved and less likely to damage your belongings inadvertently whilst cleaning.
Repairing Our 150 Year Old Garage (An Update) - We Have Walls Again!
I shouldn’t be so excited about this, it’s just a garage and I don’t even like to drive or know what my own car looks like in a full parking lot (it’s called “car blindness,” and yes, I have gotten in many similar cars that aren’t mine). But as someone who owns probably 19 hammers and can’t find one, I’m desperate to have a real project space to organize my life and transform my personality (LOL). We all have our strengths, and clearly this isn’t mine.
My Biggest Design Splurge That Ended Up A Total Shameful Horror Story (11 Years Later)
So here’s a sad, shameful story that I think I never told you (due to the sad and shameful nature of it). It’s about that ficus tree, the beloved, magazine-friendly ficus tree. I wanted that tree so badly for the Glendale living room for reasons you can see – it was INCREDIBLE and the room really benefited from its beautiful sculptural shape. But I was an irresponsible plant lover, careless and reckless, and ultimately almost killed her dead.
My Kids Rooms Through The Years (Bring On The Nostalgia)
Dear god, that sweet boy is now 11, which is not what this post is about, but a reminder that you were all right. When I first had Charlie, all you moms before me said it would go by so fast, and while I knew you were right (it is the universal sentiment) I’m still shocked that he’s going to be in junior high next year (she writes while crying on a plane).
My Friend's Moody Dark Green Dining Room (You Should See The Before)
This is a real pleasure to introduce you to an eclectic cool dining room I helped design for one of my best friends. If you haven’t seen their living room, dining nook, or basement go check those out afterward, but what you’ll see is a continuation of this “traditional with a big edge” style, employing some classic elements along with a few contemporary twists. I LOVE how it turned out so much.
Our First Design Coaching "Client"
A couple of months ago we put out the call to find a reader (or apparently two, more on that later) to help coach through a remodel. It was extremely hard to choose the right family/project – I wanted to do all of them. Some were a full house “where do I start – it’s a gut job”, most were solid design challenges where I could feel the overwhelm come through the writing. I’m so sorry we couldn’t interview everyone (and in true Emily fashion I ended up choosing two – just NOT being able to choose).
A One Day Makeover For My Friend - A Teen Basement With Colorful Gallery Wall Using What They Already Had
When I retire I’m going to do this once a week for fun (and a little extra spending dough) – pop into a home, edit, curate, and restyle, then “BYE”! Like a fairy god-Styler (??). It’s INSANELY satisfying. Nic and Curtis were stumped with how to hang all their art down in their new dark basement (for their almost teen girls) and I assured them that I could do this in my sleep.
How To NOT Design Your Kid's Room
I love a good cautionary tale, where you get to hear how someone else messed up their life in the name of you avoiding repeating their mistake. I hesitate to write this like I do all things where I have to go back on a design decision, but it has come up a lot with my friends recently, and a warning to you all felt necessary. So here is your dose of “blogger Schadenfreude” for the month – If my failures make you happy then today is your day.
A Pink Breakfast Nook Of My Dreams (My Friend's Makeover I'm Jealous Of...)
Apparently pink rooms are having a moment over here (my guest room, my brother’s guest room) and while technically this room was painted before I took over decorating I will happily take credit for how pretty it is. Nicole and Curtis, two of our best friends, chose Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball for this super classic and beautiful dining nook.
The 4 Active But CUTE Swimsuits I Bought To Play With My Kids On Spring Break (+ Our Favorite Past Swimsuit Posts)
It’s that special time of year (ha) – our tans aren’t on yet (well, they are for some of us LOL) and we usually aren’t as “ready” in all the ways we want to be, but alas swimsuit season is upon and we should feel great regardless. I mean it’s about to be warm and we can be outside as much as we want! Every year we do swimsuits post with different body sizes, preferences, price points, etc – but all driven by what we feel really good in because if you don’t, you won’t wear them.
In Search Of Weatherproof Outdoor Stools (That Will Actually Last In Oregon)... Oh, And We Need 10
I’ll be the first one to admit I used to get wrapped up in style and de-prioritize longevity (less so now, but still). Loving things that look good is not only my job but in my blood. But when it comes to things being left outdoors up here in Oregon, my #1 priority was to have it last so that it didn’t become my problem later (and obviously very bad for the environment).
Team Building (And Bonding) With The Best Team Ever...
It’s no secret that one of the most fulfilling parts of my life is leading this crew of incredibly talented, smart, and creative women. I often feel like we are colleagues and friends instead of me being their boss because I love hanging out with them so much (let’s just say there are a lot of HR violations in the way of conversations during photo shoots or retreats).
I've Been Secretly Decorating My Best Friends House
People use the word “thrilled” far too often when it should be reserved for me in moments like this. When it comes to this house I’m like a proud grandpa shoving wallet photos of my grandkids into strangers faces. Expect pride + bragging, with a big dose of personal bias. This is one of my best friend’s homes in Portland and I weaseled my way into decorating it because I wanted my hands on this house (and I needed a solid excuse to hang out with them frequently).
10 "Emily Henderson-Approved" Spring Blouses
I have a big shoot coming up in LA in a couple of weeks and I was tasked to find a wardrobe for a “fun, summer BBQ” which is obviously right up my alley (shooting in Orange County). I need 3-5 looks so I tried on a lot of tops (and a couple of dresses), and these are my favorites FOR SURE. So while I’m out of the country with my fam, here are some cute spring/summer blouses that I really love (just not sure I need ALL of them, but we’ll see).
My Brother's Kitchen Patio Reveal (Yes, With A Huge TV....Of Course:))
My brother has this side patio right off the kitchen that is covered year-round and the architecture is so pretty (thanks to architect Anne Usher) so I wanted my hands on it, mostly so I could convince him to have us over for summer kid outdoor movie nights while I swim in the river. It had room for a little dining area for their family of four, a couple of stools at the bar (accordion window into the kitchen), and a living area with a huge TV over a fireplace. IT’S SO AWESOME.
Everything You Wanted To Know About Soft Water - You Asked, We Answered
What’s the deal with soft water??? Unlike a design trend piece or makeover reveal, this post is for those of you who are considering investing in a water softening system for your home and are genuinely curious about what it’s all about. It is real peak adulting, the quietest of luxuries that once you try it, is really hard to go back.
My Friends Took Pattern Drenching To The Next Level With Spoonflower
I love having creative friends and will brag about them endlessly – especially those who are braver than I am design-wise. I can be so safe and care so much about “timelessness” (especially with permanent finishes) so being friends with people who take risks so naturally, without second guessing is so fun for me.
Our Costa Rica Spring Break Itinerary (2 Years Ago) With Quite Possibly The Most Magical Family-Friendly "Hotel" Ever...
I’ve been gatekeeping this for two years – (accidentally). When we got back from Costa Rica, Spring break 2023, my review to my friends and family was a level of enthusiasm they had never witnessed – “FIFTEEN OUT OF TEN,” I exclaimed. I planned the whole thing (turns out I either love control or I should be a travel agent) because my itinerary was TOP NOTCH – full of core memories and extreme family bonding (and rest, don’t worry).
A Quick River House Guest Bathroom Reveal
Welcome to a quick reveal of my brother’s guest bath which is small, cute, blue and right next to that new pink bedroom that we are obsessed with. Max Humphrey and I designed this together – starting almost 3 years ago when I was still in Arrowhead! He has the same tile in his bathroom, which was the jumping-off point and we designed the rest of it it to be simple and contemporary.
New Wallpaper In The Farmhouse Primary Bathroom Water Closet (And How I Feel About It(!!))
Like the kids’ bath, this bathroom was “done enough” but I always knew that I wanted to add wallpaper to the water closet (i.e. the toilet room). But life had other priorities and I didn’t feel like rushing any more decisions. The room didn’t need it and I have to be careful because I like “stuff” so sometimes it’s better for me to keep the foundations of a house simple so I can style with my fun things without it getting crazy busy or overdesigned.
Interview: Scottish folk-singer and storyteller Karine Polwart on joining forces with Mary Chapin Carpenter and Julie Fowlis on Looking For The Thread - SNACK: Music, film, arts and culture magazine for Scotland
Scottish songwriter, folk-singer and storyteller Karine Polwart has joined forces with Mary Chapin Carpenter and Julie Fowlis for their debut collaboration album, Looking For The Thread. This March, the trio play six UK shows, and Polwart is also doing solo dates around the country. Along with Fowlis, Polwart is a member of folk ‘supergroup’ Spell Songs, the musical evolution of the Lost Words and Lost Spells books by author Robert Macfarlane and artist Jackie Morris.
Spell Songs: Karine Polwart, Mary Chapin Carpenter & Julie Fowlis team up to create folk supergroup (interview)
Scottish songwriter, folk-singer and storyteller Karine Polwart has joined forces with Mary Chapin Carpenter and Julie Fowlis for their debut collaboration album, Looking For The Thread. This March, the trio play six UK shows, and Polwart is also doing solo dates around the country. Along with Fowlis, Polwart is a member of folk ‘supergroup’ Spell Songs, the musical evolution of the Lost Words and Lost Spells books by author Robert Macfarlane and artist Jackie Morris.
Emily's 6 Favorite Green Paint Colors She Would Use Again And Again
It felt like an appropriate day to show love for what feels like the world’s most popular color – green. While I’m more of an expert in “blue,” its sister color – green – is also a favorite and beloved by most people. We know that the design world is LOVING reds, burgundies, mauves – all these warm, deep tones, but I personally still think that the right green can be both on trend and more universally loved (long term).
The Best New Spring Denim I'm Really Really Into (And Everything Is Comfortable)
I didn’t set out to buy new denim when I went shopping – heck, I don’t LOVE wearing restricting clothes at all (a covid holdover), but I loved some of what I found so much, in a refreshing way – like denim, but dare I say special? Also, if you haven’t checked out the spring basics post, there are shorts and jeans in that post (that are just great staples), but this one is more head to toe denim (with a few matching sets I’m obsessed with). Let’s dig into it.
Backyard Updates: Plants, Plans, Big Trees And Bigger Gazebos
Very exciting stuff is happening in the “backyard” right now as we entered phase two of landscape construction (that we put off for a couple of years to save and learn). The main goals of this phase were outlined in this blog post, but essentially it was reducing the size of the sports court (for more green/usable space) and adding an outdoor kitchen/bbq area under a covered gazebo. It’s a LOT, but it’s going so well and FAST! And I’m grateful to be able to give you all an update today.
Emily Reviews Her First Professionally Shot Apartment From 2010 (Lots Of Feelings!)
Fifteen years ago (when I was 30) this whole thing began – both DesignStar and the blog launched in early 2010. Y’all, we barely had smartphones, the OG Facebook had just reached the non-college population, and Pinterest was just an idea without an office (thus me having boxes of magazines and an actual pin board).
Really Great (And Mostly Affordable) Spring Basics
We are ready up here for spring (had a few mid 60s sunny days in February which is always such a tease). I’m mostly just fantasizing about spring break (sun! warmth! very little wifi!). So as I went shopping I found a decent amount of stuff that I LOVED, mostly on the affordable side (which is all relative I know).
8 Not Ugly Dog Beds (And The Affordable One I Love Having In My Home)
I had to shop for new dog beds recently because ours were DISGUSTING, likely because we don’t wipe our dog’s feet and we have construction outside (and they were vintage patchwork denim and the pups had been abusing them for 3 years). So after shopping for a while, annoyed at all the patterns I found out there, I found these that I love because where we have them in the house (both in the living room and here in the hallway where they sleep at night) are kinda prominent.
How We Really Kept The Charm & Character Of The Farmhouse (HINT: It's Salvaged Pieces)
If you are into drinking games, I dare you to try to count how many times I say “character” or “charm” in this post – maybe just water in those shot glasses?? Someone recently asked what pieces are original to house and while there isn’t a ton, it was actually far more than I originally thought. So I thought I’d round them all up, and add a few pieces of furniture that we converted. A huge thanks to ARCIFORM who spearheaded this endeavor.
Another Design Box Checked
Well, well, well. A year and a half after the “reveal”, I finally did the update that this bathroom always wanted – wallpaper, and it looks so good that even my kids noticed and went out of their way to tell me! There is nothing sweeter than your 11-year-old son saying “Mama, I love the wallpaper” before you even have time to point it out. I always knew that this bathroom wanted wallpaper above the tile and trim, but I needed to shoot it and I hadn’t found the right paper.
Really Good Spring Break/Vacation Dresses
It’s 60 degrees and sunny in Portland (February 28th) so people are in shorts and drinking margaritas (I’m cutting out early at 3 pm to go on a long family bike ride along the river). And while we have a couple more months of potential rain up here, I know a lot of people go to the sun for spring break (including us – we are off to Belize with the kids which I’m INCREDIBLY excited and grateful for – never been and the personal reviews from so many people have me pumped).
My Brother's Beautiful Guest Bedroom
I wouldn’t exactly say Ken asked for a pink and dare I say purple guest bedroom but here we are (and we all really love it). But the thing is, bedrooms are my favorite, and guest rooms (and kids’ rooms) are my most favorites – you can lean into an idea, a theme, or a style without as many functional constraints (like living rooms or even “storage” stuff with everyday used grownup bedrooms).
How I Made No-Sew Cafe Curtains For My Kitchen
While I have done many DIY projects in my life, I don’t know if I would consider myself an “expert”:) I’m not without skill but I’m also not a DIY influencer (plus, the wonderful Marlee and Gretchen are incredible DIYers and are always here to help me!). Those designers are so freaking talented. So believe me when I tell you that anyone with an iron can make these incredible sweet curtains.
Our Outdoor Project Update - Phase 2 Is So Exciting (AND FAST!)
This will be our third summer living here and we have learned a LOT about how we use the backyard. First off – we love to have huge multi-family neighborhood gatherings (our school community is so awesome) which included a few fundraisers (and now an annual “wine and swine”‘,”, lol). They are basically family frat parties and they are SO MUCH FUN.
Cafe Curtains Update - In The Mind Of A Designer Trying To Make A Decision
Over a year ago I threatened to put up cafe curtains in the kitchen. We have a lot of glass windows and in “the great long dark” (i.e. November to March) it just looks like black reflection and doesn’t feel very cozy. But then other priorities got in the way, spring came and I forgot again until this November. So January seemed like the perfect time to tackle it and this time I’d DIY it to save some dough (felt simple enough).
Some Pretty Spring Or Easter Dinnerware We Love (Despite Not Being A "Dinner Party Lady")
I just watched the Martha Stewart documentary (SO GOOD) so all of these feelings about the marketing of “perfectionist domesticity” are popping up (as shown above). Did she create an industry that stresses out already stressed-out parents? Am I a part of the problem? Probably… But it sure is fun to have your home look pretty and a lot of people feel extreme joy setting a table. We are in the “family frat party” era where Easter is more “Eggs and Kegs”.
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