Home Decor

Design Coaching Chrissy & Pete: A Mini Demo Update And OFFICIAL Kitchen Layout

Image

Drescription

Gretch here, signing on to give you a project update! A few weeks ago we kicked off a new design coaching series and introduced you to our starting line-up (Chrissy & Pete). If this doesn’t ring a bell, hop on over to the intro post where we break it all down. But for a quick memory-jogger, Chrissy and Pete are renovating their builder-grade kitchen, all while juggling a tricky layout, tight budget, tighter timeline, and oh yeah, three kids under three!

Since our last post, Chrissy and Pete have officially finalized their layout, purchasing all of their IKEA cabinetry, and have even begun some light demolition to get things rolling. It’s all happening!

Many of you shared some great layout suggestions on the last post, and we think you’ll be pleased to see where C+P landed. A few of you also asked for some floor plans of the space to better understand the layout and the vision. So let us deliver! As a refresher, here’s where we last left off with the kitchen:

Their biggest concern was the lack of storage space and the need to adjust the dysfunctional layout, considering how the new one should connect with the rest of the open floor plan. And that weird, angled ’90s island? Yeah, it just all needed a refresh.

Picture yourself standing where it says “Old Floor Plan”, looking into the kitchen from the dining/living areas (like the shot above). Straight back is a hallway that leads to their garage, with a very small powder bath to the right and a laundry closet to the left. The angled wall opens up to a den, and the hallway next to that loops around the stairs and back over to the living/dining. There’s a small wall across the island with a pantry door to access storage under the stairs.

In the new layout, everything is much more streamlined. The main wall of cabinets to the left straightens out, with the bathroom wall bumping out about a foot to sit in line with the short wall across it (adding more space to the tiny powder bath–WIN). The window is replaced and centered on the new sink, and the island is updated to a better shape with more storage and shifted to be more central in the room. The biggest change happens at the old pantry wall, where Chrissy and Pete have decided to put their fridge and oven/microwave, moving the access door to the hallway.

On our recent drop-in, we were pleased to see that Pete had already made some demolition headway, removing the pantry door and walling it off to prepare for the incoming cabinetry. While there, Emily also had a chance to help…hold their littlest, Birdie (sound familiar??) while we talked about next steps. With 3 under 3, someone has to hold the baby while someone else holds the hammer–and Em will always volunteer :)

Pete also knocked out a new entrance to the pantry space, and Chrissy found an inexpensive place in town that will customize a reclaimed door to fit the new angled opening in the hallway. For now, this will stay as their pantry space, but they have ideas about turning the laundry closet into a more robust pantry zone once they eventually shift the laundry room upstairs (but one remodel at a time).

This is their new kitchen taking shape in IKEA’s space planning tool. I added the openings to the garage hallway and den in the back, but hopefully you get the gist! Yes, they’ve purchased all the cabinets, and no, there are no uppers going on the main wall.

Changing up our viewing orientation 90 degrees counter-clockwise, here’s the current view of the “main wall” of cabinets. The new cabinets will still cap off where the ceiling height changes as you step into the dining/living areas.

The New Kitchen Layout

And here’s that new floor plan view, this time with labels! There’s room for all the necessary appliances, plenty of counter space, and the flow just feels SO MUCH better.

The Kitchen Island

This is the back side and cooktop side of their new island, where Chrissy has also started playing with hardware. As you can see, tons of storage! She is still planning for an overhang on the short end of the island near the garage entrance for a couple of barstools.

These are the elevations for the new “main kitchen wall” and what was once the “pantry wall” but is now the “fridge and oven wall”. Again, tons of thoughtfully planned storage and some panel-ready appliances on the main wall. Unfortunately, the panel-ready fridge IKEA sells felt way too small for their family, so they opted for a larger, stainless steel French door model instead. This was part of the reason they wanted to give the fridge/oven space its own wall, so the main wall could stay more of a feature.

And here’s that feature wall digitally imagined–Chrissy spent some time mocking up how she envisions this area, complete with floating shelves and some drop-dead gorgeous zellige tile from Ann Sacks. We love it! This isn’t exactly final–the tile may not be within their budget, and the shelves are a bit TBD (two shelves? three? how long? store-bought or custom?). But how awesome is that tile layout?

Here, Emily and Chrissy are looking at some samples. Chrissy fell in love with the Pearl Gray Idris Field tile, and is going to try and find a way to make it work. We don’t blame her. It’s awesome.

At first, we were a little worried it might feel too dark with the already dark blue IKEA cabinets, but seeing the samples in person changed our minds. The tile is lighter than we were expecting, but still so rich in color, and the finish reflects the light really well. If they can squeeze it out of their budget, it’s going to be so awesome!

One thing they did already squeeze out of the budget was this stone. A beautiful quartz slab, “Enigma”.

So, countertops? Check. Cabinets? Double check (they’re all on site, and next up after a much larger round of demo). Pete has big tear-down plans to keep the project rolling. We’re excited to check back soon to see how they’re faring. It can be tricky to find “the right time” to demolish such a functional part of your home, especially with three little ones, but they intend to move FAST! And we believe in them!

Other design thoughts on the horizon involve hardware, fixtures, and lighting. Chrissy is leaning toward the Archie line from Rejuvenation in polished nickel. She’s also picked out a beautiful sink and faucet from Kohler–the ever-so-functional Riverby and beautiful Edalyn. The lighting is proving to be tricky and expensive. These can lights are just not cutting it, but swapping them for flush mounts will quickly add up. Chrissy is shopping around for better options, but is coming to terms with the lighting not being perfect if it means her tile backsplash could be.

And if you’ve been following along since the first post, you’ll know that a dining banquette is still on the table! Pun intended. For now, Chrissy and Pete are really dedicating their attention to the kitchen area first, but still have big banquette plans once phase one is complete. So stay tuned for that and many more fun updates to follow! Personally, I can’t wait to see it all gutted real soon.

Image Image

Related Post

Image
Gardening

We Asked Hydrangea Specialists for Their Top Care Tips, and They'll Save Even the Droopiest Flowers

Throughout the U.S., hydrangeas are the quintessential summer flower. With their full, round blossoms and stunning array of colors, they’re a perfect addition to a seasonal flower garden, especially if you’re looking to add bushes and shrubs to the mix. So, what does growing hydrangeas require? We checked in with a few gardening pros with a particular aptitude for this beloved shrub to find out some top tips. Meet the Expert Laura Root is a gardening expert and the senior merchant of live plants and hardgoods for Jackson & Perkins. Linda Vater is the plant expert for Southern Living® Plant Collection. Plant in Early Spring or Fall If you’re hoping to add hydrangeas to your yard, gardening pro Laura Root says the best time to plant these beauties is in early spring or fall. “This allows for cooler temperatures and more consistent moisture, which helps the plants establish strong roots before the stress of summer heat or winter cold sets in,” she says. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Consider Your Location While hydrangeas grow well throughout much of the US, plant pro Linda Vater still suggests checking your USDA zone. “Many popular species, like Hydrangea macrophylla, are hardy in Zones 5–9, representing a broad swath of the United States,” she says, before noting that this is why personal considerations are important, too. “For example, in more northerly regions, spring planting allows optimal time for root development before winter’s chill sets in,” says Vater. “In the [southern U.S.], fall planting is often ideal to allow a long lead time to the region’s intense summer heat.” But no matter where you are, Vater says mid-summer planting should be avoided due to heat stress and water needs of newly planted hydrangeas. Keep Soil Moist and Drained According to Root, hydrangeas require moist, well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. “They prefer consistent moisture and soil that stays damp but not soggy,” she says. “Over-watering can cause root rot, while letting the soil dry out stresses the plant.” Be sure to stick to a reliable watering schedule—especially if you’re having a dry season or cultivating newer hydrangea shrubs. “It’s important to water consistently during your hydrangea’s first year to support healthy root establishment,” says Vater. Adjust pH Levels for Desired Colors Along with moisture levels, it’s also important to note your soil’s pH, as this is important for both your hydrangea’s health and the color of its blooms. “In some varieties, acidic soil promotes blue blooms, while alkaline soil encourages pink flowers,” Root says. “Use a soil acidifier for blue blooms or garden lime for pink blooms.” However, don’t adjust your soil’s pH too dramatically, or without testing first. “Making drastic changes without testing can limit nutrient uptake and harm the plant,” she says. Expect Blooms in Late Spring Through Summer If you’re excited to clip your hydrangeas for indoor arrangements, Root says healthy plants are known for their long bloom times. In fact, you should see flowers appear from late spring through summer, depending on the variety you’ve planted. “Once established, and with proper care, gardeners can look forward to months of beautiful blooms during the growing season,” she says. Avoid Clay Soil Along with keeping your soil watered at the correct levels and monitoring the pH, Root says you should also avoid heavy clay soils because they trap too much moisture. However, if you do have this kind of soil, there are things you can do. Root suggests amending with organic matter to improve drainage. Consider Your Space Needs Depending on your space and location of your hydrangea, it’s important to consider the size. Some can grow up to 20 feet, while others are fairly compact. “White Wedding fits well in tight spaces and containers and requires little pruning to maintain its size,” Vater says. But others—such as the Hydrangea macrophylla which is considered the largest variety—can require much more space. Most Recommended Hydrangea Varieties Both Vater and Root shared their top picks for hydrangea varieties. Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf): Root recommends these for their large, colorful blooms that change color with pH. These can also be compact and drought-tolerant, and Vater notes that this variety is reliably hardy throughout much of the U.S. Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth): This one has showy white blooms and is very adaptable. White Wedding Hydrangea: Vater explains these are abundant in flowers and well-suited to small spaces like containers and cut flower gardens. Heart Throb Hydrangea: Its vibrant cherry red color is edged in vibrant green, which Vater says becomes more prominent over time. Dear Dolores Hydrangea: Vater says this is perfect if you want a classic pink hydrangea in your garden.

Read More
Image
Fashion & Beauty

4 Women Honestly Review Gel-X Manicures (+ 42 Nail Art Ideas We Actually Tried)

It’s been nine months since my first Gel-X manicure and let me tell you: I’m never going back. Dips? Acrylics? Extensions? Regular gel? NO MORE FOR ME, THANK YOU. So today, I wanted to share a little bit more about Gel-X (you know – what it is, how much it costs, how long it lasts, the pros/cons) buuuuut I also wanted to bring in a few familiar faces to share their opinions and experiences. (If you’re the type of person with the dexterity to paint your own nails, we’re also sharing 42 different shots of our actual manicures – maybe we can spark some of your creativity! And, if you’re like, “uh, nails aren’t for me,” there’s even a picture of a real-life horse in here! Why? You’ll find out! Anyway, something for everyone!) Let’s start with the high-level overview, yeah? Basically, Gel-X is a press-on nail that cures like gel (read: your nail technician will size up your hands, glue on a nail of your preferred shape/length, and your ~new nails~ will be firmly attached for about a month after you shove your hand under one of those UV lights). Once everything has cured, your technician will proceed as normal – polish, art, lotion, oil, an occasional full hand model photoshoot for their IG, etc. – and when you’re finally ready to come back in a few weeks to switch things up, the removal process is the same as it would be for any standard gel manicure. i’ll pop in later with more of my nail art, but here’s a taste! Gel-X nails are flexible (so they won’t snap in half when you jam your hand into a wall, or a counter, or your car, or some other place, as regular humans are wont to do). They’re also really lightweight, especially when compared to acrylics, and they look natural – or, uh, as natural as neon cow print nails can look, at least. More than anything, though, I’ve found that Gel-X nails just make me feel really, really, really great. There’s something kind of fun and visceral about clacking away on something, you know? But this isn’t just about me – three other EHD gals have hopped on the Gel-X train, so I wanted to grab their unbiased opinions, too. I’ll check in with you below (and I’ll spill the details on my average spend!), but first…let me throw it over to the queen of nail art, Veronica. Veronica When’d you start trying out Gel-X? My first Gel-X manicure was in June of 2021, because I wanted to do something special for my birthday, and since then it’s been a nice once-a-month self-care routine during the pandemic. :) Had you invested in nails or nail art before (e.g. gels, acrylics, press-ons, etc.)? Before Gel-X, I had gotten gel on my regular nails and tried press ons / glue ons, but those only averaged about 2 weeks max. Was there an adjustment period to Gel-X? Not really. Gel-X is better for your nails than acrylics, but your nails do thin still because of them being sanded down in the process. What’s your preferred shape and length? I go back and forth between getting somewhere between an almond and stiletto shape and a square shape. I usually keep them short-medium length because of my job (photographer who works on her computer most days, or is dealing with equipment when I’m on set). How long do your appointments take? Appointments take between 1.5 – 2 hours. How long do your nails stay on? I’ve never had a nail fall off when getting Gel-X, and I usually get mine done anywhere between three and four weeks because my nails grow out pretty quickly. How do your nails feel? My nails feel good, not like they are being ruined or anything, but they are thinner for sure since starting Gel-X! Although, my nails have always been on the thin side. Is there an average cost? The place I go to is on the more expensive side (between $90-100 before tip) because I found a nail tech I really love and trust, but I know a salon that a pal of mine has gone to and it’s around $65 starting price. It really just depends on the salon, but I have found it’s important to go somewhere you feel the techs are able to take care of your nails in a healthy way. Where do you get your nail art inspiration? I use Pinterest and Instagram for nail inspo and have saved boards on both. Two accounts I follow on Instagram are: Nia Ho & Vivian W and the other saved posts have popped up on my explore page. :) Any pros and cons? I’m not a professional, so I can only speak to my personal opinion lol but pros – if you want something that will last without having to worry about chipping, breaking, or touch-ups, then the Gel-X is a great option. Cons – it can add up and get expensive depending on how often you get them done and it’s important to get them taken off in a salon so you don’t ruin your nails trying to do them yourself. Ryann When’d you start trying out Gel-X? I started October 2021. Had you invested in nails or nail art before (e.g. gels, acrylics, press-ons, etc.)? Years and years ago I used to get acrylic nails but I hated it. More recently I was a press-on nail gal but only for special occasions. Was there an adjustment period to Gel-X? Oh yeah. At first, I felt like I couldn’t do anything with long nails but I got used to it pretty fast. Typing was very hard at first (I looked like this). What’s your preferred shape and length? I get the medium length and almond shape. How long do your appointments take? If I am getting a Gel-X removal plus a new set it usually takes an hour and a half. How long do your nails stay on? The longest I have gone between appointments is 4 weeks and they were still holding on! How do your nails feel? My actual nails feel a lot stronger than they did when I used to get acrylics. I think the Gel-X is a lot more gentle on your actual nails. Is there an average cost? With tip it’s between $100-150 (when you do designs versus a solid color it’s closer to $150). Where do you get your nail art inspiration? Instagram or my friends! Any pros and cons? Pros: I feel put together even when I am wearing sweats. And I get compliments all the time. :’) Cons: If the technician cuts my actual nails too short before putting the Gel X on as my nails start to grow out it can be painful because my nails start to grow into my nail bed (it’s gross I know). But the easy fix to this is to tell your nail tech not to cut your actual nails. Jess When’d you start trying out Gel-X? October 5, 2021 (my birthday:)). Had you invested in nails or nail art before (e.g. gels, acrylics, press-ons, etc.)? I went a couple of years getting gel manicures all the time when I worked in restaurants because it was the only kind that actually lasted. Getting a regular mani at the time was like throwing money directly into the trash. Then a few years ago I got a gel manicure with a design for the first time and my god I loved it but wasn’t able to afford it on the regular. This go around however was my first time EVER getting “fake nails”. My mom gave me a hard no when I wanted those french tip acrylics in middle school. I guess being like all the other cool girls wasn’t a good enough argument. Was there an adjustment period to Gel-X? Lol yes. I felt like Edward Scissorhands but less proficient for at least a week. I remember the next morning trying to put on my leggings thinking “I don’t think I can dress myself. This nail thing is a LIFESTYLE!” I was mainly afraid of them ripping off which is apparently a VERY normal experience for newbs like me. But then when I got my second and now with my third, they just feel like my normal fingernails. the 2nd set that felt too wide (they also were a little shorter to be fair) What’s your preferred shape and length? I love an almond shape and medium length. I don’t know if “medium” is a technical term but I want them to look longish and elegant but still want to be able to you know, type. I will also say that the physical gel-x shape is I think called Stiletto (not the tip shape but fact check me on that). Basically, I like the nail to look slender. The second set I got (the green one above) felt a little wide for me. Just something to think about if you are going in for the first time or if you want a different look. How long do your appointments take? Eh, 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the design. The first time is the shortest since they don’t have to remove your old set. How long do your nails stay on? So far about six weeks. BUT I have chosen designs where the “background” is clear or “natural”. Why that’s a good idea if you want to stretch out your mani is that the grow-out is less noticeable than if I had a solid color. How do your nails feel? Ok, so the plan is to have my real nails grow long enough to where I can just go back to gel manicures and they are almost there (except one stupid one that broke so not sure if I need to wait until that one grows back). That being said, you can see my real nails when I flip my hands over. It’s not the prettiest if I’m honest but I’ve got goals. So when you go, you have the choice to keep your natural nails long or cut them short so you really can’t see them ever. How do my real nails feel you ask? When the fake ones get shaved off, they feel oookay. Look, it’s a sacrifice. I don’t know if it’s possible to have perfectly healthy nails and do anything beyond a regular manicure. All I know is that for now, I love having my nails done and fun for six weeks at a time. Is there an average cost? $105 + Tip (I usually give $30 because they do such a great job and they are literally painting art onto my hands). left: really long nails | right: short (for me:)) nails Where do you get your nail art inspiration? Pinterest and Instagram. I have folders that I save to. But also Beyonce was my last inspiration so look at those celeb nails too! Veronica also shares accounts she loves which is so fun and very sweet of her. We go to the same salon too! AD Any pros and cons? Pros: I LOVE my nails and they make me feel sexy, powerful, and put together. Cons: It’s not cheap and I know that my real nails aren’t living their best lives. Oh, and activities like bowling and putting on necklaces are hard. Caitlin When’d you start trying out Gel-X? Got my first one on May 19, 2021 and I never went back. Had you invested in nails or nail art before (e.g. gels, acrylics, press-ons, etc.)? I used to spend a bunch on standard gel manicures with full art – that’s the one beauty splurge that I really loved – but I had a really bad habit of picking it all off, which (a.) made my hands look kind of gnarly and (b.) was not great for the health of my nails. Was there an adjustment period to Gel-X? For me, no. I was used to having longer nails so other than the constant fear that they were going to pop off, they felt totally normal to me. What’s your preferred shape and length? I started with medium ovals, but I moved into long territory with the set you see above. Scale-wise, I think longer ones look best on my hands. How long do your appointments take? Removal can take 30-45 minutes and then my new manicure can be another 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much detail I’m looking for. How long do your nails stay on? I maxed out at 8 weeks for the holidays – I literally had to cut them like my regular nails because they’d grown out so much. That said, I did experience some lifting on the base of my pointer finger when I first started – this was remedied by bringing it up to my nail tech and I haven’t had any problems since! If you’re doing a lot of schlepping or manual work, I’d highly recommend flagging that before your first set. How do your nails feel? Good! While I don’t mean to suggest that Gel-X is making my nails stronger, they’re in WAY better shape than when I used to get gel manicures sanded off every two weeks. When my sets are removed, my nails look pretty normal, too – no breakage or thinning is happening underneath the Gel-X nail. Is there an average cost? I pay a $20 booking fee to reserve my spot and then manicures are $60-100, depending on how crazy I’m getting. Tips are always 20-25% – so basically $100 on the low end, $150 on the high end. Where do you get your nail art inspiration? NIA!!! My nail tech is LA’s best-kept secret and while I kind of don’t want to share the intel (it’s already hard to get an appointment – she’s popular!!!), YOU MUST CHECK OUT HER INSTAGRAM. I do not know how Nia does not have a million followers – she can do ANYTHING. Seriously, her IG page is filled with a staggering variety and you’re guaranteed to find something inspiring there. SHE IS THE BEST. (I wouldn’t want to spend ~2 hours with anyone else.) as promised – this is doolittle, a big sweet dummy who loves to eat bananas, and these are my thanksgiving nails after a month of growth! Any pros and cons? Pros: I feel really powerful and kind of intimidating when my nails are done. Shampooing my scalp feels like a dream. If I’m going to spend at least 8 hours a day typing, it cheers me up to see a little party going on at the tips of my fingers. Clinking my nails on glasses makes me feel really happy. Cons: COST. I mean, when I break it down, I do think they bring me at least $3 of joy per day…but it’s not an essential and if things ever went south, I’m totally aware that this would be the first item cut from my budget. I don’t love subjecting my hands to such isolated UV rays once a month and sometimes I forget SPF before my appointments. Picking up coins is challenging. Working lobster clasps on jewelry is impossible. Nia’s studio is walking distance from my apartment and I get catcalled by a lot of creeps on my way to get my nails done. Despite all this…they’re worth it to me. If you’re self-assured (I’m not) and want to give Gel-X a whirl at home, you can grab a kit right here. If not, check Yelp to find a highly-reviewed technician near you – if you’re going to splurge, make sure it’s on someone who can deliver long-lasting results that’ll make you smile. But now I must know – what say you??? Tell me about your nail habits! Show me your nail art! Send me your inspo accounts! (I have an appointment next week and need a jumping-off point if anyone has suggestions.) LET’S JUST TALK ABOUT OUR HANDS.

Read More
Image
Fashion & Beauty

30 CUTE Pull-On Shorts For Our Most Comfortable Spring/Summer Yet

The time of year is upon us when we tend to start thinking about shorts. We get to free our bottom limbs and run free! But we must not forget that traditional jean shorts are not the only option. Actually, let’s just get rid of zippers and buttons entirely! That’s right folks, I’m talking about cute, fashionable, comfortable pull-on shorts. In the words of Kim Cattrall, “I don’t want to be in a situation for even an hour where I’m not enjoying myself”. While she wasn’t necessarily talking about zippered/buttoned shorts, it could easily be included in the meaning. Pull-on shorts are inherently the most comfortable and least restricting type of shorts. The team has been singing their praises for years. But for some reason, we’ve only ever done posts dedicated to the more athletic versions. Well, that stops today because we are on the hunt and thought you might be too. Let’s start. These were the shorts that inspired this post. Marlee was the one to actually suggest this post idea because she had just started her pull-on short search. Naturally, we all agreed it was a great idea because we love a pull-on short and these ones were total winners. They are a little more expensive, but are sustainably made (from Reformation), and are so classic that they will never so out of style. For a similar stripe with a little more going on detail-wise, how fun are these?! I love the frayed hem, the paperbag waist, and how the stripes also have a little design within them. These would be great to throw on around town or perfect next to a body of water. Perfect for at home or on vacation. They also come in a solid patterned cream version (you’ll get what I mean when you look at them). Damson Madder is a very cool London-based, sustainable brand that my cool friend told me about last year. Needless to say, I was happy to see that Anthro did a collab with them! They are known for their fits and these shorts are so freaking cute. Definitely in the world of the boxer shorts trend but a little more refined. But if you love the red stripe look but want more of a nautical feel, these J. Crew ones are awesome. Vibrant but classic. FYI, these shorts are the most expensive on the list but also…look at them. These heavenly beauts are SO fun and since they’re from Farm Rio, I know without a doubt super high quality. The details are so special! It is a part of a set (here’s the top) but these could easily be worn with so many other tops. A loose white button-up would be effortless. These definitely give “vacation” but I say let home feel like a vacation too when you pop these cuties on. Another fun option! I love the color (but they also come in sand with a plus size option), that statement tie at the top, and the stitching. Plus, the length is so nice. No chance of those cheeks saying hello:) They are just a little more tailored and special than your average pull-on short. Sorry for the blurry photo but it was the best I could do. Anyway, how great is that green! These are also in that boxer short trend category which I am very tempted to try. They just look so damn comfy but also cute. I know it’s not for everyone but at the price I might give it a whirl. Plus, so great for poolside, right? (But can we also talk about the cuffs of the top??) I’m going to be honest, I didn’t know about the viral “denim” sweatpants Em was wearing in this post until I looked it up after she talked about them. They sound INCREDIBLE. So when I saw they had a shorts version, I HAD to include them. Duh. They come in three different washes (one lighter and one darker than the one pictured above), and if they are nearly as comfortable as everyone says the pants are, these are a homerun. But if you want a pull-on short that isn’t printed to look like a jean but is still comfy here are two great options under $50. The ones on the left do not have any stretch (aside from the elastic band) but will give you a cool relaxed look. Love that wash color. Then those cuties on the right have that sweet ruffled hem. They are also lower rise so keep that in mind whether that’s your preference or not. A Madewell soft, denim boxer short? Sign me up! Easy, soft to the touch, cute, and made with their “summer-friendly cotton-blend Airy Denim”. That means they are perfect for the warmer weather. I also know Caitlin and Arlyn have been big fans of Madewell’s pull-on shorts in the past. Why yes, you can be this chic for $25;) I mean get outta here, right? These tonal stripes and that sleek waistband are so good. Just enough color without it looking too bold. You could wear these to the office or on vacation, easily. They also have a bunch of other colors and pattern options if you are interested:) More “boxers” but that pocket is so cute! I just couldn’t resist. Also from Madewell, also super light and also extremely comfortable. These two feel less boxer-like to me because of the cuts (absolutely love how the sides are shorter) and the drawstring detail. The dark navy ones also come in a bright green and the light blue ones have a matching button-up top. These are great swim coverups too! And if you love a drawstring but not a print, these Reformation shorts are beautiful. So simple but so versatile. They come in three other neutral colors and these would be a breeze to dress up or down. For some additional solids, I adore the pockets on the Madewell cuties on the left. They come in 5 other color and pattern options but the style is what really makes them look less like a pull-on and more like a “normal short”. They’ll never know how comfortable you are! Then for a steal at $22, these Old Navy ones are the perfect throw-on-and-go pair that also come in seven other colors:) Aside from the sweet gingham print (it also comes in a butter yellow) I really love the texture of these shorts. They are made to look super relaxed and boy do they. Also, that price? SO GOOD. More Stripes but with really fun details! The contrast pattern trim on the pockets and the cuffed bottoms on the left shorts make me want to add to cart immediately. Then if you like a little metallic moment in your pull-on shorts there is a silver thread in the shorts on the right you’ll love. Fun but neutral:) Stripes aren’t the only pattern we love. These floral cuties are so fun! They come in seven other colors in petite, standard and plus sizes. The options are endless and CUTE. Would you believe these are Abercrombie? I know we’ve been raving about their evolution for a minute but it’s still so exciting! These mid-rise (yes!)summertime linen shorts are playful, chic, and highly rated. If shells aren’t your style they have seven other options to choose from. The florals continue on:) Not really sure why the shorts on the left are being called a skort because in every photo they really look like shorts but I wouldn’t be mad about either way. Love the high waist, the flowy bottom, and that subtle but playful print. I think if I had to choose a floral short it would be these ones on the right:) I can’t get enough of that pattern and for whatever reason they almost feel slightly sporty? I just think they are so freaking fun. These are the same AE ones from the beginning of these post but I really loved these colors and pattern:) Ok, onto the next! A flared “skirty” short? CUTE! I’m a big olive green fan (as you’ll see) and the cut/seams of these are so good. For the shorts on the right, I know they are way sportier than all the other ones but I couldn’t help myself and had to include. LOVE the patterned drawstring, such a fun addition to make something simple a little extra special. And those pockets are cool too! These last two options will likely be a little style-specific but I love them so much. These ones how overly relaxed and kinda baggy these are. They are mid-rise, mid-length, and cut up on the sides so have have a little more of a sexy shape. I want a pair bad! Oh and there are two different denim wash options. Those pockets are so sick. It’s almost like the coolest construction belt you’ve ever seen. I couldn’t decide which was I like more so I put in both. These are also on my fashion wish list! That’s it from me. If you’ve been needing some shorts I truly hope this was helpful. No need to not be the most comfortable (but cute) at any given moment, right? Love you, mean it.

Read More
Image
Home Decor

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. The Tile We worked with Ann Sacks on the tile and chose their Context line for the walls in this really pretty denim blue color called Spa. The wall tile is 2×12 so you can see we did a vertical row and then a horizontal tile on top, essentially creating a type of stripe. It’s a nice way to lay out tile to have it not be busy but do something interesting (neither a stack nor a stagger, no offense to either of those :)). We wanted to do a sort of color drench in here so we used a darker blue penny tile in a color called Lantern on the floor – a real Max Humphrey move. As you can see there is a lot of color variation to the tile that you can’t really tell on a sample, so when it’s installed it has some dark spots making each piece look more organic (but good to know). The Shower Plumbing We went with the Purist line in the Vibrant Brushed Moderne Brass with cross handles. The Purist remains my favorite line of theirs for both modern and transitional, but can absolutely go “modern traditional” as well. And per usual it comes in nine different finishes – all so pretty. Max chose the grout for the tile which was lighter on the walls and a bit darker grey on the floors. We talked about it after the grout was put in, and both of us would’ve done a darker blue grout on the floor, adding more of a contrast with the walls. We used white Caesarstone leftovers for all the trim and niche. We wanted to add some other design elements but didn’t want to make it too busy (and honestly at this point we were on a budget so we didn’t want to add a second tile. I felt that a paint color wouldn’t be impactful enough and didn’t necessarily want to add any wood paneling or anything like that. So once I found this wallpaper from Mitchell Black I loved how it picked up on the warmer tones of the brass and wood, but was still quiet and organic. We also didn’t know how we were going to design the guest room (and this bathroom is inside the guest room so they really needed to coordinate). So whatever we chose we didn’t want to lock us into a specific color palette just yet. This wallpaper is so neutral, soft, and pretty. This bathroom is pretty small, but this vanity has a lot of storage and works really well in here. We switched out the hardware to be black wood (stained, from Etsy) and I love that it looks like freestanding furniture. The sink and counter come with it making it easy for purchasing and install. I LOVE that light fixture, by Worley’s, which you can customize both the metal and the wood. I was greedy and wanted a multi-finish sconce so this black and wood double sconce was perfect here and married all of our finishes. The mirror was a $50 Home Goods purchase, y’all. I know these are a bit trendy and I bought it on a whim, but once I held it up we all agreed it was pretty dang cute and the idea of continuing to shop for something “better” wasn’t necessary. I like the tone of the wood with the wallpaper and the shape of the mirror with the organic “flock of birds” like pattern. For this bathroom we did a deck mount faucet, mostly to switch it up after a lot of wall mounts :) Designing five bathrooms at the same time makes you want a bit of variety. But behind the scenes, we may have wallpapered a dark slightly gold-flecked navy blue paper at first…it was a big “hell no” which was a bummer, but thank god the install of it was also problematic so we were able to re-install the new paper for free. So much better :) The flow between this bathroom and its bedroom is really pretty and while it’s small, it’s highly functional, so pretty, and does the job. Only one more bathroom left :) Stay tuned!

Read More