EMMA’S PICKS: AREA RUGS

Today I’m sharing six area rugs that have caught my eye recently. Hopefully they inspire you, too! While my home certainly has its fair share of neutrals, I love a bold rug. Think of them as wallpaper for your floors—instant personality & warmth. There are some high & low budget options and you’ll find the links by clicking on the rug photos. Enjoy!

I own & love this one

I just put this in my bedroom and it's so lush!

I like that this is both floral & geometric

This one would be so good paired with floral pillows

My dream rug...so chic

From one of my favorite brands

Let me know if any of these catch your eye, too!

xo, Emma

MY AMAZON PRIME DAY PICKS

It can be overwhelming to sort through all the Prime Day deals, so here are a few of my home decor favorites that will work hard for you and your home. I’m deciding between many of them in my own cart!

MODERN BLACK SCONCE: I’m trying to decide between these sconces and the gold ones for my bedroom. I love the shape and two-toned finish of these.

BLACK MARBLE TRAY: This is such a versatile piece. Style it in a bathroom, on a nightstand or even on a shelf. I’m eyeing it for my husband’s bed side table.

WAFFLE DUVET COVER: This texture screams “fancy hotel” to me at a reasonable price, but what really drew me in was the EIGHT ties inside of it so the duvet isn’t always sliding around. I’m sold.

STRIPED THROW BLANKET: Now that we live in Arizona I’ve been drawn to much lighter throw blankets. I love how this throw adds a bright pop of color without being overwhelming.

BLOCK PRINT PILLOW COVER: This one comes in at such a great price and feels down-to-earth and designer all at once.

LOLOI RUG: I have purchased several rugs from this line and they are always winners. They are printed flat weave, so definitely understand what you’re buying before you “add to cart”, but I’ve had no complaints! Very kid friendly.

FAUX POPPY STEMS: So fun for spring and summer. I’m wanting to add some faux stems to our powder room & my nightstand.

GOLD SWIVEL SCONCE: I previously owned a very similar sconce without the swivel. The swivel action on these is a game-changer!

Let me know if you end up finding anything you love!

xo, Emma

ROUNDUP: $25 & UNDER HOME DECOR

I was recently gifted a $25 Visa gift card from a friend and it got me thinking about what I could purchase for my home at that price. I usually put gift cards toward larger purchases, but this time I wanted to see what I could find for the gift card value alone. Everything is linked in case you have a $25 gift card burning a hole in your pocket, too.

1. Neutral Throw Blanket - $14.53

This blanket is a great size for the price, 50 x 60 inches! It’s tones & texture are great year-round, making it a piece that can travel around your home. I’m all about decor pieces that can live many lives.

2. Marble Soap Dish - $22.95

I think a big chunky piece of French soap on this dish would make such a memorable vignette in a powder room. Dramatic in the best way.

3. Oil Cruets - $17.05 for a set of 2

These may be what I end up using my gift card for. I love how they blend form & function. There is a vintage marble turntable next to my range begging for these babies. PLUS they come with 36 labels that have the most common oils, vinegars & syrups so you can customize them to your kitchen.

4. Stylish Safety Matches - $23.99

The size of this amber glass jar is substantial and I’m a sucker for modern typography on glass. It’s a niche love, I know. The matches are a 4 inches long and the back of the bottle has a place to strike your matches! Display this bottle next to a candle for a functional vignette.

5. Ginger Jar - $25.32 (usually $49!)

A ginger jar is a transitional decor staple in my opinion. They are so versatile that you really can’t go wrong. Some are more stylish than others and this one fits the bill. Its pattern feels organic and hand-done, plus it’s almost never priced this low.

6. Brass Footed Frame - $14.99

This frame’s unique shape makes it great for layering in front of mirrors or larger art. Fill it with a family photo, a dried botanical, a miniature painting—the sky’s the limit with this cutie.

7. Iron Tripod Planter - $20.00

I love how unique this planter is. I value having pieces in my home that not everybody has and this fits the bill. Any plant would be lucky to live in this pot.

8. Matte Black Volcano Candle - $16.00

Volcano candles are by far my favorite of all time, but the matte black jars are new! I think they are a great way to add a little modernity to vintage pieces. Stacked on top of some art books? Shut the front door.

9. Faux Poppy Stems - $19.99

I’ve had my eye on these for months now. I love that they have curvy stems like real poppies. I’m willing to bet that after a good fluff and some water in a vase they look very real. Just read the reviews!

10. Glass Cloche - $21.43

A glass cloche has been on my thrift list for over a year now. I haven’t given up the search for one second-hand, but I might be ready to buy this one. At a darling home decor & candle boutique in Cody, Wyoming, I saw them cover their candles in cloches and it was love at first sight.

I’m still debating between the cloche & the oil cruets for my gift card…what’s your pick?

Xo, Emma

PEACH PANTONE PILLOWS

Have you seen the Pantone 2024 color of the year? If you haven’t, here it is! Peach Fuzz.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I painted my powder room this exact color about a month ago. I love it! Just in case you’re not quite up to diving into bright pink paint, here are 9 throw pillows in this peachy Pantone shade.

A throw pillow is a great way to test out colors & trends without a high level of financial or emotional commitment. All of them are linked below. Enjoy!

ONE | TWO | THREE

FOUR | FIVE | SIX

SEVEN | EIGHT | NINE

xo, Emma

MY TOP 5 HOME DECOR PURCHASES OF 2023

As the year comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about which pieces I’ve enjoyed most in my home. When it came to new purchases, these five items came out on top.

They have all added personality to my home & made it feel more “us”. Even better, all five exceeded my expectations upon purchase (all were ordered online) & I feel they have held their quality and value with use so far.

Without further ado & in no particular order…

Emma’s Top 5 of 2023

1. Funny (but classy) Powder Room Art

At first glance it looks like any old portrait, but on the double-take it’s a whimsical nod to potty humor. My five-year-old thinks it’s hilarious & I don’t disagree.

Find it here

2. White Accordion Peg Rack

I have many vintage peg racks I’ve thrifted, but I needed something more crisp for my entry. I love how this classic shape is elevated with the white finish—it adds so much texture to the wall without being overwhelming.

Find it here

3. Acrylic Hardware Pulls

At just over $5 a piece, I was skeptical—but they feel heavy & were an instant upgrade in our powder room. They are a great way to tie in all the brushed nickel door handles in builder grade homes.

Find them here

4. Green Velvet Pillow

Green is my favorite color, so I’m partial, BUT this pillow is so affordable for the quality—I love the invisible zipper closure! A velvet pillow is a great way to go with solid colors since it adds texture & depth.

Find it here

5. Hammered Gold Lamp Base

Its round shape & metallic finish add so much drama to my entry. I love how it bounces light next to the mirror.

Find it here

Even when it feels like not a lot changed in my home during this busy year, it’s fun to see what did! Home wasn’t built in a day. Here’s to 365 more days of slow-but-steady building!

xo, Emma

EMMA’S 2023 GIFT GUIDES

There are about a million different categories I could make gift guides for, but I decided to stick with what I know best. I’ve rounded up some of my favorites for the kids, men & women on your gifting lists.

FOR LITTLES

Sometimes aesthetically pleasing toys get a bad wrap for being boring. While I don’t think all toys need to be stylish, I do enjoy purchasing toys that are fun to display on shelves and in our playroom. Each item on this list is both lovely AND fun.

Terrier Rocking Horse: We bought this for our youngest last year and he is finally getting really interested in it. I would say the peak age for this toy is about 2 years old. I love how sweet it looks in his nursery. This would be a great gift for a baby to age into throughout the year.

Acrylic Tic Tac Toe: Isn’t this the cutest? My oldest is getting more into games and loves tic tac toe. I would style this on a coffee table or playroom console. The large pieces are nice and baby-friendly, which is always a bonus around here.

Oversized Plush Shark: Good old IKEA. This was a gift from an aunt and I was skeptical at how HUGE it is, but it has been the best toy. We also love the octopus. The kids wrestle it, pretend with it, and it looks pretty darn cute in a stuffed animal bin. I use it to cover all the other less-cute “stuffies.”

Nesting Woodland Animals: I used to have a thrifted set of plastic nesting dolls and they were a hit with the 3 & under crowd. I think this set would be beautiful on a shelf.

Yellow Hammock Chair Swing: This is on my list for my 5-year-old this year (shhhhh!). I have a corner that needs some color and function in his room and this hammock chair brings both. It has rave reviews & I’m a big fan of giving Christmas gifts that aren’t just toys with a million pieces.

Felt Gardening Set: We bought this for my little guy’s first birthday, and it is still played with every single day over a year later by both kids. Fan favorite, 10/10 would recommend.

Home Children’s Book: I don’t own this book, but I’ve had my eye on it for a while now. High-quality books are some of my favorite gifts to get my kids for holidays. We usually thrift our books, so most of our extra lovely hardcover books are gifts.

Wooden Mushroom Kaliedoscope: We received one of these in a craft subscription box and I think it is too cute on a nursery bookshelf. Even better, both kids love looking through it.

Terrier Rocking Horse | Acrylic Tic Tac Toe | Oversized Plush Shark

Nesting Woodland Animals | Yellow Hammock Chair Swing

Felt Gardening Set | Home Children’s Book | Wooden Mushroom Kaliedoscope

FOR HIM

You can probably tell I’m married to an outdoorsman by this list, but I know I’m not the only one! Hopefully these ideas help you find something unique for the men in your life.

Scheel’s Gift Card: I know Scheel’s isn’t nation-wide, but it’s a big deal in our family. Going there is an event and my husband loves being able to browse with some money set aside just for that.

National Parks Pass: This pass pays for itself quickly, especially if you’re within driving distance of more than one park. It is valid for everyone in your car and expires in 12 months.

Resin & Wood Business Card Holder: Give him something that he’ll see on his desk throughout the day and remind him of you. I think the resin and wood combo is just plain cool.

Vintage Pocket Knife: Several years ago I bought Colton a vintage pocket knife at a thrift store and it’s become one of his favorite gifts. Etsy has lot’s of different ones available—who doesn’t love one-of-a-kind?

Melin Hat: Colton has a lot of hats. He started wearing these ones from Melin this year and I love how they look on him. They are waterproof, sweat-proof and they look polished enough to pull an outfit together instead of dressing it down. The cut is youthful & stylish—your guy is going to love it.

Classic Flannel Shirt: Who doesn’t love a man in flannel? A little gift for both of you, really.

Carhartt Long-sleeve Tee: They’re sturdy so they lay nicely and are high-quality. They don’t stain as easily as your run-of-the-mill tee and they work well alone or as a layer.

Man Bag: Colton was skeptical when I said he needed a man bag, but he found this brand earlier this year and wears it everywhere. Plus it’s big enough to hold a diaper and kid essentials—great for young dads.

Sunflower Seed Spittoon: Hear me out. I know this is made for chewing tobacco, but Colton loves to chew sunflower seeds on his commute and let’s just say a stylish solution is in order. This 5oz. spittoon is easy to empty and comes with a cleaning brush. Wives-of-sunflower-seed-chewers unite!

Scheel’s Gift Card | National Parks Pass | Resin & Wood Business Card Holder

Vintage Pocket Knife | Melin Hat

Classic Flannel Shirt | Carhartt Long-sleeve Tee | Man Bag | Sunflower Seed Spittoon

FOR HER

I own a couple of these things, but a lot of them are things I would be tickled to open on Christmas morning. Spoil the lady in your life!

The Sill Gift Card: You can buy plants from The Sill to be shipped, but I bet she will love picking out her own new plant baby with a gift card. (Spoiler: I would!)

Cross-Body Bag: I own this exact bag and it’s been awesome! I almost exclusively use cross-body bags around town as a young mom and I wanted one that would feel elevated with my nicer outfits. Bonus, the faux leather is wipeable. This one survived a pumpkin painting play date!

Ceramic Shell Pin: I’ve been a fan of Krista Coon’s ceramic work for a long time. I think one of her handmade ceramic pins would be a super fun & unique gift. The thing she doesn’t even know she needs!

Instant Camera: There are lot’s of different instant cameras out there, but I love how this one has the look of an old camera. Darling. This gift is great for anyone 10 & up if you ask me. I’m pushing 30 and I’d be giddy.

Pura Car Diffuser: I don’t own any Pura products, but it’s a major wishlist item for me. Their car diffuser is new this year! My kids trash my car. Often. How fun would it be to close your eyes in the messy car and feel like you’re in Anthropologie? I would choose the Pura Car Volcano Scent since it’s the same scent as my fave candle.

Couple Connect: My husband bought this game just because a couple of months ago and it was the most thoughtful gift. There are tons of cards, so we just skip ones that feel corny to us, but a lot of them spark some really thoughtful conversations. Perfect for chatting at the end of a long day without wondering what to talk about. She’ll feel so happy that you’re giving the gift of conversation.

Custom Photo Strips: If you’ve been around for a while, you know my favorite printer is Persnickety Prints. Their 2x8 press print photo strips make great art, bookmarks, coffee table pieces, you name it! Make one of the two of you, her and her friends, her and the kids, the dog, anything! This is a low-effort, high-pay-off gift that will put a smile on her face.

The Sill Gift Card | Cross-Body Bag

Ceramic Shell Pin | Instant Camera

Pura Car Diffuser | Pura Car Volcano Scent | Couple Connect | Custom Photo Strips

That’s a wrap on my main gift guides for 2023! I have a few extra links just for my subscribers, so if you need more ideas for hard-to-shop-for loved ones, you can sign up for Emma E-mail here.

Happy Gifting!

xo, Emma

MY FAVORITE IKEA PIECES & WHY

During the thick of our most recent move, the lead mover stopped to look at me and said “You really like IKEA, don’t you?”

First off, he was not hired for his design opinion. Secondly, YES. Yes, I do.

It’s not for everyone, but it sure is for me. Here’s why…

• Kids: Little grimy (and lovely) kids. It’s hard to beat affordable furniture that’s pretty darn wipeable when you have KIDS.

• Budget: Yes, there’s a reason it’s affordable. You’re building it yourself, but work is free. More decor please.

• Style: You read that right. Style. Sure, it’s not all glamorous, but if you know how to weed through the glossy white laminate, there are some downright classy pieces.

• Return Policy: 365 Days. That’s a good long time. And when I’ve had my receipt, it’s been hassle-free returns—open-box and all.

• Swedish Meatballs: Eat’em there, then take some frozen ones to go. Don’t forget the lingonberry jam. You’re welcome.

Without further ado, here are my top 5 favorite pieces of IKEA furniture.

1. THE IDANAS CABINET

I own this piece and use it as a bookcase with games in the bottom drawers. It’s much heavier than I imagined and I love the beige gingham backboard, which I didn’t know about until I started building. The doors open accordion-style & it holds A LOT. As someone who loves books and is prone to picking up knick knacks, this is a staple. Highly recommend.

2. THE LOMMARP CABINET

The LOMMARP Cabinet is another item I purchased when we moved to Colorado last year. I was looking for a wide, tall display case that also had storage and some kid-friendliness to it. I had my eye on this one from Crate & Barrel, but it wasn’t in my budget. Instead, I bought two of these babies and placed them side-by-side. I never secured the top trim so that I could adjust it for them to sit exactly next to one another instead of an inch apart. The trim is just resting up there and no one is the wiser! I love that the base of this display case has doors! I’m telling ya, IKEA designers must be parents.

P.S. Everything in the LOMMARP series is darling. They have cream and blue-green options that are to-die for.

3. THE UPPLAND SECTIONAL

I purchased the UPPLAND sectional for our Utah home in the basement, but it now lives in our main living area. I originally bought it in beige and it was very forgiving and washable. I wanted a darker cover once we moved since our room needed to be grounded. I purchased a cover through Comfort Works, but I can’t say I recommend it. If I could go back, I would have purchased the blue IKEA slip cover pictured above. Much better price point and I bet it’ll wear well.

4. THE UPPLAND ARMCHAIR

Before I link this one, do me a favor and don’t pair this with the sectional. It’ll be too matchy matchy, promise. That said, having the UPPLAND chair in another room brings a sense of continuity in the house with the sectional being from the same family. I've had the old version (EKTORP) for 4 years now and It’s been a dream. I’ve washed it multiple times & it’s my favorite chair to feed babies in, fall asleep holding babies in, you get the idea. Great back and arm support.

And, last but not least…

5. THE DUNDRA ACTIVITY TABLE

This activity table has been great. I was looking for something that wasn’t bright green and painted specifically for trains, and this has been just the thing. It has one huge drawer that pulls out, but the drawer is divided in two. We store our trains and our legos in there, separated. I love how sleek it looks when everything is put away, and it’s deep enough that when I tuck ugly fun toy trucks underneath, you barely know they’re there.

And there you have it. My IKEA top 5. I have a lot of other IKEA items in my home from stuffed animals to pillow inserts to baskets, but I’ll save those for another time.

If you ask me? The secret to using IKEA pieces without having a house that looks like and IKEA is to mix and match and add a lot of warmth through accessories.

xo, Emma

QUICK LINKS

IDANAS CABINET | LOMMARP CABINET | UPPLAND SECTIONAL | UPPLAND ARMCHAIR | DUNDRA ACTIVITY TABLE