Hello to Emily’s blog followers. I’m Keith, Emily’s husband and I have hi-jacked her blog today. Emily is very nervous because I did not let her see what I’m going to post until the very last minute. She always likes to proofread my writing but not today, so I apologize up front for the grammar. The reason I have taken over her blog is because 10 years ago today I married this beautiful woman and little did I know all the talents she has been blessed with. When we got married I knew she was a great person, knock out gorgeous and could sing, but little did I know she had this decorating talent. Now I see why all of my stuff (rooms-to-go plastic couch, favorite recliner, etc.) that decorated my town home disappeared within the first few months of our marriage.
I must admit it has been fascinating to see this blog evolve over the past year and to read your comments complimenting Emily’s projects and ideas. Being a guy I just thought you hang a picture on a wall (in the center of course), have a big screen HDTV with surround sound, a couch, recliner, table trays, mattress (no frame unless necessary), and you’re good to go. Oh so much have I learned over the last ten years.
One thing I have noticed is that Emily likes to give her readers ideas in her daily posts. With this in mind I thought I would give you my two cents on how to be happily married to a designer or to someone who wants their house to look nice. For those of you who are married I thought maybe you can share this with your spouse:
1. Don’t get attached to anything….furniture, prints, paint color, etc.
2. Don’t ask why every lamp in the house is on….and don’t start talking about the peaks in the electricity bill when all the lights are on.
3. Pillows are not for comfort…….if the pillows on the couch are strategically placed, chopped in the middle and fluffed – Sit on the floor!
4. If she asks do you notice anything different?… First look at her hair, then start looking at the wall for new pictures or paint color…. Or in my case, I ask my six-year-old because he is much more observant than I am.
5. If she needs help drawing straight lines, don’t just eyeball it and use a pen to mark on the wall… get a long level and use a pencil…..lesson learned.
6. If she is intently staring at a blank wall, don’t make any plans for the weekend.
7. Be prepared to go anywhere at anytime to retrieve a great Goodwill or Craigslist find and don’t question how ugly it is. You might also want to take some security with you. You should see some of the places Emily has sent me for a bargain.
8. Don’t just invite people into your house without having at a minimum a weeks notice….not even the guys.
9. A garage is not for parking. It’s for goodwill and craigslist finds that need to be sanded and painted.
10. Just go with it…whatever color, whatever frame, whatever idea….because it will again change sometime in the near future.
As good of a decorator as she is, I am most proud of Emily for being the wife and mother that she is. I love her very much and hope to have many many more years of wedded bliss!! I hope you enjoyed the post.
How sweet! I love your tips, my husband would agree with number 6: “If she is intently staring at a blank wall, don’t make any plans for the weekend.”
Best regards from Barcelona,
Marta
I LOVE it!!! I think my husband would say every one of those things is true :) Happy Anniversary you too! I hope you enjoy many, many more years of happiness!
Congratulations to you two lovebirds! I read this my husband and he got a good chuckle. Completely identifies.
-Rene
Sweetest thing ever! He’s so proud of you and rightfully so. Enjoy your anniversary!
You are a sweet man!
What a great post! I found myself thinking “thats so true, thats so true” with hubby’s list.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY you two love birds!
Sarah
HandbagsnPigtails.blogspot.com
I am smiling from ear to ear Emily with your amazing husband.
Thank you so much for sharing this! Happy Anniversary guys!! xo
Way to go, Hubby!!! It sounds like you’re both blessed in your marriage….no greater gift to your children!
My husband would agree with your post 100%…I’ve got a great one, too!
How funny and so sweet!! You two are such a cute couple:)
What a great post! I’m showing this to my husband, I know he just shivers when he sees me with a can of white paint or a paintbrush in hand:)
Happy annivesary to you both!
Rondell
Happy Anniversary! While I do love every post you put up here, this I love as well. You know you have a good hubby if he doesn’t sit near the fluffed pillows–ha! I wish you many more years of bliss.
Julie
Great Post! You have learned well. My husband would agree on all accounts. Enjoyed the read and Happy Anniversary.
This is the sweetest post ever- loved it!!! Happy Anniversary to both of you. I think my husband can relate to EVERYTHING you said xo
How cute!
Yeah for number 9!!! Great post, I love this Emily!!
Have a great day and stop on over and let me know your thoughts on the question I ask in my post today, if you can!
Janell
What a sweet husband! My husband could probably relate to this post too! Happy Anniversary you two!
how cute is your husband???!! great post that clearly shows he’s learned a lot from you over the past few years–he is listening (loved the bit about looking @ your hair, first)!!! :)
congratulations on your anniversary!
Happy Anniversary, love the list. I had to forward this onto my husband. He is still debating and struggling with a few items.
Ha ha
What a sweet husband! I love all his tips because I’m sure my husband would agree with them too. I laughed when I read about the pillows being “chopped”. Ha! This was such a fun post!
This made me laugh out loud and I sent it to my husband to read. I’m sure he’ll get a kick out of it. Makes me feel more normal. Happy Anniversary! I love your blog!
This is so sweet. Great advice! I have to show this to my husband tonight. I’m sure he’ll agree!
I love it! My husband was just making fun of me last night for how often I change things up. He definitely doesn’t get attached to much for those exact reasons…and yes, our garage doesn’t house our cars right now. Just projects :)
Happy Anniversary! I loved the list! Very funny! Emily, I love reading your blog. You have given me many great ideas. :)
Oh my gosh this is the sweetest post I have ever read, and I’m sure my husband would list most of the same things! Happy anniversary, your family is beautiful and your love is inspiring!!!
Happy Anniversary! It’s always fun to get the husband’s version also. Adorable post that I hope we hear from him again.
I absolutely love it. What a sweet husband you are. My husband will get a kick out of this.
Okay, this is the most precious thing I have seen in a long time! Congratulations on 10 years of marriage, what a wonderful day for you two.
I will share you post with my hubby, he will feel like someone understands him finally!
Have a great anniversary!
Abbe
This is darling (I know you must love that description). Happy Anniversary!
OMG! I read this out loud to my husband just now and he smiled the entire time! He said he’s glad that someone knows what its like!
Every single point made is the same for my house! Especially Craigslist. I sent my husband to get 2 dressers. The first time he said the house was overran by cats and birds! He said that when he was checking the drawers that 2 cats were in them. Then the second time, he said that the people had horses and dogs running around their yards and that he think he went to work with fleas!!!
Oh gosh, the life of decorators and bloggers! We could definitely write some books!
Happy Anniversary guys!
Emily, this is fantastic! I love your husband’s “tips!” I forwarded it to my husband b/c he’ll be able to relate! Congrats on your anniversary – you two are precious!
What an incredibly sweet post!!
and number one is so so true with the creative minds… everything is ALWAYS changing :)
xoxo Laura
Great post! I’m not a designer or a stylist, but I like to decorate. I definitely plan to show my husband your list so he knows he’s not alone in his “suffering.”
Happy Anniversary!
First of all congratulations!!!! I loved this post, I swear I could hear my Husband in each of those tips. There should be a club for Husbands of Decorators!
Darling!! Happy 10th and many more happy memoeries in your future!!
Maureen
You are a fast learner! Happy Anniversary!
How sweet is he!! Happy Anniversary! I love his post and rules to a happy marriage in fact I thought for a moment my husband was writing this, I never realized what it’s like to live with an interior designer until now!!
Perfect post and great advice for all husbands. Happy Anniversary. I hope you have many, many more. Hugs, Marty
How precious..they really are paying attention. I loved reading this.
Awww, this is so cute! No 6 just cracks me up. Happy anniversary to you both!
Just darling. What a cute hubby you have (and well-trained!!!)! (c: Congrats and here’s to many more!
Happy Anniversary to you both! YOU get a ’10’ for being a romantic, thoughtful, patient and hilarious husband. I think I may just print this post out & slap it on my husbands pillow!!
Bravo ~
I love how supportive you blog-husbands are! Great post, and happy anniversary!
I showed this to my husband and he laughed! He can completely relate with you. Love truly means supporting each other in your endeavors. Happy anniversary!
My husband saw a link to this post on Coco + Kelley’s facebook page and commented “Am I married to the same woman?” lol Adorable post, Keith. And bless you for being married to a designer. My husband and I are married 9 years and if you ever need to get some things off your chest, just give him a call. Happy Anniversary! xo, Tobi
Happy Anniversary! What a wonderful post.
“Pillows are not for comfort” Ha! So true. And I also loved this bit: “If she is intently staring at a blank wall, don’t make any plans for the weekend.”
emily what a magical post. and the perfect gift from a husband…..his “words of affection and love”
happy anniversary to you both
debra
Love it, Keith!! Happy Anniversary you two!
Oh my gosh this is 100% TRUE!!! What cute tips from your husband!
As soon as my honeybun gets home I will have him read this,
hopefully then he will stop saying “I liked it the way it was”
Happy Anniversay!!!!
AWESOME!! We’ve only been married 6 months and already my husband can identify with every single one of those tips!
Congratulations!
Fabulous post by a designer’s hubby :) I am going to send this over to the man in my life who will surely learn a thing or two from this post. So fun.
*Tania @ Passport2Design.com
HA!!!! I am forwarding this to my hubby!!! Love it!
Happy Anniversary!! This post completely made me smile as I am am sure many a husbands can relate…so true about the garage.
So sweet! And so true. I need to show this to my hubby so he will see that he’s not alone! haha!
Love the tips. Must pass on to my husband. Love your blog.
I am still laughing out loud. Keith, I know you got a great girl but Emily didn’t do too bad either. You know how much we all love you and we are glad you have been part of our family for the past 10 years. Keep doing everything she asks you to do!!!
Great post! I’m sure most husbands can relate, I know mine would.
#6 is my fav.
Happy Anniversary!
So sweet and I know my hubby can relate to all of those things :)!
Happy Anniversary to you both. This has made my day; you should see me smiling!
Every designers husband should read this (just as a reminder!!)
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
congratulations!!
super hilarious post!!
I have tears in my eyes Emily!!!! You are a lucky girl to be married a man who ‘sees’ you! Congrats on 10 years of marriage…what a beautiful gift for your children!!
And of course you’re a stunning bride!!!
GREATEST POST EVER!!! I am going to forward this to my husband right away!!
CONGRATS!
Emily Hewett
awelldressedhome.com/blog
I am dying!!!!! Ha ha! All this could not be more true! I really think all designers were separated at birth! I drag my husband all over town to pick up my bargain finds! He is such a good sport about it.
Happy Anniversary!
Jennifer
Keith . . . hilarious and so amazing all in one. What a great couple. I know my hubby feels the same way {I made him ditch his nasty recliner upon getting married . . that was his first hint of what was to come}. These should be posted and framed! Happy Anniversary. Your wife is such an inspiration to me.
Happy anniversary! Great tips!
How very sweet!! Love this!
What a great guy!
Awww, what a sweetie pie your husband is!!! Happy anniversary to you two!
Oh yes, he is definitely speaking from experience. I loved this and will send the link to my husband so he can have a good laugh. He will truly agree with everything here, especially the part about the garage being a place for all OUR treasures! They are such good sports and the men in our “designing” lives are what make us so good! You are a lucky girl Emily!
I just sent this to my husband, figuring he would appreciate #6 and 9. Happy Anniversary!
Happy anniversary…AND…thank you. I showed this to my hubby and it’s made him feel less alone and make my look *slightly* less strange.
Ashleigh
So nice! I am going to share this with my husband!
Happy Anniversary.
Happy Anniversary to you both!!
Emily, I can’t even tell you all the crazy places around CLT we’ve gone hunting Craigslist goodies!!
What an amazing and funny post! Read it to my husband and he had a chuckle.
Happy Anniversary, wishing you many more years of happiness!
Along with my love of decorating, I share two other things in common, my hubby’s name is Keith and today is my birthday : )
Tracy
My BFF is a Keith too and we’ll be married soon(we’ve been together 8 years and counting) … Your post brought tears to my eyes, it was so revealing. Not only do I realize how great it is to have a partner who “gets” us (the obsessed) but also who honors us by allowing us to just … be. Thanks for a great post. And congrats, both of you!
Emily, that is absolutely, completely hilarious!!! Did you see Tobi Fairley linked to your post? Because it fits every single one of us. LOVE IT! And congrats to both of you!!!
So Cute…LOVE this post…My husband would say the same!!
Very sweet. I loved it!
http://40daysof.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/giveaway/
Adorable post! You have nothing to worry about your husband posting (:
Those tips he gave are sooo funny, but so true! You made me smile, Keith (:
I love this and just forwarded it onto my new hubby of 3 months, he has SO much to learn!! Happy Anniversary, love your blog!
So sweet and so funny — I am still laughing. My husband doesn’t even have to ask what “on axis” means! Twenty years, he’s now trained pretty well!
That made me laugh out loud! Great post! I even forwarded it to my husband. I think he can relate to all of those!
Happy Anniversary!
As the husband of an International Interior Designer, I loved your post. Irene Turner and I have been married for five years now. I remember that we had only been dating for a couple of days, I was working from my home office at my “bachelor pad”. She stuck her head in the door and said “would you mind if I moved some of your art and pictures around?” I said “Go for it”. I heard lots of pounding and fussing for the next couple of hours, when I came out the results were fantastic. Someday I will have to tell you about choosing the colors for our new home. I lived in an off white home for 25 years. I don’t know how I did it, Now I love color. Ron L. Welsh
I’m laughing so hard – this is a fantastic list for the hubs. I’ll make him ready it tonight! Happy Anniversary Keith & Emily!
So nice! Happy Anniversary and I’m sending this link to my husband to read so he won’t feel that he is alone in the world! ;)
I’m new to your blog but what a great post…and husband! And I think my husband will certainly relate to some of those!
I read your blog first thing every morning and I love it! My husband and I bought our first place early this year and I am loving every minute of the decorating process. Your blog has been an inspiration!
Today, I sent a link of this post to my husband to read and he thought it was funny and he identified with it as well. Thank you for your insight, Keith! Happy Anniversary and wishing you many years of blessed married life.
Awwww, that was such a wonderful post! I loved it! And Happy Anniversary!
So sweet, what a fun post your hubby wrote! And so true. I’ve heard the electricity thing TOO many times to count. I’ll turn on a cute lamp & he’ll come behind me & turn it off. Men! Gotta love them, esp. when they are this insightful.
Happy Anniversary!
this is hilarious! i read to my husband and he agreed with everything… actually he had to help me carry a dresser this morning for its photoshoot and he asked, “why are you taking a picture of this one?” He didn’t realize it was in its “finished” state with its rustic look. Men.
this is hilarious! i read to my husband and he agreed with everything… actually he had to help me carry a dresser this morning for its photoshoot and he asked, “why are you taking a picture of this one?” He didn’t realize it was in its “finished” state with its rustic look. Men.
this is hilarious! i read to my husband and he agreed with everything… actually he had to help me carry a dresser this morning for its photoshoot and he asked, “why are you taking a picture of this one?” He didn’t realize it was in its “finished” state with its rustic look. Men.
this is hilarious! i read to my husband and he agreed with everything… actually he had to help me carry a dresser this morning for its photoshoot and he asked, “why are you taking a picture of this one?” He didn’t realize it was in its “finished” state with its rustic look. Men.
this is hilarious! i read to my husband and he agreed with everything… actually he had to help me carry a dresser this morning for its photoshoot and he asked, “why are you taking a picture of this one?” He didn’t realize it was in its “finished” state with its rustic look. Men.
I laughed and nodded along to 10/10! Gotta make hubby read this tonight :) Happy Anniversary
#9 is my FAVORITE… hilarious!!
The garage is not for parking..it’s for painting and sanding craigslist/goodwill finds!!!
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I’m back…
I forwarded your husband’s post to my husband for a laugh.. telling him my favorite was #9.
Here is my husband’s reply to my email :
“””LOL.
#4 is my favorite. Also like #3, #7, and #10. Nicely done. Of course his last sentence at the end is the best.”””””
LOVED this post and it totally had me laughing out loud! I forwarded it to my Hubs because he seriously could have written this. Happy Anniversary you two! Many blessings on your marriage and fam!
Love this! I am sending it on to my hub. Happy Anniversary!
A hahahaha!
I’m back AGAIN.. (Too bad it’s not giveaway time, maybe I would have a chance)…
Okay so it’s my third post..sorry.
I had to share this funny…
Still discussing your husband’s post with my husband and why I thought #9 was so funny…
He said it didn’t apply to our garage. Again (sorry to bore you) here was his reply:
“””I like #9, but the reference to sanding and painting doesn’t apply. If it had said,
9. A garage is not for parking. It’s for storage of things that get swamped out in the weekly/monthly makeover, haven’t been sold yet, or might come back into favor.”””
Okay, with that I bid you farewell… LOL
Emily, Emily,Emily, I love your guy!!!
I just had my hubby of 41 years come in and read this.YOu have to understand he is a man of few words with a great amount of logic. He immediately started chuckling saying that is true, that is true. He totally lost it on the hair or the wall!!! Been there done that! The garage unfortuantely is beyone true!! The lights on Oh my what can I say. Your sweet hubby nailed it. It only took him 10yrs to learn all this, he is a fast learner. Loved this and I can tell others did too. Congrats on a good choice in men 10yrs ago,Kathysue
This is a riot! I will be married for 43 years in one week. My hubby would agree on all points:):) I am the decorator here but he also has a really good eye! We agree on 99% of our decorating decisions, thank God!!!! That may be one BIG reason we have been maried for 43 years:):) Pinky
I found your blog, via my friend Cindy, and just loved this post to pieces. I think your husband and my husband could sit and share stories and their woes over a cold beer sometime.
I love it when spouses write on their partners blogs, and this one has to be my very favorite yet. Thanks for making me smile today : )
oxox
Jennifer
This post should be printed, framed and hung on the wall. And no matter how many and/or how often things change in the house, this has the right to stay, always.
Happy anniversary and CONGRATULATIONS on have such a successful marriage! Clearly you’ve got a system that works for you. ;)
What a nice brother-in-law I have… Congrats on the anniversary!
Oh man, spot on! I’m married to an interior designer too and I can relate a lot to your 10 points.
Here’s another one: if you never heard of some funny name before, just assume it’s the name of a color. Odds are, you’d be right most of the time! :-)
Good luck to y’all.
So adorable my husband will love this list…I might hijack it for my blog xoxo!
My Husband has LOTS to learn! I just forwarded to him. Hopefully, he’ll learn to stop arguing about my crazy decorating whims and just go with the flow. Emily, your husband is the cutest!
ROTFL! Love this!
Hilarious – #6 is true in my house.
– Danielle
Happy anniversary guys!! I loved this post so fun and true!
lol, I just read it to Mr. Stitches and he said, “Ain’t that the truth !”
Happy Anniversary !
Happy Anniversary! What a great post…I love “just sit on the floor.”
What a fun post! Keith Clark, I’m impressed. Please start your own blog.
O.k. that is the sweetest thing! I wish you guys a most wonderful anniversary and many many more to come! Thanks Keith for sharing your lovely and talented wife with us!
Happy Anniversary! I loooved this post- it sounds exactly like my house! I’m gonna show this to my husband for sure:)
How cool… We never get to hob-knob with daddy bloggers. Great job and happy anniversary!
Congratulations Keith! A very impressive post. Happy anniversary to you and Emily!
That was a really great read..he should blog more often, no offense to Emily…hehehe
:))))))))))
#7 is so true in my house, although now that bedbugs are rampant, I’m too scared to send him crazy places for items.
#7 is so true in my house, although now that bedbugs are rampant, I’m too scared to send him crazy places for items.
So stinkin’ cute! Happy Anni!! Makes me wonder what my husband would write about me! He definitely relates to the decorative pillows- he’s always moving them off the couch!!
What a blessing he is to you, Emily. So sweet!
Oh Emily…..what a gem you have. Those are the sweetest and most loving words ever. It proves what a good person you are to have the sense to pick such a wonderful man.
I passed on this post to my husband and he responded with “He forgot #11 – be prepared for a “significant change” to the homestead upon returning from the deer lease…it is inevitable” ha!
This is fantastic! I emailed it to my husband to read!
This is so true! Your sweet hubby summed it up well! He needs to write a book for all of our boys out there!
How weird…my husband and I got married on the same day and have been been married for 10 years as well. Next year will be our 11th on 11/11/11 and did you know that day there will be a full moon (just found out b/c son is studying lunar phases). Although I do not know you, I am very happy for you and your husband and what a lucky guy to marry not only a beautiful woman, but a super talented one as well…congratulations!!
awww. I am glad to see you have learned in 10 yrs what it took my husband 20 yrs to learn!!
a house is just a house without love in it!
That was so cute! God bless you both!
What a sweetie pie of a hubs you have. 10 years together, congrats! Such good tips for all hubs, I will make sure mine reads this post too!
I wish my boyfriend would follow step #8: “Don’t just invite people into your house without having at a minimum a weeks notice….not even the guys”. LOL
Happy 10 Year Anniversay!
That is so sweet! You are a lucky woman. Congrats on 10 years!!! May you have many more…
First off….Happy Anniversary. I just read your post to my husband and we both were laughing. My husband said your descriptions are spot on!!!
I once brought home this hideous green hutch…even the dog went running. It is now a center piece in my dining room and everyone’s favorite piece. After twenty plus years of marriage…my husband has finally relented and no longer ask why the living room lights are on but no one is in the room. Hahaha…What a wonderful blog!!
Happy Anniversary. Your post was very funny. My husband could relate to it for sure. He is tired of picking up my Craigslist bargains. I buy so much spray paint I think Home Depot worries we are taggers.
I just read this to the bread winner and now he’s ready for his own blog debut. So loved this!
what a sweet man!
Your hubby is a sweetie (and quite perceptive, too!).
Precious! I have to show this to my husband. :)
He will second every one of them.
Love it!
Such a cute testimonial! Congrats and best wishes for many more years!
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So sweet – congratulations on ten years! Best wishes for many more!
Oh I love this post! By the way I am new to your blog. I will definitely pass this on to my husband. One question – how long did it take for him to learn all of this?
So good. And so familiar. What a sweet and loving post. Happy Anniversary!
I’m dying over this post, DY-ING! IT is PERFECTION! I’m sending it to my fiance and my father right away so they know to “just go with it”
You totally need to post more often, this post had me rolling on the floor! I love a mans view every now and then :)
SO funny! Like listening in on my husband thinking, too. LOVE the blog. What a cool huz to share.
SO funny! Like listening in on my husband thinking, too. LOVE the blog. What a cool huz to share.
My husband could have written this – I am emailing it to him. He could not believe I wanted to take his slalom ski and golf clubs out of the kitchen corner when we got married. And then when I put them in the closet – he was dumbfounded -“Those items were to be displayed, not hidden!”
-Trish
Probably the only decorating blog post my hubby will ever read. Awesome :)
Hi Emily! I know this comment is insanely late, but I am snowed in and am finding some fabulous new blogs- including yours. I just started my blog and your blog has provided me with some ingenious ideas! Happy Holidays!
oh my goodness, I just read this and it is so sweet & funny! You’re both so cute! xoxo
How I love this post…can I repost it to my blog..so fun
Okay Emily, I have loved your blog since day one; now I love your husband :) what a sweet guy you have. You have a blessed family!!
Okay Emily, I have loved your blog since day one; now I love your husband :) what a sweet guy you have. You have a blessed family!!
Okay Emily, I have loved your blog since day one; now I love your husband :) what a sweet guy you have. You have a blessed family!!
Okay Emily, I have loved your blog since day one; now I love your husband :) what a sweet guy you have. You have a blessed family!!
Okay Emily, I have loved your blog since day one; now I love your husband :) what a sweet guy you have. You have a blessed family!!
Emily, that is so precious. I emailed this to my husband…the first blog thing I’ve ever made him read other than my own. It sums up our habits ‘living together’ perfectly. You’ve got a good one! :) ~ Virginia @livelovediy.com
Ha ha – I just made my husband read this and his response, with a knowing look, was “I just do as I’m told”. Happy wife, happy life. Great Post.
The Blog a House Built
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