our home Archives - Emily A. Clark

Cozy Finds for Our Screened Porch

Aug152019

This post is sponsored by Walmart.

As I’m just starting to think about cooler Fall evenings on our screened porch, I find myself wanting to add a few cozy touches. Plus, little changes always make me feel happier any room in my house–indoor or out. I already had a patterned throw so I threw it over our console table to add some quick, inexpensive pattern. I also found this big woven basket online at Walmart to hold extra pillows and blankets.

It has the feel of an oversized market tote with handles and a cute tassel detail. I think I may order another one for towels or laundry in the boys’ bathroom. I also found the little blue lumbar pillow at Walmart. Lots of texture and detail for just $12.

And one more thing–I added a Carom game board in the corner. We all got hooked on this game when we visited my parents’ house this Summer. Nothing like some fierce competition to make everyone put their screens down (for a few minutes, at least).

You can see more of Walmart’s coastal-inspired home decor here. As always, free shipping on orders over $35 and free returns if it doesn’t work in your space. Need it quicker? Same day, in-store pick up is available on most items.

Would I Choose Open Kitchen Shelving Again?

Aug132019

It’s easy to rave about things around your house when they’re brand new and don’t have the wear and tear of everyday use. I’ve had several people ask me if I’m still happy with our open shelving three years after our kitchen renovation so here’s the quick update. . .

I knew going into our remodel that I loved the look of open shelving and less heavy cabinetry; I just didn’t know how it would translate to everyday use for our family. Fortunately, it’s worked out great for us and I don’t have any regrets about foregoing more closed cabinets.

One reason it works well is that they’re directly behind each of the dishwashers (yes, two). I keep (most of) the dishes we use on a daily basis on these shelves–cereal bowls, white plates, smaller blue and white plates, glasses, coffee mugs, etc. I do think this whole look works best if you keep the dishes simple and limited to one or two colors. I also don’t mind if pieces are not-so-perfectly stacked. (Our not-so-pretty plastic bowls and cups are stored in the deeper bottom drawers.)

I know some were concerned about the dust that would accumulate when we first had them installed. I’ll just say there’s no more dust here than anywhere else in my house (take that for what you will. . . ) and that I’ve never been one to make a decision based on dust potential. Again, because everything is used almost daily (especially on the bottom shelves), it rarely has time to get very dusty.

I’m also happy to report that they’ve stayed up well (thanks to the metal rods that our contractor mounted through them) despite the adjacent door closing/slamming shut 197+ times each day.

Anything else you’d like an update in a future post?

Fast Favorites: Flush Mount Lighting

May152019

When I asked which “Fast Favorites” you’d like to see, several readers requested a post on flush mounts. I’ve had to shop for several since this house has lower ceilings than our last, and there are actually some really pretty options. The scalloped one I used in our living room is my favorite–just dressy enough without overtaking the smallish space.

See all of our living room sources here.

And, more Fast Favorites.