Thursday, 5 May 2016

Why Matte Brass Might Be The New King of Metallics

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When I first started this blog it was called “The Brass Petal” because it combined my two favorite things – brass and flowers. But after I won DesignStar I figured it would be better to have it be my name (and Emilyhenderson.com was taken by a graphic designer- you're welcome “Other Emily”). This is all to say that my love of brass and gold goes 10 years back. These days all metals are competing for most glamorous and matte brass is having a bigger moment. Now before you send all your shiny brass to the pawn shop and flood our comment area with “I thought you loved all brass,” know that I still love polished brass, specifically unlacquered brass (for how it ages naturally and has a patina) but yes, matte brass is happening and we are into it.


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It could be brushed or satin and I'm not talking about “aged,” the brass we are talking about is bright and beautiful like it's polished sister just less shiny, and it's everywhere right now. While I do love an antique ornate frame or chandelier if you want to do this in a more modern way go for simpler shapes with less ornate detailing, carving, or fuss.


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While this one may technically not be a residential living room, those matte brass chairs and tables are just too good not to include and is making us want to jump on the first flight to Milan to stay in this beautiful hotel. If this is tempting you and making you consider going to the gold side, we've rounded up many a piece that is on the market now for your shopping/styling/loving pleasure:


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Bar Carts: 1. Terrace Bar Cart | 2. Circular Tiered Bar Cart | 3. Narrow Bar Cart | 4. Circle Bar Cart | 5. Lucite Bar Cart | 6. Single Shelf Bar Cart


Coffee Tables: 7. Metal Clad Coffee Table | 8. Two Tiered Coffee Table | 9. Brass Block Table | 10. Tiered Circles Coffee Table | 11. Lucite Coffee Table | 12. Pedestal Coffee Table | 13. Terrance Coffee Table | 14. Charity Coffee Table | 15. Round Drum Table


Side Tables: 16. Brass Drum Accent Table | 17. Polygon Table Set | 18. Pedestal Side Table | 19. Side Table With Drawer | 20. Tripod Side Table | 21. Cube Table | 22. Marble Top Side Table | 23. Teardrop Table | 24. Gold Wire Nesting Tables


Lighting: 25. Flush Mount Ceiling Light |  26. Conway Chandelier | 27. Task Lamp | 28. Swing Arm Sconce | 29. Diamond Table Lamp | 30. Double Sconce | 31. Brass Globe Pendant | 32. Breaker Sconce | 33. Diamond Pendant Light | 34. Sculptural Table Lamp | 35. Scalloped Pendant | 36. Brass & Marble Table Lamp | 37. Mobile Chandelier | 38. Marble & Brass Lamp | 39. Brushed Task Lamp


Accessories: 40. Decorative Wire Object | 41. Gold Leaf Stemless | 42. Round Brass Mirror | 43. Gold Hexagon Tin Candle | 44. Taper Candle Holders | 45. Wire Basket | 46. Rectangular Brass Mirror | 47. Brass Handled Vase | 48. Mirrored Tray


Liked that trend round up and ready for some more of our favorites in every category? Head on over to: Shag Rugs, 48 Budget Friendly Hardware, How To Zen Out Your Kitchen, Favorite Pastel Paint Colors (for grown-ups), How To Mix Multiple Rugs In The Same Room, 63 Favorite Temporary Wallpaper Patterns, 32 Beds I Almost Bought For My Bedroom.


The post Why Matte Brass Might Be The New King of Metallics appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Wednesday, 4 May 2016

What I Brought Home From Australia

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I didn't get enough shopping time in Sydney. I visited exactly 1/10 of the stores that I wanted to and lamented that fact daily. If it were morally legal to cry because you didn't get to go see Sibella Court's store, then I would have. But I didn't cry, because I'm not a total spoiled idiot. I have now realized that until the kids are 5 and 7 that shopping isn't something I'll be able to do so much on vacation and that's ok. But I did get 5-6 hours of shopping in and like a lizard, without water for months who spotted a river nearby, I ran fast and gulped it up.


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The tricky part of shopping while on vacation is trying to get it home without adding another suitcase (I failed at this). So I have a general rule – if you can purchase this online in your own country, then don't buy it. That sounds obvious but its not. When we were in Spain I went to Zara and had two carts full, mostly because it was so much cheaper and better than the Zara here. But ultimately I didn't buy ONE thing because I realized how silly it was for me to schlep it all the way home when I could buy most of it online.


Enter my biggest problem: Citta.


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Citta is a New Zealand design house that makes such pretty things and they have a new store in Sydney (but is completely unavailable in the states). I bought a stupid amount there, including my new favorite blush linen bathrobe (similar found here) which is not-shown, because I only had time to photograph a few things and every time I tried to 'model' that robe it looked like I was trying WAY too hard to be in a 2016 blogger L.L. Bean catalog. That blanket (which I can't track down online but similar found here) and the new blue patchwork pillow are both from Citta and I love them so much. The pink diagonal stripe pillow is from Rebecca Atwood which is amazing, the oversized blue pillow is from Target, and the blush pouf was from the Lulu and Georgia holiday sale for $50. HA.


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That mug, pink bowl and pouches are all from Citta. Its pretty affordable, like Crate and Barrel prices. Not cheap, but not expensive. The rest of the items are from Hay. You can buy some Hay pieces in the states but not enough and only in some random stores (they don't have a direct site here). Those pretty pens/pencils, that beautiful glass covered dish and the gold nail clippers are all A+ hoards that are unique, easy to pack and were inexpensive. That rose gold locket I didn't exactly buy there but its new and it has to be shown off.


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I went to only a couple clothing stores. One was this designer consignment shop called Di Nuovo, that had a STRANGELY good selection of clothing. That little ruffle skirt is so cute and fun to wear (similar found here), and those shoes (last year's Acne) are so pretty, comfortable and flattering. All my social media feeds tell me that ruffles are happening, so yea, I'm pretty in these days.


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That denim shirt is my new favorite, from Vanishing Elephants (the shorts are from The Gap). I wish they had a stocker in the states because I love ALL of their clothes (for men, too). I bought those shoes in Spain (but you can get them here, too) and hadn't worn them yet so it seemed like a good time to break them in. Also holding that pose was VERY difficult.  Not sure why I thought that was a good idea …


What I like so much about the shirt is the really wide stiff collar, the bell sleeves and the tent shape.


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It's tailored, but comfortable. I bought a few more things, this dress (which is currently on pre-order) and a blush pink leather bag (I couldn't find a picture of it but now I really want this bag).


Well, that's what I bought while I was in Australia. Nothing too groundbreaking but all stuff that I really love. While I missed a lot of stores that I really wanted to go to, what I got to see/buy was really great. Next time, folks. Next time.


If you are an Aussie please leave your favorite stores in the comments so other travelers can see them and so I can google and ogle from afar. xx


*Photos by Tessa Neustadt. If you are curious about our Australia trip, check out this post. 


The post What I Brought Home From Australia appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Neutral (well, mostly) California Nursery

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It's time for yet another e-design reveal and this time we have after photos to show you.  Our lovely client Sophie and her husband, were expecting their second baby and contacted us to help them with a few rooms in their house – one being their new nursery.


The room itself is a really interesting shape with lots of cute moulding details and gets a ton of natural light, which was a great base for us to work with.  They had already painted the walls in Benjamin Moore's Gray Owl which is an EHD fave.


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The brief from Sophie was very simple indeed: A neutral nursery.  I actually had a conversation with her to find out a bit more and she sent over a few tips for what they were looking for furniture-wise.


– We have a cute white crib that is circular and can change from small to large 


– We have a changing table top that can go on a new dresser 


– I would like to get a new dresser, a new glider (not a rocking chair), bedding, a small book shelf, lamp, art work, and accessories


– Do not need window treatments – there are pretty white shutters in this room 


– The room is painted Gray Owl (Benjamin Moore) 


– Hot pink, I love hot pink.


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Our designer Ali got to work on it and came up with two different schemes using a fairly neutral palette and brought in pops of color through the use of accessories.


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Ali laid everything out on a plan to show Sophie where things should be placed. I thought it looked great and Emily checked it over and said “You ladies are good”. We moved forward.


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3 Brass Mirrors | Kyra Pink Pillow | Suzani Lumbar Pillow | Woodblock Navy Pillow | Argington Organic Crib | Hanging Mobile | Crib Sheet | Tall White Bookshelf | Hamper Basket | Small Bookshelf (no longer available) | Delany Rug | Kantha Quilt | Hot Pink Heart Print | Marbled Wake Print | Grace Painted Print | Macrame Wall Hanging (no longer available) | Ocean Currents Abstract Print | Flamingo Art Print | Changing Cover | Madison Swivel Glider | Brass Floor Lamp | White Trim Dresser | Pom Pom Basket | Gold Pouf


Below is what we sent over to Sophie when we issued the initial presentation of both options:


For the first option, we opted for a neutral rug. This rug creates an overall calm and serene vibe, is versatile enough to be used anywhere in your home and is a more affordable option. We love the colors in the second rug. This option is a bit more unique and brings more color into the room, creating a focal point for the room. Both are beautiful options. As far as size goes, an 8'x10' rug would fit the room better. However, the door swinging  into the room and both rugs being thicker options, we might suggest a 5'x7' size as being more functional for this space. With a white crib and larger white bookcase, we wanted to bring more warmth to the space, therefore we opted for this white trim dresser. Two different neutral gliders both fit within your budget and would work well in either space. To bring in the mid century, glam, and boho look you like, we selected a mix of textures and patterns throughout the space. The gold pouf, brass mirrors, and brass lamp are an example of this and help bring a bit of glam to the space.


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3 Brass Mirrors | White Mudcloth Pillow (no longer available) | Diamond Weave Pillow | Argington Organic Crib | Hanging Mobile | Wild and Free Landscape Print | Crib Sheet | Tall White Bookcase | Hamper Basket | Small Bookshelf (no longer available) | Kantha Quilt | Macrame Wall Hanging (no longer available) | Double Diamond Rug | Horse Art Print | Changing Cover | Let's Get Lost Print | Blue Cactus Print | Gold Pouf | Bento Glider | White Trim Dresser | Brass Floor Lamp


Because of the size of your room, we selected two different bookcases. The smaller rattan one is more unique and brings a natural element to the space. We placed it in the nook across from the glider because we think it would be nice to stock with books and would be easily accessible from the glider. The larger white one could be placed on the wall with the door next to the hamper basket and could be stocked with accessories, toys or storage baskets. As far as art goes, we selected a few options. Two of the four walls have windows, which don't leave a lot of room for art. The third wall contains the tall white bookcase, but we suggest placing the three brass mirrors on this wall above the hamper basket. We know some people don't like to put art above a changing table dresser therefore we love the idea of a cool macrame wall hanging. If you do decide on art in that area, you could do a small gallery wall (seen in option 1) or a large scale art piece (seen in option 2). Many of the art pieces could also be placed over the glider.


We know you love hot pink and for both options we worked to bring in pops of pink throughout. We love the idea of mixing patterns while still keeping within a color scheme, and thought you could achieve this look of pattern mixing through the use of pillows, crib sheets, and a colorful kantha baby quilt. To complete the space, we selected this stars and cloud mobile which works well in either space and brings a bit of metallic and whimsy to the space.


Overall Sophie loved the scheme but did have a few items she wanted changing out:


I've had some time to think about the nursery and I really do love it! I am definitely going to go with the second style… The only items I would like to ask about are the following:


1. I would like to see another glider that is higher end – maybe a monte? have you guys had any good experience with one?


2. Could i see another crib sheet option? I actually have that sheet on my 2 year olds bed ;) 


3. I did some research and have found that some people have a hard time with their backs when they use a dresser and changing top instead of a proper changing table – could you provide an option for a changing table?



GRAY_NURSERY_REVISIONS

1. Como Glider | 2. Luca Glider | 3. Milo Glider (similar) | 4. Sparrow Glider | 5. Toby Glider


Glider – We picked some higher end options for you in off white and white colors to keep things light and airy. We also tried to select a few with some nice details such as the walnut or rose gold bottom. We recently used the rose gold glider in a project for Sara Sugarman and it is beautiful in person.  Sadly, since we sent this presentation over the copper base glider has gone out of stock.


GRAY_NURSERY_REVISIONS

1. Scout Side Table (no longer available) | 2. Modern Spindle Side Table |  3. Snow Capped Side Table | 4. Tropical Teak Side Table


Accent tables – We selected a few pieces that are simple and would complement the glider options we selected above.


GRAY_NURSERY_REVISIONS

Changing Table

1. Summer Infant Changer | 2. Jenny Lind Changing Table | 3. Change It Up Changing Table | 4. Babyletto Lolly Changer | 5. Peek-a-Boo Changing Table | 6. Ava Changing Top Dresser


Changing tables – The optimum height for a changing table is 32”-42” depending on your height, but we made sure all of these tables are above 35″. If you do choose to use a changing table you could replace either of the bookcases and put the changing table in its place (they should all fit on the floor plan). And for the tables with open shelving, we recommend woven baskets for storage and to help bring in more warmth to the space. 


Crib Sheets


1. Star System Crib Sheet | 2. Jenni Kanye Crib Sheet | 3. Mod Botanical Crib Sheet | 4. Dots Crib Sheet


Crib sheets – We like the idea of sticking with a subtle pattern because it mixes well with the other patterns in the room and the rug makes such a statement. 


Following this Sophie sent us the sweetest message back:


Ali I don't know you but I love you bc you guys have created my DREAM nursery – thank you to the moon and back:) I'm SO happy!!!


And since that sweet note we got, Sophie has ordered and installed everything, had her baby Penelope, AND even had the space photographed so we could blog about it.


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The room turned out super cute and we love how the light woods and whites work with the pops of colour and gold tones.


Sophie Grey Nursery Girls Pink Makeover After Photo 1

Sophie stuck with the original dresser that we proposed and we actually think this works the best.  The light wood brings a nice warmth to the space whilst the rounded edges and white accents keep it feeling young and fresh.


(Hey guys, Emily jumping in here: I have both a dresser with a changing table top and a proper higher changing table and I much prefer the lower bigger dresser. It might be because I'm used to it, or because Charlie is so heavy that the idea of lugging him onto the higher changing table seems both physically impossible and dangerous as he might crush it. Although I'm pretty sure that he should be closer to potty trained by now … point is – they both work, but I personally like the lower option, myself).


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We love the crib Sophie chose, the soft organic edges and legs are a great added detail.  The rug works really well in here and pops off the neutral colour carpet.


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And here's the very cute Penelope and her big sister Amelie. Oh geez. This is insanely cute.


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The feather mobile was made by Sophie's friend Becky who did the flowers for the shoot. Nice job, Becky. This flowers and that feather mobile are amazing.


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Instead of the tall white bookcase we had suggested, Sophie picked this really fun one from Oeuf which works great in here and brings in more of that neutral wood/white element into the room.


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Sophie styled out the shelves herself with a few hints from us and she did a really great job, they look super cute. You are making us look really good over here.


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It's so exciting to see how things turn out when they are done from an e-design and this project didn't disappoint. It is neutral, sure, but full of style, function and of course happiness.


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And you can't beat a cute baby shot. A very, very, very cute baby shot.


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We have two more e-designs that we did for Sophie which we'll be posting about soon (sadly no after photos with those though) … unless we can bully her into finishing them quickly so that they can be shot. But hey, she has two small kids so we  know that her first priority isn't exactly decorating their house.


Congrats on your room, and most importantly your new baby. Hopefully you are sleeping more than Emily tells us she is :)


Interested in having us help you out with a room layout or full redesign? Visit our services page for more details.


*Design boards by Ali Henrie for EHD with design direction by Ginny Macdonald, overseen by Emily Henderson. Post written by Ginny (with a few additions by EH). 


**After photos by Elizabeth Hurley Photography 


***Flowers by Mums Floral Design


The post Neutral (well, mostly) California Nursery appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Monday, 2 May 2016

Color Clash : Emerald and Teal

 


Color Trend Emerald and Teal Room Decor 4
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Hi folks, it's Carla here and I'm happy to report that spring has finally sprung here in Minnesota. We are finally seeing buds on the trees and the grass is green. Like, emerald green. And the sky is blue. Teal, almost. Gosh, that is such a coincidence because today we're here to talk about emerald and teal!


When we first discussed infusing some “color clash” posts into our fashion-trends-turned-home-trends series, I thought it'd be a fun challenge. But when Emily said we should start with teal and emerald as the first combo, I kinda panicked. While the fashionistas bopping around the streets of Manhattan may be able to combine such a clashing mix, who tha eff would use these two hues together in their home? Well, to my surprise and delight, I actually found more than enough examples that mix emerald and teal in the same space. So much so that I started to wonder if I'm the only one who DOESN'T use these colors together.


To ground us in what this trend is all about, here's a smattering of cute chicks rocking emerald and teal.


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I think sans the lower left look, these are actually combos that could be worn outside the streets of fashion week. The key to these looks is layering multiple shades of greens and blues in a way that feels put-together and seamless. Likewise, this next space does a great job layering color upon color in a way that feels rich and saturated.


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While I've always treated plants as a neutral, you'll see in these next examples that they can be used as an intentional hit of color too (duh Carla, they're green).


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For the noncommittal folks out there, the perfect way to try out colors and trends is through artwork and pillows. If you don't like the way these pieces come together in your space, you can easily return them or do like I do and stack them in the basement amongst the 252 other items you've purchased and decided against and hope you husband doesn't notice.


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This is a sneak peek of a kitchen you'll see in full toward the end of the post. But I like this tight crop as it exemplifies that genius tip of mine about using plants as a hit of color.


Let's slip into something a little more comfortable and head to the bedroom. Bedrooms seem like such an easy place to try new colors. Since the floors and furniture are typically neutral, all you gotta do is paint the walls and switch up your bedding.


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I loooove how calming these dark walls are. Four years after moving into our current home, we still don't have window treatments in our bedroom so this seems like such a perfect dark, snoozey spot to me.


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This space gets bonus points for mixing in a SECOND color clash. That red and orange artwork thingy looks like a sunrise/sunset… doesn't it?


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If you're gonna get all technical on my ass, this space probably doesn't combine emerald with teal. I'm considering the walls a shade of emerald and the bed frame looks like a super dark teal (but admit it may be black). Regardless, what I love about this is how great the wood floors look mixed with the green walls. And you can never go wrong with crisp white bedding.


Okay pop-tarts, nap time is over, let's head out to the sitting area.


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Spicing things up a bit, here we have some sassy teal chairs mixed with some bold artwork and a hit of zebra print for extra punch. While this style is totally unlike anything I would try in my home, I admire this dame's (or dude's) ability to go for it.


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I love how the rich colors and masculine artwork here are balanced with more delicate metallic accessories and a flood of natural light.


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You know that feeling when you pound a mini-box of Nerds and it's totally sensory overload with all the sweetness and sourness and crunchiness and colorful tongue-ness? I get a similar sensation looking at this hear space.


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In most cases, adding big mirrors to a space will enhance the use of color and visual business, but this smart lassie used dusty-foggy-vintage-type mirrors so-as not to dial up the use of saturated color TOO much.


Let's end this make-believe tour with a stop in the kitchen.


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As promised earlier, here is a wider shot of this super cool boho kitchen by Emily's friend Justina Blakeney. People always seem to shy away from color in kitchens (including myself). This space does a good job of keeping a super tight palette and countering (no pun intended) the super saturated greens with lots of white and natural wood.


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WHERE do you think this kitchen is? I can't even image the kind of home that would have a magical kitchen like this. The more I stare at it, the more I'm convinced a family of hobbits and wizards and fairies live here.


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If you're the kind of person who likes to get dressed up in a specific color palette and then dine in a restaurant decorated in the same specific color palette, you can REST ASSURED, ladybird, because this place exists.


So what do you think? Are you convinced these clashing colors could work in your home? What about on your bod? I for one am ob-sessed with the silk-chiffon frock below.


ProductRoundup

1. Mr Godfrey Chair in Venice Peacock | 2. Casablanca Moroccan Wool Rug | 3. Les Touches Pillow | 4. Green Zebra Pop Pillow | 5. Montana Beryl Floppy Wool Hat | 6. Jenni Kanye Short Sleeve Dress | 7. Cactus iPhone Case | 8. Whistles Leather Verity Backpack | 9. Bottega Veneta Leather Satchel | 10. Anna Sui Printed Maxi Dress | 11. Juno Loafers | 12. Cape Clogs Herringbone Green | 13. Velvet Bar Stool | 14. Bloomsbury Green Long Tray | 15. Le Creuset Juniper Round French Oven | 16. Malachite Pine Scented Candle | 17. Monroe Mid-Century Sofa | 18. KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer


For more fashion-trends-turned-home-trends, check out Powder Blue, Buttercup Yellow, Lavender and Fiesta Red.


*Authored by Carla


**Carla Fahden is a Creative Director at a creative agency in Minneapolis with a focus on fashion art direction. Off the clock she devotes her time to writing her blog, designing wedding stationery and watching her Felicity box set. 


The post Color Clash : Emerald and Teal appeared first on Emily Henderson.