In oh-so-typical me fashion, another year has passed when what felt like days ago, I was promising I was back for good. But life, as it almost always does, had other plans for me and I was swept up in quite the whirlwind of the year. So, let’s get down to it. Where I’ve been, what I’ve been up to, and upcoming plans and life changes I’ve quite literally been giggling and kicking my feet about….
READ MORE >>Where I’ve Been & Latest Updates
It’s been a while….
Almost a full year, as a matter of fact. And what a year it has been!! It’s not much of an excuse for not posting but 2023 had some pretty big life changes, all of which I’m extremely grateful for. It has me beyond excited to see what’s in store for 2024, both in my designs and personal life. But before I get ahead of myself, let’s chat about where I’ve been for the last 365 days….
I Got A New Job!!
Most importantly, I am very pleased to announce that I am no longer freelancing (the struggle was real) and have started working with the most incredible design team as of last February. Studio 882 has been my second home for the last almost eleven months but it seriously feels like I just started. I guess that’s a pretty good sign that I am loving the work I’ve been doing.
Why haven’t I shared this massive life change? Although mostly fun (and I am grateful every day that I get to help people design their dream homes for a living), it has been HARD work. My knowledge of the design world has quadrupled (if not more) since I started and I pretty much spend my days off flaked out either with a movie or a book. Creating more design content hasn’t been what I’ve wanted to do when I’m not working but I feel like my creative side has been reenergized and I’m really looking forward to sharing more of that in the future.
I Moved In With My Best Friend
My wonderful boyfriend and I decided over the summer that we would be taking the next step in our relationship by moving in together. I passed my two-year anniversary in Philadelphia this October, one month after we moved into our apartment. It took me that full time to find a place that really felt like home and I have been enjoying every second of it. Michael and I jokingly (kind of) call me the “Creative Director” of our home and it’s a role I have fully accepted. I feel super fortunate that he just lets me do whatever I want to with the design, and for the most part, he’s down for whatever I come up with. It is by no means completely set up; I don’t think a home ever really is. But it’s so nice to have this as a creative outlet. My goal is for this apartment to feel like a reflection of the two of us, both individually and as a couple. Because I do not have the energy for a fourth move in three years, we are planning on being here for the immediate future or until our lives bring us somewhere beyond Philly.
Speaking of Philadelphia, this is truly one of the last places I ever envisioned myself living but it has become such a home to me. It’s not a perfect city-it just takes one watch of the nightly news to know that, but Philly has such a soul to it that I’ve experienced in few other places. The food, architecture, sports, history…there really is so much to love about this city. I plan on sharing more of my favorites, things to do, etc. so stay tuned!
We Travelled, Ate, Drank, and Ate Some More
If you know me, you know my love of food runs deep. While #cheflife was not the life for me, I continued to work in restaurants for years after culinary school while I figured out what I wanted to do with my life and then eventually put myself through design school. Mike and I met in a restaurant (he still works in the industry) so it’s no surprise that eating and drinking is one of our favorite pastimes.
This year I crossed Austin, Texas and Paris, France off my bucket list. The restaurant and bar scene in Austin was incredible and was a place I could actually see myself living in one day. And Paris is Paris. Being there with the love of my life was such a surreal experience that I think about on almost a daily basis.
We ate locally too, in my home state of RI, NYC, Washington D.C., and of course, in Philadelphia. Maybe some travel guides are in the cards for The ECB Edit in 2024!
And the Biggest Lesson I’ve Learned…
I turned 27 this week, and while not as monumental a birthday as, say, 30, it still felt like a milestone for me. Life has taken me places I’ve never expected since I turned 20 but in the toxic comparison culture that surrounds social media, often it feels like not enough. I am absolutely my biggest critic so it can be unbelievably hard for me to turn off the mind chatter. I still have so much work to do but this year has really taught me to find beauty in the mundane and enjoy every day for what it is.
I love travel and new experiences as much as I love being in my home with a candle lit and cocktail in hand. If I had to pick a word to describe my 2023, it would be balance. It’s not always easy to accomplish but it is so worth trying to find.
So What’s Next?!
I’m not going to make a promise I know I won’t be able to keep, like I’ll post every week in 2024, but being more present on here is absolutely a goal of mine. Of course, there will be design content but I hope to share more of the things I love in life, like travel, food, fashion, culture, and maybe a personal anecdote or two. I definitely struggle with deciding which platform is the best to share on but I’ve always had a special place in my heart for writing.
I’m always always open to suggestions on what to share so please comment with what you’d like to see/hear from me!
xx ECB
2022 Christmas Gift Guide for the Home
Tis the season…for decorating your home that it is. Or, at least, gifting the perfect piece to someone who loves to decorate their home. For me, Christmas is the time of year to give someone a piece they usually wouldn’t buy for themself. I’ve rounded up items your loved one will obsess over (I know I would!) and will have you deemed the ultimate gift-giver!
Get the Look: Kendall Jenner Home
However you feel about the Kardashians, I think there’s one thing we can agree on: their homes give some major design inspiration. And while I’m partial to Khloe’s pantry and Kris’ plate collection, it’s Kendall Jenner’s home that really spoke to me. It’s clear from the first few moments of her Architectural Digest home tour that a professional design team is responsible, but there’s something down-to-earth about her space. And lucky for us with smaller budgets, down-to-earth is easy to emulate! I’ve rounded up budget-friendly items you can add to your space and easy-to-implement tips to help turn your own space into a bohemian-inspired oasis.
Interior Inspiration: Scandinavian Design
When you hear Scandinavian design, your first thought might be of Ikea. And while the Swedish mega-brand certainly embodies many characteristics of the style, it’s just one element. I personally love Scandi design for its simplicity, clean lines, and warm materials. If you love this style but don’t know how to incorporate it in your own home, keep reading for inspiration photos, tips and tricks, and a curated shopping list!
Introducing Little Luxuries: Ways to Instantly Upgrade Your Home
There’s so much that goes into design. Lighting, textiles, art, furniture, rugs….it’s enough to make your head spin. However, if I’ve learned anything during my time as an interior designer, it’s that it really comes down to the little, personal touches that make a home.
Budget-Friendly Bathroom Must-Haves
Besides my bedroom, the bathroom is often the first and last room I’m in during my day. I’d always wanted one of those hotel-like bathrooms that felt clean and tranquil; it’s the ideal aesthetic to unwind in. When I moved into my current home last year, it was my goal to make this space feel zen while still having a personality that was cohesive with the rest of our home. It only took a few key pieces to achieve this and (bonus!) most items can be found on Amazon.
Summer 2022 Wishlist
Working remotely has its perks. Mornings in my pjs, Gossip Girl playing in the background, access to my own coffee bar. Quite possibly the biggest con is that I have waayyyy too much time to online shop. I’d like to consider myself a reformed shopaholic, and while prioritizing saving is great, it’s not nearly as much fun as opening a pile of packages. So instead of happily hitting “Add to Cart,” here’s a list of everything catching my eye this season, from home decor to sneakers.
Design Your Home Like A Coastal Grandmother
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok in the last month, you’ve probably heard of “Coastal Grandmother.” Think of your favorite Nancy Meyers movie; Coastal Grandmother describes the aesthetic of a put-together older woman living by the water in the summertime. If it seems strange to you that a younger generation wants to embody the lifestyle of a grandma, understand it’s less about the age and more about having your shit together (who doesn’t at least secretly try for that??). While I might not always have it together, I can say at least my apartment does. So grab a chilled glass of white wine, queue up Something’s Gotta Give, and turn on this playlist. Let’s bring Coastal Grandmother home.
2022 Interior Trend Forecast (from an interior designer)
Trends. Whether you buy into them or not, they will always have an influence over us. I spend a good chunk of my time keeping up to date on interior design, whether it’s by scrolling through Instagram or watching tours of celebrity homes on Architectural Digest. I believe more in creating spaces that withstand the test of time but it’s always fun to see what’s in style at the moment and incorporate some of those elements in your own unique way into your home!
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