You may recognize Leanne Ford from her HGTV show Restored by the Fords and her work in pretty much every major design and lifestyle publication. She’s a super talented designer (um have you seen her daughter’s unexpected nursery design?!) and designs almost solely in neutral palettes with a heavy focus on layers and textures. Bottom line: her work is unbelievably inspiring. She launched a collaboration with Crate & Barrel earlier this year and the new line just launched. Jaw drop. It includes her first ever tabletop collection, as well as the coolest kids and nursery items I’ve seen in a long time. The line is full of curved details, earthy textures, and whimsical shapes. Contemporary but grounded in classic designs, with many pieces hand-finished and hand-painted by makers around the world. Below are some of my current favorites from both the original collection and this latest release… 01 / An arched canopy bed that I just sent to my client for her daughter’s room! Think fairy lights and faux florals. 02 / I may or may not have purchased this artisanal bowl…not for the kitchen but for the living room built-in I’m about to restyle 🙌🏻. 03 / Leanne hand-drew this freeform heart and turned it into a mirror. Love. 04 / Desks are sold out left + right but this one can double as a console when not in use. 05 / All about this massive mixing bowl that’s hand painted. 06 / I am completely smitten with this woven piece of art, and it’s kinda inspiring me to make a similar one. 07 / These versatile baskets are perfect for displaying dried florals or for corralling items such as blankets or even toys! 08 / A classic farmhouse-inspired napkin…with a slightly modern update. 09 / This wide arched bookcase could work in pretty much any room, even a kitchen to showcase everyday and special items. 10 / How sweet is this mushroom-shaped lamp? The matte finish and terracotta-ish color adds a contemporary twist. 11 / The curved design of this dresser is softened with cane detailing. 12 / This swivel glider looks SOOOOO cozy with its boucle fabric. 13 / Ombré done oh so right in this jute rug. 14 / The grown-up version of the arched canopy bed featuring an upholstered headboard and a sleek black finish. 15 / A smaller sized arched bookcase, this time in a beautiful light oak color. 16 / Max is only 4 years old but I think often about how I’d design her nursery now. This crib would certainly be a part of it! 17 / I love that this floor length mirror is a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary. The black color makes it stand out no matter your aesthetic. Have you purchased anything from Leanne’s collection? Let me know below or tag me on Instagram! emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

So many sales, so little time to shop. Labor Day weekend is upon us and I’m sure your Inboxes are overloaded with emails from retailers. One Kings Lane, a favorite of mine, is having a sitewide 20% off sale right now so I’ve rounded up a mix of home decor and furniture I’m currently coveting. No code needed! Prices are as marked. 01 / A windowpane rug from Erin Gates that is perfect for Fall and reminds me of the carpet we put into Jess’ guest room as part of the #mstarrxohidesign project! 02 / This floral inspired sconce comes in a few finishes but the antique gold leaf is so romantic. I could see this working in a bedroom or flanking a fireplace. 03 / My tried and true…a Farmhouse Pottery pantry bowl (use for mixing, serving and/or display!) 04 / I shared a sneak on Instagram and I can’t recommend our new headboard enough! It’s a beautiful neutral color, super cozy, has french seam detailing, and you can’t beat the price (especially on sale!). 05 / I may buy this french market cart before you can. No really, I might. 06 / OKL offers a great variety of art, including exclusive pieces. This cross piece from Dawn Wolfe is a reproduction of an original intaglio etching and printed on cotton rag archival paper. 07 / The ring on the top of this floor length mirror adds a vintage feel while still looking refined. 08 / This rug popped up in my Facebook feed a few weeks ago and I was immediately taken by the distressed look and neutral colors. 09 / I have this sweet lamp bookmarked for a new project (a little girl’s bedroom)! 10 / Instantly upgrade your bed or couch with this patterned lumbar pillow. 11 / Faux or real olive stems? You tell me. 12 / Simple. Timeless. You can’t go wrong with this oak dining table which is as versatile as it is beautiful. 13 / Another Farmhouse Pottery favorite, the Countryman berry bowl is an often-used item in our house. 14 / I’m just smitten with this 3d floral piece from Dawn Wolfe. 15 / This rug’s colors lend a rich feel and would look great in a living room or bedroom. 16 / Lighting is an easy way to update your home and this hardwired French cuff sconce adds casual sophistication to any space. 17 / Sustainably sourced porcupine quills are a fun way to add some visual interest. Ngala Trading Co. works with African artists to continue conservation efforts. Happy shopping! emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

Happy almost October! I’ve already been seeing Halloween decor outside homes and because #2020, I think everyone is ready for something fun amirite? It’s safe to say people will be decorating for the holidays early too (I’ve got some fun stuff in the works}! I firmly believe that you don’t have to go cheesy to go all out for Halloween. Last year was all about the bats and spiders in our house and I do think they deserve a repeat though maybe not in the same spots. This year I’m focused on masquerade masks, brooms, skeletons, and maybe witch hats?! I’ve started adding little accents here and there but am waiting for the full onslaught until at least October 1st. Here are a few tips for keeping your decor chic and neutral but still whimsical… 01. The key to all of this decor is to use them sparsely and find unexpected places to accent. Think trays, open shelving, the ceiling! It makes me genuinely smile when I see a tiny skeleton just chilling on the kitchen shelf. 02. It’s also a good time to swap out or add some floral elements. Moody leaf branches as I’ve got in our living room right now or, as Chrissy of Harlowe James does below, golden colored berries. They are both fun options! 03. Move things around, especially if you have kids! That skeleton you see above surprised Max when she came home from school and has been making its way around the house (Max has named her Skeletey #cleverone). I’m now eying the larger size too. HARLOWE JAMES CUPCAKES & CASHMERE I’ve been rounding up some of my favorite items, some of which I’ve already stocked up on. What are you guys planning for your decor this year? emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

I’m unofficially/officially kicking off the holiday season with a gift-yourself group of goodies…because you deserve it! This year has been intense and it’s time to treat yourself. Though they do make good gifts for others too. Check them out below… 01. Featuring cacao, cardamom, and marshmallow, the Waxing Moon Bath Tea from Moon Bath is crafted to energize and strengthen. Add to your bath and finally, peacefully RELAX. 02. Comfortable, versatile and chic boots from Madewell? Count me in. 03. Jenni Kayne’s cashmere socks are high on my winter wish list. 04. Emily Schuman shared this SmartSleep wake-up light recently and it seems like something we could all use these days, yes? You can even customize your own sunset and sunrise. 05. I started using the Ilia Skin Tint a couple months ago and it quickly became one of my favorite beauty products. I don’t typically wear makeup on a daily basis but wearing this provides just enough coverage and glow to make me feel polished, and protects my skin with SPF40. There are a ton of shades to match your skin tone! 06. Masks are simply a part of our lives now (I shared some of my favorites in this post but need to update it) and I’ve finally been buying (and making!) some chains to make removal easier. I love this playful chain from Lele Sadoughi, which can also work with sunglasses. PS. I’m a fan of Lele masks for both me and for Max. 07. This blanket from Studio McGee’s Target collection is an actual dream. Perhaps my most favorite blanket ever. One side is boucle and the other is a plush faux fur. 08. The election may be over but there is lots of work to do. In order to do so, you must give a damn…wear it proudly with this Lingua Franca sweater. Honestly, they have so many goodies to choose from. A true splurge but you’re worth it. 09. Is it a hat? A hoodie? A scarf? You get all three with the Janessa Leoné Hazel. 10. My electric kettle is getting pretty old and yucky. How chic is this Fellow Stagg EKG version? 11. My longtime, most-favorite winter candle is the Thymes Frasier Fir scent and this gold design is an elegant way to incorporate it into your holiday decor. 12. If you follow me on Instagram, you saw my search for a small to mid-size, everyday bag. I finally settled on this suede one from Sézane and couldn’t be happier. It even comes with 2 different strap options. 13. I was in Bloomingdales recently and this faux fur coat was calling my name. They didn’t have my size in store but I’m still eyeing it. It is easily the most comfortable jacket (piece of clothing?) I’ve ever put on my body. 14. Amber Lewis can truly do no wrong. Amber Interiors’ designs are fresh, layered, and utterly beautiful. Her new book Made for Living is a visual feast for the eyes and I highly recommend! Happy shopping! emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

Well it’s official…runny nose season is upon us. Although I suppose it never really went away this year, am I right?! I am always looking for attractive tissue boxes because most are simply not that appealing and yet they’re a necessary part of life in the Fall and Winter. For the past couple years, I have been working with Scotties Facial Tissues on various campaigns, and I’m so excited about their new Holiday collection with Genevieve Gorder (yes that Genevieve Gorder from HGTV fame)! This is the second collaboration between the two (you can see some of the original collection here) and this go-around the designs are offered with Scotties Triple Soft tissues which feature THREE layers of softness for ultimate protection, and I can attest to them being super soft on the skin. I love that the new designs are as equally suited for the holiday season as they are for the winter months. With so much of 2020 spent at home, we’re focusing even more on our spaces and there’s no reason your tissue boxes should put a damper on your home decor. As I start to ease into holiday decorating (just like the rest of you, I’m ready earlier than ever to add some cheer to #farmhousedialfano), I thought it was a perfect time to share how I’m incorporating the Scotties x Genevieve Gorder boxes into our home! There are 8 exclusive designs to choose from, some more neutral and some more playful. While I’ve got some new ideas planned for this season thanks to really fun Target Dollar Spot purchases (sneak a peek below in the kitchen), I tend to stick to similar “themes” for holiday decor…fresh and faux greenery, white florals, textured and patterned linens, candles etc. Put plainly? I aim to add coziness and warmth. Max’s room is a compact little space, layered with fun colors and patterns. I foresee lots of fairy lights as in year’s past (plus a driftwood deer she affectionately named Rosie) but so far I’ve added a faux garland to her floor length mirror and already it’s making me happy! How good is that cable knit box design?! Sooooo cozy. In the living room, the first thing I did was to replace a piece of art with this fabulous faux wreath. Then I pulled out the dead flowers from an arrangement Bill got for me on our anniversary a few weeks ago and was left with a gorgeous and perfectly winter-appropriate assortment of greenery and flowers! No plans to move it… Lastly, if I can recommend just one thing for holiday cheer? A disco ball! I actually keep them in various rooms year-round but in the winter months, they are especially festive and add such a fun glow. Scotties is currently offering a coupon for their Genevieve Gorder collection. Don’t miss out… emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post is sponsored by Scotties. As always, opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

I’ve been seeing holiday decor posts creep into my Instagram feed earlier than usual. This is not surprising given #2020 and there’s nothing that makes a home feel cozier and more festive! I’m slowly easing into things as I mentioned in this post and am excited to team up with my friends at Afloral to share some decorating ideas that don’t involve dried needles all over your floors! Afloral is my go-to source for faux and dried florals and greenery. They have a WIDE variety of stems, plants, vines, florals, and supplies and they have a fabulous selection of seasonal decor items, even those you may not think of as being “holiday”! I love to use a mix of real and faux around the house to make post-holiday cleanup a bit easier and to have something to reuse in years to come. So I thought I’d share some of my favorite holiday decor looks and show how you can recreate them with items from Afloral! 01. olive wreath by Type A Society wild raspberry | olive branch | thistle | wax flowers 02. doorway garland + wreath by Whitney Utesch / Carpendaughter evergreen ming pine hanging branch | norfolk pine branch | medium pine cones 03. magnolia leaf garland by Anastasia Casey / Identité Collective magnolia leaf spray 04. white accented tree by Florence Kennedy preserved pepperberry | fake white ruscus leaves | natural dried everlastings 05. staircase garland by Whitney Utesch / Carpendaughter norfolk pine branch | long needle pine and cone branch Many of these items are selling out and fast so get your orders in ASAP! I have a bunch of these ready for decorating so be sure you’re following on Instagram. emily PS. Afloral generously provided me product. As always, opinions and ideas are my own! PPS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

I’m back with the second in the 2020 Holiday Gift Guide series and this one is perhaps the most important…the one that supports small businesses. It goes without saying how difficult 2020 has been for small businesses and independent retailers. So many have struggled. Many have had to shut things down significantly or altogether. As a reminder, I tend to curate these gift guides based on products we may already own, products I have my eye on, products that others share, and products from brands I’m already a fan of. There will be some inevitable cross-over so be sure to check out all the guides as I continue to share them. And as always, I’m covering a variety of price points for everyone’s budgets! Some of these items may sell out quickly (but could restock) thanks to increased ordering and many retailers offering Black Friday pricing throughout the whole month of November. You’re best ordering as early as possible this year due to inconsistent shipping times. I’ve found there’s no rhyme or reason to what’s on schedule and what isn’t in Covid times. Even items from the same company have been on different timelines. Lastly I want to share something I saw on Instagram which I found so lovely…while supporting these small businesses with dollars is preferable, there are other free ways you can help support (leave reviews, follow and engage on social media etc.)! Check out Lauren McPhillips post for more. 01. Farmhouse Pottery will never not be a good idea. I have and love many of their pieces and this bread board and bow would be welcome by anyone. 02. I was recently introduced to Wild Lavender and generously gifted some mugs from their shop, including these swirl glaze mugs handmade by independent artisans. Use code STARRFREE for free shipping on your order. 03. The owner of Oleamea is an Instagram follower of mine and was kind enough to send me some olive oil to try awhile back. I’m hooked! There’s so much to love about the company, beyond that the oils are delicious. It’s a family affair (her parents produce the olive oil in Turkey and help support local farmers), everything comes in the most beautiful packaging, AND they donate a percentage of all sales via The Conscious Kid, an organization working to promote positive racial identity development in kids. Right now you can get 20% off your Oleamea order with code BELIEVE. 04. Speaking of olive oil, how beautiful is this gold cruet from Abode Shoppe? Practical and decorative. Abode is a local shop beautifully curated by designer Gina Baran and is FULL of great home and lifestyle items in a variety of price points. 05. Janessa Leoné offers elevated and timeless accessories. From sustainable wool hats such as the Tia to leather bags and knit hoods, this is an easy brand to support. 06. Letterfolk started off selling letterboards and has since grown their inventory to offer a variety of products, including this customizable tile mat! I love that you can switch up tile colors and greeting. 07. The Loftie clock popped up on my Instagram feed and needless to say, I was intrigued. I’ve since learned that it was created to promote healthier sleep and overall wellness by ditching our phones at night. Loftie is a combo clock/white noise machine/nightlight/speaker and more. Available for pre-order with shipping in January. 08. Hoppe Shoppe is one of my favorite online shops and I’ve gone gaga over this simple incense holder by Notary Ceramics. Available in two colors, it’s both functional and beautiful as decor. 20% off everything through December 1 with code SHOPSMALL. 09. Ok so I couldn’t do a small business guide without including something from Campfire Pottery, a husband-and-wife run studio in Maine. All items are handmade and heirloom quality (their espresso cups are my favorite). The catch? Everything is currently sold out but there is a restock happening this Friday the 27th! And you can always give a gift card. 10. Give the gift of hand washing! Ha, it’s so 2020 right? But seriously, clean beauty shop Follain has some of the best soap and lotion around. The soap is refillable and both are non-toxic and gentle enough for any skin type (or the washing of hands 20x a day). 11. Oh Elsie Green, how I love thee. They’re a family-run California company focused on sustainability and (mostly vintage) curated goods from around the world (our gorgeous bread board? From Elsie Green.). Also from this shop are French gigogne glasses that we use for wine and coffee alike. 12. Bloomist is another go-to small business of mine, a brand whose goal is to bring more nature into more homes, doing so with a global community of artisans and environmentally responsible partners. Gift the chef in your life this twine stand with cutter and everyone wins. Use code PRESENTS25 for 25% off your order of $125 or more. 13. Who would’ve thought a year ago we’d today be picking out which mask to wear with our outfit. For winter I’m really feeling the rich velvet of this handmade mask by Angela Frost and the color is both versatile and special. 14. 2020: the year of loungewear. It’s hands down what I’ve spent most of my clothing money on this year! MATE is an LA based brand offering cozy clothes sustainably made with non-toxic, natural and organic materials. Their classic raglan sweatshirt and classic terry sweatpants are what I’ll be living in this winter. 30% off sale going on right now. 15. Cozy season means allllll the blankets and what’s more seasonally appropriate than this oversized buffalo check blanket? Weston Table is a truly lovely shop in my hometown of Weston, Mass that sells everything from kitchen goods to stuffed animals. Sure I chose one thing to showcase here but do yourself a favor and spend time on their site (or pop in if you’re local). You will find endless items to gift your loved ones (or yourself)! 16. While I wear essentially the same rings, necklaces and earrings every day, I love stacking different bracelets. I love this adjustable LOVE bracelet which is handmade in Kenya by women of the Maasai community for Jayson Home. Wear it with a delicate semi-precious bracelet. 17. Everyone needs a balsam scented candle for the holiday season and the chic packaging of this one from Brooklyn Candle Studio makes it a perfect choice. 18. Earlier this year I gifted myself with this handmade gorgeous ring from Aquarian Thoughts (a Black-owned business). It features a natural raw Herkimer diamond and you can select the metal you’d like and orientation of the diamond. I wear it on my middle finger by itself but it would look so beautiful stacked! Especially because it’s surprisingly affordable. 19. I introduced Estelle Colored Glass in this post spotlighting Black-owned businesses and their handmade glassware makes for great gifts, especially this set of 6 blush colored stemless glasses (also available in other colors). 20. 100% cashmere. Aids in sleep. Who wouldn’t want this Super Diva eye mask from Lingua Franca? 20% of each piece sold will be donated to the ACLU Women's Rights Project. 21. I share my love for Caraway cookware often on Insta and they are in the midst of a rare sale right now! Up to 20% off their non-toxic, mineral-based, non-stick cookware and essentials. You can go with a full set or mix + match colors and types. 22. Jenni Kayne is your go-to for minimalistic, beautiful and well-made clothing and accessories and these suede slippers have been on my wish list for ages. 23. I started taking CBD daily a couple years ago and can’t speak enough to its benefits and how it helps with various issues of mine (ranging from migraine related vertigo to neck + back pain). I recently switched to Equilibria after hearing positive reviews and I feel even better than before (it’s full-spectrum). While it’s geared towards women, men can take it too! The best part is that they have dosage specialists who will guide you on what products and dosages to take. Use code REFEMILY-9872 to get $20 off your first order. Did you catch our first guide? emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

Play Frame from Sarah’s Silks Today kicks off our official Holiday Gift Guide series (although if you’re looking to treat yourself, be sure to check out this post from last week)! My MIL asked for some Max ideas early this year so this first guide is all about the littles in your life. It makes the most sense for me to share products primarily for girls around Max’s age (she’s 4) but don’t fret because plenty of these cover a range of ages, are unisex or are available in other colors/patterns etc.! Plus, if you’re like me, you may need to creative with some things. This is the first year where I asked Max what she wants and it’s an, um, interesting list. I tend to curate these gift guides based on products we may already own, products I have my eye on, products that others share, and products from brands I’m already a fan of. Anyone else keep notes on their phone or computer that you add to year-round? Just me? Anyways, there will be some inevitable cross-over so be sure to check out all the guides as I continue to share them (for instance, you may find a kids item in the small business guide etc.). And as usual, I’m covering a variety of price points for everyone’s budgets! Keep in mind that some of these items may sell out quickly (but may restock) thanks to increased ordering and many retailers offering Black Friday pricing throughout the whole month of November. You’re best ordering as early as possible this year due to inconsistent shipping times. I’ve found there’s no rhyme or reason to what’s on schedule and what isn’t in Covid times. Even items from the same company have been on different timelines. Without further ado… 01. Max has a thing for the moon/planets/galaxy so I’m excited to get this realistic moon light for her! 02. I’ve been a fan of Gathre mats since Max was born, using various sizes over the years for changing pads, picnics, and arts + crafts. Their home mats are a newer style that can be used for yoga, in the kitchen, by the bathtub and more. 03. Headphones in a headband?! Genius. 04. Kids love legos. And legos, let’s be honest, aren’t that attractive…except for these wood eco bricks! Creativity isn’t stifled and they’re easy on the (grown-up) eyes. 05. In this year of social justice, the We Are The Change book is a great gift for any kid. 16 children’s book artists illustrate civil rights quotes that inspire them, from Maya Angelou and MLK Jr. to Eleanor Roosevelt and Barack Obama. 06. I saw Park Barrett embroidered sweatshirts earlier this year and was smitten. You select your tie dye base, and the color and text you want embroidered. Any kid would love! 07. Olli Ella is one of my most favorite children’s brands and their Dinkum Dolls don’t disappoint. Heirloom worthy, made of 100% cotton, hypoallergenic polyfill and BPA-free PVC…and oh so adorable! 08. Dolls should be comfortable right? Put him/her to sleep in this rattan daybed by Poppie. 09. Max loves wearing sunglasses but they don’t always stay on well. Leosun glasses are made specifically for kids, meaning they are made for long-lasting and heavy wear. Aren’t they pretty?! 10. Rosie Bold is a brand I was introduced to earlier this year when the owner reached out. I love their mission: to outfit young girls who are creative, bold, and fearless! Rosie Bold has adorable accessories for girls ranging from jewelry to hair ties and this rainbow mask necklace is fun and functional! 11. Water-based nailpolish from Nailmatic is a win win for kids and parents alike. 12. Get the kids involved in their own mask wearing…this set from Andy & Evan comes with 4 masks and markers so they can personalize to their hearts content. 13. Pretty sure this rainbow bath bomb showed up on my Instagram or Facebook feed and I know it’s something Max would love. 14. This year more than ever cooped-up kids need something to get them moving. This rainbow tumbling mat serves that purpose and folds up easily and compactly when not in use. 15. We love Waldorf-inspired Sarah’s Silks in this house and I am especially fond of the wood play frame that has various configurations and silk options (15% off right now). 16. Maya’s Big Idea is based on a true story from the childhood of our Vice President Elect Kamala Harris and her sister Maya. Written by Meena Harris (Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign Founder & CEO and Kamala’s niece/Maya’s daughter), the book focuses on two sisters working to create change in their community. 17. Yes there are homemade play dough recipes and yes it’s easier to buy a kit like this one from The Dough Project. 18. There are no sweeter stuffed mouses than Maileg and their equally as adorable accessories. 19. Target’s Hearth & Hand (aka. Joanna and Chip Gaines) line always impresses with their seasonal toys. This year’s wood bakery is no exception. 20. Jacey Duprie of Damsel in Dior is the Creative Director for 12|12 organic clothing and I finally had a chance to check out their products. They all look so comfy and I love that the founders donate to Baby2Baby with every purchase. This set is the perfect gift for “little dissenters and aspiring change-makers” and includes an RBG tee and A is for Awesome book by Eva Chen. 21. Oliver Jeffers is a legend in the children’s book world and What We’ll Build tells an inspiring story of a father and daughter setting the foundations for their life together. 22. Sequin wings? Dreamy. 23. Max loves science experiments (did you watch Emily’s Science Lab on Netflix?!). MindWare Science Academy has a bunch of science sets for your budding chemist like this Deluxe Shimmer Lab. They’ll make lip balm, bath bombs and soaps from ingredients that are non-toxic and gluten-free! It says for ages 8 and up but with parental supervision/assistance I think kids 4 and up would be fine. Next up…A Gift Guide to Support Small Businesses. emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

So many sales so little time. And I’m sure your Inbox is overloaded with emails (mine certainly is) but I would be remiss if I didn’t share some of the items in our home that are on sale right now! These are items I get asked about often on Instagram and some of the sales are just too good to pass up. Happy shopping! 01. BFF PRINT SHOP Red. 02. Collection Prints Dried Floral I. 03. Juniper Print Shop Flight. 04. One Kings Lane linen headboard. 05. Danielle Oakey Felicity pillow cover. 06. McGee & Co. Deliah pillow cover. 07. Hoppe Shoppe two arm candle holder. 08. Interior Define Maxwell sectional. 09. Lulu & Georgia Leila moroccan rug. 10. Lulu & Georgia Akila swivel chair. 11. Serena & Lily La Jolla basket. 12. Serena & Lily Edgehill sconce. 13. Lulu & Georgia Edie table lamp. 14. Serena & Lily Topeka mirror. 15. West Elm linen curtains. 16. One Kings Lane Deerfield rug. 17. Caraway cookware. 18. Shoppe Amber Interiors antique gold wall rod. 19. Abode Shoppe seagrass woven pitcher. 20. Pottery Barn teddy faux fur pillow. 21. 1800 Lighting Troy Lighting Calabria lamp. Did you catch the first couple of gift guides (For the Littles and Small Business). Plenty of items on sale too! emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

I LOVE when I get to pull out Max’s holiday and winter-themed books. As does she, telling us we can only read holiday books at this time. Like most things around this time year, they lend a magical feel. We have many of the books I’ve rounded up below, and the rest are on my wish list. You’ll find a mix of books featuring Christmas, Hannukah (including Daddy Christmas, Hannukah Mama which exactly describes Max’s situation!), Kwanzaa, and winter stories. 01. All is Merry and Bright by Jeffrey Burton. 02. Little Red Ruthie by Gloria Koster. 03. Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak. 04. Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson. 05. The Little Reindeer by Nicola Killen. 06. Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht. 07. Olivia Helps with Christmas by Ian Falconer. 08. The Tree That’s Meant to Be by Yuval Zommer. 09. The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker by Katy Flint. 10. The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear. 11. Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyle. 12. Dream Snow by Eric Carle. 13. The Crayons’ Christmas by Drew Daywalt. 14. Olive the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh. 15. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. 16. Paddington and the Christmas Surprise by Michael Bond. 17. Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko. 18. Madeline’s Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans. 19. Eloise at Christmastime by Kay Thompson. 20. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. 21. Dear Santa, Love Rachel Rosenstein by Amanda Peet. 22. Dasher by Matt Tavares. 23. The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore. 24. The Story Orchestra: Swan Lake by Katy Flint. 25. My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz. emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

I’m admittedly a bit behind in gift guides so without further ado…the third one! And this one just screams 2020. It features items best used, loved and appreciated at home. Let’s make our time at home cozy, comfortable and inviting! Treat your loved ones to goodies they can’t get everyday or wouldn’t normally indulge in. As a reminder, I tend to curate these gift guides based on products we may already own, products I have my eye on, products that others share, and products from brands I’m already a fan of. There will be some inevitable cross-over so be sure to check out all the guides as I continue to share them. And as always, I’m covering a variety of price points for everyone’s budgets! Some of these items may sell out quickly (but could restock) so you’re best ordering as early as possible this year especially because of inconsistent shipping times. I’ve found there’s no rhyme or reason to what’s on schedule and what isn’t in Covid times. Even items from the same company have been on different timelines. 01. We gifted ourselves an Ooni pizza oven for our anniversary this year and are OBSESSED. It produces restaurant quality Neapolitan style pizza and better yet, it’s compact and portable. 02. No home is happy without various candles and this balsam scented one from Anecdote is perfect for the holiday season and beyond. 03. With (small) gatherings limited to outside, this electric blanket is a great way to keep someone warm and cozy! 04. Give the gift of reading with a Kindle. I have loved mine for years. 05. I think it’s safe to say that many of us are missing our regular manis and pedis. Olive & June has an entire system for doing your own pedicures (manicures too!) in a foolproof way. 06. Anyone else a seltzer addict? It’s basically all I drink besides water and while we have an old Sodastream, I’d love to upgrade to this gorgeous Aarke Premium Carbonator which comes in various colors/finishes. 07. Slippers are great but how about a shoe you could wear out of the house that feels like a slipper?! These shearling-lined Birkenstocks are just that. 08. Another must-have for outdoor time? A fire pit of course! The solo stove is chic and easy to use (a heads up that it’s backordered and won’t ship until just after Christmas but is worth the wait)! 09. If we’re going to be doing more dishes, at least use pretty tools for getting the job done like this French Kitchen Necessities Box from Boxwood Avenue. 10. Keep the phone charged throughout the day with a pretty marble charging pad from Eggtronic. 11. Most movie theaters remain closed but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a movie theater experience at home! The CINEMOOD 360 is a mini projector that creates up to a 12-foot projection with no computer or outlet needed. Stream and download from Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube and more. 12. What’s worse than nursing a cup of coffee only to have it go cold quickly? The Ember smart mug regulates temperature so you can extend that much-needed coffee break. 13. We got the Breville Barista Express last Christmas and I truly can’t recommend it enough. It’s not always that easy or convenient (or even desirable) to go to a coffee shop these days and this machine is a pretty foolproof way to get those lattes and espresso shots at home. 14. Zoom calls and Facetimes are here to stay and AirPods makes them both easier. 15. If you’re anything like me you, have WAY too many photos (many duplicates) on your phone. Sure they’re backed up to my iCloud but the ibi gathers all your photos and videos from phone, computer, flash drives, and social media in one place. 16. I’ll be honest, I really want a Roomba. But it won’t work well in our home (floor vents, uneven floors, wood dividers between rooms etc.). Wah wah. But being home so much means extra vacuuming and your loved ones will be appreciative they don’t have to do all the work anymore. 17. ‘Tis the season for organizing! Get them started with glass airtight containers that will take their pantry from sad to something The Home Edit gals would be proud of. 18. The fewer trips to the sink the better. Enter LARQ, a self-cleaning water bottle where a purifying UV light activates every couple of hours. 19. Oh Barack, you’ve been missed. His first presidential memoir A Promised Land is winning rave reviews, spotlighting beautiful writing from the President who has always had his way with words. 20. Cozy and hand-dyed? Who wouldn’t want to lounge in these Scarf Shop socks from Midland? 21. So apparently the Opal Ice Maker is worth every penny. And having gone through labor + delivery, I do see the appeal of chewable ice “chips”/nugget ice/whatever you want to call them. This is a splurge but one your loved one(s) will love. 22. I’ve shared the Ice Roller before and it’s truly one of my favorite beauty/relaxation products. It’s good for the skin, feels amazing, and can help address tension which pretty much anyone could benefit from these days. 23. Speaking of relief, the Lord Jones CBD Chill Balm is designed to help soothe and moisturize, and is perfect for tired feet, sore necks, and any other body or mental ailment. Did you catch our first guide? Second guide? Next up…A Digital/Virtual/Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide! emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

Arlos Cookies To round out this year’s gift guides, I wanted to share gifts that are more experiential in nature and can be done virtually or digitally. Bonus: they’re perfect for anyone who waits ‘til the last minute to shop! From printables to at-home classes, there’s something for everyone. As a reminder, I tend to curate these gift guides based on products we may already own, things I have my eye on or that others share, and products from brands I’m already a fan of. There will be some inevitable cross-over so be sure to check out all the guides. And as always, I’m covering a variety of price points for everyone’s budgets! 01. “I must have flowers, always always.” Monet was spot on. Gift a virtual flower arranging class led by Ashley of Tinge Floral (as a former wedding designer, I can attest to her work being incredible) through If I Made. 02. Merrilee Liddiard has long been a favorite of mine for dolls, art prints, and especially her printables. Her illustrations are so darling and there are countless craft downloads available for a nominal fee. 03. I’ve shared products from Lingua Franca before. They have the softest sweaters and accessories adorned with whimsical fun + inspiring quotes (and they give back to so many wonderful organizations)! They have a virtual embroidery workshop where someone from their team spends 2 hours walking you through how to stitch your own sweater! All materials are included with the price. 04. Give the gift of creativity and learning! MasterClass offers more than 100 digital classes from celebrities, entrepreneurs and others at the top of their fields…learn Interior Design from Kelly Wearstler, Investigative Journalism from Bob Woodward, Filmmaking from Jodie Foster and so much more. BONUS: they’re having a buy 1 get 1 membership through the 28th! 05. I was introduced to Italic a couple months ago. Simply put, they have removed brands from the shopping experience, offering high-end products made by the same factories that make popular brands’ products…and sell them to you at cost. Gift a membership ($120) and a little something so your loved one can shop year-round for everything from leather goods to cookware. They were kind enough to send me this bag and the quality is just as great as I had hoped it would be! 06. In-person wine tasting may be on hold but there’s no reason you can’t do it from home! Beloved Helen’s Wines is offering Virtual Wine Classes…an hour long Zoom class with one of their sommeliers. They’ll even provide the wine to all participants no matter where you live. 07. I only just came across Arlos Cookies on Instagram and am in awe of these gorgeous cookies. Luna has such talent! And she’s sharing it during one of her various virtual workshops. She’ll walk you through dough, icing, and color-mixing techniques and provide supply lists to make sure you’re covered! 08. We finally joined Public Goods this year and I don’t know what took us so long! It’s a member-based program (just $59 annually) that provides healthy + eco-friendly personal care, household, grocery, and pet products…all at at accessible + affordable price points (no markup!). Their minimalist packaging is super chic and they maintain partnerships with ethical vendors worldwide. If you’re not a member yet, get 15% off your first order with code MSTARRPGA…and then gift a membership to someone else! 09. If you haven’t experienced Goldbelly (especially this year), you’re missing out. Gift well-known foods from restaurants and shops all over the country, such as this Artisan Cheese Board from world-famous Zabars in New York. 10. I’ve been meaning to write a post about my favorite digital art resources but alas, this will do for now. I have used various prints from Juniper Print Shop, BFF Print Shop, Shop Vintage Supply, Collection Prints, and North & Finch around the house and in client projects. They all offer digital downloads and art prints and would make a great gift! I’m also happy to share a code for North & Finch…40% off anything in the store with code emily40, and 15% off anything at Collection Prints with code MSTARR15. 11. 2020: the year of getting organized. Or at least trying to! Gift your loved ones in-person or virtual organizing services and programs from favorites The Home Edit, Shira Gill, or The Neat Method. 12. Minni Space here in Boston is such a wonderful creative place for kids and they’ve now started offering monthly subscription kits for kids and adults! It’s a wonderful chance to explore creative mediums and activities at home. 13. Brittany from The House Lars Built offers so many colorful + festive patterns and printables. There are goodies for holidays (NYE anyone?) and everyday. 14. Bill and I pulled the trigger on a Peloton a couple months ago and are officially on the bandwagon. But you don’t need the bike to take advantage of all it has to offer…gift the Peloton app for $12.99 a month! There are literally thousands of classes (yoga, cycling, meditation, running etc.) and you don’t need a Peloton bike or any bike at all to enjoy them. 15. Got a budding photographer or blogger you need a gift for? Well the photo presets from IDCO and Madeline Harper are perfect! They’re easy to use on the (free) Lightroom app. 16. Much like wine-tasting, in-person cooking classes aren’t readily available (or safe) right now but Kitchen on Fire has various virtual options (private and public) and make them easy to gift to others! The recipient can then sign up for any class that strikes their fancy. Did you catch our first guide? Second guide? Third? emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

Our main bedroom with Clare Classic / #farmhousedialfano Paint shopping can be overwhelming. Often times I find myself sorting through 100 shades of white, 50 shades of blue, and it’s all a bit much. Enter Clare, who streamlines the selection process for you! There’s no shortage of beautiful colors to choose from (with more added on a regular basis) BUT there are just four whites to choose from, twelve blues…you get the idea. Jess and I partnered with them for our #mstarrxohidesign makeover project and they’ve honestly exceeded both our expectations in all categories. So why Clare? / It’s a black, female-owned business (I originally featured them in this post last year)! Nicole Gibbons, a talented interior designer, founded Clare when she realized no paint company was offering an easy (or convenient) way to shop for paint. / The paint has low (like basically nothing) odor, has zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) + colorants, no hazardous air pollutants, is GREENGUARD Gold certified, has no EPA chemicals of concern and more. This is genuinely a paint you can feel good about putting in your home. / The paint gives great coverage and dries very quickly. / They offer adhesive + removable paint swatches which are incredibly accurate in terms of color. / Clare Color Genius helps you decide what color(s) to go with! / The whole selecting and ordering process is easy! Clare Classic also used in a current client project While we’re on the subject, how about a few tips for selecting the perfect paint color(s)! 01. Gather inspiration! Whether it’s a paint color, a picture, an item, whatever. Think about what you like about the color, that image etc. and how it will translate to your home or project. 02. Decide whether you want a warm or cool tone. Be sure to consider the tone of existing woods, rugs/carpets, and furniture. 03. Think about what finish you want or need. Eggshell is a pretty good bet for a not-too-matte, not-too-shiny look. You may want to consider a semi-gloss for heavy touched/often-used areas like trim. 04. Move your paint swatches around the room(s). You want to see how they look at different times of the day to see how it truly reads in your space. Need some inspiration for your next project? I’ve rounded up some of my favorite Clare colors! 01. If you’re looking for a cool white that doesn’t feel too stark, Snow Day is it. Jess and I chose this color for the walls in her guest room/office (part of our #mstarrxohidesign makeover) and it instantly brightened the room. 02. Whipped would be what I would use in our house if it wasn’t already painted a warm white. I have, however used it in a couple client projects (both little girl’s rooms), and it’s lovely. 03. Ah Classic. The paint color that does it all. Seriously. It’s the color we decided on for our main bedroom makeover, our bathroom makeover, and for a living room client project I’m working on right now (both above). 04. I’m considering On Point for a nursery I’m currently working on. It’s a neutral with warm undertones and could look different depending on the time of day and its surroundings. 05. Seize the Gray is a true gray. It feels fresh and light and is super versatile. 06. I am obsessed with Flatiron, a warm color that leans more beige but also has some slight gray undertones. 07. Founder Nicole is from the Detroit area and Motor City pays homage. It’s in the gray family but has green undertones and is just gorgeous in person! 08. Current Mood. One of Clare’s most popular colors and one we chose for an accent wall in our bedroom, a powder room in a client project, and a dining room in another client project. This moody green color is that good. 09. Jess’ guest room/office has a wall that’s filled entirely with closet doors. So when we were finalizing paint for the room, I asked what she thought about the doors. She was hesitant at first but went with it, and we are SO happy with it. Well that color we used is Set in Stone. It’s bold yet subtle and is a lovely gray/blue color that goes with so many other colors. 10. I just chose Goodnight Moon to use in a little boy’s room and I can’t WAIT to see it up. It’s a dark, bold midnight blue color reminiscent of a moonlit sky. 11. Looking for a subtle pink color? Wing It is a “barely there pink” with peachy undertones. 12. Meet Cute is the latest color reveal from Clare and I’m currently waiting on a swatch because I feel this rosy shade needs to find a home in Max’s room. emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

Valentine’s Day…a perfect excuse to spoil the little ones in your life. It makes the holiday much more fun, especially this year while the pandemic still rages on. So let’s forget the red roses, chocolate, lingerie and whatever other cliché gift is associated with this day and focus on hearts + happiness for the kiddos. Below are some goodies for boys and girls alike… 01. This sherpa pillow was a happy find during one of my weekly visits to Target. Festive for the holiday, it makes for cute year-round decor (and the price can’t be beat)! 02 / No one does jammies better than Hanna Andersson. We have several pairs for every season, and I’m excited to give her this heart pair! 03 / A heart necklace with a vintage vibe. 04 / What says Valentine’s Day more than a “Loved” sweatshirt? 05 / I think my mom gave this In My Heart book to Max at some point and it’s a lovely story about all the feelings we may experience and how to identify them. 06 / A Super Hero doll for the little boy or girl in your life. 07 / Or a ballerina bunny?! 08 / Olli Ella makes some of our favorite toys and accessories, and this Piki picnic basket is fun for both imaginary play and for putting other Valentine goodies in it! 09 / I bought the Botanist’s Sticker Anthology over the holidays and it’s chock full of the prettiest floral + greenery inspired stickers. 10 / Heart face masks…what every kid wants (but really, the Old Navy masks are one of my go-to’s for Max at school. They’re affordable and fit well.) 11 / Give them crayons that look like “gems”, at least that’s what Max would say. 12 / A bunny eye mask in the sweetest gingham print. 13 / Love all things Sarah’s Silks and this rainbow streamer helps encourage creative play and movement. 14 / A sequined pair of sneakers that can flip from silver to a colorful rainbow. 15 / How friggin’ cute is this heart shaped melamine plate?! I snagged some for Max and my nieces + nephew (also available in a bowl). 16 / Another Hanna favorite…slipper moccasins accented with a ♥️. 17 and 18 / Max’s first birthday party was based on Love is a Tutu and I gifted the book and Love is a Truck to all the kids. 19 / What’s a Valentine’s Day without heart sunglasses? 20 Kids enjoy flowers too…but make them reusable with these push puppet flowers (they’ll droop at the press of a button and jump back up when letting go)! 21 / Max got an Instax camera for her 3rd birthday and it remains a favorite. I love looking back at the pics she’s snapped along the way.01. If you’re looking for a cool white that doesn’t feel too stark, Snow Day is it. Jess and I chose this color for the walls in her guest room/office (part of our #mstarrxohidesign makeover) and it instantly brightened the room. emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

You know how I feel about throw pillows (and that I have a very large/unhealthy stash of them on hand at all times). What you may not know is my rug stash rivals it. While I firmly believe that quality and attractive furniture is important, it’s the details that pull a room together and rugs are at the top of that list. So much so that I sometimes design a space around a singular rug. Especially if it’s a vintage one! Vintage rugs tell such stories...their imperfections are what makes them perfect, and having something that only YOU have is special. While you’ve seen me swap out rugs in various rooms recently, I stuck with the same rug in the living room for 2 years! 2 whole years! Unheard of for me truly but I did (and still do) love it. It was time, though, for a change and I wanted it to be a meaningful one. Enter Revival. Maybe you’ve seen them in your Instagram feed? They offer vintage, one-of-a-kind rugs that are, wait for it...affordable! They’ve nurtured relationships with artisans and partners in Turkey in order to get YOU beautiful vintage pieces without the markup, while paying their makers fair wages (I should also note they do have some new rugs, most of which are also one-of-a-kind). I also have to note that I’m obsessed with their shipping/packaging. Everything comes folded and professionally-cleaned in kraft boxes rather than the usual plastic packaging around a rolled rug that takes many cuts and too much time to get off. And oh their rugs! They’re SO beautiful and it was SO hard to choose which direction to go in for the living room. Ultimately I decided on something that’s darker than what we had before to ground the space and just to do something different in here. Meet…Elegido! Isn’t she a beauty?! An overdyed style, she was handwoven and handknotted in Demirci, Turkey and features various gray tones. As with our kitchen tile, the rug can actually look more blue than gray depending on the lighting/angle and I just LOVE that. I’m still playing around with final artwork and pillows but am so happy with it. The room has a different vibe now (a bit more sophisticated perhaps?) but is still cozy, something I really didn’t want to lose given the previous rug was a shag style. You’ll of course see more on Instagram as the room continues to evolve but in the meantime I’m excited to share an exclusive promo code with you all! Use MSTARR10 for 10% off your rug purchase. Need some inspo? I’ve rounded up a few of my currently available favorites below... 01 Kean / 02 Leana / 03 Anti / 04 Gyrite / 05 Efthymia / 06 Seosahmin / 07 Ifat / 08 Chaveiro / 09 Florean / 10 Iemy emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! PPS. PPS. Max’s room got a new rug too. Stay tuned for that reveal… Disclosure: Revival provided the rug and as always, opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I've linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands i support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

We moved into #farmhousedialfano more than 6 years ago. And over time, I’ve worked on pretty much every space in the house…except one: the TV area of the living room. I grabbed a media cabinet at Home Goods years ago that was only ok looking and was way too big (too tall and too wide). So when the time came to work with Joss & Main on a new campaign, I jumped at the chance to finally tackle this area. And let me say it is AMAZING what one media cabinet has done for the overall vibe in here. One change led to another and another and I'm just so happy with how everything has come together. The living room is a pass through-room (as is the dining room) so when walking from the kitchen into the dining room and then into the living room, you were seeing a disorganized, too-big media cabinet and it was just not appealing. And while we’d be sitting on a pretty couch with lovely decor around, we were staring at a pretty ugly TV situation. ha. (See below for a picture that Max snapped at some point. Consider it the before.)01. We gifted ourselves an Ooni pizza oven for our anniversary this year and are OBSESSED. It produces restaurant quality Neapolitan style pizza and better yet, it’s compact and portable. I ended up choosing the Bobbi Wood TV Stand in the walnut color. It was actually the second one I ordered (the first wasn’t a good color or size). The challenge was finding something that is lower than the TV (I wanted more separation than before and the TV is at the perfect height for viewing) and wider than the TV but isn't too much wider because then we'd be back to square one with a too-big piece. When it first arrived, I was admittedly torn, thinking the wood might be too rustic but the straight lines of the piece kinda temper that and a little rustic is ok in our house. I made the call to put it together and I'm so happy I did because I was immediately sold. Our old home has little storage so the media cabinet ends up being a bit of a catch-all housing items such as childhood photos and picture albums, batteries, command strips and hooks etc. So initially I thought we needed one with all doors to hide everything. Settling on this one though was good as it forced me to really organize and purge what’s inside it! Plus I get to display a pretty bowl and box. The shelves are adjustable, and since the cable box was my biggest eyesore concern, I simply put it in a narrow space and it really just blends in. The color is quite lovely, with various tones coming through. It really fits in perfectly with the other wood tones in the room. Oh and I swapped out the handles which makes it feel a bit more personalized. With a lower profile piece, there’s finally room to have some fun with styling and since I’ve only decorated for the holidays at this point, it’ll be especially exciting to restyle it next month! Make sure you’re following on Insta to see what I end up doing, wink wink. emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: Joss & Main provided product and as always, opinions are my own. mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

Design by The LifeStyled Company. Photo by Nick Sorensen. It’s been awhile since I shared what I’ve been pinning on Pinterest so here I am to rectify that! I find such joy getting lost on the site, whether searching for specific things, looking to see what some of my follows are up to, or simply seeing what Pinterest recommends for me. Below is what I’ve saved recently… The coolest headboard. Design by Katie Monkhouse Interiors. That lamp! The chair fabric! Design by Reath Design. Not sure what I love more, the vent hood or the island. Design by Anthology Interiors. That arch. Swoon. Design by Maison Blonde. I’d say 75% of the food I pin is by Half Baked Harvest. Love me a whimsical wreath. Photographs by Rinne Allen, wreath design by Mandy O'Shea of Moonflower Design. These zellige bejmat tiles from Tiles of Ezra are incredible. Ceiling inspiration for a living room project I’m working on right now. Design by Kate Marker Interiors. I dream of a nice bathroom. Much less one that has a door to the yard. Design by Studio Schicketanz. Chris Loves Julia’s music room is everything my moody-loving heart desires right now. Shiplap ✔️Dark paint ✔️Wood tones ✔️Design by Whittney Parkinson. After sharing many iPhone sneaks, Amber Lewis finally shares her home in Architectural Digest. This hallway is all kinds of perfect. Looking for more inspo? Follow over on Pinterest and/or check out boards such as Kitchen, Kids rooms, and Holiday Decor. And speaking of holiday decor, I’ve got all things seasonal and holiday RIGHT HERE. I’ll be adding it to over the next couple months, with plenty of holiday specific content in the works, so be sure to check back often! emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

Happy September! Last I remember it was mid-March and then I blinked and it’s now it’s almost Fall. I don’t know how time can go so fast with the days feeling so endless 😂 But I am not at all mad about Fall being upon us. It has always been my favorite season (I insisted on an October wedding!) and I’m already feeling energized by the chill that comes in the evening air, keeping windows open throughout the day, and cozy loungewear. With every new season I start to make changes around the house and now is no different: like everyone else, I’ve spent our months at home making plenty of updates (did you catch the #mstarrxohidesign makeover update on our bedroom?!). Our living room hasn’t gotten a ton of love though, mostly because until a few weeks ago, it was still our quarantine hub. Now that Max is back to school a few days a week, I’ve been able to get things somewhat back to normal (side note: I bought the lovely Shira Gill’s Clutter Free with Kids course and while there’s still some work to do, I highly recommend. More than anything, it forced me to really think through the ways Max consumes her toys and to do a purge, something I try to do a few times a year regardless.) Anyway, the living room was calling out “focus on me, focus on me” so I turned to Joss & Main for a couple new additions…and I am SO happy with them. Despite being one room, I've mostly treated the living room as two separate spaces. And for good reason! The area with the wood burning stove and art ledges was an add-on at some point (you can see in the picture above the gap in the flooring + how it was installed in the opposite direction as the original flooring...I'll never understand that). The stove and the surrounding stone hearth take up a lot of space and really break up the flow but I had been thinking of ways to marry the spaces together and it came to me...art! Now I'm sure when you think of a gallery wall, you think of multiple pieces of art or frames right? Well I'm here to tell you that it can can be something different. I've always had stacked art hanging over the couch + between the 2 windows and as soon as I came across this shadow box rope art, I knew it was the right piece to bridge the gap between the 2 areas. It's basically a framed sisal rug and I'm here for it. I wanted something larger to center between the stove and edge of the wall but not so large that it would overwhelm the space. The light colored frame and white background is offset by the darker, textured rope and it looks organic yet refined. Combined with the art between the windows and you've got my kind of gallery wall! I encourage you to think outside that proverbial box when it comes to gallery walls. I do still love a more traditional layout and I think the key is to mix + match frame colors and matting. You want to keep things looking fresh, whether the wall has 3 frames or 10 frames. Looking to change things up? Joss & Main has a great selection of pre-framed art and picture frames. I wasn't done with just art though! For the past couple years, I've had some type of stool next to the couch acting as a side table. You could maybe fit one glass but mostly it was there to house some coffee table books + greenery/florals (ie. decor over function). I was hoping to replace it with a true side table but because our couch is a lower profile, the table can't be very high nor can it be very wide. And well...that's hard to find. But as I was perusing Joss & Main's site, I figured why not check out the table selections. And there it was... the Friedrich End Table. It’s the right height, the right width, a beautiful walnut color to add some contrast to the room, adds visual interest with those curved tripod legs, and is perfect for heading into the cooler weather months where I tend to add richer colors to my decor. I've currently got some Fall stems, a candle, and a little accent vase also from Joss & Main. Knowing me however, it'll look different within days, ha ha. So there you have it! I'm thrilled with these small but impactful updates to the living room and especially happy that it finally feels like one cohesive space. I've got some stuff going on on the other side of the room too so keep an eye out on Instagram. emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post is sponsored by Joss & Main. As always, selections and opinions are all my own. mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

via the home edit well…here we are. mostly homebound and if you’re like me, you’re perusing the sales {did you catch my serena & lily post? sale ends tomorrow!} and working on projects around the house. with the addition of our new appliances {more on them this week!}, and some other storage-related changes, i’ve spent a lot of time ORGANIZING. and oh how good it feels! i thought now would be a great time to share some of my tried + true’s plus some newer items that are transforming our kitchen. *bonus* many are on sale right now! everything is functional but many are always attractive. check them out below and i’ve also created a shop page that i continue to add to so check back often! 01 / this slim metal basket is super versatile. i actually keep one in the fridge to corral one-off items {almost overripe avocados etc.}. bonus: those wood handles! 02 / two of these 9” lazy susans live on the top shelf of our fridge…one for often-used condiments and one for sunbutter, jelly etc. 03 / sure we could’ve used these can organizers in our old fridge but they wouldn’t have been nearly as functional. now they hold lacroix and beer cans. 04 / i’ve used various sizes of these clear storage containers for years…mostly for dry cereal and pasta. 05 / BPA and plastic free, these glass storage containers are eco-friendly AND how pretty are those bamboo lids?! they also come with silicone stretch lids as well. 06 / we have our knives displayed on a similar magnetic rack. it’s a chic way to have easy access while cooking. 07 / the space under our sink is pretty cramped so most of the under-sink storage options don’t work. this simple organizer works perfectly, and i recently got another one for a cabinet to store measuring cups and less-used kitchen tools. 08 / these wood storage bins are used in both the playroom and bill’s closet. 09 / i wouldn’t be able to count how many of these are in the house. i use them for EVERYTHING. 10 / these higher edge lazy susans are great for bigger bottles that might tip over when spinning. 11 / fewer things give me greater joy than an organized freezer. these bins are key for making that happen. 12 / i’ve purged almost all the plastic containers we had over the past couple years and replaced them with these. 13 / the home edit’s labels available at the container store {there are also versions for pantry, kids, closet etc.}. 14 / these chic containers look great out in the open or in a pantry. 15 / a new addition to the fridge, i keep a bottle of cheap wine i use to make risotto plus a couple other nicer bottles to drink. 16 / i know i just shared these serena & lily baskets but they are awesome. so here they are again. 17 / catch-alls for anything + everything. 18 / we have one of these lazy susans in…our lazy susan! it holds everyday items like balsamic vinegar, cooking spray etc. and lives at the front of the lazy susan so we don’t have to pull the whole thing out to access. 19 / we currently keep our ground coffee and beans in these stainless containers. 20 / more baskets that i use for everything, and the lower front makes items even more accessible. 21 / multi-purpose bins that can be used with or without those pretty bamboo lids. 22 / smaller and taller baskets that i use in cabinets for items like extra phone chargers and bruno’s poop bags. 23 / more bins for your fridge + freezer! emily ps. don’t miss a post. subscribe to our newsletter! disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support + for allowing us to be a source of inspiration! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #farmhousedialfano #homeorganization #mStarrdesign #organization

christy dawn Update July 3: I've been experimenting with various fits, materials, and styles for both Max and I. I figure we’ll be wearing masks for awhile to come and Max will need a bunch when she heads back to school next month. For her, adjustable is essential if she’s running around or wearing for extended periods of time. I am liking the molded style vs. pleated style though I have both. Many of my favorites don’t have the wire nose piece but iIdo find it helpful when wearing sunglasses. Bill has found his favorite {Hedley & Bennett} that fits his face perfectly! Now that masks are proven to protect others {and possibly even yourself} and are mandated throughout much of the country, I wanted to update this post with some of our favorites and other recommendations. Please, wear a mask. The latest it accessory? Reusable face masks. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you are aware that the CDC is recommending that everyone over the age of 2 wear a cloth mask or covering while out of the house, and many Governors are requiring them in their states. A reminder that these are to protect OTHERS in case you are infected and don’t know it. It’s also important to note that these are to be worn IN ADDITION to social distancing. Just because you are wearing a mask doesn’t mean you can start to socialize like you did before the coronavirus pandemic began. I’ve rounded up a number of chic + sustainable masks for the whole family. Many brands are donating masks or donating proceeds from mask sales to those in need, healthcare workers, and essential workers. You are also helping to support many small businesses. A couple of notes: / Lead times vary by manufacturer so be sure to check the timelines when ordering! / Some masks are available for pre-order only or are out of stock but you can receive an in-stock notification by email. 01 / Christy Dawn is selling packs of 4 sustainable masks made of 100% doubled deadstock cotton. There are a few pattern options to choose from and are available in adult and children’s sizes. Max and i both love these breathable masks. For every 5 pack sold, Christy Dawn will donate a 5 pack to people in need. 02 / Another set we love from Maisonette…a Paige Lauren adult + child mask set in a tie dye pattern. Proceeds from these mask sales are being donated to the @wearFIGS Frontline Responders fund. 03 / A simple muslin mask by Merna Maita, available at Midland Shop. 04 / HATCH recently started selling mama and kid masks made with 100% cotton fabric remnants. Each set is triple-layered and comes with adjustable straps. I immediately placed an order and it’s safe to say that these are one of my favorites for sure. They’re lightweight and breathable and for each set sold, HATCH is donating a pack of surgical masks to healthcare workers. 05 / Parachute {one of my favorite bedding + home decor companies} is selling 5 packs of 100% cotton masks that come in a variety of colors and patterns. For every set sold, parachute is donating a set to those in need through GetUsPPE and Safe Place for Youth. 06 / What kid can say no to this adorable Billie Blooms dog mask? Available at Maisonette, one mask and the proceeds of mask purchases will be donated to Feeding America’s COVID-19 response fund. 07 / Aplat is hand sewing origami style masks in 100% organic cotton canvas. they are adjustable + include an interior pocket for a disposable filter. 08 / The highly coveted Briar masks in cheerful Liberty of London patterns…you must sign up for in-stock notifications as they release certain amounts at a time. Available in adult + children’s sizes. For every mask purchased, one will be donated to a healthcare or essential worker in need. 09 / The Hedley & Bennnet x Rifle Paper Co collab has produced my favorite mask so far. Each one is made of Rifle’s iconic floral patterns and features a metal nosepiece and a crossback ribbon tie for a better + more comfortable fit. Hedley & Bennett and Rifle are donating 25,000 masks to Baby2Baby’s covid relief efforts. 10 / Eco-friendly mattress company Avocado {and a #mstarrxohidesign makeover partner!} is offering organic masks made of 2 layers of organic cotton canvas, simple tie straps and a filter-ready pocket. They are available in packs of 4 in adult or children’s sizing. 11 / BAGGU’s masks {love these colors!} are made of 100% kona quilter’s cotton which is a tight-woven, thick-threaded material that blocks respiratory droplets but remains breathable and comfy. Bonus points for an adjustable nose wire, adjustable straps and the most cheerful colors! For every pack sold, BAGGU is donating a pack of surgical masks to healthcare workers. 12 / The Hedley & Bennett original Wake Up & Fight masks were the first iI purchased for our family. They are designed in collaboration with an LA doctor and are made of 100% cotton or 60/40 cotton-poly fabric, with a space for a filter. UPDATE: they’ve revamped the fit of the mask and are now Bill’s go-to. Every mask purchased supports H&B's efforts to donate more masks to doctors, nurses, first responders, food service works and other essential workers. 13 / Loving these neutral patterned masks by Amadi which you can find at Anthropologie. They come in a set of 2, feature adjustable tie straps, and are made in the US. 14 / One of my friends was wearing this Vida mask recently. They’re simply designed, made of 2 layers of 100% cotton, feature adjustable straps and a metal nose piece. Additionally, Vida provides a filter with each purchase {should be replaced every 7 days}. 15 / We love Found my Animal for Bruno’s collars and I was happy to see they have a great assortment of masks! This subtle tie-dye version is made of 3 layers of 100% cotton, polyester and white soft flannel and feature pretty ribbon ties and a nose clip. 16 / I’m waiting on delivery of a bunch of masks from Clothes Companion on Etsy for both Max and i, including this pretty one made from Rifle fabric. They’re affordable at $8 apiece, made in LA, are reversible and feature 2 layers of 100% cotton. 17 / The print makers collective has turned its attention to solely making masks with fabrics from some of the best textile designers, including my friend Ellisha Alexina. The masks are available in a variety of fabrics and feature ribbon ties for a comfortable fit. One mask will be donated to a cause in need. 18 / Iconic brand Clare V started making masks to donate to frontline and essential workers, and while they’re still donating, They’ve now made the masks available to buy. They come in a set of 4 and are made from remnant and deadstock fabric {meaning they’re using fabric that has already been produced}. Note: color, prints and fabric will vary. 19 / Known for their swimsuits, Summersalt is now selling adult masks in sets of 3. They feature triple-layered 100% cotton and recycled materials and an adjustable fit. For every set sold, they are donating a mask to worthy organizations. 20 / Hackwith Design House is offering a variety of masks, some pleated and some molded. All are made from soft 100% cotton and have elastic loops for around the ears. 10% of all mask sales will be donated to the Domestic Abuse Project who are committed to ending domestic violence. 21 / I snagged one of these Rowdy Sprout masks for Max from Mini Dreamers {which, side note, is the cutest site for little ones}. It’s breathable and the adjustable fit is great for her little face. 22 / My favorite maker of market bags Apolis is selling customizable masks and a 3 pack of simple black masks that are made with 100% American-made cotton jersey and sewn with fair wages in LA. In collaboration with Baby2Baby, every mask purchased provides one day of diapers for an american family impacted by Covid-19. 23 / Both Max and I love these masks from Etsy shop Nature’s Daily. The tie dye print is adorable, the pricing is great, and the mask features super soft cotton with adjustable straps. For every 2 sales, 1 mask is donated to first responders. 24 / Joy Cho shared Kira Kids and their masks for the tiny humans in your life look great {they have adult sizes too}. they’ve got double layers of cotton and spandex and cute patterns like this floral design. 25 / Rafi Nova is a local-to-me company who makes masks for adults and kids, including smile masks which were designed with the needs of heard of hearing and deaf people in mind, and everyday elevated packs of 3 that come in bright or neutral colors, feature 3 layers of lightweight 100% cotton {and a middle anti-bacterial layer}, an adjustable nose bridge, filter pocket, and adjustable ear loops! 26 / If you’re gonna wear a mask, make it a FABULOUS one. This sequined star mask from nashville designer any old iron is too much fun, and it’s no surprise that their clients include Beyoncé, Gaga, Cher and Elton John! Hope everyone is safe + healthy! emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I’ve linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes