We can’t believe it’s been five years since we first dropped in on John’s sister Emily to check out their new house. Back then we saw only a few rooms; now they’ve finished so much more, and it’s a joy to share how the space has evolved.
Their front door is painted Cornichon by Martha Stewart, and every time we pull into the driveway that cheerful green makes us smile.
Emily and Todd live here with their three kids and a large rescue dog named Tuck. It’s a bustling, hardworking family home with a four-year-old, a tween, and a teen running around—so function and durability are priorities without sacrificing style.
The house reads clean and modern, but surprisingly relaxed for a family with kids and a big dog. Nothing feels overly precious, and that balance is one of the things we love most about it. Emily has a practical knack for decorating: she shops thrift stores and yard sales, embraces hand-me-downs, and isn’t afraid of more affordable retailers like Ikea and HomeGoods. When they want to, they save up and splurge on key pieces, such as a sofa from Crate & Barrel.
Their simple, clutter-free approach makes the spaces feel bright and airy. Todd, a photographer, prioritized large windows when they designed the house, so natural light floods the main living areas. The lack of excess decorative clutter also makes sense with kids and a dog—it cuts down on cleaning time and keeps the rooms feeling open.
The furniture choices are thoughtful for family life. Dining chairs from West Elm are wooden, avoiding upholstered seats that can stain, and the table is an older, rustic piece found at a yard sale—dings and scratches only add to its character. The mix of light wood end chairs, deep red side chairs, and a medium wood table gives the dining area casual, lived-in charm.
Light fixtures add personality without being fragile: the dining fixture, a secondhand find, creates a striking focal point while remaining safely out of reach of kids and pets. Stylish, untouchable lighting is an easy way to add a bit of glamour to a family home.
Emily has developed a number of practical decorating tricks over the years:
- A bold patterned rug hides stains and wear very well.
- Wipeable furniture—leather or leather-like materials—stands up to daily life and often looks better with a little wear.
- White walls make rooms feel bright and clean; small scuffs can be removed easily with simple cleaning tools.
- A white sofa can be protected with a white, washable throw that blends in rather than announcing itself, keeping the couch usable during messy moments.
They opted for wood cabinets in the kitchen rather than the common white, and a striking choice was to use sleek white appliances instead of stainless steel. The JennAir appliances they chose have stayed looking fresh and modern for years. The island is from Ikea, and the stools are from West Elm—smart, budget-conscious layering of sources.
Next to the fridge is a particularly clever feature: a pull-out pantry that opens from both sides. It’s remarkably functional and remains one of our favorite small-space solutions for efficient storage and accessibility.
While the main floor favors light and neutral tones, the kids’ rooms are vibrant and full of personality. Twelve-year-old Olivia’s room features bold, no-sew curtains she made with hem tape and an upholstered headboard we helped create. A pink-painted dresser topped with an inexpensive acrylic sheet protects the surface while keeping the color playful and practical.
Small details add function: hooks behind the door for bags, a built-in mirrored wardrobe from Ikea with a storage niche above it for bedding and bins, and retro-style wall prints that have stuck around over the years. Those tiny choices maximize storage and make the rooms feel finished and personal.
Jake, now fourteen, wanted a more subdued space, and his room reflects that with plaid bedding, a blue accent wall, a red side table with a transparent stain, and basketballs hung on the wall for both display and use. Little nostalgic items like a yellow safe and a red gumball machine give the room a fun, teen-friendly vibe.
The basement rec room is another example of thoughtful, family-first design. They painted the concrete floors with a glossy, wipeable paint and furnished the space with a large leather sectional that’s easy to clean and has endured years of spills and craft projects.
One of the most charming features is the magnetic back of the metal front door. It has become a casual gallery for kid art, photos, magnets, and small keepsakes. It’s a welcoming, playful touch and a favorite gathering spot for the kids when friends come over.
Emily and Todd’s house shows that a modern, white-focused home can absolutely be kid-friendly and lived-in. With weathered wood furnishings, wipeable fabrics, durable surfaces, and elevated fixtures placed out of reach, they’ve created a home that balances beauty and practicality. Built-in niches, a double-sided pull-out pantry, and thoughtful storage solutions make daily life easier while keeping the aesthetic crisp.
Big thanks to Emily, Todd, Jake, Olivia, Emanuel, and Tuck for letting us take so many pictures and for sharing their warm, well-designed home. If you ask us what our favorite details are, it’s hard to pick: the front door (both its cheerful green exterior and the magnetic interior), Olivia’s bright striped curtains, and the thoughtfully chosen appliances all make the house uniquely theirs.
P.S. The latest edition of Clara Conversations is live and has some hilarious moments—always a treat when the kids crack everyone up.