We can’t believe it’s been five years since we first dropped in on John’s sister Emily to refresh parts of her home. Since that initial house crash they’ve completed many more spaces, and we’re excited to share the updates and practical design choices that make their family home both beautiful and functional.
Emily and Todd live in a bright, light-filled house with their three kids and a large dog named Tuck. It’s a busy household—there’s a four-year-old, a tween and a teen running around—so the design needed to be durable, low-maintenance and kid-friendly while still feeling modern and welcoming.
One of the simplest things that gives the house personality is the front door, painted Cornichon by Martha Stewart. It’s an instant mood-lifter and sets the tone as soon as you pull into the driveway.
The overall aesthetic is clean and airy, with an “everything we need and nothing extra” approach. Large windows (Todd is a photographer, so natural light was essential) keep the main spaces sunny, and the family favors a minimal, clutter-free look that’s forgiving for everyday life with kids and a dog.
Furniture and finishes are chosen for durability and style. Many pieces are thrifted or affordable finds: the dining table started life as a yard sale find, the ottoman came from HomeGoods, and a rug from Marshalls anchors the space. They do splurge occasionally—for example, they saved for a sofa from Crate & Barrel—but the mix of thrifted, affordable and investment pieces keeps the home interesting and practical.
Practical furniture choices help the house stay low-maintenance. The dining chairs from West Elm are wooden, so there’s no upholstered seat to worry about staining, and the rustic table hides dings and scratches. The varied wood tones and colorful side chairs create a relaxed, informal vibe that masks everyday wear and tear.
Lighting is a standout feature in person. Unique fixtures—many found secondhand—add personality and a touch of glamour that’s out of reach for kids and pets, so they remain unbroken and striking.
Here are a few of Emily’s practical decorating tricks that keep the house functioning beautifully:
- A bold patterned rug hides stains and wear much better than a solid color.
- Wipeable furniture—leather or leather-like materials—stands up to spills and often looks better as it ages.
- White walls make rooms feel clean and airy, and minor scuffs can be removed easily with simple cleaning products.
- A white sofa can be protected with a white washable throw so messes are contained without changing the look of the room.
The kitchen offers a nontraditional yet striking approach: wood cabinetry paired with sleek white appliances instead of stainless steel. The result feels fresh and modern, and the appliances have performed well over the years. Practical elements like an Ikea island and West Elm stools make the space both functional and stylish. A cleverly designed pull-out pantry that opens from both sides adds tremendous convenience, and its dual access is a real-time saver during busy meal prep.
Kids’ rooms contrast with the main floor’s calm palette by embracing bold color and playful details. Olivia’s room features no-sew curtains made with hem tape, a DIY upholstered headboard, and a pink painted dresser protected with an inexpensive sheet of acrylic. These simple, budget-friendly updates give the room personality while staying durable.
Jake, now fourteen, wanted a more subdued room. Plaid bedding, a blue accent wall, and a red stained side table capture his personality without fuss. Practical touches, such as basketballs mounted on the wall, keep the space personal and functional.
The basement rec room is a family favorite when friends come over. The concrete floor was painted with glossy, wipeable floor paint, making cleanup easy, and a large leather sectional provides comfortable, easy-to-clean seating. These choices make entertaining simple and stress-free.
One of the most charming features is the back of their metal front door, which functions as a magnetic gallery for kids’ art, photos and magnets. It’s casual, fun, and instantly inviting—exactly the sort of practical, playful detail that makes a house feel lived-in and loved.
Emily and Todd’s home is a great example of how a modern, mostly white palette can be highly livable for a family. Thoughtful choices—weathered wood furnishings, wipeable fabrics, bold accents, and smart built-ins like niches and pull-out pantries—prove that style and functionality can coexist beautifully.
Thanks to Emily, Todd, Jake, Olivia, Emanuel and Tuck for letting us capture these moments in their home. My favorite details? The green front door, the magnetic back-of-door display, and Olivia’s bright striped curtains. John is a fan of the appliances—and he’ll admit to admiring them every time he visits.
Psst—Clara Conversations is up on Young House Life and it’s one of our favorites to date; the kid just gets funnier every day.
