EmmyLew_Decorates on LTK

EmmyLew_Decorates

We needed a place to hang backpacks, purses, and jackets, but didn’t have a coat closet or mudroom.

So I built this hook wall using:
✔️ one 4x8 sheet
✔️ a few trim pieces
✔️ hooks
✔️ paint

The whole thing came in under $200 and made our entryway so much more functional.

#LTKHome

We needed a place to hang backpacks, purses, and jackets, but didn’t have a coat closet or mudroom. So I built this hook wall using: ✔️ one 4x8 sheet ✔️ a few trim pieces ✔️ hooks ✔️ paint The whole thing came in under $200 and made our entryway so much more functional. LTKHome

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Woodgrain Millwork 163 11/16 in. x 1-3/8 in. x 96 in. Primed Finger Jointed Base Cap Moulding (1-Piece − 8 Total Linear Feet) 10001946 | The Home Depot

Newborn 930-GTD Drip-Free Smooth Hex Rod Cradle Caulking Gun with Gator Trigger Comfort Grip, 1/10 Gallon Cartridge, 10:1 Thrust Ratio | Amazon (US)

1 in. x 1 in. x 8 ft. Wood Primed Outside Corner Moulding | The Home Depot

Hammered Iron Wall Hooks | Magnolia

7/32 in. x 48 in. x 96 in. White Nickel Gap Shiplap Panel | The Home Depot

2018 1/4 in. x 1 1/2 in. x 96 in. Primed PVC Lattice Moulding (1-Piece − 8 Total Linear Feet) | The Home Depot

Power Grab Heavy-Duty Instant Grab 9 oz. Latex Construction Adhesive White Cartridge (12-Pack) | The Home Depot

Kwik Seal 5.5 oz. White Kitchen and Bath Adhesive Caulk | The Home Depot

ONE+ 18V 18-Gauge Cordless AirStrike Brad Nailer with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger | The Home Depot

Sadie Wall Hooks | West Elm (US)

Summerville Row of Hooks (32") | Pottery Barn (US)

Montana Wall Hook | Amber Interiors

WINCASE Antique Brass Towel Hook, Brushed Brass Wall Hook Rail, 5 Hooks Antique Coat Hook Rail Ha... | Amazon (US)

Brass Triple Wall Hook - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia | Target

From classroom to content creator 📚➡️📲
Hi, I’m Emily! After 25 years teaching high school Marketing, I retired early and started sharing the way I style, update, and truly live in our family home in Florida.
Married at 36, mom at 40, and now raising our 7-year-old in our 12th (!!) house.
I’ve always loved finding homes with potential and updating them to feel high-end on a real-life budget.
Follow along for DIYs, decor tips, Amazon & Target finds, and everyday life at the lagoon 🏖️
#BuilderGradeGlowUp #FloridaMomLife #NeutralHomeStyle

The whimsy of our daughter’s playroom is so sweet 💕 the abundant storage cabinets and curtains are the necessity but the rest I can have a little fun with so I added some ruffles and lace! May I always remember that little girls are so precious 🫶🏻 #targetfind #anthropologie #playroom #littlegirls #neutralrooms #simpledecor

#LTKKids #LTKHome

Welcome to my LTK! I am Emily and I am 47 years old and I love simple but stylish home decor and outfits for myself and our 7 year old daughter! Hope to see you around 🫶🏻

#LTKKids #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

One thing I wish Florida homes had? A basement. 😅

Since we don’t have one, I’ve learned to be intentional about adding storage wherever I can. I wanted a place to store seasonal decor, craft supplies, games, and all the things that tend to pile up over time, but I also wanted it to look beautiful.

Instead of custom built-ins, I used four walnut cabinets to create an entire wall of storage in our movie room. Together they give me 8 cabinets of hidden storage while still looking like furniture rather than a storage solution.

My favorite part is that these aren’t attached to the house. We’ve moved a lot over the years, and I love investing in classic pieces that can move with us. The walnut finish and oversized brass hardware feel timeless to me, and I can easily see these working in a future home, whether they’re used in a media room, office, dining room, or even a playroom.

Beautiful storage that works hard now and can come with us later is always a win in my book. 🤎 these are the Satin Walnut color.

PS: they do come with wall anchors to keep them safely upright if you have littles 😉

#LTKmomlife #LTKHome

I was looking for a place to set out drinks, snacks, and serving pieces when we have friends and family over, and this outdoor bar-height table ended up being exactly what I needed.

It’s narrow enough that it doesn’t take over the patio, but still gives plenty of space for entertaining. I styled it as a drink station, but it would also work beside a hot tub, pool, or outdoor seating area.

I love the simple black finish, the clean lines, and that it’s designed to hold up outdoors. One of those practical pieces that makes hosting a little easier while still looking nice.

#Amazon

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal

Most people don’t know that the US flag code requires you to take the flag down at night unless it is lit.
This flag pole from Amazon solves that problem so we can all give our flag the respect is deserves 🇺🇸

#LTKHome

If you have a daughter with long hair, you know the struggle. 😅

Between swimming, horseback riding, gymnastics, sports, and just being a kid, we were constantly dealing with tangled hair and painful brushing sessions.

This simple hair wrap has been one of those little things that makes a big difference. It helps keep hair contained after activities, cuts down on tangles, and makes detangling so much easier later.

One of those things for kids I wish we’d found sooner.

I also linked the sunscreen I put on her scalp and the conditioner we put in before swimming so her blonde doesn’t turn green!

#LTKSwim #LTKKids #LTKmomlife

Save your packaging when you order a faux tree and use it to fill in the planter and then just put the Spanish moss on top 😉♻️🌳

Linking the moss and tree from Amazon along with a similar black vase. This vase is from Hobby Lobby!

#LTKHome

I needed some storage in our bonus room and I found these beautiful cabinets that look like built-ins !
Our daughter loves to ride horses and she spends lots of time in there so I chose to decorate them with the horse theme. Luckily, Michaels has the best Into the West line right now and it’s on sale 60% off 🙌🏻🙌🏻

I linked everything I used here. The leather stirrup is a used piece from EBay and the giant prints are from smallwoods framed in Walnut.

#LTKHome

Most benches looked too small for our king bed, and the ones I loved were way out of budget.

This simple leg swap completely changed the look of this bench and made it feel so much more custom. It really is in the little details!

Bench and leg details are linked on my LTK 🤎

#LTKHome

I wanted the built-in look… but I knew I didn’t want to leave thousands of dollars behind when we move.

Instead of custom built-ins, I lined up four walnut cabinets and ended up with 8 cabinets of hidden storage for seasonal decor, craft supplies, and all the things that never seem to have a home.

Personally I think the handles are so pretty and the size makes them look more high end.

This would make a great zoom call background too 🗄️

The best part? If we move, they come with us.

Mine are the satin walnut but Wayfair does have other colors as well.

#LTKHome

Most wireless sconces aren’t fooling anybody 😅 These are two gold Amazon options I actually put in my own home and I’m picky.
Both are cordless, renter-friendly, and give you the look of hardwired lighting

Also I have these bulbs in another sconce in my daughter’s room and I rarely have to charge it 🙌🏻 it goes months!

Which one gets your vote: A or B

#AmazonHome

#LTKHome

Michaels got me again 😂🤠

I stopped in for a few things and ended up finding some really good western-inspired decor pieces that feel cozy without looking themed.

✔️ 10” textured planter (40% off)
✔️ Into the West coffee table book (60% off)
✔️ Cowboy boot candle (60% off)
✔️ Western decor piece (60% off)
✔️ Framed horse sketch (60% off)
✔️ Denim blue accent pillow (60% off)

If you’re decorating with warm neutrals, collected pieces, or subtle western touches, their sale is worth a look right now. I linked everything I could find!

#LTKHome #LTKSaleAlert

Before you buy a Frame TV, try this.

I loved the look of a Frame TV, but replacing a perfectly good TV wasn’t in the budget. So I used a simple DIY frame to give ours a more custom, built-in look instead.

What I love about it:
• The material is rubbery and easy to cut with scissors
• It took about 10 minutes to install
• It doesn’t block any of the sensors
• It even looks great from the side

Everything I used is linked on my LTK along with another option too.

#homedecor #livingroomdecor #frameTVhack #DIYhomeprojects #budgetdecor #homeupgrades #neutralhome #coastalhome #moderntraditional #smallupgradeshugedifference

#LTKHome

I put this project off for MONTHS because I was convinced tiling would be too hard. 😅

Turns out, it was way more beginner-friendly than I expected.

If you’ve been staring at a project and talking yourself out of it, consider this your sign to just start. The worst part was honestly being scared to try.

Everything I used is linked on my LTK and Amazon storefront.

#LTKHome

Classy swimsuits that actually feel good ON 🙌🏼 Perfect for the pool and all my beach vacations this summer 🌴☀️

Sharing 4 swimsuits I tried as a midsize mom in my late 40s — with sizing notes, what size I bought vs. what I would buy again, and honest fit thoughts on each one.

These all have great coverage without feeling matronly 👏🏼 Two are from J.Crew Factory, one is Albion Fit, and one is Lands’ End. I also included a two-piece that gives the look of a one-piece because the tank is longer (SO flattering and mom-friendly).

I shared my height, weight, and sizing in the try-on to hopefully make online swimsuit shopping a little easier 💛

#LTKMidsize #LTKSwim #LTKgrwm

Didn’t realize how much I’d use this until I started reaching for it every night 😂

It slips over the arm of the sofa and holds drinks, phones, remotes, etc. The wood finish makes it feel way more elevated than the plastic versions I’ve seen.

Perfect little upgrade for movie nights, working from the couch, or keeping all the random clutter in one spot 🙌

And apparently it’s a good thing I got two because my husband immediately claimed one 😂

Also sharing because @lovesac is having a Memorial Day sale through the 31st 👀🇺🇸

#LTKHome #LTKSaleAlert

Think textured walls would make this project impossible? peel & stick molding + adhesive caulk ended up being the combo that made it work 🙌🏼

This completely changed the feel of the room without power tools, or replacing drywall.
The adhesive caulk helped fill the gaps from the wall texture and gave the molding a much cleaner, more secure finish.

If you’ve been wanting to try picture frame molding this is your sign to try it 🤍

Everything I used is linked in my LTK — including the peel & stick molding, adhesive caulk, paint colors, and decor.

#LTKHome

A little roundup of Wayfair finds that have genuinely worked well in our home 🤍

These are the pieces I still love, still use daily, and would absolutely buy again — especially while the Memorial Day sale is going on. From furniture to storage to lighting, these are the kinds of finds that made our house feel warmer, more finished, and actually functional for real life.

Everything is linked in my LTK ✨

#Wayfair #WayfairSale #MemorialDaySale #NeutralHomeDecor #HomeDecorFinds #CozyHome #WayfairFinds #CollectedHome #AffordableHomeDecor

#LTKHome

Walked in the front door one day and realized this little closet was wasting so much potential… so we turned it into a built-in bar instead 🍸

The best part? It’s actually made with standard cabinets + a mini fridge that fit the space perfectly. We added a remnant countertop, reused leftover kitchen tile, and suddenly this awkward little nook became one of the cutest spots in our house.

It makes the whole living room feel more custom!

Everything we used is linked. Cheers 🥂

#LTKHome

I wanted a green sofa so bad… but I also wasn’t ready to commit to an expensive “forever couch” while we were still figuring out this house and layout.

This one ended up being the perfect middle ground — cozy, deep enough to actually curl up on, and it brought so much warmth and color into the living room without feeling too trendy or overdone.

Turns out green really was the right choice 😍

Linked the sofa plus everything shown in our living room.

#LTKHome

If you have a king bed, finding a bench that actually looks proportional is weirdly hard 😅

Most of the affordable ones look too short once they’re at the foot of the bed.

This one is wide enough AND has storage, but I swapped the original legs for inexpensive ones from Lowe’s to make it look like a $1600 one from Magnolia 😎.

Honestly one of my proudest bedroom upgrades.

Bench + feet are linked🤍

#kingbedroom #bedroomdecor #bedroombench #wayfairfinds #neutralhome #cozybedroom #ltkhome

#LTKHome

One of my favorite easy summer porch looks ❤️🤍💙

I love decorating for the 4th of July, but I also love decor that can stay up all summer long through Labor Day without feeling too holiday-specific. The mix of flags, striped pillows, layered neutrals, and simple paper banners gives it that classic Americana feel without looking overdone.

The paper banner was actually a $6 HomeGoods find, but I linked similar options along with the flag pole, chairs, pillow covers, and other porch details 🤍

And yes… these folding Adirondack chairs have survived the Florida heat for YEARS and still look so good 👏

patriotic porch decor, Americana porch, 4th of July porch, summer porch decor, front porch ideas, outdoor pillows, folding Adirondack chairs, outdoor entertaining, neutral patriotic decor, classic Americana style, cozy porch ideas, summer outdoor decor, flag pole, Labor Day decor, outdoor seating

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

You do NOT need a full bathroom remodel to make it look custom 🤎

We kept our existing layout and focused on smaller upgrades that completely changed the feel of this white builder-grade bathroom:
• warm earthy tile with natural movement
• wood walls + ceiling details
• upgraded hardware
• softer lighting
• layered textures + warm tones

It feels so much more organic and grounded now without the cost of a renovation.
Sharing the sources for the tile, lighting, hardware, wood details, and decor here 🤍

bathroom remodel ideas, warm bathroom, earthy bathroom, organic modern bathroom, bathroom tile, large format tile, bathroom lighting, wood ceiling, wood wall treatment, cozy bathroom, builder grade bathroom makeover, neutral bathroom decor, affordable bathroom upgrades, bathroom hardware, spa bathroom ideas

#LTKHome

Summer break is almost here!!! 9 days left here 😎

This room gets used HARD in our house, so functional always wins over perfect 🙌

I linked the playroom storage, cabinets, craft pad, bins, and this craft table with the paper roll if you’re doing a summer reset too ☀️

#playroomorganization #summerreset #momlife #organizedhome #playroomideas #toyorganization #kidsroomideas #homeorganization #organizedmom #storagesolutions #momhack #kidsplayroom

#LTKmomlife #LTKHome #LTKKids

We finally gave our builder-grade master bathroom the warm, cozy update we’ve wanted for so long 🤎

We added wood walls, paint, gold hardware, warmer lighting, and tons of natural wood elements to make it feel more custom and collected instead of cold and builder basic. It honestly changed the entire feel of the space without doing a full renovation.

Also featured in this bathroom:
• the stool where my pajamas live permanently
• an 8-foot mirror frame secured with adhesive and prayers
• “designer” hardware you’d never guess came from Temu
• my first tile job (please don’t zoom in)
• and a speaker big enough for a nightclub because my husband apparently needs surround sound to brush his teeth 😂

The funniest part is my husband ended up loving the wood walls so much that now he wants to do the gym too.

I linked everything I could find — hardware, lighting, paint colors, decor, wood wall details, mirrors, and more 🤎

#masterbathroom #bathroomupdate #buildergrade #cozyhome #bathroomdesign #homedecor #diyhomeprojects

#LTKHome

One of my favorite “make it look custom for less” projects 🤍 We turned an unused closet into a built-in style bar using standard Lowe’s cabinetry and a refrigerator that fit perfectly into the existing closet opening.

I linked the bar styling pieces, decor, and sources for creating that cozy, elevated built-in look without a major renovation. This project brought so much character into the space while also being functional for entertaining inside and out.

built in bar ideas, closet conversion, DIY home bar, faux built in, wet bar ideas, home bar styling, neutral home decor, cozy built ins, small home upgrades, cabinet DIY, custom look for less, transitional home decor, organic modern home

#LTKHome

One random morning I had an idea to put wood on my bathroom ceiling… and this is what I was thinking the entire time 😂

I’d never tiled.
Never built a mirror frame.
Never put wood on a ceiling.

Now I love our master bathroom and my husband has asked me to do this in another room 😳

#MasterBathroom #DIY

#LTKHome

These oversized bird prints ended up being one of my favorite home finds because they give that subtle coastal/Florida feel without looking overly beachy or themed. I love that they came as a set of 3, so instead of putting them all together, I split them up around the house to make everything feel cohesive.
You could also keep them together for a large piece of art behind a sofa or a large empty wall.

They’re large (24x36), framed canvas art with a thick walnut frame, which makes them feel much more high-end and finished than regular unframed canvas prints. Honestly, buying the set was cheaper than buying a couple oversized pieces separately.

coastal decor, framed canvas art, oversized wall art, walnut frame art, neutral home decor, transitional decor, Florida home style, bird prints, framed artwork, living room decor, entryway decor, organic modern decor, Wayfair home, neutral coastal style

#LTKHome #LTKSaleAlert

If I needed another rug I would order this one. 50% off right now 🤩 I want to order and I don’t even need one 😜

@Wayfair

#LTKHome #LTKSaleAlert

POV: you finally realize the problem wasn’t your rug placement… it was the rug itself 😅

I thought plush rugs under beds would feel more cozy, but on carpet they bunch up around the bed feet.

I even tried putting wood under the feet to help distribute the weight 😅 and while it helped a little, it still didn’t completely fix the problem.

The low pile printed rug actually lays SO much better under the weight of our king bed and keeps everything looking smooth.

I didn’t think I’d like printed rugs at first either… but this totally changed my mind for carpeted bedrooms.

I also linked the one I found for my daughters room from Magnolia 🙃

Linked the rugs if you’re trying to solve the same issue.

#bedroomdecor #bedroomideas #lowpilerug #rugtips #cozybedroom #neutralhome #affordabledecor #bedroomstyling #homediy #interiordesign

#LTKHome

Wanted the framed TV look without building anything… so I tried this stick-on trim and honestly I’m impressed 😂

It took minutes, cost way less than a custom frame, and even looks good from the side (which was my biggest concern).
Note: I bought one roll and this is a 70” TV.

Such an easy little upgrade if you’ve ever felt like your TV looked like a giant black box in the room.

linked it. I got the gold.

#LTKHome

One of those practical upgrades you don’t realize you need until you use it ☀️

My dad switched to this stainless steel garden hose after going through too many regular hoses in the Florida heat. The sun here is brutal on outdoor products, and this one has held up so much better. It’s lightweight, doesn’t constantly kink, has great water pressure, and the thumb-control nozzle is actually really comfortable to use.

If you’re tired of fighting tangled hoses or replacing cracked ones every season, this is such a good upgrade for patios, driveways, plants, car washing, and everyday yard work.

Linked the hose 🌿

garden hose, metal garden hose, stainless steel hose, kink free hose, heavy duty garden hose, Florida outdoor essentials, yard tools, patio cleaning, outdoor cleaning, gardening tools, homeowner finds, practical home upgrades, Amazon outdoor finds, hose nozzle, yard maintenance

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome