Emily Henderson Starts Fresh in a New-Old House

After a down-to-the-studs reno of her 1910 farmhouse in Oregon, the designer made the home her own using a few pieces she's had for years, lots of vintage treasures, and nearly every shade of blue that exists.

- LESLIE CORONA

AFTER 12 YEARS of big-city living in the Los Angeles area, Emily Henderson and her husband, Brian, a writer, were looking for a quieter life near family and friends, many of whom were settled in and around Portland, Oregon. They needed space for their two children, Charlie, 9, and Elliot, 7, and pair of fluffy Huskypoos, Oscar and Buttercup, and soon stumbled upon this 113-year-old farmhouse in the outskirts of town. Right away, Emily knew it was the one. It had plenty of issues-including but not limited to yikes-inducing laminate counters, cheap vinyl walls, and bad carpeting. But as an interior designer with nearly a million followers on Instagram and two books under her belt, she could see the potential.

Breakfast Nook

Most weeknight dinners and homework sessions happen at this table, situated just off the kitchen. One of Emily's loves? Her DIY café curtain made of Japanese boro patches, which she collected through Etsy. "It feels a little undone and not too serious," she says.

The Frances Trestle Table, from $3,150; dinihaniandesign build.com Andy Stools in Midnight + Pool, $529 each; schoolhouse.com Oregon-Grown & Manufactured White Oak Flooring, from $12 per sq. ft.; zenaforest.com

Mudroom & Porch

Even though this back-door entryway is mostly about utility (hence the dog-size washtub, the slip-resistant clay tile, and all the storage), Emily made sure it was pretty too. For example, the white oak cabinets add a rustic touch, and the bluish green herringbone floor tiles have a simple but stunning border. On the other side of the house, the front porch feels fun and inviting, thanks mostly to the Scandi-inspired swing.