When it comes to interior design, few names stand out like Emily Henderson. Known for her effortlessly chic, functional, and approachable designs, Emily has built a reputation as one of the most influential designers in the industry. Whether you follow her blog, watch her TV appearances, or have read her books, one thing is clear style emily henderson is all about creating beautiful, livable spaces that feel both modern and timeless.
In this article, we’ll explore Emily Henderson’s signature style, her design philosophy, key elements she incorporates into her spaces, and how you can recreate her look in your own home.
Who Is Emily Henderson?
Emily Henderson is a celebrity interior designer, stylist, and author best known for her work on HGTV’s Secrets From a Stylist and her highly successful design blog, Style by Emily Henderson.
Career Highlights:
- Winner of HGTV’s Design Star (Season 5)
- Host of HGTV’s Secrets From a Stylist
- Author of bestselling books, including Styled and The New Design Rules
- Founder of the popular design blog Style by Emily Henderson, where she shares styling tips, design ideas, and home makeovers
Emily’s work has been featured in major publications like Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and House Beautiful, making her one of the most recognized voices in interior design today.
The Signature Style Emily Henderson Is Known For
Emily Henderson’s design aesthetic is best described as “modern, classic, and livable with a touch of vintage charm.” She blends clean lines, bold colors, layered textures, and curated vintage pieces to create spaces that feel both timeless and fresh.
Key Characteristics of the Emily Henderson Style:
- A Perfect Mix of Old and New – Emily loves pairing modern furniture with vintage decor for a well-balanced, lived-in feel.
- Soft, Light Color Palettes – Her spaces often feature airy whites, soft blues, and muted pastels, balanced with warm wood tones and pops of color.
- Layered Textures – She incorporates woven textiles, plush rugs, and cozy throws to add depth and warmth.
- Functional Yet Stylish Spaces – Emily prioritizes practicality and beauty, ensuring every space is both usable and visually appealing.
- Vintage and Antique Accents – Whether it’s an old Persian rug or a mid-century coffee table, vintage pieces play a crucial role in her designs.
How to Style Your Home Like Emily Henderson
If you love the style Emily Henderson is famous for, here’s how you can incorporate her design elements into your own home.
1. Start with a Neutral Base
Emily often uses light, neutral colors as the foundation of a room. White, soft gray, or beige walls create a fresh and airy feel, making it easy to layer in textures, colors, and decor accents.
Pro Tip:
- Choose warm whites like Sherwin-Williams Alabaster or Benjamin Moore Simply White for a cozy and inviting space.
- If you want a bit of color, go for muted blues, soft greens, or warm grays.
2. Mix Modern and Vintage Elements
One of the hallmarks of Emily Henderson’s style is her ability to mix modern furniture with vintage finds.
How to Do It:
- Pair a modern sofa with a vintage coffee table or antique mirror.
- Use new light fixtures with an old Persian or Turkish rug.
- Add a classic wooden dining table with a mix of contemporary and vintage chairs.
This contrast of styles makes a space feel curated and unique, rather than overly designed.
3. Layer Textures for Depth and Warmth
Emily believes that a well-designed space should feel cozy and inviting, which is why she layers different textures throughout her designs.
Key Textures to Include:
✔ Woven baskets – Perfect for storage while adding warmth
✔ Linen or cotton curtains – Softens the space and adds movement
✔ Chunky knit blankets – Creates a cozy, lived-in feel
✔ Wool or jute rugs – Adds texture underfoot and defines a space
✔ Velvet or leather pillows – Adds contrast and sophistication
4. Add Pops of Color Through Accessories
While Emily’s spaces often have a neutral base, she loves adding pops of color through furniture, decor, and accessories.
Best Ways to Add Color Like Emily Henderson:
- Use a colorful area rug as a statement piece.
- Add blue, mustard yellow, or forest green throw pillows for contrast.
- Incorporate bold artwork on neutral walls.
- Paint an accent wall in muted but rich tones like deep blue, sage green, or terracotta.
5. Prioritize Functional Yet Stylish Layouts
Emily always ensures that spaces are not just beautiful but also livable.
How to Make Your Space More Functional:
- Use multipurpose furniture like storage ottomans or coffee tables with drawers.
- Choose comfortable seating that encourages conversation and relaxation.
- Arrange furniture to create open, welcoming spaces rather than blocking natural flow.
- Add stylish storage solutions like bookshelves with decorative baskets and bins.
6. Incorporate Natural Elements
Emily loves bringing the outdoors inside by incorporating natural materials and greenery.
Ways to Do This:
✔ Use wooden furniture with natural finishes.
✔ Add potted plants like fiddle-leaf figs, snake plants, or olive trees.
✔ Incorporate stone, marble, or ceramic decor pieces.
7. Curate a Gallery Wall
A signature Emily Henderson design feature is a beautifully curated gallery wall.
How to Create One:
- Mix artwork, framed family photos, and vintage finds.
- Use different frame sizes and colors for a layered look.
- Stick to a consistent theme or color palette to avoid a cluttered feel.
Where to Shop for Emily Henderson-Inspired Decor
Want to shop for home decor like Emily Henderson? Here are some great places to find furniture and accessories that match her style:
✔ Target’s Hearth & Hand Collection – Affordable farmhouse-modern decor.
✔ Anthropologie – Unique vintage-style furniture and accessories.
✔ West Elm – Mid-century modern and contemporary decor pieces.
✔ Etsy – Handmade and vintage home accessories.
✔ CB2 – Sleek, modern furniture with a timeless feel.
Final Thoughts on Style Emily Henderson
The style Emily Henderson is known for is a perfect balance of modern and vintage, soft and bold, stylish yet livable. Whether you’re redesigning your living room, updating your bedroom, or just looking for fresh decor ideas, Emily’s approach offers a blend of warmth, practicality, and effortless charm.By incorporating neutral tones, layered textures, mixed materials, and vintage finds, you can create a space that feels just as inviting and beautiful as those designed by Emily herself.Ready to transform your home? Start with a neutral base, mix in natural textures, add vintage accents, and let your personal style shine through—just like Emily Henderson would do!
