Two Brands I'll Be Wearing All Summer

The first time my husband and I visited Seattle together was in May 2014. Ten years ago! We had just decided to uproot our lives in Chicago and make the big move out west. We arrived with hopes to find a place to live which was SUCH a mad dash with some more than interesting experiences learning about the crazy Seattle market! We also enjoyed a lot of adventures and started envisioning our lives here.

Flash forward ten years, we’re really feeling settled. It takes forever. MAN, does it take forever! We rented and moved around and started having kids and changed jobs and everything has been up in the air like crazy, except that right now we are just cruising, and it feels really good. I love our house that we’re renovating slowly but surely, and I’m loving our neighborhood which has this incredible spot, Kubota Garden, just a few blocks away. This time of year it’s downright Seussical with its big rhododendron blooms and bursting greens.

Today I enjoyed a stroll around the garden in some new pieces from some of my favorite brands, Tradlands and Freda Salvador. Both are women-owned sustainable brands with incredible attention to quality and craftsmanship. I’ve partnered with them for a little while and am really proud to be a part of their community.

Outfit details:

Tradlands Nico Dress in Petite Fleurs — you can use my discount code EMILYKEENEY15 for 15% off.

Freda Salvador Roma Round Toe Ballet Flat in Chartreuse — you can use my discount code EMILY15 for 15% off.

If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commission. I only share brands I trust and love. Thank you!

Phinney Modern Tudor | Seattle Interior Photographer

This modern Tudor in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge neighborhood is a spectacular example of what happens when a good design and build team put their minds together to create an entirely new space. I couldn’t believe the way they changed the layout of this residence in every single way, still preserving the historical Tudor aesthetic of the home, but making it a way better place to live for the modern era. I don’t think I could pick a favorite spot, but how gorgeous is that entry?! The wallpaper and painted paneling make it such a great way to enter the home every day, and especially when greeted by sweet Nelson (spot her?).

The design was created by Kallan Nelson of Kallan Interiors. Kallan is highly experienced in residential design and it was fun to pick her brain about her process on this project:

"When our clients came to us needing help remodeling their charming 1929 Tudor home, it was clear it needed quite the overhaul but we wanted to make sure it didn't lose its character. We did this by adding archways in the entry and kitchen, selecting timeless finishes like the entry wallpaper and white oak hardwood floors, and keeping with an overall neutral color palette with the occasional pop of color. The guest bathroom being the exception as we saw this as being a fun area to go a little crazy and add mauve tile wainscoting as this was one the clients favorite colors."

The build was done by RW Anderson Homes, and left no detail untended to. The craftsmanship in this home is top notch.

I was really inspired by the arched doorways when photographing this space. Architectural details like this help delineate spaces and create natural opportunities for photo vignettes. These details create visual frames, making glimpses from room to room an actual picture. In my natural light approach to interior photography, one of the challenges is representing the light of a space accurately as it appears to the eye. This involves some technical footwork in capturing many exposures of the same composition and blending them together in my editing software. This creates a true-to-life impression of the space and honors the way the design intended for light to enter the home.

Hope you enjoy this beautiful project!

Design: Kallan Interiors

Build: RW Anderson Homes

Redmond Remodel | Seattle, Orange County, Chicago Interior Photographer

This remodel by Susan Adams was a pleasure to photograph! Susan infused this design with hospitality-inspired details (including a Four Seasons bed!) for the homeowners who travel frequently. Designed to be a Seattle landing spot, this home renovation was complete with luxury details that make everyday living feel like a vacation. The soaking tub in the master bathroom was so dreamy!

I’ve been traveling more and more for shoots, and some of my favorite places to travel (other than my home base of Seattle) are Orange County, Los Angeles, Northern California, Chicago and Atlanta. Traveling for photography projects is so fun for me, and always leads to inspiration and different design aesthetics. There is SO much talent in the interior design industry. Creating lasting partnerships with my photography clients gives me such joy and I love to see how their personal style carries into each project.

Laguna Beach House | Orange County Interior + Hospitality Photographer

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Orange County, Laguna Beach House offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This boutique hotel combines coastal charm with modern comfort, providing guests with a serene haven just steps away from the Pacific Ocean.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the laid-back vibe of Laguna Beach. The hotel's design features clean lines, natural materials, an excellent vintage collection in the lobby (complete with a signature scent!) and pops of coastal colors, creating a space that is both inviting and stylish. Surfer-chic is the overall vibe with kilim rugs, a rack of surfboards, and a shelf of kooky knick-knacks that will charm you.

Laguna Beach House has an old school motel vibe in an updated and fresh sense. Each room has a small shoppable area as well as snacks for purchase. The pool is a very welcome retreat if you wish for a quieter and less windy experience than the beach, which is just a block away.

What truly sets Laguna Beach House apart is its warm and attentive service. The staff is dedicated to making each guest's stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, offering personalized recommendations and assistance whenever needed. Whether you're looking for dining suggestions, planning a day of activities, or simply need extra towels for the beach, the team at Laguna Beach House is always on hand to help.

Laguna Beach House is ideally located for exploring all that Orange County has to offer. Just steps away from the beach, guests can spend their days soaking up the sun, swimming in the ocean, or exploring the nearby shops and galleries. The hotel also provides easy access to popular attractions such as Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and the stunning natural beauty of Crystal Cove State Park. With on-site parking, you can just walk down the street to get to the best Laguna Beach has to offer.

It was a pleasure to photograph this boutique hotel! Thank you for your generous hospitality, Laguna Beach House!