Tag Tour

They say the one constant in life is change, and after celebrating 12+ years of camillestyles.com, I knew we were ready for a refresh. First, for those of you who have been here from the beginning: a heartfelt thank you. I began the website in the early days of the blogging era, with my desire to share all that inspired me driving my daily posting. I’m beyond grateful that this passion for food, design, and gathering friends around a table has transformed into an online—and IRL—community. Maybe it sounds cheesy, but it’s undeniably true: I couldn’t have done this without all of you.

Second, it was time to match the brand to its organic evolution. Camille Styles has grown into a daily digital lifestyle publication that’s dedicated to inspiring our audience to create the life of their dreams. I wanted the website—and the brand—to match that. So today, I’m deep-diving into the thought process and inspiration behind the change and what you can expect from us moving forward. Welcome to the new Camille Styles!

Why the change?

Today, I’m lucky to lead an incredible team of editors as we share daily content inspiring our community to live their most beautiful life. The pursuit of living a more joyful, present life is an underpinning of everything we do. Our community is vibrant and growing—and we’re just getting started.

That being said, we’d outgrown our old blog format and wanted to create a new experience that aligns with our vision. To bring the new site to life, we worked with Corey Tiani on the new design and Matt from Whiteley Designs on the development, and through months of collaboration we brought this new concept into the world.

For our new logo, we teamed up with designer Rosee Qualls. After many conversations talking through my vision for the new Camille Styles, Rosee was able to beautifully translate this vision to the brand identity you see today.

Rosee reflects on this process, sharing that “We wanted something that felt updated but timeless, refined but not serious, and minimal while still capturing the artistic spirit of the brand.” She and I agree that the final logo (what you see above) feels like a piece of the brand that will only get better with time.

Camille Styles the Brand

Now that I’ve explained the journey that took us from Point A to Point B, I want to emphasize: the core of Camille Styles is the same. But with this rebrand, we’re better able to communicate our mission through all that we do. Some key things to know:

Our passion is bringing fresh, daily content that truly inspires you on your journey to living the life of your dreams. Sometimes people ask me if I’m an influencer, and truthfully I don’t resonate with that term. Our talented team of editors and creatives is creating in-depth feature stories and high-level shoots to bring a constant stream of ever-evolving creative. We’re a media company on a unique mission to share: a beautiful home, delicious food, and gathering with the people they love isn’t some unattainable goal. It’s yours for the taking, no matter where you live or what your budget is.

We’re creating the same inspiring content, only better. Not only did I want the rebrand to better reflect our mission, but I wanted it to be easier for you, the reader, to walk away feeling inspired every time you visit camillestyles.com. Every day, you’ll discover new feature stories across our core categories—food, design, wellness, gatherings, and beauty—in a way that you can access (ie the site is faster), and with resources more readily available. It’s my hope that no matter what time of day you connect with us, Camille Styles will add to the vibrancy of your life.

What to Expect

Our community is at the center of all that we do. With the new Camille Styles, we wanted to not only continue to provide you with the best content, but to make the experience all the better. Here’s what you can expect from us moving forward.

1. A better experience. It’s not just the visuals—the new Camille styles is faster for a seamless reading experience.
2. We aim to be a resource for everything you need. By that, I mean you’ll find it easier to discover exactly what you’re looking for. From recipes to articles to shopping links (that’s right—every single outfit), expect to connect with what you need faster and easier.
3. Seamlessly-integrated ads. I wanted you to be able to clearly differentiate the ads from the content, and the new experience delivers exactly that.
4. Integrated shopping. From our favorite decor pieces to expert-backed supplements to the pieces we can’t stop wearing—you’re now able to access our editors’ curated picks to bring all that inspo into your own life.

Thank you for being a part of this evolution and a member of the Camille Styles community. And as always, my DM’s are open. I can’t wait to hear what you think – xo

Today, I’m excited to reveal a space in our house that I’ve never actually shown you guys before. Up until now, it’s been my least favorite room in our home. Welcome to our home office! Aka that one room in the house where we threw all the stuff we didn’t know what to do with. But no longer! After being in our house for over a decade, Adam and I decided it was finally time to show this room some love and transform it from a cramped, awkward room into one where we could be creative, have meetings, and collaborate on Casa Zuma together.

As many of you know, we built our house 13 years ago. It’s a never-ending project (which is how we like it), and we’re hitting that time when we naturally want to give some areas of the house a freshen up. We’ve evolved and our taste has evolved along with it—but the challenge is to update our home in ways that make sense as an investment and don’t totally blow our budget.

Layout challenges

This home office space has always been one of our most challenging areas. First, the layout makes it tricky—each of the walls has either a door (to the bathroom or a closet) or a window that faces the front of the house, and it feels a bit awkward to have the desk sitting in front of any of these areas.

We also installed a lot of built-ins in the room in an effort to create a lot of storage. While we did accomplish that goal, the permanency of built-in shelves and cabinetry limited how much we could rearrange the room.

How we use this space

Adam and I use this space to meet with each other and people we’re working with, brainstorm projects we’re working on together, and this is also the space that Adam uses for his zoom calls every day. (You guys may remember that I do my solo work and zoom calls my calls in the little front alcove office off our kitchen.)

First, we rearranged the room

The biggest change we made to this room was reorienting where the desk was. We’ve always had it at one end of the narrow room, which didn’t foster any type of collaboration. Only one person could use the desk at a time, and the sunlight was so harsh coming in through the window that we always had to keep the shade down to minimize glare (which made the room feel like a cave.)

So, we decided to move the desk to the center of the room and it changed everything. In this new configuration, the desk feels more like a worktable. It’s way more collaborative, and the room itself just feels more open and expansive. I love when the biggest change to a space is the one that cost zero dollars.

Built-in shelving: pros and cons

Let’s start by talking about the built-ins. Although they did present some challenges to rearranging this space, they do have their pro’s. So rather than ripping them out and starting from scratch, we decided to lean into what was already in the space and see if we could make them over with simplified styling. Here are the details on these shelves and cabinets:

• Material: unstained white oak with a clear laquer
• Size: 3″ thick—if I were installing these today, I would go with a 2″ thick floating shelf. The steel bracket is installed behind the sheetrock so these can hold a lot of weight.
• Pro: They provide a ton of storage, and look more streamlined than having lots of furniture in the room.
• Con: They’re pretty permanent, and restrict how much we can rearrange the space without demo’ing the built-ins (which would be pricey.)

Shelf styling 101

As mentioned, we kept the built-in shelves and gave them new life simply by changing up the styling and what we put on them. In general, I think the biggest hurdle with open shelving is overcoming the temptation to clutter them up with lots of stuff. So the first thing I always do is remove everything. Then I can take a fresh look and decide what I really want to add to the shelves.

For this space, I focused mainly on design books that would creatively inspire us, plus samples and prototypes that we’re working on for Casa Zuma products. I did my best to keep the shelves minimal and streamlined, since I want this space to feel really airy and calm.

A unique home office desk—and the perfect chair

This “desk” is actually a teak dining table from Crate and Barrel that we’ve had forever, proving—it pays to think beyond traditional “office furniture” when designing a home office space. Peruse dining tables and dining chairs from your favorite retailers for outside-the-box options that may fit better with your aesthetic.

I’m obsessed with this desk chair from Lulu and Georgia. It is so chic, and perfectly marries functionality and ergonomics with beautiful design. It’s super comfy.

Window shades and curtains

I get tons of questions from you guys about our window treatments, and I’m not surprised—curtains and shades are one of those design decisions that can get really confusing. All of the window treatments in our home are from Graber, and I shared all about them in this Window Treatment Do’s and Don’t’s article awhile back.

Here was the challenge in our home office space: we love having lots of natural light, and also wanted a clear view to the front yard to see when people drive up. But when we’re doing a lot of computer work or on a Zoom call, we need some light filtering to minimize glare on his screen. So, we went with a two-part solution:

First we installed sheer curtains that let in tons of light. One design trick is to install the curtain rod a few inches higher and wider than the window frame itself—it makes the window look bigger, and you can pull the drapery fully back to let as much light in as possible. 

Next, shades. If you work on a computer a lot like we do, it’s important to minimize glare on the screen, especially in the afternoon when the sunlight shines directly through the window. So we needed a way to block the light without making this room feel like a cave. These solar shades are made to allow light to filter into the room, but they block out the harsh light that creates a glare.

Shop our office with an exclusive discount

Since many of the new items in our office space are from Lulu and Georgia, the brand shared an exclusive discount code just for you guys so you can shop these pieces for yourself. Get 15% off with the code CAMILLESTYLES15.

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And if you have questions about anything in this space, head on over to the video tour on Youtube and drop a comment—I’ll be answering them all over there!

Warning: if you’re not prepared to be massively inspired to take up a weekend project, turn away now. Nothing gets me to Home Depot faster than an image of a pretty outdoor space popping up on my Pinterest board. And, better or worse for you, I’m about to bombard your eyes with beautiful backyard landscaping ideas that will put a shovel in your (or your unassuming partner’s) hand in no time.

If you’re starting from scratch, backyard design is a huge undertaking—mentally, physically, and financially. Just take it from Camille, recalling her backyard plans: “Typically, we tackle one big project a year, and after 12 years of living here, our home is so much closer to our ultimate vision. Though I doubt we’ll ever really be finished.”

New Video! Tour Camille’s Backyard below:

However, no matter what type of space you’re working with, there are steps you can take right now (as in, this weekend!) toward designing your dream backyard. This leads me to an obvious step number one: you must first answer the question, “What is my dream backyard?”

How to Determine Your Dream Backyard: A Formula

Here’s how to do it. First, name your top three needs. How should your backyard serve you? For example:

• Do you want a space that’s ready for hosting at all times?
• Do you want to grow your own flowers or build a vegetable garden?
• Do you need a big green lawn for kids and pets to play?
• Is there a patio that needs tending?
• Do you want to grill or cook outside?

Next, name your top three wants.

• How do you want your backyard to make you feel? Relaxed, inspired, motivated, at peace, etc.
• Are there any design styles you want to lean into? Curated, overgrown, Mediterranean, desert-inspired, etc.

After some soul searching, you might come up with something like this: “I need my backyard to serve my family by offering a safe and inviting place for my kids to play, an inspiring area to relax and enjoy a meal, and a cozy seating area for morning coffees outside. I want my backyard to lean into European vibes with native plants and vintage (yet sturdy) pieces so it feels like an outdoor oasis when I step outside.”

Now that you’ve determined your dream space, it’s time to get started. Ahead, I’m sharing 15 backyard landscaping ideas to make it happen. Filter each one through your parameters and have that shovel at the ready—inspiration abounds.

1. Terrace the Land to Make Full Use of a Sloped Lot

If your property has any sloping, lean into it by building the backyard on different levels. There’s not much you can do on a hillside without building terraced walls and bringing in a ton of dirt to fill them in. It’s a big job—but think of it as the foundation upon which your dream backyard will grow.

2. Create a Master Plan

When dealing with a large outdoor space, it’s important to start by creating a master plan that defines a purpose and use for every different area. You might want to carve out a space for dining, an area for your kids to play sports, or maybe you want to leave a spot to add a pool someday… then you can tackle each area in phases, with a vision for where you’re ultimately headed.

See more from Jessie De Lowe’s Santa Barbara backyard.

3. Frame Your Spaces (or “Rooms”)

If you have a number of different areas in your yard (patios, decks, pools, a garden, private spaces) it’s best to imagine them as separate rooms. Then lay out different materials like stones or shrubs to mark each area of the space. From there, it’s a matter of filling in with plants and furniture—which you’ll likely still continue to do over time.

See more from the Grit and Polish’s family-friendly backyard.

4. Create an Outdoor Living Room

Speaking of spaces and rooms, the outdoor living room is likely where guests will find themselves lounging the most. So think of it as such! Choose comfortable furniture and various stools that can also act as tables for drinks or snacks. Keep an outdoor storage bin for necessities all year round—from cozy throws to bug repellents.

5. Consider Gravel Over Grass

If mowing is the bane of your existence, consider laying gravel (or turf if you still require a green space). Depending on your style and needs, hardscaping some gravel paths might be the key to your dream design.

See more from Alison Carroll’s desert backyard.

6. Create Pathways

As you’re thinking of the “rooms” in your backyard, consider how the spaces work together in terms of connection. Carve out a walkway—either with gravel, large pavers, or both. Pathways prevent that disjointed feeling and truly bring the design all together.

7. Install a Fire Pit

One of our favorite design ideas, the outdoor fireplace cannot be ignored. When it comes to backyard landscaping ideas, there must be a focal point. It might be a water feature or a fountain—but we’re partial to the fire pit. From wood-fired pizzas in spring to s’mores in the fall, it’s just hard to beat the ambiance.

Image left: Camilla Marcus’ California backyard. Image right: Laurel Galluci’s Los Angeles backyard.

8. Carve Out Spaces for Lounging or Dining

If your outdoor living area doesn’t support it, a cozy spot for hanging out is a must. Keep in mind that it could (and maybe should) also pass as an outdoor dining area. This is where you’ll linger over everything from coffee and a good book to BBQ and cocktails. Bring in romantic café chairs or long benches to fit your vibe.

9. Make Privacy Pretty—and a Priority

It won’t be going out on a limb to assume that most people are going to want some privacy in their backyards. Whether it be a fence, wandering vines, tall hedges, or variations of shrubs, your privacy tactics can also support the overall design of the yard.

10. Work With Shaded Areas

If your yard doesn’t come with a topiary of trees (and perhaps even if it does), shade is crucial for optimal enjoyment. Consider a pergola or installing a porch where you’ll need a reprieve from the sun. But keep those sunny areas, too—especially if you’re considering a garden at any point.

11. Decorate With Planters in Containers

If you don’t want to hire a landscape designer, an easy place to begin is decorating with pots. Potted plants like succulents, greenery, or perennials can bring your yard to life. And—bonus!—it’s something you actually can do in only a weekend.

12. Use as Many Native Plants as Possible

First, find out what zone you’re in and then plant accordingly. Sure, you may want to plant all the Mediterranean plants like olives, lemons, and bougainvillea, but it’s risky to make those investments. Try buying the smaller versions of these plants you simply cannot deny so you can cover them if it freezes—and know you might lose a percentage of them each winter.

13. Plant a Backyard Garden

If you dream of building DIY raised garden beds, first choose an area of the yard that gets plenty of sun. Most vegetables and herbs thrive with as much sun as possible, so these are really happy. Then, consider installing drip irrigation. Drip sprinklers are pipes that run right under the top of the soil and are more eco-friendly since it deeply hydrates the roots without so much of the water evaporating into the air. You can even put them on a timer so that your garden gets watered both regularly and at the optimal time of day.

14. Hang String Lights

If you’re looking for a smaller, more affordable project, the answer is lighting. String lights are bang for your buck in terms of immediate ambiance and minimal effort. Even a small backyard can be transformed in just a few minutes with some simple lighting.

Image left: Camille’s backyard game night. Image right: Heather Taylor’s European-inspired backyard.

15. Make Space for Play

If “backyard” and “play” are synonymous for you but you’re trying to get away from a yard full of sun-bleached, forgotten toys—good news. All you really need for fun in the backyard is space and a few balls to kick around. Bring out the cornhole when you’re feeling competitive, install a pretty hammock, or hang a rope swing. Bet you’ll love it just as much as the kids.

To see some of these ideas in action, take a tour through Camille’s own space as she shares her favorite backyard landscaping ideas: