about

about the blog

Paisley and Porter began in 2011 as a creative outlet and a place for me to share the progress we had been making on our new builder-grade house. I love having a brand new house, but it lacks the special spirit that  older homes have. It is my goal to infuse our home with that old home feel to have the best of both worlds.

The very name Paisley and Porter was intended to celebrate that special spirit and the sense of family unity as well as the importance of recognizing each individual as worthy and loved. The blog is mine, and while it focuses on my interests of design ("Paisley"), I also make an effort here and in our home to consider the needs and desires of the rest of our family (this is "Porter" come in - my husband is an avid home-brewer and porter is a type of beer). It seemed appropriate to choose a name that represented both of us.

Since I started writing here, the intent of this blog has evolved. I still love to journal the updates we have made to our home, but it has also become a way for me to connect with other women around the world that share the same passion.

about me

I'm Emily, the author and creative mind behind the blog. I'm a mom to a sweet (busy!) three year old boy and wife to an amazing, supportive husband. 

For as long as I can remember, I've had a love for decorating and design. I adore the freedom and artistry of the creative process, and painting and creating bring me a sense of peace and purpose like few other things have.

Over the past few years, I have developed a passion for vintage and antique pieces. The character of these items speaks to me and I think it's amazing that each of these items has its own story to tell. I have always had an interest in history and literature, and these combined loves are in part is what led me to create Paisley and Porter.

I used to think that I wasn't creative because I wasn't a great artist. I now know that isn't true, and that creativity comes in all different packages. Just because I can't draw to save my life doesn't mean I'm not blessed with talent in other creative areas. It is my goal to spread this idea to other women and help them develop their own creative passions.

Other fun facts about me...I love reading, country music, and caffeine. I grew up in New England and have been a Florida transplant since I was 9, but I still consider myself a Yankee at heart...though my blood has definitely thinned out since then! My husband, son, and I now live in Central Florida with our wiener dog Jack.