In her debut coffee table book, Coyne Collection: A Family Living Life to the Fullest, Emily O opens the doors to her most cherished spaces, offering a peek into her family’s lake house and suburban home. A tribute to family, memories, and timeless design, this project also marks a deeper connection with Emily's mother and grandmother, who played an integral role in bringing the book to life.
In this exclusive interview, Emily shares the inspiration behind the book, her top tips for hosting a stylish and memorable Valentine's Day, and the creative approach she brings to her emilyOandbows brand.
Your debut coffee table book, Coyne Collection: A Family Living Life to the Fullest, showcases your family's lake house and suburban home. What was the inspiration behind this project, and how did you decide to open up these intimate spaces for the world to see? What was the experience like working alongside your mother and grandmother to produce this new book?
The inspiration behind Coyne Collection: A Family Living Life to the Fullest was to celebrate family, cherished memories, and meaningful spaces. We wanted to create a multigenerational story that blends lifestyle, design, and heartfelt moments, making it a natural extension of the EmilyoandBows brand.
Opening up our lake house and suburban home felt like a way to share not just design inspiration but the warmth and stories within these spaces.
Working alongside my mother and grandmother was an amazing experience. Their creativity and wisdom made the project even more meaningful, and the collaboration deepened our bond. This book truly celebrates living life to the fullest, and I’m so proud of what we created together.
What are some must-haves when hosting a successful Valentine's Day party?
I love Valentine’s Day, and hosting a fun get-together with my girlfriends is the best way to celebrate! For Galentine’s, cute pajamas or a cozy loungewear set are a must, and no party is complete without a fun cocktail — you can’t go wrong with a classic espresso martini and some sweet treats with chocolate.
For Valentine’s night, I always enjoy going out to a nice dinner with my boyfriend. A fun cocktail dress and slingback heels are my go-to for a simple, stylish look.
Your shop offers a variety of products, from home decor and jewelry to matching pajamas. How do you curate your collections, and what elements of your personal life or aesthetic do you draw on when designing or selecting items?
When curating my collections, I focus on creating pieces that feel personal and meaningful, reflecting both the style and taste of the people who use them. I select products that capture classic, timeless style while adding warmth and personality.
I draw inspiration from my own lifestyle, from cozy moments at home to finding the perfect accessories. Whether it’s home decor, thoughtful gifts, or matching pajamas, I want the products to evoke a sense of connection and comfort.
Our design approach is always timeless, focusing on versatility and elegance, with a touch of fun — my love for bows drives every decision.
When it comes to Valentine’s Day beauty, what are your must-have beauty products or skincare rituals to stay festive during the season?
I adore a soft, feminine blush, especially around Valentine's Day — it adds such a delicate, flattering touch to my makeup and overall look. Jone’s Road beauty blushes are definitely a favorite of mine! A fun lip color is also essential for me, and I always have a few on hand, tucked away in drawers, purses, or just nearby so I can easily reach for one. YSL lipsticks are my go-to; they’re absolutely my favorite!
For skincare, I’ve been using Obaji products for years and love their full line. The luxe moisturizer is a must, especially during these colder winter months, and I can’t live without their everyday cleansing foam. It keeps my skin feeling fresh and hydrated all day!
The Valentine’s Day season style can often feel like a balancing act between comfort and glamour. What are your top tips for creating festive yet comfortable outfits, especially for gatherings or cozy date nights at home?
When it comes to Valentine’s Day style, I always aim to keep a balance between comfort and glamour. For everyday looks, I like to keep it simple with classic pieces like a pretty sweater, a pair of nice denim, and loafers — it’s both cozy and stylish. For dressing up, I love a little set, whether it’s a skirt and top or matching pants and blouse!
Valentine’s Day is also about creating memories with loved ones. How do you incorporate special traditions or design elements into your home to make those moments even more meaningful?
Valentine’s Day is all about creating meaningful memories, and I love bringing that warmth into my home with simple touches. I incorporate heart-shaped decor, soft lighting, and fresh flowers to set a cozy, romantic atmosphere.
Using soft blush tones and pieces that have sentimental value helps make the day feel intimate. Whether it’s a beautifully set table or small thoughtful accents, these details create a space where everyone can relax and enjoy the time spent together.
When it comes to Valentine’s Day decor, do you have any favorite design trends or color schemes for this year’s season? How can people incorporate those trends into their homes while keeping the decor personal and unique?
For Valentine’s Day decor this year, I’m drawn to soft blush tones with touches of red and gold. It’s a romantic yet subtle palette that feels fresh and elegant.
To make the decor personal, I love adding cozy blankets, lots of pretty pillows, and candles throughout the space. Having fresh flowers on my island really brightens the room and adds to the inviting atmosphere. Mixing these elements with a few meaningful touches helps create a space that feels both cozy and special.
What are your go-to pieces from your shop that can instantly elevate Valentine’s Day decor and make a space feel festive yet inviting?
Our table linens are the perfect way to elevate Valentine’s Day decor and instantly set the tone for a festive yet inviting gathering. They provide a beautiful foundation for your table, and you can easily layer them with pops of red and pink. With a scalloped edge and piped white detail, our linens — including placemats, napkins, and cocktail napkins — bring an elegant touch. The cocktail napkins even look charming on a bar cart!
Another standout item is our pink-handled tray. It’s a versatile serving piece that doubles as a stylish addition to a tablescape or layered underneath a lamp.
Lastly, our Champagne Bottle Beverage Napkins make a thoughtful gift for a friend hosting a celebration or a fun addition to your own Galentine’s event. These small details bring a personal, festive feel to any occasion.
What’s one easy but impactful tip you’d give people for refreshing their home or personal style during this season?
One easy but impactful tip is to add small seasonal touches that instantly refresh your space or personal style. For your home, try incorporating soft textiles like cozy blankets, pretty pillows, or a new set of table linens that fit the season’s colors. Fresh flowers are another simple way to brighten a space.
For your personal style, you can switch up accessories like a fun lip color or a statement scarf to bring a fresh, seasonal vibe to your look. It’s all about making small changes that feel special and celebrate the season without overwhelming your space or wardrobe!
What are you looking forward to this spring? Any specific goals or exciting projects we should be on the lookout for?
I’m really excited for our upcoming emilyOandbows collection, which will feature even more beautiful products that truly reflect the season. We have some wonderful new apparel pieces in the works that I can’t wait to share with everyone. It’s always so exciting to introduce new items that capture the essence of the brand. Definitely stay tuned!