PLAY PODCASTS
Young House Love Has A Podcast

Young House Love Has A Podcast

183 episodes — Page 2 of 4

Ep 133#133: The Fascinating Ways Homes Differ Around The World

Nearly 600 people wrote in to tell us about design norms from their specific country or region, and today we're sharing some of the most popular, interesting, and unique responses. From the different ways we sleep and shower, to how we do laundry and how we do, um, our business - you guys gave us a fascinating window into how and why homes don't all look alike around the globe. John also issues a public apology for fighting Sherry on a design choice in the duplex kitchen, and we share the Instagram account that's the perfect pick me up to add to your routine. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-133/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Mar 11, 201938 min

Ep 132#132: Are We Sabotaging Our Sleeping Spaces?

What if there were little changes we could all make to our bedrooms and sleeping habits to sleep better and feel more rested in the morning? Today we're talking about how a sleep expert thinks we should all be maximizing our bedrooms, including the perfect mattress size, the ideal bedtime, and what items we should banish from our bedsides. Plus, why are there such diverging practices about shoes being on or off inside people's homes? We're sharing our shoe rules and why they may be strange to some. Oh and we crank Sherry's salt lamp obsession up to 11 with a visit to a salt therapy room. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-132/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Mar 4, 201939 min

Ep 131#131: The Surprising Side Effects Of Going TV Free

We were both pretty shocked about the results of going completely without television for a while - especially Sherry. So today we're sharing what we learned, what was hard, and the side effects that even we didn't see coming. Not to mention the big question of how it will impact our viewing habits moving forward. We also tried a new paint picking method to see if it could solve a wall color conundrum at the beach house. Plus, Sherry updates you on her "tooth jail" sentence and I bask in the nerdy glory of pairing paint with geography. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-131/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Feb 18, 201939 min

Ep 130#130: Can Science Help Us Make Our Homes Happier?

Can the colors, furnishings, and accessories that we choose for our home actually make us feel quantifiably happier? Today we dive into the science of joy and learn how some tried-and-true design tricks might actually be affecting our daily moods (and how to make tasks that we don't love a little more enjoyable). We also pin down a few ways that we've unknowingly added joy to our house, and a few others that could still use some work. Plus, the lesson we learned from waiting too long to give up on a piece of furniture, and a big dollhouse fail. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-130/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Feb 11, 201939 min

Ep 129#129: When It Feels Like Everything's Going Wrong

House projects don't always go smoothly. We've all been there (heck, we're there right now with the duplex renovation) so we're sharing some new strategies that we've been relying on to keep our spirits up whenever a renovation feels overwhelming, gets delayed, or hits some other unexpected snag. We're also discussing some upcoming bathroom trends (one of them shook Sherry to her very core). Plus we're officially starting our no TV challenge. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-129 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Feb 4, 201938 min

Ep 128#128: Finding More Life In Less Stuff

Minimalism can still feel like an "out there" lifestyle, so this week we're bringing in expert Joshua Becker to share how dipping your toes into the minimalist waters can lead to big gains at home and in life. He shares how to stop the slow creep of household clutter, what minimizing can teach our kids, and how it might even help you achieve some of your biggest life goals that have nothing to do with organizing or paring down. Plus, we take you inside a part of our house that many of you have never seen before, and we share what we're both doing in the pursuit of a better night's sleep. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-128/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Jan 28, 201937 min

Ep 127#127: The Real Housewives of Airbnb

This week we're sharing a simple kitchen change that made it WAY more efficient for us (we're kinda kicking ourselves for not doing it sooner). There's also an update on some duplex delivery drama and we're sharing three specific tips for book lovers who actually want books on their shelves (as opposed to filling them with a ton of decorative objects). Plus, the new show on Netflix that's debatably as life-changing to us as Marie Kondo's (we LOVED it - and we also chat about Marie's show too). Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-127/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Jan 21, 201938 min

Ep 126#126: Is Your Home Making You Grumpy?

Lots of us want a more organized home, but are we going about it the wrong way? Today we're talking with a home efficiency expert about how rethinking our approach to organizing could end up making us all happier - and maybe even turn us into more patient partners and more present parents. She also tells us why we should treat our kitchen like an operating room, how Sherry's minimized closet could be better, and why garages are so hard to keep under control. We're also sharing how a random phone call and a dicey forecast sucked the momentum right out of our duplex progress, but we're still finding some silver lining in the news. Plus Sherry falls hard for some fairies. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-126/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Jan 14, 201936 min

Ep 125#125: A Tale Of Two Kitchens

Our holiday was full of fun, family, and a freakish amount of Ikea boxes filling the duplex. So this week we're sharing how we navigated the task of installing not one, but two kitchens over winter break - including how things got off to a rocky start - and when we actually saw the light (both literally and figuratively). We also got AN AVALANCHE of feedback from you guys on the small sleeping nook we debated filling with various bed layouts in our last episode, so today we're sharing how we've adjusted our plans to make the room work for as many families as possible. Plus, we tried out a new money-saving trick (why haven't we been doing this for years?!) and requested some info from our international listeners that we hope leads to some interesting revelations. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-125/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Jan 7, 201937 min

Ep 124#124: One Small Space And Three Options (HELP!)

Today we're talking about a small space that's stumping us at the duplex and we'd love to hear what your family would like to rent most. You'll also hear how an unexpected Christmas request from our daughter sent us on quite the hunt for a house-related gift - and how we stumbled across a new 4-in-1 tool that's extra handy to have in your junk drawer. Plus we're asking the hard-hitting questions, like can your astrological sign really help you decorate your home? Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-124/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Dec 17, 201833 min

Ep 123#123: Baskets: Friend or Foe?

We recently realized that storage baskets may be simultaneously helping AND hampering our home organizing efforts (and yes, hampering was a pun). Also, the duplex has passed an important renovation milestone: floor refinishing! But even though we had planned for it to go a certain way, we were thrown an extremely last minute curveball and our entire plan changed in the final hour. Plus, a compelling counterpoint to one of our "must have" home features (thanks to you guys and your feedback from last episode!) and some simple tips for how to use decor to de-stress your home. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-123/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Dec 10, 201838 min

Ep 122#122: If We Had To Make A House "Must Have" List…

Whether you're house hunting, building new, or just daydreaming, you've probably got a mental list of favorite home features that you either love having already or really want your next home to have. So today we're sharing our seven favorite home features based on what we've liked (and not liked) about our current and previous houses - along with our experiences working on new builds with a local builder and renovating two beach houses. You can hear our very favorite ceiling heights, where we actually don't like to go "open concept," and we lay out two things that we wish our house had - but probably never will. You can also hear how we implemented a new system for holiday decorating that helped not to counteract our year-long quest to simplify our home (it still feels festive and cozy - plus it saved us money!). And it turns out science has a strong opinion about when you should start decorating for the holidays... and the answer surprised us. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-122/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Dec 3, 201836 min

Ep 121#121: Do We Make Design Decisions Just For The Blog?

It's a question we've gotten a lot over the years: are you doing this for you or for the blog? It's even one we've asked ourselves - and it hasn't always always been easy to answer - but it's a lot clearer in hindsight. So we're diving into what past projects we would've done differently without an audience watching and we're sharing how we keep ourselves in check these days. Plus, Sherry is finally getting the chance to realize a makeover she has fantasized about for five years and we talk through how we decide what home maintenance tasks to tackle ourselves and which to hire out. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-121/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Nov 26, 201834 min

Ep 120#120: The Big Fight We Had Over A Microwave

Remember when we got into it over a refrigerator back in Episode #74? Well, the location of an appliance recently had us battling over two different kitchen layouts - this time for the duplex. So this week we're sharing our competing perspectives on form versus function, and how we finally came to a compromise that checks both boxes (but not until I spent a few days cooling off). We're also sharing why this stage of the duplex renovation is especially brain-bending, and what we've come to realize about hitting a wall... and then getting yourself over it. Plus, a solution to an age-old problem in our home office, an update on Sherry's weighted blanket, and an easy upgrade to a money-saving tool that we use at home. Oh yeah, and we solved our weird locked-out-of-Instagram problem! Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-120/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Nov 19, 201837 min

Ep 119#119: What Almost Derailed Our Painted House Makeover

Now that we've completed our big brick house painting project, we're sharing all the behind-the-scenes twists & turns of the previous week (believe me, the hits kept coming). A big task like this can veer off course pretty quickly… which it did... more than once! We're also sharing why it turned out better than we expected and what's next on the list. Plus, John needs advice from other gadget lovers out there and we've got more info about our upcoming furniture line launch. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-119/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Nov 12, 201836 min

Ep 118#118: The Not-So-Calm Before The White Brick Storm

Amidst all the excitement of getting our brick house painted white last week (!!!) there was some behind-the-scenes stress leading up to the big transformation. So this week we're sharing the realities of a major undertaking like this, including the fears we have about what happens next. We're also talking to a very special guest after she won our hearts and some of yours. Plus, how it feels to have your Instagram account hacked, our new favorite decorating show, and the celebrity that has finally won Sherry over. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-118/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Nov 5, 201836 min

Ep 117#117: The Downside To Decorating One Room At A Time

We recently passed the one year anniversary of moving furniture to our beach house, so this week we're looking back on how we kept our sanity while decorating an entire house all at once. It made us realize that there are some flaws in our usual method of taking things slow and going one room at a time - so if you're struggling with your own home, we have some ideas. We're also recapping our trip to Chicago for the Domino Magazine Awards. Plus, John defends his take on navy cabinets and smart locks while Sherry buys something exceptionally ugly for our house. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-117/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Oct 29, 201839 min

Ep 116#116: How To Get More Style At Home With Less Stuff

Now that we tested out the process to achieve "Cozy Minimalism" in our house (and loved the result!), we're taking it straight to the source and talking with Cozy Minimalist Home author Myquillyn Smith about how she realized she could merge these two seemingly opposite ideas to create a step-by-step process for people to follow in their own spaces. She shares how to stop buying the wrong accessories, why there's a "right" order for decorating a room, and emphatically explains what none of us should ever be buying at Target. Plus, we detail how we're trying to be smarter about our approach to tiling the duplex (one thing we did this time made it a whole lot easier!) and Sherry may have finally gotten on the autumn train. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-116/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Oct 22, 201836 min

Ep 115#115: The Trouble With Master Bedrooms

After a quick video of Sherry's sparse closet sparked hundreds of questions on Instagram, we're breaking down her process for creating a wardrobe that saves space, money, and energy. So if you want to tame your overflowing closet, cut your clothing budget, or take the stress out of getting yourself or your kids dressed each morning - this episode is for you. We're also sharing an unconventional solution to filling those empty corners in your master bedroom. Plus John pushes back on a recent social media controversy. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-115/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Oct 15, 201836 min

Ep 114#114: Did We Almost Just Buy Another House?!

Our duplex renovation isn't even close to being done, but we can't help but think about the next house we'll transform - because there will be another one. So today we're sharing our hashtag goals to own more rental properties through retirement, and the story of how we almost did more than just think about the recent one we toured. What caught our eye? What were our plans for it? And why did we ultimately pass it up? We're also explaining why we took a large saw to our front porch - and how a break-in scare turned into a highly embarrassing moment involving a police officer. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-114/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Oct 8, 201839 min

Ep 113#113: What You Don't See In Photos Of Our Living Room

Our week of living Furniture Free is over and it went… wellllll… differently than we expected. So today we're talking about what we liked, what we didn't, what we screwed up, and what lasting impacts it may have on how we use our home. We also confess an annoying side effect of a feature in our home that's pretty, but less than ideal. Plus, Sherry takes her love of all things woo-woo to another level and John breaks down an issue he has with a certain smart home technology. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-113/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Oct 1, 201838 min

Ep 112#112: One Week Of Living "Furniture Free"

Have you heard of the Furniture Free movement? Well, it piqued my interest so much that we're challenging ourselves to try it for seven days (Sherry reluctantly agreed). So what does it mean? And how does it promise to improve our lives and homes? Will it make us happier or just annoyed? Plus, we were lucky to skate by without any damage from Hurricane Florence, but it did sent us on a rollercoaster of panic, relief, and then more panic, which left a big impression on us - and led to a pretty great reminder. We also share how we navigated a weird challenge involving holes in the duplex, and why Sherry's getting a tattoo. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-112/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Sep 24, 201833 min

Ep 111#111: Can Minimalism Be Cozy?

As much as we love to simplify and declutter, we're not aiming for that ultra sleek and sometimes sterile look that's often associated with minimalism. So we've been trying out a step-by-step process for creating a minimalist space that still feels warm, cozy, and inviting. Spoiler alert: Sherry loves the easy formula and is basically going nuts on the whole house. We're also starting to bring our vision for the duplex kitchens to life and - curveball alert! - we're steering clear of white cabinetry. You can hear why we don't think it's right for the duplex, along with learning how we're getting a custom look on a serious budget. Sherry also ups her underwear game and John conquers one of life's little daily annoyances. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-111 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Sep 17, 201835 min

Ep 110#110: And Then The Bathroom Started Flooding

What started as a straightforward sink swap in the beach house master bathroom ended with a big hole in the wall and a face full of water. And the cause was something we had never heard about before (and just about the weirdest thing ever). We share what happened and how we fixed it - plus we spill all the details on why we continue to put off the renovation of the two upstairs bathrooms here at home. We're also shouting out a new decorating show that we really like, a piece of technology that Sherry is loving, and the a tale of how our first book snagged the attention of a '90s rock singer and two Bravo reality stars (truth is stranger than fiction). Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-110/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Sep 10, 201834 min

Ep 109#109: Just When You Thought The Diamond Door Saga Was Over

We've been on a rollercoaster with those diamond paned doors that we hunted down for our duplex renovation. There was a pretty disappointing low followed by a surprising high, so we're looping you into the whole thing this week. Also, how come some home improvement professionals seem to be playing hard-to-get sometimes? Unreturned phone calls, missed appointments, and straight-up ghosting seem to be all too common, so we asked a contractor why this happens and what people can do to get better service. Plus, we explore some weird new "smart" gadgets for your home, the trendy new place for paint, and John gets swindled by a sponsored post. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-109/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Aug 27, 201837 min

Ep 108#108: Science Says These Rooms Are A Waste Of Space

Welp, it's official: new research shows that we aren't using all of the square footage in our homes. But we sure are paying for it (and then paying to heat & cool it, decorate it, plus spending time cleaning it). Why are we doing that?! Well, this week we're diving into a study that shows what specific spaces aren't being used - and what we all might want to consider focusing on instead of house size - even if you love having people over and entertaining large groups. We're also sharing a painting project fail that shines a light on some of the peculiar pitfalls of sharing your renovations with the world. Plus, as summer comes to an end, we're taking you inside a months-long (and somewhat heated) disagreement that we've been having about our beach house. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-108/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Aug 20, 201831 min

Ep 107#107: Are We All Getting Sick Of Watching Big Renovations?

We can't be the only ones noticing that all of the renovations on TV and online seem to be snowballing. Whatever happened to those budget decorating shows and use-what-you-have makeovers? And who remembers when a blog post might have just been "I ordered some new art" instead of "here's the entire before & after of our kitchen gut job!" Our own projects certainly have ratcheted up over the years too, so this week we're discussing how we all got here, if we might be approaching a tipping point, the understandable craving to scale back, and how bloggers & design TV are contributing to the escalation. We're also breaking down some surprising features of something you've probably already got in your toolbox, and we reveal how we finally found some momentum in our beach house backyard projects. Hint: it rhymes with schmot mub. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-107/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Aug 13, 201836 min

Ep 106#106: What's It Really Like To Downsize?

Sure it's fun to imagine what it would be like to downsize and live in a significantly smaller space, but this week we're talking to a family of 4 (with a giant dog!) who took the leap and moved from a large builder-grade home to a 1,200 cottage bungalow with just one full bathroom and two bedrooms. Designer Shavonda Gardner shares extremely frank details about the pros & cons - including who in her family resisted it most, what space issues they still struggle with, and what they've done to make it work a heckova lot harder. We also talk to her about designing smaller spaces (is lighter paint really the only answer? she says NO!) as well as diversifying your online inspiration sources. Plus we've got some exciting news about the upcoming launch of our furniture line, and we find out why most Millennials regret becoming homeowners. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-106/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Aug 6, 201836 min

Ep 105#105: Sherry Vs. The Bathtub, Duplex Edition

We seem to have a sore spot with tubs, and the duplex renovation has proven to be no exception. So today we're sharing how a strategic money-saving decision saved us 30% off a huge renovation line item, but sent us on a tub-induced stress spiral. We've also got some exciting updates about painting our brick house white, our gross backyard experiment to keep the deer from eating our plants, and whether Sherry is still known as Laura in Cape Charles. We dive into the pros & cons of laundry location too - plus we explain when to choose a variety of wall colors for your house (and when one whole-house color can actually work like a charm). Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-105/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Jul 30, 201838 min

Ep 104#104: This Is How You're Annoying Your Contractor

We've turned the tables today and have asked dozens of contractors - including our own! - what THEY wish we, their clients, did differently. We learned their biggest client pet peeves (we're certainly guilty of some!) and got great advice for how we can all help renovations go smoother, progress faster, and even cost less. We also share how we hacked our dining table to make it a harder working space, and the big purchase we recently splurged on for the beach house. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-104/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Jul 23, 201832 min

Ep 103#103: Regrets From Our Beach House Reno

It turns out that restoring a vintage stove isn't all cupcakes & rainbows, so this week we're revealing some of the quirks that you can't see from a pretty picture. We're also spilling the beans on several mistakes, regrets, and missed opportunities from our beach house renovation. What tile choice did we screw up? Where did we go wrong on the exterior? And how are we going to correct things moving forward? Plus, why we're spending a chunk of money to make our house smell better. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-103/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Jul 16, 201836 min

Ep 102#102: Are Islands Ruining America's Kitchens?

Islands are a staple of most modern kitchens, but this week we explore why not everyone is a fan (including what we realized is a negative about the island situation in our own kitchen). Plus, we've tiled our fair share of backsplashes, but our recent project at the beach house kitchen taught us an important lesson about preparation, patience, and imperfection. John's also sharing a new technique for helping you pick the perfect paint color, Sherry finds a new favorite beach accessory, and, well… Chad!!! Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-102/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Jul 9, 201837 min

Ep 101#101: Should We Paint Our Brick House White?

Our urge to paint the exterior of our brick house white has been growing lately, but there are still some concerns holding us back. So today we're diving into the pros & cons that we've been tossing around (for years now!) as well as some new stuff we've learned - plus we're asking for your opinion on what you'd do if it was your house. We're also sharing why Sherry has ditched veganism and how our television provider suddenly ditched us... requiring us to reconsider our cable cutting set-up. Don't worry, in the end we actually figured out how to save more money! Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-101/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Jun 25, 201835 min

Ep 100#100: So We Had To Quarantine The House…

Nothing like an infestation to drive you from your home for a few days, am I right? We're sharing the whole itch-inducing story, including why we had to leave, and what we did to resolve the issue (for significantly less trouble than we originally thought). Plus, we vent some strong feelings about front doors and share an idea that we stole from a luxury hotel to fancy up our beach house. And in celebration of our 100th episode, we have a VERY special guest. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-100/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Jun 18, 201835 min

Ep 99#99: Our Latest (And Grossest) Home Experiment

When you put a lot of time or money into a project, you'll go to great, weird, and sometimes gross lengths to protect it. We've got all the details in this week's episode, along with a story that shows why renovating a house that's over two hours away isn't always a smooth process. Plus, we gathered some great advice on building a new home from scratch (or tackling a major renovation with a group of pros), including how to find the right team and avoid common pitfalls... and why you should keep your expectations in check. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-99/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Jun 11, 201833 min

Ep 98#98: Why Some Houses We Designed Never Saw The Light Of Day

A few years ago we embarked on a design project with a local company that we were very excited about… but it fell apart for reasons we could've never expected. We're sharing that story this week, along with the surprising way Sherry scored an incredible secondhand find for the beach house. We also dive into your feedback about houses that are too big, including some conflicting sentiments about children and large houses. Also, how we pulled off a stress-free game night with friends and details behind our new collaboration with A Beautiful Mess. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-98/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Jun 4, 201837 min

Ep 97#97: What We Learned (And Saved) From Our Shopping Ban

Our month-long shopping hiatus came to a close last week, so today we're sharing our results! What was the most difficult part? How did it change our habits? What were we dying to buy first after it ended? And - most importantly - how did it impact our bank account? We're sharing all those details, along with some ideas for you to try if you're too nervous to commit to a full-on ban. Plus, there's a part of our house that we rarely show because we've been so ashamed of its state - but not anymore! Find out what we did to fix it without spending any money. We also added some easy organization at the beach house… and those dreaded water meter issues came back to haunt us again. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-97/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

May 21, 201838 min

Ep 96#96: Our Complicated Relationship With Stuff

Right in the middle of our own month-long shopping ban, we jumped at the chance to have a deep conversation with the author who started it all: Cait Flanders. She shared fascinating insights, regrets, and explained how her "Year of Less" had a lasting change on her relationship with "stuff." She also cleared up some common misconceptions about her ban, including why shopping is not the enemy - and how this experiment affected her relationships (along with her bank account). We also cover how some outsourced work in our backyard from last fall is finally starting to pay off, and why we're both very glad not to be in high school anymore. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-96/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

May 14, 201838 min

Ep 95#95: Our House Is Too Big. There, We Said It.

We've recently had a realization that we just don't need as much space as we have. So how'd we end up buying a too-big house? What has made this so clear to us now? And what square footage do we think would be just right? We're sharing all of that in this episode, including the exact moment we now realize we went off the rails during our house hunting search. We're also taking you behind the scenes of our recent charity makeover for three deserving kids and sharing why things have really turned a corner out at the beach. Plus, Sherry hunts for the perfect Mother's Day gift and John shares what exterior gadget made all of our jaws drop. Really, it's mesmerizing to witness. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-95/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

May 7, 201837 min

Ep 94#94: Just When The Duplex Was Going So Well…

Just when we thought the duplex renovation was finally rolling along smoothly, we found ourselves in the midst of an ordeal that required an emergency trip to Cape Charles, and another hot-seat meeting with the Historic Review Board. We're sharing all the details, along with an update on our month-long shopping ban (oh the temptations!). Plus we're talking about how to get large materials and furniture home when you don't own a giant car or truck. Because as much as we DIY, we don't actually own the ideal DIYers vehicle. So this week we'll tell you why, and share how we get around it. Plus, maybe millennials are just efficiently experts...? Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-94/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Apr 30, 201837 min

#93: One Month. No Superfluous Shopping. Can We Do It?

Can we go a whole month without buying anything we don't need? That's the challenge we've handed ourselves as part of a self-imposed month-long shopping ban. So this week we're sharing how we were inspired by Cait Flanders' "Year of Less" and how we're adapting her rules for our own lives. Plus, the duplex renovation is (finally!) racing along and we're answering some of your top questions about it. Also, how filming our April Fool's video was even more embarrassing than it looked... and why a makeover show is giving Sherry hope that it might actually heal the world. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-93/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Apr 23, 201838 min

#92: The Household Staples We Never Buy

Do you reject certain "household staples?" We do! And it turns out a lot of other people do too - to the point that experts are saying they might someday disappear. So this week we're breaking down how and why the typical home (and its contents) might be changing, along with revealing what modern comforts we've deemed unnecessary in our house (one of them is weird, I'm warning you). We're also sharing how we found the best spring break home we've ever rented, and how we navigated the stresses of flying with children, car seats, a dog, his crate - essentially ALL THE THINGS. Oh, and it turns out we're storing lots of stuff in our garage that we probably shouldn't be. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Apr 16, 201838 min

Ep 91#91: When Is A House Change You Made Bad For Resale?

This week we're talking about when you should undo a personal or customized change that you made to your house that might turn off potential buyers (and when we'd recommend leaving it the heck alone). We're also getting into store returns and how they're changing, because the ability to return decor items that don't turn out the way you hoped is a great safeguard... but did you know that some stores may be cracking down on that practice? Here's what we learned about the policing of returns that's going on behind the scenes, and what a DIYer can do to avoid getting their account flagged. We're also recapping our trip to a blogging conference in Austin, John has an a-ha moment regarding something you sleep on, and Sherry gets a personal call from a celebrity that kinda makes her year. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-91/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Apr 2, 201837 min

Ep 90#90: What To Do When A Project Starts To Suck

We all know that deflated feeling when you've lost your mojo for a major project or renovation. So how do you reignite that excitement or energy you had for it in the first place? We've struggled with this at the beach house lately, so we're sharing five tips for combating project fatigue. Plus spring is a big time for home maintenance, so we have an easy way to guarantee that you'll never forget about routine tasks again - plus a new trick for barreling through those other little lingering projects our your to-do list. We also share how we rediscovered a date night idea, and why we're getting called out for fueling a despised decorating trend. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-90/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Mar 26, 201837 min

Ep 89#89: A Year Without Shopping

Could you put your wallet on lockdown for 365 days? Sherry shared the story of a woman who did, including why she took on the challenge, the few exceptions she allowed to make it possible, and how it's inspiring us to adjust our spending... and maybe even try out a ban of our own. Plus, how much should you involve your kids in the design of their rooms? We share some tips and tactics for keeping everyone happy in the process, so the result is a room that they love (and that you also like to be in with them). Plus, the paint colors that will help your home sell for more money (some of them surprised us!) and a DNA test that led to a humbling personal discovery. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-89/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Mar 19, 201835 min

Ep 88#88: Whatever Happened To Privacy In The Bathroom?

Doorless bathrooms? Toilets behind glass walls? Showers and tubs just sitting in the corner of the bedroom? These "open concept" bathroom trends seem to be showing up more often, and they're alarming to some and exciting to others. So this week we attempt to understand what sparked this growing trend, and we explain where we land on the bathroom privacy spectrum. Also, Sherry concocts a new date night idea for DIY enthusiasts and John recaps how a few months off of social media has affected him (for better and for worse). Plus, how our very own half-bathroom installation went terribly, terribly wrong. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-88/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Mar 12, 201838 min

Ep 87#87: Lessons From The Messiest Homes In America

It's never fun to get a call saying that you have to tear down something that you just SPENT AN ENTIRE WEEKEND CONSTRUCTING, but that's exactly what happened with our beach house bunk beds. So this week we're sharing what went down behind the scenes, and what we did to get around it. Plus, we're talking to Matt Paxton who's one of the extreme cleaning experts from the A&E show Hoarders, and he sheds a ton of light on why people hoard, how you can help someone who does, and what tricks he has picked up for keeping his own home in order. Sherry's also diving deeper into the woo-woo waters, John's loving a certain non-power tool, and our whole family is cracking up over a recent game-related discovery. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-87/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Mar 5, 201837 min

Ep 86#86: How Our Life Together Almost Didn't Happen

We're getting personal this week, and sharing some early setbacks and hard choices that almost steered our lives in a totally different direction - no houses, no blog, even no marriage! We also dive into how some failed attempts at making over a certain area of our home led to us giving up and calling in the pros. Plus, an easy way to up your drawer organization game, and a tool that makes nearly every project easier. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-86/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Feb 26, 201836 min

Ep 85#85: What We Got Wrong In Our Beach House Kitchen

This week John's fessing up to a design choice that he insisted we make in our beach house kitchen, but we now realize was - shall we say - misguided? Thankfully it's not too hard to undo, so we're explaining our change of heart, and what we're doing to fix it. There's also a polarizing design "trend" that we've been asked to weigh in on, so this week we're sharing our take and why we think it gets people so worked up (this trend literally can make people get rage-y). We're also sharing some secrets for recreating that super cozy, uber luxurious bed you see in the pages of magazines... and why there are some bed-making tricks that are best left to the pros. Also, does Young House Love have a board game? Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-85/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Feb 19, 201838 min

Ep 84#84: Things We Can't Agree On Lately

We don't always see eye-to-eye on our projects and decorating decisions. In fact, we're stuck in the midst of some pretty "active" home arguments right now. So in honor of Valentine's Day, we're sharing everything we love about each other. Just kidding, that would be boring. We're walking you through three of our home-related disagreements and how we're planning to work through them - hopefully without too many hurt feelings (although Sherry's pretty heated about one of them already). We also cover a whole slew of updates, from the historic review board's verdict on our duplex roof proposal to Sherry's never-ending Invisalign saga. And most importantly, we answer one of the most common questions we get: if our neighbor still thinks Sherry is named Laura. Plus, our new favorite solution for wrangling shampoos and soap in the shower, and one of us falls hard for something shiny. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-84/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Feb 12, 201837 min