We’re dropping this random pop-in episode to share one of the most embarrassing tales Sherry has ever told on this podcast. Of course it had to happen in the nicest house we've ever been in (in front of one of Sherry's personal heroes). We’re also listing what's left on our to-do list, and answering the much-asked question: what’s your next big project? Plus, we break down what feels different to us about this house compared to our last one (and the varied impressions you might get about us if you walked in without us being there). Lastly, we each share some recent home-related purchases and the books & tv shows that are keeping us laughing (or biting our nails, but in a good way). Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-183 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

So much has happened since we last picked up the podcast mic, so we have a jam-packed show to catch you up on all the things. We're talking house updates, embarrassing stories, renovation plans, and we even worked in some bad metaphorical diagrams (because describing graphs and charts you can't see always goes over well in an audio format). We’re also diving into how house projects have slowed down around here, the remaining projects on our list, and how our attitude towards having less on our to-do list has changed pretty dramatically over the years. Plus an impromptu musical exercise that captured our family's contentment for living in a smaller home, and why Sherry can never show her face in one Florida city again. Also, a fun holiday game and the TV show we’ve been dying to tell you about. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-182 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

There were two houses in our neighborhood that we seriously considered, and today we’re sharing a truly random occurrence that involves the house we didn’t buy. We’re also sharing what we learned from our astrocartography readings. What did the stars say about our move to Florida? Were our readings dead-on or completely off? And what random sentence about a certain mammal made Sherry extremely excited? Plus the tale of a simple outdoor project that took months longer than it should have and the purchase that made us change our tune about outdoor furniture. Also, Sherry did something embarrassing again. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-181 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

The sudden boom of video conferencing in all of our lives is giving us a new window through which to view our homes (and the homes of others - from coworkers to celebrities and news correspondents). So what does your Zoom background say about you? And what lengths will we go to when it comes to altering them to make sure nothing weird gets seen by everyone else on the call? We also realized in hindsight that a family trip earlier this year had a pretty major effect on our decision to move to Florida. Plus we explain the big shiny object on our kitchen counter - and Sherry divulges an embarrassing story from her NYC days that she might never live down. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-180 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

The perks of downsizing continue to show themselves, including a recent realization we had while shopping for curtains and blinds. It was a pretty dramatic contrast of how shopping for this house is different than our previous ones, and it highlighted some exciting freedoms that come along with that. We also take a look at how pandemics of the past have shaped the way our homes look today, including the origin of things like powder rooms, white kitchens, and higher bed frames. Plus, what we really think of our fancy new Frame TV - and can your birthday really help you pick the right plants? Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-179/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We’ve been in our new house for one whole month, and there are definitely some things that are shaping up differently than we had pictured. So today we’re sharing why some house projects have been easier than expected, but getting settled in a few other ways took some turns we didn’t anticipate. We’re also diving into the history of three popular and persistent design trends - like the true origins of subway tile and why the fiddle-leaf fig isn’t a recent phenomenon. Plus, a curtain hack that Sherry secretly tested out for an entire year, and what happens when Alexa commands get lost in translation. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-178 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Today we're talking about how it has been as a family of four who is sharing one bathroom, and what plans we have for adding onto that number down the line. And while we're on the subject (this podcast always seems to turn to bathroom-related things...) we look into the uniquely American obsession with bathrooms and learn why the heck in the past 50 years the number of them per American has DOUBLED. We also finally have real beds in our house after weeks of sleeping on mattresses on the floor, and it feels good! So we’re sharing how they each serve different functional purposes in our smaller house. Plus, we learn what decor styles are the most popular in each state and we bring our Instagram conversations around Black makers & voices to the podcast. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-177 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We’re in Florida (!!!) and we’ve got LOTS to tell you about all that went down on our moving day and throughout our first couple of weeks in our new home. We’re covering a lot of ground, like how we made the 13-hour drive feel faster, which of our moving predictions from our last episode came true, and what we really thought about using those travel pee bags. Plus, getting unpacked and settled into a smaller home has presented some challenges that we didn’t anticipate, so we’re sharing what those were, and why they’re giving us a whole new appreciation for this part of the downsizing process. We’re also recapping what items we overpacked (even after leaving around 50% of our belongings behind when we moved!) and why those “extra” things aren’t working in our new house.  Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-176/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

While we’re getting settled in our new house in Florida, we’ve got one last episode for you that we recorded in Richmond. In fact, we took a moment as “Past John & Sherry” to make some predictions for what our moving day might look like, along with our hopes-slash-fears for our first night in our new home. We’re also talking about temporary, affordable, and easy-to-change decor ideas that are great for renters and homeowners alike, thanks to interviewing an expert on the subject named Medina Grillo. She was full of smart solutions and also took the opportunity to bust some myths about being a renter. Plus, the Instagram account that has us in stitches, and what we’re bringing for our kids on our 12-hour drive to Florida. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-175 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

On the cusp of our big Florida move, we take one last look at how downsizing and living for three weeks without almost all of our worldly possessions has changed our view of our “stuff” - including what we miss the most, and why it’s not what we expected. Plus experts predict how the pandemic may change the way people renovate and build homes moving forward. From floor plan changes to smart technology, it's interesting to see what they think might carry on for years to come. We also stumble into a very random discussion about astrology, pet psychics, and whether the stars can tell us where in the world we really should be living. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-174 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

If you’ve wondered about the money side of selling three houses and downsizing to one smaller home, today we’re answering some of your most asked questions. We're also sharing the weird renovation hiccups that have delayed our move in date (including a series of weird toilet-related follies that we never saw coming). Plus the surprising reaction we had to our own house tour video and why everyone is crying over one particular part of homeownership. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-173 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Our entire approach to renovating our new house from afar has changed pretty dramatically since February when we first started house hunting, including a period in which we didn’t think we’d be tackling any major projects at all. And lots of you have been asking for a rundown of what we’re doing now, what’s left, and how long we think this house reno might be. So today we’re taking you down that rabbit hole and sharing how our plans shifted quite a few times - and where we ended up. Plus, why packing all of our belongings was a more intense process than we expected, and an update on our move date. Oh, and what really makes for an “adult” kitchen? Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-172 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We recently hit a long-awaited milestone that we’ve been working towards for months, and we couldn't be more grateful!! We're sharing all the details today - plus we're diving deeper into a question that seems to keep popping up: "How can you tell if downsizing is right for you? What if you majorly regret it?!" There are actually four ways that you can take smaller space living for a spin before pulling the ripcord - which is a huge advantage, and a great way to answer that question for yourself. We also explore how the reality TV show that you’d want to be on the most (or the least!) can reveal a lot about your personality. Plus a moving tip that’s helping us pare down even more - and why we like watching TV, but don’t actually want to be on it. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-171 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

This week we’re taking a deep dive into the two methods that we used to find our Florida house, including how we prioritized our wants versus needs, sifted through hundreds of real estate listings, and used technology to overcome the fact that we were 800 miles away. We’re also sharing how a bad news call from our contractor ended up saving us from a huge future headache (that may or may not have involved having zero functioning bathrooms in our new house). Plus, Sherry’s unique way with words comes back to haunt her. And John takes spreadsheeting to a whole new level.  Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-170/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

As we prepare to move into a house that’s less than half the size of our current one, we’re taking a long hard look at our belongings to figure out what should come and what we no longer need, love, or have a use for. And today we’re outlining the systematic criteria that we’re using to evaluate what to bring and what to leave behind (yes, we actually have four questions that we consider for every last object). Plus we’re sharing how we’re getting rid of the things we don’t need, including different ways to donate (and some great causes to consider), along with a recent technique that we tried (and it worked!) for selling a whole lot of things in one fell swoop. We’ve also got a big update on how coronavirus has impacted our moving plans and the answer to that “whatever happened to the shutters you were putting on your house?” question that we get every time we share an exterior photo.  Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-169/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We knew our new house in Florida would involve some big repairs, but we didn’t anticipate a certain plumbing curveball to get lobbed our way (although given our past plumbing luck, maybe we should have seen this coming). So this week we’re sharing how it popped up, why it cost thousands of dollars, and what we’re doing to resolve it. And with so many people suddenly working from home, we’re sharing our top tips for being productive in a home office (even a temporary one) - including what has and hasn’t worked for us over the last decade. Plus, the app that’s blowing our minds and the binge-worthy show that we still can’t believe.  Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-168/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

With everything that's going on right now, we're the first to admit that house stuff feels trivial, but this week we’re answering the most common question we’ve gotten in the last few days: how the coronavirus is impacting our Florida move and our house sales (spoiler alert: one contract has fallen through). We’re also having a strangely thorough discussion about high-tech toilets and bidets. Plus, we’re sharing two things that are helping us make the most of being home with kids 24/7. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-167/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Our Richmond home is officially under contract (!!!) and it all came together unlike any other house we’ve sold before. So today we’re breaking down how it all happened, why it was surprisingly emotional, and what it means for our move in June. We’re also highlighting an unsung hero in our master bathroom renovation and exploring whether we’re all doing bathroom storage totally wrong. Plus, the app that may be bumping Instagram out of the top spot in Sherry’s heart. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-166 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We’re fessing up to an extremely poorly timed project that made our house look WORSE right before it hit the market. Whoops. Plus we share the smorgasbord of ways we’re selling our houses. All three are being sold differently (including some with and some without the help of a real estate agent). So we’re breaking down how and why we chose each route, including why we paid to have a “pre-inspection” done for our Richmond home and how that changed our preparations for listing the house. Plus Sherry talks about an unconventional (and completely accidental) way she decluttered her digital life. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-165/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

With our big move only a few months away, what do we need to do to get our house ready to sell? This week we’re outlining some of the projects we’re taking on - both big and small - including the fast-tracked makeover of our hall bathroom. John also outlines a shopping challenge of his very own for 2020 that’ll push us to look more locally when we seek certain items. Plus, can a simple pen and paper save you money? We’re looking into an ancient budgeting method that promises to do so. Oh, and there's an unintended rant about The Bachelor. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-164 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Wanna know what our next big renovation project is? Well, it’s actually something that we’ve been contemplating for years but finally have the courage to do (thanks in part to selling our duplex). So this week we’re breaking down why we want to do it, why we think now is the time, and why it has us feeling excited, sad, and inspired all at the same time. Plus it’s really going to put our fondness for simplifying to the ultimate test. And some recent travel hiccups led us to a few new books that we’re loving - and one that I’m looking forward to loving… as weird as that sounds.  Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-163 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

That’s right, there’s a new personal shopping challenge going on at our house - and this time Sherry has committed to skipping any purchases in a specific (and pretty wide category) FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR. We’re also talking with simplicity expert Emily Ley about how she combats “busyness” and creates more time and space in her life. She’s giving us tips on everything from tackling your family calendar to fun ways to get the kids involved in streamlining your days. And we’re sharing our favorite way to hang heavy objects quickly, without a lot of dust or tools - along with our new favorite guilty pleasure show that makes us laugh out loud (and even made Sherry tear up a few times).  Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-162 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

This week we’re sharing the mystery of how half of the power in our house suddenly went out when we were just about to leave the country on vacation. We’re also catching you up on the highs and lows of getting our master bathroom nearly completed, including how the flu, a surgery, and a sudden deadline kept us on our toes. Plus, an illuminating update to our upstairs hallway and what we learned about “life admin” and how to better tackle it.  Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-161 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

It’s our first episode of 2020 and WE BOY DO WE HAVE NEWS! We’re excited to share it because it not only means good things for us, our friends, and the duplex itself, but it’s also connected to our continued efforts to simplify, and it involves a twisty tale of switching tables with a stranger. We’re also sharing a special gift that we gave this holiday season that can help your family honor a loved one. Plus, a check-in on our bathroom reno progress, the Instagram account that keeps us laughing, and our favorite geography-based game we’ve ever played. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-160 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Have you ever thought about your approach to making decisions? It turns out that humans tend to have two distinct styles (and they even have fancy psychological terms to go along with them). The funny revelation is that Sherry & I each exemplify a different one. So this week we’re sharing what we've learned about each type of decision maker, and how it can impact everything from how we choose items for our home to how we booked our first international family vacation. We’re also outlining five ways you can refresh a room without spending ANY money whatsoever. As in zero dollars (Sherry would add a "holla!" right here). Plus, the new kid-friendly kitchen activity that we’re loving, the exciting-ish conclusion to our Color of the Year predictions, and how far people will go for bread. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-159 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

After hundreds of submissions from Australia to South Africa, we’ve rounded up some fascinating (and extremely charming) ways that you guys dress up your homes all around the world to celebrate a variety of holidays. We loved hearing about everything from colorful Diwali decorations in India to elaborate Nativity scenes in Colombia, along with a wide range of tales about who brings the gifts (Santa isn't the only game in town!). And we realized there's one common theme that ties pretty much every holiday together across the globe! Plus we’re sharing the painful wrench that was thrown into our master bathroom progress, and why we need to have a word with Taylor Swift. Oh and the movie that you should run, not walk, to go see.  Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-158 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Don’t we all want mo money without mo problems? Today we’re talking with personal finance expert Tanja Hester about how value-driven spending and setting a “money mission statement” can help you reach even your biggest financial goals - whether you’re saving up for a home in your dream neighborhood, a big renovation, or even early retirement, which Tanja herself has accomplished. She’s sharing easy ways to trim your budget, painless ways to put more in the bank, and why she thinks most of us have more financial freedom than we think. Plus, we’re discussing a new holiday decorating epiphany that Sherry recently had (oddly enough it was inspired by Halloween and not Christmas) and why you may want to grab an often overlooked painting tool that can save the day. And your back. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-157 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

It’s no secret that house projects can be stressful. Sometimes REALLY stressful. So today we’re sharing three ways we’re keeping a handle on it during our master bathroom renovation, especially around common stress points like broken budgets, creeping timelines, and decision fatigue. Plus, how you can you stop second guessing yourself! We’re also spilling the details about a part of this renovation we haven’t mentioned much, which oddly enough happens to be one of the things we’re looking forward to the most. We also have some holiday life hacks for you that were submitted by our listeners and why part of Sherry’s childhood has come back to haunt us (in the best way possible). Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-156/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Today we’re exploring an expert’s theory that your childhood passions (specifically around 5th grade) could hold the key to what you'll love doing most as an adult. It was fascinating to take a look back and see if the idea really held up for us. We’re also confessing to a mistake we made when hiring a pro for a recent house project and sharing what we'll do differently from here on out. Plus it turns out that plants aren’t the powerful air purifiers we were promised, and the nerdiest decorating project you’ve ever heard in your life. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-155/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Getting rid of stuff is hard, especially when it comes to kids and their creations. So this week we’re sharing the simple trick we use to keep everything from arts and crafts to forts and cardboard box villages from taking over our house, without putting a damper on creativity. Spoiler alert: this trick works for adults and our favorite things too! Plus, armed with an expert’s advice and a new guideline for how much indoor greenery a home should have for optimal air quality, Sherry doubles down on our home’s plant collection. Also, why things got weird when we switched sides of the bed - and the embarrassing dangers of moving furniture.  Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-154/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

You guys submitted your favorite life hacks over the last few weeks, so today we’ve got an episode bursting at the seams with all of those cheap & simple tricks for making your home run smoother and your day a little less frustrating. We’ve got everything from clever cleaning tips and unconventional storage ideas to both high and low tech ways to keep you more organized. We’re also sharing why we’re giving a BIG EYEROLL to the latest part of our master bathroom renovation and a new money saving tool that we got for our kids. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-153 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

In honor of Halloween, we’re sharing a spooky occurrence at our beach house that we legitimately couldn't explain for a few months (even I, the perennial skeptic, was like... "how did that just happen?!"). We’re also chatting with author Miranda Anderson about how her entire family took on a yearlong shopping ban, and how that choice led to more gratitude, patience, and a sense of adventure for the entire family. Plus, an update on how things are getting real (and real messy!) in our master bathroom reno - and a tool we’re using to help keep our sanity throughout the process. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-152/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Today we’re sharing how two recent treat yourself moments in our house turned sideways on us and how it shed some light on when to splurge and when to make like Elsa and let it go. One even involves a feature in our bathroom reno that we’ve dreamed about for years, but suddenly can’t seem to justify in actual practice (although it sounds great in theory!). Also after nearly 11,000 people took our “Side Of The Bed” survey, we have some surprising insights about why people sleep where they do. Plus there's been another Color of the Year development and we find the silver lining to a recent personal event that shook us up. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-151 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Our home’s exterior makeover didn’t stop with painting it white last year, so today we’re catching you up on some projects we've completed and what’s still to come (and it involves something we’ve changed our minds about twice). We're also reflecting on a few experiments & interviews over the past 149 episodes that truly changed the way we live in our house - and we're issuing a challenge to help us all find some new ways to improve our household routines and daily lives. Plus, we look into why someone might buy a house they've never seen, located in a town they've never been to (!!!). The idea may be less crazy than it sounds... Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-150/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode

We’re sharing how our bathroom reno went from zero to fifty percent (that’ll make more sense when you hear what we did) and how we gained a ton of insight about the right layout and the right size for the vanity, shower, tub, etc. Also… the houseplant struggle is real, so we asked plant expert Carmeon Hamilton everything we've ever wanted to know about how to keep inside greenery alive (and happy!). She shared her favorite easy plants for beginners and even laid out when to water, re-pot, and fertilize your indoor greenery (we were like: wait, we should be fertilizing?!?). Plus, we’re shouting out a super handy multipurpose tool that we loved so much we bought two of them. And there was a surprise twist in our color of the year predictions that even we didn’t believe at first. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-149/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

People are always asking how we keep our projects and our household organized ("do you make lists? use an app?! help me!") so today we’re outlining the three tools that we use every day. Some are digital, some are old school, but the most important part is that they help to keep us on the same page (sometimes literally) about our projects, purchases, and more. We’re also sharing the near completion of a long overdue outdoor update that almost sent one of us over the edge... of the roof. Also, could it be true that some people don’t have a de facto “side of the bed” every night? WHAT?! We have questions.  Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-148/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

What happens when you move into a smaller house in a smaller town for over two months? That’s what we found out this summer when we stayed at our beach house to manage the duplex rentals - AND IT WAS THE BEST SUMMER OF OUR LIVES. The smaller home and smaller town lessons that we learned really stuck with us when we returned home - and they have already inspired us to make 4 changes to our life and habits back in Richmond. So even if you aren't planning to move or downsize, there are some things you could experiment with too. We’re also sharing why we’re fiiiiiinally starting a long-awaited renovation in our house, and one way we're kicking a bad habit to the curb and saving over $500 a year (and creating less waste). Plus Sherry goes on the record with her predictions for the 2020 colors of the year. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-147/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We survived our first summer as Airbnb hosts to 23 different families over the course of the last three months - and, more importantly, so did the duplex itself! But our first rental season wasn’t without hiccups, high anxiety moments, and surprisingly frequent learning opportunities. So this week we’re taking you behind the scenes of a jam-packed few months of learning the hospitality ropes while juggling guests and (more literally) a very full jug of laundry detergent. Sherry also celebrates the end of a very long “personal renovation” and we share how something simple led us to rethink our approach to cooking dinner.  Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-146 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

This week we’re diving into a survey that reveals the top homebuyer regrets - as in what features their homes have that they ended up not loving (and the results may surprise you!).  A new study also concluded some shocking-to-us things about millennial dads versus their baby boomer counterparts - and we have some big feelings about one aspect of the results. We’re also sharing a crappy situation (literally) at our beach houses, and the weird measures we’re taking to resolve it. Plus, more design norms from around the world and our picks for summer entertainment. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-145 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We recently made two big changes to our shopping habits that are having both positive and negative repercussions. So we’re sharing what we did, why we did it, and how we’re trying to course correct a few pitfalls that popped up. We also got a refreshing reminder that it’s liberating to acknowledge that you don’t have to be good at everything - especially in a social media world where everyone else seems to have it all figured out. Plus, we share a big hiccup that was narrowly avoided at the duplex, an organizational tool that we’ve fallen hard for, and Sherry’s deep feelings for a certain crunchy green snack. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-144 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

After over a year and a half of renovation, the duplex officially hosted its first overnight guests!!! And it was an exciting, emotional, and eye-opening test of all the work that we’ve put into it. So we’re sharing what we learned and what we’re changing before it plays host again. We’re also talking about how a house that we considered buying last fall as a long-term rental popped back onto our radar with some surprising news. Plus, how we solved some household frustrations for under $25 - and Sherry rants about a certain paper product while John finds unusual joy in another one. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-143 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

So it turns out there are some weird spots in the kitchen where germs go to party - so we’re learning more about that (and what you can do about it), as well as talking about why we gave up on those meal delivery kits and found a better solution for our family. We’re also talking about how shopping for your home can be fun, but it can also be frustrating and time-consuming. So we’re sharing our tips for how to streamline your hunt and pick things with confidence. Plus, you’ll hear how our backyard is finally winning the war against our hungry deer, and what new face thing Sherry is obsessed with now.   Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-142 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Our recent Chicago meet-up with fellow bloggers Chris Loves Julia, Yellow Brick Home, and Making It Lovely left us with lots of feels (and very full stomachs). But it was seeing one of their homes in person that completely changed our minds about a "design rule" we had proclaimed for our own home (on this very podcast, no less). We’re also sharing what surprised us most about the final phase of getting our duplex ready to rent. Plus the results of Sherry’s latest staging assignment and a dynamic decor alternative to just hanging another picture frame. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-141/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Home improvement can be stressful, and we’re no strangers to that tension leading to some pretty memorable arguments. So today we’re looking at some data about what do-it-yourself projects cause the most issues between couples to see if we agree (and we share a recent fight we had in the name of data). We also reveal some takeaways from a recent house staging project that we took on together, including the big secret to getting your home ready to sell and how you may have to unlearn everything you know about decorating. Plus, John falls for another lighting product, Sherry ups her face game, and we see if people really do hate textured walls after all. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-140/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Painting our brick house white was just the tip of our home’s exterior update iceberg, so this week we’re sharing more of our plans - including one that’s turning out to be much more complex than we expected. We’ve also got an exciting announcement about a color collaboration we’ve been working on and we're sharing more of everyone's favorite thing: design norms from around the world, including bomb shelters, frost lines, and… special windows that keep witches out of your house?! Plus we try a strange but awesome subscription box that makes us feel like we're on Law & Order. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-139/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Installing Ikea cabinets in all three of our beach house kitchens invites the question: why didn’t we use them in our home's kitchen in Richmond?! So this week we’re diving into the answer, including what gave us pause about using Ikea back then, how it could’ve changed our final result, and what we’d choose if we had to select kitchen cabinets for our home today. Plus, we share how a simple outdoor project turned into a major plumbing issue at the duplex (yes, another one - the water curse lives on!) and why there was also an emergency call to an electrician one evening, you know, for balance. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-138/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We’ve got a really exciting announcement this week about a new home project we’re taking on, including how it came to be, what has us most excited, and why it’s gonna challenge us in big new ways (did we mention it’s out-of-state?). Also, we’re sharing how last week’s Spring Break trip reinforced our mission to minimize our belongings, even if John did bring home something very strange from the vacation. Plus, a new solution we’ve found for wrangling our digital photos, a new DIY tool that’s brilliantly simple, and… well… nutmeat? Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-137/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

This week we’re talking to Joyful author and expert Ingrid Fetell Lee about some simple ways to inject joy into your home without breaking the bank. She also explains why joy is easier to achieve than happiness - and how seeking it at home can actually help you unlock your decor style. Plus Sherry marked her recent birthday by getting a long-awaited tattoo (actually, two of them!) so she’s explaining the meaning behind them, how much it hurt, and what finally convinced her to go for it. We also share our latest escape room attempt, how we’re battling car clutter, and a BIG change to the podcast that you won’t want to miss.    Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-136/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

If you think our podcast has tackled this question already, JUST YOU WAIT! The universe recently tested Sherry’s dollhouse fixation and whether she passed or failed it, well, may depend on who you ask. We also share what item Ikea was mysteriously selling in bulk - but only in America (we laughed out loud at the big reveal) and we hear from some listeners about how space makeovers can affect behavior in a fascinating way. Plus some interesting lessons someone learned when they challenged themselves to dress in only one color. And we talk about the always emotional topic of textured walls. Buckle your seatbelts. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-135/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Today we’re sharing how to find the right balance when you’re choosing between artwork or family photos for certain walls - and we're revealing where we've subconsciously gravitated towards putting personal photos in our own home (and why we think that is!). We also have tips for how to personalize your walls beyond the usual smiling-at-the-camera snapshot. And we’ve officially gone shed crazy (like really, really shed crazy), and the silver lining that we discovered after a yearlong delay at the beach house that's saving us money and getting us excited for the summer. Plus John's finally jumping on the crystal train. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-134/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We’ve encountered a few frustrating setbacks with our beach duplex renovation, but thanks to a small technicality we were finally able to charge ahead and start demolition. Gotta love a loophole! So we're sharing our work-around, and the surprising thing that was discovered during demo. Plus, when it comes to buying things online without touching or seeing them in person first, we've become much more willing to go for it these days, so we’re sharing our tips for minimizing your risk when shopping for home stuff online (including how to unlock even more reviews, and what items we haven't had the courage to buy online yet). Plus, we make the case for rethinking your shower curtain and the verdict on whether or not a weighted blanket can solve Sherry’s sleep problems. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-83/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

If you’ve ever had dreams (or maybe nightmares?) of living in a tiny house, you’re not alone. Lots of people have lots of different feelings about them. So we called up a couple who have lived in an 188 square foot space for over two years, and we asked them all of your burning questions to find out the rosy (and not so rosy) parts of tiny house living. And it was FASCINATING. Plus, we’ve hit a big sentimental milestone at home, and Sherry's finally jumping on the bandwagon of a certain decorating trend. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-82/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

The beach house has thrown us plenty of curveballs, but frozen pipes was not something we ever saw coming. This nailbiter had a (mostly) happy ending, except for one stupid move we made in the final moments. Plus, is expensive high-end paint really worth it, or are you better off sticking with the stuff at your local hardware store? The answer might surprise you. And find out how Sherry’s battling back against the clutter of little accessories and why John’s fighting off social media FOMO. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-81 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Making the decision to move is one of those big life-changing choices, and we learned the hard way that doing it under the wrong circumstances might not work out as well as it could for you in the long run. So this week we’re sharing our own personal test for knowing when the time is right to move (hint: it has nothing to do with "when the market is hot"). Plus, we look at what’s trending for kitchens in 2018 and we share why we upgraded our TV. And lastly, if you wanna know when you can come stay at our beach house, just tune in! Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-80/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

When a neighbor shared some historic documents about our 100 year old beach house, we were stunned to find a story from 1936 of jealousy and even murder. So this week we’re sharing what we learned along with some other surprising facts about our old home’s past. We're also helping a listener find some creative ways to maximize the storage she has AND uncover additional places to stash things ("I have too much storage space" said no one ever). Plus, we share a Christmas gift to help Sherry fight insomnia and a cheap accessory that’s making John’s special eyes even more special. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-79/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Christmas often flies in the face of our efforts to cut down on clutter and simplify the stuff in our house, so this year we employed 4 tactics to minimize all the excess without sacrificing the merriment of Christmas morning. And it worked! Well mostly (there was one memorable fail). We also both take wildly different approaches to New Year’s resolutions so we’re sharing a few things we’re resolving to do in 2018. Plus, our big duplex renovation has already hit a snag before we could even start, and why a bunch of naked people on TV are inspiring us to look at our possessions in a whole new way. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-78/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

The beach house feels like it’s coming together in fast motion these days. After over a year of working on it, we can’t believe it finally has working appliances, a kitchen island, even a functioning kitchen sink! But taking the freshly plumbed clawfoot tub for a spin didn’t exactly work out the way Sherry thought it would. We also dive into advice for mixing and matching wood tones in a room for a look that’s collected, not chaotic. Plus the autopilot Christmas decoration we’re both loving this year and the triumphant return of everybody’s favorite segment (consider it our Christmas gift to you). Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-77/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

You haven’t heard a lot about the duplex that we bought three months ago. It might seem like not much is happening, but we’re actually working on three things behind the scenes that are inching us closer to demo day! We also learn what really goes into creating a home magazine (the good, the bad, and the sweaty) from HGTV Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Sara Peterson. Plus, some simple ways we’re automating our home on the cheap (without the use of any more smart home devices) and how to make your candles burn longer and stronger. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-76/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

As much as we love the holidays, all the “stuff” that goes along with it (gifts, decor, things piling up on every surface) can get overwhelming. So this week we’re sharing how we’re approaching things differently in an effort to maintain the joy of the season. And one of the most common questions we get is “who do I figure out my style?” so we’re spelling out exactly how we do that when we’re feeling torn, which actually happens more than you might think. Plus, Sherry revisits a controversial opinion that she passionately shared last week and John declares war on his screen time. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-75/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

People always ask if we ever argue, especially with all the house projects we tackle together. Well, the short answer is yes. And the speed bumps we hit while installing our beach house kitchen are a perfect example of what can spark a spat. So we’re sharing what we fought about, how we solved it, and who was right all along. We’re also dispelling a myth about a commonly espoused “real estate deal killer” that might not be as scary or expensive as you think! Plus, our take on the new “it” room to have in your house and our trick for getting holiday cards done faster. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-74/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Young House Love turned 10 years old this fall (!!!) so we're looking back at our last decade of renovating houses, building a business, and making plenty of mistakes along the way - all while on a public stage called the world wide web. You’ll hear how both in decorating and in business there were some pivotal moments that led us to where we are today - literally without them, we wouldn't be here - and they didn't all feel great at the time. In fact, some of them felt downright terrible. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-73/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

What we thought would be an easy swap of an old sectional for a new sofa has turned our living room on its head. So this week we’re sharing how we’re rethinking the layout and reinventing the space to work a little harder. We're also sharing countertop pros & cons, since we've lived with 3 different kitchens with 3 different counter choices. So you can hear our regrets to hopefully avoid making the same mistakes. Plus, we run into some hiccups in our meal kit delivery experiment that may have us falling out of love with them for good. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-72/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Keeping your kids safe at home is hugely important and creating a house that looks nice but is also livable (and not too precious) is basically the holy grail. So this week we’re sharing specific tricks and tips for how we childproofed our house without running down the safety aisle and buying every last foam pad and cabinet lock. We also finally got to meet Vern Yip in person, and he taught us a lot (like our favorite new term for choosing the right lighting) and made us laugh so hard (the hotel trick for stretching his Trading Spaces budget is the stuff of legends). We also talk about juggling the task of furnishing the beach house quickly, while attempting to layer in stuff that’s meaningful and not just convenient. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Our week was sent into a tailspin when we got a last-minute invitation to appear on The Rachael Ray Show, and within 24 hours we were on a plane to New York so we could DIY in front of a live studio audience the very next morning. As you can imagine, we have some pretty hilarious stories from behind the scenes (it turns out Rachael Ray was NOT trying to hug Sherry) and the whole adventure was bookended by two other big beach house milestones: moving furniture in and spending our first night there! So we’re sharing how that went - and what woke us up at 6am - plus we’re learning the hardest pieces of IKEA furniture to assemble (who knew?! WE DID!). We also dive into our favorite blog for getting into the Halloween spirit, and we share what store is actually making some pretty great mass produced art these days. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-70/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

This week John is laying out why he thinks the end of HGTV’s Fixer Upper might actually bring some good things, and Sherry’s revealing the secret screw-up that almost ruined our beach house floors. Plus If you’ve ever dreamed about buying a second property or wading into the real estate investing waters, we’re getting pro tips from real estate expert Dana Bull. She’s breaking down a less risky way to buy your first rental, explaining why being a landlord isn’t as scary as it sounds, and sharing tricks for renovating wisely. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-69/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

This week we’re giving a listener whose house flooded after Hurricane Harvey some advice on finding the right people to help get her kitchen back together again after the storm. We also share why we’re loving a new “smart” platform for buying and selling secondhand stuff. And we’re sharing a series of recent faux plant scores that make us proud to be fake plant owners. Plus John’s shares a free tool that’s finally putting the kibosh on one of his worst habits. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-68 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

When we look back at how we updated our previous homes, there are more than a few design decisions we regret - so we're breaking down five things that we’d go back and do differently if we had a time machine. And ding-dong, the deck is gone! Yup, we ripped that monster off the house, and the yard’s already feeling awesomely open - but checking this item off our to-do list has actually just added more to it (it's like the plot of 'If You Give A Mouse A Cookie'). We also check Sherry’s Color of The Year predicting skills, and John explains why he rejects tool brand monogamy. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-67 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Some people have declared the stainless steel appliance trend over (cue the gasps!). We used stainless appliances in our kitchen, but have decided against them for our beach house, so we're weighing in on when you might want to pull the trigger on stainless - or avoid it completely. And speaking of the kitchen, we've been trying some new things in there lately, including jumping on a certain culinary bandwagon, bringing some organization to our fridge, and finally taking a couple of those meal delivery services for a spin to see if they’re all that they're cracked up to be. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-66/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We’ve probably all got dual purpose rooms like a mudroom-slash-laundry room, a breakfast-nook-slash-homework-spot, or the ol’ guest-room-slash-office. So today we’re sharing the key to making one space actually work in multiple ways - instead of feeling like it does one thing waaay better than the other. We also chat about a recent attic clutter revelation, and John shares a negotiation technique so covert you might not even know you’re doing it. He also gets a tool he has daydreamed about for years and Sherry’s love of all things woo-woo leads her to try some unusual accessories that claim to help with sleep, allergies, and even happiness. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-65/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We’ve got some big news this week that you probably didn’t see coming (also: we might be crazy). Plus we share how we were able to pay off our mortgage (!!) and how the groundwork we laid over a decade ago in our first house made it all possible. We also chat about stuff you should NOT pass down to your kids (there’s some surprising stuff that experts say don’t make good heirlooms anymore) and we cover everything from our first house's cost to how our mortgage for our third house was actually smaller than our first. Be sure to check out http://www.younghouselove.com/podcast-64/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Who wouldn’t want more money in the ol’ bank account? So we picked a money expert’s brain for the most common places he finds his clients overspending, and for his best tips on making (and sticking to!) an easy household budget - which is definitely the key to saving more each month. Plus we share our not-scary techniques for negotiating with contractors, including how one short sentence has saved us $1500 in the past two weeks. We also dive into the not-so-straightforward process of fixing up our vintage pink stove, and a simple craft idea to keep little hands busy (which is always a good thing). Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast-63/ for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Watching your former homes get altered by their new owners can be tough, and we witnessed some changes that bothered us more than we expected. This week we’re sharing how we got over those feelings and how to find the silver lining in seeing someone undo your designs. We also took a long overdue step in making our current home’s driveway more kid-friendly, Sherry gets sentenced to more time in “tooth jail,” and our beach house has a brush with a true-crime saga. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

When it comes to paper clutter around the house, the struggle is real. Where does it come from? Is it in the rabbit family, because HOW IS IT MULTIPLYING?! We get it. And this week we’re sharing exactly how we keep it at bay (and exactly where we put everything, from receipts and school papers to bills, party invitations, and coupons). Also, a recent trip to tile at the beach house goes less than smoothly, but a bout of good karma saves the day. John also shares some psychology behind how to price your items on Craigslist, Sherry drops an easy way to keep frame galleries in order, and - believe it or not - there’s already a color of the year for 2018. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We’ve been on an organizing bender lately, so we called up pro organizers to the stars (yes, they’ve done Gwyneth Paltrow’s pantry!) and Target’s new home organizing experts: The Home Edit. Clea and Joanna explain how people are sabotaging their own organizing efforts, the right way to shop for baskets and bins, and how to not drive yourself crazy with labels. Also, Sherry shares two new (free!) sources of design inspiration that she has been devouring, John faces the facts about our online shopping habits, and we revisit if it’s really free to use a buyer’s agent when buying a house. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

It’s been a busy few weeks on our beach house renovation and they’ve been... well... less than smooth, to say the least. So this week we’re taking you through the saga of three setbacks that happened pretty much back to back (including a missed deadline, having no water line to our house, and a surprise medical complication). And although we're keeping it real about renovations not always being easy or straightforward, it all has a happy ending: we survived nearly 20 hours of tiling, and we share the handy gadget that made working in a house with no electricity possible. Also Sherry continues to refuse to be a clean freak, and we spill what it’s like to attend a live recording for a huge podcast (they had lines around the block). Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

When does sharing things about your kids online become oversharing? And how do older kids who have grown up on their parents' blogs and social media feeds feel about having their childhoods posted for public consumption? You’ve probably noticed we’re much more private about our own kids these days, and in this special episode, we’re diving into “sharenting” and the reasons why we’ve decided to scale back. We also talked with four other bloggers (Erin Loechner, Myquillyn Smith, Cassie Freeman, and Joy Cho) about how much is too much to share - and we loved hearing how they find the right balance for their family. It was fascinating to chat with people who all come at this topic from a different angle to hear what feels right for them and when they know they’ve crossed the line.   Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Decorating is incredibly subjective, and everyone has design choices they LOVE and other things that make them feel… I don’t know… twitchy? Sad? Hangry? So we’re sharing what we’re neurotic about avoiding in our own home: like a certain way of arranging furniture and a specific color combo. We’re also detailing a range of places to find original art (in an awesomely broad range of prices) and we share a personal update about our beloved chihuahua. Plus, we’re revealing our new secret weapon for typos, and - wait for it - the exciting conclusion to the “what computer bag will John get?” saga. WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE! Oh, and you get to experience the beauty of Drunk House Love. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

With another wave of decluttering washing over our house, we’re looking back at our last yard sale and the strange trick we used to make it a fast-selling success (and the minor detail we overlooked that nearly turned it into a major disaster). We’re also talking about how we sold both of our homes without a realtor, and what five things you should consider before you go the For Sale By Owner route yourself - including the HUGE misstep we made when putting our first home on the market. You’ll also hear why we’ve given up on one area of our yard looking pretty anymore (we’ve opted for pure function in that spot) and Sherry shares her new favorite footwear.   Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

This week we talk about a fun new design assignment we’ve taken on (our first commercial space!) and we finally have some good news in the beach house department! We also get a crash course in Feng Shui by an expert, and learn the places in our home where we’re intuitively following their guidelines... and the spots where we’re not doing so hot: like the wrong message our bedroom decor might be sending, and how our office floor plan might be thwarting one person’s productivity. Plus we share how you can hang out with us this summer thanks to HGTV Magazine, and we both reveal an item of clothing that we’re oddly particular about getting just right. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Back in July of 2007, we couldn’t imagine getting married any other way than exactly how we did: a small sweet wedding held in our very own backyard. But fast forward ten years and there are a few things we’d do differently in hindsight. So we're diving into those details, along with sharing the special way we rang in our 10th anniversary (some old habits never die). Plus we reveal what home purchase we’re arguing about these days, and why I need an intervention when it comes to a certain accessory that I've been married to longer than Sherry. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Sherry has taken on a new side job that John's steering clear of, and - spoiler alert - it has already given her a good excuse to go shopping. Plus, we’ve missed our goal of being able to spend a night at the beach house by the start of summer, and it's all due to something we never could’ve anticipated (or prevented). We also find out which design trends most people are ready to be done with (shiplap? succulents? decorative poufs? *gasp!*) and you'll hear what annoying outdoor to-do list item I checked off my list for Father’s Day. And - oh, look! A deer! Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We don’t always see eye-to-eye when it comes to purchases for our home, so this week we’re sharing some strategies we’ve developed for helping the other person see things our way - whether they’re the one who is itching to buy something, or the one trying to rein it in. We also picked up a surprising trick for online shopping that has saved us over $1,500 on items for our beach house so far! Plus, how we’re making good on our goal to get outside more often, how cutting the cable cord has inspired a new kid-friendly TV option, and why you shouldn’t craft and talk on the phone at the same time (it could literally ruin the world).  Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

It may seem counterintuitive (don’t most people want to add a deck?!), but ous is GIANT and it’s just not pulling its weight anymore. So you can find out why we think tearing it down is the way to go - and what the heck we want to put in its place on this week’s episode. We also talk with Manhattan Nest’s Daniel Kanter about which design trends are getting tired - and why older homes shouldn’t be approached in the same way as their newer counterparts. Plus John gets mushy over his favorite saw, Sherry considers the trip of a lifetime, and we can’t stop talking about a talking fish. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We’re celebrating fifty episodes and one year of podcasting (!!!) with a special episode that takes you behind the scenes and unearths some of our weirdest moments, cringiest sound bites, and even an email we got from Beyonce’s dad (for real). We share the stuff that we love about podcasting (sometimes even more than blogging) along with what parts we loathe, and how a pizza got this whole thing off to a rocky start. Plus we introduce you to the crew of people who work on this show behind the scenes. Spoiler alert: they’re all weird. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

There’s no denying that we’ve fallen hard for the color pink over the last few years, and we’re certainly not alone (Millennial Pink, anyone?). So today we're talking about the color trend that’s seemingly everywhere, how it relates to our beach house, and the pitfalls of being swayed by style trends. We also share the dramatic conclusion to our most hated DIY undertaking EVER (yes, I sound like that guy who hosts The Bachelor, but it's an adequate description), and we explore what features in your kitchen can turn buyers off. Plus, we share some travel tips for making quick trips easier, and we learn about a new source for dressing super tall windows where you can literally buy curtains by the pound. Yup, the pound. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Making over our beach house isn’t all rainbows and unicorns and pink siding. So this week we’re diving into a few tasks that have been especially stressful - and we’re sharing one thing we did to calm our nerves (and remind ourselves why we’re doing all of this in the first place). We also get some pro tips from the Clean Mama herself for keeping a house more tidy and organized (including the best tools and tricks that she uses on her own home). Plus we’re sharing the Instagram account that surprised John, the outdoor updates Sherry has been eyeing, and we test our expertise in all things Ikea. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

What happens when you aren’t sure if your current house is your long-term house? And if it’s not, how do you know when to stop improving it? We’re tackling those two BIG questions, including how the answers affected our own renovating decisions. Also, pretty soon after we shared our mostly-finished master bedroom on our blog, someone tossed a wrench into the room. A big, beautiful wrench that snowballed into a bunch of other changes - all of which were totally free. Plus, we talk about what’s making our weekday mornings less stressful, and the surprising thing that could lower your home’s property value. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We did it! We finally cut the cable cord (thanks in part to your suggestions) and now we’re spilling how it all went down and, more importantly, how it’ll save us tons of money this year! And yes, Sherry still has her beloved Bravo channel. We also learn some pretty eye-opening secrets about a few big HGTV stars and even get to talk to two new ones - from right here in Richmond! Plus, we share how we live without ceiling fans and how Sherry’s nerding it up with her new favorite neckwear. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We had an “a-ha” moment while we were away on spring break, which led to a HUGE whole-house purge (including lots and lots of toys) and a ridiculously surprising reaction from our kids. So this week we talk about what inspired the change, and how it has shaped our outlook moving forward. We also share how we got so chummy with our neighbors - and how you can foster a more social atmosphere with yours. And we learn why paying attention to house staging tips might pay off, even if you have no plans to move. Plus Sherry finds inspiration in the success story of one of her favorite accessory designers and John finds inspiration by gawking at people on the beach. Like a creeper. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

This week we’re sounding off on an article that says open floor plans should be a thing of the past. We’ve been known to knock down walls and widen doorways to add a more expansive feeling and better flow in all three of our homes, but there are undeniable reasons why it may NOT always be the right call. So we’re breaking down all the pros and cons of open concept living and pointing out when to avoid the urge to open up a floor plan - plus what to do if you’re struggling with the one you’ve already got. We also share a big curb appeal improvement that we tackled in just one afternoon and Sherry spills her favorite sources for extra long curtains and explains why she loves them so much. One last gripe: what’s the deal with all of those storage units popping up everywhere!? Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

One of the hardest things to master at home is mixing color and pattern (which can look CRAZY or *yawn* if you go about it without much direction). So we turned to someone who’s great at it for advice: Cassie from Hi Sugarplum. We loved hearing how she balances her bold aesthetic to create a high-impact house, and even how she knows when she has gone too far. Plus, we share how we made good on one of our New Year’s resolutions and how we found ourselves celebrating Sherry’s birthday in a way that super surprised one of us (not so much the other one). We also talk about why your living room might be the reason your house won’t sell. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

As we find ourselves in the midst of our biggest and most pocket-draining project ever, on this week's episode we’re sharing our system for planning and managing our spending during any large scale upgrade or renovation (plus we divulge a few money-saving tips along the way). We also share how some simple house updates paid off big for a friend, we learn why you shouldn’t touch someone else’s toilet paper, and we school ourselves on the correct pronunciation of “hygge.” Also, MARIGOLDS!!! Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

In this week's episode we go behind the scenes of a home makeover show with Candis and Andy Meredith, who tell us how they got their HGTV show and what surprised them most about the process. Plus, they share their infectious affection for historic homes and give us their best tips for bringing old character to a house of any age. Sherry also talks about how she has been helping our neighbors stage their house to sell, I reveal how I managed to simplify one of our least favorite chores, and we both share how we recently saved hundreds of dollars (!!!) on a beach house update. Also, why is it SO DANG HARD to cut the cable cord?! Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

This week we're sharing how a recent weekend getaway to a small cottage turned into a reconnaissance mission for our own vacation rental project. Plus, finding ceiling lights that look good together but aren’t too matchy can be tough. We struggled with it ourselves until we learned to rely on one simple trick for keeping our home’s light fixtures in check - without robbing them of all interest and personality. We're breaking that down this week, along with what pro decorators say guys should never have in their homes. We also herald a new painting tool that I'm obsessed with... and it turns out Sherry's really bad at something that most people can do without even trying. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Guess what? Even pro house cleaners hate cleaning. So we asked YouTube cleaning guru Melissa Maker to share her secrets for making your cleaning chores faster, more effective, and all-around less painful. Plus, Sherry dives headfirst into the (often mispronounced) Danish concept of “hygge” and how it can make for a happier and cozier home. We also take a look at the wacky backstory to one of our favorite household products and an even wackier date night that had us laughing with (and at) our neighbors. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

In this special episode, we’re talking about the unpredictable and sometimes dramatic ways that we’ve seen the internet change in the last decade. Has social media dethroned blogging? Has sponsored content made things worse? And what has made us more guarded about opening our lives up for public consumption? In this recording of our keynote talk from Altitude Summit, we tackle all of this and more, including why a Bachelorette turned to us for advice, what we regret about a major moment in our career, and what blog comment still brings Sherry to tears. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

In this episode we’re talking about what women “should” and “shouldn’t” have around the house (Sherry’s guilty of at least one!) and we’re diving deep into the question of metal finishes. Should they all match within a room? How about throughout the house? And is the brass trend over or here to stay? Plus, you guys call in with your very own random and hilarious house quirks, and we share the awesome and the cringe-worthy moments from our trip to Palm Springs. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

In this long overdue update on our beach house renovation, you’ll hear how we’ve got some walls going up and many others coming down - and why we’ve changed our mind on the floor plan (again!). We also revisit our master bathroom reno for a sec (which is still percolating). Plus, we talk with Oh Joy’s eponymous founder, Joy Cho, about turning a blog into a lifestyle brand - and pushing through the many rejections along the way. We're also talking about a simple upgrade that has streamlined our hall bathroom and an even simpler sticky fix that has solved a cord nuisance in our house. Oh, and Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

What should you do when a sentimental hand-me-down just doesn't fit in with the rest of your home? And if you try and try but just can’t find a way to love it, do you keep it out of guilt and give it everlasting side eye or let it go and cry because you feel heartless? We’re weighing in on that tough call most of us have to make. Also, another one of Sherry’s house schemes quickly unravels and I get real about those online “find your style” quizzes. Plus, we give an underrated kitchen accessory a moment in the spotlight, we find out what your home state smells like, and a famous “neighbor” drops us a line. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

This week we count down our five favorite tricks for adding flow to any space so it feels larger and less cramped. We also divulge a big financial plus for buying a beach house in such bad condition (it's saving us thousands!). Plus we explore what organizational items annoy professional organizers, and what they recommend instead. We also get some great tips from a listener who finally conquered her giant laundry pile. Oh, and John reveals some mildly creepy Facebook stalking that turned him into a self-proclaimed hero. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.ero. 

What’s it really like to downsize? We talk with House*Tweaking blogger Dana Miller about how moving to a smaller home (at a time they’re family was expanding!) helped them achieve their financial and family goals, and why it’s not always as easy as it may seem. Plus, our own pursuit to spend less money on things and more on experiences leads to a very strange morning together. Also, when should you buy vs. rent a new tool and Sherry’s favorite quick trick for dents and scratches in wood furniture. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

When a listener asked about the strange habits or odd things you might uncover in our house, we jumped at the chance to pull back the curtain and call each other out: from the unusual supply that John keeps in the office to the confounding items you might find sitting on our couch and in our kitchen drawers. Plus, a local realtor puts the kibosh on Sherry’s fantasy bathroom renovation and John shares a popular home robot that sadly didn’t live up to our expectations. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We didn’t find love in a hopeless place, but we found a beach house color in a surprising one. Yes, several weeks, multiple test swatches, and 1,500 comments later, we’ve finally settled on a color for our beach house’s exterior - and the decision came from one of the most random places! Plus, we talk to blogger, designer, and Domino contributor Jenny Komenda about the challenges of running a design business and what decor trends she’s noticing in the new year. Plus, we’re digging some weird stuff this week. We’ll just leave it at that. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We asked you to call in with your house-related resolutions for 2017, and boy did you guys deliver! In this episode we play some of our favorite listener voicemails and share what home-related changes we’re hoping to implement in the coming year. Plus, we share why we were giving all of the presents under the tree some serious side eye on the night before Christmas, how we found something burning in our son’s bedroom, and we take a look at what trends Pinterest is projecting will be big in 2017. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

When you’re hiring out renovation work in your home it can be exciting and awesome.. and sometimes it can be deflating and frustrating… which was the case recently for us. So we’re sharing some red flags to look out for and some tips to try to avoid that issue along with a few more ways that we’ve cut down on holiday stress (and gift excess). Plus we dive into our favorite design books, dig up John’s old journal, and enjoy some holiday tunes from a very special guest. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Who has 7 kids, a gorgeous Brazilian vacation house, and is on this week’s podcast? The Novogratz, of course! This week Robert and Cortney talk to us about creating the perfect guest experience in your home, as well as designing around a big household with a wide range of kids. Plus, we are CRAZY STUMPED about an upcoming paint color choice. Like, 14 test swatches in… and still no decision. Also, we take a stand against an ongoing computer rebellion in our house, we look at our vacuuming shortcomings, and John professes his love of organizing little things. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

This week we talk about pacing yourself through your home renovations, so your eagerness to make changes doesn’t get you in deeper than your budget, time, or ability allows. We also list a few places to start, and how to redirect yourself if you’re pondering a project that might be better left for later. Plus, John shares one of his weirder DIY battle wounds to date (thanks to our new beach house) and Sherry talks about a few new twists on our holiday decor. We also share our favorite stocking stuffers for DIY or decor lovers, and marvel at some of the weirder products to come out of Shark Tank. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We’ve got something pretty major that we couldn’t wait to share with you on this week’s podcast (Sherry almost can’t contain herself). We’re also chatting with designer Brian Patrick Flynn, the man behind several of HGTV’s Dream Homes whose work has also graced the pages of Domino and Country Living. Plus, with holiday hosting around the corner, we’re taking a look at what house guests really notice when they stay with you - and we’re sharing our love for the world’s newest and most unlikely powerhouse couple in the homemaking arena. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Christmas is around the corner, which means so is the fun (and the frenzied chaos) of the season. So this week we’re sharing how we decorate our house for the holidays - and the seasons in general. Plus, Sherry takes on a surprising decorating client, John lets go of the pursuit for the perfect family dinner, and we share a seemingly small feature in our kitchen that’s making a big impact. Also we talk about the invention of the broom. Prepare yourself to be riveted. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Our friends from the blog Chris Loves Julia have renovated three kitchens in three years - and they’ve even redone a kitchen in under 6 days (!!!). So yeah, they have a ton of experience, advice, and hilarious stories to help anyone else out there who’s contemplating a kitchen remodel of their own. We’re also talking about John’s shed organizing progress, diving into some helpful decluttering revelations, and digging around to see what paint colors are statistically shown to help sellers get top dollar (they’re not what you think!). Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Coming at you from a hotel room in Baltimore, this week we answer three callers seeking home-related updates, from how things are holding up years later to whether it was a shock to move from a smaller ranch-style home to a larger two-story one. Sherry also celebrates *almost* predicting a 2017 color of the year, John gets emotional over another podcast, and we share why it’s especially nerve-wracking to do DIY on camera. Oh, and in honor of Election Day, our quiz takes a surprisingly political turn. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

You know when you just can’t seem to find your momentum on a certain home task? Well, today we fess up to one that’s had us stuck for months. We also get to talk to HGTV’s Nicole Curtis about rehabbing old houses, working in a “man’s world,” and why she thinks it’s hard (but important) to be an open book with her fans. John also spooks up a Halloween-inspired game, Sherry gleefully removes something from our new kitchen, and we drool over cake stands. Well, and cake. Mostly cake. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

How the heck does any home improvement get done with kiddos in the mix? We’ve been asked this question countless times (and have wondered it ourselves in more than a few moments of desperation). So today we’re sharing four of our favorite tactics for juggling parenting and DIY duties, while fending off the frustration of feeling like nothing’s getting done. John also fesses up to his HUGE screw up during our kitchen reno and Sherry takes a stab at a guys vs. girls Pinterest guessing game. Plus, we find a mutual appreciation for the place where hand crafts and zombies overlap. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We’ve all seen the ubiquitous white wall trend, but do bloggers and designers just choose them because they look good in photos? In person do they feel bright & cheery or cold & stark? We talk to two bloggers - one who loves ‘em and one who isn’t sold - and we weigh in with our own pros & cons on the subject. We’re also spilling the beans on a new outdoor project that we’re taking on, Sherry braces herself for an uncomfortable “renovation” of her own, and we continue our quest to cut down unwanted mail. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

When is it best to do something yourself and when should you hire it out? We faced that question a lot during our big kitchen remodel, and today we’re discussing how we made the call, including strategies for saving time and money. We also bust out our five favorite routines that keep household clutter in check (bonus: they’re all pretty easy!).  Plus, we share some unconventional ways that we’ve discovered original artwork and we learn how to do some pretty weird stuff… like turning a bedroom into a vampire den. Yup, you read that right. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Design*Sponge founder Grace Bonney shares what 12 years of design blogging has taught her about her style, the Internet, and why there’s no such thing as work-life balance. We also take you behind the scenes of our new coloring book, turn to a titillating source for some design advice, and talk about the curse that’s plaguing John this year. Plus, find out what we’re doing to cut down on unwanted clutter from the postman. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We’ve been working on a HUGE project at home and we’re excited to be spilling the beans about it here first! Also on this week’s episode, we help a listener who’s looking for fast & cheap ways to fill her empty walls - including some of our favorite sources and easy tricks for affordable art. We also share a tech upgrade that’s allowing us to be lazier in the bedroom, gear up for a well-hydrated October, and mull over the 2017 paint color of the year. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

In this episode, we chat with furniture designer and tool ninja Ana White about how she found the courage to dive into building everything from beds and bookcases to tiny houses and forever homes. We also go behind-the-scenes of our recent teachers lounge makeover (you’ll never guess what item threw us the biggest curveball) and discuss Gwyneth Paltrow’s recently listed house… using words we never imagined. Plus it turns out we’re both kinda on the fence about a particular design trend in the bathroom. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Thanks to some college students catching national attention with their extravagant dorm decor, we share where we fall in this debate and open up about our own experiences with college housing. We also get some great design advice from HGTV’s Vern Yip, and spill our first impressions of meeting Emily Henderson for the first time. We also nerd out over a smart home we visited, and learn a hard lesson about why rice is sometimes not your friend. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

In this special episode, you’ll hear what we learned from taking nearly 12 months off from blogging thanks to the closing talk that we gave (and taped!) at the Haven Conference last month in Atlanta. It covers the 5 important lessons that are completely clear to us in hindsight, and more details about why we stopped, what we would’ve done differently, and what new challenges we all face in this hyper-connected Internet world. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Is there a “right” order when it comes to decorating or renovating a home? What comes first, the paint or the furniture? The big renovations or the small updates? In this episode, we answer a listener voicemail with our best tips for tackling even the most daunting of house to-do lists. We also share a new weekly tradition in our kitchen, ponder what it looks like when reality stars flip houses, and impart a free tech tip that might even save you some cash. Plus, listeners share their embarrassing ER stories and - guess what? - our first house is for sale again! Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

If your relationship with area rugs is best described as “it’s complicated”, well, this is the episode for you. We’re sharing five simple rug rules to help you choose the right size, style, and figure out what to do in adjoining rooms. Plus we talk to Flipping Out’s Jenni Pulos, who has survived years of stressful renovations and reality TV drama, all while helping Jeff Lewis keep his head on straight. She’s full of great advice and she even busts a rhyme with Sherry. We also share what tool John’s dying to add to his arsenal, what it’s really like to go on a book tour, and we look beyond the ever-popular fiddle leaf fig. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

What happens when you and your partner have different design aesthetics? In this episode, we share what works in our household and some ways that other couples can meet in the middle when it comes to decorating their home. We also dive into what drives professional organizers crazy and outline what organizing efforts might actually be counterproductive. Plus, we find out what it’s like to live in a home that was featured on Trading Spaces, who’s giving us pool envy, and why there’s a glass bowl on our yard (it’s definitely not there for curb appeal). Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

In this episode, we share a trio of recent mishaps, from a yard project that went awry and an anniversary gift that got away from us to the random event that nearly broke Sherry’s finger. We also tap the owner of a fabric and upholstery business to get the inside scoop on curtain mistakes to avoid, ways to save money, and what’s trending in the textile world. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

One of the O.G.s of design TV, Genevieve Gorder, offers up a slew of solutions to common design challenges, like mixing patterns, making small spaces feel bigger, and stretching your decorating dollars. Plus, we share a jealousy-inducing update that the current owners made to our old house, relive a blush-worthy moment from our honeymoon, and contemplate what As Seen On TV products might add some wow to our shower. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

In this special episode, we have a candid talk about sponsored posts with Emily Henderson (Style By Emily Henderson), Justina Blakeney (The Jungalow), and Nicole Balch (Making It Lovely). Paid content is a big part of the blogging world these days, both for blog writers and blog readers. So these three professional design bloggers are clearing up misconceptions by peeling back the curtain on topics like negative feedback, transparency, and yes, even how much money there is to be made. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Is there a magical age when your house starts feeling more grown-up? In this episode we discuss what three well-known design sites think should (and shouldn't!) be found in your home when you hit the big 3-0. We also share some of our go-to housewarming gifts, spill a few of our favorite tricks for hanging stuff on the wall, and look at what real estate features are mentioned most when it comes to selling homes in different states. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

We talk with Tiffani Thiessen about designing her kitchen, cooking for celebs on her show Dinner at Tiffani’s, and serve up a Saved By The Bell inspired decorating quiz. We also dive into a big construction project that John’s working on, share an embarrassing realtor blunder, and explain exactly how Nate Berkus has inspired Sherry in the bathroom. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Designer and fellow ceramic animal enthusiast Jonathan Adler gives us a call and imparts his decorating wisdom, we share how a simple bed swap led to a major rug revelation, and John challenges Sherry to share her favorite curtain tips in under 60 seconds. Plus we talk about how a landscaping plan and the use of a certain social network is helping us upgrade our exterior. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Interior designer Orlando Soria gives smart advice for navigating common decorating challenges like finding your style, mixing patterns, and figuring out where the heck to start. We also share how our building projects have gotten a little faster, what whole-house upgrade brightens our day, and why our garage needs some serious help. Plus, we explore some titillating paint color names along with the work of one of Trading Spaces’ most memorable designers. Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Designer Sarah Richardson shares one of her biggest makeover mistakes, which prompts us to reflect upon a design fail that we’ve made not once, but twice! We also dive into how we attempt to keep our house in order, and dig up some research about why decluttering can make your head hurt. Plus, you'll hear how our mornings have gotten greener, what has changed about our frame game, and we'll test our knowledge about a popular design show's slew of spinoffs.  Be sure to check out younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

Designer and TV host Sabrina Soto opens up about what she loves, hates, and has cried over in her 9 years of making design television. Plus, we hear how motherhood has changed her style and what it’s really like backstage at the Home Shopping Network. We’ll also share what’s new with us, play another rousing round of “What’s Not”, and shout out a surprisingly resilient plant that we use both inside and out. Be sure to check out www.younghouselove.com/podcast for notes, links, and photos from this episode.

In this episode, we discuss what the internet thinks are found in “rich households” and talk about some easy ways we can all make our own homes feel a little fancier without breaking the bank. We also give you an update on what’s new with us, find out what paint colors you might use to make a sandwich, and foreshadow a potential toilet paper related injury. Be sure to check out www.younghouselove.com/podcast for more notes, links, and photos from this episode.