We’re sharing a spontaneous pop-in episode to tell one of the most mortifying stories Sherry has ever shared on the podcast — of course it happened in the nicest house we’ve ever been in and in front of one of Sherry’s design heroes. We also cover what remains on our to-do list, answer the frequently asked question about our next big project, and compare what feels different about this house versus our last one. We talk about how someone might perceive the home if they entered without us being there. Finally, we each highlight recent home purchases and recommend books and TV shows that have been making us laugh or keeping us on the edge of our seats.
You can find this episode on your favorite podcast app; search for the show title in your preferred player to listen.
What’s New
- We referenced three major projects in our last podcast episode from 20 months ago. Here’s a quick recap of how those projects turned out: our small but mighty kitchen renovation is complete; we finally added proper walkways and a legitimate parking spot for two; and we reconsidered and ultimately passed on a bathroom plan that didn’t feel right for this house.
- While we work on a new post about updating the cabinets in our utility closet, you can look back at the original utility closet makeover where we tested a cube organizer for about a year. Living with a solution for a while was invaluable for discovering what truly worked for our family.
- This episode was recorded in what we jokingly call our “podcasting cocoon.” We propped pillows over a microphone, draped a blanket across the table, and closed the curtains to dampen sound — simple tricks that made the recording much cleaner.
- If you’re curious about other recording setups we’ve used, we’ve shared photos and notes from earlier episodes showing our various approaches over the years, including a humble “baby chair” setup that proved surprisingly effective.
Well That’s Embarrassing
- Our friendship with designer Vern Yip began when he called into our podcast in 2016 and later met up with us at a book signing in 2017. Over time we became friends on social media and now meet when he’s nearby. Penny is reliably star-struck whenever he’s around.
- We enjoyed having him over, and the story Sherry tells in this episode involves an awkward moment she experienced in his beautiful powder room. She even recreated the moment in a reenactment photo that clearly shows the door hinges and the expression of disbelief.
- We tried to find an old episode where Sherry told a separate story involving Kevin Bacon, but couldn’t track it down in time — if you remember it from an older episode, send us a note so we can link it for listeners who want the full context.
Which House Feels Most Like “Us”?
- Explaining why one house feels more “us” than another is subjective, but photographs can help illustrate the differences. Below are images comparing an ensuite bathroom from our previous home with the single shared bathroom in our current house. The contrast in scale, finishes, and mood helps explain why the newer place feels quirkier and more casual, while the old place read as more traditional and formal.
- The exterior images reinforce that feeling: our current home’s playful, compact curb appeal contrasts with the statelier facade of the previous house. Inside, differences like a massive 10′ island and heavyweight quartz in the old kitchen versus a cozy dining table in the middle of a smaller kitchen here shape how the spaces feel and how we live in them.
- Closet solutions also tell a story: a luxurious walk-in closet in our former home versus a practical wall of IKEA wardrobes in our current bedroom. Neither is inherently better — they simply support different routines and lifestyles.
- All of these contrasts are personal and experiential. Photos can’t fully capture how a space feels to us in person, but they help communicate the general impression we were trying to describe on the episode.
We’re Digging
- Here are a few books and shows we mentioned that we recommend: The Light Pirate; The Measure; and The Only One Left. Each offered something different — compelling storytelling, unforgettable characters, or atmospheres that lingered after we finished.
- On TV, titles we discussed include Only Murders in the Building (season three streaming), Based on a True Story (one season), and Barry (series complete). All three vary in tone but consistently delivered addictive viewing.
- On the home front, Sherry has been using acrylic purse dividers to keep smaller bags organized, and a clear nail polish caddy that makes color selection much easier. We also picked up a refurbished smart display for the kitchen that we use as a clock, photo display, and quick info hub; a surprisingly useful multitasking device for day-to-day life.
If you want to revisit recommendations from past episodes, we maintain a master list of everything we’ve been digging, along with a Book Club page of titles we’ve discussed over the years.
A quick thank you to the sponsor of this episode for supporting the show. We appreciate partners who help make the podcast possible and allow us to keep sharing honest stories and useful projects.
Thanks for listening!
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