This week we share an exciting new design project (our first commercial space), plus long-awaited progress on the beach house. We also sat down with a Feng Shui expert for a clear, practical overview of how to apply its principles at home. Along the way we discover which parts of our house already follow good Feng Shui, and which areas could use improvement—like the unintended message our bedroom decor sends, and how the current office layout may be affecting one of our productivity levels. We also have summer plans with HGTV Magazine and reveal two items of clothing we’re oddly particular about.
You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio — or listen to it on the page above. Use this post to find links, photos, and notes we referenced during the show. Note: if you’re reading in a feed reader you may need to open the full post to hear the episode player.
What’s Not
- Above is a “before” photo of the loft office we’re redesigning for the ad agency where I used to work full time. The dog in the shot is Atlas, the office mascot.
- We weren’t able to visit Cape Charles last week, but our contractor sent a drywall progress photo from the beach house—standing near the back door and looking toward the curved foyer wall. It’s a big milestone and very exciting to see the space taking shape.
Updates
- We’re returning to the HGTV Magazine Block Party this summer. Last year’s event was full of great design energy, and we’re looking forward to connecting in New York City on August 21. It’s a lively gathering of creators and editors from the industry.
- Attendees will include Joy Cho from Oh Joy, Sam Ushiro of Aww.Sam, Sara Peterson (editor-in-chief of HGTV Magazine), plus other bloggers and designers. We’ll share highlights from the event here after the show.
- If you want background on our first in-person meeting with Emily Henderson and last year’s Block Party experience, check Episode #15 for the recap and stories from that event.
- For shoppers wondering about product authenticity, Ikea issued a clarification regarding listings on Amazon—confirming that some items shown there are not official IKEA products. It’s worth checking manufacturer statements when you see odd listings online.
- For fans of rural house hunting, we recommend TV shows like Escape to the Country (often described as the British take on House Hunters) and We Bought A Farm on HGTV for countryside inspiration and property hunting stories.
Feng Shui
- We spoke with Tenaya Kolar, a Feng Shui expert and design consultant, who gave us an accessible crash course in using Feng Shui to shape rooms and flow.
- Her guidance focuses on practical changes—arranging furniture to improve command positions, layering lighting, and choosing art that supports the room’s intended energy.
- Below are photos that illustrate how small adjustments—like adding a mirror to reflect the area behind your chair—can change how a space feels and functions.
- In our office, Sherry’s desk was already more in a “command” position, and a mirror added above my desk helps me feel more secure by reflecting what’s behind me—a simple change that improves confidence and awareness.
- We also examined bedroom decor and found pieces that unintentionally send a “single” energy. Swapping or rebalancing decor can support the relationship energy we want a bedroom to convey.
- One bedroom wall features a single-figure print above a plant, and a matching piece hangs on the opposite side. Small details like these can be adjusted to better reflect the room’s intended purpose—rest, connection, or relaxation.
We’re Digging
Here are a few things we’ve been enjoying lately—products and finds that made the show notes.
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- Sherry tried several black one-piece swimsuits during a recent shopping session. She kept two that fit her style and proportions the best and shared tips for others with similar body types—especially for those with smaller frames and shorter torsos.
- I’ve been wearing a simple, close-fitting baseball cap in navy that I like for its clean look and fit. I plan to add a black and a green option to my collection. Basic accessories like these can be versatile, understated additions to everyday wardrobes.
If you’re trying to find something we recommended in a past episode but don’t remember which show notes to check, we maintain a master list of all the items we’ve featured across episodes—useful for tracking down past favorites and resource mentions.
Finally, a thank-you to DAP for sponsoring the episode. To learn more about their products and to find helpful how-tos, visit their site and social channels. We appreciate partners who help support the show and provide useful tools for DIY projects and home improvement.
Thanks for listening and following along with our projects and design discoveries.
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