Kitchen islands are a common feature in many modern homes, but this week we discuss why they aren’t always the best choice — including a downside we discovered in our own beach house kitchen. We also share lessons from tiling a backsplash: preparation, patience, and embracing a little imperfection. John explains a new method for choosing paint colors, Sherry reveals a new favorite beach accessory, and we introduce Chad — who provides plenty of laughs and surprises.
You can find the episode on popular podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, and Spotify, or listen to the embedded player below. Use this page to see the photos and notes referenced in the episode. If you’re viewing in a feed reader, click through to the post to access the player.
What’s New
- Below are photos of our beach house kitchen backsplash as they appeared when we recorded. Since then we finished grouting, and those photos will be added soon.
- We used inexpensive white subway tile from a national tile retailer and a basic mastic to adhere it directly to drywall after roughening the surface with sandpaper. Including grout and a new trowel, the whole backsplash project cost roughly $200 — a very budget-friendly update.
- If your local store doesn’t have this tile in stock, similar white subway tile can usually be found at major home improvement retailers.
- For a clear sequence of steps, we followed a detailed backsplash installation guide covering layout, adhesive application, tile setting, and grouting.
- To decide on the final look, we made multiple photoshop mock-ups of different tile layouts until we landed on one that felt right for the space. Visualizing options is a helpful part of the design process.
- We also discussed a recent Wall Street Journal opinion piece that argues kitchen islands can sometimes harm kitchen flow and function. Our beach house island, which houses the sink, highlighted both the pros and cons of that layout, while our home kitchen island serves a different purpose.
Chad Rohde (aka John’s Doppelganger)
- Chad and Travis from Rohde Construction in Dallas are longtime pros in remodeling and building projects. Their Instagram presence and portfolio show a range of residential work that demonstrates real skill and attention to detail.
- We initially connected with Chad and Travis through social media and local coverage. Their on-site humor and approachable personalities made them a natural fit for the podcast.
- One particularly funny moment is Chad’s online trolling of John, where he recreated similar poses and outfits. The side-by-side comparisons Sherry made were impossible not to laugh at.
- Below is a photo that offers a glimpse into their work and personality — a good reminder that skilled professionals can also be great storytellers.
We’re Digging
- To choose the right paint color for the duplex shutters, we used removable paint decals that let us test swatches directly on the surface. Because the shutters were louvered and slightly textured, the decals looked a bit uneven, but on a smooth wall they would lay flat and give an accurate preview. We marked each decal with a small initial to identify the paint color.
- For our beach trip, we picked compact, inflatable float loungers that fold down small for easy packing. They inflate with minimal effort and pack away flat, which makes them ideal for travel. There’s also a smaller child-sized version we’ve used in the past.
We want to say a big thank you to Room & Board for sponsoring this episode. They offer furniture and design consultations that can help you refine a room’s layout and style. If you’re looking for inspiration or practical help, a consultation with a trusted furniture retailer can be a useful step.
Thanks for listening, and for following along with our projects. We love sharing what we learn the hard way so you can avoid the same mistakes — and enjoy the wins.
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