Painting our brick house white was just the beginning of our exterior update plans. This week we’re sharing more of what’s next—projects that range from straightforward to unexpectedly complicated. We also have an exciting update about a paint color collaboration we’ve been developing, plus another round of listener-submitted design norms from around the world, including features like bomb shelters, frost lines, and an unusual “witch window.” And for a bit of fun, we tried a strange-but-great mystery subscription box that made us feel like we were living inside a crime drama.
You can also find this episode on your favorite podcast app such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, or Spotify.
What’s New
- Spring has arrived, so here’s an updated photo of the house we painted white last fall, now framed by a white flowering dogwood in the front yard.
- We’re planning to order a gently swooping awning from a UK supplier because we couldn’t find a local option that matched the shape we wanted. Tracking down the exact style took a lot more effort than we expected, but we’re excited about the final look it will give the entry.
- We recently launched a masonry paint color collection created in collaboration with a trusted paint brand. The collection reflects months of research and testing—it’s paint we chose and used on our own home after receiving numerous recommendations from readers. The full post about the collection explains why we love the formulation, how we selected the colors, and practical tips for applying masonry paint to brick and other exterior surfaces.
- There’s also a special color landing page that showcases the full palette and offers additional guidance on pairing the paint with existing roof and trim colors, plus door color suggestions if you want a coordinated look.
Updates
- If you missed our earlier episodes about global design norms, we recommend starting with Episode #133 for a deep dive—it’s one of our favorites. We revisited the topic in later episodes and received a ton of great listener contributions that continue to surprise and inspire us.
- One listener from Copenhagen sent a photo showing how hotels there sometimes use two twin duvets on a larger bed, neatly made side by side—a neat example of a local habit that looks unfamiliar elsewhere but makes perfect sense in context.
- The so-called “Vermont witch window” came up in conversation, and we received images that illustrate its distinctive slanted form. The window has an interesting folklore attached to it, and seeing actual examples helps explain how these regional quirks evolve.
- Another topic we touched on was Singapore’s requirement for bomb shelters in newer apartments. That design mandate shapes how residents live and how buildings are designed; there are thoughtful photo essays and interviews out there that document the lived experience of these spaces.
We’re Digging
- We tried a narrative mystery subscription called Hunt A Killer, and the boxes are surprisingly immersive. The package contents include documents, props, and clues that build an elaborate story, so solving the case feels like collaborative detective work. Below is a photo showing some of what we received so far; a few items are intentionally blurred to avoid spoilers, but the image gives a sense of how detailed and tactile the experience is.
- There’s often a promotion for first-time subscribers—if you’re curious, check the provider for the latest offer. We enjoyed the immersive storytelling and the way puzzles and physical clues pull you deeper into the mystery.
- For something more family-friendly, we’ve been playing the card game SET. It’s a deceptively simple visual pattern game that’s great for sharpening observational skills. Below are three examples that show what counts as a “set.”
- The top example has three cards that share almost everything—same color, same oval shape, and same solid shading—only the number of symbols differs. That constitutes a set.
- The middle example shows three cards with the same shape and the same number, but each card differs in color and shading—another valid set.
- The bottom example demonstrates three cards where every attribute (number, color, shape, shading) is different from the others—and that also forms a set. There’s a simpler junior version of the game suited for younger players if you want to introduce the concept to the littlest members of the family.
If you’re trying to track down something we mentioned in a past episode, we maintain a master list of recurring recommendations and features from previous shows, including all the books we’ve discussed in our Book Club. Those resources make it easy to find past “we’re digging” items and episode references.
A final thank you to Social Print Studio for supporting this episode. We often partner with companies that help bring design projects to life, and sponsors like this help make the podcast possible.
Thanks for following along—your ideas and questions keep these conversations fresh and inspiring. We can’t wait to share the next round of updates as projects progress and new discoveries pop up.
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