It might seem odd—doesn’t everyone want to add a deck?—but our back deck just isn’t working for us anymore. On this week’s episode we explain why we’ve decided to take it down, what we plan to do in its place, and how the space will function better without the old structure. We also chat with Daniel Kanter of Manhattan Nest about design trends that are starting to feel tired and why newer houses call for different design choices than older homes. Plus: I gush about my favorite wet saw, Sherry daydreams about an unforgettable trip, and we can’t stop laughing about a novelty talking fish.
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What’s New
- The photo above was taken about three years ago, which is probably when our back deck looked its best. The previous summer we had stripped and re-stained it and had just finished the sunroom area.
- The deck’s railings now feel like they confine the yard rather than connect to it—looking out from the kitchen we can barely see any lawn.
- We’re a little behind on getting the outdoor area ready for summer, so these photos show how the deck has declined and why we’re ready to rethink the whole space.
Quick Tip
- We keep buying the same fitted sheets because they fit our thick mattress and stay put. Our favorite pattern is “Beachcomber,” which is subtle and versatile.
- If you prefer a traditional box-spring cover, there are solid options from retailers that carry a wide range of bedding styles.
- For a neat finish, bedskirt pins are a small, inexpensive item that really help keep everything in place.
What’s Not
- Sherry fell down a rabbit hole of decorating fads—there’s an infographic she loved that traces home decor trends over the years.
- We still love our Nest thermostats and installed them ourselves. They remain one of those small splurges that make daily life more comfortable—nothing beats turning the AC on from bed on a hot night.
- And in case you needed a reminder of novelty toys from the past: yes, the Big Mouth Billy Bass is very much a thing.
Manhattan Nest
- Daniel Kanter documents his renovations on Manhattan Nest and shares updates across social platforms. His projects range from kitchen remodels to full apartment transformations, and his before-and-after reveals are especially inspiring.
- The kitchen in his current Kingston, NY home and the living room from his former Brooklyn apartment are great examples of thoughtful renovation and layered styling. He recently shared a den reveal that includes a satisfying before-and-after sequence.
- Daniel has also contributed perspective to wider conversations about popular houseplants—like the fiddle-leaf fig—and how they became design trends.
We’re Digging
- My enthusiasm for wet saws remains strong. A recent backsplash job rekindled my appreciation for a good tile saw—here are a few styles to consider depending on budget and needs:
- Mid-range sliding wet saw with stand and laser guide: great balance of features and price.
- Basic 7″ wet saw: an affordable starter option that handles most small tiling tasks.
- Portable masonry saw: compact and useful for larger-format tiles if you can steady the cut by hand.
- Larger 10″ wet saw with stand: pricier, but offers a bigger blade, larger work surface, and extras like a spray guard for more frequent or heavier use.
- Tsh Oxenreider’s travel memoir has us dreaming of distant places and making plans—her writing and podcast are great if travel or slow living inspires you.
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Finally, thanks to Modsy for sponsoring this episode. Their room renderings helped us visualize a new layout for our home office, and seeing furniture and layout options to scale made planning so much easier.
Thanks for listening!
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