It’s official: new research confirms many of us aren’t using all the square footage in our homes. Yet we continue to buy, heat, cool, furnish, and clean those unused rooms. Why do we keep doing that? This week we dig into a study that pinpoints which spaces tend to go unused, and we discuss what matters more than raw house size—especially for people who love entertaining but want their home to work smarter, not just be bigger. We also share a painting project that didn’t photograph well and the lessons that come from sharing renovation details publicly. Plus, as summer winds down, we peel back the curtain on an ongoing disagreement about our beach house that’s been bubbling for months.
You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, or Spotify — or listen to it embedded below. Use this page to find the links, notes, and photos we mention. Note: If you’re reading in a feed reader, you may need to open the post to access the audio player.
WHAT’S NEW
That’s Embarrassing
- Above is a photo from our half bathroom that we shot for our second book, where the pearlescent topcoat we added to the walls is nearly invisible in the image. In person the subtle sheen is noticeable, but the camera didn’t capture it well.
- The topcoat is a pearlescent white metallic glaze we used over Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray, the same soft neutral used in many rooms downstairs. We love the finish in the room itself; it’s simply hard to show in a still photo. We’ll try to post a short video soon so you can see the subtle shimmer in motion.
Does Anyone Use Formal Spaces Anymore?
- A recent article prompted us to think about formal rooms and whether they still serve a purpose. The piece argued that formal living and dining areas often go unused and that homes should prioritize flexible, lived-in spaces.
- We also reviewed a study that mapped where people actually spend their time at home. The heatmap made it clear: kitchens, family rooms, and multiuse areas get the most attention, while formal dining rooms and other formal spaces are often neglected.
We’ve talked about this topic before on the podcast. In past episodes we admitted our own house might be larger than necessary and explored the practicalities of downsizing. We’ve also interviewed people who have embraced smaller living, including homeowners in tiny houses and families who made conscious choices to reduce square footage to meet financial and lifestyle goals. If you want to rethink how space serves you, revisit those discussions for real-life perspective and ideas.
We’re Digging
- We recently saw a live performance that reminded us why storytelling matters. If you enjoy story-based podcasts and books, there are great options that inspire young writers and storytellers.
- You might recognize a recent photo we shared to highlight a favorite mascara; the same image also showcased a necklace many readers asked about. The piece pictured has a delicate 16″ chain and a small center stone in white gold—simple, everyday jewelry many people gravitate toward.
If you’re trying to find a recommendation or resource we mentioned on a past episode but don’t recall which show notes to check, we maintain a master list of everything we’ve featured across episodes. That index makes it easy to track down books, products, and interviews we’ve discussed. We also list recommended reading on our Book Club page for anyone looking for curated picks.
Finally, thanks to our episode sponsor. They offered a sweepstakes and a Back To School promotion at the time the episode aired. We appreciate sponsors who help keep the show running and occasionally provide discounts or giveaways for listeners.
Thanks for listening and for following along with our home stories and experiments. We appreciate the time you spend with us and the thoughtful conversations that follow each episode.
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