On this week’s episode we tackle a familiar dilemma: what do you do when a sentimental hand-me-down just doesn’t fit with the rest of your home? If you’ve tried and tried to make it work but still can’t bring yourself to love it, do you keep it out of guilt and resent it, or let it go and accept you’re ready to move on? We also share one of Sherry’s house plans that quickly unraveled, and I get honest about those online “find your style” quizzes. Plus, we spotlight an underrated kitchen accessory, discover what your home state smells like, and receive a surprise voicemail from a well-known neighbor.
You can download this episode from iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio — or listen to it below. Use this page to check any links, notes, or photos we referenced. Note: If you’re reading in a feed reader, you may need to click through to the post to see the player.
What’s New
- The photo above was taken by Sherry during a house tour. Notice the small set of “stairs” in the lower right; if they were installed as shown they would block entry from the foyer and interrupt the open kitchen/living room layout.
- Emily Henderson’s post on design quizzes sparked our thinking about how those quizzes shape style assumptions and expectations.
- I reviewed our old posts about online style quizzes to check links and content. Many of our older quiz posts are no longer available—most of those dedicated posts date back to 2011.
- For fun, here are a few current style quizzes you can try:
- Emily Henderson’s Home Style Quiz
- Houzz’s What’s Your Decorating Style? Quiz
- Apartment Therapy’s Ultimate Find Your Style Quiz
- The Novogratz’s mobile Gratzi Design Quiz
- HGTV’s selection of decorating quizzes
- On a lighter note, BuzzFeed still hosts personality quizzes — I apparently come out as banana bread on one of their food quizzes.
What’s Not
- Curious what your home state smells like? Homesick Candles offers scented candles inspired by each state so you can find the aroma that matches your roots.
Listener Calls
- Want to ask a home design or DIY question? Leave us a voicemail at 571-4-YHLHAP (571-494-5427).
- Below is the green buffet in our dining room we mentioned; when we first found it it needed a few paint touch-ups.
- We also shared how we revived a hand-me-down dresser from John’s dad; it now lives in our master closet and shows how a little work can make a sentimental piece functional again.
- For more on making heirlooms work in your home, see our second book, Lovable Livable Home, which discusses this topic starting on page 29.
We’re Digging
- My Crazy Invention Sketchbook is a great blend of art and engineering for kids and makes a fun, creative gift.
- Sherry’s favorite fruit bowls were rounded up for those who asked — a selection of options in a variety of shapes and finishes to suit different kitchens and displays.
Psst — if you’re looking for something we’ve featured in a past episode but don’t remember which show notes to open, we’ve compiled a master list of everything we’ve been digging across past episodes.
Check out Delta Faucet’s products and innovations at DeltaFaucet.com/YHL.
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