Can the colors, furnishings, and accessories we choose for our homes actually make us measurably happier? In this post we explore the science behind joy and examine simple, practical design choices that can lift everyday moods — and even make mundane tasks feel a bit more enjoyable. We also highlight a few ways we’ve already introduced joy into our home, point out spots that still need attention, and share a lesson learned from dragging our feet about replacing a worn-out piece of furniture. Plus: a comical dollhouse project that didn’t go exactly as planned.
You can also find this episode on your favorite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, and Spotify.
What’s New
- That Instagram photo above shows the new coffee table many of you noticed.
- Here’s another shot from the opposite side of the room so you can better see the X-base and the little nooks at each end where we tuck two white poufs when not in use.
- In a closer photo you can see the finish isn’t perfect, but it functions well for our family — much better than our old ottoman in its final days. We’ll share details if we decide to tile or refinish the top later.
- For context, this shot from a couple of years ago shows the big leather storage ottoman it replaced. That ottoman served us well for eight or nine years, so no hard feelings.
- We tried to find photos of its deterioration (and the faux-leather “dandruff” it left around the house), but apparently we either avoided taking those shots or vacuumed most of the evidence away. Below is a random iPhone photo from last year showing bare spots where the faux leather began peeling — those white dots on the floor are ottoman confetti.
- Sherry also mentioned the headboard in our guest room, which is actually the back of a wicker headboard we found on Craigslist. We included a photo below and wrote about it in our second book, Lovable Livable Home.
That’s Embarrassing
- Here’s a behind-the-scenes photo of the Sweet Shop dollhouse project mid-assembly, with dozens of tiny pieces awaiting transformation into a dollhouse candy store. Note the paper fan blades in the foreground that were meant to become a ceiling fan — spoiler: that didn’t happen.
- Sherry did a great job pulling something together in time for Christmas, and our daughter absolutely loves it. It doesn’t look much like the picture on the box, but it’s loved all the same.
- If you missed earlier discussions about our dollhousing adventures, check out Episode #124, Episode #125, and the post about our first dollhouse makeover for the full story.
“Joyful” Decor Discussion
- Sherry recently finished a book about joy that she loved—Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness—and she recommended we discuss how small design choices can boost mood.
- We referenced a few spaces during the discussion, like the surprise DIY fabric-covered wall in our daughter’s closet…
- …and the removable wallpaper murals we recently installed at the duplex.
- Take a look around your own home: once you start noticing, circles and round elements show up everywhere in our living room. They add a softness and rhythm that feels celebratory.
- If you want to bring some celebration into your outdoor space, string lights create instant atmosphere — we use patio lights and an outdoor smart plug to control them.
- Sherry also turns on salt lamp nightlights every day to add a warm glow around the house; we have three in the kitchen and one in each upstairs bedroom.
We’re Digging
- Sherry’s gleaming brass grasshopper figurine — what she jokingly calls her “brasshopper” — makes an appearance in the photos, and a smaller version sits on our mantel at home.
- We also picked up a Paymaster painting from listener Vita; she painted it while listening to the podcast. It’s a lovely, unexpected addition to our collection — another example of how art can add warmth and personality.
- Sherry gathered a list of playful or whimsical items that can bring a smile to a room; small touches like these help layers of joy feel intentional rather than accidental.
- We also linked back to the podcast episode where we first talked about getting our driveway paved — a project we found especially useful during an unexpected stretch of 70-degree weather.
- And if you’re curious, the portable basketball hoop my parents bought the kids during holiday sales was another multi-piece assembly that I managed to put together by myself.
If you’re looking for something we mentioned in a past episode but can’t remember which show notes to check, we keep a master list of everything we’ve been digging from past episodes. You can also find the books we’ve recommended on our Book Club page.
Finally, a thank-you to Annie Selke for sponsoring this episode. Their Presidents’ Day sale starts Thursday, February 14th, with sitewide savings; we appreciate their support.
Thanks for reading!
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