Can the colors, furnishings, and accessories we choose for our home actually make us measurably happier? Today we explore the science of joy and share design strategies that can lift everyday moods — and even make chores feel more pleasant. We also point out a few places where our home already feels joyful, and a few spots that could use improvement. Plus: the lesson learned from holding on to a piece of furniture for too long, and a big dollhouse project that didn’t go quite to plan.
You can also find this episode on your favorite podcast app, like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, and Spotify.
What’s New
- The Instagram photo above sparked questions about our new coffee table.
- Here’s another view from the opposite side of the room that shows the X-shaped base more clearly and the little nooks at each end where we tuck two white poufs from upstairs.
- A closer photo shows that the finish isn’t perfect, but the table works well for our family—much better than the ottoman it replaced. We’ll share details if we decide to tile or refinish the top later.
- For reference, here’s a photo from a couple of years ago showing the large leather storage ottoman that served us for about eight or nine years. We appreciated how well it held up before the faux leather began to peel.
- We tried to find pictures that captured the ottoman’s deterioration and the little flakes it left behind, but apparently we avoided photographing the worst of it. Here’s a casual iPhone shot from last year that shows bare spots where the faux leather was peeling, and the tiny white flecks on the floor that were the ottoman’s “confetti.”
- Sherry also mentioned the headboard in our guest room, which is actually the back of a wicker headboard we found on Craigslist. You can see it below and read more about it in our book, Lovable Livable Home.
That’s Embarrassing
- Here’s a photo of the Sweet Shop dollhouse project in progress and the dozens of tiny parts we tried to assemble into a miniature candy store. Note the paper fan blades intended to become a ceiling fan—spoiler: that never happened.
- Sherry did a great job pulling it together in time for Christmas, and our daughter absolutely loves it. As Sherry said, it doesn’t exactly match the picture on the box, but it works for play and imagination.
- If you missed our earlier talks about dollhousing, you can find Episode #124, Episode #125, and the post about our first dollhouse makeover in the archives.
“Joyful” Decor Discussion
- Sherry recently finished a book she loved, Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness. She recommended it, and I’ll be reading it next.
- We mentioned a few of the spaces that inspired our conversation, such as the DIY fabric-covered wall in our daughter’s closet…
- …and the removable wallpaper murals we recently installed in the duplex.
- When you start looking, circular shapes and round objects show up everywhere in our living room. They create a softer, more playful rhythm in the space.
- If you want to add a celebratory feel at home, string lights can help — we use patio lights in our backyard and control them with an outdoor smart plug.
- Sherry also likes to use salt lamp nightlights to create a warm glow around the house; we have a few in the kitchen and bedrooms.
We’re Digging
- Sherry’s brass grasshopper figurine (her “brasshopper”) is a recent find and makes a cheerful accent. A smaller companion lives on our mantel at home.
- We also picked up a Paymaster painting by listener Vita, who painted it while listening to the show. It’s a happy, round-themed addition to our office.
- Sherry hunted for whimsical accents that spark a smile — a collection of playful finds we’ve been enjoying around the house.
- Finally, here’s a reminder of the podcast episode where we first talked about getting our driveway paved, which came in handy during a recent stretch of unseasonably warm weather.
- And for anyone asking, the portable basketball hoop my parents bought the kids at Christmas was a multi-piece assembly but I managed to put it together solo.
If you’re trying to track down something we’ve mentioned before, here’s a master list of things we’ve been digging from past episodes, and you can also find books we’ve recommended on our Book Club page.
Thanks to Annie Selke for sponsoring this episode. Their big Presidents’ Day sale starts Thursday, and they’re offering 20% off much of the site.
Thanks for listening!
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