It’s official: new research shows many of us aren’t using all the square footage in our homes, yet we continue to pay for it—mortgage, heating and cooling, decorating, and cleaning. This week we explore a study that pinpoints the specific spaces that go unused, and suggest what to prioritize instead of obsessing over house size—even if you enjoy entertaining large groups. We also share a painting project that didn’t go as planned and what it taught us about documenting renovations online. Plus, as summer winds down, we open up about a months-long (and sometimes heated) disagreement over the beach house.
You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, and Spotify — or listen below. Use this page to find links, photos, and notes we mentioned. Note: If you’re reading in a feed reader, you may need to open the post to see the player.
WHAT’S NEW
That’s Embarrassing
- Above is one of the photos we shot of our half bathroom for our second book, Lovable Livable Home. In person you can see the pearlescent topcoat we added to walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray, but it’s nearly invisible in that photo. Better natural light or video helps show the effect more clearly.
- The product we used was Benjamin Moore’s Pearlescent White Metallic Glaze. We love how it looks in person; it just doesn’t translate well in that small space photographically. Sherry plans to post a video on Instagram Stories this week to help you see the finish better.
Does Anyone Use Formal Spaces Anymore?
- A Curbed article got us thinking about this topic: “Our Homes Don’t Need Formal Spaces,” written by Kate Wagner of McMansion Hell. It echoes themes from an article about renovation fatigue we discussed in a recent episode.
- We also looked at a heatmap graphic from a study showing where people actually spend their time at home. The dining room registered a single dot—definitely not the hub most homeowners imagine.
- In Episode #95 we admitted we think our own house might be larger than necessary.
- Episode #106 features Shavonda Gardner discussing the realities of downsizing.
- Episode #82 includes an interview with Kevin and Mandy who live in a tiny home; their Instagram documents their tiny home renovation.
- Episode #33 is an older show about downsizing with Dana Miller and how buying less can support financial goals.
We’re Digging
- If you enjoyed Story Pirates’ podcast like we do, you might like their book Stuck In The Stone Age, which offers fun tips for young storytellers. We recently caught a live Story Pirates performance and loved it.
- You may remember a recent photo used to show Sherry’s favorite mascara; we’re reusing it because readers keep asking about her necklace. Her necklace has a 16″ chain with a small .10 stone and is white gold.
If you wanted an item we mentioned in a past episode but don’t remember which show notes to visit, here’s a master list of everything we’ve been digging from previous episodes. You can also find all the books we’ve recommended on our Book Club page.
Finally, thanks to Smartstuff Furniture for sponsoring this episode. Enter to win up to $5,000 in kid, baby, and teen furniture at their giveaway through August 27th. They’re also offering up to 15% off during their Back To School event, ending August 27th.
Thanks for listening!
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