We received over 600 responses describing local design norms from readers around the world, and today we’re sharing some of the most popular, surprising, and distinct observations. From the ways people sleep and bathe to how laundry and pantry storage are handled, your replies offered a lively look at why homes vary so much across regions. I also offer a public apology for arguing with Sherry over a cabinetry decision in the duplex kitchen, and we share a cheerful Instagram account that makes for a delightful break in your feed.
What’s New
- If you missed our original disagreement about the cabinetry in the duplex kitchens, it happened in Episode #120 from November. Those show notes include renderings illustrating the different options we considered.
- The particular rendering relevant to this discussion showed a view of the mudroom through the kitchen doors. That was an early concept—our final order omitted the tall cabinet to the right of the window because we felt it would make the corridor feel too narrow. Instead, we ordered three base cabinets, each with three drawers, and doubled that for the duplex layout (three drawers x 2 units).
- After deciding against closed storage and choosing big three-tier shelving units, we returned a stack of boxed cabinets plus some extra toe kicks and hanging hardware — which ended up netting us over $2,000 back.
- We replaced the original closed-storage plan with Ypperlig open shelving units from Ikea, priced at about $110 each. They’re significantly more cost-effective, and the open shelving makes it obvious where renters can store snacks, drinks, and coolers — things that might be overlooked if hidden behind drawers.
- From above you can see that the shelves are made of lightweight metal slats — they’re wipeable, durable, and already feel very practical.
- We also like the blonde wood accent on these units; it complements the kitchen cabinetry on the opposite side and adds warmth to the space.
Homes Around The World
- A big thanks to UK listener Jo, who originally suggested this segment back in Episode #125 in response to our earlier conversation about preferred laundry room placement.
- We also referenced our old New York City apartments — you can find video tours of both spaces in earlier posts: Sherry’s Village apartment and my Upper West Side apartment. It’s fun to see how much our early spaces contrast with the homes we design today.
- Several of you asked about the curious “Pittsburgh Potty” — a small, basement-mounted toilet found in some older homes. There are articles documenting this oddity if you want a deeper dive into that regional quirk.
- As for bathing traditions, the discussion about Japanese onsen soaking tubs led Sherry to explore traditional Japanese soaking tubs more seriously. She now says she’d love one when we renovate our bathroom.
- In warmer climates we noticed decorative metal door grates that allow breezes to pass through while keeping a level of security and privacy. We spotted many examples of these on our anniversary trip to Puerto Rico.
- Finnish dish-drying cabinets also came up as a brilliant design solution: a cabinet with built-in shelving and drainage designed to air-dry dishes. If you want to recreate something similar at home, there are helpful articles and photos that explain how they work.
- The design podcast 99% Invisible has episodes that touch on several of the ideas we discussed, including the Finnish dish-drying cabinet and the Hills Hoist rotary clothesline, an iconic piece of suburban Australian design. (Fun note: the drinking game associated with the Hills Hoist is often called “Goon of Fortune.”)
We’re Digging
One Instagram account we’ve been enjoying is Donté Colley’s feed — his videos are joyful, uplifting, and a perfect pick-me-up. Check out Donté’s Instagram if you’d like something bright and encouraging in your feed.
- Recently I picked up a nostalgic children’s book called “Oh, Were They Ever Happy!” — I won’t spoil the final image, but the story includes a charming scene where the kids paint the house while the parents are away.
- Here are other books we’ve been reading to our kids lately:
- Iggy Peck, Architect
- Story Pirates: Digging Up Danger
- Into The Town All Year ’Round
- Richard Scarry’s Cars And Trucks And Things That Go
If you ever want to revisit something we’ve featured in past episodes but can’t recall which show notes to open, we keep a master list of everything we’ve been digging. We also maintain a Book Club page with all the books we’ve recommended.
Finally, a big thank-you to Agility Bed for sponsoring this episode. Use the code YHL at AgilityBed.com to get $200 off any size mattress.
Thanks for listening and for sharing your local design stories — we loved reading them and hearing what makes homes around the world unique.
*This post contains affiliate links*