This week I’m admitting a kitchen design choice at our beach house that I insisted on but have since decided was a mistake. Luckily it’s a fairly simple fix, so we’ll walk you through our change of heart and what we did to correct it. We also weigh in on a divisive decor trend that makes people surprisingly passionate (yes, it can actually cause rage-y reactions). Plus, we share honest tips for recreating that cozy, luxurious magazine-style bed at home — and explain which styling tricks are best left to professionals. And for anyone wondering: yes, Young House Love did briefly become a board-game phenomenon.
What’s New: The Fridge Swap and Pantry Update
Originally we installed a compact mini fridge next to the pantry, while the full-size refrigerator sat inside the pantry area. We discussed that two-fridge solution on Episode #74 of our podcast and in posts about buying appliances and converting the breakfast nook into a walk-in pantry. After living with it, we decided the layout wasn’t working visually or functionally, so we swapped the cabinets and the mini fridge. The update made the kitchen flow better and freed the pantry to serve its intended purpose.
We also finished the built-in pantry shelving that surrounds the full-size fridge, which created a more cohesive, built-in look and added practical open storage. Below you can see the pantry shelves in place around the refrigerator.
Want to see how the pantry and kitchen connect? We have a video tour on the blog that shows the layout and how everything fits together.
Can We Just Talk About… Backward Books and Shelf Styling
The “backward books” trend — turning books so the spines face inward — has sparked strong opinions across the design world. Critics argue it hides content and feels affected; proponents like the simplified color and texture it brings to a shelf. For our home, we landed on a compromise: organize books by general color groupings rather than strict rainbow order. The result feels intentional without being sterile or overly curated.
We prefer a lived-in look for bookshelves — some order, some imperfection — which keeps the room warm and personal instead of museum-like.
Listener Question: How to Make a Magazine-Worthy, Cozy Bed
We often get asked how to make a bed look luxuriously cozy without spending a day fussing over it. The secret is purposeful layering and a few sizing tricks that add volume and texture.
Examples from catalogs (West Elm, Pottery Barn, Ballard Designs, Annie Selke) show a spectrum from casual “lived-in” beds to more tailored, formal arrangements. They all use overlapping layers to create depth: duvet, quilt or blanket, multiple pillow sizes, and accent cushions. You don’t need every accessory — focus on the formula that fits your bed size and lifestyle.
What we use on a queen bed that reads extra-plush:
- A king-sized duvet with a full king insert (oversizing the duvet creates a fuller silhouette).
- Two king-sized decorative pillows with shams layered in front of the sleeping pillows.
- An accent pillow in the center and a king-sized blanket folded at the foot of the bed for added texture.
The extra inches from the larger duvet and blanket create that inviting, overstuffed appearance you see in catalogs — but the arrangement is completely achievable at home and works with everyday sleeping habits. For a more tailored effect, choose neater layers and fewer accent pieces; for a relaxed look, tuck and fold casually.
If you want a DIY headboard, check our upholstered headboard tutorial that walks through the process step by step. Re-covering a headboard in neutral fabric is an easy update that changes the whole bedroom vibe.
We’re Digging
- Board games: We had a blast sharing a recent board-game night on Instagram. If you missed the Stories, we archived the highlight on our profile so you can rewatch the shenanigans and the “YHL Game?” moments.
- Game picks: We recommended easy, lively games like Exploding Kittens (and its Imploding Kittens expansion) and Bears Vs. Babies. Games that are quick to learn and full of laughs tend to be crowd-pleasers — and we’re always open to more suggestions.
- Home finds: Sherry’s favorite basil-scented hand soap also comes in dish soap, and the seasonal Mrs. Meyer’s Iowa Pine sampler is still available in a few places if you want to try it.
If you want a consolidated list of all the items we’ve featured in past episodes, we maintain a master list of everything we’ve been digging over the years — a handy resource when you can’t remember which episode mentioned that great find.
Thanks to Agility Bed for sponsoring this episode. They’re offering $150 off any Agility Bed mattress with the code YHL150 at checkout; details are available through their site.
Thanks for reading and listening — we love hearing your thoughts and ideas, so keep them coming!
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