#133: The Fascinating Ways Homes Differ Around The World: a house log

Over 600 people wrote in to tell us about design norms from their specific country or region, and today we are sharing some of the most popular, interesting, and unique responses. From the distinct ways we sleep and shower, to how we do laundry and how we do, um, our business – you folks gave us a fascinating window into how and why homes do not all look alike around the globe. I also issue a public apology for fighting Sherry on a design choice in the duplex kitchen, and we share the Instagram account that is the ideal pick me up to add to your routine.

You can also find this episode on your go-to podcast listening app, like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, and Spotify.

What is New

• If you missed our original disagreement about the cabinetry in the duplex kitchens, it was in Episode #120 from November. Those show notes also have a lot of renderings to illustrate the options we were considering.
• The pertinent one to our discussion now is this one of the mudroom (seen through the doors from the kitchen). It was a rough idea at the time and our final order did not include that tall cabinet on the right side of the window since we ultimately concluded it would make the space feel too narrow. So, in the end, we simply ordered those 3 base cabinets, each with 3 drawers (times 2 since it is a duplex!).

• Once we chose to nix the closed storage for those big three-tiered shelving units, this is the stack of boxes we got to return (along with some additional toe kicks and hanging hardware). That is how we ended up getting over $2,000 back!!

• And here is how things are looking now that we have brought in those Ypperlig open shelving units from Ikea to the tune of $110 each. Not only are they a lot more cost effective, we think the open storage space that people can easily see when they walk in (plus some bins to contain snacks, drinks, etc) will be extra useful and obvious for weekly renters – who might not have seen closed drawers and realized they could store snacks, drinks, or coolers in there.

• Here is a view from the top, where you can better see that the shelves are in fact lightweight metal slats. So wipeable and durable, we enjoy them already.

• We also truly like the blonde wood accent, which complements the kitchen cabinets so nicely on the other side.

Homes Around The World

• Thanks again to UK listener Jo who first suggested this segment back in Episode #125 in response to our previous episode about our preferred laundry room location.
• Also, we mentioned our old apartments in New York City. You can in fact take video tours of both of them in these old posts: here is Sherry’s Village apartment and my Upper West Side apartment. It cracks me up that Sherry filmed those way before we were ever bloggers.
• I know you folks are dying to see examples of a “Pittsburgh Potty.” This news article has plenty more (along with more info) if you are curious about this unusual phenomenon.
• And the newfound info about Japenese “Onsen” tubs led Sherry down the rabbit hole of Japenese Soaking Tubs. Spoiler alert: now she wants one for our bathroom when we tackle that renovation.
• We also talked about warmer climates and their decorative metal grates on doors that allow for breezes to come in. Below are some that we spotted during our anniversary trip to Puerto Rico two years ago.

• And Apartment Therapy did a strong article on Finnish Dish-Drying Cabinets with several photos if you are looking for how to create one in your own house. They are SO SMART.
• And I learned that that the design podcast 99% Invisible has a few episodes covering some items that we discussed, including the Finnish Dish-Drying Cabinet and the Hills Hoist.
• Oh and that Hills Hoist article is where I learned the drinking game is in fact more popularly known as “Goon of Fortune,” not “Wheel of Goon.” Either way, it is lively to say.

We are Digging

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• Above is an example of the videos you will find on Donté Colley’s Instagram feed.
• And here is a peek at the nostalgic children’s book I picked up lately called “Oh, Were They Ever Glad!”

• I do not want to give away the final image in the book, but here is the house before the children decide to assist paint it while the parents are gone…

• And in related news, here are some other books we are 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 are looking for something we have dug in a past episode, but do not remember which show notes to click into, here is a master list of everything we have been digging from all of our past episodes. You can also see all the books we have recommended on our Book Club page.

And lastly, a big thank you to Agility Bed for sponsoring this episode. Simply enter the code YHL at AgilityBed.com to get $200 off any size mattress.

Thanks for listening, folks!

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