Welcome to the debut episode of Young House Love Has A Podcast, the audio companion to our long-running home design and DIY blog. In this exciting first installment, we pull back the curtain on some fascinating topics that resonate with every homeowner, dreamer, and DIY enthusiast. We dive deep into the intriguing question of what the internet perceives as essential elements in “rich households,” sparking a lively discussion about the subtle and not-so-subtle markers of affluence in home design. More importantly, we explore practical, budget-friendly strategies that empower all of us to infuse our own living spaces with a touch of elegance and sophistication, making them feel a little fancier without needing to break the bank.
Beyond our main discussion, this episode brings you up-to-date with the latest happenings in our lives and homes. We embark on a whimsical journey into the world of paint colors, imagining what hues you might choose to perfectly capture the essence of a sandwich – a segment designed to spark creativity and a fresh perspective on color palettes. And in true Young House Love fashion, we even manage to foreshadow a potentially amusing, albeit minor, toilet paper-related incident, reminding listeners that even in the world of home design, everyday life provides plenty of unexpected moments.
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Home Updates & New Discoveries
In our “What’s New” segment, we love sharing the practical and exciting additions that have recently made their way into our lives and homes, making daily routines a little smoother or outdoor tasks a lot easier. These are the items that genuinely stand out and make a difference.
- Stylish Paper Organization: Sherry recently introduced a game-changer for managing the endless stream of papers that come home from school. As seen in the image above, a chic gold wire bin has become her secret weapon for wrangling everything from precious artwork to completed worksheets and important notices. This isn’t just about functionality; it’s about introducing a touch of organized beauty to the often chaotic world of family paperwork. We highlighted a similar, equally elegant option available at Target, perfect for anyone looking to replicate this system. For larger families or those with multiple school-aged children, the challenge of paper clutter can be even greater. That’s why we also pointed listeners towards an awesomely stackable alternative, providing an expandable solution that grows with your family’s organizational needs. These bins not only keep papers tidy but also add a touch of modern design to any desk, countertop, or mudroom area, transforming clutter into a curated display.
- Embracing Cordless Lawn Care: The inevitable happened – our traditional gas lawn mower finally gave up the ghost. This unexpected event, however, opened the door to a modern upgrade that has truly transformed our yard work experience. I made the switch to a cordless electric lawn mower, a decision driven by a desire for a more eco-friendly, quieter, and hassle-free mowing solution. This transition moved us away from the fumes, noise, and maintenance demands of gasoline engines, embracing the convenience of battery power. We discussed the specific model I chose, emphasizing its ease of use, sufficient battery life for our yard, and impressive cutting performance. Furthermore, we delved into the research process, sharing details about another highly-rated cordless electric mower I seriously considered. This comparative insight helps listeners understand the factors to weigh when making their own cordless mower purchase, from battery voltage and deck size to run time and overall durability, ensuring they can make an informed decision for their specific yard care needs.
Unconventional Inspirations & Pop Culture Deep Dives
This segment, playfully dubbed “What’s Not,” is where we explore the more whimsical, sometimes surprising, and always entertaining aspects of home design and related pop culture. It’s a chance to step back from traditional advice and find inspiration in unexpected places, from quirky paint names to viral listicles.
- The Art of Sandwich-Inspired Paint Colors: Our lighthearted exploration of paint colors took an unusual turn as we imagined a palette inspired entirely by the humble sandwich. This segment playfully challenged listeners to think about color in a new, imaginative way. We meticulously listed the “ingredients” of this unique palette, starting with a creamy off-white like Mayonnaise, a bold and vibrant yellow-orange akin to Spicy Mustard, and a refreshing green reminiscent of Dill Pickle. We also included sophisticated neutrals such as Rye Bread, a soft and earthy brown, a fresh and natural green like Lettuce Alone, and even a surprising bright pop with Cheese Powder. This whimsical exercise wasn’t just for fun; it subtly highlighted how descriptive and imaginative color names can be, and how specific hues can evoke feelings, tastes, and textures, influencing our perception of a space. It’s a creative way to encourage homeowners to look beyond typical color swatches and find inspiration everywhere.
- Buzzfeed’s Irresistible DIY Listicles: Sherry confessed her love for Buzzfeed’s engaging and often hilarious DIY-themed listicles, which served as the basis for a fun quiz during the episode. These articles tap into the collective consciousness of home decor enthusiasts with their relatable humor and often surprising observations. We referenced three specific listicles that resonate deeply with anyone passionate about their living space:
- First, “23 Signs You’ve Been Watching Too Much House Hunters,” a wonderfully accurate and funny take on the quirks and cliches of the popular real estate show. It’s a reminder that we all share similar experiences and observations when it comes to home searching.
- Next, we looked at “17 Urgent Questions I Have For Anthropologie,” which humorously dissects the unique, often extravagant, and sometimes baffling aesthetics of the beloved but distinctively styled retailer. It sparks conversations about aspirational design versus practical living.
- Finally, the truly unique “28 Products For People Who Are Super Excited About Pineapples” captured our attention, highlighting how seemingly niche trends can explode into widespread decor phenomena. This listicle perfectly illustrates how pop culture influences home aesthetics and how people embrace specific motifs with enthusiasm. These Buzzfeed dives offer a lighthearted yet insightful look into current home design trends and the broader cultural conversation around living spaces.
- Surprising Facts About Design Icon Nate Berkus: To round off our exploration of interesting tidbits, we shared Elle Decor’s captivating round-up of surprising facts about Nate Berkus. As one of the most recognized and admired figures in interior design, Berkus has inspired countless homeowners with his approachable yet sophisticated style. This article provided a rare glimpse behind the designer persona, revealing personal anecdotes and professional insights that make him even more relatable. Learning about the personal journeys and hidden facets of design icons helps us connect with their work on a deeper level, offering fresh perspectives on their creative process and sources of inspiration.
Feature Segment: The Allure of “Rich Household” Items & Budget-Friendly Elegance
Our main segment tackled a particularly intriguing topic that has captivated the internet: what truly defines a “rich household” in terms of items and products found within? This discussion was ignited by a fascinating Washington Post article, which itself was inspired by a highly engaging Reddit thread asking users: “what items or products are only found in rich households?” This inquiry sparked an incredible range of responses, from the truly extravagant to surprisingly mundane items that simply suggest a certain level of discretionary income and lifestyle. We explored the Reddit thread’s most upvoted and thought-provoking answers, dissecting the perceptions of luxury versus practicality, and how society often equates certain possessions with wealth. This led to a broader conversation about how these observations can actually empower us to create a similar feeling of luxury and intention in our own homes, often at a fraction of the cost, by focusing on quality, thoughtful details, and smart DIYs.
- Alstroemeria: The Budget Bloom Secret: In the context of making your home feel “fancier” without a hefty price tag, Sherry highlighted her enduring love for alstroemeria flowers, often known as Peruvian Lilies. These vibrant, long-lasting blooms are a fantastic example of how simple, affordable choices can elevate your home’s aesthetic. We referenced a gorgeous yellow bouquet of alstroemeria that we once featured as part of our beloved Budget Blooms series from years past. The segment emphasized why alstroemeria are such a smart choice: their impressive vase life, wide range of colors, and affordability make them accessible luxuries. They bring a burst of color and a touch of organic elegance that can instantly brighten a room and create that sought-after “rich household” feel without demanding a premium price. This perfectly embodies our philosophy of smart, stylish, and budget-conscious decorating.
- DIY Landscape Lighting: A Touch of Outdoor Opulence: Another perfect example of creating a high-end feel through DIY effort is our DIY landscape lighting project. I proudly proclaimed how this transformation made me feel like “Mr. Fancy Pants,” and for good reason. Thoughtfully designed outdoor lighting profoundly impacts curb appeal, enhances safety, and extends the usability of your outdoor spaces into the evening hours. While professional landscape lighting can be a significant investment, our project demonstrated that with a bit of planning and elbow grease, you can achieve stunning results yourself. We discussed the specific techniques and materials used, illustrating how strategically placed lights can highlight architectural features, illuminate pathways, and create an inviting, sophisticated ambiance after dark. This DIY project showcases how a hands-on approach can yield luxurious results, bringing a touch of refined elegance to your home’s exterior that typically characterizes more affluent properties.
What We’re Currently “Digging”
In our “We’re Digging” segment, we share the small delights and practical innovations that are currently making our lives better or sparking joy in our homes. These are the items, trends, or creators that have truly caught our attention and that we enthusiastically recommend to our listeners.
- The Superiority of L-Shaped Toilet Paper Holders: Sherry dedicated a significant portion of her “dig” to extolling the virtues of the “L-shaped” toilet paper holder. This seemingly minor detail in a bathroom can actually make a substantial difference in daily convenience and aesthetic appeal. Unlike traditional spring-loaded holders that often involve fumbling with a flimsy rod, the L-shaped design offers effortless roll changes – a simple slide on, slide off mechanism. This design also often presents a cleaner, more modern profile, contributing to a more streamlined and thoughtful bathroom decor. We showcased a few examples to illustrate the variety available: a sleek, more modern option that fits contemporary bathrooms, a more traditional design that blends seamlessly with classic decor, and a versatile choice that falls somewhere in between, offering a transitional style. These examples highlight how even the smallest hardware choices can enhance both the functionality and visual appeal of a space, moving away from frustration and towards elegant simplicity.
- The Pastel World of Photographer Matt Crump: We also found ourselves completely captivated by the work of photographer Matt Crump on Instagram. Crump is renowned for his distinctive “candy-colored” minimalism, creating images that are vibrant, often surreal, and always aesthetically pleasing. His unique style, characterized by bold pastels, graphic compositions, and a playful approach to everyday objects, offers a fresh perspective on visual art and color theory. We enthusiastically confirmed that, yes, it’s true – he does sell prints! His artwork is a fantastic source of inspiration for anyone looking to incorporate modern, cheerful, and unique art into their home decor. Whether you’re drawn to his striking color palettes for room inspiration or seeking unique pieces to adorn your walls, Matt Crump’s work exemplifies how contemporary art can bring a distinct personality and an uplifting atmosphere to any living space, proving that art doesn’t always have to be serious to be profound.
Psst- Ever find yourself wondering about a specific product or recommendation we’ve “dug” in a past episode, but can’t quite remember which show notes page to navigate to? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a comprehensive master list of everything we’ve been digging across all our past episodes. It’s your ultimate resource for discovering all our favorite finds, organized for your convenience.
*Please note: This page contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our podcast and blog. Thank you for your continued support!
Well, you’ve found ’em: the show notes for the first episode of Young House Love Has A Podcast. In this episode, we discuss what the internet thinks are found in “rich households” and talk about some easy ways we can all make our own homes feel a little fancier without breaking the bank. We also give you an update on what’s new with us, find out what paint colors you might use to make a sandwich, and foreshadow a potential toilet paper related injury.
You can find our show on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and TuneIn Radio – or play it below! Then use this page to check out any links, notes, or photos that we referenced.
What’s New
- Above you can see the gold wire bin Sherry mentioned using to wrangle all the papers that get sent home from school, like artwork or completed worksheets. Here’s a similar onefor sale at Target, and if you have more than one school-aged kid,this option is awesomely stackable.
- Here’s the cordless electric lawn mower that I bought when our traditional gas mower died. And here’s the other one I considered.
What’s Not
- If you’re curious about what all those sandwich-y paint colors look like, here’s Mayonnaise, Spicy Mustard, Dill Pickle, Rye Bread, Lettuce Alone, and Cheese Powder
- If you want to dive into those Buzzfeed DIY listicles that Sherry got quizzed on, here they are:
- 23 Signs You’ve Been Watching Too Much House Hunters
- 17 Urgent Questions I Have For Anthropologie
- 28 Products For People Who Are Super Excited About Pineapples
- And lastly, here’s Elle Decor’s round-up of surprising Nate Berkus facts
Main Segment
- Here’s the Washington Post’s article that lead us to the Reddit thread that asked “what items or products are only found in rich households?”
- If you were wondering about the alstroemeria flowers that Sherry mentions, here’s a yellow bouquet of them that we once shared as part of our Budget Blooms series back in the day
- And here’s our DIY landscape lighting project that makes me feel like Mr. Fancy Pants
We’re Digging
- Here are a few examples of those “L- shaped” toilet paper holders that Sherry’s digging (this is a more modern one, here’s one that’s more traditional, and this one is somewhere in between)
- Here’s photographer Matt Crump on Instagram, and it’s true – he does sell prints!
Psst- Looking for something we’ve dug in a past episode, but don’t remember which show notes to click into? Well, here’s a master list of everything we’ve been digging from all past episodes.
*This page contains affiliate links