Welcome to the comprehensive show notes for Episode #19 of the Young House Love Has A Podcast! This week, we dive deep into one of the most common dilemmas faced by homeowners and DIY enthusiasts alike: when is it truly best to tackle a project yourself, and when should you absolutely call in a professional? We confronted this question extensively throughout our recent, extensive kitchen renovation, and in this episode, we pull back the curtain on our decision-making process. Get ready for actionable strategies that will help you save both precious time and hard-earned money on your next home improvement venture.
But that’s not all! We’re also unlocking the secrets to a perpetually tidy home by sharing our five favorite, super-easy routines that consistently keep household clutter in check. Imagine a home where everything has its place, and tidying up feels like a breeze – we’ll show you how to get there. Beyond practical tips, we’re venturing into the world of art, revealing some unconventional ways we’ve stumbled upon original, unique artwork that adds personality and soul to our spaces. And for a truly unexpected twist, we explore some truly bizarre how-to guides from the internet’s wild side, including the rather specific art of transforming a perfectly normal bedroom into… a vampire den. Yes, you read that absolutely right – prepare for some laughs and head-scratching moments!
For those eager to listen, you can easily download this insightful and entertaining episode from popular platforms such as iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio. Alternatively, you can stream it directly using the player embedded below. Once you’ve enjoyed the episode, this very page serves as your ultimate resource for all the links, detailed notes, and supplementary photos we mentioned, ensuring you don’t miss a single detail or helpful recommendation.
What’s New: Navigating Renovations, Art Finds & Home Inspirations
In this dynamic segment, we bring you up to speed on the latest happenings in our home and creative pursuits, offering insights that blend practical renovation advice with unique decor finds. Our recent kitchen renovation, for instance, has been a monumental undertaking, and we’re excited to share more of the journey with you. The process of transforming such a central space in our home has been rich with learning experiences, from structural decisions to aesthetic choices. We’ve tackled numerous challenges and celebrated countless small victories, all of which contribute to the larger story of creating a kitchen that is not only beautiful but also highly functional for our family’s needs. We believe that sharing the extensive details of our kitchen transformation, complete with numerous photos and in-depth explanations, will provide invaluable guidance for anyone contemplating a similar project. The full saga of our kitchen renovation, detailing everything from initial planning to the final touches, is just a click away.
- You can immerse yourself in the complete story of our kitchen renovation, packed with extensive descriptions and a wealth of images, right here. Be sure to check back frequently, as we’re constantly updating it with new insights and visual progress throughout the week!
- Beyond renovations, we’re always on the lookout for original artwork that adds character and depth to our living spaces. We recently acquired a captivating new still life painting of the Paymaster from the incredibly talented Vita on Instagram. This piece (pictured above) instantly became a cherished addition, demonstrating the power of social media to connect art lovers with emerging artists. Similarly, we discovered a charming pink painting during our stay at a ski house (pictured below), proving that inspiration and unique finds can emerge from the most unexpected places. These pieces remind us that authentic art doesn’t always have to come from traditional galleries; sometimes, the best discoveries are made through personal connections and memorable experiences.
What’s Not: A Humorous Dive into the Peculiar Side of How-To Guides
While we often turn to online resources for practical advice on home improvement and organization, there’s an entire universe of how-to content that veers wonderfully off the beaten path. In this segment, we take a humorous detour into the more eccentric corners of the internet, specifically highlighting some of the most delightfully strange articles found on WikiHow. This platform, renowned for its exhaustive step-by-step guides, occasionally features topics that are so niche, so specific, and frankly, so bizarre, they transcend mere utility and become pure entertainment. It’s a reminder that for every guide on “How to Install a Light Fixture,” there’s likely another on “How to Befriend a Squirrel.” We’ve curated a few of our favorites that truly exemplify the imaginative (and sometimes questionable) breadth of human curiosity.
- Here are just a few of the truly unique WikiHow articles that caught our attention and sparked plenty of laughter:
- Ever dreamt of transforming your personal space into a gothic haven? Well, look no further than How to Turn Your Room Into a Vampire Den. This guide, presumably for the aspiring nocturnal, offers surprisingly detailed steps, from dimming the lights and adding velvet drapery to sourcing the perfect “creepy” decor. It’s a testament to the fact that someone, somewhere, has a very specific decorating goal.
- For those moments when family descends, there’s the incredibly specific “How To Arrange Your House If Your Grandmother Is Visiting You.” We can only imagine the intricate considerations involved in optimizing a living space to meet the unique preferences and comfort levels of a beloved elder. Is it about strategic cushion placement, scent-free zones, or perhaps ensuring all valuable breakables are out of reach? This article promises answers.
- Then there’s the rather delicate subject of “How To Change Sheets In An Occupied Bed.” This one raises so many questions! Is it for medical professionals? Extremely patient partners? Or perhaps a stealthy maneuver for parents of perpetually sleeping teenagers? The logistical challenge alone is enough to pique curiosity, and the guide promises to navigate this intricate process with grace and efficiency.
- Finally, for a scenario that feels a little too real for some homeowners, we have “How To Dampen The Enthusiasm Of A Neighbor Who Wants To Add A New Fence.” This article ventures into the nuanced world of neighborly disputes and boundary issues, offering strategies ranging from polite suggestions to more assertive tactics for managing unwanted backyard developments. It’s a guide for maintaining peace (or at least, your property line) without outright confrontation.
- And if these peculiar examples have ignited your interest in the wonderfully weird, CollegeHumor.com has compiled an excellent round-up of even more bizarre WikiHow articles that promise to entertain and mystify in equal measure.
Take Five: Essential Routines and Smart Home Hacks for a Tidy Life
Maintaining a clean, organized, and functional home doesn’t require heroic efforts or endless hours of scrubbing. Instead, it often boils down to implementing simple, consistent routines and smart hacks that streamline your daily life. In our “Take Five” segment, we dive into a collection of time-tested strategies and beloved products that have genuinely made a difference in our home, keeping clutter at bay and maximizing efficiency. These aren’t just theoretical tips; they’re practices we’ve personally adopted and swear by, designed to make home management feel less like a chore and more like a seamless part of your day.
- Let’s start with a foundational routine that might seem small but yields significant results: making the bed every single day. I vividly recall the very old post where I initially resolved to make the bed daily, and I’m thrilled to report that this habit is still going strong! It’s incredible how this simple act instantly transforms the look and feel of a bedroom, setting a positive tone for the entire day. Even our furry friend, Burger, seems to appreciate it, as he still loves burrowing around in the freshly made covers, just for kicks, before settling down.
- Over the years, we’ve dedicated a significant amount of content to sharing our best practices for keeping the house clean, organized, and tidy. Our philosophy centers on creating systems that are easy to maintain, rather than relying on sporadic, massive cleaning sessions. These posts offer a wealth of actionable advice, tackling various aspects of home organization:
- Discover our approach to living with less and how this conscious choice not only saves us money but also significantly reduces clutter, leading to a more serene home environment.
- Learn our practical strategies for organizing kid clutter, turning toy explosions into manageable systems and reclaiming shared spaces.
- Explore how we undertook a major overhaul to streamline our closet, transforming it into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space where everything is easily accessible.
- Get our top tips for a quickie clean-up, showing you how to efficiently tidy your house in minimal time, perfect for those unexpected guests or busy weeknights.
- For the eco-conscious and budget-savvy, we’ve compiled a fantastic list of over 30 cleaning products you can make yourself using natural ingredients, saving money and reducing chemical exposure.
- And speaking of clothes and keeping things tidy, having the right tools makes all the difference. We’re particularly fond of the laundry hamper we have in our closet, which is both stylish and highly functional for corralling dirty clothes efficiently. You can find the exact one we use here. Sherry also has a special appreciation for this alternative hamper, which offers another fantastic option for blending utility with home aesthetics.
- Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about those ingenious Tetris-esque stair baskets that we frequently rave about. These clever organizational tools are perfect for collecting items that need to go up or down the stairs, preventing clutter from accumulating on steps and ensuring trips are made efficiently. We’ve highlighted a few options that combine both form and function, making them indispensable for multi-story homes. There’s this versatile one, this chic design, and this practical option – all great choices for maintaining stairwell neatness.
We’re Digging: Our Latest Favorite Finds and Must-Haves
Welcome to “We’re Digging,” the segment where we share our current obsessions and standout products that have genuinely enhanced our daily lives, our home, or our DIY projects. These are the items that have recently captured our attention and earned our enthusiastic endorsement, proving their worth through their design, functionality, or sheer joy they bring. From stylish decor accents to practical tools, this is where you’ll find our latest and greatest recommendations, complete with why we love them and where you can find them.
- First up, let’s talk about a true gem for elevating your wall decor: gold frames from Target. Sherry, in particular, has been loudly gasping (and subsequently acquiring) these stunning frames, and for good reason! They offer incredible style at an unbeatable price point, making it easy to create a high-end look without breaking the bank. We’ve been so impressed that we now have five of them scattered throughout our home, showcasing everything from family photos to abstract prints. Specifically, we picked up two in the larger 12 x 20-inch size, perfect for making a statement, and Sherry also grabbed a few of these versatile smaller ones, along with this charming desktop frame for displaying cherished memories on surfaces. Their quality and aesthetic appeal make them an absolute steal for any home decorator.
- Next, for all our fellow DIY enthusiasts and handy folks, an organized and robust tool bag is an absolute game-changer. There’s nothing more frustrating than rummaging through a disorganized toolbox when you’re in the middle of a project. I personally rely on this reliable tool bag, which keeps all my essentials neatly compartmentalized and easily accessible. However, if you’re exploring other options, both this durable model and this one also boast excellent features and robust construction, promising to keep your tools organized and ready for any task. Investing in a good tool bag is an investment in your efficiency and sanity for future projects.
Psst- Ever found yourself racking your brain for that one amazing product or tip we’ve “dug” in a past episode, but can’t quite remember which show notes page to click into? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a super handy master list of absolutely everything we’ve been digging from all our previous episodes, organized for your convenience. It’s your ultimate resource for discovering all our favorite finds!
We are incredibly grateful to have West Elm as a sponsor for this episode. Their commitment to thoughtful design and social impact truly resonates with us and our mission to create beautiful, meaningful spaces. To explore their fantastic collection and learn more about their Design to Impact program, which supports artisans and sustainable practices around the globe, please visit westelm.com/yhl. And as a special thank you to our listeners, don’t forget to enter code YHL15 at checkout to receive 15% off your next West Elm purchase! It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring their unique style and quality into your home.
*Please note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our podcast and allows us to continue creating valuable content for you. We only recommend products we genuinely love and believe will benefit our audience. Thank you for your continued support!*
Thank you for joining us for Episode #19 of Young House Love Has A Podcast! We hope this episode and its accompanying show notes have provided you with invaluable insights, practical tips, and a healthy dose of humor. Whether you’re grappling with a major renovation, striving for a clutter-free home, seeking unique art, or simply need a good laugh, we aim to be your go-to resource. Remember, every project, big or small, contributes to making your house truly feel like home. We encourage you to implement these strategies, experiment with our recommendations, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating spaces you love. Until next time, keep those hammers swinging, those homes tidying, and those creative juices flowing!