Welcome to an insightful dive into the world of home renovation, smart shopping, and the occasional celebrity encounter! This week, we’re unpacking a variety of topics designed to help homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and savvy shoppers navigate their everyday lives with greater ease and confidence. We’re kicking things off with a crucial discussion about home improvements: when should you reverse a personalized change you’ve made to your house before putting it on the market? And perhaps more importantly, when is it best to simply leave it as is? Understanding buyer psychology and maximizing resale value are key, and we’ll share our expert insights to guide your decisions.
Beyond home aesthetics, we’re also tackling the evolving landscape of retail return policies. For many of us, the ability to return a decor item that doesn’t quite fit or look as expected is a crucial safety net for online purchases and DIY projects. However, did you know that some major retailers are quietly implementing stricter measures, potentially flagging customer accounts for frequent returns? We’ve uncovered the details behind this growing trend of “return policing” and, more importantly, we’re arming you with practical tips to ensure your account remains in good standing. This information is vital for any dedicated DIYer or home decorator who relies on flexible return policies to experiment and create their perfect space.
But it’s not all serious discussions! We’ll also whisk you away on a recap of our recent adventures at a dynamic blogging conference in Austin, sharing some behind-the-scenes glimpses and key takeaways. Prepare for an “aha!” moment concerning something you probably sleep on every night – it might just revolutionize your bedding experience. And to top it all off, Sherry received a personal call from a bona fide celebrity that absolutely made her year! Tune in for all the details, laughter, and actionable advice to enhance your home and lifestyle.
You can effortlessly download this captivating episode from popular platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, and Spotify. For your convenience, you can also listen directly via the player embedded below. After listening, this page serves as your ultimate resource for all the referenced links, notes, and photos mentioned in the episode. Please note: If you are accessing this content through a feed reader, you might need to click through to the original post to view the embedded player.
Latest Updates & Conference Highlights: Our Austin Adventure
- Our journey to the blogging conference in Austin a couple of weeks ago started with a picturesque, albeit slightly surprising, snowfall. Above, you can see our home quickly getting blanketed in white as we prepared to head to the airport. It was an unexpected start to a trip filled with learning, networking, and creative inspiration.
- The conference itself was incredibly immersive, packed with invaluable sessions and opportunities to connect with fellow content creators. We were so focused on soaking up all the knowledge and furiously taking notes that we didn’t capture a vast number of photos. However, we did manage to snag this fantastic group shot on our way out the door, capturing some of the incredible talent present. From left to right, you can see Jeremy & Katie from Bower Power, us, Amanda & Corey from Love & Renovations, and Julia & Chris from Chris Loves Julia. These gatherings are truly invaluable for fostering community and sharing innovative ideas within the home design and DIY blogging sphere.
- Speaking of capturing moments, sometimes the best memories are made in the blurry, long-distance shots! Here’s one of Randi Zuckerberg delivering an inspiring talk, with the back of Michael from Inspired By Charm’s head subtly in the foreground. Randi’s presentation was particularly impactful, highlighting the delicate balance between children and technology in today’s digital age. We highly recommend her brilliant children’s book, Dot, which conveys a truly great message about responsible tech use. We also learned that it has been adapted into an engaging animated series on Sprout, further extending its valuable lessons to younger audiences.
- And then there was the unforgettable birthday girl moment! We were celebrating, and lo and behold, our Uber for dinner that night happened to be a sleek Tesla. We snapped this picture on the street corner right in front of the restaurant, where everyone was clearly anticipating a much more high-profile arrival than us emerging from those futuristic doors. It was a hilarious and memorable surprise that added an extra sparkle to the evening!
- Witnessing the Tesla’s unique doors in action was an experience in itself! The video below captures our genuine surprise and excitement (and perhaps a little shouting) when we realized the incredible ride that was awaiting us. It’s those unexpected, fun moments that truly make a trip memorable.
- Even from the third row, where Sherry and I were seated, you could clearly see the GIANT navigation screen dominating the dashboard of the Tesla. It was impressive! Jeremy Bower, always curious, couldn’t resist chatting up the driver, learning fascinating details like how the car boasts an incredible 300-mile range after every charge. Such encounters truly highlight the intersection of technology and everyday experiences, even when just catching a ride to dinner.
Unpacking Retail Return Policies: What DIYers Need to Know
In this segment, we delve into a topic that directly impacts every online shopper and DIY enthusiast: the evolving landscape of retail return policies. For many of us, the ability to return items that don’t quite fit our vision, or simply don’t work out, is an essential part of comfortable online purchasing, especially when it comes to home decor and project supplies. This flexibility allows us to experiment with colors, textures, and styles without the fear of being stuck with an unsuitable item. However, there’s a significant shift happening behind the scenes that consumers need to be aware of.
- We’re discussing this crucial article from the Wall Street Journal, which sheds light on how some major companies are meticulously tracking customer return habits. The goal? To identify and potentially “crack down” on what they perceive as excessive or fraudulent returns. Retailers are facing mounting costs associated with returns, from shipping and restocking fees to potential losses on items that cannot be resold. While this seems reasonable from a business perspective, it has significant implications for consumers, particularly for those of us who frequently buy online for home projects.
- The concept of “return policing” means that if your return rate is deemed unusually high, your account could be flagged, leading to restrictions on future returns, or even account suspension. This is a concerning development for DIYers and home decorators who often buy multiple options (e.g., paint samples, fabric swatches, light fixtures) to find the perfect fit for a project, intending to return the unused ones.
- So, what can a savvy DIYer do to avoid getting their account flagged?
- Read Return Policies Carefully: Before purchasing, always review the store’s specific return policy, paying attention to timelines, conditions, and any stated exclusions.
- Combine Purchases: If you’re buying multiple items for a single project, try to order them together rather than in separate transactions, if possible. This can help create a clearer purchase history.
- Avoid “Wardrobing” or “Rental”: Never return an item after using it extensively for a short period (e.g., using a decor item for a party and then returning it). This is considered abusive and is what retailers are targeting.
- Keep Packaging and Receipts: Always retain original packaging and receipts (digital or physical) to ensure a smooth return process.
- Understand the Product: Try to gather as much information as possible about a product (dimensions, reviews, real-life photos) before buying to minimize the need for returns.
- Use Store Credit: If offered, opting for store credit instead of a refund might sometimes be seen more favorably by retailers, as it keeps your money within their ecosystem.
- The convenience of online shopping is inextricably linked to the assurance of easy returns. We previously discussed why we rely so heavily on robust return policies to feel comfortable making online purchases in Episode #83. This continues to be a critical factor for home decorators who depend on the flexibility to try out items in their actual living spaces. Understanding these new retail practices allows us to shop smarter and maintain our ability to return items when truly necessary.
Listener Question: Strategic Home Staging and Renovation Reversals
This segment addresses a critical question for anyone looking to sell their home: how do you balance personal renovations with broad buyer appeal? We often customize our homes to suit our unique tastes and needs, but when it’s time to sell, these personal touches can sometimes deter potential buyers. Understanding when to undo a change and when to leave it alone can significantly impact your home’s marketability and sale price.
- We revisited a memorable home from our roundup of other houses we considered before buying our current one: the fascinating “Garage Theater House.” This navy home featured a garage cleverly converted into a home theater. While innovative and appealing to a niche buyer, such a specific renovation raises questions about its universal appeal. When staging a home for sale, the goal is often to create a blank canvas that allows prospective buyers to easily envision themselves living there and making it their own. A home theater might be a huge selling point for some, but a turn-off for others who need a functional garage for parking or storage. The decision to revert such a change depends on your target market, the cost of reversal, and the potential increase in buyer interest.
- Sherry is diligently working on a comprehensive post detailing her general home staging advice, complete with a wealth of photo examples from various houses she’s expertly prepared for sale. As a sneak peek, let’s look at a prime example: a room that served as a dining room, then an office, and finally a homework room in one of our previous homes. Here’s a visual comparison of how it was originally styled when we first photographed it (left) versus how Sherry meticulously simplified it for sale (right). This wasn’t about major structural overhauls, but rather a few strategic and simple changes. She decluttered, removed personal items, and streamlined the decor to create a more open, versatile space. This allowed potential buyers to easily imagine it as their own dining room, office, or creative space without being influenced by our specific setup. Sherry also took down a few art pieces and filing baskets from other walls, demonstrating that often, less is more when it comes to staging for optimal buyer appeal.
- Another impactful staging example Sherry recounted involved a kitchen where the original layout had seen the island moved off-center. When it came time to sell, it became abundantly clear that moving the island back to its central position dramatically improved the kitchen’s flow and functionality. This seemingly minor adjustment had a huge impact on how spacious and practical the kitchen felt to prospective buyers. It highlights how staging isn’t just about superficial decor, but often about optimizing the physical layout to best showcase a home’s potential.
- Oh, and for those who might have forgotten the evolution of our last home’s carport, here it is after we enhanced it with a custom-built pergola, lovingly dubbing it the “cargola.” Our decision not to convert it into a fully enclosed garage was a deliberate one, driven by several practical considerations. We realized that enclosing it would likely make the space feel cramped and significantly block natural light from reaching our adjacent office and laundry room. We had truly grown to appreciate the abundance of natural light in those spaces and didn’t want to sacrifice it. This proved to be a thoughtful decision; as an update, the current owners have also chosen not to convert it, so it largely retains this charming “cargola” appearance, simply with a different car parked beneath it now. This serves as a great example of making renovation choices that balance aesthetics, functionality, and long-term appeal.
We’re Digging: The Mail-Order Boxspring Revolution & A Celebrity Surprise!
In this segment, we share some of our latest finds and favorite moments, proving that practical innovations and unexpected joys can come from the most surprising places.
- The photo above captures the assembly process of the *first* mail-order boxspring we acquired a couple of years back. This was for our guest room when we transitioned from a platform bed to a more traditional metal frame (which, incidentally, we also ordered online). The concept of a boxspring arriving in a compact box and being easily assembled right in the room was a revelation! While that specific wooden model is no longer available, the convenience and ingenuity of mail-order mattress foundations have only improved. Last fall, when we needed another one after rearranging some furniture for the beach house, we opted for this fantastic boxspring/foundation instead. Not only is it more affordable, but its metal construction also makes it incredibly easy to put together. This is the very foundation we now sleep on, and we can attest to its comfort and stability – it’s truly a game-changer for anyone needing a reliable mattress base without the hassle of traditional bulky boxspring delivery.
- Although I didn’t capture photos during the assembly of our current metal boxspring, I’m using the images of the older wooden one to vividly illustrate just how effortlessly these foundations transform from a collection of parts into a legitimate, sturdy boxspring. The process is remarkably simple: you essentially connect the frame pieces and then zip a custom-fitted cover around it, and voilà – you’re done! This innovative design is a boon for small spaces, upstairs bedrooms, or anyone who dreads maneuvering a bulky traditional boxspring through tight hallways and stairwells. It’s an “aha!” moment that highlights how modern design can simplify home furnishing.
- And if you think a mail-order boxspring is exciting, wait until you hear about Sherry’s personalized birthday message from none other than Real Housewives of New York City’s Countess Luann! This incredible surprise was orchestrated via a fantastic website called Cameo, where you can book personalized video messages from a wide array of celebrities. The moment Sherry watched it, her reaction was pure joy – a good 7 seconds of unadulterated screaming! It’s a truly unique and memorable gift that brings a touch of celebrity magic to personal celebrations, proving that sometimes, the best “digs” are those that create unforgettable moments of pure delight.
For those eager to explore more of our past recommendations, if you’re searching for something we’ve “dug” in a previous episode but can’t recall which show notes to delve into, we’ve compiled a comprehensive resource just for you. Here’s a master list of everything we’ve been digging from all of our past episodes. It’s a treasure trove of products, tips, and experiences that have genuinely enhanced our lives and homes, perfect for inspiring your next project or purchase.
Lastly, we extend a huge and heartfelt thank you to West Elm LOCAL Experiences for generously sponsoring this episode. They are running an incredible promotion that you won’t want to miss! You have the fantastic opportunity to enter to win an awesome getaway to Charleston, SC, by visiting westelm.com/YHL. This amazing contest runs now through May 15th, so make sure to get your entry in soon! Additionally, that same page provides more detailed information about the other exciting LOCAL Experiences that West Elm is hosting across the country. This initiative is truly a cool way to highlight and support local makers and connect with the vibrant DIY community, just like us!
Thank you all for tuning in, engaging with our content, and being such an integral part of our community. We hope this episode provided valuable insights into home staging, smart shopping, and a few moments of fun and inspiration. Stay creative, stay savvy, and we’ll catch you in the next episode!
*This post contains affiliate links*