Transforming Spaces: A Journey Through Commercial Design, Beach House Dreams, and Feng Shui Wisdom

This week marks an exciting milestone for us as we embark on our very first commercial design project – a dynamic loft office space for an ad agency! We’re thrilled to share the initial glimpses and our creative vision for transforming this professional environment. But the good news doesn’t stop there; we also have fantastic updates from our beloved beach house, where significant progress is finally taking shape, bringing us closer to our coastal dream home. The feeling of seeing our plans turn into tangible structures is incredibly rewarding.

Beyond our project updates, we’re taking a deep dive into the ancient art of Feng Shui with an insightful crash course led by a seasoned expert. Prepare to discover how these timeless principles influence energy flow in our homes, and pinpoint areas where our current decor naturally aligns, as well as surprising spots where adjustments could make a world of difference. From understanding how our bedroom decor might be unintentionally communicating the wrong message to identifying ways our office layout could be hindering productivity, this segment offers practical takeaways for creating more harmonious living and working spaces. We explore how conscious design can elevate not just aesthetics, but also well-being and success.

Additionally, we’re excited to announce opportunities for you to connect with us in person this summer, courtesy of HGTV Magazine. These events are always a highlight, offering a chance to meet fellow design enthusiasts and exchange ideas. We’ll also lighten the mood by revealing a surprisingly particular item of clothing each of us obsesses over getting just right. Tune in for a blend of design insights, personal stories, and actionable tips that promise to inspire your own home projects and lifestyle choices. This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a touch of personal flair!

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Project Progress: Commercial Loft & Beach House Breakthroughs

Our First Commercial Design: Crafting the Agency Loft

Venturing into commercial interior design has been an incredibly exciting and rewarding challenge for us. We’re currently tackling a dynamic loft office space for a bustling advertising agency – a company I (John) actually used to work for full-time. This personal connection adds an extra layer of enthusiasm and a unique understanding of their corporate culture, which we’re eager to translate into a highly functional, inspiring, and aesthetically pleasing workspace.

The agency’s vision is to create a dynamic, collaborative environment that truly reflects their innovative spirit and supports their creative workflows. Our design objectives include maximizing natural light, fostering open communication through smart layouts, and incorporating elements that encourage both individual focus and spontaneous team synergy. Unlike residential projects, commercial design demands a meticulous balance of aesthetics, durability, and strict adherence to workplace standards and regulations. We’re meticulously considering everything from flexible furniture layouts that encourage impromptu brainstorming sessions to selecting robust materials that can withstand heavy daily traffic while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic. The goal is to design a space where creativity thrives and every employee feels energized.

Above, you can see a “before” shot of the loft. Even in its raw, undeveloped state, the immense potential for transformation is palpable. The high ceilings and open floor plan are a blank canvas for our creative ideas. And of course, no agency office would be complete without its furry mascot – meet Atlas, the charming office dog, who clearly approves of our initial design explorations with wagging tail and happy barks! We envision distinct zones for focused deep work, relaxed lounge areas for informal meetings, and versatile meeting spaces, all meticulously designed to enhance productivity, well-being, and a sense of community for the entire team.

• This “before” photo gives a raw glimpse into the potential of the loft office space we’re designing for a local ad agency.
• Our delightful canine model, Atlas, is the official office dog, adding a touch of warmth and personality to the workspace.

Beach House Breakthrough: Drywall is Up!

After what felt like an eternity of anticipation, we finally have some truly exhilarating news from the beach house! Although we couldn’t make it to Cape Charles last week to witness the transformation firsthand, our contractor sent us a photo that instantly filled us with joy and excitement: drywall progress! Seeing the framed structure begin to take on the defined forms of actual rooms is an incredible feeling, marking a significant step forward in our renovation journey and bringing our coastal dream home much closer to reality.

The photo vividly captures the view from near the back door, looking towards the distinctive, elegantly curved wall in the foyer – a unique architectural feature we’re particularly excited about. Drywall installation is often considered the pivotal point where a house truly starts to feel like a home, transitioning from exposed studs and wires to beautifully defined, enclosed spaces. It’s a tangible representation of months of meticulous planning and hard work, and it signifies that we’re rapidly moving towards the finishing touches – painting, flooring, fixture installations, and finally, bringing our coastal design vision to life. The anticipation for stepping inside our nearly complete beach sanctuary, soaking in the views, and enjoying the serene atmosphere is almost unbearable!

• We’re thrilled to share this text from our contractor: drywall is going up at the beach house! This photo shows the view from the back door, facing the elegant curved wall in the foyer.
• This milestone fills us with immense excitement, bringing our dream beach home much closer to reality!

Exciting Updates & Community Events

Join Us at the HGTV Magazine Block Party!

Get ready to mark your calendars because we’re heading back to New York City for another incredible HGTV Magazine Block Party this summer, and we’d absolutely love for you to join us! Last year’s event was an absolute blast, filled with inspiring design, engaging conversations, and the wonderful chance to connect with so many of you. We even had our very first in-person meeting with the amazing Emily Henderson there, which was a memorable experience you can hear all about in Episode #15.

This year, the Block Party is scheduled for **August 21st in New York City**, and the best part? It’s completely free to attend! It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of home design, gather fresh ideas for your own projects, and mingle with some of your favorite design personalities and influencers. We’ll be there, eager to chat, sign books, and share our latest projects and insights. You can also look forward to meeting the incredibly talented Joy Cho from Oh Joy, Sam Ushiro from Aww.Sam, and Sara Peterson, the esteemed editor-in-chief of HGTV Magazine, along with several other exciting bloggers and creative minds yet to be announced! This promises to be an inspiring day of design, community, and fun.

Don’t miss out on this vibrant community event where creativity thrives and connections are made. Be sure to RSVP here to secure your spot and be part of the design conversation!

• These vibrant photos are from last year’s HGTV Magazine Block Party, capturing the energy and excitement we’re thrilled to experience again.
• Join us on August 21st in New York City! RSVP for free here to attend.
• We’ll be joined by a host of design luminaries including Joy Cho (Oh Joy), Sam Ushiro (Aww.Sam), and Sara Peterson (Editor in Chief of HGTV Magazine), plus other exciting bloggers.
• Relive our first meeting with Emily Henderson and learn more about last year’s event in Episode #15.

A Word on IKEA Products on Amazon: Buyer Beware

In other news, we want to bring to your attention an important clarification regarding IKEA products allegedly sold on Amazon. IKEA has issued an official statement clarifying that many products listed as “IKEA” on Amazon are not officially supplied or authorized by them. This highlights a crucial point for consumers to be aware of: while third-party sellers might offer what appear to be IKEA-branded items, these may not be genuine, authorized products or directly from IKEA. This can lead to discrepancies in quality, warranty, and even safety standards.

It’s always a good practice to verify the seller and product authenticity, especially when purchasing popular brands online. This ensures you’re getting genuine products, supporting legitimate businesses, and benefiting from official customer service and guarantees. Always double-check product descriptions and seller information to make informed purchasing decisions.

Dive into Rural House Hunting Shows for Design Inspiration

For those who love to get lost in the world of real estate and home transformations, we’ve got some fantastic recommendations for your next binge-watching session. If you’re a fan of “House Hunters” but crave a more pastoral setting and unique property challenges, you absolutely must check out “Escape to the Country” on Netflix. This charming British gem offers a delightful escape into rural property searches, showcasing stunning countryside homes, historic estates, and the unique challenges and charms of moving away from bustling urban life. It’s a fascinating glimpse into a different pace of living.

Similarly, for even more rural house hunting goodness, “We Bought A Farm” on HGTV provides a fascinating look into families embarking on the ambitious journey of purchasing and transforming large agricultural properties. These shows go beyond mere aesthetics, often delving into the practicalities of land management, the challenges of restoring older homes, and the deep emotional connection families form with their new, expansive surroundings. Both shows offer a refreshing perspective on home ownership and design, proving that dream homes come in all shapes, sizes, and geographical locations, often with a storybook quality that inspires wanderlust and creative vision.

• For fans of rural property adventures, “Escape to the Country” on Netflix is the British equivalent of “House Hunters,” offering charming explorations of countryside homes.
• Also, don’t miss “We Bought A Farm” on HGTV for more inspiring stories of families pursuing their dreams in agricultural settings.

Unlocking Harmony: A Feng Shui Crash Course for Your Home

Meet Our Expert: Tenaya Kolar, Guiding Us to Better Energy

We had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Tenaya Kolar, an accomplished Feng Shui Expert and Design Consultant, who generously provided us with a fantastic crash course in this ancient Chinese art. Feng Shui, which literally translates to “wind-water,” is a profound practice that focuses on arranging your environment to create harmony and balance. By optimizing the flow of vital energy (or ‘chi’), it aims to positively impact all aspects of your life, from wealth and relationships to health and productivity. Tenaya enlightened us on how seemingly subtle changes in our physical surroundings can significantly shift our personal energy and overall well-being.

Her insights were truly eye-opening, revealing areas in our own home where we were intuitively following Feng Shui guidelines without even realizing it, and more interestingly, surprising spots where our decor choices were inadvertently working against us. It was a fascinating journey into understanding the energetic blueprints of our living spaces. If you’re intrigued by the power of energy in your home and want to learn how to apply these principles, Tenaya offers a free 3-day email crash course in Feng Shui, which we highly recommend to get started on your own journey toward a more balanced and harmonious living space. It’s a great way to begin transforming your environment for the better.

• Our guide for this insightful episode was Tenaya Kolar, a renowned Feng Shui Expert and Design Consultant.
• You can begin your own journey into harmonious living by signing up for her free 3-day email crash course in Feng Shui.

Optimizing the Office: The Command Position & Strategic Reflections

One of the most striking lessons we learned from Tenaya involved the critical concept of the “command position” in an office or workspace. This fundamental principle in Feng Shui suggests that your desk should ideally be positioned so you can see the door without being directly in line with it. This strategic placement gives you a subconscious sense of control and awareness over your environment, promoting a feeling of security and readiness. This positioning is believed to enhance productivity, sharpen focus, and contribute to overall career success by allowing positive energy to flow freely into your workspace and empowering you with a clear view of opportunities.

In our own home office, we discovered a clear distinction in how this played out. An older photo of our office (below) highlights how Sherry’s desk was naturally situated in a more “in command” position, allowing her a clear, unobstructed view of the room’s entrance. In contrast, my (John’s) desk was unfortunately positioned with my back to the door, which Feng Shui suggests can lead to a feeling of vulnerability, uneasiness, or being caught off guard, potentially hindering focus, increasing stress, and thwarting productivity. This perfectly explained some of the subtle, persistent challenges I sometimes faced in concentrating and feeling fully at ease in my workspace!

To remedy this less-than-ideal setup, Tenaya suggested a brilliant, simple, and effective solution: strategically placing a mirror to reflect the area behind me. In a more recent photo (below), you can clearly see how we’ve implemented this insightful advice. We carefully added a mirror above my desk to effectively “bring the door into view” by reflecting the space behind me. This clever design adjustment immediately created a profound feeling of security, expanded my perceived command position, and helped mitigate the negative energy without requiring a complete office overhaul, especially since we had ‘borrowed’ the original painting that hung there for our bedroom. It’s amazing how such a small change can make a big difference in the energetic feel of a room!

• The older image of our office reveals how Sherry’s desk naturally aligned with the “command position,” offering a clear view of the space.
• In this more recent photo, observe the strategic addition of a mirror above my desk, placed to reflect the area behind me, effectively simulating a command position. This change was implemented after we moved the original painting to our bedroom.

Bedroom Bliss (or Blunders): The “Single Ladies” Effect on Relationship Energy

Our Feng Shui session also shed illuminating light on how our bedroom decor might be unintentionally impacting our relationships and overall sense of balance and harmony. Tenaya explained that in Feng Shui, it’s generally advisable to have items in pairs in the bedroom, especially when it comes to artwork or decorative objects that symbolize people or relationships. The rationale is that single items can inadvertently symbolize singleness or loneliness, potentially sending the wrong energetic message about partnership, intimacy, and togetherness in one of the most personal spaces of our home.

This insightful perspective truly hit home when we critically looked at our own bedroom decor. We had two beautiful pieces of art, which we affectionately dubbed our “single ladies,” hanging distinctly on opposite sides of the room. While we loved them aesthetically for their individual beauty and artistic merit, Tenaya pointed out that having them prominently displayed as separated and singular portrayals could subtly disrupt the energy of partnership and unity in our most intimate space. It was a fascinating and somewhat surprising realization – that even seemingly innocuous decor choices, made purely for aesthetic appeal, can carry profound energetic implications and influence the subconscious messages our home sends us.

Above, you can see one of these “single ladies” art pieces (from here) gracefully positioned above a lush plant in our bedroom, looking serene yet solitary. The other complementary piece (this one) hangs thoughtfully on the opposite wall of the room. This experience served as a powerful yet subtle reminder of how conscious design can cultivate not just visual beauty, but also profound harmony, intentionality, and positive energy in every corner of our lives, right down to the unspoken messages conveyed by our artwork.

• This bedroom photo features one of our “single ladies” art pieces (found here) gracefully hanging above a plant.
• The second “single ladies” piece (this one) is thoughtfully placed on the opposing wall of the room.

Our Latest Obsessions: “We’re Digging” – Favorite Finds & Fashion Fixations

Welcome to “We’re Digging,” our beloved segment where we share our current favorite finds, from everyday essentials that simplify life to those surprisingly particular items that just make life a little better and more enjoyable. This segment is all about uncovering things we genuinely love, have extensively tested, and wholeheartedly think you might appreciate too!

Sherry’s Quest for the Perfect Black One-Piece Bathing Suit

Sherry’s recent mission involved an exhaustive and rather epic search for the quintessential black one-piece bathing suit. This might sound like a simple task, but finding *the one* that offers the perfect combination of fit, style, support, and comfort can be a true sartorial odyssey. She tried on countless options – navigating through a dizzying array of cuts, fabrics, designs, and brands – all in relentless pursuit of that elusive ideal suit that makes her feel confident and comfortable. After much deliberation, countless mirror selfies, and an impressive try-on marathon that spanned several days, she finally found her champions: numbers 1 and 6 from the diverse lineup shown below!

For all the “small-headed short gals” out there (a unique category we understand!), Sherry even shared some invaluable tips and specific notes on what worked particularly well for her, especially regarding proportions, strap adjustability, and finding suits that flatter without overwhelming. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the simplest and most classic items require the most meticulous and dedicated search to get just right, proving that good style is often in the details and the fit.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

• Above, you’ll find just a selection of the black one-piece bathing suits Sherry rigorously tried during her extensive search.
• She ultimately decided to keep #1 and #6, and she offers specialized notes for other “small-headed short gals” on her specific findings.

John’s Go-To Baseball Cap: The Pursuit of the Perfect Fit

And if Sherry’s swimsuit saga wasn’t enough fashion advice for one episode, I’m also here to share my current go-to accessory that I’m surprisingly particular about: a wonderfully plain, close-fitting baseball cap. You might wonder why a simple baseball cap would be an “oddly particular” item, but for me, it’s absolutely all about the perfect fit, the quality of the material, and an understated, versatile style. I’ve found that many caps on the market can be too bulky, have an awkward crown height, are overly distressed, or simply don’t sit quite right on the head, often feeling more like a costume piece than a comfortable accessory. This one, however, is just right – it’s a minimalist’s dream.

I currently sport it in a classic navy hue – and I can confirm it looks far less “distressed” in person than it might appear in some online sales photos, offering a cleaner, more refined, and incredibly versatile look. Its superior comfort and subtly chic aesthetic make it an ideal choice for everything from a quick run to the grocery store, tackling a DIY project, or simply a casual day out exploring. In fact, I love it so much that I’m already planning to snag either the black or the green one to expand my collection, making it an indispensable part of my casual wardrobe. It’s the kind of everyday item that, once you’ve found the perfect version, you truly can’t imagine living without, seamlessly blending practicality with effortless style.

• Here’s the plain, close-fitting baseball cap I’m currently wearing, shown here in navy.
• Its clean look is more refined in person than some product images suggest. I’m already eyeing the black and green versions to add to my collection.

If you’re ever looking for a specific product or delightful discovery we’ve raved about in a previous episode but can’t quite remember where it was featured, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive master list of everything we’ve been digging from all our past episodes. It’s a treasure trove of recommendations, tips, and inspiration to explore at your leisure!

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: DAP – Your Partner in Home Improvement

We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to DAP for their generous sponsorship of this episode. As a leading name in the industry for sealants, adhesives, and fillers, DAP products are truly indispensable for countless DIY projects, minor repairs, and extensive professional home renovations. Their extensive range of high-quality products ensures durability, a flawless finish, and lasting results for every task, big or small. Their unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction makes them a perfect and trusted partner for anyone passionate about improving, maintaining, or transforming their home.

To learn more about their extensive range of reliable products, discover valuable tips, tricks, and step-by-step guides for your next project, we wholeheartedly encourage you to visit DAP.com/YHL. You can also connect with them and stay updated on their latest innovations, product launches, and inspiring project ideas by following them across all major social media platforms. Find DAP products on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest – they’re easily found under the unified handle @DAPproducts in all these places. Their resources are truly beneficial for both novice DIYers looking for guidance and seasoned pros seeking reliable performance.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting design adventure, guys! We sincerely appreciate your continued support, engagement, and enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to share more insights, projects, and personal stories with you next time.

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