Welcome to the comprehensive show notes for Episode #9 of Young House Love Has A Podcast! Here, we dive deeper into the invaluable insights shared during this week’s engaging discussion, featuring none other than the legendary Genevieve Gorder. As one of the original trailblazers of design television, Genevieve brings her unparalleled expertise and signature style to offer a wealth of actionable solutions for prevalent home design challenges. Whether you’re grappling with the art of mixing patterns, striving to make a small space feel more expansive, or strategically stretching your decorating budget, this episode, coupled with these detailed notes, is an indispensable resource for elevating your living environment.
Beyond the expert design advice, this episode takes a delightfully personal turn. We share a captivating update regarding our old house, revealing inspiring changes made by its current owners that might just spark a touch of design envy. Prepare for a heartwarming, and perhaps slightly blush-worthy, flashback as we revisit a memorable moment from our honeymoon. And for a dose of lighthearted fun, we playfully ponder which ‘As Seen On TV’ products could truly revolutionize our shower experience, adding that unexpected “wow” factor.
You can effortlessly tune into this insightful episode on all major podcast platforms, including iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio. For immediate listening, simply use the player embedded below. Once you’ve absorbed the audio wisdom, this very page serves as your go-to hub for all the supplementary links, detailed notes, and captivating photos that we referenced throughout the episode, ensuring you have every piece of information at your fingertips to implement these transformative design ideas.
These comprehensive show notes are meticulously curated to provide all the crucial links, additional insights, and visual references that complement the discussions from Episode #9. Think of this page as your ultimate companion, allowing you to seamlessly explore every detail and inspiration point mentioned in the podcast, helping you transform abstract design concepts into tangible reality within your own home.
What’s New: Personal Insights and Home Transformations
In this segment, we bring you up-to-date with some personal reflections and exciting discoveries, offering a glimpse into our lives and the enduring impact of home design. From revisiting a beloved former residence to cherishing honeymoon memories, these updates underscore the personal journey woven into the fabric of home and life.
- A Glimpse into Our Old Home: One of the most fascinating experiences for any homeowner is seeing a cherished former residence evolve under new stewardship. I recently had the chance to step back into our old house, now adorned with the unique style and belongings of its current owners. While it was truly exciting to witness its transformation, for those curious about its original charm, here’s a nostalgic photo tour of the place from when it was our canvas. As you scroll through the gallery, be sure to pause at the living room. There, you’ll spot the structural beams we affectionately referenced during the podcast – just imagine those beautifully rendered into a glossy white coffered ceiling, a testament to the new owners’ vision and a stunning enhancement to the space. It’s a powerful reminder of how homes continually tell new stories.
- The Office Stenciling Project and Its Evolution: Speaking of transformations, we had a delightful, albeit slightly nervous, confession from the current owners: they lovingly wallpapered over our beloved office stenciling project. This anecdote perfectly illustrates the dynamic nature of home decor and personal style. While we poured our hearts into that intricate stencil, it’s wonderful to see the space continue to reflect the tastes of its new inhabitants. It’s a testament to how personal touches make a house a home, even if they evolve over time.
- A Familiar Fixture in the Laundry Room: In another charming detail, I was thrilled to discover that they’ve chosen to keep the iconic clothespin chandelier proudly hanging in the laundry room! This whimsical piece was a labor of love and a unique design statement, and its continued presence feels like a sweet nod to the home’s past, blending seamlessly with its present. It’s these small, enduring elements that truly connect a house’s history with its future.
- Honeymoon Memories: And, of course, as promised, prepare for a delightful dose of nostalgia with our honeymoon photos. Alaska provided a breathtaking backdrop for our post-nuptial adventures, filled with incredible landscapes and unforgettable moments. While you can delve into more of our Alaskan honeymoon photos here, we’re confident these two carefully selected snapshots will offer plenty of endearing, and perhaps slightly embarrassing, amusement on their own. They capture a truly special time and remind us that some memories are simply too good not to share.


What’s Not: Exploring the Quirky and Profound
This section delves into a fascinating mix of topics, from the often-humorous world of “As Seen On TV” products to a thought-provoking podcast episode. It highlights how inspiration and solutions can emerge from unexpected places, sometimes even with a touch of eccentricity.
- As Seen On TV Shopping Spree: Who doesn’t love a good “As Seen On TV” gadget? These ingenious, sometimes bizarre, products promise to simplify our lives, often with a flair for the dramatic. In this episode, we delved into a variety of these real-life problem solvers (or at least, problem-addressers) that piqued our interest and sparked some lively debate. Here’s a rundown of all the memorable products we discussed, each designed to tackle a very specific, and sometimes highly niche, household dilemma:
- The Drain Wig: A clever, discreet device designed to prevent clogged drains by catching hair before it becomes a major problem. Its simple yet effective design is often touted as a hygienic and easy-to-use solution for bathroom maintenance.
- Bowl Brite: Aimed at keeping your toilet bowl sparkling clean, Bowl Brite offers a fresh approach to a chore no one enjoys. Its unique selling proposition often revolves around ease of use and long-lasting cleanliness.
- Rodent Sheriff: For those unwelcome houseguests, Rodent Sheriff promises a humane and effective deterrent, often relying on natural ingredients or ultrasonic technology to keep pests away without harmful chemicals.
- Shower Wow: This product promises to transform your daily shower into a dazzling light show, changing the water stream into a vibrant, multi-colored display. It’s less about cleaning and more about adding a fun, spa-like ambiance to your bathroom experience.
- Chillow Pillow: Designed for those who “sleep hot,” the Chillow Pillow offers a cooling sensation to help regulate body temperature, promoting a more comfortable and restful night’s sleep, especially during warmer months.
- Hydro-Rug: Affectionately dubbed “the carpet for your shower,” the Hydro-Rug provides a soft, slip-resistant surface for your shower floor. It combines comfort with safety, offering a unique alternative to traditional bath mats.
- Tush-Eez: While the name might suggest a humorous angle, Tush-Eez typically offers a comfortable cushion or support solution, often for seating, aiming to provide ergonomic relief or enhanced comfort during prolonged sitting.
- Furniture Booties: These clever little protectors are designed to prevent scratches on floors and reduce noise when moving furniture. They’re a practical solution for preserving flooring and ensuring quiet adjustments of furniture pieces.
We often find ourselves drawn to these innovative (and sometimes amusing) products, wondering if they truly deliver on their ambitious promises. They represent a fun exploration into problem-solving, even if some solutions are more quirky than practical!
- The Invisibilia Podcast: “The Problem With The Solution”: Beyond the world of gadgets, we also highlighted a truly fascinating listening experience: that specific Invisibilia podcast episode titled “The Problem With The Solution.” This particular installment is a must-listen, starting with the hilariously insightful anecdote about the invention of the Drain Wig. What begins as a simple, humorous tale about an everyday household item quickly unfolds into a profound exploration of human nature, ingenuity, and the often-unintended consequences of our attempts to fix things. The episode masterfully delves into broader psychological and sociological concepts, making it an incredibly thought-provoking and captivating listen overall. It’s a prime example of how everyday objects can spark deep contemplation.
Genevieve Gorder: Design Icon and Inspiration
Genevieve Gorder is a name synonymous with innovative design, fearless creativity, and a refreshingly authentic approach to transforming spaces. As one of the original and most beloved personalities in design television, her influence has spanned decades, inspiring countless homeowners to embrace their personal style. We were incredibly fortunate to have her on the podcast, sharing her invaluable wisdom and perspective. Here’s how you can delve deeper into her inspiring work and connect with her vibrant world:
- Explore Genevieve’s Digital Universe: For a true feast for the eyes and a deep dive into her design philosophy, immerse yourself in her official website, GenevieveGorder.com. It’s a treasure trove of stunning visuals, project portfolios, and insights into her creative process. Whether you’re looking for bold color inspiration, innovative material usage, or simply want to appreciate her distinct aesthetic, her website is the ultimate destination for design enthusiasts.
- Witness Her NYC Apartment Transformation: Experience the magic of Genevieve at work by watching clips from her captivating show, Genevieve’s Renovation. These episodes chronicle the intricate and often challenging process of renovating her very own New York City apartment. For a spectacular conclusion to this personal project, be sure to watch the final tour video embedded below, showcasing the stunning culmination of her vision. It’s a masterclass in urban dwelling design and making the most of a compact footprint.
- Collaborative Design with Royal Caribbean: Genevieve’s talent extends far beyond residential spaces. Discover her impressive work with Royal Caribbean by checking out the multi-part video series documenting her involvement in ship design. Witness her creative journey through parts 1: Diving into Ship Design, 2: A Day of Design Inspiration, 3: Bringing Design Details to the Shipyard, and finally, 4: Style Comes to Life, where you can see the breathtaking final product of her imaginative contributions. It’s a testament to her versatility and ability to infuse style into any environment, no matter the scale.
- Shop Her Signature Style: Bring a piece of Genevieve’s vibrant aesthetic into your own home by exploring her unique product lines. You can shop her distinctive, colorful, and pattern-rich rugs at Capel Rugs, or browse her fabrics and charming cards, perfect for adding a touch of her signature flair to your decor or gifting. Her collections allow you to infuse your spaces with her playful yet sophisticated sensibility.
- Meet Genevieve and Us in Person: For an exciting opportunity to connect directly with both Genevieve and us, mark your calendars for HGTV’s Blogger Block Party! Join us on Monday, August 22nd, in the heart of New York City for what promises to be an inspiring event. For all the essential details and to register for this fantastic — and free! — gathering, simply visit this link here. Don’t miss this chance to engage with fellow design enthusiasts and industry icons.
We’re Digging: Our Current Home Favorites
In this ongoing segment, “We’re Digging,” we share the products, plants, and practices that are currently enhancing our daily lives and homes. These are the items that have genuinely impressed us, bringing joy, efficiency, or beauty into our spaces. Here are a couple of our latest obsessions:
- The Majestic Hope Philodendron: We are absolutely smitten with our “hope philodendron” (also known as Philodendron selloum or Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum). These magnificent plants have taken pride of place in both our bedroom and living room, instantly elevating the ambiance with their dramatic, deeply lobed leaves and vibrant green hues. Not only do they add a striking visual element, but large plants like these are also fantastic for improving indoor air quality, contributing to a healthier and more serene living environment. They embody the biophilic design trend, bringing the calming essence of nature indoors. We’re currently compiling a dedicated post featuring a comprehensive round-up of all the “Big Ass Plants” (BAPs) we’re loving right now, so keep an eye out for that ASAP – it’s a game-changer for interior styling!
- The Indispensable Shark Navigator Stick Vacuum: When it comes to everyday cleaning, a reliable vacuum is non-negotiable, and we’ve found our champion in the Shark Navigator stick vacuum. This lightweight yet powerful appliance has quickly become a household hero, not just for us, but for many of our family members, including our moms, aunts, and various relatives. Its impressive suction, maneuverability, and ability to easily convert into a handheld unit make it perfect for tackling everything from quick spills to pet hair on multiple surfaces. It truly makes daily tidying less of a chore and more of a breeze, earning its place as a consistently recommended tool in our cleaning arsenal.
Psst- Are you searching for something we’ve enthusiastically recommended in a previous episode, but can’t quite recall which show notes to click into? Fret no more! We’ve compiled a master list of everything we’ve been digging from all our past episodes. This comprehensive resource ensures you can easily revisit any product, tip, or inspiration point we’ve ever shared, making it simpler than ever to discover new favorites and enhance your home and lifestyle.
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