Welcome to the show notes for Episode #15 of Young House Love Has A Podcast. In this episode we discuss college students whose over-the-top dorm rooms have grabbed national attention, and we share where we stand on the debate—along with a few candid stories about our own college housing experiences. We also get design tips from HGTV’s Vern Yip, share first impressions of meeting Emily Henderson, tour a smart home that wowed us, and tell the cautionary tale of when rice and a tipped vase don’t mix.
You can download this episode from iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and TuneIn Radio—or listen to it below. Use this page to find links, notes, and photos we mentioned in the show.
What’s New
- Above is a candid Instagram snapshot we took with Emily Henderson after HGTV’s Blogger Block Party in New York City. She looks great in the photo above; ours was a bit more chaotic. We also included photographer Andrew Federman’s nicer event shots for reference.
- We mentioned a few smart-home products our friends use: a video doorbell and color-changing smart bulbs. They offer convenience and added security, and there are white-only versions if you prefer a subtler look.
What’s Not
- Sherry recommended the Novogratz book Downtown Chic, which we enjoyed. They’ve also published Home By Novogratz and have an upcoming title called Beachside Bohemian that we preordered. Many of their projects are also showcased on their website.
- We reminisced about meeting designers Bob and Courtney Novogratz at our very first book signing in Cincinnati back in 2012—those early events still make us smile.
Vern Yip Voicemail
- Vern Yip’s new book, Design Wise, is out and packed with visual inspiration and practical design advice—perfect for anyone looking to improve their home’s style and function.
- He also offers a line of fabrics that reflect his design sensibility and can be found through his site and fabric collections.
Fancy Dorm Rooms
- One Ole Miss dorm photo went viral and sparked a national conversation about “dorm goals.” The coverage in outlets like BuzzFeed and Cosmopolitan helped drive attention to how students personalize their college spaces.
- New York Magazine compiled several striking examples of elaborate dorm rooms that illustrate the range of approaches students take to create a cozy, Instagram-ready space.
- We shared a throwback photo of John’s old room in a house that used to be a kitchen; it was captured in an awkward collage long before panoramic iPhone photos existed. The image is part nostalgia, part proof that good taste evolves.
- We couldn’t locate Sherry’s denim-covered dorm photos (complete with a goldfish-print shower curtain), but we’ll add them here if they turn up.
We’re Digging
- Sherry has been loving a set of stylish bookends. Some of the designs she likes are sculptural and playful, while basic metal bookends are a practical, affordable option that can be cleverly hidden to keep books upright and tidy.
- John is engrossed in Mary Roach’s Grunt, a curious and entertaining exploration of military science. Other Mary Roach favorites include Stiff, Gulp, and Bonk—each blending research, humor, and accessible storytelling.
- We also shared a cautionary photo from the episode: the aftermath of a vase tipping over and sending rice everywhere. It was a messy reminder that decorative displays sometimes carry unexpected consequences.
Psst—Looking for something we’ve mentioned in a past episode but can’t remember which show notes to check? Here’s a master list of everything we’ve been digging from past episodes.
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