Welcome to an insightful journey back in time, where we reflect on our past home renovations and candidly discuss design decisions we now wish we could change. Every homeowner has a few projects they’d approach differently with the wisdom of hindsight, and we’re no exception! Join us as we unpack five key things we’d alter if we had a time machine, offering valuable lessons for your own home improvement endeavors. From the dramatic transformation of a massive deck removal to predictions for the highly anticipated Color of the Year and John’s unconventional take on power tool brand loyalty, this episode is packed with practical advice and engaging discussions.
Speaking of dramatic transformations, the colossal deck is officially GONE! This monumental exterior home improvement project has already made our yard feel incredibly open and inviting. However, as is often the case with DIY projects, ticking one item off the list frequently adds several more, much like the famous story of ‘If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.’ We also put Sherry’s intuitive Color of the Year predicting skills to the test, offering our thoughts on upcoming design trends, and John elaborates on his pragmatic reasons for rejecting strict tool brand monogamy, sharing insights that could save you time and money on your next renovation.
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The Big Reveal: Our Backyard Transformation and Deck Removal Journey
The decision to remove our deck was a significant one, driven by a desire to reclaim our outdoor space and enhance the natural beauty of our backyard. We delved into the detailed reasons behind this major exterior home improvement project at the beginning of Episode #51. In essence, the existing deck felt like a bulky appendage, blocking light and views, and creating a disconnected feel between our home and the lush potential of our yard.
- Above, you can see the stunning new view from our kitchen now that the deck has been entirely removed. The former deck railing obstructed a significant portion of the grass and garden that is now beautifully visible, a change that has Sherry quite literally leaping for joy. The feeling of openness and natural light flooding into the kitchen is truly transformative, making the space feel larger and more connected to the outdoors.
- While we don’t have a perfectly comparable “before” photo from this exact angle, we do have a snapshot Sherry captured during the demolition phase from our other kitchen window. This particular vantage point vividly illustrates just how dominant and imposing the deck truly was, creating an almost cage-like effect that enclosed a large section of our yard. It truly felt like a barrier rather than an extension of our living space.
- Here’s how the space looked immediately after the major components of the deck were removed. We are absolutely thrilled with how much more original and inviting the back of the house now appears, freed from that large, tacked-on structure. However, as with any substantial DIY project, new challenges emerged. I’ve taken the liberty of labeling some of the immediate “problem areas” for you in the image below, giving a realistic glimpse into the ongoing work required.
- Looking at the transformation from the opposite side, you can clearly spot the massive tree stump that remained (definitely a “boo!” moment for us), but also appreciate the charming, original brick steps that were previously obscured (a definite “yay!” moment!). Discovering and restoring these original features adds character and authenticity back to the home.
- For a true sense of scale, here’s a flashback to 2012, before we even moved into the house, showing the deck with the very tree that eventually created that stubborn stump. This tree was so incredibly large and positioned so close to our home that both our home inspector and our professional tree service highly recommended its immediate removal for safety reasons. We followed their advice, leading to the substantial stump being left behind under the deck, patiently awaiting its turn for removal.
- As we alluded to, we’ve already tackled several key items on our evolving to-do list. This includes the strategic relocation of the air conditioning unit, having our electrician expertly wrangle all the exposed and loose wires, and finally getting that formidable tree stump ground down and removed. These essential steps have paved the way for the next phase of our backyard renovation, and the area is now looking much closer to this:
- Understandably, this backyard area remains a significant work in progress (and these photos are a stark reminder that I urgently need to powerwash that brick – sheesh!). However, we are incredibly encouraged by the newfound sense of openness and expansive space that the yard now offers, especially when compared to its cramped and cluttered state when we first purchased the house. It’s a testament to how impactful thoughtful exterior home improvements can be.
Exploring Color Trends: The Buzz Around “Color of the Year”
Beyond structural renovations, understanding and anticipating color trends plays a huge role in home design. Each year, major paint brands announce their “Color of the Year,” setting the tone for interior and exterior palettes across the design world. It’s always fascinating to see what hues capture the collective imagination and how they influence our personal choices.
- You can delve into all the details about Sherwin-Williams’ highly anticipated Color of the Year 2018. Interestingly, the chosen shade isn’t too far off from the beautiful hue we recently used to refinish our classic clawfoot tub, proving that sometimes, even without knowing the official trend, you can hit the mark!
- We’ve frequently discussed these exciting Color of the Year announcements in previous episodes of our podcast. For instance, we explored Behr’s 2018 color selection in Episode #61, and delved into Benjamin Moore’s 2017 color choice back in Episode #23. These discussions highlight how these annual color predictions shape the landscape of home decor and empower homeowners to make informed, stylish choices.
Our Top Design Regrets: Lessons Learned from Past Renovations
Every renovation is a learning experience, and sometimes the most valuable lessons come from the choices we wish we could rewind and redo. We’re opening up about our biggest design regrets, hoping our experiences can help you avoid similar pitfalls in your own DIY projects and home updates. These insights are not about dwelling on mistakes, but rather about sharing the journey of design evolution and the importance of thoughtful planning.
Regret 1: The Infamous P-Shaped Opening and Inconsistent Flooring
- It was in Episode #62 that we first casually brought up one of our most significant design regrets: the peculiar P-shaped opening between the kitchen and dining area in our second home (pictured above). This architectural choice created an awkward transition, hindered furniture placement, and ultimately disrupted the natural flow of the two spaces. We often wonder what we were thinking!
- That same photo also inadvertently showcases several other design choices we now look back on with regret. Notice the jarring floor change between rooms, which visually chops up the space, making it feel smaller and less cohesive. Additionally, you can spot one of the two tall, towering cabinets that we placed on opposite sides of the kitchen. In hindsight, grouping them together on a single wall would have offered far greater functionality and a much cleaner aesthetic.
- Despite my best efforts, I haven’t been able to locate a high-resolution photo that truly captures the full “P-shaped” essence. However, this image still conveys enough of the awkwardness that Sherry continues to refer to it affectionately (or perhaps exasperatedly!) as the “p-shaped” opening.
- The festive photo below, which showcases one of our most beloved Christmas trees of all time, also, unfortunately, highlights some of these same design issues. Specifically, it brings into sharp focus the multitude of flooring changes: beautiful hardwoods in the foreground, transitioning to cork in the kitchen on the right, and then parquet flooring to the left in the hall, with yet another flooring type beyond the kitchen in the living room. This patchwork of materials created visual chaos and a lack of unity throughout the home.
- And if those weren’t enough, that particular shot doesn’t even reveal two other distinct flooring changes that existed on the backside of the house: wide-planked pine in the master bedroom and tile in the sunroom, both branching off from the parquet living room. The sheer number of different flooring materials within a single home created an incredibly disjointed feel, something we would absolutely avoid in any future renovation. Cohesive flooring is paramount for creating a harmonious and spacious interior.
Regret 2: A Missed Opportunity for a Double-Sided Fireplace
- I’m sharing this next picture not for the flooring, but because it prominently features the back of a fireplace. This is a prime example of a missed design opportunity. We strongly believe this fireplace would have been infinitely more awesome, and a significant design feature, if we had made it double-sided. Imagine the warmth and ambiance enjoyed from both the kitchen and the living room sides of the wall, seamlessly connecting the two spaces with a beautiful focal point.
- We were genuinely delighted with how this particular side of the fireplace, located in the kitchen, turned out after our thoughtful makeover. The finished look was fantastic! But just imagine the added charm, functionality, and architectural interest if this beautiful design extended to the other side of the wall, allowing it to be enjoyed from multiple rooms. It’s a reminder to always think about how design elements can serve and connect different areas of your home.
Regret 3: The Overlooked Kitchen Backsplash
- Below is a shot of the kitchen in our very first house. This photo was taken on moving day, so it’s completely empty, but it perfectly illustrates a crucial design oversight: the lack of a backsplash. Back then, blog photo standards were certainly much lower, which is quite amusing in hindsight! Yet, even with that context, this photo gives you a clear sense of how much this kitchen could have benefited aesthetically and practically from a simple backsplash installation. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in both appearance and maintenance.
- If you’re considering tackling a backsplash project yourself, rest assured, it’s a very achievable DIY. Here’s that post we referenced about adding a subway tile backsplash to my aunt’s house. This guide proves that even a first-time tiler can achieve professional-looking results with a bit of patience and the right instructions. Don’t let the tiling process intimidate you!
- Beyond backsplashes, we’ve also gathered a wealth of experience with various flooring installations over the years. You can learn more about our processes with hardwood floors that are laid and then stained/sealed in place – we cover this extensive process in our current home and also share insights from our very first home. Furthermore, we delve into how we successfully laid prefinished hardwood upstairs, covering both the nail-down method and the glue-down type. These resources provide comprehensive guidance for tackling your own flooring projects.
- For a complete visual tour and a deeper dive into our renovation journeys, explore the before & after transformations on our dedicated house tour pages. See the evolution of our first home, admire the changes in our second home, and catch up on the latest updates in our current home. Each gallery is a testament to the ongoing adventure of home renovation.
What We’re Loving Right Now: Tools and Entertainment
Beyond the major renovations, we always enjoy sharing the smaller discoveries that make life a little better or more enjoyable. This segment highlights recent tools and entertainment we’ve been “digging” that might just find a place in your life too!
- First up is the fantastic $90 Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Hybrid Trimmer/Edger. John recently purchased this gem for use at our beach house, and it’s quickly become an indispensable tool around our own home as well. What truly sets this trimmer apart is its ingenious “hybrid” functionality: it can operate seamlessly on its 18-Volt lithium-ion battery for cordless convenience, but it also has the invaluable option to plug in directly if the battery runs low or dies. This flexibility means you’re never left stranded mid-task, making yard work significantly less frustrating. It’s a perfect example of why John rejects strict tool brand monogamy – sometimes, the best tool for the job comes from a different ecosystem.
- And for your entertainment needs, if you haven’t yet discovered the brilliance of “The Good Place,” now is the perfect time to give it a try! This witty and surprisingly philosophical sitcom is an absolute must-watch. You can binge-watch the entire first season on Netflix to get hooked, then catch up with Season 2 currently airing on NBC. A crucial piece of advice: absolutely DO NOT skip Season 1. The intricate plot and character developments are essential, and Season 2 simply won’t make any sense without the foundational understanding gained from the first season. Trust us, it’s a journey worth taking!
If you’re ever wondering about something we’ve recommended or “dug” in a previous episode but can’t recall which show notes to check, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a master list of everything we’ve been digging from all of our past episodes, making it easy to find that perfect product or show we raved about.
And finally, a huge and heartfelt thank you to Universal Furniture for generously sponsoring this episode. Their commitment to quality home furnishings is truly inspiring. Don’t miss your incredible chance to win $10,000 in beautiful new dining room furniture! You can enter this amazing contest by visiting UniversalFurniture.com/YHL. The contest is open now through October 16th, so make sure to get your entry in soon!
Thanks so much for listening and joining us on this journey of home renovation, design insights, and a few laughs along the way. We appreciate your continued support!
*This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love and use.*