Our recent Chicago adventure wasn’t just a delightful getaway; it was a profound learning experience that reshaped our perspective on home design. Alongside our esteemed fellow bloggers—the brilliant minds behind Chris Loves Julia, the creative visionaries of Yellow Brick Home, and the endlessly inspiring Making It Lovely—we not only enjoyed incredible food and camaraderie but also encountered a game-changing revelation. Visiting one of their beautifully curated homes in person provided an unparalleled insight that completely challenged a long-held “design rule” we had previously advocated for our own home (a rule we’d even discussed at length on this very podcast, no less!). This episode delves deep into that transformative experience. Furthermore, we’re pulling back the curtain on the surprising realities and intense efforts involved in the final phase of preparing our duplex for its rental debut. Sherry also shares the compelling results of her latest home staging assignment, offering actionable tips for enhancing property appeal. And for those seeking fresh decor alternatives, we’re presenting a dynamic and often overlooked option beyond the usual picture frame.
For an immersive audio experience, you can always find this enriching episode on your preferred podcast platform. We’re readily available on popular apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, and Spotify. Tune in for design insights, renovation diaries, and actionable home decor tips that empower you to create a space you truly love.
Chicago Blogger Meet-Up: Design Revelations and Delicious Adventures
Our recent blogger meet-up in Chicago was more than just a fun vacation; it was an inspiring gathering of creative minds that sparked new ideas and challenged old assumptions. The power of connecting with fellow professionals in person is truly invaluable, offering fresh perspectives that online interactions simply can’t replicate. Sharing insights and touring homes firsthand brings a level of understanding and inspiration that fuels our own creative journeys. This trip, in particular, was transformative.
- Above, you can see our wonderful crew from the Chicago meet-up just a couple of weeks ago. It was a fantastic blend of shared passion for design and genuine friendship. For those who might not recognize every friendly face, allow us to introduce everyone, moving from left to right: You have me, followed by Nicole Balch from the incredibly stylish and insightful Making It Lovely blog. Next is Sherry, then Julia Marcum, the creative force behind Chris Loves Julia. Our gracious hosts for the trip, Kim and Scott Vargo from Yellow Brick Home, are next, and finally, Chris Marcum completes our delightful group. It was a truly memorable gathering that brought together some of the most influential voices in the home design and DIY space.
- If you’d like to virtually relive some of the highlights from our Chicago trip, you can easily do so by visiting Sherry’s Instagram profile. Simply click on the circular highlight labeled “Chicago” to browse through our adventures. For an extra dose of fun, Julia also has her own Chicago highlights saved in her profile, where you might even catch us being exceptionally camera shy – a rare but amusing sight! These visual diaries offer a vibrant glimpse into the unforgettable moments and inspiring spaces we explored during our time together.
- Our itinerary was packed with fantastic culinary experiences and cultural excursions. Here’s a quick rundown of the incredible places we had the pleasure of visiting and the delicious meals we savored during our stay in Chicago:
- Lula Cafe: A must-visit for its farm-to-table deliciousness and vibrant atmosphere.
- Lost Lake: An exotic tiki bar offering a unique and memorable cocktail experience.
- Garfield Park Conservatory: A stunning urban oasis filled with lush plant collections, providing a serene escape and endless photographic opportunities.
- Dove’s Luncheonette: Serving up Southern-inspired comfort food with a unique Chicago twist.
- Toni’s Patisserie: The perfect spot for exquisite pastries and a delightful coffee break.
- The Modern Wing, Art Institute of Chicago: An architectural marvel housing an impressive collection of contemporary art.
- Revival Food Hall: A bustling hub of diverse culinary options, perfect for sampling Chicago’s vibrant food scene.
- Chicago Athletic Association: An historic landmark offering not just incredible ambiance but also fun activities like bocce!
- Lonesome Rose: A vibrant spot for delicious Tex-Mex and a lively atmosphere.
- Cafe Marie-Jeanne: A charming French bistro known for its authentic dishes and cozy setting.
- Same Day Cafe: A local favorite for fresh, delicious breakfast and lunch options.
- Pretty Cool Ice Cream: Artisanal ice cream bars that are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
- Summer House: Bringing a perpetual summer vibe with its bright decor and Californian-inspired menu.
- Little Goat Diner: A casual yet elevated diner experience from renowned chef Stephanie Izard.
Beyond the fantastic food and sights, the real magic happened when we got to experience our friends’ homes firsthand. It’s one thing to see beautifully styled photos online, but stepping into a thoughtfully designed space brings an entirely different dimension of understanding and appreciation. This immersive experience was key to our design epiphany.
- For those of you who tuned into Episode #134 a few weeks back, you’ll recall our candid discussion about why we’ve generally shied away from hanging a multitude of family photos on our own walls. We often adhered to a particular design philosophy that prioritized larger art pieces or more abstract decor. However, witnessing the beautiful and impactful ways family photos were incorporated into Kim & Scott’s Chicago home completely shattered our preconceived notions. Their approach was so artful and personal, it genuinely compelled us to rethink our entire strategy for displaying cherished memories. It proved that personal photos don’t have to be overwhelming; they can be incredibly chic and add profound character to a space when displayed thoughtfully.
- Here’s a closer look at those captivating framed Polaroids (or perhaps Instax prints?) that truly made an impression on us. What struck us most wasn’t the size of the art – these are relatively small snapshots – but the profound impact they achieved through their thoughtful framing and placement. Kim and Scott demonstrated that even miniature moments can command attention and add significant charm to a room when presented with intention. The way these little pictures were grouped and framed created a cohesive display that felt both personal and incredibly stylish. In fact, Kim, being the DIY queen she is, even dedicated an entire blog post detailing how she masterfully DIYed the framing of these, providing a wonderful tutorial for anyone inspired to replicate this artful approach to displaying personal memories. This concept truly made us reconsider our “no small photos” rule.
- Oh, and speaking of Kim and Scott, if you’re as enthusiastic about renovation projects as we are, you’ll be thrilled to learn more about their latest endeavor! We had the privilege of touring their new renovation project, affectionately dubbed the “Two Flat,” during our Chicago visit, and it’s brimming with incredible potential. They recently posted a captivating before tour on their blog last week. It’s a fantastic glimpse into the raw beginnings of a project that promises to be another stunning transformation from these talented renovators. We highly recommend checking it out to see the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for this space.
Staging Success: Transforming Spaces with Sherry’s Touch
Sherry’s recent staging project was another testament to the power of thoughtful design and strategic placement. Home staging isn’t just about making a house look pretty; it’s about creating an emotional connection with potential buyers, allowing them to envision themselves living in the space. The subtle shifts and curated details can make all the difference in accelerating a sale and maximizing value.
- If you’re interested in hearing the full narrative behind Sherry’s latest successful home staging project, or if you simply want to see the dramatic before & after transformations, we encourage you to revisit last week’s detailed show notes. There, you’ll find all the specifics, insights, and visual evidence of how strategic styling can elevate a property’s appeal and significantly impact its market performance. It’s a fascinating look at how small changes can lead to big results in the world of real estate and interior design.
The Duplex Journey: Navigating the Final Stretch of Furnishing
The journey to complete our duplex renovation has been a marathon, filled with unexpected twists and turns. While construction challenges tested our patience, the furnishing phase presented its own unique set of hurdles – and triumphs. It’s a common misconception that once the building is done, the hardest part is over. In reality, transforming a shell into a cozy, inviting, and functional home, especially a rental property, is an intensive process that requires immense dedication and meticulous planning.
- I recall back in Episode #125, we excitedly discussed the significant kitchen progress we managed to achieve over the holidays. At that point, a wave of renewed hope washed over me, and I optimistically declared that we might actually finish the duplex in time for summer – a goal I had been increasingly skeptical of after experiencing numerous construction delays throughout the previous year. However, if there’s one thing this project has taught me, it’s humility when estimating timelines! Boy, did I profoundly underestimate the sheer scope and complexity of the furnishing process. It’s an entirely different beast from construction, demanding countless decisions, logistical coordination, and a surprising amount of physical labor.
- To truly grasp the scale of effort involved in this final furnishing phase, take a look at the calendar below. The days highlighted in red vividly mark each instance over the last four months that we journeyed to Cape Charles to work on the duplex. It wasn’t just a handful of trips; it accumulated to a remarkable 16 separate excursions. Each of these trips involved a demanding 5-6 hour round-trip drive, often completed entirely within the same day for every single red-marked date you see. This visual representation underscores how the furnishing stage – which Sherry had initially optimistically estimated might take “three long weekends to finish” – transformed into a far more involved, time-consuming, and physically demanding endeavor than either of us could have ever anticipated. It truly became a second full-time job.
- To give you a better sense of what many of those earlier trips entailed, picture this scene. It wasn’t glamorous design work, but rather a relentless cycle of unpacking boxes, assembling furniture piece by painstaking piece, and constantly updating long, detailed lists of everything else we’d need to bring or purchase for the subsequent trip. From flat-pack nightmares to intricate fixture installations, each visit was a race against the clock, filled with manual labor and problem-solving. It truly highlighted the difference between planning a space and physically bringing it to life, especially when every item needs to be accounted for and installed correctly for future renters.
- In the grand scheme of things, yes, it certainly took considerably longer than our initial optimistic projections. However, the feeling of being so incredibly close to the finish line is genuinely exhilarating and profoundly rewarding. We still have a few remaining tasks, such as fully stocking the kitchens with all the necessary utensils and cookware, and tackling a handful of smaller outdoor landscaping projects. But, with immense relief and pride, we can confidently state that we are approximately 98% complete with this ambitious, nearly two-year-long project. Seeing the transformation from a mere concept and construction site to a fully realized, inviting rental space is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the unwavering vision we held for the duplex. The finish line is truly within sight, and the anticipation of welcoming our first guests is palpable.
- For those who might have missed the direct links to our duplex listings, which we shared in last week’s blog post, you can now conveniently view them here on Airbnb (Left Side, Right Side). The response has been nothing short of astounding: within a mere 24 hours of sharing the listings, every single summer week we had made available was completely booked! We were absolutely shocked and immensely relieved by the overwhelming demand. As of this very moment, there has been one fortunate cancellation for the last week of August on the Right Side unit. So, if you’re quick and click that bold/black Saturday date, the entire week will highlight in blue, and you can then select the following Saturday as your checkout day to request to book that coveted last week of summer.
- We understand that securing a summer booking might be challenging now, but rest assured, we have future plans! We intend to release off-season dates for the upcoming fall later this summer. These dates will offer more flexibility, as they won’t require a full week-long stay, making it perfect for shorter getaways. Additionally, we’ll open reservations for the entire summer season of 2020 after this current summer concludes. We’re taking a phased approach, managing bookings one season at a time to ensure the best experience for our guests and ourselves. More dates are definitely on the horizon, so stay tuned for future announcements!
We’re Digging: Dynamic Decor and Essential Tools
Beyond major renovations, it’s the small, thoughtful touches and practical solutions that truly enhance a home and simplify life. In this segment, “We’re Digging,” we share some current obsessions—from unique decor elements that add a fresh dimension to your interiors to invaluable tools that offer peace of mind. These are the things that have recently caught our eye and made a noticeable positive impact, whether in our own home or our rental properties.
- In the photograph above, you can clearly see the captivating mobile we chose to hang in one of the duplex bedrooms. This was a deliberate design decision to introduce an element of visual interest and gentle movement into what was otherwise a somewhat bare and static corner. Unlike traditional wall art, a mobile adds a dynamic, sculptural quality that instantly elevates the space without demanding significant wall real estate. This particular mobile, with its elegant design, originally graced our bonus room, near the TV, and was a beloved Pottery Barn find, though it is no longer sold. It proves that sometimes the most impactful decor pieces are those that offer a break from the conventional.
- Since we repurposed that mobile from our bonus room for the duplex, Sherry is currently on an exciting hunt for the perfect replacement mobile for our own home. She’s envisioning something that offers a similar sense of calm, artistic flair, and subtle motion. It’s an opportunity to discover new artists and designs. We’ve been keeping an eye out, and there are some fantastic sales happening right now on truly exquisite pieces. Here are a few that have particularly caught her eye and are strong contenders for our space: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 /6. These options showcase a range of styles, from minimalist to more intricate, demonstrating the versatility and artistic potential of mobiles as a decorative element.
- You can also observe another beautifully chosen mobile that we decided to install, this time in the middle bedroom of the beach house. This particular piece, while no longer available at Target where we originally found it, perfectly embodies how a mobile can contribute to a serene and playful atmosphere. It adds a subtle layer of visual texture and a sense of calm movement, enhancing the room’s character without overwhelming the space. Mobiles are truly excellent for adding a unique focal point and a touch of whimsy, especially in bedrooms or nurseries, offering a gentle alternative to static wall decor. They encourage the eye to wander and appreciate the subtleties of design, making a room feel more dynamic and thoughtfully curated.
- And now, moving on to something of utmost practical importance, we’d like your valuable input. Please take a moment to participate in our very important survey below. Your feedback helps us tailor our content and ensure we’re delivering topics that truly resonate with you, our amazing listeners and readers. We appreciate your insights!
- In addition to design and renovation, we also value preparedness and practicality. That’s why we wanted to share a highly recommended piece of gear: this compact and incredibly powerful car battery jump starter. While we sincerely hope you never have to use it, the peace of mind it provides is absolutely invaluable. We haven’t had to deploy ours yet, but after experiencing two dead battery incidents ourselves over the past year or so, we decided it was a non-negotiable item for our vehicle. It’s a small investment that can save you significant time, stress, and potential roadside assistance fees. Having this reliable device means you’re not dependent on another car or jumper cables, offering an incredible sense of self-sufficiency when unexpected situations arise.
Should you ever find yourself searching for a product or recommendation we’ve championed in a previous episode but can’t quite recall which show notes to delve into, fret not! We’ve meticulously compiled a comprehensive master list of everything we’ve been digging across all of our past episodes. This curated resource is designed to help you quickly locate those forgotten gems. Furthermore, for our avid readers and those seeking literary inspiration, you can explore all the books we’ve enthusiastically recommended by visiting our dedicated Book Club page. We aim to be your go-to resource for all things home, lifestyle, and beyond!
And finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to Rothy’s for their generous sponsorship of this episode. Their commitment to sustainable style and comfort truly resonates with our values. We highly encourage you to explore their fantastic collection of eco-friendly shoes and bags at Rothys.com, where you’ll enjoy the added benefit of free shipping and returns on every single order! It’s an opportunity to invest in stylish, comfortable, and environmentally conscious products.
Thank you so much for tuning in and being a part of our journey, guys! Your support means the world to us.
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