In our continuous journey to refine our living spaces, we’ve discovered that simplifying and decluttering doesn’t have to mean sacrificing warmth or personality. While the allure of a super sleek, sometimes sterile minimalist aesthetic holds appeal for some, our vision leans towards creating environments that are both organized and profoundly inviting. We’re thrilled to share a transformative, step-by-step process we’ve been implementing to achieve a truly ‘cozy minimalist’ home – a methodology that blends thoughtful reduction with an emphasis on comfort and personal style. Sherry, in particular, has wholeheartedly embraced this easy-to-follow formula and is energetically applying it throughout our entire house, revealing exciting changes.
Beyond our personal home projects, we’re also making significant strides in bringing our design aspirations for the duplex kitchens to life. Here’s a little twist: we’ve consciously decided to steer clear of the conventional all-white cabinetry. This bold choice is driven by a desire for a distinctive look that perfectly suits the duplex’s character, and we’ll delve into the precise reasons behind this decision. Furthermore, we’re excited to reveal how we’re achieving a high-end, custom aesthetic on a surprisingly strict budget – a secret many DIY enthusiasts and homeowners will appreciate. And on a more personal note, Sherry’s recent foray into upgrading her wardrobe essentials has led to an exciting discovery in the world of comfortable undergarments, while John has successfully tackled and conquered one of those minor, yet persistent, daily annoyances that can subtly detract from everyday contentment.
For an in-depth exploration of these topics, along with all the delightful details and humorous anecdotes, you can immerse yourself in our latest podcast episode. Download it conveniently from any of your preferred platforms:
- Apple Podcasts
- Google Podcasts
- Stitcher
- TuneIn Radio
- Spotify
Alternatively, you can listen directly using the player embedded below. After listening, return to this page to browse all the referenced links, detailed notes, and visual inspiration we’ve provided. Note: If you’re accessing this content through a feed reader, you might need to click through to the original post to view the integrated podcast player.
Transforming Spaces: Duplex Kitchens & Cozy Minimalism
Designing Distinctive Duplex Kitchens: Steering Clear of White Cabinetry
Our journey to renovate the duplex kitchens has been an exciting exploration of balancing aesthetics with practicality and budget. Unlike many modern kitchen designs that default to all-white cabinetry, we’ve consciously opted for a different path for the duplex. Our reasoning is multi-faceted: we want each unit to have its own unique personality, avoiding a sterile or overly commercial feel. Furthermore, the duplex is intended to be a comfortable, lived-in space, and we believe a splash of color or the warmth of wood grain will enhance its inviting character.
To achieve a truly custom and captivating look without breaking the bank, we’ve been immersing ourselves in the world of IKEA kitchens. Below, you’ll see some candid photos from our IKEA scouting missions, where we meticulously brought along our tile samples and even paint swatches to visualize our options in real-time – a testament to our dedication! On the left, one design possibility emerges, mirroring an inspiration photo we adore. This pairing features a beautifully textured blue patterned tile (similar to a specific design we’ve linked) alongside IKEA’s Askersund cabinets, known for their light ash effect and warm, natural wood look. This combination promises a bright yet grounded feel.
The image on the right showcases our more adventurous concept for the second duplex kitchen. Here, we’re experimenting with a bolder color choice for the cabinetry: IKEA’s Kallarp cabinets in a sleek, glossy “gray-turquoise.” This vibrant hue is intended to create a lively and contemporary atmosphere. To complement this, we’re pairing it with a similar patterned tile, but in a different colorway, perhaps featuring pink or softer tones, to introduce an element of sophisticated playfulness. These two distinct approaches ensure each duplex unit offers a unique and memorable kitchen experience.
Visualizing Our Kitchen Combinations: Tile & Cabinetry Up Close
It can be challenging to fully appreciate tile patterns and cabinet finishes in the hustle and bustle of an IKEA store, especially with their unique lighting. To provide a clearer perspective, we’ve compiled images that offer a better sense of our chosen combinations. Here’s a closer look at the first concept: the warm, inviting wood-effect Askersund cabinets paired with our vibrant blue patterned tile. While the image shows metal pulls, we envision a different style for our final installation to maintain the cohesive aesthetic.
Next, feast your eyes on the second striking combination: the glossy blue-gray Kallarp cabinets for the other duplex kitchen. These contemporary cabinets are beautifully contrasted with a pink/gray patterned tile, which adds a layer of subtle sophistication and visual interest. This playful yet refined pairing is designed to create a modern and memorable kitchen space that truly stands out.
We’re diligently compiling a comprehensive post that will offer even more detailed insights into all our selections for the duplex, including bathroom tile choices, exact paint colors, and various other design elements. In both kitchens, our plan is to balance these distinctive cabinet and tile combinations with light-colored countertops, most likely opting for durable granite or elegant quartz. We also envision a thoughtful mix of open shelving and traditional upper cabinets. To maintain a sense of airiness and cohesion, we’re leaning towards incorporating crisp white upper cabinets in both spaces, providing a fresh contrast and visually expanding the room.
Exploring Custom Cabinetry: Semihandmade vs. IKEA’s Affordability
For those interested in elevating standard IKEA cabinets with a custom touch, Semihandmade offers an excellent solution. They provide a range of beautifully crafted doors and drawer fronts designed to fit IKEA cabinet boxes, allowing for a personalized look. Below, you can see just a few examples of the diverse styles they offer. We meticulously priced out their unfinished options, specifically the first two styles shown, and found them to be approximately $400 – $500 more expensive than the factory-finished and sealed IKEA cabinets we ultimately chose. While this price difference is significant for a duplex project, it represents a valuable option for homeowners seeking a semi-custom aesthetic.
Our curiosity also led us to explore Semihandmade’s more colorful, beaded door options. However, these came with an even higher price tag, about $1100 more than the IKEA alternatives. While undeniably stunning, this cost pushed them beyond our current budget for the duplex. We’re certainly holding onto the idea of using these exquisite doors for a future project, perhaps in one of our own home’s bathroom renovations, where the investment might align better with the scale of the space and our personal aesthetic desires. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between vision, quality, and budget.
Conquering Daily Annoyances: A Key Ring Transformation
And now, for a delightful transformation that many of you have undoubtedly been waiting for – the before and after of my personal key ring! This seemingly small change has brought immense satisfaction. My old key ring was a chaotic mess of infrequently used keys and an overflowing collection of loyalty and membership cards, creating a bulky, cumbersome item I carried everywhere. The solution came in two parts: first, a ruthless paring down of unnecessary keys, and second, digitizing my less-used membership cards with the incredibly handy Key Ring app. This app allows me to store all those pesky barcode cards on my phone, significantly reducing physical clutter.
The final touch was upgrading to this sleek leather key organizer, which I discovered on Etsy. This ingenious little device can neatly hold up to six keys and/or a few essential loyalty cards, keeping them compact, silent, and protected. The difference is truly remarkable, transforming a daily annoyance into a small pleasure every time I reach for my keys.
On a crucial note, and as an important public service announcement: it is highly advisable to avoid posting unedited photos of your keys online. Individuals with sufficient technical knowledge can potentially duplicate your keys from a clear photograph. For this reason, I’ve digitally altered the unique tooth patterns on the keys shown here. Rest assured, no one will be copying our beloved kitty-shaped key on my watch!
Embracing Cozy Minimalism: A Step-by-Step Home Transformation
Our journey into “cozy minimalism” is about intentionally simplifying our surroundings without sacrificing the warmth, personality, and comfort that makes a house a home. It’s a nuanced approach to decluttering that avoids the cold, stark aesthetic often associated with extreme minimalism, instead focusing on creating inviting, functional spaces that resonate with our personal style.
Above, you can catch a glimpse of some of the spaces Sherry has already begun to simplify within our home. This transformation is directly inspired by the step-by-step process outlined in Myquillyn Smith’s highly anticipated book, Cozy Minimalist Home. Myquillyn, affectionately known as “The Nester,” offers a refreshing perspective on creating a home that feels both curated and comfortable, proving that less truly can be more without feeling empty. You can pre-order her insightful book now, and for even more inspiration and valuable resources, follow Myquillyn on her blog, The Nesting Place, where she often shares helpful tips and freebies. For a deeper dive into her philosophy, you can also listen to her featured appearance on Episode #58 of our podcast, where we engaged in a candid discussion about the delicate balance of sharing children’s lives online.
Kitchen Island Evolution: From Styled to Spacious
Let’s take a closer look at our kitchen island to illustrate the impact of cozy minimalism. Here’s a shot from when we first revealed our kitchen renovation a couple of years ago. At the time, we leaned into a more traditional “styled” aesthetic, with various decorative items adorning the counter space, creating visually appealing vignettes.
Now, observe the same angle today. The counters are noticeably clearer, exuding a sense of openness and readiness. While this photograph might appear less “styled” or visually rich than its predecessor – lacking the traditional “anchor points” often seen in professionally staged photos – in real life, the transformation is profoundly impactful. The room feels more expansive, breathable, and adaptable to daily life. This newfound space is incredibly versatile, perfect for spreading out homework projects, engaging in a joyful cookie-baking session, or simply enjoying an uncluttered environment.
From another perspective, this view of the island reveals that the room still retains ample visual interest and charm; it simply feels less “filled up” and overtly styled than before. We particularly appreciate how clearing the far end of the island allows our eyes to effortlessly flow into the living room. This creates an unobstructed sightline, which is particularly pleasant when our kids are playing in the living room while we’re busy in the kitchen, fostering a greater sense of connection and openness within our home.
Refining Countertop Utility: Purpose Over Ornament
Here’s another compelling example of how our application of cozy minimalism still maintains a warm and inviting atmosphere, albeit with a less styled and full appearance. Previously, this counter space was adorned with numerous decorative objects. We had a large cutting board permanently displayed, a vase of flowers, a decorative clock, and even sugar and flour containers that, to be honest, hadn’t held actual sugar or flour in years. While these items contributed to a certain aesthetic, they ultimately detracted from the counter’s primary function.
Today, the same angle reveals a refreshing change. We still have a single, thoughtfully placed decorative object – a vibrant plant – which adds a touch of life without overwhelming the space. Crucially, we’ve replaced those unused canisters with ones that serve a genuine daily purpose; our popcorn and cereal are now easily accessible, and frequently “stolen” by eager hands! These functional canisters used to reside on the opposite end of the counter, which often felt cluttered when we arrived home with groceries and needed to unload. Now, that prime space is entirely freed up, allowing for seamless grocery unpacking without feeling cramped or inefficient. This newfound breathing room on our countertops feels absolutely fantastic, enhancing both the aesthetics and the functionality of our kitchen.
Living Room Bookcases: A Curated & Lighter Look
Transitioning into our living room, let’s revisit our beloved built-in bookcases. After we diligently crafted and installed them (you can find our detailed DIY guide here!), we initially filled them to the brim. They were a vibrant tapestry of colorful books, cherished objects, and personal treasures, creating a bold and maximalist statement in the room.
While we thoroughly enjoyed that rich, full, and colorful aesthetic for several years, a shift in our design sensibilities led us to feel ready for a change. We both desired to simplify things, aiming to make that expansive wall feel less heavy and packed. Here are the bookcases as they appear today, after a thoughtful process of simplification. We donated books we had finished reading or no longer referenced, and generally curated the remaining items. You’ll also notice a reduction in the number of frames adorning the left wall, contributing to an overall lighter and more intentional visual balance in the living space.
The topic of books as decorative objects, including the popular “backward book” trend, often sparks lively debate among design enthusiasts. We delved into this “controversy” in a longer discussion during Episode #85 of our podcast, offering our perspectives and encouraging listeners to embrace what feels right for their own homes.
It’s an interesting observation that, much like our kitchen counter photos, the more minimal looks don’t always translate into what are traditionally considered “better” or “more interesting” photographs. Capturing these new, simplified spaces was particularly challenging during thunderstorms, requiring long exposures to compensate for the dim light! However, in real life, this shift has been an incredibly welcome change of pace. Simply having less “stuff” around has imbued our house with a remarkable sense of lightness and an overall feeling of being less overfilled, creating a more serene and peaceful environment.
And to cap off this section, we absolutely must share the hilarious SNL sketch that perfectly encapsulates some of the more extreme interpretations of minimalism we referenced in the podcast. Nuni and Nuni are minimalists, right?
What We’re Enthusiastically Recommending This Episode
Sherry’s Game-Changing Underwear: A ThirdLove Discovery
Sherry has found a true game-changer in the world of intimate apparel, and she simply cannot stop raving about ThirdLove bras. Over the past two years, she has gradually built a collection of three distinct styles, each proving to be incredibly comfortable and supportive. Her collection includes a versatile classic plunge bra, perfect for everyday wear and a variety of necklines. For those tricky outfits, she swears by their exceptional strapless bra, which actually stays put and provides ample support. Finally, for moments when she wants to feel a little extra special, she has a fancy lacy option that combines elegance with comfort. While ThirdLove offers a beautiful array of colors for each style, it comes as no surprise that Sherry, ever true to her aesthetic, gravitates towards the blackest/darkest option for all of her selections, ensuring timeless versatility.
John’s Deep Dive: The McDonald’s Monopoly Game Heist
John, on the other hand, was utterly captivated by a fascinating piece of investigative journalism: The Daily Beast article titled “How An Ex-Cop Rigged McDonald’s Monopoly Game And Stole Millions.” This incredible true story details an elaborate scheme where an ex-cop managed to manipulate McDonald’s iconic Monopoly game for years, orchestrating a multi-million dollar fraud. The intricate details of the deception, the characters involved, and the sheer audacity of the operation read like something straight out of a Hollywood script. It’s hardly a surprise, then, that this gripping narrative has already been optioned and is slated to become a major motion picture, produced by none other than Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. We’re eagerly anticipating its release!
For those eager to discover more of our favorite finds and recommendations from previous episodes, we’ve compiled a convenient resource. You can explore a comprehensive master list of everything we’ve been digging, spanning all our past podcast episodes. Additionally, if you’re a book lover seeking new reads, all the titles we’ve enthusiastically recommended can be found on our dedicated Book Club page.
And finally, we extend a huge thank you to Universal Furniture for their generous sponsorship of this episode. We invite you to learn more about their innovative new Spaces collection, thoughtfully designed with the unique needs of smaller homes in mind, by visiting their website at UniversalFurniture.com/YHL.
Thank you for tuning in and joining us on this exciting journey of home transformation and discovery!
*This post contains affiliate links*
In our continuous journey to refine our living spaces, we’ve discovered that simplifying and decluttering doesn’t have to mean sacrificing warmth or personality. While the allure of a super sleek, sometimes sterile minimalist aesthetic holds appeal for some, our vision leans towards creating environments that are both organized and profoundly inviting. We’re thrilled to share a transformative, step-by-step process we’ve been implementing to achieve a truly ‘cozy minimalist’ home – a methodology that blends thoughtful reduction with an emphasis on comfort and personal style. Sherry, in particular, has wholeheartedly embraced this easy-to-follow formula and is energetically applying it throughout our entire house, revealing exciting changes.
Beyond our personal home projects, we’re also making significant strides in bringing our design aspirations for the duplex kitchens to life. Here’s a little twist: we’ve consciously decided to steer clear of the conventional all-white cabinetry. This bold choice is driven by a desire for a distinctive look that perfectly suits the duplex’s character, and we’ll delve into the precise reasons behind this decision. Furthermore, we’re excited to reveal how we’re achieving a high-end, custom aesthetic on a surprisingly strict budget – a secret many DIY enthusiasts and homeowners will appreciate. And on a more personal note, Sherry’s recent foray into upgrading her wardrobe essentials has led to an exciting discovery in the world of comfortable undergarments, while John has successfully tackled and conquered one of those minor, yet persistent, daily annoyances that can subtly detract from everyday contentment.
For an in-depth exploration of these topics, along with all the delightful details and humorous anecdotes, you can immerse yourself in our latest podcast episode. Download it conveniently from any of your preferred platforms:
- Apple Podcasts
- Google Podcasts
- Stitcher
- TuneIn Radio
- Spotify
Alternatively, you can listen directly using the player embedded below. After listening, return to this page to browse all the referenced links, detailed notes, and visual inspiration we’ve provided. Note: If you’re accessing this content through a feed reader, you might need to click through to the original post to view the integrated podcast player.
Transforming Spaces: Duplex Kitchens & Cozy Minimalism
Designing Distinctive Duplex Kitchens: Steering Clear of White Cabinetry
Our journey to renovate the duplex kitchens has been an exciting exploration of balancing aesthetics with practicality and budget. Unlike many modern kitchen designs that default to all-white cabinetry, we’ve consciously opted for a different path for the duplex. Our reasoning is multi-faceted: we want each unit to have its own unique personality, avoiding a sterile or overly commercial feel. Furthermore, the duplex is intended to be a comfortable, lived-in space, and we believe a splash of color or the warmth of wood grain will enhance its inviting character.
To achieve a truly custom and captivating look without breaking the bank, we’ve been immersing ourselves in the world of IKEA kitchens. Below, you’ll see some candid photos from our IKEA scouting missions, where we meticulously brought along our tile samples and even paint swatches to visualize our options in real-time – a testament to our dedication! On the left, one design possibility emerges, mirroring an inspiration photo we adore. This pairing features a beautifully textured blue patterned tile (similar to a specific design we’ve linked) alongside IKEA’s Askersund cabinets, known for their light ash effect and warm, natural wood look. This combination promises a bright yet grounded feel.
The image on the right showcases our more adventurous concept for the second duplex kitchen. Here, we’re experimenting with a bolder color choice for the cabinetry: IKEA’s Kallarp cabinets in a sleek, glossy “gray-turquoise.” This vibrant hue is intended to create a lively and contemporary atmosphere. To complement this, we’re pairing it with a similar patterned tile, but in a different colorway, perhaps featuring pink or softer tones, to introduce an element of sophisticated playfulness. These two distinct approaches ensure each duplex unit offers a unique and memorable kitchen experience.
Visualizing Our Kitchen Combinations: Tile & Cabinetry Up Close
It can be challenging to fully appreciate tile patterns and cabinet finishes in the hustle and bustle of an IKEA store, especially with their unique lighting. To provide a clearer perspective, we’ve compiled images that offer a better sense of our chosen combinations. Here’s a closer look at the first concept: the warm, inviting wood-effect Askersund cabinets paired with our vibrant blue patterned tile. While the image shows metal pulls, we envision a different style for our final installation to maintain the cohesive aesthetic.
Next, feast your eyes on the second striking combination: the glossy blue-gray Kallarp cabinets for the other duplex kitchen. These contemporary cabinets are beautifully contrasted with a pink/gray patterned tile, which adds a layer of subtle sophistication and visual interest. This playful yet refined pairing is designed to create a modern and memorable kitchen space that truly stands out.
We’re diligently compiling a comprehensive post that will offer even more detailed insights into all our selections for the duplex, including bathroom tile choices, exact paint colors, and various other design elements. In both kitchens, our plan is to balance these distinctive cabinet and tile combinations with light-colored countertops, most likely opting for durable granite or elegant quartz. We also envision a thoughtful mix of open shelving and traditional upper cabinets. To maintain a sense of airiness and cohesion, we’re leaning towards incorporating crisp white upper cabinets in both spaces, providing a fresh contrast and visually expanding the room.
Exploring Custom Cabinetry: Semihandmade vs. IKEA’s Affordability
For those interested in elevating standard IKEA cabinets with a custom touch, Semihandmade offers an excellent solution. They provide a range of beautifully crafted doors and drawer fronts designed to fit IKEA cabinet boxes, allowing for a personalized look. Below, you can see just a few examples of the diverse styles they offer. We meticulously priced out their unfinished options, specifically the first two styles shown, and found them to be approximately $400 – $500 more expensive than the factory-finished and sealed IKEA cabinets we ultimately chose. While this price difference is significant for a duplex project, it represents a valuable option for homeowners seeking a semi-custom aesthetic.
Our curiosity also led us to explore Semihandmade’s more colorful, beaded door options. However, these came with an even higher price tag, about $1100 more than the IKEA alternatives. While undeniably stunning, this cost pushed them beyond our current budget for the duplex. We’re certainly holding onto the idea of using these exquisite doors for a future project, perhaps in one of our own home’s bathroom renovations, where the investment might align better with the scale of the space and our personal aesthetic desires. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between vision, quality, and budget.
Conquering Daily Annoyances: A Key Ring Transformation
And now, for a delightful transformation that many of you have undoubtedly been waiting for – the before and after of my personal key ring! This seemingly small change has brought immense satisfaction. My old key ring was a chaotic mess of infrequently used keys and an overflowing collection of loyalty and membership cards, creating a bulky, cumbersome item I carried everywhere. The solution came in two parts: first, a ruthless paring down of unnecessary keys, and second, digitizing my less-used membership cards with the incredibly handy Key Ring app. This app allows me to store all those pesky barcode cards on my phone, significantly reducing physical clutter.
The final touch was upgrading to this sleek leather key organizer, which I discovered on Etsy. This ingenious little device can neatly hold up to six keys and/or a few essential loyalty cards, keeping them compact, silent, and protected. The difference is truly remarkable, transforming a daily annoyance into a small pleasure every time I reach for my keys.
On a crucial note, and as an important public service announcement: it is highly advisable to avoid posting unedited photos of your keys online. Individuals with sufficient technical knowledge can potentially duplicate your keys from a clear photograph. For this reason, I’ve digitally altered the unique tooth patterns on the keys shown here. Rest assured, no one will be copying our beloved kitty-shaped key on my watch!
Embracing Cozy Minimalism: A Step-by-Step Home Transformation
Our journey into “cozy minimalism” is about intentionally simplifying our surroundings without sacrificing the warmth, personality, and comfort that makes a house a home. It’s a nuanced approach to decluttering that avoids the cold, stark aesthetic often associated with extreme minimalism, instead focusing on creating inviting, functional spaces that resonate with our personal style.
Above, you can catch a glimpse of some of the spaces Sherry has already begun to simplify within our home. This transformation is directly inspired by the step-by-step process outlined in Myquillyn Smith’s highly anticipated book, Cozy Minimalist Home. Myquillyn, affectionately known as “The Nester,” offers a refreshing perspective on creating a home that feels both curated and comfortable, proving that less truly can be more without feeling empty. You can pre-order her insightful book now, and for even more inspiration and valuable resources, follow Myquillyn on her blog, The Nesting Place, where she often shares helpful tips and freebies. For a deeper dive into her philosophy, you can also listen to her featured appearance on Episode #58 of our podcast, where we engaged in a candid discussion about the delicate balance of sharing children’s lives online.
Kitchen Island Evolution: From Styled to Spacious
Let’s take a closer look at our kitchen island to illustrate the impact of cozy minimalism. Here’s a shot from when we first revealed our kitchen renovation a couple of years ago. At the time, we leaned into a more traditional “styled” aesthetic, with various decorative items adorning the counter space, creating visually appealing vignettes.
Now, observe the same angle today. The counters are noticeably clearer, exuding a sense of openness and readiness. While this photograph might appear less “styled” or visually rich than its predecessor – lacking the traditional “anchor points” often seen in professionally staged photos – in real life, the transformation is profoundly impactful. The room feels more expansive, breathable, and adaptable to daily life. This newfound space is incredibly versatile, perfect for spreading out homework projects, engaging in a joyful cookie-baking session, or simply enjoying an uncluttered environment.
From another perspective, this view of the island reveals that the room still retains ample visual interest and charm; it simply feels less “filled up” and overtly styled than before. We particularly appreciate how clearing the far end of the island allows our eyes to effortlessly flow into the living room. This creates an unobstructed sightline, which is particularly pleasant when our kids are playing in the living room while we’re busy in the kitchen, fostering a greater sense of connection and openness within our home.
Refining Countertop Utility: Purpose Over Ornament
Here’s another compelling example of how our application of cozy minimalism still maintains a warm and inviting atmosphere, albeit with a less styled and full appearance. Previously, this counter space was adorned with numerous decorative objects. We had a large cutting board permanently displayed, a vase of flowers, a decorative clock, and even sugar and flour containers that, to be honest, hadn’t held actual sugar or flour in years. While these items contributed to a certain aesthetic, they ultimately detracted from the counter’s primary function.
Today, the same angle reveals a refreshing change. We still have a single, thoughtfully placed decorative object – a vibrant plant – which adds a touch of life without overwhelming the space. Crucially, we’ve replaced those unused canisters with ones that serve a genuine daily purpose; our popcorn and cereal are now easily accessible, and frequently “stolen” by eager hands! These functional canisters used to reside on the opposite end of the counter, which often felt cluttered when we arrived home with groceries and needed to unload. Now, that prime space is entirely freed up, allowing for seamless grocery unpacking without feeling cramped or inefficient. This newfound breathing room on our countertops feels absolutely fantastic, enhancing both the aesthetics and the functionality of our kitchen.
Living Room Bookcases: A Curated & Lighter Look
Transitioning into our living room, let’s revisit our beloved built-in bookcases. After we diligently crafted and installed them (you can find our detailed DIY guide here!), we initially filled them to the brim. They were a vibrant tapestry of colorful books, cherished objects, and personal treasures, creating a bold and maximalist statement in the room.
While we thoroughly enjoyed that rich, full, and colorful aesthetic for several years, a shift in our design sensibilities led us to feel ready for a change. We both desired to simplify things, aiming to make that expansive wall feel less heavy and packed. Here are the bookcases as they appear today, after a thoughtful process of simplification. We donated books we had finished reading or no longer referenced, and generally curated the remaining items. You’ll also notice a reduction in the number of frames adorning the left wall, contributing to an overall lighter and more intentional visual balance in the living space.
The topic of books as decorative objects, including the popular “backward book” trend, often sparks lively debate among design enthusiasts. We delved into this “controversy” in a longer discussion during Episode #85 of our podcast, offering our perspectives and encouraging listeners to embrace what feels right for their own homes.
It’s an interesting observation that, much like our kitchen counter photos, the more minimal looks don’t always translate into what are traditionally considered “better” or “more interesting” photographs. Capturing these new, simplified spaces was particularly challenging during thunderstorms, requiring long exposures to compensate for the dim light! However, in real life, this shift has been an incredibly welcome change of pace. Simply having less “stuff” around has imbued our house with a remarkable sense of lightness and an overall feeling of being less overfilled, creating a more serene and peaceful environment.
And to cap off this section, we absolutely must share the hilarious SNL sketch that perfectly encapsulates some of the more extreme interpretations of minimalism we referenced in the podcast. Nuni and Nuni are minimalists, right?
What We’re Enthusiastically Recommending This Episode
Sherry’s Game-Changing Underwear: A ThirdLove Discovery
Sherry has found a true game-changer in the world of intimate apparel, and she simply cannot stop raving about ThirdLove bras. Over the past two years, she has gradually built a collection of three distinct styles, each proving to be incredibly comfortable and supportive. Her collection includes a versatile classic plunge bra, perfect for everyday wear and a variety of necklines. For those tricky outfits, she swears by their exceptional strapless bra, which actually stays put and provides ample support. Finally, for moments when she wants to feel a little extra special, she has a fancy lacy option that combines elegance with comfort. While ThirdLove offers a beautiful array of colors for each style, it comes as no surprise that Sherry, ever true to her aesthetic, gravitates towards the blackest/darkest option for all of her selections, ensuring timeless versatility.
John’s Deep Dive: The McDonald’s Monopoly Game Heist
John, on the other hand, was utterly captivated by a fascinating piece of investigative journalism: The Daily Beast article titled “How An Ex-Cop Rigged McDonald’s Monopoly Game And Stole Millions.” This incredible true story details an elaborate scheme where an ex-cop managed to manipulate McDonald’s iconic Monopoly game for years, orchestrating a multi-million dollar fraud. The intricate details of the deception, the characters involved, and the sheer audacity of the operation read like something straight out of a Hollywood script. It’s hardly a surprise, then, that this gripping narrative has already been optioned and is slated to become a major motion picture, produced by none other than Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. We’re eagerly anticipating its release!
For those eager to discover more of our favorite finds and recommendations from previous episodes, we’ve compiled a convenient resource. You can explore a comprehensive master list of everything we’ve been digging, spanning all our past podcast episodes. Additionally, if you’re a book lover seeking new reads, all the titles we’ve enthusiastically recommended can be found on our dedicated Book Club page.
And finally, we extend a huge thank you to Universal Furniture for their generous sponsorship of this episode. We invite you to learn more about their innovative new Spaces collection, thoughtfully designed with the unique needs of smaller homes in mind, by visiting their website at UniversalFurniture.com/YHL.
Thank you for tuning in and joining us on this exciting journey of home transformation and discovery!
*This post contains affiliate links*