Can the colors, textures, and thoughtfully chosen furnishings within our living spaces truly elevate our happiness? Today, we delve into the fascinating intersection of design and psychology, exploring how a mindful approach to home decor can profoundly impact our daily moods and overall well-being. We uncover the scientific backing behind certain design choices, revealing how even subtle adjustments can transform mundane tasks into more enjoyable experiences. This journey will highlight moments where we’ve instinctively infused joy into our home, alongside areas ripe for enhancement. Furthermore, we reflect on valuable lessons learned from holding onto a piece of furniture for too long and recount a memorable dollhouse project that didn’t quite go to plan, offering a dose of relatable real-life design adventures.
You can also find this episode on your favorite podcast listening app, like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, and Spotify. Tune in for more insights into creating a home you truly love!
Home Refresh: What’s New in Our Space
Updating our living room has brought a renewed sense of style and functionality to the heart of our home. Recent changes include a much-anticipated coffee table upgrade and a peek into our guest bedroom’s unique headboard story. Small adjustments often yield significant positive impacts on daily living, and we’re excited to share these transformations.
The Long-Awaited Coffee Table Upgrade
- Many of you spotted our new coffee table in the Instagram photo above, and we’re thrilled with this addition to our living room. After years with our previous ottoman, a change was definitely in order. This new piece isn’t just a surface; it’s a statement, anchoring the room with its solid presence and thoughtful design.
- For a better perspective, here’s a shot from the other side of the room, offering a clearer view of its distinctive X-base. This design isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it’s incredibly practical, featuring convenient nooks on each end. These perfectly accommodate two white poufs that we brought down from upstairs, adding flexible seating and a touch of softness to the space. The X-base also lends a contemporary yet timeless feel, blending seamlessly with our existing decor while providing a fresh focal point.
- Upon closer inspection, you might notice that the finish isn’t absolutely flawless. However, for our bustling family life, it’s functioning perfectly. In fact, it’s a significant improvement over our previous ottoman, especially in its final days. We’re still contemplating future enhancements for this piece, whether it’s tiling the top for a unique look or applying a fresh refinish to truly make it our own. Stay tuned for more details on any DIY projects we embark on for this versatile coffee table.
Out With the Old: A Fond Farewell to Our Ottoman
- For context, here’s a glimpse from a couple of years ago, showcasing the large leather storage ottoman that the new coffee table replaced. This ottoman faithfully served our family for a solid 8 or 9 years, offering both a comfortable footrest and valuable hidden storage. We certainly have no regrets about its tenure; it was a workhorse in our living room for nearly a decade.
- While trying to unearth photos of its gradual decline, including the infamous “dandruff” of peeling faux leather it left throughout the house, it seems we instinctively avoided capturing its less-than-glamorous moments – or perhaps we simply vacuumed up the evidence before snapping any pictures! However, we did manage to find a candid iPhone shot from last year where you can faintly discern the bare patches forming along the top. These spots are where the faux leather had begun its inevitable journey of peeling away, transforming into those little white dots of ottoman confetti that frequently decorated our floor. It was a clear sign that its time had come, making the transition to the new coffee table even more welcome.
A Clever Guest Room Headboard Solution
- Sherry recently highlighted the headboard in our guest room, which holds a rather unique secret: it’s actually the backside of a wicker headboard we discovered on Craigslist. This unconventional approach to bedroom decor allowed us to achieve a beautiful, textured look while making the most of an affordable, secondhand find. Its woven pattern adds warmth and character to the room, proving that sometimes the best design solutions are the most unexpected. You can delve deeper into the story behind this resourceful piece and other creative home ideas in our second book, Lovable Livable Home, where we share more about embracing unique elements to create a truly personal space.
That’s Embarrassing: Our Dollhouse Saga
Every DIY enthusiast knows that not every project goes exactly as planned. Our recent venture into dollhouse construction for our daughter served up a healthy dose of both challenge and humor, proving that sometimes the joy is truly in the effort, even if the end result looks a little different from the picture on the box.
- Here’s a snapshot of the Sweet Shop dollhouse in its chaotic glory, mid-construction. We were faced with dozens upon dozens of tiny pieces, each requiring careful assembly to transform into what was promised to be a charming, dollhouse-sized candy store. The sheer volume of intricate components was daunting. Notice the paper fan blades scattered in the foreground? These were optimistically intended to become a miniature ceiling fan. Spoiler alert: that particular detail, along with several others, never quite came to fruition. The complexity of the kit was a humbling experience, highlighting the delicate balance between ambition and reality in miniature craftsmanship.
- As I mentioned in the episode, despite the unexpected hurdles and the departure from the original vision, Sherry truly did an incredible job pulling something together just in time for Christmas. And most importantly, our daughter absolutely adores it! Her joy overrides any minor imperfections or deviations from the box art. As Sherry wisely pointed out, while it might not be a spitting image of the glossy photograph, it’s a beloved toy filled with imagination and the warmth of a homemade gift. The experience reminded us that the ultimate goal of any creative project is often the happiness it brings, rather than strict adherence to a blueprint.
- If you’re curious to catch up on our family’s previous adventures and misadventures in the world of dollhousing, you can find the full story in earlier episodes. Dive into the initial discussions and the first dollhouse makeover journey by checking out Episode #124, Episode #125, and this comprehensive post about the first dollhouse makeover. These episodes offer a candid look at the challenges and rewards of crafting tiny worlds.
Unlocking Happiness: The “Joyful” Decor Discussion
Can our homes truly be designed to make us happier? This episode takes a deep dive into the psychology of design, inspired by Eva Hagberg’s groundbreaking book. We explore how specific design elements, from colors and shapes to textures and lighting, can consciously or subconsciously evoke feelings of joy, comfort, and well-being. It’s about creating spaces that don’t just look good, but feel good, nurturing our spirits every day. We’ll discuss practical ways to infuse your home with delightful surprises and intentional comfort.
- First things first, for those eager to explore the foundational concepts behind our discussion, here is a direct link to the book Sherry recently devoured (and which I’m eagerly waiting to read next!): “Joyful: The Surprising Power Of Ordinary Things To Create Extraordinary Happiness” by Ingrid Fetell Lee. This book profoundly influenced our perspective on how everyday objects and design choices can be powerful catalysts for happiness, teaching us to seek out elements that spark delight and a sense of vitality in our surroundings. It’s an indispensable guide for anyone looking to intentionally design a more joyful life at home.
Designing with Delight: Examples from Our Home
Inspired by the principles of joyful design, we’ve experimented with various elements to inject surprise and comfort into our living spaces. These projects showcase how intentional design choices, even small ones, can create unique experiences and uplift the atmosphere of a room.
- One such example of incorporating a delightful “surprise” is the DIY fabric-covered wall in our daughter’s closet. Far from a simple painted surface, this unexpected touch transforms a utilitarian space into a playful, textured nook. The softness of the fabric adds a tactile element that evokes comfort and a sense of wonder, making a typically overlooked area feel special and personalized. It’s a hidden gem that adds a layer of charm and individuality, proving that joy can be found in the most unexpected corners of your home.
- Another successful venture into joyful decor involves the removable wallpaper murals that we recently installed at the duplex. These vibrant additions bring a burst of color and a sense of nature indoors, transforming plain walls into captivating scenes. The beauty of removable wallpaper lies not only in its aesthetic impact but also in its flexibility, allowing for creative expression without permanent commitment. These murals act as significant focal points, drawing the eye and infusing the rooms with energy and personality, contributing to an overall happier atmosphere.
- Taking a page from the “Joyful” book, we’ve also begun to notice the prevalence and calming effect of “circles” and round objects throughout our home, particularly in the living room. Once you start actively looking, you’ll realize they are everywhere! From the subtle curves of our furniture to decorative accents and lighting fixtures, circular forms evoke softness, completeness, and a sense of gentle harmony. Unlike sharp angles, circles are inherently inviting and less confrontational, contributing to a more relaxed and welcoming environment. This unconscious gravitation towards rounded shapes has undoubtedly added to the overall serene feeling of our space.
- To add an element of “celebration” and warmth to our outdoor areas, we’ve invested in string lights for our backyard patio. These are the specific patio lights we use, and to manage them effortlessly, we pair them with this convenient outdoor smart plug. String lights instantly transform an ordinary outdoor space into an enchanting retreat, perfect for evening gatherings or simply enjoying a quiet night under the stars. They create a festive, intimate atmosphere that extends the joyful living experience beyond the interior walls of our home.
- For a touch of daily, gentle radiance, Sherry makes it a point to turn on our salt lamp nightlights every single day. We have three strategically placed in the kitchen and one in each bedroom upstairs. These lamps emit a soft, amber glow that is incredibly calming and contributes to a warm, inviting ambiance throughout the house. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the subtle illumination from these natural lamps adds a soothing element, fostering a sense of peace and coziness that makes coming home truly delightful.
We’re Digging: Discovering Delightful Finds
In our continuous quest to make our home a reflection of personality and joy, we’re always on the lookout for unique items that spark conversation or simply bring a smile. From charming figurines to commissioned art and practical outdoor upgrades, these are the recent discoveries and projects that we’ve been particularly excited about, proving that joy can indeed be found in ordinary (and sometimes extraordinary) things.
- You can spot Sherry’s magnificent, gleaming “brasshopper” – a whimsical brass grasshopper figurine – in the photo below. This distinctive piece adds a touch of playful sophistication to our decor. It’s also interesting to note that a smaller version of this charming insect finds its home on our mantel, adding a subtle, recurring motif of nature and unexpected artistry. These little treasures inject personality and a sense of curated wonder into our spaces, inviting closer inspection and a smile.
- Below is the unique Paymaster painting, a truly special acquisition from listener Vita, who created this artwork while tuning into our podcast! This piece not only adds vibrant color and artistic flair to our office but also carries a wonderful personal story, connecting us directly with our community. It’s a fantastic example of how art can be both beautiful and meaningful. While in our office, take a moment to observe the abundance of round objects there too – from clocks to decorative bowls and light fixtures, reinforcing our earlier observation about the calming power of circular forms in design.
- Sherry recently embarked on a delightful hunt for other unexpected or whimsical items designed to make you smile. Her curated list features a range of playful decor accents, quirky art pieces, and charming accessories that can instantly elevate the mood of any room. These carefully selected finds embody the spirit of bringing joy through everyday objects, from colorful ceramics to unique wall hangings. You can explore her delightful discoveries through these links: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13. These items are perfect for adding a dose of character and happiness to any decor scheme.
- Lastly, for a dose of practical joy, here’s the podcast episode where we first discussed the long-awaited paving of our driveway. This seemingly mundane home improvement brought an unexpected surge of happiness, especially last week when we experienced a random bout of 70-degree weather! A freshly paved, smooth surface makes outdoor activities much more enjoyable and adds significant curb appeal and functionality to our home.
- And if you’re curious about another source of recent outdoor fun, this is the portable basketball hoop that my parents generously gifted the kids during the Christmas sales. Although assembling it felt like tackling a puzzle with a thousand tiny pieces, I managed to put it together all by myself! The effort was well worth it, as it now provides endless hours of active fun and laughter in our driveway, further proving that some of the greatest joys come from projects that unite effort with a rewarding outcome.
If you’re ever searching for a specific item or idea we’ve talked about in a past episode but can’t quite recall which show notes to click into, we’ve made it easy for you! Here’s a comprehensive master list of everything we’ve been digging from all of our previous episodes, organized for your convenience. You can also explore all the books we’ve enthusiastically recommended and discussed on our dedicated Book Club page, perfect for finding your next inspiring read.
And finally, a huge thank you to Annie Selke for generously sponsoring this episode. For those looking to refresh their homes with high-quality, beautiful pieces, their highly anticipated Presidents’ Day sale kicks off this week on Thursday, February 14th (which also happens to be Valentine’s Day!). Don’t miss out on the opportunity to receive an incredible 20% off nearly their entire site! Elevate your home decor with Annie Selke’s exquisite collection by visiting annieselke.com/YHL. This is the perfect chance to infuse your space with timeless style and comfort.
Thanks for tuning in and sharing this journey with us, guys! We hope these insights inspire you to create a home that truly sparks joy every single day.
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