Welcome to a brand new episode where we unravel the intricacies of home decor, from debunking societal expectations about what women “should” or “shouldn’t” have in their homes (Sherry admits to a relatable transgression!) to diving deep into one of the most pondered questions in interior design: the art of mixing metal finishes. Should every metallic accent in a room match perfectly, or is there beauty in diversity? We’ll explore this fascinating topic, alongside examining whether the beloved brass trend is fading or firmly here to stay. Beyond our design discussions, prepare for a dose of humor as we share your unique and often hilarious house quirks. Plus, we’ll recount the inspiring, and sometimes downright awkward, moments from our recent adventure in vibrant Palm Springs, offering a candid look behind the scenes.
You can listen to this exciting episode and catch up on all our latest insights through your favorite podcast platforms. Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio. After listening, this page serves as your comprehensive guide to all the links, notes, and stunning photos we referenced throughout the show. For those reading in a feed reader, a quick click through to the full post will reveal all the visual elements and additional details.
Listen to the full episode below:
Palm Springs Adventures & Design Inspirations: What’s New
Our recent trip to Palm Springs for the Alt Summit conference was nothing short of an inspiring whirlwind. From vibrant architecture to connecting with incredible creative minds, the desert oasis offered a fresh perspective on design and community. The conference itself was an invaluable experience, overflowing with cool people and fresh ideas that fueled our passion for home design and DIY.
- The Saguaro Hotel, the vibrant host venue for Alt Summit, boasted an exterior so colorful and photogenic it felt like stepping into a design dream. Its striking hues and playful aesthetic were a constant source of visual delight. While the exterior shone brightly under the desert sun, the less-photographed bathroom in our room offered a different kind of bold color palette, proving that even fluorescent lights can’t dim the spirit of Palm Springs design.
- During the conference, we had the immense pleasure of meeting and reconnecting with a myriad of talented individuals who are shaping the world of design and blogging. While it’s impossible to mention everyone who inspired us, here are a few standout individuals we highlighted in the episode:
- Jenny Komenda from Little Green Notebook: Known for her brilliant design insights and creative projects, Jenny previously joined us on Episode #31, which remains a fan favorite for its deep dive into beach-inspired colors. Her ability to blend high style with practical living continues to inspire.
- Gabrielle Blair from Design Mom: As the visionary founder of Alt Summit, Gabrielle is a powerhouse of creativity and community building. Her work consistently champions thoughtful design and intentional living, making her a true leader in the lifestyle space.
- Jaime Derringer from Design Milk: Jaime’s sophisticated eye for modern design and art, combined with her wonderfully dry and engaging sense of humor, made every interaction a delight. Her platform is a go-to for discovering innovative design and contemporary aesthetics.
- We also regretfully forgot to give a shout-out to Mandi from Vintage Revivals during the episode! Having met her at previous Haven Conferences, this trip was extra special because we finally got to see her iconic trailer, affectionately known as The Nugget, in person. Its impressive makeover and Mandi’s incredible DIY skills were even more breathtaking in real life, solidifying her reputation as a design maverick.
- Despite the conference keeping us busy, one of the unexpected highlights was our brief encounters with the natural beauty and unique charm of Palm Springs. Though we didn’t get to explore the town extensively in daylight, the Palm Springs airport itself was a marvel. With half of the terminal being outdoors, it offered a refreshing and picturesque welcome and farewell to the desert, setting a relaxed tone that truly embodies the spirit of the city. It’s not often an airport becomes a memorable part of a trip!
Challenging Design Norms: What’s Not
In this segment, we tackled some rather opinionated articles that attempt to dictate what women “should” or “shouldn’t” have in their homes. These prescriptive lists often spark lively debate, and we certainly had some strong feelings about them, especially concerning personal style versus arbitrary rules.
- First up, we delved into the controversial “13 Things A Woman Should Never EVER Have In Their Home” article from Elle Decor. This piece stirred up quite a discussion, prompting us to question the authority behind such declarative design statements. We explored why some of these “never-haves” might actually be perfectly acceptable or even beloved items in a real woman’s home, emphasizing that personal comfort and style should always trump rigid design dogma. Consider this your warning: we had some serious opinions!
- On the flip side, we also looked at a more practical and empowering list: “30 Things Every Grown-Ass Woman Needs in Her Apartment” from PureWow. This list offered a refreshing contrast, focusing on functionality, independence, and truly useful items that contribute to a well-appointed and self-sufficient living space. We discussed how such lists, when approached with a focus on personal needs and evolving lifestyles, can be genuinely helpful rather than restrictive. It’s about building a home that reflects who you are, not who someone else thinks you should be.
Embracing Individuality: House Quirks
Every home has its unique personality, often defined by those charming, sometimes peculiar, details we affectionately call “house quirks.” These are the elements that make a space truly yours, distinguishing it from any other. We love celebrating these personal touches, and in this episode, we opened the phone lines to hear about your most random and hilarious home eccentricities.
- If you’re curious to hear the original conversation where we first shared OUR own beloved house quirks, you can revisit Episode #32. It’s a candid look at the less-than-perfect, yet perfectly charming, aspects of our own living spaces that often go unseen. From oddly placed outlets to a door that doesn’t quite close right, these quirks are a testament to the lived-in quality of a true home. We believe embracing these imperfections adds character and tells a unique story about your journey within your space.
Mastering the Art of Mixing Metal Finishes in Home Decor
One of the most frequently asked questions in interior design revolves around metal finishes: Should they all match? Is mixing metals a design faux pas or a sophisticated statement? We dedicated a significant part of this episode to demystifying this topic, offering practical advice and showcasing examples from our own home and designs to illustrate how to flawlessly blend various metallic tones. Mixing metals, when done thoughtfully, can add incredible depth, texture, and a modern edge to any room, moving beyond the monochromatic look to create a rich, layered aesthetic.
- Above, you can see a prime example of successful metal mixing in our own kitchen. The room predominantly features polished nickel on the faucet, cabinet pulls, and lighting fixtures, providing a cohesive and classic foundation. We then seamlessly integrated stainless steel appliances, which are often a practical necessity, without sacrificing style. For a touch of warmth and modern flair, we introduced gold accents through less permanent accessories. This strategic layering ensures each finish feels intentional and contributes to a balanced, inviting space, rather than clashing.
- Our son’s bedroom offers another excellent illustration of how to layer different metals to create an intentional and harmonious look. Here, the doorknob, curtain rod, and the pulls on his built-ins are all unified by a warm oil-rubbed bronze finish. To introduce contrast and balance, we incorporated a brushed nickel ceiling fan in the foreground, along with brushed nickel frames and a piggy bank (not pictured) on his shelf. The key here is repetition; by featuring each metal finish in at least two or three places, everything feels purposeful and thoughtfully curated, preventing any single finish from feeling out of place.
- Even in older designs, the principle of mixing metals holds true. This vintage picture of our hall bathroom perfectly demonstrates how two distinct metal finishes can coexist beautifully within a single space. Two elegant brass mirrors serve as a focal point, bringing warmth and a touch of timeless sophistication. These are complemented by polished nickel hardware on the cabinets and lighting fixtures, creating a refined contrast that enhances the room’s overall aesthetic. This combination proves that thoughtful pairing can elevate a bathroom from functional to fashionable.
- We’re passionate about incorporating mixed metals into our own lighting designs, offering versatility and contemporary style. Take, for instance, our popular “Dapper Wall Sconce,” which beautifully blends the rich warmth of brass with the modern simplicity of matte black. This combination provides a sophisticated contrast, making it a versatile piece for various decor styles. For those who prefer a more streamlined or classic look, the sconce is also available in an all-polished nickel finish. This thoughtful design caters to diverse preferences while celebrating the enduring appeal of quality metalwork.
- Finally, a burning question on everyone’s minds: is the brass trend over, or is it here to stay? As promised, we conducted a poll to gauge your collective feelings about brass. While the poll has since closed, the overwhelming sentiment suggests that brass, in its modernized and refined forms, is far from over. It has evolved from a fleeting trend to a timeless classic, especially when paired thoughtfully with other finishes. Contemporary brass, often unlacquered or in a brushed finish, adds a sophisticated warmth and a touch of luxury that complements a wide range of interior styles, ensuring its longevity in the design world.
(The poll regarding brass has now closed, but the conversation continues!)
Innovative Solutions & Home Essentials: We’re Digging
In every episode, we love sharing the innovative products and clever solutions that are currently making our lives easier and our homes more beautiful. This time, we’re particularly excited about two finds that promise to revolutionize your painting projects and keep your spaces smelling fresh naturally.
- First up is Samplize, an ingenious Indiegogo campaign that we enthusiastically contributed to. This product offers pre-painted color sample decals, completely eliminating the mess and commitment of painting swatches directly onto your walls. Imagine testing dozens of paint colors without a single drip or brushstroke! These peel-and-stick samples provide true-to-color representation, allowing you to easily move them around the room and see how different lighting affects the hue throughout the day. We have our fingers crossed that this brilliant concept becomes a widespread reality, as it promises to be a game-changer for DIYers and professional designers alike, simplifying the daunting task of choosing the perfect paint color.
- Sherry has been utterly obsessed with these charcoal deodorizing bags for years, and for good reason! We recently ordered two new sets to replace our older ones, a testament to their enduring effectiveness. Sherry originally discovered these wonders in Real Simple magazine back in 2014, and they have been a staple in our home ever since. Made from natural bamboo charcoal, these bags are a chemical-free, eco-friendly way to absorb odors, moisture, and allergens, keeping your home smelling fresh and clean without any artificial fragrances.
- Their discreet design means they blend seamlessly into any decor. We typically tuck them onto a bookshelf, where they can resemble a chic gray linen bookend, or cleverly hide them behind objects on tabletops (there’s always one discreetly positioned behind a vase on our dining room sideboard). To give you a better idea of their appearance “in the wild,” we pulled one out and placed it on Sherry’s nightstand. As you can see, it’s a small, elegant gray pouch with a subtle grommet in the corner – a powerful deodorizer disguised as a minimalist accessory. They’re perfect for closets, refrigerators, pet areas, or anywhere you need a natural refresh.
Are you trying to remember a fantastic product or tool we’ve raved about in a previous episode but can’t recall which show notes to search through? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Head over to our comprehensive master list of everything we’ve been digging from all our past episodes. It’s your go-to resource for discovering all our top recommendations and favorite finds!
Explore the complete range of innovative HANDy Paint Products for all your painting needs. Visit their official website or find them wherever you purchase paint supplies to make your next DIY project even easier.
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