Embarking on a home renovation journey can be an exhilarating experience, but let’s be honest, it’s rarely a smooth ride. We’ve all faced those inevitable hiccups—delays, unexpected snags, and moments when the sheer scale of the project feels overwhelming. Here at Young House Love, we’re right in the thick of it with our duplex renovation, and we’re excited to share some new strategies that have been instrumental in keeping our spirits high when things get tough. Beyond tackling renovation blues, we’re diving deep into some exciting upcoming bathroom trends for 2019—one of which truly caught Sherry by surprise! And for those looking for a different kind of challenge, we’re officially kicking off our no-TV challenge, an experiment designed to foster more connection and creativity in our daily lives.
You can also find this episode on your favorite podcast listening app, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, and Spotify. Tune in for more insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories from our latest projects.
Renovation Realities & Recent Updates
Every home renovation project comes with its unique set of challenges, and our duplex renovation has certainly had its share of unexpected twists. From managing multiple deliveries to ensuring quality control, staying on top of every detail is crucial. This week, we’re sharing some of the latest updates from our ongoing projects, including lessons learned from a recent appliance saga and the exciting installation of our new kitchen countertops.
- Our journey with appliance deliveries has been a true test of patience. If you’ve been following along, you’ll recall the initial drama surrounding our fridge delivery in Episode #126, which was quickly followed by the discovery of a dented door in Episode #127. Dealing with damaged goods during a renovation is a common frustration, highlighting the importance of thorough inspections upon delivery. Always take photos, document issues immediately, and communicate clearly with your suppliers.
- Just when we thought the fridge saga was over, during our most recent delivery trip, the second delivery team discovered another “scrape” on the other fridge. It was a seemingly convincing mark, suspiciously aligned with a handle screw, lending credence to their theory that a drill had scraped off the finish. It’s moments like these that can truly test your resolve. Below, you can see the photo of the offending mark (please excuse the tiny water droplets, Sherry was frantically trying to wipe away the problem!). This experience reinforced our strategy for handling setbacks: maintain detailed records, advocate for solutions, and try to keep a sense of humor.
- On a much more positive note, we’re thrilled to give you a sneak peek at the new countertops we’ve finally had installed in our duplex kitchen! We opted for the same stunning Silestone quartz in Pearl Jasmine that we previously used on the island in our beach house. This choice speaks to our preference for timeless elegance and robust durability in high-traffic areas like kitchens. Quartz offers excellent stain resistance and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for busy households or rental properties. We’re incredibly excited to share wider shots of each kitchen as soon as they’re a little more settled – so definitely keep an eye out for an upcoming blog post with all the details!
- For an even deeper dive into our decision-making process for these counters (yes, we chose them three times!), make sure you didn’t miss last week’s email newsletter. Our newsletter is essentially a bonus blog post delivered straight to your inbox each week, packed with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes peeks, and timely updates. Don’t miss out on future insights and sneak peeks – be sure to subscribe here!
- In other news, if you caught last week’s episode featuring our interview with Joshua Becker, you might have heard a passing mention of our exciting new “no TV challenge.” This intentional shift is all about reclaiming our evenings and weekends for more productive, creative, and connective activities. It’s an experiment we’re embarking on to see how limiting screen time can positively impact our lives, particularly amidst the demanding schedule of a renovation.
Exploring 2019 Bathroom Design Trends
Bathroom design is constantly evolving, blending functionality with aesthetics to create spaces that are both practical and luxurious. We recently took a deep dive into House & Home’s predictions for 2019 bathroom trends, and some of them certainly sparked lively debate (and a few raised eyebrows!). Staying current with design trends can inspire fresh ideas for your own home, but it’s also important to consider what will stand the test of time and truly suit your personal style. Let’s explore some of these exciting concepts.
- For the full scoop, you can check out House & Home’s comprehensive list of 10 Bathroom Trends You’ll See Everywhere In 2019. It’s always fascinating to look back at previous years’ predictions, so we’ve also included links to their 2018 and 2017 trend reports for a historical perspective on evolving styles.
- Among the trends, “buttery brass” finishes caught our attention. This warm, aged brass offers a sophisticated alternative to polished chrome or nickel, bringing a touch of vintage elegance and warmth to modern bathrooms. It’s a great way to introduce a classic, yet current, metallic accent. Sherry was initially skeptical of the “off-kilter tub” trend, but upon seeing examples, it wasn’t as jarring as the name suggested. These tubs often feature unique, asymmetrical designs or are placed unconventionally to create a distinct focal point, challenging traditional bathroom layouts and adding an artistic touch.
- Another trend we wholeheartedly embrace is the “tile statement wall.” This design element allows for immense creativity, transforming a simple bathroom into a personalized sanctuary. We’ve actually incorporated this concept into our past projects. Below, you can see the captivating blue accent tile in the shower of our beach house’s hall bathroom, a project we completed a couple of years ago. It adds depth, texture, and a pop of color without overwhelming the space.
- And for a throwback, here’s another example of a tile statement wall we created way back in 2014 in the bathroom of our showhouse. This aqua glass accent shower tile demonstrates how choosing a unique material and pattern can elevate a bathroom’s design, creating a luxurious and memorable feature that stands the test of time.
- Modern bathroom design often prioritizes a sense of openness and minimalism. In the shower at our beach house, we incorporated an excellent example of an “invisible” shower wall. This design features a frameless glass pane, eliminating any bulky metal framing that can interrupt the visual flow. Combined with a consistent floor tile that extends seamlessly from the main bathroom into the shower area, it creates an expansive, uninterrupted look, making the room feel larger and more cohesive. This approach not only enhances aesthetics but also simplifies cleaning.
- Finally, we discussed the exciting prospect of incorporating “statement mirrors” into our duplex bathrooms, specifically the powder rooms. We purchased some truly striking pieces that are huge and incredibly stylish. Statement mirrors are powerful design elements that can instantly elevate a space, adding character, reflecting light to make rooms appear brighter and larger, and serving as a piece of art. Though they’re currently out of stock, we’re hoping they return soon so others can experience their transformative effect. When selecting a statement mirror, consider its scale relative to the vanity and wall, and how its frame style complements the overall design aesthetic of your bathroom.
Listener Question: Navigating Project Fatigue and Celebrating Success
One of the most common questions we receive from our listeners revolves around managing the emotional rollercoaster of home renovations. Project fatigue is a very real challenge, often leading to burnout or a loss of motivation. It’s crucial to have strategies in place to keep your spirits up, push through difficult phases, and remember to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. A renovation is a marathon, not a sprint, and maintaining mental well-being throughout the process is key to a successful outcome.
- For more in-depth suggestions on fighting project fatigue, uplifting your spirits during challenging times, and finding meaningful ways to celebrate your renovation milestones, we highly recommend revisiting Episode #90. In that episode, we shared practical tips on setting realistic expectations, breaking down large projects into manageable tasks, finding creative ways to take breaks, and recognizing the progress you’ve made. Remember, even completing a small task like painting a single wall or picking out a light fixture is a step forward worth acknowledging.
We’re Digging: Smart Shopping and Smart Home Tech
In this segment, we share some of our latest finds and favorite products that are making our lives easier and our homes smarter. From online shopping hacks for home decor to essential smart home devices, these discoveries are enhancing our renovation projects and everyday living. Finding the right tools and resources can make a significant difference in efficiency and enjoyment, whether you’re decorating a newly finished room or optimizing your outdoor spaces.
- Many people don’t realize that you can actually shop for HomeGoods online! It’s true—you just need to navigate to the “Home” section of the TJMaxx website here. This opens up a whole new world of home decor possibilities, especially helpful when you’re searching for specific items or need multiples of something that might be hard to track down in a physical store. Online shopping offers the convenience of browsing a wider selection from the comfort of your home, reducing impulse buys and ensuring you find exactly what you need.
- To give you a taste of the treasures you can uncover, here are some of the fantastic items you can find on the TJMaxx/HomeGoods online platform: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19. These curated links exemplify the diverse range of decor items available, from stylish accents to functional pieces, all at great value.
- One of our recent smart home additions is the outdoor smart plug (priced at just $29) that I installed for the patio lights on our back porch. This device is incredibly user-friendly to set up and features two separate plugs, allowing you to control different sets of lights or devices independently. It’s perfect for automating outdoor lighting, holiday decorations, or even a fountain, adding convenience and a touch of modern luxury to your outdoor living spaces.
- A crucial safety tip I should have mentioned in the episode: when using an outdoor smart plug, it’s highly recommended to install a weatherproof “in-use” cover over your outdoor outlet. I used this specific cover, and it works exceptionally well. This protective cover shields your outlet and the plugged-in smart device from rain, snow, and other elements, ensuring safety and allowing your smart plug to remain connected 24/7 without risk of damage or electrical hazards. It’s a small investment that provides significant peace of mind.
- To delve deeper into integrating smart technology into your home, we have several resources available. You can read more about our favorite smart tech devices and how we seamlessly incorporate them into our daily lives. Additionally, we’ve discussed the benefits of dusk to dawn timers and sensors in Episode #76. These devices offer excellent energy efficiency and convenience, automating lighting based on natural light levels. Combining smart plugs with these sensors allows for sophisticated control over your home’s ambiance and security, truly bringing your home into the future.
If you’re ever searching for something we’ve recommended in a previous episode but can’t recall which show notes to check, here’s a master list of everything we’ve been digging from all of our past episodes. You can also explore all the books we’ve recommended on our Book Club page, offering a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for home and life.
And finally, a huge thank you to Grove Collaborative for generously sponsoring this episode. Grove Collaborative is dedicated to providing healthy home essentials that are good for you and the planet. Sign up today at Grove.co/YHL to receive an incredible FREE gift: a trio of Mrs. Meyers cleaners, a durable set of walnut scrubber sponges, AND a stylish tin cleaning caddy. That’s right, all of these fantastic products are completely FREE with your first order!
Thanks for tuning in and joining us on this renovation adventure, guys!
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