It may seem counterintuitive—don’t most people want to add a deck?—but our deck is no longer pulling its weight. In this episode we explain why we think tearing it down makes sense and what we plan to put in its place. We also chat with Manhattan Nest’s Daniel Kanter about design trends that are becoming tired and why new homes demand different design approaches than older ones. Plus I get sentimental about my favorite saw, Sherry daydreams about a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and we both can’t stop laughing about a talking fish.
You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio — or listen to it below. Use this page to find the links, notes, and photos we mentioned. Note: If you’re reading in a feed reader, you may need to click through to the post to see the player.
What’s New
- That photo above is about three years old — roughly when our back deck area looked its best. The summer before we had stripped and re-stained the deck and just finished the sunroom area.
- The railings make the deck feel like a little box that cuts us off from the yard. From the kitchen windows we can barely see the grass.
- We’re a bit behind on getting everything summer-ready, so these shots simply show the deck’s gradual decline and why we’re considering a major change.
Quick Tip
- Shown above (along with Burger and Bearger) are the sheets we bought twice because they fit our thick mattress so well and stayed in place. Our pattern is “Beachcomber,” subtle and versatile, and they come in many other patterns.
- If you prefer a traditional box-spring cover, there are solid options at stores like West Elm and Wayfair.
- Don’t forget bedskirt pins to keep everything neat and secure.
What’s Not
- Sherry was hooked by an infographic on ForRent.com about decorating fads through the years.
- We installed two Nest thermostats ourselves and still love them — there’s nothing better than turning the air on from bed when you’re hot.
- And in case you needed a reminder of what a Big Mouth Billy Bass looks like, you’re welcome.
Manhattan Nest
- You can follow Daniel Kanter’s renovations on his blog Manhattan Nest and on social channels where he shares his projects and insights on modern living and small-space solutions.
- Pictured in the episode are the kitchen in his Kingston, NY house and the living room from his former Brooklyn apartment. He recently revealed a refreshed den with clear before-and-after photos.
- Daniel was also quoted in a New York Times story about how fiddle-leaf fig plants became a major trend in interiors.
We’re Digging
- I still love wet saws. A recent backsplash project reignited that enthusiasm, so here are a few saws worth considering for tile work:
- Ridgid 7″ Wet Saw with Stand — we own this one and appreciate the sliding cutting tray, stand, and laser guide.
- Skil 7″ Wet Saw — an affordable starter option that will get most jobs done, though it’s basic on features.
- DeWalt 4 3/8″ Masonry Saw — portable and good for larger tiles, but it requires a steadier hand.
- Kobalt 10″ Wet Saw with Stand — a pricier choice with a larger blade, collapsible stand, bigger work surface, and a spray guard.
- Tsh Oxenreider’s book At Home in the World has given us the travel bug. Her blog and podcast are great if you enjoy thoughtful travel and simple living.
- Please take a couple of minutes to fill out our podcast listener survey. Your responses help us understand who’s listening and what you want so we can create more of that in year two.
If you’re trying to track down something we mentioned in a past episode, here’s a master list of everything we’ve dug into from earlier shows.
Finally, thanks to Modsy for sponsoring this episode. Their realistic room renderings make planning a space so much easier. Use the provided code for a discount on your first room with them.
Thanks for listening!
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