Posts By John Petersik

It’s a question we’ve gotten a lot over the years: are you doing this for you or for the blog? It’s even one we’ve asked ourselves – and it hasn’t always always been easy to answer – but it’s a lot clearer in hindsight. So we’re diving into what past projects we would’ve done differently without an audience watching and we’re sharing how we keep ourselves in check these days. Plus, Sherry is finally getting the chance to realize a makeover she has fantasized about for five years and we talk through how we decide what home maintenance tasks to tackle ourselves and which to hire out. You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn

Remember when we got into it over a refrigerator back in Episode #74? Well, the location of an appliance recently had us battling over two different kitchen layouts – this time for the duplex. So this week we’re sharing our competing perspectives on form versus function, and how we finally came to a compromise that checks both boxes (but not until I spent a few days cooling off). We’re also sharing why this stage of the duplex renovation is especially brain-bending, and what we’ve come to realize about hitting a wall… and then getting yourself over it. Plus, a solution to an age-old problem in our home office, an update on Sherry’s weighted blanket, and

Now that we’ve completed our big brick house painting project, we’re sharing all the behind-the-scenes twists & turns of the previous week (believe me, the hits kept coming). A big task like this can veer off course pretty quickly… which it did… more than once! We’re also sharing why it turned out better than we expected and what’s next on the list. Plus, John needs advice from other gadget lovers out there and we’ve got more info about our upcoming furniture line launch. You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, and Spotify – or listen to it below! Then use this page to check out any links, notes, or photos we referenced. Note: If you’re reading in

Amidst all the excitement of getting our brick house painted white last week (!!!) there was some behind-the-scenes stress leading up to the big transformation. So this week we’re sharing the realities of a major undertaking like this, including the fears we have about what happens next. We’re also talking to a very special guest after she won our hearts and some of yours. Plus, how it feels to have your Instagram account hacked, our new favorite decorating show, and the celebrity that has finally won Sherry over. You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, and Spotify – or listen to it below! Then use this page to check out any links, notes, or photos we

We recently passed the one year anniversary of moving furniture to our beach house, so this week we’re looking back on how we kept our sanity while decorating an entire house all at once. It made us realize that there are some flaws in our usual method of taking things slow and going one room at a time – so if you’re struggling with your own home, we have some ideas. We’re also recapping our trip to Chicago for the Domino Magazine Awards. Plus, I defend my take on navy cabinets and smart locks while Sherry buys something exceptionally ugly for our house. You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, and Spotify – or listen

Now that we tested out the process to achieve “Cozy Minimalism” in our house (and loved the result!), we’re taking it straight to the source and talking with Cozy Minimalist Home author Myquillyn Smith about how she realized she could merge these two seemingly opposite ideas to create a step-by-step process for people to follow in their own spaces. She shares how to stop buying the wrong accessories, why there’s a “right” order for decorating a room, and emphatically explains what none of us should ever be buying at Target. Plus, we detail how we’re trying to be smarter about our approach to tiling the duplex (one thing we did this time made it a

After a quick video of Sherry’s sparse closet sparked hundreds of questions on Instagram, we’re breaking down her process for creating a wardrobe that saves space, money, and energy. So if you want to tame your overflowing closet, cut your clothing budget, or take the stress out of getting yourself or your kids dressed each morning – this episode is for you. We’re also sharing an unconventional solution to filling those empty corners in your bedroom. Plus John pushes back on a recent social media controversy. You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, and Spotify – or listen to it below! Then use this page to check out any links, notes, or photos we referenced. Note: If

Our duplex renovation isn’t even close to being done, but we can’t help but think about the next house we’ll transform – because there will be another one. So today we’re sharing our hashtag goals to own more rental properties through retirement, and the story of how we almost did more than just think about the recent one we toured. What caught our eye? What were our plans for it? And why did we ultimately pass it up? We’re also explaining why we took a large saw to our front porch – and how a break-in scare turned into a highly embarrassing moment involving a police officer.  You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn