Remember when we argued about a refrigerator back in Episode #74? This week we revisited that same kind of debate—only this time it was over two different kitchen layouts for the duplex. We share both sides of the disagreement about form versus function and explain how we finally reached a compromise that satisfies both priorities (though I did take a few days to cool off). We also dig into why this stage of the duplex renovation is particularly challenging, what it feels like to hit a wall in a project, and how you get over it. Plus: a clever fix for a recurring issue in our home office, an update on Sherry’s weighted blanket, and a simple upgrade to a money-saving tool we use at home. Oh, and we finally resolved our strange Instagram lockout problem.

If you’d like to listen to the episode, you can find it on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, Spotify, or other podcast platforms. If you’re reading via a feed reader, you may need to click through to the post to access the player.

What’s New

• Over the weekend I snapped a few photos in Cape Charles showing the finished tile, though several rooms were a bit messy as they prepare for floor refinishing. We’ll share clearer photos in an upcoming tiling post that Sherry is planning.
• In the meantime, we’ve documented our tile selections and the thought process behind them in a separate post for anyone who wants the full design context.

Updates

• If you missed the earlier discussion about Instagram hacking and the issues we experienced, we covered it in Episode #118.
• Sherry’s weighted blanket first came up in Episode #79, and we’ve included follow-up thoughts here about how it’s working out.
• For reference, the weighted blanket we use and a more affordable alternative (without a removable cover) are both around 12 pounds and roughly 4′ x 6′.

Duplex Kitchen

• Some of the episode details are easier to understand with photos, so we started with a kitchen photo taken last month. That image is of the right side of the duplex, but it’s flipped in our renderings so it reads like the left side shown in our plans. I was standing in the living room; the wood doors on the left lead to the mudroom/laundry room, and the exposed brick chimney is visible in the back right.

• Although the renderings look neutral and simple, we’re planning bold color and pattern. The left side of the duplex will feature blue-green lower cabinets paired with pink patterned tile—because the space will serve as a weekly rental and felt like the perfect place to have some design fun.
• The original layout included upper cabinets and an over-the-range microwave. Those renderings were created with a popular kitchen planner; while it’s geared toward specific cabinetry brands, it’s a useful way to visualize the layout and organize cabinet orders in 3D.
• Note: we’re ordering only the cabinets from that supplier—appliances, hardware, and countertops shown in the renderings are placeholders. The images also don’t show the patterned tile or some open shelving we plan to add, so use your imagination for the final look.

• When we removed the upper cabinets and switched to a range hood instead, a lot more brick was revealed from the main viewpoint, which is the living and dining room view. Removing the cabinets prevents the brick from looking like “a box sitting on the counter” and gives the room more character.

• From the mudroom/laundry-room viewpoint, the original plan with upper cabinets would have hidden more of the chimney and allowed space for small ledges or floating shelves. The new plan opens that wall up and creates a lighter, more airy feel.

• The updated plan from that same vantage point shows the more open arrangement. We’ll layer in patterned tile, floating shelves, and possibly a shiplap treatment along the stove wall so it won’t look stark. Overall, the change reveals more of the original brick and makes the space feel less boxed-in.

• Adjacent to the kitchen, the mudroom will gain cabinetry that acts like a pantry extension. The wide doorway near the original pocket doors will keep those cabinets only a short walk from the sink. The planning tool we used isn’t ideal for laundry spaces, so some placeholders (like a washer that looks like a refrigerator) appear in the renderings, but the idea is clear: storage up to the ceiling above the washer and dryer for maximum organization.

• For clarity, our upper cabinets and mudroom cabinets will be white, while the lower kitchen cabinets will feature the blue-green color. We’ve shared mood boards and additional details about tile and finishes in a separate post that outlines our duplex selections.

We’re Digging

• We recently replaced our office printer with a new model that fits neatly inside an IKEA storage cabinet we bought over seven years ago. That cabinet still works great—even though our kids added artwork to the inside of the door. The new printer stores paper in a hidden bottom drawer, and it also supports automatic two-sided printing, which is convenient and saves paper.
• I picked up the printer at a big-box store and we’re trying a subscription-based ink service that simplifies supply management and often saves money.
• Sherry is also loving a new hair trimmer that makes at-home haircuts easier. We’ve shared our DIY haircutting techniques in a previous post along with an admittedly embarrassing video demonstration.

If you’re trying to remember something we mentioned in an earlier episode—whether a product, book, or tip—check our master list of things we’ve been digging in past shows. We also keep a page of recommended books from our Book Club.

Finally, thanks to our episode sponsor for supporting the show and for their new coastal-inspired collection that captures a relaxed, beachy vibe.

Thanks for listening!

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