We love simplifying and decluttering, but we aren’t chasing that ultra-sleek, sometimes-sterile minimalism. Instead, we’ve been testing a step-by-step approach to create minimalist rooms that still feel warm, cozy, and welcoming. Spoiler: Sherry is obsessed with the simple formula and has been reworking nearly every room. We’ve also begun translating our vision for the duplex kitchens into reality—one surprising choice: no white cabinetry. Below we explain why white didn’t feel right for these spaces, and how we’re achieving a custom look on a tight budget. Along the way, Sherry upgraded her underwear game and John solved a small but satisfying daily annoyance.

This post summarizes the episode and gathers the links, notes, and photos we mention for easy reference. If you listened to the episode elsewhere, use this page to follow up on materials and images we referenced.

What’s New

• We visited Ikea to test kitchen layouts for the two duplex units and brought tile and paint samples. One combination echoes our inspiration photo, pairing warm wood-look cabinets with a blue patterned tile. The other option explores a colorful glossy cabinet in a blue-gray tone with a different patterned tile in pink-gray hues.

• Because Ikea lighting makes details hard to see, we also photographed the cabinet-and-tile combos in better light. One pairing uses wood cabinets and a lively blue tile; the other combines glossy blue-gray cabinetry with a pink/gray patterned tile for the second kitchen.

• We plan to pair both kitchens with light countertops—likely granite or quartz—and a mix of open shelving and upper cabinets. The upper cabinets will likely be white to keep the overall look bright while allowing lower cabinet color to provide personality.
• We also explored semi-custom door options and compared pricing. Some unfinished semi-custom doors were a few hundred dollars more than Ikea’s finished doors; more decorative, colorful options were significantly pricier. For now we’re sticking with budget-friendly choices until the right project calls for an upgrade.

• On a smaller organizing front, I pared down my key ring and digitized membership and loyalty cards. I used an app to store rarely used cards and bought a compact leather key organizer that holds up to six keys or cards. For safety, I altered the photos of my keys so no one could copy the cuts.

Cozy Minimalism

Sherry has begun simplifying several areas of our house using ideas from the cozy-minimalist approach. The goal is not to create an overly styled or empty space, but to remove excess so rooms feel lighter and more useful while retaining warmth and personality.

• One of the easiest wins was clearing the kitchen island. Previously, decorative items and rarely used canisters cluttered the surface. After simplifying, the island feels more open and practical for everyday tasks—homework, baking, or unloading groceries—while still welcoming and lived-in.

• From another angle, you can see the room still has visual interest—it’s not stark. Clearing the far end of the island improves sightlines into the living room, which is helpful when the kids are playing while we cook.

• We also removed decorative objects that weren’t used and replaced them with a few practical, attractive containers for everyday snacks. That small swap freed counter space for tasks and created a calmer, more functional surface without losing warmth.

• In the living room, built-in bookcases that were once packed with colorful books and objects were pared back. We donated books we no longer referenced and reduced the number of frames and decor pieces. The result is a lighter wall that still feels homey and mindful.

• Minimal arrangements don’t always make for the most dynamic photographs, but in daily life the change has been meaningful: the house feels less crowded and more ready for real living.

• We also referenced a classic sketch about minimalism for a lighthearted moment—part of how we keep the conversation fun and not too serious.

We’re Digging

• Sherry has been wearing a few bras she loves and talks about regularly: a classic plunge, a strapless option, and a lacy style. She tends to prefer the darkest color options because they’re versatile and flattering.
• We also discussed a compelling true-crime article about a complex fraud scheme and its upcoming adaptation. That story stuck with us for its unusual details and the way it’s moving from journalism to film.

For a complete list of items we’ve recommended over time, see our master list of favorites and the books from our Book Club. Finally, a thank-you to our episode sponsor and to everyone who listens—your support keeps the show going.

Thanks for reading and for listening!

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