Ep. 428: Trials and Triumphs

Summary

Podcast Summary: How to Decorate – Ep. 428: Trials and Triumphs

Date: August 26, 2025
Hosts: Caroline (Marketing Team), Taryn (Product Designer), Liz (Head of Creative)
Theme: The ups and downs of home decoration—hosts candidly share their own “trials and triumphs” with home projects, product upgrades, and design dilemmas.

---

Episode Overview

This episode is a fan-favorite format: the “Trials and Triumphs” roundtable. Caroline, Taryn, and Liz talk transparently about design and maintenance wins (triumphs) and setbacks (trials) in their own homes. The tone is relaxed and humorous, focusing on making listeners feel less alone in life’s little household headaches and joyful upgrades.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Spirit of “Trials and Triumphs”

• The hosts stress that everyone’s home is a work in progress, even those in the industry.
• “We’re here to make people feel like, when that thing breaks in their house, they’re not alone ... Or that feeling of satisfaction when they finally do a room.” – Taryn (01:26)
• Liz echoes this: “No, no, no, no. It’s real here, too. My home is not perfect in the least. That’s what’s great about trials and triumphs.” (01:42)

2. Liz’s Triumph: Bedroom Makeover with a “Big Girl Bed”

Timestamp: [02:55 – 13:46]

• Liz finally upgrades from a 20-year-old IKEA bed to a luxurious Ballard Designs upholstered headboard (Catherine headboard in Freya Multi fabric).
  • Description: Tall, linen, printed pattern (succulents vs. coral debate among the hosts).
    • “I got our Ballard Catherine headboard, classic upholstered in Freya Multi. This is a good one ... a beautiful linen with a print that looks like watercolor succulents and agaves.” – Liz (03:25)
  • The headboard comes from a store sample, purchased at a Ballard Designs floor model sale.
  • Liz uses shape and color talk to discuss how such a statement piece influences bedding and other accessories (“You upgrade one thing, everything snowballs ...” [05:35]).
  • She also upgrades to an adjustable bed, which her husband falls asleep on in the store; she jokes about aging: "As we season, we really need to take care of our bodies.” (06:53)

Notable Practical Tip:

• Matching energetic fabrics allow for flexibility: “The nice thing about it, with lots of colors, is you can take it anywhere.” – Caroline (09:55)
• Consulting designer books (Elaine Griffin) to check on scale and proportions for beds.

Trial:

• Trees in her yard now drop limbs into the neighbor’s property, prompting possible tree removal after arborist consultation. Cost and loss of a shady backyard canopy are stressors.

  • “There are big old trees in our backyard that really make a shady canopy, which is really nice in Atlanta.” – Liz (14:41)
  • Considering future plans for gardening and new trees.

---

3. Taryn’s Rollercoaster of Home Maintenance

Timestamp: [17:47 – 31:39]

Trials

• A parade of breakdowns:
  • Cordless Roman shade stops retracting (saves the day with a just-in-time warranty).
  • Ice machine stops, freezer light malfunctions (not a simple bulb—expensive, “not communicating to the board” [20:09]).
  • Basement lighting outage; quickly remedied by an electrician discovering a hidden ground fault (GFCI) outlet, which was blocked by piles of pop-up tables.
    • “He literally was like, oh, ‘it’s not working?’ Click. Okay, done.” (21:08)
  • Dryer is squeaking and near the end of life; debate over Speed Queen vs. LG vs. Whirlpool continues.

Triumphs

• Proactive about repairs and not afraid to call in pros for things like the pool filter (though expensive) and light installation.

• Progress on living room upgrades: ordering 50+ fabric swatches (in berry and mauve tones) for reupholstering chairs and choosing drapery—lively discussion about matching with existing vibrant rugs and Chilean blanket.

  • “I want to get the pinky-something [color] ... but I don’t want to do a solid because the couches are solid.” – Taryn (28:40)
  • Weighs various Ballard fabrics (Francis, Marletta, performance fabrics).

• Transparency about challenges:

  • “I have said on many recent ones that our house has hit that whole point in time where things just have started going wrong.” (17:50)
  • The importance of persistence and maintenance as part of home ownership.

Notable Quote:

• “This is kind of like the dead of winter and the, you know, in the heat of the summer, you’re just inside looking at all these things.” – Liz (44:29)

---

4. Caroline’s Small “Zhuzh” Wins

Timestamp: [32:28 – 44:12]

• Refreshes her TV room with new pillows—especially loving the new “rue scalloped pillow in brown” and combinations of lavender, brown, and berry colors.

  • “Just some little zhuzhing I’ve been doing around the house ... I ordered some new pillows for my TV room.” (32:28)
  • “Let me send y’all the pictures because I was really pleased with how it turned out.” (35:48)

• Uses a layered, practical approach to improving the chaotic entry experience:

  • Cleans and organizes the entry closet.
  • Adds low hooks so her daughters can hang up backpacks themselves.
    • “Just walking in and seeing an empty closet ... with space. I donated old purses ... got rid of some old coats ... it has made such a difference in my daily life.” (38:51)

Mini-Trial:

• Hanging hooks herself when her husband didn’t do it quickly enough; a misplaced stud caused one hook to be unstable.

---

5. Unexpected “Trials” and Solution-Oriented Fix-It Stories

• Taryn’s children accidentally broke a custom mesh cabinet door (“Of course it was the expensive one …” [42:16]). Rescued by Atlanta furniture expert Alan Harp, who invisibly repairs it.
• Taryn refinishes her dining table herself, with remote guidance from Alan, and offers tips for listeners who want to try similar projects.

---

6. Plant and Outdoor Updates

• Caroline talks about trimming her beloved fiddle leaf fig tree, “Taylor,” attempting to propagate (not successfully yet).
• New IKEA outdoor cabinet for tidying up miscellaneous kid gear.
  • “We have so much outdoor bubble guns and shovels and chalk ... random things accumulate by the front door and it drives me crazy.” – Caroline (36:53)

---

7. Wall Treatments: Debates on Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Timestamp: [47:06 – 51:54]

• The hosts discuss the allure and possible pitfalls of peel-and-stick wallpaper as a quick, commitment-light design fix.
  • Liz offers a caution: a sample tore her drywall, but otherwise has found modern patterns and temp installation straightforward.
  • “The key to the bubbles ... get a shower squeegee. That’s like 12 inches of surface area.” – Liz (50:23)
• Caroline considers it for her entryway, especially since future renovations are planned.

---

Notable Quotes and Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 01:26 | Taryn | “We’re here to make people feel like, when that thing breaks in their house, they’re not alone ... Or that feeling of satisfaction when they finally do a room.” | | 03:25 | Liz | “I got our Ballard Catherine headboard, classic upholstered in Freya Multi. This is a good one ... linen with a watercolor print of succulents and agaves.” | | 09:55 | Caroline | “The nice thing about it, with lots of colors, is you can take it anywhere.” | | 12:45 | Liz | “It is a totally luxury upgrade ... and it’s also a storage upgrade because I’ve got it up higher. I can actually put suitcases underneath the bed.” | | 14:41 | Liz | “There are big old trees in our backyard that really make a shady canopy, which is really nice in Atlanta.” | | 20:09 | Taryn | “It’s not just a light bulb ... it’s a flat LED thing ... not communicating to the board, so you’re like, oh my God.” | | 21:08 | Taryn | “The electrician came and fixed it in one second ... the most embarrassing.” | | 28:40 | Taryn | “I want to get the pinky-something [color] ... but I don’t want to do a solid because the couches are solid.” | | 38:51 | Caroline | “Just walking in and seeing an empty closet ... with space. I donated old purses, got rid of some old coats ... it has made such a difference in my daily life.” | | 44:29 | Liz | “This is kind of like the dead of winter and the, you know, in the heat of the summer, you’re just inside looking at all these things.” | | 50:23 | Liz | “The key to the bubbles, at least for peel and stick, is to get a shower squeegee. That’s like 12 inches of surface area ...” |

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:55] Liz’s bedroom upgrade story
• [06:43] Liz’s first night with the new adjustable bed
• [14:05] Liz’s tree troubles
• [17:47] Taryn lists home repair headaches
• [20:09] Freezer light saga and technician visit
• [28:17] Choosing swatches for reupholstery and drapes
• [32:28] Caroline’s living room pillow refresh
• [38:51] Entry closet hack
• [47:06] Discussion on peel-and-stick wallpaper

---

Tone, Style, & Takeaways

• Tone: Engaging, honest, lighthearted, and practical—no design perfectionism here.
• Atmosphere: Confessional, supportive; hosts freely admit failures and celebrate small wins, inviting listeners to do the same.
• Practical Wisdom:
  • DIYers are never alone in their moments of “why did I start this?” or “does everyone else’s house secretly break constantly?” (Spoiler: they do!)
  • Small home wins—like new hooks, organized closets, or fresh pillow covers—can have outsized positive effects.
  • Don’t hesitate to call in the pros for gnarly repairs, and share resources (Alan Harp is a hero).
  • Sample, sample, sample: Never commit to a big fabric or wallpaper purchase without a look and touch first.

---

Summary in a Nutshell

Home design is an endless cycle of challenges and victories. This episode affirms that even experts face the same “first world problems” as everyone else: repair issues, home upgrades, design indecision, and the enduring impact of a freshly zhuzhed pillow. The hosts hope listeners will feel validated and inspired to tackle their next project—no matter how big or small, ugly or uplifting.

---

For listeners who crave practical, witty, and down-to-earth decorating conversations, this episode offers professional camaraderie, relatable stories, and actionable ideas for everyday household triumphs (and recoveries from household disasters).

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to how to Decorate from Ballard Designs, a weekly podcast all about the trials and triumphs of decorating and redecorating your home. I'm Caroline. I'm on the marketing team.

[B]

And I'm Taryn and I'm a product designer.

[C]

I'm Liz. I head up the creative team. We're your hosts.

[A]

Join the expert team at Ballard Designs for tips, tricks and tales from interior designers, stylists, and other talents in the design world.

[B]

Plus, we'll answer your decorating dilemmas at the end of each episode.

[C]

We love answering your questions, so don't forget to email [e-mail] now, on with the show. This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, monetary magicians. These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliate potential. Savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations.

[A]

And we're recording.

[C]

This is the wild West.

[B]

It's always a wild west.

[A]

We don't have any intros for trials and triumphs.

[B]

We just get to, like, I know it's our number.

[A]

Wing it.

[B]

This is for the true fans, the people who are interested in listening to us. Just list, you know, our first world problems on repeat.

[C]

Listen.

[A]

Exactly. We should start calling this first world problems.

[B]

I know, but I don't. We're here to make people feel like when again, that thing breaks in their house and they're like, yeah.

[C]

Oh.

[B]

Or that feeling of satisfaction when they finally do a room and they're like, guess what came in? You know, like polar opposites. But, like, those feelings.

[C]

No, I have. I have friends that are listening, and every time I go into their house, they're like, they're apologizing for their homes. And I was like, oh, no, no, no, no. It's real here, too. Like, yeah, my home is not perfect in the least. And I think that's what's great about trials and triumphs.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Like, nobody's in.

[A]

It's always a work in progress.

[B]

Always.

[C]

Always.

[A]

Unlike our designer guests, who have a perfectly appointed final product to present. Our homes, on the other hand, are. We're just toiling away in the background.

[C]

We're living here.

[B]

We're just the commoners interviewing people with pristine jobs.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

Taking away what we man.

[A]

All right, so trials and triumphs. Liz has to start because she has been teasing her project to me, and.

[B]

I'm like, I'm ready.

[A]

I know something got delivered.

[B]

I Do love that we.

[C]

Something got delivered.

[B]

I love that we will literally not share things with each other at this point when we see each other at the office.

[C]

And it's so hard. It's so hard when I see you guys, because I get excited and I want to talk about it, and you're.

[A]

Like, hey, I might have to dip out of this meeting, but I can't tell you why, because it's.

[C]

Okay. That one. I really needed you for Takeover because I was the one presenting, and I was having delay, but I. I was off the hook. I didn't know. Yeah, so. So yesterday I had a delivery that was happening right during a presentation. So, Caroline, thanks for being my wingman on that one. Um, so, you guys, I leveled up my bedroom, and I got a big girl bed.

[A]

What? What is it?

[C]

I'm so excited. So for probably two decades, we have had, you know, just a very basic IKEA bed frame that, you know, again, we got it two decades ago in that. In that phase of life. And we leveled up. I got our Catherine the Ballard Catherine headboard. Classic upholstered in Freya Multi. You guys, this is a good one. I love this fabric so much. For our listeners who can't see is a beautiful linen fabric that has a print of. That looks like watercolor of succulents and agaves. And it is beautiful with pinks and greens and blues and purples, and, you.

[A]

Know, now we have matching pillows and panels. Girl, you.

[C]

That's coming up your whole. I know, I know. This is the most beautiful fabric in person. It just. It just sings.

[A]

So that's so funny that you say it's succulents. I always thought it was.

[B]

We've debated this out.

[A]

Like, underwater, it looks plant, sort of.

[B]

Like corally, but it's definitely.

[A]

Yeah, like a coral reef.

[B]

So at first we. We literally debated this in the merchandising area because somebody thought it was coral, another person thought it was succulents, and we liter picked apart each item on.

[C]

What did you come up with?

[B]

The succulents actually won. Most people were like, no, this is.

[A]

I could see that now.

[B]

Succulents. I was also under the. This is corally because there's kind of like a green thing that kind of definitely feels like under the ocean.

[C]

Well, that's what I love about both coral and succulents is like, they have similar shapes, which is just crazy because two wildly different environments. But, yeah, I am not the biologist, because you can.

[A]

You can leave it up to your own interpretation and see and interpret from it what you like.

[C]

Totally, totally fits with our. With our home and our vibe. This is such a beautiful headboard. And it's so tall. It's taller than me, and I'm five four.

[A]

Amazing.

[C]

It's so beautiful. Yeah, it is so great. So what happened was, you know, you take. You upgrade one thing, and everything kind of snowballs from there because we took apart the Ikea, you know, bed frame. We needed a frame and box spring to support our existing mattress. So I took my husband to the mattress store and was like, okay, let's check it out with kind of the idea of, you know what? Let's check up some of these adjustable beds too.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Oh, my gosh, you guys. He tried the adjustable bed and fell asleep immediately. He's one of those people who can just, like, fall asleep at the click of a finger. Yeah. It was no joke. He started snoring, and. And then he woke up. He woke himself up snoring and, like, played it off to the. To the mattress guy, like, you know. No, no, I'm fine.

[A]

Like, it was a joke. Oh, yeah.

[C]

Ha ha. I was like. I was like, I've known you for too long. I know. You fell asleep. Um, so that got delivered. The adjustable. The adjustable bed.

[A]

Is it delightful?

[C]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

So was last night. Wait, when was your first night?

[A]

Last night.

[C]

Last night. I slept so well. It was amazing.

[A]

Were you.

[C]

It was amazing.

[A]

You do have a little extra pep in your step this morning.

[C]

It's so unbelievable. So great. Um, and I think it's so funny because, you know, at the. The sales guy was like, you know, as we season, we really need to take care of our bodies. And I'm like, oh, as we season, like, I'm using that one. We're not aging. We are just seasoning.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Just getting more flavorful, Liz.

[C]

I'm so flavorful now.

[B]

We are so trans.

[C]

But as I've been talking about this to other. To other friends, they're all kind of coming out of the woodwork of, like, oh, yeah, I've got that. That's amazing. And so.

[A]

Yeah, sounds to me like you need some new sheets. Yeah.

[B]

Well, what brain do you have? Just because I feel like we're so transparent on here.

[C]

If you love it, you know, it's. It's just. It's not top of the line. I was talking to Karen about this, and Karen has, like, the ultimate, like, sleep number.

[B]

It's the ultimate. Okay. Sleep number.

[C]

Sleep number. And I think hers, like, heats you up.

[B]

Like, heats and cools. And different sections and stuff. Yeah, yeah.

[C]

And every. You have your own mattress.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. She just has the top of the line.

[C]

We did not eat it for everyone. Oh, Karen doesn't half step. I kind of half stepped, but I just wanted to. I just got a base frame that we both sit up at the same time. We both leaned back at the same time.

[B]

Did you play in it last night?

[C]

I could see it. Like, I was so. I. No, I totally, like Lucille Ball, like, wedged myself up like this and, like, couldn't get out. It was great. Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

No, it's so fun. It's so great. It's so. Yeah.

[A]

Loving it.

[B]

What bedding do you have to go with? This beautiful new headboard is your next step, or is that.

[A]

Is that.

[B]

Yeah, the cookie.

[C]

That kind of is the next step. I did before I got the headboard in my house. I did just get some basic, like, green sage bedding just to kind of dip my toe into what the color palette is gonna be.

[B]

So.

[C]

Yeah. But I have some images that I can. That I can share.

[A]

Please.

[B]

Even if, like, it's just kind of what you're thinking about buying. I know.

[A]

I love that Juliet wave bedding would be really.

[C]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

I love that one.

[C]

Yeah. So this is actually a headboard that we showcased in our catalog March of two years ago, maybe.

[A]

Oh, and did you get the photo sample?

[C]

I got our floor sample. It's been in our retail store, and twice a year, we have floor model sales where we refresh everything on. On the floor. Some things stay that are a little bit more classic. Was not anticipating this to be a classic, but, you know, I saved my pennies and waited, and there. And there it came. It's so fantastic.

[A]

It is a really. It's one of my favorite fabrics. And the nice thing about it, I think. I think this about any fabric with lots of colors, but, like, you can kind of take it anywhere, which is. It's nice to have that flexibility. If you just get, like, a single color, then, you know.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

If you want to, like, redo it, you got to reupholster it. Right.

[B]

Well, I feel like it's. Again, you take. There's obviously so many approaches to a bed, but to your point, you either you can do a fun headboard, then your bedding has to coordinate. Right. And somewhat is usually a little more calm because you want people to look at the head board or vice versa. You can go with a solid headboard because, you know, you want to put the pattern, like, on the Actual bed. Yeah.

[C]

Right. So I definitely toned down my bedding because when the bed was lower and I had some. I had some really pretty loud bedding on there because I needed for it to be the focus at some point, but it was so low that it was hard to really kind of see it. This now is up on its highest setting. The mattress is up high. Like, we almost need a step stool to get in. It's. It's pretty great.

[B]

Well, if anyone wants to see it, if you look actually at the fabric, the Freya fabric on our website, there's two shots of it. The second shot is the head, the Catherine headboard that you got, like, in the fabric so you can see exactly what you're working with, which is super fun.

[C]

Right? So that was so. That was really great. So big one.

[B]

Yay.

[C]

That is my big triumph. And congrats. Honestly, you know, before. Before I got it all in, I consulted my design books and specifically Elaine Griffin's book to really kind of see, like. Cause she's got so many things about, like, dimensions and how high should your bed be? And it should be proportional to your bed frame and. Or to your headboard. And so. So lots of really great tips in there. It was just really. It's been really nice. It's been a nice upgrade.

[A]

An upholstered headboard is like, you just can't. You can't beat it.

[C]

Right? And honestly, now that slavery, it feels.

[B]

When you custom do a project like a bed like that, a headboard, it does feel very unique to you.

[A]

Right?

[B]

Like, I agree, it's.

[C]

It's really special.

[A]

And here's the thing, it's easy to talk yourself out of it because functionally there's no difference, right. In a upholstered versus right. Like, it's not like you can be like, oh, well, like, I really want, you know, good drawers. So, like, I need to make it. But I think in the fact that it's just a luxurious upgrade, it's. That does a little something to you.

[C]

It is a totally luxury upgrade. You know what? And it's also a storage upgrade because I've got. I've got it up higher. I can actually put suitcases underneath the bed or, you know, things that in my 1930s home I don't have closet space for.

[B]

So they make such good under bed storage now too. Like, so many different drawer options too, if you want to do, like, real drawers or store, like you said, items.

[C]

Right.

[B]

But the other thing about a headboard too, though, is if you, you know, like, sometimes art and, like, wall stuff is hard to do. So, like, the good part is it's. If you're not big on that and you have this big, old wall, a headboard will, like, really, like, fill it out.

[C]

Right. I feel like we're always talking, too, with designers about when you make your bedroom, the bed should be the focus, because that's why you're in there, and that's where everything should, should, should be. And now I have that. So. Yeah, it makes me feel really nice and so exciting. I guess I do have a little more pep in my step because I got a great night's sleep. It was fantastic.

[B]

That was amazing. Now you just need that, like, aura ring so you can, like, see how many hours you're getting. Oh, you should have four, though. Then you could have seen if you're sleep was better before and after.

[C]

Yeah. So that's. That is my triumph, which is very exciting. I do have a bit of a trial.

[A]

Oh, no.

[C]

And it's. You know, it's something that comes up every now and again, and it's. It's the trees. We have some trees on our property that keep dropping limbs into our neighbor's yard. So I think we're. We're having some trees taken down.

[B]

Oh.

[C]

In the backyard.

[A]

It's so expensive. And you're like, this changes my life in no way, other than maybe there's no insurance claim.

[C]

Right.

[A]

Which, like, my car. You don't want that either. But.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Right.

[C]

You know. Yeah. But there's some. There are some big old trees in our backyard that really make a shady canopy, which is really nice in Atlanta.

[A]

Yeah. So can you just trim limbs, or do you have to, like, take the whole tree out? Have you had an arborist come check it out?

[C]

I have. I have. And the arborist, when they came out last year, kind of gave these two trees both about five years. And since they're dropping limbs now, I'm just. We're just gonna take care of them.

[A]

Yeah. Unfortunately, we had some trees we were worried about, actually, the one that got struck by lightning. And for any of you listeners that have been around a while, that. But we. Instead of taking the tree out, we just, like, trimmed some limbs, and I think now we have to actually take it out. So you're probably doing it the smart way, which is just taking it out, because we kind of did it halfway the first time, really Kind of mostly hoping to save the tree, but now we're gonna have to actually take it out, so.

[C]

Right.

[A]

Anyway.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, the good news is that Maybe some other surrounding trees nearby will like, they can like grow their. Their limbs into the new space and then. Yeah.

[C]

Or maybe I can actually have a vegetable garden in one area where actually gonna have sunshine. So.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Or you can maybe get a different type of tree too. You could do like a Trees Atlanta Trees Atlanta sale. I know we do like a good.

[C]

Trees Atlanta for those of us in Atlanta. Trees Atlanta will. Sometimes they'll give you a tree.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

I think that's only if you. Front yard.

[A]

Yeah. It has to be in the. What's it called? I think it has to be in the setback. Like you have to plant it in the setback. I believe something like that. Or within like 20ft of the street or something. I don't know. Yes. There's stipulations.

[C]

So.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

So trees. Trees are the trials. We'll figure out what exactly it has to happen with them.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Hey, it's Taryn, your favorite host and designer at Ballard Designs. I'm excited to share with our awesome listener that more than 250 new designs are live on the website now. One of my favorite products I designed this season is the Arena Media console. It is this very super long console that works with any size tv. It comes in this gorgeous dark walnut finish and these textured front and these beautiful little turned delicate legs. Mmm. It's so sweet. And not only is it just sweet, it's really versatile. It has two sets of cabinet doors as well as two drawers. So not only can you fit blankets, you could also fit small things like the remote. You know, the one that always seems to go missing. It's perfect. I'm really excited to finally share some of these with wonderful products with you. So please visit Ballardesigns.com backslash new to see all the new beautiful product that we've worked so hard on and we can't wait to share with all of you.

[A]

All right, Taryn, what do you guys.

[B]

I don't know what I've complained about and not complained about, so you guys are just going to have to. I'll list quickly so you can tell me. You've already talked about this, Taren. Because I feel like I have said on many recent ones that our house has hit that whole point point in time where things just have started going wrong. So we're like four years in and.

[A]

I still like, every time you say it, I'm like, you're lying. That's not true. Like, I just can't believe you've been in it for four years. Yeah.

[B]

Yes. So things that have gone wrong that are so. And then I'll give you the. So this is trial triumphs in multiple ways. So a one of my Roman shades from my blinds.com not sponsored that we love so much. One of them in mil room started when I tried to. It wouldn't retract and it's the cordless ones. So I just called to be like, is there a string you can send? Like, I try to take it apart, you know, like an engineer and be like, why is this not working? And I like, look at everything, blah, blah. I was under the warranty by like, it's a four year warranty, three year warranty, something like that. I've made it by like a month. Like, no joke, it expires next month. And they're like, we'll send you out a new one. It was so easy. So it's not here yet, but I, I will say that part was amazing. So I'm pretty excited that I'm just getting a new one. So that was great news. So trial and triumph real quick on that one. Our ice machine has like stopped working. David's tried everything and then the light in our freezer has stopped working. And these are like recent things, you know, things you can kind of deal with because we still have ice in our freezer because it's a fridge with a ice combo. But we have a straight up ice machine at Scotsman's, which is like a brand of ice machines that many people know. So we finally last, or this week called someone out to come look at both items. The freezer light, they're like, that's going to be real expensive. And our fridge is a Thermador. And I was like, cool, cool. Send me, let me know what it is and we'll decide. Is it worth like having that replaced? Probably not.

[A]

Is that just like a new light bulb?

[B]

Not in this case. Oh, it's like a flat LED thing on the back of the. Anyway, yes. I swear it used to just be like a light bulb you screwed in on the top of your freezer. This is of fancier than that, but not communicating to the board, you know, like the. So you're like, oh, oh my God.

[A]

Any sort of control panel thing, you're.

[B]

Like, so it sounds like it's a little bit of that and so it's probably not happening. But anyway, the ice maker is making ice again. He just had to decrease the size of the ice cube or something. He changed. And you're like, what? And I didn't think it would Work. But so far it's working again. So that was something we put off. The lights in the basement just went out like a whole section. Couldn't figure that out for a while. Electrician just came out this week as well. And he of course clicked it and it was one of the ground. Anywhere where there's liquid there, there could be water. So basements, bathrooms, you have a ground gf. I'm not remembering it now. Of course. There's like a four letter.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, I know what you're talking about. Like it's a.

[B]

It's a ground.

[A]

A different type of light.

[B]

It's a grounding. So if water happens, it will break the circuit of the electricity so that you're. It just saves the rest of the house and all the wiring. So it's. It's a safety mechanism. But it was right behind. And David checked all the outlets to make sure. Except for this one that was hidden behind a stack of tables of like we just have a stack of the little pop up tables and it just happens that those got stacked against this wall and the outlet was right behind. So the electrician came and fixed it in one second. David was like, it was the most embarrassing. Like he literally was like, oh, it's not working. Click. Okay, done. And Dave's like, cool. So while he was here, Dave was like, can we put. We have a bathroom in our basement. I've never used. It's not done. David's gonna finish tiling it. It's like a unnecessary place. But it, you know, it's not finished. But it does have a toilet and running water. So David did have him put the actual. We had an extra light and he put that over the sink. So while he was here, David was like, can you just put this light in? So we got a light in that bathroom now. So that can actually be used I guess at some point when we finish the basement, which we're hoping to do more this winter. But we are like. Because it's a non needed thing. We're like winter when it's cold and we can't do anything else. We will work on the basement. So we fixed that this week. My dryer started squeaking. And that thing's been on the fritz because it's like 12 years old. So like we're trying to make it to the Labor Day sale. But that thing is definitely. David's not even wanting to like have it fixed. He was like, no, take that thing until it. And I'm scared it's going to catch on fire. But he's like, but he's like, keep going. And I'm like, what kind of, what.

[A]

Kind of washer machine are you going to get? You going to get a Speed Queen?

[B]

So everyone loves the Speed Queen. I don't know if I love the Speed Queen. Do you have a Speed Queen and love it?

[A]

No, but I also need a washing machine and I've been so also waiting for it to die to get a new one.

[B]

Man. The Speed Queen is the one of the news. So I feel like I need to do my research.

[A]

Everyone raves about.

[B]

Everyone raves about it. But my mom has one in her house in Maine. And I swear it is the fastest thing you have ever seen. But I swear my kids clothes always come out with stains. I don't think it does, but people must. I don't know if it's her the one. She has part of me because people love it so much. But I know when I go to Maine that whatever I'm putting in there that has popsicle dirt that like I have to make sure I check it before it goes into the dryer. So I have a negative towards it because of that. But I'm worried that like it's, there's, there's a missing link because everyone else loves it. Doesn't Martha Stewart just.

[A]

We need to hear from some. Okay. From some speed queen like, like, you know, here.

[C]

Yeah, my sister has one loves it, but I think she really likes it. She's. But. And she's got four kids so she's like doing laundry all day.

[B]

I will say it's quick. Like if you are like. I will.

[C]

I lives up to its name.

[B]

Yeah. The Speed Queen Heart.

[A]

I've also heard they're like a thousand pounds and never break.

[C]

Huh.

[A]

Well that's just like they're very like old school. I'm pretty sure they're made domestically and they're made out of actual metal and not like plastic. And they're meant to be like essentially commercial. So they are supposed to not break often.

[C]

I don't know if we talked about this on trials and triumphs or not. Cause I can't remember anything anymore. But I got a new washer and dryer.

[A]

Oh no, we didn't. Oh, what kind did you get?

[C]

My husband left and so I, you know, did something big. Like every time he leaves I kind of like do something like ridiculously big, like buy a headboard.

[A]

Did we get a new washer? And you're like, what are you talking about?

[C]

Yeah, but I bought a new washer and Dryer set. I got an LG front loading, and I really like it.

[A]

You know what? I had one in our old house, and I always liked it. I feel like people complain about it.

[B]

But I thought my whirlpool has been great. Like, I've had no problem.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I'd be interested to see what everyone else was like, into.

[C]

All right, folks, send in. You send in your. Your favorite washer and dryer.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Is it working for you?

[A]

Because I'm. I really need a new one. Ours is. Yeah, I really need. Well, so I've been sort of.

[B]

David's been doing research, too, so I'll tell you what. But I. I do feel like the. Like you were saying, the Speed Queen has been like, top of people talking about it. Like, I feel like Martha Stewart just even commented how much she loves it. So I feel like. Don't use my comments to, like, mine. I just. I'm like, maybe my mom's is off. But she does. She loves it, I think, because it's quick. But me, who has. I'm washing a lot of things that definitely are stained. And that's where I'm like, I don't. It's not getting it all out for me, which could be.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

A multiple, you know, other reasons. Okay, real quick, because I know I've talked a ton. So the other thing is the pool filter.

[A]

Oh, no, no.

[B]

And the pool is an area again. It's kind of like the ice machine. I don't know enough about this. I don't want to know enough about. I don't want to, like, know more. I just need you to fix it. So it started screeching a few weeks ago. I think I might have talked about that. I can't remember. But, like, it was just me and the boys out there, and it's screeching like. Like that noise. And I was like, not good. Not good. So I like, call the pool guy. Leave a message. He does call me right back. He's like, yeah, just turn the breaker, because otherwise it's going to turn back on. So I, like, click the breaker off so that it can't. The filter's off and they come out the next day. But they're not very good at, like, communicating at the time of doing it. So later we got this invoice that's just like, if you want to do these parts, it's going to be two grand. And you're like, excuse me, what's happening? So it's one of those things where you're like, I don't understand it exactly. But essentially we need a larger filter system. And you're like, then why?

[C]

Why wasn't that put in at the beginning? Right?

[B]

Yes, because it's, you know, so we, like, debate, like, well, why we do all the whys. And like, so if we do change, it is like, is the problem still, like, what is the actual problem? Why the too small one? Like, what's happening? Is it overheating? You know, like, you're trying to understand. But anyway, it's one of those things that we are also just have to pay it because we want our pool to work. And. Yeah, so unfortunately, that was my other like. And then my last and final thing for this week is I got back on my train of wanting to reupholster the two chairs in my living room and put up drapes in there because my living room is a big white box, has white built ins. It was like, oddly the center of my house, and I had no idea what I wanted to do in there. And I still continue not to, except for this one Chilean blanket that I'm obsessed with. And the rug that we all have, and it has, like, some, many, many colors in it. It has, like, some good cognacs in it and some good deep berries and, like, kind of softer mauvey colors. And it has some sage in there and some kind of light teals. It has a whole bunch of colors. But I'm now playing with swatches, and I ordered a whole bunch of fabrics because I got to get a pattern up on those windows. So stay tuned. But I mean, when I say I ordered a whole bunch of swatches, I ordered 50 swatches. 50?

[A]

Oh, from where? From us. From all over.

[B]

All over. Like, so I have swatches from us because I can see those two in office. So that's the great part about the office is I can, you know, really see the pattern, too. And then online, just because, you know, there's such a selection out there and being such kind of a specific color, you know, like, I'm working towards specific colors already.

[A]

So what colors are you going with?

[B]

I really want to get that kind of berry mauve color I think needs to be up because I think that's the color that comes out the most because the furniture brings a lot of that brown versus bringing out the cognac y kind of gold color, like that kind of warmy brown, potentially kind of blends with the wood in the room. So I don't like, that's where I'm kind of like, I think I need to get the pinky something. But I don't want to do a solid because the couches are solid. So doing a solid up. So I'm playing that game of. But the chairs I would love to do in a solid with maybe the outer back being a pattern. Because if you're gonna. If you're gonna again, do something.

[A]

Did you look at that new Francis fabric?

[B]

Oh, my God, I love the Francis. So I did. I had a swatch of that. I brought it home, and it was just. For me, it was, again, too brown for the space. Cause I get. Everything else is so white that the. It's almost like I needed to paint the whole room in order to.

[A]

What about Marletta? Did you try Marletta?

[B]

Marletta.

[A]

I love that Marletta in the new.

[C]

Colorway is so good. So I love that you guys are.

[B]

Helping me with this.

[A]

Both of which ones did you. Did you pull from. From in the office?

[B]

Oh, Marletta is. Could go very well. It's just more of. Is that the look I want to go for? Yes. Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because the I. There are, like, hot pinks in this Chilean blanket, which does still have the sagey, turquoisey colors that do go with the rugs. Like, the blanket has a two or three of the same colors. And I know I don't want to do, like, any of the hot, hot pink, because David is like, girl, that's too. Because we have a hot pink stripe outdoor fabric. It's like linen and with hot pink stripes down it. Oh, it's you. I don't know the name of it.

[C]

That is a really. I don't know the name of it either, but that is a fantastic fabric. It's. It's a performance fabric.

[B]

Performance. Excuse me. It is. I honestly thought that would be it, because it's like, it's.

[A]

Oh, I know which one you're talking about. It's fabric by the yard. It's not in a stock.

[B]

Yes, right.

[A]

But you would have it made into it.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But I thought about even just covering the chairs and that, because that is the same vibe as the blanket. My David was just kind of like, that's a lot. And I was like, you're not wrong. But also, there's still a hot pink juju hat in this room. So, like.

[C]

Yeah, I was going to order fabric by the yard in that fabric as well, but to recover some benches.

[B]

Well, it's. It's a fun fabric. And it's.

[A]

This is the stripe one or the east stripe one. I do like that one.

[C]

A lot. Gorgeous. And it has a texture.

[A]

In person, it almost feels like a. Like a blanket.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Almost feels like a thick.

[C]

It's fantastic.

[B]

Yeah, it was. So I thought about that one. I don't know. So I pulled a few others of ours and then some of our velvets. I think we have one called Berry maybe. So I'm trying all of those as well because I just don't know.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

What I want. But stay tuned because I know that will be. It's still like a longer term of like, what do I put? But I'm going to get all the swatches in and there'll be a party for that. So stay tuned. Maybe you'll get invited to this because I'll need help. Okay. I talked for 100 hours. So, Caroline, this episode is brought to you by JCPenney. Yes, JCPenney. And if you've been there recently, you know it's the place to go for jaw dropping looks at brag worthy prices. They've got something special for every style and budget. Not to mention rewards and deals that make finding those hidden gems even sweeter. If you already shop JCPenney, you're already in on the secret. But if not, it's time to ask. Wait, am I sleeping on JCPenney? Shop jcpenney.com. yes, JCPenney.

[A]

All right, well, I had a couple things. Nothing, nothing crazy, but just some little, little judging I've been doing around the house. I think I mentioned this in our new items, our new Arrivals episode. We miss Sheila's. That we did. We. I just loved the soft goods that we had for this collection, like all the panels, pillows, and fabrics. And so I ordered some new pillows for my TV room. As you all remember, my TV room is Farrow and Balls. What? Shoot. What's it called, Taryn? Is your sulking room pink? Sulking room pink. So it's sort of like a mauvy brown. I think of it as like nude lipstick color. Right. That's the wall color. And then I have a sort of tan beige, big velvet sectional. And then my sofa, or I'm sorry, my rug is this fun. Sort of like rainbow stripe with like these swirly stripes. Anyway, I love the rug and it has lots of different colors in it, but I was wanting to add a little bit more like browns and pinks. So when we first redid that room, I had ordered a bunch of fabrics from Etsy or pillow covers from Etsy. And some of them I was just kind of like, well, some of them need to be replaced because they Literally had holes in them, some of them. I just was wanting to go in a new direction. So I had. I've got the Rue scalloped pillow in brown, which we just launched because I love that chocolate color.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. I. I want to get more chocolate. Yes. I have to buy those. Continue.

[A]

Love them. They look great. And. Oh, and you know, I had just redone my swivel chairs, which I talked about on another. Another trials and triumphs. And there was I knowing that I wanted to add more brown in. I put a chocolate brown tape trim on the bottom of those chairs. So I had sort of planned, quite frankly, when we picked out all of the stuff for our photography last fall.

[C]

You were shopping while you were working.

[A]

I was already shopping, yes. I was shopping and working and knowing, okay, I'm gonna order these. And this is around the time I was picking up the chair stuff. So I sort of did it all. But then finally it's. It's available to buy, so I finally bought them, but anyway. And then I did the Marletta pillows, which have, like, lavenders and browns and sort of like. Yeah, berry colors. And then I ordered was the other one. Oh, the other one is called the Botanique. I have pictures, so I'll share those. It's called the Botanique block panel. And there are block pillow and there's a blue, and then there's also sort of like a red color. And they look so good. It looks great. So I'm really happy with how that turned out. And I had the Merci linen pillow in purple in my new chair. So I'll have this sort of more like purpley brown vibe going on. And I'm really pleased with it. And it really is just. I love those. Some pillow covers can just really liven everything up a little bit. So that's fun.

[C]

Okay, now I'm gonna go buy pillow covers.

[A]

Thank you. Yeah, yeah.

[C]

Because it. It really does make a difference.

[A]

And let me send y' all the pictures because I was really pleased with how it turned out. I really wanted to bring in that Francis floral, but it just didn't quite work as well as the others because I did try that in there and it looked good. But I don't know, the other combination I felt like was better, so I did that. And then I also have been meaning to put. I had bought like, this IKEA outdoor cabinet, like this metal cabinet literally months ago, and just have not put it together because I knew that I wanted to spray paint it green before I put it together. And at like 7 o' clock last Saturday, I was like, I'm doing this right now.

[B]

Don't you love when you do that? And then there's not enough time at all. Yes. And you're like, why, why, why now?

[A]

I started when it was light outside and I was putting it together outside. Cause I was gonna spray paint it outside. And then I was like, using a flashlight at the end and I was like, this is a terrible idea, but I have to.

[C]

I have.

[A]

I must finish. Anyway, so I finally did that. Just because we have so much. We don't have enough outdoor storage. And we have so much outdoor bubble guns and shovels and chalk and just random things accumulate by the front door. And it drives me crazy. So I put that together. So that was kind of nice. Our. We still have too much junk out there, but, you know, whatever. One day at a time. And then. And when we had Olga on the episode, she was talking about with her book Spatial Alchemy, she was talking about your house sort of being a, like.

[C]

Like a manifestation.

[A]

Manifestation, yes. And I was mentioning on the episode, like, oh, yeah, I. I should work on my entry a little bit because I have. I want to feel this peace when I come home that I don't feel when I walk in. It's like, there's shoes everywhere. This. The front closet is, like, overstuffed. There's all this junk outside. And so I've sort of been thinking through that a lot in, like, how can I make this feel beautiful and actually serve my storage needs to where I don't walk in and feel so stressed? Anyways, so we have this front, like, closet with like, a sliding door on it. And it always has a ton of things in it.

[B]

And.

[A]

Future me would like to redo it and put in like, a full cabinet with like, doors and drawers and some. Something to make it more useful. But until that happens, um, I kind of just relocated some stuff I took out. Like, we used to have helmets in there. And I moved them to, like, a different closet. And I just removed a lot so that I could put two hooks down by the floor so that the girls could hang up their own backpacks. Smart. And y' all even just that. Just walking in and seeing an empty closet or, you know, more empty closet.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

With space. I like, I donated a bunch of, like, old purses that I don't use anymore that were hanging in there and got rid of some old coats. And I just like, cleaned, cleaned out that closet, reorganized it, hung two little low hooks. It literally took me probably 45 minutes to do those things. And it has made such a difference in my daily life just to walk in and feel like this open closet is empty and welcoming my items into it, and I don't have to, like, shove stuff in there and then, like, force the door close. Just that alone has really improved my life. So it was a very. And I had, like, two hooks that were from our old house that we had just never hung up. So I didn't even have to buy new hooks. I had hooks that I was. That were, like these cute acrylic hooks we used to sell. And. And, yeah, it was. Although here's my trial. I had been bugging Will to do it, and he didn't do it in a timely enough fashion for me, which was, like, two days.

[B]

I was about to ask that part.

[A]

And I was like, I can do this on my own. I'm just gonna do it. So I hung one of them, and I, like, I used my stud finder and my laser level and, you know, all the things. But I don't know if the stud finder just, like, read something wrong, but one of the hooks I put in, and it was quite sturdy, and it was all good. The other one I put in and, like, immediately started to, like, start coming out of the wall. So I'm gonna have to rehang that one. But. So sort of a little bit of two steps forward, one step back. It's still on the wall. It's still holding a little backpack.

[C]

But those backpacks are gonna get in.

[A]

I might have. I know. Yeah. So I might have to go rehang that one. But.

[B]

But, man.

[A]

But yeah, sometimes, you know, just a little organizing can really go a long way for your mental health. So you.

[B]

You literally just reminded me that the boys playing tag broke a whole cabinet door. Like, I had to do that, too. I forgot that was on my other. I forgot to make my long list. Yeah.

[A]

Did you fix it? Were you able to fix it, or.

[B]

Yes, because I asked him. Alan Harp Designs, who has. I've used for many years for fixing any furniture. I brought it over to Alan, and I was like, I. They literally snapped it because they. One of them opened the door while the other one ran around and he pushed. And of course, it was on one of the. The pretty mesh. The metal mesh ones. So there was no structure to the center of this door. There's no crossbars. It is literally four pieces of wood, and then metal mesh in the middle. So it literally just snapped in half. Like, each of the four pieces of Wood literally just, like, cracked. And so. Yeah, sorry. I was, like, devastated because how to even get that painted right? Like, get your cabinets repainted. So Alan was very much like, well, I can fix it. And I was like, all I ask is try not to sand anything on the front so I don't have to have it painted. And he did such a fan, you can't even tell it broke. And he. He was mocking the joinery, of course. And I was like, don't. My whole house is the same cabinet guy. Just don't. I was like, should I go ahead and bring the other one before that one just snaps in half? But he.

[A]

This was the guy who made your Newell post. Is that correct? Your old professor? Yeah.

[B]

Yep. But he. His. He's a full time. Like, he creates. He's a furniture maker and fixer or whatever. So he did. He did a great job.

[A]

I think I might need to call Alan.

[B]

Oh, my God, he's the best. He's the best. He just knows what he's doing and he fixes it. But I forgot to tell you guys because I was literally. You know, you're just like, of course my boys would just snap. And that's the mesh, too. That, like, again, we said. We told the guy, hey, we want to do this mesh. And he just, like, at the end told us how much it was. And it was like, it's like $800 for this one simple panel of mesh. And you're like, I would have said no because, like, for anyway. And then that's the cabinet door my kids broke. Right? Not any of the others, but the expensive one. And I was like, of course. But he fixed it. We are okay, but sorry I not to take over your trial. You just said that about the. No, you were talking about this, like, doors on your thing. And I was like, oh, my God, I forgot about mine. So.

[A]

Well. And you had another project I saw on your Instagram that you haven't mentioned, but you'll have to.

[B]

I don't even know.

[A]

Your table didn't refinish your table.

[B]

Did I say that on here? I refinished my dining table. Yeah, I did that myself.

[A]

You didn't tell us it, but I saw your work in progress. It looked fabulous.

[B]

Our dining, our breakfast table had been 1960s varnished, you know, so it had started to get moldy from the house plants being on it while we were going to Maine. And I was like, it's time. Like, it had been kind of like, you know where that finish is. I've been Kind of.

[A]

I've been so impressed.

[B]

It is not too hard. If anyone wants any advice, I used Alan again, but I used him in text form. Cause he was my old teacher. Yeah. Like a dad. He advised you?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Since my dad passed, I jokingly tell Alan. I was like, hey, this is a text I'd send my dad, but he's gone, so can you help me? So he just helped me be. I was like, what grit do I need to sand prior? Because it's a veneer. It's just a 1960s table. But yeah. So I didn't want to take off too much of the veneer. And then what sanding paper to use between the layers of varnish. What varnish does he like to use? So he was just really helpful on that step by step. So if anyone needs any help, please let me know. I will tell you because it feels like. Or you'll text Alan or you can. Or you can text Helen if you're in the Atlanta area. He's. He's great. I recommend him.

[A]

Amazing.

[B]

Okay. Sorry. Anyway, those. Yes, I have been very busy. We've been home a lot of weekends, so I think that's why we've been very house focused. So.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, well, there's always something.

[B]

Well, and it's really hot out, so it's kind of like the dead of winter and the, you know, in the.

[C]

Heat of the summer, you're just inside looking at all these things.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Fixed.

[B]

It's like the two times a year. You truly are like, all right, we're inside. Oh, God. That needs to be fixed. Ah, look at that. Yeah, let's work on that.

[A]

So. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, you know what? I just remembered? I trimmed Taylor. My fiddle leaf fig tree that I've been talking about doing for a long time, but I've been too scared. And I finally trimmed her top. I gave her a. Yeah. Yeah. I cut off her head. Yes. And use some rooting powder.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And stuck her in a new pot.

[B]

I think she's dying.

[A]

The new part is not the new Taylor. The mini Taylor is not doing well, but the original Taylor is doing great.

[B]

So it's okay. It was gonna be a. It was a positive.

[A]

It was a real toss up either way. And I'm not sure if it's just like too much shock.

[B]

Yeah. I'd give it a yeah.

[A]

Or it's. It's not the best place for it or what.

[B]

Oh, is it not the same place as Taylor? You didn't like, set it next to it?

[A]

Yeah, it's A different. It's a different. No, I didn't put it next.

[B]

It.

[A]

Maybe I. That would have been a really smart thing to do.

[B]

Well, it does look weird, but. Yeah. Kind of like I chopped off your head and then I put it next to you. But it does feel like. Because that lighting.

[A]

Maybe it'll work better.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, it's already used to that.

[B]

Yeah, those. Those elements, like, you're taking away one shock factor, I guess. Yeah.

[A]

Gotcha. Okay, well, maybe I'll try that next time. Yeah.

[B]

Stay tuned.

[A]

Smart. I did get this really cute plant stand that I'm obsessed with. I'll have to send it to you. It's so adorable. And I finally.

[B]

I love a good plant stand.

[A]

The only reason I really finally cut this section of her off is because I found this cute plant stand as I was like, I can't buy the plant stand.

[B]

Yes, I know.

[A]

I don't have a reason to use the plant stand. It's so cute. It's like a bobbin style, and it's this great sage green color. It's adorbs.

[B]

It sounds very cute. Yeah.

[A]

I got it from another. Another classic from. From us Gardeners dot com. You know, we like pictureframes. Do we like blinds dot com.

[B]

And so, I mean, the fact that Liz didn't buy her mattress at mattress.com is.

[A]

Yeah. But anyway. All right, well, the. Anybody else? Any. Any. Any things coming to people? It's been a minute since our last trials and triumphs.

[B]

Sometimes I kind of forget.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

That makes me feel better about my, like, laundry list I had for you guys today. But, yeah, it's been a.

[A]

Like, I said a lot of things.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Have either of y'.

[B]

All.

[A]

You wallpapered? You've done peel and stick it.

[C]

Yeah, Liz.

[A]

And you felt like it was good.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I got an ad yesterday for some peel and stick wallpaper, and I was thinking maybe I should do some peel and stick in my entryway.

[C]

That's good. And a lot of. A lot of places have. Have samples that you can. I got a sample of some peel and stick wallpaper to think about doing for my bathroom. And again, while my husband was away. And then I took the sample down, and it tore the drywall. So now I've gotta.

[B]

So now you have to do it.

[C]

Yeah. So now I've gotta do it.

[A]

Okay. Hmm. Well, now that. Yeah.

[C]

So.

[A]

Well. Cause I was thinking at some point I do wanna, like, sort of demo and redo this cabinet, but I'm not quite there yet.

[B]

So, like, maybe when you do it.

[A]

Like, I want to do wallpaper in the interim, but I'm not going to do it. Then I'm going to tear it out.

[C]

Right?

[A]

So, yeah, maybe I should do, like, a peel and stick and I can hang it myself. There are so many, like, great.

[C]

There are so many good patterns out there in the peel and stick, too. So if you just want to even.

[A]

Get them to hang two hooks. I can't get him to paint a mural.

[B]

You want me to come paint you a mural?

[A]

I'll. I'll feed you with. You know, I'll feed you, but I can't help you.

[B]

You are a great cook.

[A]

You can't be an assistant other than.

[B]

To, like, clean your paintbrushes for you. If I'm sitting there doing it, Will's gonna be annoyed it's not him. And then he'll just join me. That's what's gonna happen. He'll be like, why didn't you have me do it? And you'll be like, well. Cause you don't have time.

[A]

Cause you didn't hang the hooks I wanted.

[B]

She wants it now.

[A]

Now.

[B]

But I am in the same boat with the peel and stick. I have not tried it, but I am feeling motivated to try it in my upstairs laundry room, which just has white cabinets. And I literally was like, you know, down the road project. And that's one where it's like, if I mess it up, it's just me enjoying it. But then I also was like, or do I stencil? Stenciling's kind of weirdly back in too, you know, like, people are doing that, so I don't.

[A]

Wait, Liz, what were you saying?

[B]

I'm sorry?

[A]

What were you saying? No, no, no.

[C]

I was just saying that there are lots of good patterns out there. So if you wanted to dry something that was a little bit more even experimental for your taste, that's where I think peel and stick is really an okay option. Yeah. Or like, you're, like. You're saying, like, you're planning on. You have bigger plans for that space.

[B]

So this would be, like, sort of temporary.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay. And you felt like it was easy to work with other than the fact that it. The sample took off your drywall.

[C]

Oh, yeah, no, this is a totally different company that did the.

[A]

But the.

[C]

The peel and stick that I have in actually, my bedroom looks great.

[A]

I have a friend who's done wallpaper in all of her bathrooms and not just the peel and stick kind.

[C]

Full on wallpaper.

[A]

Yeah. And I'm like, I salute you. But couldn't be me because I'm just. I'm like, if I'm 80% there, I'm good with it. Hence the wall hook that I hang that is. That is now coming out of the wall. But they make it look so easy, the peel and stick wallpaper, that it makes me feel like maybe I could accomplish.

[B]

I think you can.

[A]

It's the aligning of the patterns that worries me. And the bubbles.

[C]

I think the key. The key to the bubbles, at least for the peel and stick. I don't know for. I haven't installed real wallpaper, but my mom used to do it all the time, which is amazing. But the key I found for any of the peel and stick stuff is to get a shower squeegee. So I mean, I've heard that because that's like 12 inches of surface area that you can then go get out to the edges.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Again, I'll come help you with it. But I am kind of type B, so I probably.

[A]

You want to do your own projects, Taryn.

[B]

Yeah, but I also want to enjoy. I mean, if we do it in your area, I'll feel even more confident and I'll learn for my area.

[A]

This is a self fulfilling. That's true. Okay, fair.

[B]

Or we could do it in my laundry room where no one will see it. So we can. We can both test it out a little more. Like.

[A]

And I've only got the one. It's not like it's a back door. We're like, it's only.

[C]

All right, well, we're all coming over and we're gonna. We'll help out.

[A]

It's all gonna be great.

[B]

I love this idea.

[A]

I'll send you all the pattern that I. That came up on my Pinterest and I was like, this is actually really fun.

[B]

I definitely want to see it.

[A]

Yeah. But it also has like, you know, it's like all doorways and there's like some corners. So I feel like it would be kind of a tricky spot to do, so maybe I would. I would definitely need your. Your assistance.

[C]

Yeah, let's do it.

[B]

I'm in for it.

[A]

Yeah. Okay. I'm gonna mull it over some more. I need to get. Order some samples, but yeah, don't worry.

[B]

They'Ll hear about this. Triumph or triumph. Oh, gosh.

[A]

Teeing us up for our next recording, so. All right, well, that's our show. We'll see y' all next week. And thanks for listening. And that's our show. You can find all of the show notes on our blog howtodecorate.com podcast to.

[B]

Send in a decorating dilemma. Email your questions to podcastallarddesigns.net so we can help you with your space.

[A]

And of course, be sure to follow us on social media.

[C]

Allard Designs don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. And please leave us a review. We'd love to hear your feedback.

[A]

Until next time, Happy Decorating.