After discussing my (Chris) laziest way of being thoughtful, this episode goes deep on all the details of our DIY Magazine shoot. Julia and I share the parts that surprised us most, and give a few confessions of how underprepared we were (i.e. – the outdoor kitchen was not even recognizable as an outdoor kitchen when the crew arrived). Julia also shares how a tiny lady bug saved the most crucial shot of the entire week.
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Discussion: Behind the Scenes of our DIY Magazine Shoot
Four days. An unfinished outdoor kitchen. 8-foot tall lighting panels. 7 buckets of flowers. A lady bug. Our photo shoot with DIY magazine was a bit of a doozy, but in so many fun and interesting ways. We talk about the amount of production that goes into something like this, the magic that comes from a skilled photographer, and how a little tiny lady bug saved the cover shot for the issue. So many things about this blew our minds and we’re sharing all the details we can.
• Like how they played with perspective:
• And spent, literally!, 8 hours setting up a shot for the cover:
• And how they warmed up the girls for pictures (it was so thoughtful and kind!):
• And all the flowers it took!:
• And how Charly inserted herself into almost every shot, and slept on the equipment blanket for the rest of the time.
Reader Question: How to Make Low Ceilings Feel Taller
• Tricks with baseboards
• Properly using built-ins, shelves and cabinets
• Working with curtains
• Lighting & uplighting
• Considerations for furniture
Can’t Get You Outta My Mind
Chris:Â I try not to be swayed just because something is popular, but the peer pressure of pop culture has no impact on me when it comes to Taylor Swift. I talk about why I wish I could get her out of my mind (but the world won’t let me), and my views on her “transformation” as an artist.
Preston:Â As his kids continue to grow and learn, Preston has learned that he loves to watch it happen. He talks about the joys of seeing your children accomplish something, and experience the joy of overcoming fears and apprehensions to experience something new.
Julia:Â Though we believe in saving where you can, Julia is a pro at selective splurging. Specifically on cabinet hardware. She talks about the impact this little detail can make, when the right time is to get that hardware you’ve been eyeing (spoiler, it’s right now) and why.
Adam photographed my daughter for Make It Yourself magazine last year — he really is wonderful with kids! Can’t wait to see your issue in July!
Loved the behind the scenes insight– it’s so reassuring to know that what we see in magazine’s isn’t quite “real” life (ie, your house being spotless, perfect lighting, plants on every corner!)
I would love you note some of your favorite rejuvenation hardware pieces (or other stores). We have knobs on all our cabinets that I’ve been wanting to replace but felt limited because they are knobs– and I dont think we could easily patch for a pull. Maybe a insta stories topic?!
What’s the situation with changing your stairway chandelier? :/ Is it for sale?
Hi Chris & Julia,
I just listened to your podcast for the first time and loved it! So interesting to hear about the behind the scenes of a magazine shoot. My husband and I are currently renovating a house with standard 8 foot ceilings and are looking for ways to make them feel taller. I appreciate your helpful tips. Regarding your suggestion for recesssed lighting or semi flush mount lighting: do you then recommend against a hanging pendant light over a dining room table?
Thanks and so sorry to hear about your sweet pup!
A hanging pendant over the dining table or kitchen island is definitely acceptable and a good idea! I might advise against one that doesn’t provide any uplighting because that could bring your ceilings down. Look for one that has light that either radiates in all directions, or up and down.
I am hanging my head in shame because I don’t have hardware in my kitchen yet. I just cannot decide what I want! It is killing me but I get super anxious about decisions like this, so I just keep putting it off.
Girl! Start looking at a bunch of inspiration photos. Start with would you prefer: knobs, pulls? Bin pulls? and then move on to metal preference. You can do it! It will change your life!