The Vernacular Life Podcast

Latest Episodes:

EPISODE 29: Wall Coverings in Old Houses Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

What’s in a wall? Well, in my old house, I’m far more interested in what goes ON the wall. We took our house down to the studs, and removed mountains of old lath and plaster. We opted for drywall, but there are plenty of other materials that could make up the walls in an older house. So let’s talk about walls!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

The many things besides drywall that can make a finished wall

Why I was wrong about where shiplap is allowed to be (even in an old historic house!)

About all the wallpapers I can’t afford but love to look at wistfully

And so much more!

For more info and show notes, go to FarmhouseVernacular.com/29.

EPISODE 28: Perks of Living in an Old House Feb 01, 2022

Show notes

I’ve talked about the challenges of old house living. But there are some serious perks to having an older home! You’re certainly never bored. There’s always something to fix, build, refinish, refurbish, reupholster or decorate. And with defined rooms, you can also live in a crayon box (if that’s what you’re into!).

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why closed concept creates quieter spaces (and the party flow is fine, if you’re also an introvert like me)

How lots of corners make moments for CHAIRS

Why light and lamps are better in an old room in an old house

And so much more!

For more info and show notes, go to FarmhouseVernacular.com/28.

EPISODE 27: What the Heck is Engineering? Jan 25, 2022

Show notes

Once upon a time, I went to school for engineering. I even worked as a manufacturing engineer after college and for a time while I was starting Farmhouse Vernacular! So, what, exactly, is an engineer? What do they do, and why does engineering matter? I’m answering that (and more!) in this episode!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

How I chose engineering as a major, despite my other interests

Why I was always the odd woman out when it came to the engineering crowd

The lasting impact that thinking like an engineer has had on me, my business, and my household

And so much more!

For more info and show notes, go to FarmhouseVernacular.com/27.

EPISODE 26: Our Room Renovation Process Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

After nearly 4 straight years of renovation, we’ve got our system down pretty well. In fact, these days, when we walk into yet another room to tear down and build back up it’s almost a bit, boring? Well, at the very least, there are very few surprises left at this stage in the reno! But if you’ve ever wondered how we actually get all the work done, this episode is for you!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

The order of events that we follow to make sure things are done right and done in the right order

Why we didn’t tear it all down at one time (and I’m SO glad we didn’t)

How we prioritized the different rooms within the house to make living in a demo zone actually liveable

And so much more!

For more info and show notes, go to FarmhouseVernacular.com/26.

EPISODE 25: More Renovation Mistakes! Jan 11, 2022

Show notes

Once you start thinking about mistakes, you start seeing them everywhere. Now, I love this house and we have never made any catastrophic mistakes in our renovation… But there are definitely more things I could add to the list of “don’t do it like THAT again!”

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why I would shriek like a vampire in the daylight whenever we flipped the wrong light switch (which was every freaking time til we fixed it)

How we almost lost our minds trying to put up trim in one piece (and why we will NEVER try to do that again!)

The thankless attempt to keep the floors warmer and how much it sadly failed

And so much more!

For show notes and more info, go to FarmhouseVernacular.com/25.

EPISODE 24: What Can We Learn from Historic Architecture? Jay Osborne Interview Part 2 Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

This week, we’re welcoming back Jay Osborne from FreeFarmhouse.com to share even more of his wealth of knowledge about historic architecture! One episode could not contain the old house love, and I hope you’ll enjoy this convo part two as much as I did.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

How a “modern farmhouse” can simultaneously fail to be either modern OR a proper farmhouse

What traditional architecture can teach us about a slower pace of life

Why designing small spaces makes every design decision work overtime

And so much more!

For more info and show notes, go to FarmhouseVernacular.com/24.

EPISODE 23: Free Farmhouse Plans: Interview with Jay Osborne Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

I am honored to introduce our first guest to the podcast! Please join me in welcoming Jay Osborne -- an artist who designs buildings and a fellow old house lover -- to the show. Jay is the creator of Free Farmhouse, free architectural plans and open-source CAD files to help modern people build new homes like they used to do way back when.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

How Jay’s career in California and world travels (plus an abandoned old house in Virginia) inspired his design

Why Brandon and I POURED over the incredible plans he sent me

What makes an American farmhouse so unbelievably special

And so much more!

For more info and show notes, go to FarmhouseVernacular.com/23.

EPISODE 22: Renovation Time Management: How to Get the Projects Done Dec 07, 2021

Show notes

We’ve been working on our turn-of-the-century farmhouse for the better part of 4 years and done all the work ourselves. Even when we were both working outside the house 9-to-5, we were still doing demo and renovation projects at night and on weekends. Neither of us had ever done something on this scale before! But we got it done. Here’s how!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

How we invented 30 Minutes of House for days when we just couldn’t

Why long and specific lists shouldn’t intimidate you

Why planning day and execution day are never on the SAME day

And so much more!

For more info and show notes, go to FarmhouseVernacular.com/22.

EPISODE 21: On Being a Jack-Of-All-Trades: How to Learn New Hobbies Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

I have this compulsion to share what I learn almost as soon as I learn it. Which leaves a lot of people with the impression that I can do everything! Alas, I cannot. But I have one very important ability: I am willing to try new things. It’s a painful, tricky, and ultimately very rewarding process! And I hope to encourage and inspire you to take up a new hobby, too.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why I rarely begin with a “beginner” project

How I break down a new hobby into component parts (to make it actually do-able!)

The truth about what happens when you research TOO much

And so much more!

For more, go to FarmhouseVernacular.com/21.

EPISODE 20: Antique Dishes and Setting Fabulous Tables Nov 23, 2021

Show notes

There is an art to setting a beautiful table. And while you may own gorgeous dishes, you also may feel nervous about “breaking them out,” even for a holiday meal! Not my family. We find a way to make an occasion out of every day, and I’m here to help you build a glittering and fabulous table out of the things you love most. Just in time for the holidays!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

What kinds of antique dishes are available (and where to go to complete your beloved set!)

How to arrange a table featuring your favorite pieces

Why “I felt like it” is all the reason you need to set a to-die-for table!

And so much more!

For more, go to FarmhouseVernacular.com/20.