We all have our personal style . I’m not into black, white, tan , large modern art , miss shaped pottery. .. but the concept of your video are helpful . The key to a happy environment are personal items that bring a smile .
Small art - created by independent artists can be beautiful. Perhaps not on walls but tucked in bookcases or consoles become one of a kind treasures. As opposed to large mass produced items from Amazon ??? I’m an artist myself and spend hours creating my work regardless of size.
I agree. I buy art from the artist studios, sometimes from a gallery. I had some small pieces that are presented in such impactful way that nothing more is needed.
I agree, and it’s something I won’t change. I think her choice may be governed more by what she doesn’t like, and it’s definitely not right for everyone.
Completely agree with this ... I also love small thematically curated clustered works ... that make a large statement piece - I think its lovely to be able to peer into a small piece. When you have a large space the artwork (unless highly figured and coloured) just make ubiquitous graphic shapes on the wall - and end up bland - just an homogeneous space filler
This. I hated this advice. It isn’t controversial; it is just bad advice. I am also an artist, and while I don’t make small art, it is important to remember there is a lot of wonderful art out there that is small and intended as such. Thank you for this comment, Cathy!!
I agree with most of what you said. Especially the seasonal decor!! But I love finding original, small pieces of art and putting them in unexpected places in my home. It feels so quaint in my more modern house and I love the juxtaposition it creates.
I agree. And a beautiful small work of art can have a more powerful impact bc it draws the viewer in and feels personal. Also, most people can’t afford really good art, and it doesn’t make sense to spend money on bad art just to fill a wall space. An affordable alternative is photography, a framed textile or making your own minimalist art.
Agree on seasonal decor, but with kids, they get attached. I would use some ribbon, satin, burlap (no wire) to bring in seasonal color… I dunno for example, wrap a red Renton, secure with pin, not bows with matching color use seasonal red berries or greens (cut from your yard!) Either match the colors with branches or invert them..,,
I think it all depends on what stage of life you’re in. If you have little kids you can’t avoid some corny decor and bright colors and basically trash that you wish wasn’t there but makes your kid so happy! You can only have a designer house like this if you’re single or already with grown children
I agree with all but Christmas, Valentina. My son is under 20 and absolutely loves Christmas. Also, my nieces and nephews enjoy coming to our home for the magic. We try to incorporate the natural pieces where possible but I love seeing their joy.
Yes! I totally agree. Christmas is the only holiday/season I still decorate for. I don't change plants or pillows either, only blankets and sheets. I want to store as little as possible, because I just have way too much stuff!
I agree. The little lights add so much warmth, the greenery/pine cones bring in elements of nature and the hope/excitement for this celebration brings people together. However, I do agree that collecting/storing decor for every single holiday can add a truck load of clutter to your home.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT! I definitely STOPed shopping at Target and all the new releases and I just pick out a piece or two that I really love. I started shopping pottery barn and invest my money in one great piece that I JUST LOVE and I really enjoy that piece and it makes me happy. Now cleaning is much easier. I don't have so much dusting to do and I don't feel overwhelmed in my space. THANK YOU for this video and for putting things in perspective, at least for me. Smiles
@@bettyschriver3277 I have art that I love around my house. A lot of it is my son's and art that was gifted to me from special people in my life but I love vintage artwork so, no Pottery Barn art as of yet lol.
I needed to hear this today. I am having surgery and my recovery will be intense. My husband and I discussed the topic of decor; earlier today. I realized I won’t be physically able to decorate for the holidays this year. I will be focusing on making memories with my family this year instead of baking and decorating. This will be a HUGE game changer for me since I normally decorate my clients homes for the holidays. I will be taking your advise and enjoying a home with minimal fall and winter decor in 2022. I love your channel. Be blessed. Lynda
Can share in the joy of hanging line of christmas cards or of hanging photos. Can still create joy with these images and with just a couple of indoor plants Over winter scented pelagonium can be a highlight from rose, pineapple, lemon just a couple of natural scented leaf flavours with or without flowers!
LK...Sorry you will go through this. I wish you a speedy recovery. Feeling the love given to YOU this year will fuel your healing. May He watch over the surgeon's hands.🙏
Wow, I have been feeling the same way! I also stopped buying seasonally specific decor, mostly because I got tired finding a way to store it. I have really scaled back what I have out on display. I really just want to have a few select items that I can transition by changing the greenery in a vase, etc.
I love the minimalist look but I miss your black and white artwork on the fireplace. It just made the room and the fact that you painted it made it more special x
I love fall and Christmas decorating. I mostly have things I truly love and look forward to seeing every year and don't go too overboard. But believe me by January I am soooo ready to get back to normal. I am trying to incorporate more room decor to reflect the season but I also find that once I get a room the way I want it I am very resistant to change. Maybe living in Southern California and lacking seasons adds to not feeling the need to change seasonal decor as much. 😘
I love the way you approach seasonal decorating. But, Valentina, where do you keep all the things that are out of season? In that respect, I would love to learn about your home organization. Thank you for your awesome videos! :-) Good thoughts, Kendra
I want to know this too! Lol. I have way too much . And honestly I donate at least once a month! It’s constant cycle. We have three folks here and a dog.
No one asked me, but I keep out-of-season decor in closed storage in the home office, I donate if no more space. I only decorate with meaningful collected items, not mass produced
I couldn’t agree more about seasonal vs holiday decor. I still do my Christmas tree and a garland on the front door for Christmas, but otherwise changing the textiles and what’s in the cases feels more authentic and connected to me as well. In my fairly open floor plan, we can see the Christmas tree from everywhere and it’s enough.
This video was really useful. I would like to see your plates and mugs for every day in your kitchen. Maybe, a video about your arrangement in that room. LOVE YOU VIDEO!!!
I'm with you on everything you touched on in this video. Less is more. It's like you can even breathe and think clearer without so many smaller items, including mismatched items. As for seasonal decor, I've got away from that, but I still appreciate seeing other people's home decorated in seasonal decor when it's done with style.
Most all of my everyday dishes are one offs. Or 2s or 3s. Each piece has a particular memory. A salad plate from Aunt Olga, a bowl from my neighbor, a cup and saucer from grandmum. Later today I'm having lunch off a plate from my mother's sister, June! Odd, one of a kind, mismatched pieces? Yup! Love each and every one! Should you need, or require, all matchy-matchy dishes..... please go to a restaurant! It will save both of our blood presures from going sky high! -------- I recently invited someone for dinner. "Who else is coming?" and "What are you having!?" were asked before answering. And my neighbor is 94, so he certainly knows better! And he certainly wasn't brought up that way! Someone wants to complain about my dishes.... "the front door is in that direction"! Absolutely impossible to have a dinner party anymore! Who is coming? Really? What are you serving!??? How boorish can you get?
Loved this video! I’ve gone more minimalistic in my home also. It does feel more calming. I stopped doing coffee table books and put books away. I will still put out the seasonal decor for holidays, but it’s fairly minimal and I enjoy it. I plan to try to eliminate stuff I store that I don’t really love. I doubt my kids want it either! My goal is to “Marie Kondo” my entire home! You have all great tips! The “one off” tip made me put a pillow from one of my sofas in the donation box this morning! I don’t like small art either!
I love you and Jack - such a cute couple! I’ve spent years “curating” my mid century decor and I have a lot of glass and various antique items that I love. But I also feel that it’s too much visually, and I’ve been trying to edit and pare down my home. I’ve shown my husband (who doesn’t really care about decor) your home and also some pages out of Jenni Kayne’s Pacific Natural At Home book and his first word to describe both was “calm”. So, you inspire me! We all want to have a calm home and visually overstimulating spaces don’t help!
I love your emphasis on less but better! That concept actually leaves you feeling better all around. Less overwhelm while still feeling inspired. We have a similar approach to our home decor and I find that I actually use, love, and appreciate our things more when there’s less. Great video V! Xx
Great list! I agree with everything except the one off art pieces. I think art is something you should buy what you love when you find it and it will work. Maybe it is because I tend to be drawn to consistent color palettes. The biggest problem I have is where to hang pieces because everything I buy works in so many different areas of my home because of that palette. That being said, I 100% agree that lots of small art pieces look busy and take away from the impact. I have tons of built-in bookshelves so I do have a few special small pieces tucked in them but never on the walls
I have not that small art but small but I custom frame in big frames and it has work very well to enhance the piece. It has to be done by someone with lots of experience with fine art.
In total agreement with you regarding "fast home fashion" in places like Target. I stopped "popping in" to Target every week and I noticed how much less I spent on each week!
I love the way you decorate your home…and I also love the way we decorate ours! I hang out with you because you give me inspiration and challenge me to do a better job. And while I love to change things up seasonally, I also like simplifying things. I totally agree with your thoughts on one-offs, I like sets too. And I like the ideas you give us on adding texture and changing it up seasonally. I like both big art and small art. I seem to have perfect places for both…and some things have a high degree of meaning and won’t be leaving our home anytime soon! I must be a Gemini at heart. Anyway, I do enjoy your videos and thank you for sharing. ♥️
YES! We are here because we want to emulate your style. And, frankly, because you're super fun to hang out with! Thanks for the light and joy you bring to the world. I love when you go deep and talk about your philosophy behind design. You introduced me to the idea that design facilitates vibrancy in life. That resonated so deeply and I often think about it when I am working on my own spaces. Cheers!!
Yes, nothing brings light and joy to the world quite like black, dark greys and white/cream/beige!!! The poor children! The parents are afraid of colors. Got it!!!
Taking about what she did/does and why is one thing. But telling others what to do or not do is really getting way to preachy for me. Perhaps she should stick with 'I' more and not over use the pronoun 'you' . Not a fan of being told what to do by strangers. Dictates are not a real viable form of communication. Usually.
When I first moved to a suburb in NC I was into the seasonal decor because everyone in our small town was. Now that I’m in my 60’s I’ve started to become a minimalist and only investing in things that bring me joy. My avatar says it all. 😊 BTW Valentina, I love the black base cabinets in your kitchen area. I have black base and alabaster wall cabinets in mine. 👍🏼
Amen! As I get older, I need a simpler, calmer environment. I agree completely - avoid those impulse one off purchases, seasonal (i.e.pumpkin) decor, etc. Keeping our traditional pieces for the holidays but skipping all the other "stuff". I find keeping the key items that I love and moving them around the house as the seasons change keeps the decor fresh and gives me inspiration. The one thing I might never stop buying is candles :) Thanks for this great video and the validation to be content with fewer, quality, meaningful items in our homes.
I am also designer. I too disagree about the grommets. I think they capture the minimal look with a touch of “jewelry” and gives a bit of texture to a room without making it look cold and bland, something for the eye to look at. I agree with you about the big art and I do see a big piece of art above your fireplace. I also can see a bit of a splash of color in pillows.
Love it! Once I fell in love with RH, I adapted their less is more minimal luxury principles and it is sooooo freeing ❤️❤️❤️. But I’m a black/white design girl, and love the way you are so real about how to achieve your style!
I, too have lived overseas. And, yes, holiday-themed decor is definitely an American thing. I go for it on Christmas; I put up lights, light-up angels in the front yard, candles in the windows, garland, stockings on the mantel, and a tree. I do not go so far as to have holiday-themed dinner plates or tacky sayings on cheap throw pillows. Santa never enters the picture. I put a pumpkin out on Halloween and use one as a centerpiece on Thanksgiving. Easter gets loads of spring flowers and the traditional basket of red hard-boiled eggs. I put bunting on the front porch for the 4th of July and that's pretty much it. It is too expensive and too cumbersome for me to do anything more. I also think that most themed decor is pretty tacky.
I am so in agreement with the seasonal decor. At one point, I thought I was depressed or something since I no longer like it! I got rid of all my fall decor and only do a Christmas tree and like you said.. change for the season with pillows, curtains and materials. Love your style! Really enjoy your videos!
I have an apartment in a building built in 1951. I have a Magritte themed living room. The boat made out of water in on the wall with copies of Picasso sketches, and some 11 x 14 Magritte posters are on my bookshelves. Warhol Sam cats and Stars are on my kitchen wall. I put them in acrylic glass instead of glass glass because of potential grease. I love art!
I too reflected on the stuff I have back in December when we moved into our new home. I realized I had so many great things that I didn’t need to add more. Yes, lots of stuff is beautiful, but I don’t need it.
I tend to change colors for new seasons in fabrics, switch out foliage, add a few accessories in bowls and vases that I use year-round. But I also add a few cutesy things here and there, especially for Halloween and Christmas. I will say that since following HoV last year, I've pulled back on things that are kinda meh, that I used to put out because "it's what we have, so we should use it." Just because I have it, doesn't mean I like it or want to see it every holiday. I really thought the house was beautiful during last year's holidays without the extra stuff that I don't absolutely love, and it allowed me to see gaps or things that I'd like to get for this year. So thank you, Valentina!
Loved everything apart from the last bit, you are killing me😭 I love my books (unfashionable as they may be), and will be keeping them even if it makes my living room look less curated.
Oh Valentina, your so lovely. Its brilliant how much of yourself you share with us all, as though we were all friends of yours. Totally agree with the sizeing up. I had a large painting given to me some years ago and I leant it against a small wall, just for now thinking to put in in another larger space. Then I realised, yes! this was the space to put it. Putting large items in small spaces work and as you say, not having a cluttered look, with lots of small stuff definitely calms the mind. Thankyou for sharing all your wonderful tips with us, you are definitely a kindred spirit ❤x
I got rid of ALL my one offs and sanity was restored! I am using white as the base color for all cups, plates, serving ware etc. and it is so much better. I add pops of color as needed and most are neutrals.
Go deep, Valentina. Go deep. I love to hear your personal 'Whys'. And, I love everything you said about books. I've always been a big reader and I use some books as decor because they're more accessible AND they express who I am. The same goes for when I'm in other homes... I'm always intrigued by the books I find there. Thank you again for your great advice.
I love all my “small books” it shows who I am as a person the same as the big display books. I have noticed the trend to turn your books around or make them color coded etc. as if books are an eyesore. As for everything else, I totally agree.
Yes, I think all books are beautiful. Color grouping or not showing rhe spines or covers is just ridiculous. I don't like big showy books. Too hard to handle. Too each his own, I suppose.
I agree with your approach to seasonal decorating, with maybe somewhat of an exception for Christmas. While I will never do Santas and snowmen, elves and such, I do bring out a red theme. I have red, silk and velvet pillow covers for the pillows on the couch, a red table runner for the dining table, cranberries that I put around the candles in my hurricane lamps, etc.. Otherwise, I do it all with fabrics , the type of florals, and things of that nature.
I think as my kiddo has gotten older (teenager), we've begun to decorate for the seasons a bit differently. I think as our "season of life" changes and evolves, so does our decor style. The HOW and WHAT we decide to surround ourselves with, evolves as we grow older. Great video HOV!
I try to add seasonal items that can be eaten or disposed of. I.e. real 🎃 pumpkins…. Candy corn in a pretty bottle of some type…pumpkin cookies in the cookie bowl…. A wreath that can be changed with the season…a seasonal bow around a candle… Halloween pasta (HomeGoods) in a tall glass bottle…. Orange or green pasta (you get the idea). I’m old now and I loved to get all of the inexpensive fun stuff to fill the house when my children were little. But now I’m trying to be more sensitive to a more minimalist type of home. (😂I am trying)
Yea, you are right Valentina. I’m a tablescaper, so I mostly have seasonal items for the table. I don’t decorate the house, except when Xmas come, the grandchildren just love it ! It’s very American the four season decor. I think it’s wonderful ! I agree with you on small art. No, I like big, it warms the home. I also elevates them with a big beautiful frame. Thank you always Valentina.
I agree with 95% of the points here. I do like to decorate for the fall holidays. My boys have friends over for a Halloween bon fire and their friends love the jack o lanterns and spooky decor. They laugh, although I do have lots of generic things mixed in, like lanterns to light the way from the bon fire to the house. Also, the coffee mugs. I don't have "matching" ones. I have coordinating ones. Simply because if you're to the point where you're having coffee, often times, you have moved away from the table. While at the table, you can remember which is yours because of where you are sitting, but when you're outside or moving around and then have to step into the restroom or something, it's easy to forget which is yours. SO, in support of a local pottery artist, I have a set with different designs but all the same glaze so they coordinate but don't match perfectly. No one ever mixes them up now. :) LOVE your channel!!! LOVE your support of reading! We are avid readers in our home as well. Each of us have a "private library" area in our bedrooms.
I totally agree . I am into natural items .My brother lives in northern Wisconsin and every year brings down a truckload of pine branches that I use for Christmas.I love it . Simple is best
I absolutely love your style and ever since I discovered you, I watch all of your UA-cam videos and lives on Amazon. I have learned so much from you and appreciate the time you take to teach us these things. I would love to see how you would style dark furniture like a black sofa 💜
The only holiday I really go all out for is Christmas, but part of the joy of it is having collected really special ornaments over the years. My tree is covered in things I've collected while travelling, other things for the mantel were handed down from my family. The only thing I buy new for the season now is real foliage wreathes or garlands because I can't resist the smell of a real evergreens. But I agree in the main that seasonal changes have more impact - when the blankets come out we know we're in cosy mode. But I also bring out a lot more lights - more fairy lights, more candles, extra lamps. Having the winter lights in place also makes it a little bit less depressing when all the Christmas stuff suddenly comes down.
Hi Valentina Just had to tell you that I just donated a whole back car full of much of my Christmas decor! I put the seats down and packed the car, and I am not done yet! I agree, I am over it! Especially taking it all down and packing it away when the holiday is over! Some of these items were probably 10 to 20 years ago, I have really simplified my style! I also agree with the small art. Great video, I always love your videos, and taking us on your trips, and even locally with some or all of your children are so enjoyable, your family is so sweet!
Agree re seasonal decorating with Easter, Halloween, Christmas etc being an American tendency. My dad was in the Air Force when I was young and I grew up in a French village. The only "decoration" we had in our house was a Christmas tree. Like you, I like to change out colors, fabrics and plants in my home as the seasons change.
I agree with you on all topics and thankfully I have stopped buying most everything you mentioned and I find myself clearing and cleaning the one odd pieces. I must say that is really difficult when for so many years I have been chasing dreams of an eclectic English inspired interior. I am slowly getting rid of so many things and some of it is so hard to get rid of. I think there is fear that I will regret it. I am working on getting there where I want to be. Sometimes I look back at different combos and decor that I created and think, Wow, that was beautiful. I am finding that I feel peace of mind with a limited colour palette and I am craving order, elegance and simplicity. Oh, I love your space by the way, so yes I think I need to bite the bullet and just continue to get rid of all those bits and bobs. Thank you for another great video.
You’ve mastered the seasonal decorating approach. It looks way more put together and high end looking. I leave the kitschy stuff for my childrens room…they love it, I get what I like… it’s a win, win.
Great information Valentina!! I love changing my decor as well and have been trying to get rid of some extra stuff I don’t need. Just keeping what I enjoy looking at and special to me. Thanks for sharing . ❤️
I understood the stand as a designer why are you just want to decorate your home. But when someone walks in my home for the holidays I want them to smile and it’s different than regular decorating. I love every decoration to explode even some of the kitsch ones. I only stay away from rustic design. I will never stop going overboard decorating for the holidays. I do the same thing you do for seasons that are outside of the holidays. I change out throw pillows and throw blankets to go with the season.
I love some seasonal décor except for neutral and natural pieces that are timeless. I also love to thrift and go antiquing for pieces that fit nicely with a modern home. I do decorate my bar and my coffee area for the holidays and it is super fun.
Hi Valentina, I really enjoy watching you and Jack. Enjoy your designs and understand where you are coming from. That being said, everyone should decorate with what makes them happy. Unless my clients said to me that they love my style and want me to imitate that to an extent with them, I will do it. The end result is they are living there not me. So guiding them to make tasteful choices in their style is important! There are so many styles I love that I have to say…I love yours, also love color and gorgeous coordinated patterns and some antiques mixed in also! Large art trulymakes a statement and that is needed but a grouping of similar art like botanicals put together say two over two to fill the wall is lovely too. Decorating for the holidays makes me happy…not overdone! Styles come in and out. Minimalist is in for awhile then people tire of it and decorate a bit busier and things thoughtfully placed that make you happy! Then it goes around again! I love yours because it is artfully done but love many other styles also…Less is More and More is More! Love it all when tastefully done!
Yes, I think it’s more an American thing to style up for every season with decor pieces, I live in Australia 🇦🇺 and the only time I’ll put a few decorations out is at Xmas time, the rest of the year my home stays the same, I don’t have the storage space to clutter up my home switching it out every time the weather changes, I’m here because I love your style and that’s what I’ve done, I’ve changed out the style inside my home to more neutral tones and donated the stuff I didn’t want anymore, keeping it in those neutral tones stay in my home all year round, I can’t stand clutter. Great video as always V. Cheers from Queensland Australia 🇦🇺♥️♥️
@@Starseed14 I think the only seasonal thing that we have here which is more an American thing is Halloween 🎃 decor, our stores do change out there linen, bedding as such but that’s just the stores themselves getting in new stock, but as far as decorating our homes for each season, I don’t know anyone here that does that, some might I guess, but it’s really not something we do, unfortunately the world is taking on too much like the Americans, not being rude towards them because I have many friends living over there but it’s just so different to here, we have friends living here now from the UK 🇬🇧 and Ireland 🇮🇪 :)
LOL I love that you stopped the one off with dinnerware. I'm always disappointed when someone buys one of something and then it makes the set incomplete. Especially plates, bowls, and lamps. Love this video!!
Love this! I follow so many people on Instagram and always think where in the world do they keep all this stuff they are always buying and showing. It’s taken me many years to realize, I don’t have to keep up and that truly in decor and peace of mind, less is more! Thank you for sharing this content. I hope you will share more along this line.
I loooove Xmas and Halloween decor, in Europe we do not celebrate Halloween so to me it is absolute fun and tickles my inner child. And Christmas is such a great holiday, especially if your kids are little. I definitely do not invest in holiday themed kitchen items or dinnerware but kitchen towels. I have white and wooden plates and serving dishes that is so easy to style all year round
Totally guilty of the seasonal decor. Mostly fall (pumpkins) and Christmas! I have a tiny home but put up 3 trees!🤣 I have tried to move towards decorating with pillows, throws, curtains, but what helps is pillow covers so I can use the same pillows, but just replace the covers.
You can always frame small art with really wide matting and big frames! A friend has a postage stamp sized genuine Rembrandt litho, maybe not quite 2x3 inches, in a very large frame. Perhaps 18x24 inches wide and tall, with a heavy bottom mat. It made me go over and inspect it all the more closely! And it worked beautifully in the space. One of the most valuable items they had was also the very smallest! So 'small' art can become 'large' art! You can 'stretch' it!!! And you could just combine the smaller pieces and make a meaningful collage. A friend had some photographs printed onto fabric and had the fabric made into lamp shades for her bedroom. Hydrangeas if I remember correctly. Big, puffy, pink Hydrangeas! Pleated! Beside the bed. It was lovely. It fit her and the entire room's decor. Very well done! So small art isn't a problem. Except for the unimaginative, perhaps!!! In my laundry room I have 5 of my very most favorite pictures. We were not married quite 5 years before becoming a widower, 30 years ago next month. Why are these pictures in the laundry room. Because while I stand there and wait for the machine to stop spinning I look at those pics of sunny days and sunny smiles and appreciate what I had. No one probably sees them, except me, and that's fine! Those were and still are very private moments, for me. As is my favorite picture hung with magnets on the inside my medicine cabinet door! Every morning it is "Good morning, my dearest one!" And at night it is "Good night, and I'll see You in the morning. First thing!" 'Small art'? Yeah, I don't want to hear about it, really. I'm grateful for it. Everyday!
I just recently discovered you, Valentina, and have been binge watching your videos. I also just recently discovered hygge and have read a couple books about hygge and how to achieve it. So...I literally just a couple weeks ago gathered up all my random home (and holiday) stuff, oneoffs, and anything else that I didn't absolutely "love" and took it to Goodwill. I feel like a new person!! Like I just found me. Finding hygge and you at almost the same time (within a couple weeks) seems like a sign. ;)
I’ve been catching up on episodes I’ve missed. This was a really good one! I had never heard of fake books 😮. I love what you are saying. I get stressed by too much stuff & I need the calm of things that work well together. I’m sure you feel much better ditching your previous ways. ❤😊
😂 🎄 is my absolute FAVORITE holiday, so that's a tough one! I've definitely downsized my Christmas decor inventory. When our kids were young & until the youngest was 20 y.o. we had at least five 6ft(+)Trees, I started collecting 🎅🏾 🎅🏾 🎅🏾 our 1st baby's 1st Christmas & every yr since. I stopped when he turned 18 & I've began gifting them to them a couple of yrs ago now that they're young adults & we became empty nesters/downsized. Your video has made me think long & hard on my next moves for Christmas future ❣️💯
From a design point-Should velvet/heavy drapes only be hung during cool weather and switched out during summer? I’ve always wondered about that since it’s definitely how we do our pillows/bedding/throws etc etc
When you say curtains with rings, do you mean grommets? If so we have some very nice drapes with high quality grommets that are beautiful…don’t remind me of a showers curtain at all.
Love you and Jack. I'm not quite ready to stop decorating for seasonal/holidays, however, I am trying to scale back. Trying to move away from trends as well and buying only functional items I can use and get rid of things I don't use. See you Friday.
I agree...I use ribbon, throws and pillows, candles and holders and some foliage, and a wreath. Works great! No more small art, use statement pieces of art to make an impact.
Congratulations on the milestone, V. It’s been a treat following you for the past few years, and you deserve all the successes to come. And if nothing else, your advice has probably saved me thousands in setting up my first home, so I appreciate you sharing your expertise with us!
I couldn't agree more with your entire video. You're like my best friend in my head! I cannot stand those curtains with grommet or clip ring tops. They really remind me of shower curtains therefore transfer as cheap-looking. Also, I've found that I prefer decorating seasonally by using throws, cushions, rugs/mats, vases, florals, candles, lamps etc in the corresponding colour(s) of the season, rather than putting out themed décor pieces (though I can't help but decorate with garlands for Christmas). It really elevates your home, gives it a lux appeal. Don't get me started on those one-off items. I never understood that :/
I am guilty of the holiday decor, but only fall and winter overall with a few themed things right around the holidays (like a snow globe collection that started when my grandmother would get me a snow globe every year). Mostly it's fabrics, and colors and textures that change. Plus heirloom pieces passed down (tiny mantle village and Menorah) that get prominently displayed.
Yes! I love Pinterest and used it to redecorate my entire home from carpet to furnishings. It really helped me get a good visual of it all plus make sure that my design story was cohesive throughout. And... we just got a pet bunny and believe it or not, decorating rabbit rooms is a big deal in the rabbit world, and once again, Pinterest to the rescue! Talk about a fun room to decorate!
Still love selected Halloween (for kid at heart) and tasteful thanksgiving themes and a tasteful natural material rabbit hits the mantle for Easter but that’s about it. Do what makes you happy…as long as the storage doesn’t stress you out.
I’m doing too many comments, but…if you cannot give away you paperbacks and don’t have room to store them, use wallpaper, or other great paper found at art store, or if on a budget, a roll of white or tan shipping paper and cut them like a dust jacket. If you stack some horizontally, put something chunky on top. You can even use that as a bookend for your larger books.
I agree with eliminating the seasonal tacky decor. However...my 3 & 4 year old grandchildren live next door. They LOVE my seasonal decor that I acquired when my children were small. Guess I'll have to wait a few years to have a nice, adult looking home.
Love this. You have totally inspired me, and confirmed how I have been viewing home decor, as of late. Thank you. You're so inspiring and cheerful! God bless!
I have used Pinterest for inspiration since 2013. Pinterest can be rather addictive, but it has helped during the past three years while I renovate my home. I love the ivory velvet curtains and plan to order several sets for my house (really like that they have the hidden loops that I prefer). Thank you for the link! P.S. So when is that closet reveal coming?
Hey Valentina! I almost don't know where to begin. I actually almost stopped watching multiple UA-camrs and influencers because all they seemed to be doing was a bunch of hauls, or saying, "Go out and buy this vase or accessory!" And the sad thing was, it was a vase from Target or HomeGoods that everyone else seemed to be getting as well, and all of a sudden I was seeing the same vase or accessory in all of these designers' homes. Garrett LeChic is an interior designer I subscribe to (love that for *you*... bonus points to anyone who gets that reference lol), who's been trying to teach people to curate their space. He used to do store visits, but has since really cut down. He points out that it can take time to get your home exactly how you'd like it, and yes, while it's fun to occasionally run out and buy an accessory, take the time instead to really think about accessories, artwork, pieces of furniture, etc., and really invest in them. He has a gorgeous home, and while his style is traditional (although he occasionally uses a modern piece), and my style is totally transitional (I paired a modern cream colored sofa and chairs from Room&Board with my grandmother's burled walnut antique sideboard), he's always got incredible tips to pass along. Wanted to say, too, that I love seeing a designer occasionally do a store visit, just to see what's out there, or show a recent haul, but sometimes it can get to be too much. I've recently cemented my style as transitional/casual elegant, and I have a ton of ways and designers to look to for inspiration: You, Alison Victoria who does the show "Windy City Rehab" from HGTV, and I also have a ton of designing coffee table books. Two books that are incredible and I highly recommend to anyone are from the designers Ryan Korban and Darryl Carter (Carter's book is "The Collected Home," and Korban's is "Ryan Korban Interiors.") Both books couldn't be more different, one is modern and the other transitional, and yet I can flip through them for hours and constantly get inspiration. I also subscribe to Nick Lewis, Arvin Olano (Nobody asked but...love him, and even more points to anyone who gets that reference lol), Posh Pennies, Sophie Patterson, DIY with KB, Nina Takesh, Julie khuu, as well as House and Home, Homeworthy, and Architectural Digest. Paige Wassel too, man that woman tells it like it is! I also get ideas from magazines like Nordic Living, Milieu, and AD. There's so much inspiration around! Wanted to say too that you and Jack are an absolute blast, and remind me of my husband and myself. We love to laugh and live life to the fullest, so I always feel at home here. Thank you for bringing up such an important subject, which is taking the time to really invest in your home and not going out and impulsively buying the latest thing. Cheers to you, Jack, the kids (and Louie of course!), and looking forward to seeing more of your inspiration and videos in the future. Oh man, sorry this ended up being so long! xoxo
Thank you for sharing. I like your long comment :) I’ll look into the designers, stylists, and stores you mentioned. I’m changing things up and appreciate the inspiration so I’ll check them out. 😊
Good to watch your video. I also only have things that I really love in my house. Less is more ! I do have some lovely things and people always comment on how restful my house is .
Loved this one, V!! You are soo close to 300k - I’ve shared your channel w a few friends.. it’s too good not to share!! Keep creating awesome content - this is my fav channel 💯
I love a hodge podge of coffee mugs for when people come over, so we don't mix up our drinks. We never use them in place at a table. Because I loved it so much, I bought all different dishes, which I completely regret. I think there is a place for certain one-off things, but not others.
Ooo! Thank goodness in South Africa we just do Christmas. America is pretty much known for (sorry to say) excess… 🇿🇦 Love your vids, a breath of fresh air! Thank you!
You have a beautifully curated home. I'm just a "woman who needs her things about her". I'm lucky to have many things from great and great great grandparents. I could never trade those things for anything.
Thank you! I too have been "moving on" the small pieces and refining my home. It has felt so cluttered as I have downsized. I just don't need all the STUFF!
Great video as usual, love your advice on most design. I don't see me giving up my love of Christmas anytime soon. Quality decorations and some fun ones too. Decorating for Christmas brings me great joy. The rest of the year a hint of color change, fabric textures and plants/blooms.
Agree! I am not from 🇺🇸 but I am an American citizen and at first I went crazy buying EVERYTHING for every season and at the end I realized that you need a designated space to store all of that… that’s too much! Now I just have Thanksgiving stuff (a couple pumpkins that I knitted myself and a couple more but not too much. And for Christmas just the “basics”… too much clutter just drive me crazy!
I no longer purchase holiday-themed items because 1) I have limited storage in my new condo, and 2) I’d rather spend money on purchasing better quality items I can use or show all year.
Last year I took out knick knacks and substituted with more lamps. I quit buying pumpkins and santas a few years ago and tried to up level my every day decor. It's still a work in progress trying to declutter (and stay decluttered).
Just realized I have had the same velvet curtains as you. I Love them and keep the black in my bedroom up all year. The rest I have are ivory and they're perfect 🤍🖤💫
Yes, V…I rebranded myself as someone who elegantly decorates based on season - not holiday - using live greenery/florals, sofa pillow covers, sofa throws in knit or cotton, leaving negative space on shelves
We all have our personal style . I’m not into black, white, tan , large modern art , miss shaped pottery. .. but the concept of your video are helpful . The key to a happy environment are personal items that bring a smile .
Small art - created by independent artists can be beautiful. Perhaps not on walls but tucked in bookcases or consoles become one of a kind treasures. As opposed to large mass produced items from Amazon ??? I’m an artist myself and spend hours creating my work regardless of size.
I agree. I buy art from the artist studios, sometimes from a gallery. I had some small pieces that are presented in such impactful way that nothing more is needed.
I agree, and it’s something I won’t change. I think her choice may be governed more by what she doesn’t like, and it’s definitely not right for everyone.
Completely agree with this ... I also love small thematically curated clustered works ... that make a large statement piece - I think its lovely to be able to peer into a small piece. When you have a large space the artwork (unless highly figured and coloured) just make ubiquitous graphic shapes on the wall - and end up bland - just an homogeneous space filler
This. I hated this advice. It isn’t controversial; it is just bad advice. I am also an artist, and while I don’t make small art, it is important to remember there is a lot of wonderful art out there that is small and intended as such. Thank you for this comment, Cathy!!
I am in agreement. I'm a creative and artist and disagree with this "recommendations" for various reasons.
I agree with most of what you said. Especially the seasonal decor!! But I love finding original, small pieces of art and putting them in unexpected places in my home. It feels so quaint in my more modern house and I love the juxtaposition it creates.
I agree. And a beautiful small work of art can have a more powerful impact bc it draws the viewer in and feels personal. Also, most people can’t afford really good art, and it doesn’t make sense to spend money on bad art just to fill a wall space. An affordable alternative is photography, a framed textile or making your own minimalist art.
Agree on seasonal decor, but with kids, they get attached. I would use some ribbon, satin, burlap (no wire) to bring in seasonal color… I dunno for example, wrap a red Renton, secure with pin, not bows with matching color use seasonal red berries or greens (cut from your yard!) Either match the colors with branches or invert them..,,
I think it all depends on what stage of life you’re in. If you have little kids you can’t avoid some corny decor and bright colors and basically trash that you wish wasn’t there but makes your kid so happy! You can only have a designer house like this if you’re single or already with grown children
I agree with all but Christmas, Valentina. My son is under 20 and absolutely loves Christmas. Also, my nieces and nephews enjoy coming to our home for the magic. We try to incorporate the natural pieces where possible but I love seeing their joy.
Yes! I totally agree. Christmas is the only holiday/season I still decorate for. I don't change plants or pillows either, only blankets and sheets. I want to store as little as possible, because I just have way too much stuff!
I agree. The little lights add so much warmth, the greenery/pine cones bring in elements of nature and the hope/excitement for this celebration brings people together. However, I do agree that collecting/storing decor for every single holiday can add a truck load of clutter to your home.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT! I definitely STOPed shopping at Target and all the new releases and I just pick out a piece or two that I really love. I started shopping pottery barn and invest my money in one great piece that I JUST LOVE and I really enjoy that piece and it makes me happy. Now cleaning is much easier. I don't have so much dusting to do and I don't feel overwhelmed in my space. THANK YOU for this video and for putting things in perspective, at least for me. Smiles
Me too 😀 it makes such a difference!
Same and it is so freeing to not have so much clutter and wasted money going out on stuff that doesn't last.
Buy real Art from real artists, not pottery barn.
@@bettyschriver3277 I have art that I love around my house. A lot of it is my son's and art that was gifted to me from special people in my life but I love vintage artwork so, no Pottery Barn art as of yet lol.
@@alanahenderson6030 Oh my goodness, yes! waisted money for sure.
I needed to hear this today. I am having surgery and my recovery will be intense. My husband and I discussed the topic of decor; earlier today. I realized I won’t be physically able to decorate for the holidays this year. I will be focusing on making memories with my family this year instead of baking and decorating. This will be a HUGE game changer for me since I normally decorate my clients homes for the holidays. I will be taking your advise and enjoying a home with minimal fall and winter decor in 2022.
I love your channel.
Be blessed.
Lynda
Can share in the joy of hanging line of christmas cards or of hanging photos.
Can still create joy with these images and with just a couple of indoor plants
Over winter scented pelagonium can be a highlight from rose, pineapple, lemon just a couple of natural scented leaf flavours with or without flowers!
LK...Sorry you will go through this. I wish you a speedy recovery. Feeling the love given to YOU this year will fuel your healing. May He watch over the surgeon's hands.🙏
Wow, I have been feeling the same way! I also stopped buying seasonally specific decor, mostly because I got tired finding a way to store it. I have really scaled back what I have out on display. I really just want to have a few select items that I can transition by changing the greenery in a vase, etc.
I love the minimalist look but I miss your black and white artwork on the fireplace. It just made the room and the fact that you painted it made it more special x
I agree. It s too empty !
It would look so beautiful with something large above the fireplace.
Me three! too bare and cold!
It looks like a black hole!
I love fall and Christmas decorating. I mostly have things I truly love and look forward to seeing every year and don't go too overboard. But believe me by January I am soooo ready to get back to normal. I am trying to incorporate more room decor to reflect the season but I also find that once I get a room the way I want it I am very resistant to change. Maybe living in Southern California and lacking seasons adds to not feeling the need to change seasonal decor as much. 😘
I love the way you approach seasonal decorating. But, Valentina, where do you keep all the things that are out of season? In that respect, I would love to learn about your home organization. Thank you for your awesome videos! :-) Good thoughts, Kendra
I want to know this too! Lol. I have way too much . And honestly I donate at least once a month! It’s constant cycle. We have three folks here and a dog.
Me too!
Same here!
No one asked me, but I keep out-of-season decor in closed storage in the home office, I donate if no more space. I only decorate with meaningful collected items, not mass produced
yes! organization ideas please 😍
I couldn’t agree more about seasonal vs holiday decor. I still do my Christmas tree and a garland on the front door for Christmas, but otherwise changing the textiles and what’s in the cases feels more authentic and connected to me as well. In my fairly open floor plan, we can see the Christmas tree from everywhere and it’s enough.
This video was really useful. I would like to see your plates and mugs for every day in your kitchen. Maybe, a video about your arrangement in that room. LOVE YOU VIDEO!!!
I'm with you on everything you touched on in this video. Less is more. It's like you can even breathe and think clearer without so many smaller items, including mismatched items. As for seasonal decor, I've got away from that, but I still appreciate seeing other people's home decorated in seasonal decor when it's done with style.
Most all of my everyday dishes are one offs. Or 2s or 3s. Each piece has a particular memory.
A salad plate from Aunt Olga, a bowl from my neighbor, a cup and saucer from grandmum. Later today I'm having lunch off a plate from my mother's sister, June!
Odd, one of a kind, mismatched pieces? Yup! Love each and every one!
Should you need, or require, all matchy-matchy dishes..... please go to a restaurant! It will save both of our blood presures from going sky high!
--------
I recently invited someone for dinner. "Who else is coming?" and "What are you having!?" were asked before answering. And my neighbor is 94, so he certainly knows better! And he certainly wasn't brought up that way! Someone wants to complain about my dishes.... "the front door is in that direction"!
Absolutely impossible to have a dinner party anymore! Who is coming? Really?
What are you serving!???
How boorish can you get?
@@paulortiz2035 I can also appreciate the different peices of dishes people had given to them over time which they value. Some are very unique.
Loved this video! I’ve gone more minimalistic in my home also. It does feel more calming. I stopped doing coffee table books and put books away. I will still put out the seasonal decor for holidays, but it’s fairly minimal and I enjoy it. I plan to try to eliminate stuff I store that I don’t really love. I doubt my kids want it either! My goal is to “Marie Kondo” my entire home! You have all great tips! The “one off” tip made me put a pillow from one of my sofas in the donation box this morning! I don’t like small art either!
I love you and Jack - such a cute couple! I’ve spent years “curating” my mid century decor and I have a lot of glass and various antique items that I love. But I also feel that it’s too much visually, and I’ve been trying to edit and pare down my home. I’ve shown my husband (who doesn’t really care about decor) your home and also some pages out of Jenni Kayne’s Pacific Natural At Home book and his first word to describe both was “calm”. So, you inspire me! We all want to have a calm home and visually overstimulating spaces don’t help!
I love your emphasis on less but better! That concept actually leaves you feeling better all around. Less overwhelm while still feeling inspired. We have a similar approach to our home decor and I find that I actually use, love, and appreciate our things more when there’s less.
Great video V! Xx
Great list! I agree with everything except the one off art pieces. I think art is something you should buy what you love when you find it and it will work. Maybe it is because I tend to be drawn to consistent color palettes. The biggest problem I have is where to hang pieces because everything I buy works in so many different areas of my home because of that palette. That being said, I 100% agree that lots of small art pieces look busy and take away from the impact. I have tons of built-in bookshelves so I do have a few special small pieces tucked in them but never on the walls
I have not that small art but small but I custom frame in big frames and it has work very well to enhance the piece. It has to be done by someone with lots of experience with fine art.
In total agreement with you regarding "fast home fashion" in places like Target. I stopped "popping in" to Target every week and I noticed how much less I spent on each week!
I loved this video! I keep feeling like I need to decorate more because of social media but I personally want to keep the paired back look
It is so freeing to pair back. It’s relaxing.
I love the way you decorate your home…and I also love the way we decorate ours! I hang out with you because you give me inspiration and challenge me to do a better job. And while I love to change things up seasonally, I also like simplifying things. I totally agree with your thoughts on one-offs, I like sets too. And I like the ideas you give us on adding texture and changing it up seasonally. I like both big art and small art. I seem to have perfect places for both…and some things have a high degree of meaning and won’t be leaving our home anytime soon! I must be a Gemini at heart. Anyway, I do enjoy your videos and thank you for sharing. ♥️
YES! We are here because we want to emulate your style. And, frankly, because you're super fun to hang out with! Thanks for the light and joy you bring to the world. I love when you go deep and talk about your philosophy behind design. You introduced me to the idea that design facilitates vibrancy in life. That resonated so deeply and I often think about it when I am working on my own spaces. Cheers!!
Yes, nothing brings light and joy to the world quite like black, dark greys and white/cream/beige!!!
The poor children! The parents are afraid of colors.
Got it!!!
Taking about what she did/does and why is one thing. But telling others what to do or not do is really getting way to preachy for me.
Perhaps she should stick with 'I' more and not over use the pronoun 'you' .
Not a fan of being told what to do by strangers. Dictates are not a real viable form of communication. Usually.
Ugh. As a lifetime avid reader with thousands of actual books I can’t comprehend why anyone would buy a fake book.
When I first moved to a suburb in NC I was into the seasonal decor because everyone in our small town was. Now that I’m in my 60’s I’ve started to become a minimalist and only investing in things that bring me joy. My avatar says it all. 😊 BTW Valentina, I love the black base cabinets in your kitchen area. I have black base and alabaster wall cabinets in mine. 👍🏼
Amen! As I get older, I need a simpler, calmer environment. I agree completely - avoid those impulse one off purchases, seasonal (i.e.pumpkin) decor, etc. Keeping our traditional pieces for the holidays but skipping all the other "stuff". I find keeping the key items that I love and moving them around the house as the seasons change keeps the decor fresh and gives me inspiration. The one thing I might never stop buying is candles :) Thanks for this great video and the validation to be content with fewer, quality, meaningful items in our homes.
I am also designer. I too disagree about the grommets. I think they capture the minimal look with a touch of “jewelry” and gives a bit of texture to a room without making it look cold and bland, something for the eye to look at. I agree with you about the big art and I do see a big piece of art above your fireplace. I also can see a bit of a splash of color in pillows.
Love it! Once I fell in love with RH, I adapted their less is more minimal luxury principles and it is sooooo freeing ❤️❤️❤️. But I’m a black/white design girl, and love the way you are so real about how to achieve your style!
I, too have lived overseas. And, yes, holiday-themed decor is definitely an American thing. I go for it on Christmas; I put up lights, light-up angels in the front yard, candles in the windows, garland, stockings on the mantel, and a tree. I do not go so far as to have holiday-themed dinner plates or tacky sayings on cheap throw pillows. Santa never enters the picture. I put a pumpkin out on Halloween and use one as a centerpiece on Thanksgiving. Easter gets loads of spring flowers and the traditional basket of red hard-boiled eggs. I put bunting on the front porch for the 4th of July and that's pretty much it. It is too expensive and too cumbersome for me to do anything more. I also think that most themed decor is pretty tacky.
I am so in agreement with the seasonal decor. At one point, I thought I was depressed or something since I no longer like it! I got rid of all my fall decor and only do a Christmas tree and like you said.. change for the season with pillows, curtains and materials. Love your style! Really enjoy your videos!
I have an apartment in a building built in 1951. I have a Magritte themed living room. The boat made out of water in on the wall with copies of Picasso sketches, and some 11 x 14 Magritte posters are on my bookshelves. Warhol Sam cats and Stars are on my kitchen wall. I put them in acrylic glass instead of glass glass because of potential grease. I love art!
I too reflected on the stuff I have back in December when we moved into our new home. I realized I had so many great things that I didn’t need to add more. Yes, lots of stuff is beautiful, but I don’t need it.
I tend to change colors for new seasons in fabrics, switch out foliage, add a few accessories in bowls and vases that I use year-round. But I also add a few cutesy things here and there, especially for Halloween and Christmas. I will say that since following HoV last year, I've pulled back on things that are kinda meh, that I used to put out because "it's what we have, so we should use it." Just because I have it, doesn't mean I like it or want to see it every holiday. I really thought the house was beautiful during last year's holidays without the extra stuff that I don't absolutely love, and it allowed me to see gaps or things that I'd like to get for this year. So thank you, Valentina!
Loved everything apart from the last bit, you are killing me😭 I love my books (unfashionable as they may be), and will be keeping them even if it makes my living room look less curated.
Hope you get to 300,000 this week. Cheering you on. Thanks for letting us know what we shouldn't buy! ❤️ Happy Sunday!
When you toss the large decor beads, I will believe that you are reformed on buying trendy items.🙂
And Tom Ford....
Yes!
Oh Valentina, your so lovely. Its brilliant how much of yourself you share with us all, as though we were all friends of yours. Totally agree with the sizeing up. I had a large painting given to me some years ago and I leant it against a small wall, just for now thinking to put in in another larger space. Then I realised, yes! this was the space to put it. Putting large items in small spaces work and as you say, not having a cluttered look, with lots of small stuff definitely calms the mind. Thankyou for sharing all your wonderful tips with us, you are definitely a kindred spirit ❤x
I got rid of ALL my one offs and sanity was restored! I am using white as the base color for all cups, plates, serving ware etc. and it is so much better. I add pops of color as needed and most are neutrals.
Go deep, Valentina. Go deep. I love to hear your personal 'Whys'. And, I love everything you said about books. I've always been a big reader and I use some books as decor because they're more accessible AND they express who I am. The same goes for when I'm in other homes... I'm always intrigued by the books I find there. Thank you again for your great advice.
I love all my “small books” it shows who I am as a person the same as the big display books. I have noticed the trend to turn your books around or make them color coded etc. as if books are an eyesore. As for everything else, I totally agree.
Yes, I think all books are beautiful. Color grouping or not showing rhe spines or covers is just ridiculous. I don't like big showy books. Too hard to handle. Too each his own, I suppose.
I agree with your approach to seasonal decorating, with maybe somewhat of an exception for Christmas. While I will never do Santas and snowmen, elves and such, I do bring out a red theme. I have red, silk and velvet pillow covers for the pillows on the couch, a red table runner for the dining table, cranberries that I put around the candles in my hurricane lamps, etc.. Otherwise, I do it all with fabrics , the type of florals, and things of that nature.
I think as my kiddo has gotten older (teenager), we've begun to decorate for the seasons a bit differently. I think as our "season of life" changes and evolves, so does our decor style. The HOW and WHAT we decide to surround ourselves with, evolves as we grow older. Great video HOV!
I try to add seasonal items that can be eaten or disposed of. I.e. real 🎃 pumpkins…. Candy corn in a pretty bottle of some type…pumpkin cookies in the cookie bowl…. A wreath that can be changed with the season…a seasonal bow around a candle… Halloween pasta (HomeGoods) in a tall glass bottle…. Orange or green pasta (you get the idea). I’m old now and I loved to get all of the inexpensive fun stuff to fill the house when my children were little. But now I’m trying to be more sensitive to a more minimalist type of home. (😂I am trying)
I so enjoy you and your decorating ideas. And I love your positivity. Hubby is supportive & a hoot!
Yea, you are right Valentina. I’m a tablescaper, so I mostly have seasonal items for the table.
I don’t decorate the house, except when Xmas come, the grandchildren just love it ! It’s very American the four season decor. I think it’s wonderful ! I agree with you on small art. No, I like big, it warms the home. I also elevates them with a big beautiful frame. Thank you always Valentina.
I agree with 95% of the points here. I do like to decorate for the fall holidays. My boys have friends over for a Halloween bon fire and their friends love the jack o lanterns and spooky decor. They laugh, although I do have lots of generic things mixed in, like lanterns to light the way from the bon fire to the house.
Also, the coffee mugs. I don't have "matching" ones. I have coordinating ones. Simply because if you're to the point where you're having coffee, often times, you have moved away from the table. While at the table, you can remember which is yours because of where you are sitting, but when you're outside or moving around and then have to step into the restroom or something, it's easy to forget which is yours. SO, in support of a local pottery artist, I have a set with different designs but all the same glaze so they coordinate but don't match perfectly. No one ever mixes them up now. :)
LOVE your channel!!! LOVE your support of reading! We are avid readers in our home as well. Each of us have a "private library" area in our bedrooms.
I totally agree . I am into natural items .My brother lives in northern Wisconsin and every year brings down a truckload of pine branches that I use for Christmas.I love it . Simple is best
When children are adults, often seasonal decor is no more.
your passion for interior design is so lovely and inspiring!! you look very refreshed and relaxed valentina :)
I absolutely love your style and ever since I discovered you, I watch all of your UA-cam videos and lives on Amazon. I have learned so much from you and appreciate the time you take to teach us these things.
I would love to see how you would style dark furniture like a black sofa 💜
The only holiday I really go all out for is Christmas, but part of the joy of it is having collected really special ornaments over the years. My tree is covered in things I've collected while travelling, other things for the mantel were handed down from my family. The only thing I buy new for the season now is real foliage wreathes or garlands because I can't resist the smell of a real evergreens.
But I agree in the main that seasonal changes have more impact - when the blankets come out we know we're in cosy mode. But I also bring out a lot more lights - more fairy lights, more candles, extra lamps. Having the winter lights in place also makes it a little bit less depressing when all the Christmas stuff suddenly comes down.
I love this video, I have stopped shopping unless I absolutely need something and the only time I change out decor is Christmas 🎄
V, so proud of you for taming your “haul” beast…I think you will find it is emotional freeing. 🖤
Completely agree with your seasonal suggestions. I started incorporating seasonal items with my decor …organically… years ago. 🧡
Hi Valentina
Just had to tell you that I just donated a whole back car full of much of my Christmas decor!
I put the seats down and packed the car, and I am not done yet!
I agree, I am over it! Especially taking it all down and packing it away when the holiday is over!
Some of these items were probably 10 to 20 years ago, I have really simplified my style! I also agree with the small art. Great video, I always love your videos, and taking us on your trips, and even locally with some or all of your children are so enjoyable, your family is so sweet!
Agree re seasonal decorating with Easter, Halloween, Christmas etc being an American tendency. My dad was in the Air Force when I was young and I grew up in a French village. The only "decoration" we had in our house was a Christmas tree. Like you, I like to change out colors, fabrics and plants in my home as the seasons change.
I agree with you on all topics and thankfully I have stopped buying most everything you mentioned and I find myself clearing and cleaning the one odd pieces. I must say that is really difficult when for so many years I have been chasing dreams of an eclectic English inspired interior. I am slowly getting rid of so many things and some of it is so hard to get rid of. I think there is fear that I will regret it. I am working on getting there where I want to be. Sometimes I look back at different combos and decor that I created and think, Wow, that was beautiful. I am finding that I feel peace of mind with a limited colour palette and I am craving order, elegance and simplicity. Oh, I love your space by the way, so yes I think I need to bite the bullet and just continue to get rid of all those bits and bobs. Thank you for another great video.
You’ve mastered the seasonal decorating approach. It looks way more put together and high end looking. I leave the kitschy stuff for my childrens room…they love it, I get what I like… it’s a win, win.
Great information Valentina!! I love changing my decor as well and have been trying to get rid of some extra stuff I don’t need. Just keeping what I enjoy looking at and special to me. Thanks for sharing . ❤️
I understood the stand as a designer why are you just want to decorate your home. But when someone walks in my home for the holidays I want them to smile and it’s different than regular decorating. I love every decoration to explode even some of the kitsch ones. I only stay away from rustic design. I will never stop going overboard decorating for the holidays. I do the same thing you do for seasons that are outside of the holidays. I change out throw pillows and throw blankets to go with the season.
I love some seasonal décor except for neutral and natural pieces that are timeless. I also love to thrift and go antiquing for pieces that fit nicely with a modern home. I do decorate my bar and my coffee area for the holidays and it is super fun.
I love holiday themed decor and I’m not giving it up. 😂😂❤️
Hi Valentina, I really enjoy watching you and Jack. Enjoy your designs and understand where you are coming from. That being said, everyone should decorate with what makes them happy. Unless my clients said to me that they love my style and want me to imitate that to an extent with them, I will do it. The end result is they are living there not me. So guiding them to make tasteful choices in their style is important! There are so many styles I love that I have to say…I love yours, also love color and gorgeous coordinated patterns and some antiques mixed in also! Large art trulymakes a statement and that is needed but a grouping of similar art like botanicals put together say two over two to fill the wall is lovely too. Decorating for the holidays makes me happy…not overdone! Styles come in and out. Minimalist is in for awhile then people tire of it and decorate a bit busier and things thoughtfully placed that make you happy! Then it goes around again! I love yours because it is artfully done but love many other styles also…Less is More and More is More! Love it all when tastefully done!
Yes, I think it’s more an American thing to style up for every season with decor pieces, I live in Australia 🇦🇺 and the only time I’ll put a few decorations out is at Xmas time, the rest of the year my home stays the same, I don’t have the storage space to clutter up my home switching it out every time the weather changes, I’m here because I love your style and that’s what I’ve done, I’ve changed out the style inside my home to more neutral tones and donated the stuff I didn’t want anymore, keeping it in those neutral tones stay in my home all year round, I can’t stand clutter. Great video as always V. Cheers from Queensland Australia 🇦🇺♥️♥️
Unfortunately seasonal / holiday decor, linen and kitchenware has found its way into UK stores in recent years 🙄
@@Starseed14 I think the only seasonal thing that we have here which is more an American thing is Halloween 🎃 decor, our stores do change out there linen, bedding as such but that’s just the stores themselves getting in new stock, but as far as decorating our homes for each season, I don’t know anyone here that does that, some might I guess, but it’s really not something we do, unfortunately the world is taking on too much like the Americans, not being rude towards them because I have many friends living over there but it’s just so different to here, we have friends living here now from the UK 🇬🇧 and Ireland 🇮🇪 :)
LOL I love that you stopped the one off with dinnerware. I'm always disappointed when someone buys one of something and then it makes the set incomplete. Especially plates, bowls, and lamps. Love this video!!
Love this! I follow so many people on Instagram and always think where in the world do they keep all this stuff they are always buying and showing. It’s taken me many years to realize, I don’t have to keep up and that truly in decor and peace of mind, less is more! Thank you for sharing this content. I hope you will share more along this line.
I loooove Xmas and Halloween decor, in Europe we do not celebrate Halloween so to me it is absolute fun and tickles my inner child. And Christmas is such a great holiday, especially if your kids are little. I definitely do not invest in holiday themed kitchen items or dinnerware but kitchen towels. I have white and wooden plates and serving dishes that is so easy to style all year round
Totally guilty of the seasonal decor. Mostly fall (pumpkins) and Christmas! I have a tiny home but put up 3 trees!🤣 I have tried to move towards decorating with pillows, throws, curtains, but what helps is pillow covers so I can use the same pillows, but just replace the covers.
You can always frame small art with really wide matting and big frames!
A friend has a postage stamp sized genuine Rembrandt litho, maybe not quite 2x3 inches, in a very large frame. Perhaps 18x24 inches wide and tall, with a heavy bottom mat.
It made me go over and inspect it all the more closely! And it worked beautifully in the space.
One of the most valuable items they had was also the very smallest!
So 'small' art can become 'large' art! You can 'stretch' it!!!
And you could just combine the smaller pieces and make a meaningful collage.
A friend had some photographs printed onto fabric and had the fabric made into lamp shades for her bedroom. Hydrangeas if I remember correctly. Big, puffy, pink Hydrangeas! Pleated! Beside the bed.
It was lovely. It fit her and the entire room's decor. Very well done!
So small art isn't a problem.
Except for the unimaginative, perhaps!!!
In my laundry room I have 5 of my very most favorite pictures. We were not married quite 5 years before becoming a widower, 30 years ago next month.
Why are these pictures in the laundry room. Because while I stand there and wait for the machine to stop spinning I look at those pics of sunny days and sunny smiles and appreciate what I had. No one probably sees them, except me, and that's fine!
Those were and still are very private moments, for me. As is my favorite picture hung with magnets on the inside my medicine cabinet door!
Every morning it is "Good morning, my dearest one!" And at night it is "Good night, and I'll see You in the morning. First thing!"
'Small art'? Yeah, I don't want to hear about it, really. I'm grateful for it. Everyday!
I just recently discovered you, Valentina, and have been binge watching your videos. I also just recently discovered hygge and have read a couple books about hygge and how to achieve it. So...I literally just a couple weeks ago gathered up all my random home (and holiday) stuff, oneoffs, and anything else that I didn't absolutely "love" and took it to Goodwill. I feel like a new person!! Like I just found me. Finding hygge and you at almost the same time (within a couple weeks) seems like a sign. ;)
I’ve been catching up on episodes I’ve missed. This was a really good one! I had never heard of fake books 😮. I love what you are saying. I get stressed by too much stuff & I need the calm of things that work well together. I’m sure you feel much better ditching your previous ways. ❤😊
😂 🎄 is my absolute FAVORITE holiday, so that's a tough one!
I've definitely downsized my Christmas decor inventory. When
our kids were young & until the youngest was 20 y.o. we had at least five 6ft(+)Trees, I started collecting 🎅🏾 🎅🏾 🎅🏾 our 1st baby's 1st Christmas & every yr since. I stopped when he turned 18 & I've began gifting them to them a couple of yrs ago now that they're young adults & we became empty nesters/downsized. Your video has made me think long & hard on my next moves for Christmas future ❣️💯
Po
From a design point-Should velvet/heavy drapes only be hung during cool weather and switched out during summer? I’ve always wondered about that since it’s definitely how we do our pillows/bedding/throws etc etc
I’m no design expert, but I think heavy drapes would also be okay year-round in a more formal space. It’s all about how the space works for you!
When you say curtains with rings, do you mean grommets? If so we have some very nice drapes with high quality grommets that are beautiful…don’t remind me of a showers curtain at all.
Love you and Jack. I'm not quite ready to stop decorating for seasonal/holidays, however, I am trying to scale back. Trying to move away from trends as well and buying only functional items I can use and get rid of things I don't use. See you Friday.
I agree...I use ribbon, throws and pillows, candles and holders and some foliage, and a wreath. Works great! No more small art, use statement pieces of art to make an impact.
Congratulations on the milestone, V. It’s been a treat following you for the past few years, and you deserve all the successes to come.
And if nothing else, your advice has probably saved me thousands in setting up my first home, so I appreciate you sharing your expertise with us!
Small artwork, like jewels, add that special touch to the room!
I couldn't agree more with your entire video. You're like my best friend in my head!
I cannot stand those curtains with grommet or clip ring tops. They really remind me of shower curtains therefore transfer as cheap-looking.
Also, I've found that I prefer decorating seasonally by using throws, cushions, rugs/mats, vases, florals, candles, lamps etc in the corresponding colour(s) of the season, rather than putting out themed décor pieces (though I can't help but decorate with garlands for Christmas). It really elevates your home, gives it a lux appeal.
Don't get me started on those one-off items. I never understood that :/
I love, love the direction that you are going....less is more ! Can't wait to see you implement this style !
I am guilty of the holiday decor, but only fall and winter overall with a few themed things right around the holidays (like a snow globe collection that started when my grandmother would get me a snow globe every year). Mostly it's fabrics, and colors and textures that change. Plus heirloom pieces passed down (tiny mantle village and Menorah) that get prominently displayed.
Yes! I love Pinterest and used it to redecorate my entire home from carpet to furnishings. It really helped me get a good visual of it all plus make sure that my design story was cohesive throughout. And... we just got a pet bunny and believe it or not, decorating rabbit rooms is a big deal in the rabbit world, and once again, Pinterest to the rescue! Talk about a fun room to decorate!
Still love selected Halloween (for kid at heart) and tasteful thanksgiving themes and a tasteful natural material rabbit hits the mantle for Easter but that’s about it. Do what makes you happy…as long as the storage doesn’t stress you out.
I’m doing too many comments, but…if you cannot give away you paperbacks and don’t have room to store them, use wallpaper, or other great paper found at art store, or if on a budget, a roll of white or tan shipping paper and cut them like a dust jacket. If you stack some horizontally, put something chunky on top. You can even use that as a bookend for your larger books.
I agree with eliminating the seasonal tacky decor. However...my 3 & 4 year old grandchildren live next door. They LOVE my seasonal decor that I acquired when my children were small. Guess I'll have to wait a few years to have a nice, adult looking home.
Love this. You have totally inspired me, and confirmed how I have been viewing home decor, as of late. Thank you. You're so inspiring and cheerful! God bless!
Great advice. “Less is more” definitely has helped me - and I love my big art!
I have used Pinterest for inspiration since 2013. Pinterest can be rather addictive, but it has helped during the past three years while I renovate my home. I love the ivory velvet curtains and plan to order several sets for my house (really like that they have the hidden loops that I prefer). Thank you for the link! P.S. So when is that closet reveal coming?
This was a really good one! Minimal and sophisticated…high quality items..totally speaks to the design style that I appreciate! Authentic! thank you!
Hey Valentina! I almost don't know where to begin. I actually almost stopped watching multiple UA-camrs and influencers because all they seemed to be doing was a bunch of hauls, or saying, "Go out and buy this vase or accessory!" And the sad thing was, it was a vase from Target or HomeGoods that everyone else seemed to be getting as well, and all of a sudden I was seeing the same vase or accessory in all of these designers' homes.
Garrett LeChic is an interior designer I subscribe to (love that for *you*... bonus points to anyone who gets that reference lol), who's been trying to teach people to curate their space. He used to do store visits, but has since really cut down. He points out that it can take time to get your home exactly how you'd like it, and yes, while it's fun to occasionally run out and buy an accessory, take the time instead to really think about accessories, artwork, pieces of furniture, etc., and really invest in them. He has a gorgeous home, and while his style is traditional (although he occasionally uses a modern piece), and my style is totally transitional (I paired a modern cream colored sofa and chairs from Room&Board with my grandmother's burled walnut antique sideboard), he's always got incredible tips to pass along. Wanted to say, too, that I love seeing a designer occasionally do a store visit, just to see what's out there, or show a recent haul, but sometimes it can get to be too much.
I've recently cemented my style as transitional/casual elegant, and I have a ton of ways and designers to look to for inspiration: You, Alison Victoria who does the show "Windy City Rehab" from HGTV, and I also have a ton of designing coffee table books. Two books that are incredible and I highly recommend to anyone are from the designers Ryan Korban and Darryl Carter (Carter's book is "The Collected Home," and Korban's is "Ryan Korban Interiors.") Both books couldn't be more different, one is modern and the other transitional, and yet I can flip through them for hours and constantly get inspiration. I also subscribe to Nick Lewis, Arvin Olano (Nobody asked but...love him, and even more points to anyone who gets that reference lol), Posh Pennies, Sophie Patterson, DIY with KB, Nina Takesh, Julie khuu, as well as House and Home, Homeworthy, and Architectural Digest. Paige Wassel too, man that woman tells it like it is! I also get ideas from magazines like Nordic Living, Milieu, and AD. There's so much inspiration around!
Wanted to say too that you and Jack are an absolute blast, and remind me of my husband and myself. We love to laugh and live life to the fullest, so I always feel at home here. Thank you for bringing up such an important subject, which is taking the time to really invest in your home and not going out and impulsively buying the latest thing. Cheers to you, Jack, the kids (and Louie of course!), and looking forward to seeing more of your inspiration and videos in the future. Oh man, sorry this ended up being so long! xoxo
Thank you for sharing. I like your long comment :) I’ll look into the designers, stylists, and stores you mentioned. I’m changing things up and appreciate the inspiration so I’ll check them out. 😊
@@amperage8032 Thank you so much, that's so kind of you! Good luck and have fun as you continue to work on your home. xox
I also watch Garret LeChic!
@@ericagreen4015 Hey Erica! Isn't he fantastic? Love him, and how he also loves animals and often brings his dogs into the video. So adorable! xox
@@kristin8932 it was very kind of you to list your ideas. Thank you so much and thank you for the well wishes, I will need it. 😊
Good to watch your video. I also only have things that I really love in my house. Less is more ! I do have some lovely things and people always comment on how restful my house is .
Loved this one, V!! You are soo close to 300k - I’ve shared your channel w a few friends.. it’s too good not to share!!
Keep creating awesome content - this is my fav channel 💯
I love a hodge podge of coffee mugs for when people come over, so we don't mix up our drinks. We never use them in place at a table. Because I loved it so much, I bought all different dishes, which I completely regret. I think there is a place for certain one-off things, but not others.
Ooo! Thank goodness in South Africa we just do Christmas. America is pretty much known for (sorry to say) excess… 🇿🇦 Love your vids, a breath of fresh air! Thank you!
You have a beautifully curated home. I'm just a "woman who needs her things about her". I'm lucky to have many things from great and great great grandparents. I could never trade those things for anything.
Thank you! I too have been "moving on" the small pieces and refining my home. It has felt so cluttered as I have downsized. I just don't need all the STUFF!
Great video as usual, love your advice on most design. I don't see me giving up my love of Christmas anytime soon. Quality decorations and some fun ones too. Decorating for Christmas brings me great joy. The rest of the year a hint of color change, fabric textures and plants/blooms.
Agree! I am not from 🇺🇸 but I am an American citizen and at first I went crazy buying EVERYTHING for every season and at the end I realized that you need a designated space to store all of that… that’s too much! Now I just have Thanksgiving stuff (a couple pumpkins that I knitted myself and a couple more but not too much. And for Christmas just the “basics”… too much clutter just drive me crazy!
I no longer purchase holiday-themed items because 1) I have limited storage in my new condo, and 2) I’d rather spend money on purchasing better quality items I can use or show all year.
Last year I took out knick knacks and substituted with more lamps. I quit buying pumpkins and santas a few years ago and tried to up level my every day decor. It's still a work in progress trying to declutter (and stay decluttered).
Just realized I have had the same velvet curtains as you. I Love them and keep the black in my bedroom up all year. The rest I have are ivory and they're perfect 🤍🖤💫
Yes, V…I rebranded myself as someone who elegantly decorates based on season - not holiday - using live greenery/florals, sofa pillow covers, sofa throws in knit or cotton, leaving negative space on shelves