Im so glad i’m not the only one who watches interior decor content and thinks like… its so beautiful but how do they pull off cozy movie nights or tv marathons sprawled out with friends or s/o’s 😭😭
Linguistic note: there are at least 3 sounds that can be used for the T sound in curtain. They're all equally correct so don't worry about it. It's less common to emphasize the T with an aspirated sound, which is the one that feels weird and exaggerated to you. Typically we only get that strong T (with a little puff of air) before a stressed syllable. The more common sound is softer, like the T sound in butter. The T can also more rarely be "dropped" and replaced with a glottal stop, which is like the in-between sound in "uh-oh." These are all just cool regional variations.
I have noticed the dropped central "T" sound more and more, but it seems only to be an American thing, and specifically a young American thing. It is very noticeable to English speakers from other countries. I really appreciate that Benji uses "a" and "the" as one would in normal speech, and doesn't do the UA-cam thing of changing every one to "ay" and "thee" regardless of there being no vowel clash. It is hard to ignore if you are a grumpy old pedant like myself 🙄
@@meremeth I am Australian and some might say "curr-nnnz" if we are lazy but we don't have that distinctive American breathy stop/catch in the back of the throat - "cuh-uhns"? Do we? I know we are shockers for turning "T" sounds in the middle of a word into "D"s (liddle, budder etc) but I haven't ever heard that glottal stop here or in the UK or NZ
Here just to add that some ‘T’s morph into ‘D’s depending on the vowels or consonants that they’re surrounded by. In the words like “water”, “butter”, and “latter”, you’ll notice that we’re actually saying “wadder”, “budder”, and “ladder”.
@@janeltelol what a funny way to look down on southern people, who have done this forever -_- it’s just a linguistic variation. no need to be supercilious about the way others speak.
I’ve made a lot of mistakes with rugs, too. Mainly buying cheap rugs. They never hold up and I get tired of them quickly. The best rug I’ve ever had is a wool blend, solid color rug. I also bought a vintage runner for my entry way and I absolutely love it. I’ve also made the mistake of buying furniture that is very comfortable for myself and my husband and kids but too low and soft for older family members. My parents and my in laws would visit but they would not have a place to sit that was comfortable for them. They need something a little firm that is not too low to the ground. I know it’s my house but I want my guests to be comfortable, too. I’ve bought the wrong curtains so many times! I’ve been replacing all of my curtains with off white pleated curtains. I buy them a little long, and hem them to the perfect length myself. It’s made a huge difference to hang them high and wide. It looks so much more sophisticated. Picking the wrong paint color is by far my biggest regret. The main rooms in my home all want to be different colors than what they are now!
This is very validating! I buy stuff on offer up or Facebook marketplace place and it’s always a 50/50 shot that that piece of furniture will look right in my space. I’m sure I drive my husband nuts, but I’m constantly moving furniture around and changing things out. But it has led me to pieces of furniture I now love. Thanks for making me feel less crazy! Happy Birthday!
Good morning 😊. Been there done that unfortunately its the way we learn. In my almost 45 years, I learned we just go in circles buying the dame things over and over again 😂.
One thing I've loved doing with potted plants is thrifting baskets and plopping the pots & their water dishes inside the basket. It's been a great way to have cohesive plants in one place, and the added texture is nice too. Most thrift stores are overrun with baskets and sell them for $2-5 each. Then I can use a cheap pot and recycled water tray inside.
I actually made my own coffee table from a piece that was left at an apartment I moved into. It had those trendy metal legs on it. I feel like someone had made it in shop class. I started by sanding it down, staining it, and lastly lacquer. I have given it a new life, and I’m very proud of my coffee table!! ^-^
I lived in a apartment that butted up against the richer side of the city (I was not rich at all lol). When people moved out they would leave amazing furniture by the dumpster. I got a lot of stuff for free. Some of my favorite furniture came from there. I still have most of it. Some I gave to family. It's crazy what a bit of paint or cleaning can do to 'trash'.
@@1faithchick7 OMG! I thought I was the only one anywhere doing that. Sometimes whenever it's the end of a semester for universities and the students go back home. My friend and I go around looking for pieces and we grab anything unique and whatever we don't need we bring it home. Clean it up and photograph it, to sell on FB marketplace. There are very few condos where rich people live and rarely do they throw anything out. We still check out some places and ask them If they plan to take it home, donate or sell it. Most of them have enough money to buy new things, and they allow us to take them home; others have told us they were waiting for the donation truck to pick up the items.
most of them are Chris'. I'd say 1/5th of them are mine. Maybe we'll do a book collection tour on his channel one day! His channel is @chrislibrary check it out for book content :)
Your vids are so calming to watch. And they are EXACTLY what I like - plants, home decor , jazz music , soft spoken person. Please continue to do these vids!
I have to say, I love the wisdom you have in regards to decor at such a young age and your demeanor is amazing. The things you've already discovered takes a lifetime for some. In fact, as much as I love walking into a home decorated for comfort, peace, and tranquility, I wasn't quite sure how to accomplish it until I reached my thirties lol. Oh, and your fur babies are adorable. You've gained a new subscriber. 😉 You're on a wonderful road. Keep absorbing!
Same with the couch. I’ve always enjoyed lounging at friends’ sectional couches but never had one myself. Finally got one and worth every penny for all the naps I’ve taken on it.
I have a vintage wool rug from the 90's that my husband and I got for free from his Dad. I love the pattern on it. It's very traditional and ornate, but it has medium sized tassels on both of the short sides of the rug. I decided to put it in the bedroom under our bed and it was the best choice. I can still enjoy the look, but since the bedroom is low traffic, the tassels stay relatively in place.
I feel you on the glass coffee table. I have a patterned black glass dining table and omg, invariably will speckled with finger/hand prints, cat paw prints (I have 3 cats) and peppered w dust. No matter what kind of wipes/glass polish i use, it is always smudged with something. Never again.
Pleated curtains provide some soundproofing too. The heavier theater type curtains use the folds in the material to absorb sound. I live in an apartment with typical vertical blinds. I added pleated floor to ceiling curtains to help soundproof noise and also lower my energy bill.
Comfort in couches really depends on your lifestyle though. Some people I know don't even have a full-length couch, just smaller seating options or like a vintage chaise, and it works out great for them as it matches the way they live. They like being active most of the day, rarely lounge around, and prefer sitting to read or drink tea on their spare time rather than watch tv. For them, firm seating is actually more comfortable than a big, soft sofa. For me that wouldn't work though. My partner and I love cuddling with a movie or taking naps on the couch, so we chose a wide, deep, and soft one that we love. However, I notice our choice having downsides - it's not ideal for guests to sit upright for long periods. A deep seat means shorter people can't get lumbar support and put their feet on the ground simultaneously, and not everyone feels comfortable putting their feet up on another person's couch (even though I don't mind my guests' clean feet on mine). So your sofa choice should really depend on what you use your living room most for. If you mainly host people or don't lie down to relax - a beautiful, narrow, firm sofa might actually be better for you than the so-called "comfy" choice.
You’re not saying curtains wrong, you’re just saying it with a different accent to the people who are commenting 😂 people can be so picky about language, but language is mostly just about communicating, so if you understand the person you probably don’t need to ‘correct’ them 😉
You may have one of the most calming voices I've ever heard. Fantastic listening to you whilst I'm cooking a horribly repetitive dinner. Big thank you from South Australia, love your work 😊
I say curtain the same way. A lot of people where I am in VT say our 'T's like that with words like mountain, fountain, etc. I'm biased but I think it just sounds a lot softer and nicer
currently hand sanding a dresser to restain for my apartment and getting sooooo excited to decorate once it’s done listening to this video :) such calming vibes every time i watch ur videos
Honestly I haven't watched one of your videos in a WHILE but watching this one made me remember how cozy and relaxed I feel watching your content !!! (Btw that was so cute of Chris)
okay, any person complaining about how words are pronounced need to stop. Language is ever evolving and there's no correct way of saying something so long as its intent is communicated and understood.
I mean, you're literally wrong. There are correct and incorrect ways to pronounce things; language evolving with expanding terms for new concepts is true; a new take on how something is pronounced is just incorrect. I don't think people should jump on others for misunderstanding pronunciation, but your opinion that it's inherently okay because "language is evolving" has really no logical basis.
@@dtdt6027This isn’t true, there are concepts in linguistics called phonetic change and phonological change about how the pronunciation of words change over time and across regions. Dialects of English exist, the same word will be pronounced differently by different people depending on where they are from and their life experiences. The “right” way to pronounce a word is relative.
I can hear the ‘t’ when Benji says it in his natural way, it’s just softer than the hard ‘t’. What I hate is when people lately have been dropping the ‘T’s out of words all together.
I like a roll arm sofa , so much so , that my last 3 have been that type. So comfy and durable. I am rough on sofas,as that is always my go to spot when I'm home. I totally agree with you on glass table tops. They are really high maintenance. I've had both a coffee table and a dining table with glass tops , NEVER AGAIN! I ALWAYS buy terra cotta flower pots. They're great for flowers and plants, they can be used inside or outside , they are cheap at Lowe's, Home Depot and Walmart and they get a really appealing patina as they age and endure the elements. The one drawback is that they are a little heavy but you cant have everything. Off subject, I love the shirt!🙌
I say curtains with the T, learned it that way, english is my 2do language. And I like my plant pots to be a different eclectic mix. Really like your videos….Keep the kitten! 😂❤
I bought 2 down-filled sofas from Pottery Barn. Spent $6k. And I regret them! They are toooo soft. They are too low (older and disabled/pregnant guests have a hard time getting up). They are comfy to lounge in but you end up lying down (pretty comfy to sleep in) but HORRIBLE for sitting. Also the down has flattened (I have stuffed down pillows into a lot of the cushions). Because they were so expensive my husband thinks we need to keep them forever. Also I hate the rounded arms! Whyyy did I buy these? I believe they are the Turner sofas.
I agree. I’m a bigger gal and I feel like turtle on its back trying to half roll out of a low and/or super soft couch. If I want to sleep, I’ll go to bed. I’d rather it be uncomfortable to make me get up and move rather than continue to stay sedentary. I brought my vintage wingback chairs into my living room to be able to properly sit up and be able to get up
@@Kryptidkween oh yeah. I don't sleep on them often. When I had a broken foot and it was difficult to get upstairs. When hubby had COVID and we were isolating. Or occasionally used by guests. I do want to at least get rid of ONE of them and put in some large sturdy chairs.
(1) My experience with rugs is to always go for wool rugs. If you can afford them, go for Indian rugs which have pretty patterns, generally good value and are quite hard wearing. Tibetan rugs are very soft on the feet and I especially like those tiger pattern ones. They are very good fun. (2) I agree with your comments re linen bedding; they breathe well and very nice in hot and humid climate. I always look out for them during sales. (3) Nice curtains cost a fortune. So when we started out, we bought those pretty Indian table cloth or bed sheets and hang them up using clips! (4) I agree with your comment re flower pots. I now buy white flower pots as a solution. Occasionally, if I can afford nice Chinese jardinerie, I would buy them for my favorite plants. Sadly, I cannot afford to upgrade all the pots!😅
Happy Birthday Benji! Loved the doggy and cat playing together! Nice birthday shirt! And I agree about the carpets! The thin ones that move around are really annoying! 🫠
Your insights about rug and pots/planters purchases resonated the most with me. I love having hardwood floors but the energy and commitment it takes to find that "perfect" rug was something I always struggled with. I am trying to change my planters so that they are all terracotta but this can get pricey and not always the best option for my aroids. Thank you for doing a video on this. Felt very validating!!
In Australia we mostly say "cur-tains" with the "t" but not strong "r". But some more "Occa" accents will say "keu-ns". Thanks for the video reveal! Though, I do like glass table-tops and shelves for small spaces to add more "space". They can reflect nice greenery from outside as well. IKEA has great microfibre dusters and cloths that keep them clean very quickly with just a wipe-over (unless people have little kids in the house!).
I just moved and have been referencing your house endlessly for my interior choices. I really appreciate this video! Can you do another one with your bookshelves please?
I agree with all of your observations/recommendations except pleated curtains. Give me curtains on rings hung from rods mounted at the top of the window frame with the hems touching the window sill, or for small windows, curtains on tension rods mounted inside the window frame that cover the bottom half to 2/3 of the window. Much cozier and homey, not so formal and, being just over 5' tall, I can actually reach the tops of the curtains to open and close them easily. I especially agree with you about glass table tops and coordinated planters. I often buy metal planters and paint them to match the rest of my planters which are dark brown/black, then put my potted plants inside the metal planters. Loved the kitty and the dog playing. Your space looks lovely.
Several years ago I found an all-wool “Persian” rug for my living room online at Home Depot. I love it so much I bought another one for when the first on goes kaput. They don’t have them anymore. I keep the new one in the garage. 😂
Agree 100% with all recommendations. I love my big Pottery Barn white skip-covered sofa. I bought it on FB Marketplace. Two slipcovers (one custom made). Super comfy foam/down cushions. Perfect for my 6’2” husband’s long legs and I add lumbar pillows for me.
Tbh, glass is so fragile and I feel like it's not friendly for pets and kids. I feel u. Btw, happy birthday Benji 🎂I'm enjoying my 25 and hopefully u will find a lot of happiness 😊
What a great video! This should be mandatory viewing before purchasing any home decor. You’ve touched on so many areas and explained things so well. I’ll come back to this video for sure. Thank you!
Happy Birthday Benji! Nice present Chris. Our taste certainly changes throughout our lives based on our budget, exposure, and experiences...so fun to see you and Chris evolve in this way 🩵
Happy Birthday! I agree with all of your points, especially the glass tables. They're a nightmare to clean and Im always afraid I'm going to trip and end up plunging head first through one (I"m clumsy)
Charming delivery and a refreshing idea and for a video! So many good points on rugs, that got me hooked (Get it?) ... Frameless glass is a durable, cleanable DINING room table surface but yeah, glass BELOW knee level --coffee table-- inspires scary homicidal visions. Maybe better to have 2-3 tiny footprint side tables for drinks or snacking? Leave the space out front for raised legs on a movable ottoman (as suggested).
Every comment you made about furniture, rugs, etc was spot on. Never buy furniture based on looks; ALWAYS sit on it. However, I have found that in a very small room sometimes it's best to have a glass coffee table. However, how many people can spend $300-$400 on sheets?? Maybe Brook Linen is very comfortable, but good cotton is as well and can be far less expensive. I know all you tubers are pushing Brook Linen, but expecting that your average follower can afford them is not based on reality. I hope it doesn't lead young people to buy with a credit card what they can't afford.
I just had to mention, this is my first time watching any of your videos and the first thing that came to mind when the video started was "omg thats such a cool shirt" and then you ended with it being your bday gift! Nice one! Love it!
Happy birthday benji, I love the shirt too! The colors are so incredible. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, i live in my first house and just built my boys their first bed outside mine and have redone the space numerous times in a week so you always make me feel less coocoo for needing to get it just right. Lots of love ❤
I remember commenting on your video a long while back where I recommended grouping things for decor, and it's amazing how far you've come! Your space looks so refined and lovely!
Happy 25th birthday! Great video today. Good ideas and useful commentary. I am soon to be celebrating my 70th birthday so you can well imagine the different trials and error of interior design mistakes and missteps i have made over the years. From mid-century to now living in a 101 year old home. One belief i have is that the interior should somehow compliment the overall architecture of the inside and outside of the home. In my case, i was amazed that a somewhat contemporary look was an attractive foil to a classical interior. What i generally use as a tool in selecting pieces is if something takes my breath away (and i'm not necessarily talking about expense, but design) then it is something worth having and i will always be satisfied with. At the same time, you want everything to blend. My interiors were painted in colors i was so lucky to start with: a deep red in the dining room, a dark gold in the living room, and used oriental carpets in both rooms to bring out those colors. I inherited from my grandmother a love of a multitude of lamps in soft colors throughout the living spaces. All white painted woodwork throughout. My 101 year old windows are very beautiful so i removed the pleated curtains and had in-frame blinds (again in white) to show off the window woodwork. And if you can afford it, try to get high quality unholstered furniture which is comfortable and will last a long long time. Anyway, it all gives me joy, but sometimes it is the journey rather than the destination that derives the most pleasure. I enjoy your channel so much, and even though i've been on my journey longer that you...i get plenty of ideas from you. I enjoy your channel so much. Oh, by the way, my partner just watched "Challengers". We are both avid tennis fans and enjoyed that thought-provoking movie....i don't remember that particular shirt but that was sweet of Chris to get it for you for your birthday. Thanks for an inspiring and thought provoking blog! Jerry
benji you are speaking my language about the rugs!!!! I have an old flat weave tasseled 😅 rug that moves around ALL THE TIME thank you for suggesting the felt!!!
I will say: I sometimes feel my sofa doesn't look "cool" enough, but I have the modular Tatum sofa from Interior Define and it is SO comfortable. People love crashing at my place because it's as comfortable as a bed lol.
For rugs, also search 'Afghan rugs/Persian rugs' near me and go to a store if you can! Those are wool, super high quality and still well priced if you go to a small store (rather than a mall). They aren't all super detailed if thats not what you like, they can come in cream/neutral colors as well.
It is absolutely okay (and the standard in American English) to use a "glottal t" in words like certain, curtain, mountain, and button. In fact, it's one of the things that those learning English as a second (or third, fourth . . .) language sometimes have to practice doing to make their American English sound more like a native speaker.
I love watching your channel even though i don't have a green thumb because it's calming and I'm jealous of your gardening and decorations stuff in a good way 😊
@@PhotoRam405 I agree! They are gorgeous and I love how they patina. My only issue is how they are porous so I prefer them outdoors. But absolutely timeless and beautiful
Very useful advice, can personally relate to almost all the points you made, ultra cute kitty, and last but not least, lovely voice and style of speech, very soothing and calming! 👍👏
I just sold my retreat yesterday. I had one of those low back sofa from cb2 the daybed with half the back missing. That thing was so annoying and would slide away from the wall. I replaced it with an ugly love sac but that darn thing is so comfortable. But do slightly regret that too but there is no way I could talk my husband it to sell it because it was expensive. I removed the back cushion with lumber pillows so now I have a low profile sofa. It yeah I feel anything you buy you eventually grow tired of it.
Those couches are pretty but I've learned over time that I value comfort over aesthetics when it comes to furniture pieces that I want to lounge in!! I agree with you, the love sac sofas aren't the prettiest, but they are extremely comfortable
That was actually what i needed. I'm considering buying a jute rug because i love the rustic look (and i'm bout a broken student :P) but it's supposed to be used in area for sitting on the floor so it might be too uncomfortable. And I was also thinking on buying linen bedding for awhile so now i'm convinced. So thank you very much! ^-^
I think it’s better to save up for a rug you know you’ll love! If you get the jute rug, u might end up disliking it and purchase a different rug later which would end up costing you more money. Wool rugs are pricey, but Etsy is a good option for more affordable ones. Arvin Olano also has a collection with Rugs USA that offers affordable options as well
Great information Benji! I agree the felt pads are much better than the nonslip type! Couches are so hard! We purchased a leather sofa loveseat combo with electric recliners, Big mistake!! 😕 The leather relaxes in about 2years, rubs together at the sides, and groans and screeches! 🥴 Also I see you have a kitten added to the family! So cute!! All the best!!
I try for continuity with pots in my house--continuity for many items that repeat like mirrors and picture frames. My pots are black Modernica planters. And I have some hanging macrame pots--black also--that I got at Daiso's higher end Standard Store in Japan. And porch plants tend to be terracotta in various sizes. That said, I think that if you are constantly collecting plants, continuity is hard to keep up. So, I would suggest continuity in groupings.
Oh my gosh the kitten and dog playing ❤️❤️❤️
They immediately stole my heart. So cu-ute 🤗
I’ve just been grinning like an idiot watching them
glass tables are SO LOUD 💥💥🗣️🗣️ like you put down a cup and it’s like 🗣️🗣️🗣️SPACE AND TIME CONTINUUM EXPLODING 💥
Not if you have a coaster lol
Damn. I‚ll get that for my bf.
this comment is so funny
i love this comment sm
but they so pretty
Please adopt the kitten, she looks so happy in your home and with your dog 😭💗
I believe they did and named her Winnie.
animals love to play with each other, and it is less work for their humans !
Im so glad i’m not the only one who watches interior decor content and thinks like… its so beautiful but how do they pull off cozy movie nights or tv marathons sprawled out with friends or s/o’s 😭😭
love that while you're discussing your uncomfortable couch, your pets are having the best time ever on it.
Linguistic note: there are at least 3 sounds that can be used for the T sound in curtain. They're all equally correct so don't worry about it. It's less common to emphasize the T with an aspirated sound, which is the one that feels weird and exaggerated to you. Typically we only get that strong T (with a little puff of air) before a stressed syllable. The more common sound is softer, like the T sound in butter.
The T can also more rarely be "dropped" and replaced with a glottal stop, which is like the in-between sound in "uh-oh." These are all just cool regional variations.
I have noticed the dropped central "T" sound more and more, but it seems only to be an American thing, and specifically a young American thing. It is very noticeable to English speakers from other countries. I really appreciate that Benji uses "a" and "the" as one would in normal speech, and doesn't do the UA-cam thing of changing every one to "ay" and "thee" regardless of there being no vowel clash. It is hard to ignore if you are a grumpy old pedant like myself 🙄
Pretty sure we don't say the t at all in Australia lmao
@@meremeth I am Australian and some might say "curr-nnnz" if we are lazy but we don't have that distinctive American breathy stop/catch in the back of the throat - "cuh-uhns"? Do we? I know we are shockers for turning "T" sounds in the middle of a word into "D"s (liddle, budder etc) but I haven't ever heard that glottal stop here or in the UK or NZ
Here just to add that some ‘T’s morph into ‘D’s depending on the vowels or consonants that they’re surrounded by. In the words like “water”, “butter”, and “latter”, you’ll notice that we’re actually saying “wadder”, “budder”, and “ladder”.
@@janeltelol what a funny way to look down on southern people, who have done this forever -_- it’s just a linguistic variation. no need to be supercilious about the way others speak.
7:45 LOL!! I love this impromptu entertainment in the background!
i love that you talk about regrets instead of just glossing over things you don’t like-it really helps me out when considering these things myself!
I’ve made a lot of mistakes with rugs, too. Mainly buying cheap rugs. They never hold up and I get tired of them quickly. The best rug I’ve ever had is a wool blend, solid color rug. I also bought a vintage runner for my entry way and I absolutely love it. I’ve also made the mistake of buying furniture that is very comfortable for myself and my husband and kids but too low and soft for older family members. My parents and my in laws would visit but they would not have a place to sit that was comfortable for them. They need something a little firm that is not too low to the ground. I know it’s my house but I want my guests to be comfortable, too. I’ve bought the wrong curtains so many times! I’ve been replacing all of my curtains with off white pleated curtains. I buy them a little long, and hem them to the perfect length myself. It’s made a huge difference to hang them high and wide. It looks so much more sophisticated. Picking the wrong paint color is by far my biggest regret. The main rooms in my home all want to be different colors than what they are now!
This is very validating! I buy stuff on offer up or Facebook marketplace place and it’s always a 50/50 shot that that piece of furniture will look right in my space. I’m sure I drive my husband nuts, but I’m constantly moving furniture around and changing things out. But it has led me to pieces of furniture I now love. Thanks for making me feel less crazy! Happy Birthday!
Oh, it drives Chris crazy too. But honestly someone in the relationship has to do it haha
Lol
😂
Good morning 😊. Been there done that unfortunately its the way we learn. In my almost 45 years, I learned we just go in circles buying the dame things over and over again 😂.
One thing I've loved doing with potted plants is thrifting baskets and plopping the pots & their water dishes inside the basket. It's been a great way to have cohesive plants in one place, and the added texture is nice too. Most thrift stores are overrun with baskets and sell them for $2-5 each. Then I can use a cheap pot and recycled water tray inside.
So smart. You're right, thrifting beautiful baskets is SO much cheaper than buying a bunch of new pots. Thank you for the tip!!!
I actually made my own coffee table from a piece that was left at an apartment I moved into. It had those trendy metal legs on it. I feel like someone had made it in shop class. I started by sanding it down, staining it, and lastly lacquer. I have given it a new life, and I’m very proud of my coffee table!! ^-^
I lived in a apartment that butted up against the richer side of the city (I was not rich at all lol). When people moved out they would leave amazing furniture by the dumpster. I got a lot of stuff for free. Some of my favorite furniture came from there. I still have most of it. Some I gave to family. It's crazy what a bit of paint or cleaning can do to 'trash'.
@@1faithchick7 OMG! I thought I was the only one anywhere doing that. Sometimes whenever it's the end of a semester for universities and the students go back home. My friend and I go around looking for pieces and we grab anything unique and whatever we don't need we bring it home. Clean it up and photograph it, to sell on FB marketplace. There are very few condos where rich people live and rarely do they throw anything out. We still check out some places and ask them If they plan to take it home, donate or sell it. Most of them have enough money to buy new things, and they allow us to take them home; others have told us they were waiting for the donation truck to pick up the items.
have a book collection tour next ^^
most of them are Chris'. I'd say 1/5th of them are mine. Maybe we'll do a book collection tour on his channel one day! His channel is @chrislibrary check it out for book content :)
I love books, too!
Your vids are so calming to watch. And they are EXACTLY what I like - plants, home decor , jazz music , soft spoken person.
Please continue to do these vids!
I have to say, I love the wisdom you have in regards to decor at such a young age and your demeanor is amazing. The things you've already discovered takes a lifetime for some. In fact, as much as I love walking into a home decorated for comfort, peace, and tranquility, I wasn't quite sure how to accomplish it until I reached my thirties lol. Oh, and your fur babies are adorable. You've gained a new subscriber. 😉
You're on a wonderful road. Keep absorbing!
Same with the couch. I’ve always enjoyed lounging at friends’ sectional couches but never had one myself. Finally got one and worth every penny for all the naps I’ve taken on it.
0:06 immediately died of cuteness overload
Omg I love the cat and doggy playing together ❤️ 😍
You guys make a beautiful couple. Your house, your pets, your voice, the deck car the plants name it, you guys you guys are the best. Happy birthday !
I have a vintage wool rug from the 90's that my husband and I got for free from his Dad. I love the pattern on it. It's very traditional and ornate, but it has medium sized tassels on both of the short sides of the rug. I decided to put it in the bedroom under our bed and it was the best choice. I can still enjoy the look, but since the bedroom is low traffic, the tassels stay relatively in place.
I feel you on the glass coffee table. I have a patterned black glass dining table and omg, invariably will speckled with finger/hand prints, cat paw prints (I have 3 cats) and peppered w dust. No matter what kind of wipes/glass polish i use, it is always smudged with something. Never again.
Pleated curtains provide some soundproofing too. The heavier theater type curtains use the folds in the material to absorb sound. I live in an apartment with typical vertical blinds. I added pleated floor to ceiling curtains to help soundproof noise and also lower my energy bill.
yeeesss great tip
Comfort in couches really depends on your lifestyle though. Some people I know don't even have a full-length couch, just smaller seating options or like a vintage chaise, and it works out great for them as it matches the way they live. They like being active most of the day, rarely lounge around, and prefer sitting to read or drink tea on their spare time rather than watch tv. For them, firm seating is actually more comfortable than a big, soft sofa. For me that wouldn't work though. My partner and I love cuddling with a movie or taking naps on the couch, so we chose a wide, deep, and soft one that we love. However, I notice our choice having downsides - it's not ideal for guests to sit upright for long periods. A deep seat means shorter people can't get lumbar support and put their feet on the ground simultaneously, and not everyone feels comfortable putting their feet up on another person's couch (even though I don't mind my guests' clean feet on mine). So your sofa choice should really depend on what you use your living room most for. If you mainly host people or don't lie down to relax - a beautiful, narrow, firm sofa might actually be better for you than the so-called "comfy" choice.
this is random, but I'd love to see a video about your fashion/style/wardrobe. You always look so put together ^^
You’re not saying curtains wrong, you’re just saying it with a different accent to the people who are commenting 😂 people can be so picky about language, but language is mostly just about communicating, so if you understand the person you probably don’t need to ‘correct’ them 😉
I agree with your comments completely. I’ve made similar mistakes. I now know what is functional, good value and makes me happy.
the way i SQUEALED the moment i saw your living room, i’m truly OBSESSED
squealing is only appropriate for children and piglets
p.s. lose the capslock
You may have one of the most calming voices I've ever heard. Fantastic listening to you whilst I'm cooking a horribly repetitive dinner. Big thank you from South Australia, love your work 😊
I say curtain the same way. A lot of people where I am in VT say our 'T's like that with words like mountain, fountain, etc. I'm biased but I think it just sounds a lot softer and nicer
Interesting! I say mounTain and FounTain…. But I say cur’ain…. I was born and raised in Washington state, for reference.
currently hand sanding a dresser to restain for my apartment and getting sooooo excited to decorate once it’s done listening to this video :) such calming vibes every time i watch ur videos
I definitely don’t pronounce the T in curtains. It’s like if you’re from Toronto you don’t say ToronTo, you say “Turrono”.
😂😂
exactly that’s just a regional accent…ugh people are such haters. 🙄
your home is such a gem. I love the calm, cozy and inspiring vibe it radiates.
matching shirts with josh o connor; chris and benji, your tastes are immaculate
Honestly I haven't watched one of your videos in a WHILE but watching this one made me remember how cozy and relaxed I feel watching your content !!! (Btw that was so cute of Chris)
okay, any person complaining about how words are pronounced need to stop. Language is ever evolving and there's no correct way of saying something so long as its intent is communicated and understood.
Agreed. Except when someone pronounces the “t” in often.
I mean, you're literally wrong. There are correct and incorrect ways to pronounce things; language evolving with expanding terms for new concepts is true; a new take on how something is pronounced is just incorrect. I don't think people should jump on others for misunderstanding pronunciation, but your opinion that it's inherently okay because "language is evolving" has really no logical basis.
@@dtdt6027This isn’t true, there are concepts in linguistics called phonetic change and phonological change about how the pronunciation of words change over time and across regions. Dialects of English exist, the same word will be pronounced differently by different people depending on where they are from and their life experiences. The “right” way to pronounce a word is relative.
I say curtain the same way you do. No,problem.
I can hear the ‘t’ when Benji says it in his natural way, it’s just softer than the hard ‘t’. What I hate is when people lately have been dropping the ‘T’s out of words all together.
Enjoy your special day, Benji. Although we are the ones who receive the gift of your relaxing, informative, and creative content,
I like a roll arm sofa , so much so , that my last 3 have been that type. So comfy and durable. I am rough on sofas,as that is always my go to spot when I'm home. I totally agree with you on glass table tops. They are really high maintenance. I've had both a coffee table and a dining table with glass tops , NEVER AGAIN! I ALWAYS buy terra cotta flower pots. They're great for flowers and plants, they can be used inside or outside , they are cheap at Lowe's, Home Depot and Walmart and they get a really appealing patina as they age and endure the elements. The one drawback is that they are a little heavy but you cant have everything. Off subject, I love the shirt!🙌
I say curtains with the T, learned it that way, english is my 2do language. And I like my plant pots to be a different eclectic mix. Really like your videos….Keep the kitten! 😂❤
13:51 ex-english teacher here, it's called a glottal stop and it's extremely natural for most americans (moun'ain, fi'ness, cur'ains, etc...)
@@JoanMurray-j5y that’s cool, man
I bought 2 down-filled sofas from Pottery Barn. Spent $6k. And I regret them! They are toooo soft. They are too low (older and disabled/pregnant guests have a hard time getting up). They are comfy to lounge in but you end up lying down (pretty comfy to sleep in) but HORRIBLE for sitting. Also the down has flattened (I have stuffed down pillows into a lot of the cushions). Because they were so expensive my husband thinks we need to keep them forever. Also I hate the rounded arms! Whyyy did I buy these? I believe they are the Turner sofas.
I agree. I’m a bigger gal and I feel like turtle on its back trying to half roll out of a low and/or super soft couch. If I want to sleep, I’ll go to bed. I’d rather it be uncomfortable to make me get up and move rather than continue to stay sedentary. I brought my vintage wingback chairs into my living room to be able to properly sit up and be able to get up
@@Kryptidkween oh yeah. I don't sleep on them often. When I had a broken foot and it was difficult to get upstairs. When hubby had COVID and we were isolating. Or occasionally used by guests. I do want to at least get rid of ONE of them and put in some large sturdy chairs.
(1) My experience with rugs is to always go for wool rugs. If you can afford them, go for Indian rugs which have pretty patterns, generally good value and are quite hard wearing. Tibetan rugs are very soft on the feet and I especially like those tiger pattern ones. They are very good fun. (2) I agree with your comments re linen bedding; they breathe well and very nice in hot and humid climate. I always look out for them during sales. (3) Nice curtains cost a fortune. So when we started out, we bought those pretty Indian table cloth or bed sheets and hang them up using clips! (4) I agree with your comment re flower pots. I now buy white flower pots as a solution. Occasionally, if I can afford nice Chinese jardinerie, I would buy them for my favorite plants. Sadly, I cannot afford to upgrade all the pots!😅
Happy Birthday Benji! Loved the doggy and cat playing together! Nice birthday shirt! And I agree about the carpets! The thin ones that move around are really annoying! 🫠
Your insights about rug and pots/planters purchases resonated the most with me. I love having hardwood floors but the energy and commitment it takes to find that "perfect" rug was something I always struggled with. I am trying to change my planters so that they are all terracotta but this can get pricey and not always the best option for my aroids. Thank you for doing a video on this. Felt very validating!!
Its a western American more specifically rocky mtn accent that drops t's in the second half of words like curtain and maountain
Happy Birthday! You are so well accomplished for 25! Your parents must be super proud of you. ❤
In Australia we mostly say "cur-tains" with the "t" but not strong "r". But some more "Occa" accents will say "keu-ns". Thanks for the video reveal! Though, I do like glass table-tops and shelves for small spaces to add more "space". They can reflect nice greenery from outside as well. IKEA has great microfibre dusters and cloths that keep them clean very quickly with just a wipe-over (unless people have little kids in the house!).
I just moved and have been referencing your house endlessly for my interior choices. I really appreciate this video! Can you do another one with your bookshelves please?
I agree with all of your observations/recommendations except pleated curtains. Give me curtains on rings hung from rods mounted at the top of the window frame with the hems touching the window sill, or for small windows, curtains on tension rods mounted inside the window frame that cover the bottom half to 2/3 of the window. Much cozier and homey, not so formal and, being just over 5' tall, I can actually reach the tops of the curtains to open and close them easily.
I especially agree with you about glass table tops and coordinated planters. I often buy metal planters and paint them to match the rest of my planters which are dark brown/black, then put my potted plants inside the metal planters.
Loved the kitty and the dog playing. Your space looks lovely.
OMG! The pets playing in the background was so adorable! 😍
I so relate about thin rugs. So annoying and almost impossible to vacuum 😩
Several years ago I found an all-wool “Persian” rug for my living room online at Home Depot. I love it so much I bought another one for when the first on goes kaput. They don’t have them anymore. I keep the new one in the garage. 😂
Agree 100% with all recommendations. I love my big Pottery Barn white skip-covered sofa. I bought it on FB Marketplace. Two slipcovers (one custom made). Super comfy foam/down cushions. Perfect for my 6’2” husband’s long legs and I add lumbar pillows for me.
i love how calm and relaxed this video is - while giving great advice
Different people say curtains different ways. Many other English words as well! I agree with so much! ❤
Tbh, glass is so fragile and I feel like it's not friendly for pets and kids. I feel u.
Btw, happy birthday Benji 🎂I'm enjoying my 25 and hopefully u will find a lot of happiness 😊
What a great video! This should be mandatory viewing before purchasing any home decor. You’ve touched on so many areas and explained things so well. I’ll come back to this video for sure. Thank you!
i got so distracted watching the kitten and dog playing 😅they are adorable 😊
Haaaa - I know, right? Your animal companions are having so much fun! ❤❤❤
Happy Birthday Benji! Nice present Chris. Our taste certainly changes throughout our lives based on our budget, exposure, and experiences...so fun to see you and Chris evolve in this way 🩵
Happy Birthday! I agree with all of your points, especially the glass tables. They're a nightmare to clean and Im always afraid I'm going to trip and end up plunging head first through one (I"m clumsy)
Your voice is so smoothing I can watch it over and over again every time.
He has a very nice voice! Glad he seems very happy! ❤
If you use a Robovac (Roomba) DO NOT bu tasseled rug
Charming delivery and a refreshing idea and for a video! So many good points on rugs, that got me hooked (Get it?) ... Frameless glass is a durable, cleanable DINING room table surface but yeah, glass BELOW knee level --coffee table-- inspires scary homicidal visions. Maybe better to have 2-3 tiny footprint side tables for drinks or snacking? Leave the space out front for raised legs on a movable ottoman (as suggested).
that was thoughtful to buy the shirt u liked. he's a keeper.
Every comment you made about furniture, rugs, etc was spot on. Never buy furniture based on looks; ALWAYS sit on it. However, I have found that in a very small room sometimes it's best to have a glass coffee table.
However, how many people can spend $300-$400 on sheets?? Maybe Brook Linen is very comfortable, but good cotton is as well and can be far less expensive. I know all you tubers are pushing Brook Linen, but expecting that your average follower can afford them is not based on reality. I hope it doesn't lead young people to buy with a credit card what they can't afford.
Chris catching strays for that sponsor spot 🥵😅😅 jkjk love you guys happy pride 🌈 EDIT: Happy Birthday too!!
The gift from Chris was perfect. (You wore it much better too)
I just had to mention, this is my first time watching any of your videos and the first thing that came to mind when the video started was "omg thats such a cool shirt" and then you ended with it being your bday gift! Nice one! Love it!
9:53 now THAT couch is furniture I truly need
Happy birthday benji, I love the shirt too! The colors are so incredible. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, i live in my first house and just built my boys their first bed outside mine and have redone the space numerous times in a week so you always make me feel less coocoo for needing to get it just right. Lots of love ❤
I remember commenting on your video a long while back where I recommended grouping things for decor, and it's amazing how far you've come! Your space looks so refined and lovely!
I love linen. I always wear a white linen in the summer. Thay way I m never too hot and don’t get cold if there is AC somewhere.
You are so soft spoken, and with great advice
Happy 25th birthday! Great video today. Good ideas and useful commentary. I am soon to be celebrating my 70th birthday so you can well imagine the different trials and error of interior design mistakes and missteps i have made over the years. From mid-century to now living in a 101 year old home. One belief i have is that the interior should somehow compliment the overall architecture of the inside and outside of the home. In my case, i was amazed that a somewhat contemporary look was an attractive foil to a classical interior. What i generally use as a tool in selecting pieces is if something takes my breath away (and i'm not necessarily talking about expense, but design) then it is something worth having and i will always be satisfied with. At the same time, you want everything to blend. My interiors were painted in colors i was so lucky to start with: a deep red in the dining room, a dark gold in the living room, and used oriental carpets in both rooms to bring out those colors. I inherited from my grandmother a love of a multitude of lamps in soft colors throughout the living spaces. All white painted woodwork throughout. My 101 year old windows are very beautiful so i removed the pleated curtains and had in-frame blinds (again in white) to show off the window woodwork. And if you can afford it, try to get high quality unholstered furniture which is comfortable and will last a long long time. Anyway, it all gives me joy, but sometimes it is the journey rather than the destination that derives the most pleasure. I enjoy your channel so much, and even though i've been on my journey longer that you...i get plenty of ideas from you. I enjoy your channel so much. Oh, by the way, my partner just watched "Challengers". We are both avid tennis fans and enjoyed that thought-provoking movie....i don't remember that particular shirt but that was sweet of Chris to get it for you for your birthday. Thanks for an inspiring and thought provoking blog! Jerry
benji you are speaking my language about the rugs!!!!
I have an old flat weave tasseled 😅 rug that moves around ALL THE TIME thank you for suggesting the felt!!!
I will say: I sometimes feel my sofa doesn't look "cool" enough, but I have the modular Tatum sofa from Interior Define and it is SO comfortable. People love crashing at my place because it's as comfortable as a bed lol.
For rugs, also search 'Afghan rugs/Persian rugs' near me and go to a store if you can! Those are wool, super high quality and still well priced if you go to a small store (rather than a mall). They aren't all super detailed if thats not what you like, they can come in cream/neutral colors as well.
Me anmd my mom love watching ur videos!!! I have taken a lot inspo from ur home and plant pots to style my home :))
It is absolutely okay (and the standard in American English) to use a "glottal t" in words like certain, curtain, mountain, and button. In fact, it's one of the things that those learning English as a second (or third, fourth . . .) language sometimes have to practice doing to make their American English sound more like a native speaker.
Agreed with everything in this video!! Not me eyeing my scratched up glass coffee table throughout the video 🫣🥸
I love watching your channel even though i don't have a green thumb because it's calming and I'm jealous of your gardening and decorations stuff in a good way 😊
Definitely many regrets on rugs throughout my life lool, jute rugs look beautiful but you're right, sooo uncomfortable 🫠
Completely agree about glass coffee tables
Except for a Herman Miller Noguchi coffee table
Love the video and happy birthday!! I've definitely been through scratchy, cute jute rugs
I agree 100% on glass coffee tables they always collect lint from dust 😝
I started getting only black and white plant pots. They match everything.
I like terracotta because they are timeless
@@PhotoRam405 I agree! They are gorgeous and I love how they patina. My only issue is how they are porous so I prefer them outdoors. But absolutely timeless and beautiful
@@loserplanet I found the perfect soliton! Use a ceramic glaze so you water less
Very helpful video, Cute dog and cat playing together so lovely!
Very useful advice, can personally relate to almost all the points you made, ultra cute kitty, and last but not least, lovely voice and style of speech, very soothing and calming! 👍👏
I loved this video at the time and I actually just rewatched it while folding my clothes 😄
all the love to you. ❤
Im so happy im seeing this now im moving into my first apartment next week and I don’t have any furniture yet
I just sold my retreat yesterday. I had one of those low back sofa from cb2 the daybed with half the back missing. That thing was so annoying and would slide away from the wall. I replaced it with an ugly love sac but that darn thing is so comfortable. But do slightly regret that too but there is no way I could talk my husband it to sell it because it was expensive. I removed the back cushion with lumber pillows so now I have a low profile sofa. It yeah I feel anything you buy you eventually grow tired of it.
Those couches are pretty but I've learned over time that I value comfort over aesthetics when it comes to furniture pieces that I want to lounge in!! I agree with you, the love sac sofas aren't the prettiest, but they are extremely comfortable
I love the look of area rugs but I vacuum daily and nothing is easier to keep clean than bare floors.
I couldn’t ask for a better introduction to your Channel. Love the vibe, the animals, your voice ❤️
That was actually what i needed. I'm considering buying a jute rug because i love the rustic look (and i'm bout a broken student :P) but it's supposed to be used in area for sitting on the floor so it might be too uncomfortable. And I was also thinking on buying linen bedding for awhile so now i'm convinced. So thank you very much! ^-^
I think it’s better to save up for a rug you know you’ll love! If you get the jute rug, u might end up disliking it and purchase a different rug later which would end up costing you more money. Wool rugs are pricey, but Etsy is a good option for more affordable ones. Arvin Olano also has a collection with Rugs USA that offers affordable options as well
Great information Benji! I agree the felt pads are much better than the nonslip type! Couches are so hard! We purchased a leather sofa loveseat combo with electric recliners, Big mistake!! 😕 The leather relaxes in about 2years, rubs together at the sides, and groans and screeches! 🥴 Also I see you have a kitten added to the family! So cute!! All the best!!
I try for continuity with pots in my house--continuity for many items that repeat like mirrors and picture frames. My pots are black Modernica planters. And I have some hanging macrame pots--black also--that I got at Daiso's higher end Standard Store in Japan. And porch plants tend to be terracotta in various sizes. That said, I think that if you are constantly collecting plants, continuity is hard to keep up. So, I would suggest continuity in groupings.
Happy Birthday Benji. I hope this year is the best yet ! Keep up the good work! 😁😁
Really depends on the glass coffee table.
Yes like a Noguchi
aww did you adopt a kitten? your dog and kitten playing in the back is the most precious and entertaining thing