Or desks with just an unplugged laptop. Most people I know who actually work from home now have at least 2 screens and peripherals. Let's see them put THAT in the middle of the room and look good!
@@bonniemechefske3838 if you did that you wouldn’t be able to see the desk well enough. The photos are all very intentional to show a product in a space and not obscure it.
I really believe the secret ingredient in many interiors is cleanliness - keep all those dust catching doodads away and keep what you don't want seen hidden out of sight. Once your canvas is clear you can carefully add decor items back in, but always keep in mind how hard it will be to maintain the look you want. Buying more stuff to fix it only makes matters worse.
Agree. I like my couches to always look clean and neat, without much effort, so I got tight slipcovered ones, deep for lounging, but firmer bottom bench cushion so they never look rumpled. I kept the down toss pillows to a minimum, so not much fluffing needed. The coffee table holds one vase of florals, a short stack of books, and a stack of coasters, easily moved for dusting. Know how you live and what is important to you. If you want the Cloud and you are OCD and don’t have time for fluffing multiple times a day, the Cloud might not be for you.
Indeed, and also make sure that fabrics like bedlinens, towels and such can be washed at a high temperature. I am often under impression that the washing advice are overly anxious, like wearing both belt and straps, yet still if the item shrinks a lot when having washed it at 70 °C instead of the 40 °C according to the label you can probably not return it.
Another Reason Your House doesn't look like the catalog is because you don't live in a cavernous studio loft. if you notice the catalog pics are of HUGE spaces, Giant Rooms, Vast Expanses of Floor Space, not available to the average consumer. Catalogs Sell Fantasy Luxury, not actual living accommodations. Learn Discernment
No its the exact opposite of what you are saying actually. I worked for years in decorating store windows in linen stores and dressing beds for the sales floor . Creating fake bedrooms and livingrooms staging is very deliberate and plans are designed specifically to sell and to be appealing to the eye. The area would be tiny . But like I said very intentional texture and color is a huge part of it. Styling and staging
7:36 - youre right. the catalog caters to no one. you are the only youtube designer ive seen so far who will sometimes use photos of normal homes (i.e. non-rich homes) to show what can be done. i respect this a lot. usually, youtube designers only use normal home photos to show what not to do. otherwise, all they ever seem to show are photos of clearly expensive rooms that majority of people do not live in.
Number one reason: the structure of the house\view isn’t the same. You could throw Salvation Army finds into a mansion/room with an ocean view/penthouse and have it look amazing. The same reason models look great in shlubby clothes.
Both of my sisters could make a pile of junk look amazing in any setting, but I can make tiffany lamps and the best furniture look like junk in the best mansion on earth. There is an art to interior design that comes in a person's genes. Those genes of mine are completely shut off.
Absolutely. So many of those rooms have 12 foot ceilings and amazing molding and light, with a beautiful view probably framed by an arched window! Furnishings just don't look the same in a 1950's ranch with 7.5 foot ceilings. However, Kiva is so right about scale and one can make a ranch home (or any home) look fabulous with the correctly-scaled furniture and decor.
As a Macy’s associate working in the home department. I can attest to what she said about it being our job at constantly fluffing pillows and duvets. Also, she’s correct, we double stuff duvet covers. And the thing I hated the most is we had to steamed bedsheets and bedskirts!!!
The biggest mistake I ever made was buying the furniture that society expects instead of what is right for me. I’ve since been remedying that. Got rid of all sofas & my bed. Now I only have a few chairs, and I sleep on a wool mat (way more comfy to me, I hate soft beds). Having a lot of seating encourages sitting too much, which is unhealthy. My home office is structured to work efficiently for me, and I converted my guest room to a workout room. I’ve also constructed an indoor climbing wall and monkey bars, because “use it or lose it” is very true for mobility as we age (I’m 46 as of writing this). I have fish tanks & about 50 houseplants because that makes me happy. I also converted my dining room (that was never used) into a theater room. On another note, a lot of those catalog images appear to be in large rooms with huge windows, not in a standard room in a standard type of house.
Even more than not styling their tables and surfaces, I think most people just let them accumulate random clutter, which kills the look. One of my fav tips is DECANT EVERYTHING. You can keep those Tums on your nightstand if you get rid of the Tums bottle and put them in a nice glass jar or ceramic lidded container.
@@vjhreeves This was a game changer when I learned to do this! Plus it helps me save on waste because I reuse pretty jars/containers. Obviously the original container gets thrown away but sometimes you can get things without a container
The bedroom and bedding advice was gold! Can you please do a shop with me and show us how to get that "catalog and hotel" look in the bedroom on a budget
@@KivaBrent Hi Kiva, could you please give me your /opinion/advise how to take the curtains all the way up to the ceiling measuring 9'9 when there is an space of 730 meter from the Windows frame to the crown ceiling? Should I go half way or leave that empty space? Also, any idea what can I do if there is not wood behind the wall to hang the support the curtain rod? . Also, should curtains go all the way up in the kitchen?
@@KivaBrent And sometimes you do need large furniture for storage, for example - but you should still take how it looks into account. My landlords have a gigantic BLACK wardrobe in the living room. Which I get, it's a small apartment, that's where clothes go because they have nowehere else to go. But making it black just eats up so much of the space visually. An identical wardrobe in a lighter colour (birch, bleached oak etc) would have been SO much better.
the reason I don't have a king bed in my small bedroom! I have a queen but I think its still slightly too big for the room. At least I can close teh door and not hit the bed
The lack of reviews on those websites is so frustrating! I especially dislike not being able to see home photos of things like rugs - the colors NEVER match what is online!
I am having this exact problem with bathroom vanities right now. It should be mandatory for anyone selling products online to include wayyy more photos than I typically see. And they should offer discounts/rebates to people who upload large, high quality pictures of the product in their own space.
"But let's do it again." You crack me up. You are spot on about the size of furniture at RH. When that store first started, dating myself here, it sold normal sized furniture. I know. I bought some pieces. Then, it seemed all of a sudden, but maybe not, I noticed everything in the catalogue was designed for a renovated castle or European villa. I"m only 5 feet tall. I would never get out of a 4 foot sofa! Everything at RH seems to be designed for Papa Bear.
you're not alone ! I remember when RH had a new store installed down town in a new trendy shopping center where I was living. The furniture reflected the name and had pieces that were more easily scaled. Now the pieces are huge, stiff, and lifeless! I miss the old more playfull vibe the company had.
I used to shop at RH as well but over time their color palette became mostly black or grey. There isn’t any color and their show rooms are so dark. I’d much rather shop at Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn.
Had a friend who had one of those giant, leather sectionals and I couldn't sit on the sofa. I sat on the edge with the back about a foot away and the leather was slippery. So uncomfortable. I'm 5 foot also and all the furniture in our house fits me. My six foot husband doesn't have any problems.with my-size furniture.
Regarding style and styling- I’ve learned to love the journey. It’s a process. It’s okay to me to have a bare wall or a spot that is crying out for something to go there. I thrift everything I have in my house… yes everything. It’s fun to be walking through the thrift store and have something jump out saying…. I belong in that space or on that wall! And then the next thrill is getting it for super, super cheap or even free. I love it. People are amazed at my home decor and will ask where I got something. Then they are really amazed. Point is, it’s a journey that’s fun. No need to have it like a showroom, home is much better!
Thank you for being realistic and talking about how it’s okay for us to actually live in our homes and not just have it look like a catalog all the time 🥰. Great tips.
I just moved from my parent's house 3 years ago so I had to buy all furniture. The living room is my favorite. I just started "step by step" buying neutral colors and added small elements of a green and aqua palette: small plants like bamboo and such, aqua cushions, gray sofa, white courtains, clear natural wooden table... All furniture is from a very simple style and all together makes the living room very very cozy and home-like.
Such a helpful video, please do more of these! I paid what felt like a fortune on a West Elm couch and it was delivered broken and West Elm refused to do anything about it. It was really poorly built but really just glad someone is talking about the lack of reviews in these expensive stores!
Great advice. Your "brown table is a brown table" killed me. I salvaged a brown table that my parents got for "free" when they bought living and bedroom furniture from a local store. It was a cheapo thing and used for 30 years before I got it. It had nice lines so I refinished it to a dark chocolate ganache colour to give it a little something extra. Later I saw a table with the exact same lines in a high end magazine for $3000. Ha! nice work. I suddenly fell in love with the damned thing. I also popped out the bright orange seats and re-upholstered them with a very expensive end cut in a luxe jacquard-style velvet from an upholstery store that was in their clearance bin. And bingo bango! Thirty dollars later and a few staples, I had a wonderful rich look for next to nothing.
Thank you for explaining why duvets look so much more fluffy in catalogs and stores. I recently purchased a high-end duvet, and it does not look like the catalog photo. Since I do not plan to buy another to double stuff the duvet cover, I’ll just stop fretting over it. I would roast under two down duvets!
I only ever once stuffed two duvet in one cover- to sleep underneath it in a 3 walled hut with a fireplace on the floor at halloween! This is a level of toastiness I do not require in my bedroom.
I revently upgraded from a queen to a king duvet for my queen bed. Rather than double stuffing, I ended up leaving the queen duvet under the king one. The bed looks poofy and you can't tell that there's a smaller duvet underneath, plus if I get hot, I can just throw one of the duvets off the bed
That's why I ❤ Crate n Barrel- they still show reviews! I really appreciate that, even the bad reviews show up. I love accountability n solid customer service. Excellent video!
“Oh wow, am I on a date?” made me giggle. And you are so right - it’s an intentional illusion. Kind of like clothing on mannequins in stores that have clips in the back to make the clothes look more fitted than they will in real life. Great tips here. I like flat, soft pillows to sleep on, so I am going to try stacking them instead of propping them up. Thanks!
The clips on the back!!! Oh, my God! Yes! Those clothes don't look like that NOT EVEN on the damn manequim, they have to add the clips to make it look good.
Such great advise. I really enjoyed the tips on using 2 inserts inside the duvets. That's something even I can do. Even as an empty nest homeowner who at age 60 has made some of these mistakes I have learned a lot & am now working on making my home reflect my taste of casual comfort. I don't have time left in my lifetime to be fluffing sofas. LOL
I’m in agreement with you CherryA, I’m 67 and have tried and tried to get my “duvet” to be fluffy. Can’t even tell you how much money I wasted buying different blankets and comforters to get the look!
I can relate! I also have pets, so fluffing anything more than a pillow or two is just untenable. I already have to clean up hair (and sometimes random hairballs- ew). Foam filling may not be sexy, but it is low maintenance and easy to clean!
Oooh very informative! I'd love to see a video geared towards pet owners and how to design with them in mind (ex. Good fabrics on sofas that "repel" pet hair, shedding and thoes cute white boho furs rugs ect) not sure if this is a thing but you mentioned pets which got me thinking lol
Crypton fabric is fantastic for people with pets and kids. All my reupholstering will be Crypton. Easy to vacuum, clean and stain resistant. It's expensive, but worth it.
She actually has a video on this topic on her channel already :) it's how to maintain luxury design with kids and pets, I just searched her channel name and then pets and it came up :)
For me all the pet friendly fabrics seem super scratchy and make my cats want to sharpen their claws on it but microfiber and velvet they don't seem to care about so my next sofas are going to be velvet!
Yes! And how to block the gaps under sofas and other furniture that’s just big enough for their toys to go under 😩 Haven’t worked out a way to do that so it doesn’t look cheap.
I always like my home to look like it's on a magazine page so, other than the fact that I have no children nor pets, I never have clutter or small pieces of items scattered all over, I fluff the pillows or simply dedicate top pillows that are mainly decorative in the bedrooms, I make sure that all curtains are neatly pulled and nicely tucked in their tiebacks, well-arranged vignettes, add fresh flowers, regularly clean the house, limit my color palette to 3, never buy cheap-looking pieces (you can find nice ones even fr Craigslist or 2nd-hand stores), don't include anything that is out-of-place or doesn't belong, and always pay attention to detail. Love your channel!
Another fabulous and helpful video, with humor as always! "Oh wow, am I on a date?" when at the mood-lit, jazz background furniture showroom seeing yourself as Heidi Klum in the pound-reducing mirrors while in an old T and sweatpants. You are just a hoot.
100% to all of this. I got the cloud couch from Modani and dealing with the fluffing is a must every morning while I am waiting on my coffee, sort of like that feeling of having to make me bed daily.
Just found your channel. No wonder you are so popular - solid advice delivered in a practical and good natured way! I'll be looking up many more of your videos. Fun and informative is a great combination and it didn't even hurt that I've made many mistakes that you've wisely pointed out.
My living room looks like a catalog when I clean it and fluff my pillows light a candle all that until kids come from school and throw everything on the floor and the dog gets her toys to start playing oh and hubby comes after work and throw himself on the couch 🤣🤣then is no more like a catalog just a home with living people lol 🤦🏻♀️😂🤣
@@anarodriguez9294 they were actually better about picking up after themselves when they were younger- I’m just hoping I make it through the next few years 😜
I love layering my bed. You just gave me an idea about laying the pillows down, I am definitely trying it tomorrow morning when I make my bed. Thanks for sharing!!!
Totally agree with the stacking/overstuffing pillows and duvets advice -- it works beautifully, and it's helped me really cut down on impulse buying decorative cushions.
Personally, since I shifted from "I want it like that catalog" to "I like to achieve a vibe like some fave glossy pics from interior design magazines", it got easier because that is all about curating and the journey that can take years. But when you feel your space coming together and narrow down your look and interior goals from your own whims and ideas, it gets really interesting. Also, switching from two single sized duvets to one big one for a queen size bed is in itself a massive upgrade.
Great tips, I literally try and make my home look like a catalog, yes we live in it and it’s definitely comfortable but I’m all about that catalog look.
Kiva, you are too, too cute!! “now, does that make any sense”? You made a face that made me laugh!!! 😀 Okay, so seriously, I always wondered why there are no reviews on these high end stores! Hmmm, interesting! 🧐
Awesome tips! My newest trick was painting my common areas (living room, hall, dining room, kitchen) them same rich neutral color. The natural lighting creates moods throughout the day. I love your tips about the pillows and duvets.
This video was an especially great one of yours. I can't believe how much practical information you're able to give out repeatedly. Thank you for the insider tips as I'm now shopping for bedding.
Scale. I belong to an online decor group, and while I am no expert, I do have eyes and a sense of balance. People post pictures and ask," What color curtains should I buy, or do I get a x popular style coffee table? " You can buy and use whatever you like, but often people buy first rather than space plan. So no matter how many object d' art or luxury pieces they acquire, the space always seems lacking. Great post Kiva.
Thank you Kiva for the tips and tricks! I have never bought a sofa or coffee table or end tables, I’ve always been given hand me downs. So I’ve had to just live with what I have, watching your videos I’m working on styling it the best I can!
Yes, my couch is vanilla with down back cushions and came with a ton of extra throw cushions in soft greens/blues. It looks like a cloud sofa. It's always messy, but I'm eclectic. The down's usually flat cuz the dogs look out the window. I 'punch' it into shape when someone knocks. I'm more ADHD than OCD. If u drop by, the vacuum cleaner may still be out, or the card table-sized eating area table may have a plastic tarp and potting soil all over it. There are always a few dishes, mostly in the sink. I guess my apartment reflects my mental state...always mid project, slightly cluttered by designer standards.
Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us. I consider my taste as transitional. I bought a piece of furniture from Arhaus and love it. Its so versatile I can use it in several rooms. It was pricey but found it on sale. I agree with you so much when purchasing new furniture. I had 3 boys that played every sport and always had friends at the house. I purchased a flexsteel brown leather sofa that I had 17 years and it still looked great when my son took it. I recently purchased a lazy boy sofa that reclines on both ends and has USB ports in both ends. As you get older you want comfort and convenience. This video is spot on. We just built a new home and after watching your videos I have tried new decorating ideas. I painted the entire house all white. I have never done that before but I’m loving it. I just want to thank you for opening my eyes to new ways of decorating.
I never saw one of your videos before, but I am impressed with your practicality. My home doesn't look like it is out of a catalog. I want to feel an emotional connection with about everything in it. I try to decorate with things that mean something to me, not just for the overall look. I got rid of the accent pillows on my beds when I realized what a pain they were. Two usable pillows stacked works quite well.
I really love your videos... I agree on all your points as always. Here's my mistep: I bought a dark brown Caracole nightstand, thinking that it would match my dark brown leathered queen size bed, which was affordably custom-made... And, I was wrong. Both dark browns did not match, and there were clearly some more painted accents over the Caracole nightstand's wood which made the nightstand appear in a lighter shade of dark brown... The solution: kill the shade difference between the bed and the nightstand by placing a colorful runner over the nightstand that extended 20 centimeters on the side of the nightstand, and later place some vases, faux flowers, and a lamp over the nightstand, all to match the bedsheets, the pillows, and the throws on the bed. A colorful but matching runner was placed under the nightstand, and it extended all through the length of the bed. And, this is how I beat the catalog and the showroom look with a much more beautiful one that was all my style alone, and I am happy with the results! 😀
I find it rare to gain knowledge from a video, because I always compare listening to someone speak to reading the information on my own, but you spoke so fast and it was really rewarding. You fit so much knowledge in a single video. Thanks for the insight!
Thank you -- these tips are 100% gold! Another thing is that decorating your home to your needs/style is a skill. Some people go into these stores thinking that some nice furniture will solve their interior problems. I feel like it's more of a tetris game. Stuff comes with pros/cons and you just have to find the right balance for your space.
I'm so glad I've become such a huge fan of yours! I'm about to move and you are helping me avoid creating a home that wouldn't look or feel like the home I want to live in. Designers like you are planting and nurturing the skills and ideas we need to live our best emotional/aesthetic/financial lives. Thank you!!!
Yes!! This was a great video. I didn't realize how important styling your space is. Making a style look deliberate and cohesive is a challenge at times. Thanks for all the ideas!
this video explains my entire adult life of frustration and I hit subscribe. I never could figure out why I hate decorating so much and am never happy with anything once it gets into my house.
None of my furniture matches, but it blends well. I bought everything from Marketplace used. I have a red sofa, a beige loveseat, a cat print chaise lounge and a multicolored asymmetric chair with a huge gray/white rug with plants everywhere. $350 total! People swoon when they walk in, so it works.
This is so helpful. I am not one to know intuitively how to decorate so have nothing to offer about how I have elevated my space, but I sure do appreciate all of your tips and tricks! Thank you!!!
Awesome video!! When I was shopping for my couch, I was so frustrated by the lack of reviews online from the companies that you mentioned: RH, Pottery Barn, West Elm. One lux/semi-lux brand that did have reviews was Crate & Barrel. I saw a UA-cam video recommending the Gather sofa and followed it up with reviews on the CB website. Needless to say, but I purchased from there. I wasn't interested in dropped $2000 on a photograph and a description. Very, very happy with the quality of the sofa!!
Ok! I just dropped everyone else too listen too you.. You’r that awesome and you make sense, I love how articulate you are while being able too express the point in layman’s terms . All the difference in the world too me. I’m serious about this and am unable too enjoy the giggling one’s. Instead I’m looking for someone too EDUCATE ME (not someone saying look how cute I am, I can tell you how too decorate using what I use) ! I’ve told everyone I know about you, just please don’t go giggly cute. This is serious business too most of us, everyone wants the most for what we can afford in these times.
I really appreciate your point that these furniture stores rarely let us comment in the furniture. For instance I have these nightstands from Crate and Barrel that I otherwise love BUUUUT the drawers do not open fully so it is really difficult to get stuff in and out of them. WHY would they make drawers that don’t fully open????
Always get a bigger pillow and comforter than the sham and duvet to have the really stuffed look. I also like a king size duvet on a queen bed. Shams give more polished look than a pillowcase. When you are having company its worth the effort to iron or send it to the cleaners . The right paint color is crucial i can't agree more of what a difference paint can make. Also that your hone smells good . Its the entire vibe of the showroom to excite all the senses like you said the music and the intense colors and textures to touch so dont forget to find the perfect scent. Also nothing to personal like family photos overpowering the living room. You can have a nice black and white in a spectacular frame but imo less is best.
“Now does that make any sense?” *long pause* I’m crying 😭😭 Love the advice on your videos! I’ll be moving soon & want to make it the space of my dreams.
One thing I've noticed is that none of the designs I see incorporate clocks: desk clocks, wall clocks, any clock. Is that b/c most young people rely on their phones to tell the time? I might be old school (and I am old), but I have a clock in every room.
That's funny, I'm 34 and just yesterday, my mom was telling me about new wall clocks at the store, and I found myself genuinely confused for a bit, like "for what?! who's gonna look at that?!" But we ended up laughing about it because I reminded her that she thinks I'm her Speaking Clock anyway 😄! She's always asking ME what time it is!
Same for me! and I love pretty clocks anyway! and yes I think clocks have gone the same way as watches now that everyone carries a smartphone and has the time right in front of them at all times. I just openly admit to the young generation that Yes, I know, I am a dinosaur as I laugh it off.
@@kellykinkade7126 Same. I'm 49 and only have the time on my electronics or the stove and microwave. You can always ask your phone or tablet or whatever what time it is.
I really like the swatches idea. Even if I don't buy from the store, if I like the palette of one show room option, I have the exact colors I would be looking for at other stores such as Ross.
All you need are a few sheets of graph paper to measure your room, draw out the walls, windows, doors, fireplaces, electrical outlets. Then cut out pieces for a rug, sofa, chair, tables.....move things around on the graph paper room so you can avoid buying furniture that is too big or too small. Figure out how ppl will enter the furniture area. Do they have to walk around a huge sectional? Is the area for ppl to walk in too narrow so they stub their toes? Do sharp corners hurt your shins? It is really good practice to figure out where and how big furniture and rugs can be and where they can get placed. Electric outlets often dictate where lamps for reading can be placed.... your information is extremely useful. Thank you! You are very professional and you do not call us "guys" which drives me nutso.
KB! Great advice! Thx! To reciprocate I have some great advice for you! I suffer time to time with acid reflux depending on what I ate previous to bedtime. A natural cure for me is a cup of water with a tbs of acv and 1/4 tsp of baking soda. This gives me instant relief. I know it sounds strange but really works. It produces that pain relieving belch and sweet sleep follows! Give it a try. Nothing to lose and your welcome in advance!😉
Hi Kiva!! Great advice. Please if you are eating tums all the time get your acid reflux check. A friend of mine was eating them all the time to help with acid reflux and the acid caused esophagus cancer in his 40s.
Expensive items like beds & sofa: go online & find a factory direct outlet. A lot of them have storefronts on eBay. You get brand name stuff at half the price. My brand new sofa was half what it is currently selling for in stores .
@@lenahilltop227 you're very welcome! It's good for brand name bedding too that have minor stitching errors: Silent night duvets are half the retail price .😁🇬🇧
Thank you about the bedding thing lol it used to drive me freaking nuts that I could never get it to look as good as the magazines. It would just look like a sad pile of blankets no matter what I did. It's a relief that it wasn't me and it was them.
I would love to hear how to order furniture items from Wayfair or Overstock. How can you tell what a quality piece is? Not many “name brand” furniture choices that have a good reputation. Local furniture stores are saying it will be 30 weeks on a sofa and 2 chairs. I found a very similar sofa and chair on Wayfair but I am hesitant to buy without touching it, sitting on it, how do I know if its quality upholstery and quality cushions? Would love to hear everyone’s opinion on this topic. Thanks
I've been tempted on sofas, But started looking on craigslist to see how they wear. It's stopped me from buying ikea and others because they look terrible after 6 mo to 2 years. Other high end brands look remarkable at 10 plus yrs. So seeing pics of used is like reading reviews for me.
I've had great luck on Overstock through only buying items with high star reviews. I make sure there are a lot of reviews (2 5* reviews don't mean anything) and I look at the first few pages of reviews ordered chronologically to ensure a more honest view
I really appreciate all of these great tips for planning a well designed space. I'm currently furnishing my first apartment and I always check measurements in my home before buying anything. It's saved me more than once. And if I'm out and about shopping I always have photos of my space/photos of my inspiration with me so I can make sure the item I'm considering fits.
Excellent original tips, KB; thank you! One thing I want to know more about is scale in table lamps. I assume they should be one of the last things you buy, but then what is the formula for choosing their height, circumference, weight, and style? Should a desk lamp be an actual task lamp if it will be helping to light a small room? I'll look at your other videos but hope you see these questions.
@@KivaBrent I just discovered you yesterday and I’m watching video after video. I am the kind of person who knows what I like when I see it but draw a complete blank when I try to come up with the ideas myself. So listening to someone with such talent, insight and artistic flair is really a pleasure. I also enjoy your use of the word ameliorate. It is an under-used word! 🤩
I am so over the multi pillow arrangements on the bed! I have had 8 on my bed for a year and I'm done! Looks great if I'm not using the bed, but I do. I'm here for designing for my life over a look. I love the catalog look, but I'm getting a better understanding of how to edit for myself.
The algorithm placed you in my life today. My initial thoughts were “I wonder how long I’d have to save to hire her?” and “Does she even do work in Vegas?” This video was funny and informative.
I love your way of styling pillows on beds. Stacking the pillows I actually use then putting small decorative pillows in front of them looks so clean and stylish. Thanks for that tip!
My biggest pet peeve with catalog photos is lamps out in the open with no cords in sight.
you can cut the cord and use a puck light with a remote if there’s a specific location you want your lamp but no outlet 😬
Or desks with just an unplugged laptop. Most people I know who actually work from home now have at least 2 screens and peripherals. Let's see them put THAT in the middle of the room and look good!
@@bradycanon I needed to read this today
@@bonniemechefske3838 100%
@@bonniemechefske3838 if you did that you wouldn’t be able to see the desk well enough. The photos are all very intentional to show a product in a space and not obscure it.
One reason catalog living rooms look so great is because they usually don't have a TV in them.
Easy. Buy a Samsung Frame TV. I love it.
@@cartmann227 easy. Just spand a gazillion dollars. No biggie
@@cartmann227 wanna buy me one too? You seem like a helpful person!
@@cartmann227 Wow that actually looks really nice, didn’t know about this tv. But does it look as nice as in the pictures or is it quite gimmicky?
They look so great because there aren't really rooms and no one lives in those spaces.
I really believe the secret ingredient in many interiors is cleanliness - keep all those dust catching doodads away and keep what you don't want seen hidden out of sight. Once your canvas is clear you can carefully add decor items back in, but always keep in mind how hard it will be to maintain the look you want. Buying more stuff to fix it only makes matters worse.
Agree. I like my couches to always look clean and neat, without much effort, so I got tight slipcovered ones, deep for lounging, but firmer bottom bench cushion so they never look rumpled. I kept the down toss pillows to a minimum, so not much fluffing needed. The coffee table holds one vase of florals, a short stack of books, and a stack of coasters, easily moved for dusting. Know how you live and what is important to you. If you want the Cloud and you are OCD and don’t have time for fluffing multiple times a day, the Cloud might not be for you.
This!
Yes 100%
Indeed, and also make sure that fabrics like bedlinens, towels and such can be washed at a high temperature. I am often under impression that the washing advice are overly anxious, like wearing both belt and straps, yet still if the item shrinks a lot when having washed it at 70 °C instead of the 40 °C according to the label you can probably not return it.
amen to that!!!
Another Reason Your House doesn't look like the catalog is because you don't live in a cavernous studio loft. if you notice the catalog pics are of HUGE spaces, Giant Rooms, Vast Expanses of Floor Space, not available to the average consumer. Catalogs Sell Fantasy Luxury, not actual living accommodations. Learn Discernment
💯💯💯
No its the exact opposite of what you are saying actually. I worked for years in decorating store windows in linen stores and dressing beds for the sales floor . Creating fake bedrooms and livingrooms staging is very deliberate and plans are designed specifically to sell and to be appealing to the eye. The area would be tiny . But like I said very intentional texture and color is a huge part of it. Styling and staging
@@raquellambropoulos279 How can we learn how to do this?
@@Talia_IceCreamPaints watch tips videos..then quick trial and error
& because you have a ceiling. Everything looks open when the walls are 10+ feet tall
7:36 - youre right. the catalog caters to no one. you are the only youtube designer ive seen so far who will sometimes use photos of normal homes (i.e. non-rich homes) to show what can be done. i respect this a lot. usually, youtube designers only use normal home photos to show what not to do. otherwise, all they ever seem to show are photos of clearly expensive rooms that majority of people do not live in.
Good point. If I see Athena Calderone's living room one more time as the example of how NOT chic I am... I'm going to lose it.
I agree with you! Working class families can still have a nice home.
Number one reason: the structure of the house\view isn’t the same. You could throw Salvation Army finds into a mansion/room with an ocean view/penthouse and have it look amazing. The same reason models look great in shlubby clothes.
Both of my sisters could make a pile of junk look amazing in any setting, but I can make tiffany lamps and the best furniture look like junk in the best mansion on earth. There is an art to interior design that comes in a person's genes. Those genes of mine are completely shut off.
Absolutely. So many of those rooms have 12 foot ceilings and amazing molding and light, with a beautiful view probably framed by an arched window! Furnishings just don't look the same in a 1950's ranch with 7.5 foot ceilings. However, Kiva is so right about scale and one can make a ranch home (or any home) look fabulous with the correctly-scaled furniture and decor.
As a Macy’s associate working in the home department. I can attest to what she said about it being our job at constantly fluffing pillows and duvets. Also, she’s correct, we double stuff duvet covers. And the thing I hated the most is we had to steamed bedsheets and bedskirts!!!
The biggest mistake I ever made was buying the furniture that society expects instead of what is right for me. I’ve since been remedying that. Got rid of all sofas & my bed. Now I only have a few chairs, and I sleep on a wool mat (way more comfy to me, I hate soft beds). Having a lot of seating encourages sitting too much, which is unhealthy. My home office is structured to work efficiently for me, and I converted my guest room to a workout room. I’ve also constructed an indoor climbing wall and monkey bars, because “use it or lose it” is very true for mobility as we age (I’m 46 as of writing this). I have fish tanks & about 50 houseplants because that makes me happy. I also converted my dining room (that was never used) into a theater room.
On another note, a lot of those catalog images appear to be in large rooms with huge windows, not in a standard room in a standard type of house.
Even more than not styling their tables and surfaces, I think most people just let them accumulate random clutter, which kills the look. One of my fav tips is DECANT EVERYTHING. You can keep those Tums on your nightstand if you get rid of the Tums bottle and put them in a nice glass jar or ceramic lidded container.
This!! I. Totally going to do this!
@@meikoblock it's great for two reasons: you get to keep the necessary thing, AND you get to add a pretty container to the tablescape
@@vjhreeves This was a game changer when I learned to do this! Plus it helps me save on waste because I reuse pretty jars/containers. Obviously the original container gets thrown away but sometimes you can get things without a container
This is a great tip. Thank you!
The bedroom and bedding advice was gold! Can you please do a shop with me and show us how to get that "catalog and hotel" look in the bedroom on a budget
Yes I can do that for sure!!
@@KivaBrent yes please 😊
THANK YOU for talking about scale!!! I feel like NO ONE talks about it & everyone gets it wrong.
Of course!!! It is so important. If a piece doesn’t fit correctly, it doesn’t matter how beautiful it is!
@@KivaBrent Hi Kiva, could you please give me your /opinion/advise how to take the curtains all the way up to the ceiling measuring 9'9 when there is an space of 730 meter from the Windows frame to the crown ceiling? Should I go half way or leave that empty space? Also, any idea what can I do if there is not wood behind the wall to hang the support the curtain rod? . Also, should curtains go all the way up in the kitchen?
@@KivaBrent And sometimes you do need large furniture for storage, for example - but you should still take how it looks into account. My landlords have a gigantic BLACK wardrobe in the living room. Which I get, it's a small apartment, that's where clothes go because they have nowehere else to go. But making it black just eats up so much of the space visually. An identical wardrobe in a lighter colour (birch, bleached oak etc) would have been SO much better.
the reason I don't have a king bed in my small bedroom! I have a queen but I think its still slightly too big for the room. At least I can close teh door and not hit the bed
I always feel bad when I see someone buys a bed or sofa that fills up the whole room. Such a waste
The lack of reviews on those websites is so frustrating! I especially dislike not being able to see home photos of things like rugs - the colors NEVER match what is online!
I totally agree!! I love seeing home photos especially of rugs! 💕
I have west elm throw pillows that pilled instantly and I was even more mad when I realized I couldn’t warn others about their crappy pilly pillows.
I am having this exact problem with bathroom vanities right now. It should be mandatory for anyone selling products online to include wayyy more photos than I typically see. And they should offer discounts/rebates to people who upload large, high quality pictures of the product in their own space.
Same here! I buy my rugs on Etsy or Amazon only because of the pricing and review pics. Also the sellers on Etsy post tons of pics from all angles.
"But let's do it again." You crack me up. You are spot on about the size of furniture at RH. When that store first started, dating myself here, it sold normal sized furniture. I know. I bought some pieces. Then, it seemed all of a sudden, but maybe not, I noticed everything in the catalogue was designed for a renovated castle or European villa. I"m only 5 feet tall. I would never get out of a 4 foot sofa! Everything at RH seems to be designed for Papa Bear.
They design for all those McMansions! The timeline matches up. I remember when they were big into mission furniture, really dating myself here.
you're not alone ! I remember when RH had a new store installed down town in a new trendy shopping center where I was living. The furniture reflected the name and had pieces that were more easily scaled. Now the pieces are huge, stiff, and lifeless! I miss the old more playfull vibe the company had.
I used to shop at RH as well but over time their color palette became mostly black or grey. There isn’t any color and their show rooms are so dark. I’d much rather shop at Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn.
😂😂👏👏Papa Bear made me laugh. My sister is very tiny- great things come in small packages! ;)
Had a friend who had one of those giant, leather sectionals and I couldn't sit on the sofa. I sat on the edge with the back about a foot away and the leather was slippery. So uncomfortable. I'm 5 foot also and all the furniture in our house fits me. My six foot husband doesn't have any problems.with my-size furniture.
Regarding style and styling- I’ve learned to love the journey. It’s a process. It’s okay to me to have a bare wall or a spot that is crying out for something to go there. I thrift everything I have in my house… yes everything. It’s fun to be walking through the thrift store and have something jump out saying…. I belong in that space or on that wall! And then the next thrill is getting it for super, super cheap or even free. I love it. People are amazed at my home decor and will ask where I got something. Then they are really amazed. Point is, it’s a journey that’s fun. No need to have it like a showroom, home is much better!
I wish there was a way to style that my butthole cat doesn't knock over
if it’s lil decor u can try quake wax. i haven’t done it yet but considering lol.
First time viewer. This is, hands down, the best decorating video I've ever seen. Great explanations of everything.
Wow thank you so much Rita! Welcome to my channel! 💕
I agree! I have watched many videos and this one has been the best!
Thank you for being realistic and talking about how it’s okay for us to actually live in our homes and not just have it look like a catalog all the time 🥰. Great tips.
I just moved from my parent's house 3 years ago so I had to buy all furniture. The living room is my favorite. I just started "step by step" buying neutral colors and added small elements of a green and aqua palette: small plants like bamboo and such, aqua cushions, gray sofa, white courtains, clear natural wooden table... All furniture is from a very simple style and all together makes the living room very very cozy and home-like.
Such a helpful video, please do more of these! I paid what felt like a fortune on a West Elm couch and it was delivered broken and West Elm refused to do anything about it. It was really poorly built but really just glad someone is talking about the lack of reviews in these expensive stores!
Great advice. Your "brown table is a brown table" killed me. I salvaged a brown table that my parents got for "free" when they bought living and bedroom furniture from a local store. It was a cheapo thing and used for 30 years before I got it. It had nice lines so I refinished it to a dark chocolate ganache colour to give it a little something extra. Later I saw a table with the exact same lines in a high end magazine for $3000. Ha! nice work. I suddenly fell in love with the damned thing.
I also popped out the bright orange seats and re-upholstered them with a very expensive end cut in a luxe jacquard-style velvet from an upholstery store that was in their clearance bin. And bingo bango! Thirty dollars later and a few staples, I had a wonderful rich look for next to nothing.
Thank you for explaining why duvets look so much more fluffy in catalogs and stores. I recently purchased a high-end duvet, and it does not look like the catalog photo. Since I do not plan to buy another to double stuff the duvet cover, I’ll just stop fretting over it. I would roast under two down duvets!
Yes! They don’t tell you the truth!
I only ever once stuffed two duvet in one cover- to sleep underneath it in a 3 walled hut with a fireplace on the floor at halloween! This is a level of toastiness I do not require in my bedroom.
I revently upgraded from a queen to a king duvet for my queen bed. Rather than double stuffing, I ended up leaving the queen duvet under the king one. The bed looks poofy and you can't tell that there's a smaller duvet underneath, plus if I get hot, I can just throw one of the duvets off the bed
Perhaps stuffing the king duvet into a queen duvet cover might achieve the fluff without having to buy a second insert?
Same….AND i have a hard enough time getting one in there
That's why I ❤ Crate n Barrel- they still show reviews! I really appreciate that, even the bad reviews show up. I love accountability n solid customer service. Excellent video!
“Oh wow, am I on a date?” made me giggle. And you are so right - it’s an intentional illusion. Kind of like clothing on mannequins in stores that have clips in the back to make the clothes look more fitted than they will in real life.
Great tips here. I like flat, soft pillows to sleep on, so I am going to try stacking them instead of propping them up. Thanks!
The clips on the back!!! Oh, my God! Yes! Those clothes don't look like that NOT EVEN on the damn manequim, they have to add the clips to make it look good.
Such great advise. I really enjoyed the tips on using 2 inserts inside the duvets. That's something even I can do. Even as an empty nest homeowner who at age 60 has made some of these mistakes I have learned a lot & am now working on making my home reflect my taste of casual comfort. I don't have time left in my lifetime to be fluffing sofas. LOL
Thanks so much! I totally agree about the sofa fluffing 😂😂
I’m in agreement with you CherryA, I’m 67 and have tried and tried to get my “duvet” to be fluffy. Can’t even tell you how much money I wasted buying different blankets and comforters to get the look!
I'm 32 and the thought of fluffing my sofas isn't appealing either. I don't know people who have time for that .
I can relate! I also have pets, so fluffing anything more than a pillow or two is just untenable. I already have to clean up hair (and sometimes random hairballs- ew). Foam filling may not be sexy, but it is low maintenance and easy to clean!
Damn straight.
I adore your channel. You keep it real …”a brown table is a brown table”. Thank you! I get soooo much from your styling tips.
Thanks so much Shannon!! 💕
Oooh very informative! I'd love to see a video geared towards pet owners and how to design with them in mind (ex. Good fabrics on sofas that "repel" pet hair, shedding and thoes cute white boho furs rugs ect) not sure if this is a thing but you mentioned pets which got me thinking lol
Crypton fabric is fantastic for people with pets and kids. All my reupholstering will be Crypton. Easy to vacuum, clean and stain resistant. It's expensive, but worth it.
She actually has a video on this topic on her channel already :) it's how to maintain luxury design with kids and pets, I just searched her channel name and then pets and it came up :)
@@AdelaideAnn oh really? Thanks for the heads up! I'll have to do some digging and see if I can find it
For me all the pet friendly fabrics seem super scratchy and make my cats want to sharpen their claws on it but microfiber and velvet they don't seem to care about so my next sofas are going to be velvet!
Yes! And how to block the gaps under sofas and other furniture that’s just big enough for their toys to go under 😩 Haven’t worked out a way to do that so it doesn’t look cheap.
I always like my home to look like it's on a magazine page so, other than the fact that I have no children nor pets, I never have clutter or small pieces of items scattered all over, I fluff the pillows or simply dedicate top pillows that are mainly decorative in the bedrooms, I make sure that all curtains are neatly pulled and nicely tucked in their tiebacks, well-arranged vignettes, add fresh flowers, regularly clean the house, limit my color palette to 3, never buy cheap-looking pieces (you can find nice ones even fr Craigslist or 2nd-hand stores), don't include anything that is out-of-place or doesn't belong, and always pay attention to detail.
Love your channel!
I love the emphasis on practicality. Simple and common sense advice. Thank you!
Thanks so much Eva! 💕
Another fabulous and helpful video, with humor as always! "Oh wow, am I on a date?" when at the mood-lit, jazz background furniture showroom seeing yourself as Heidi Klum in the pound-reducing mirrors while in an old T and sweatpants. You are just a hoot.
Thank you so much for watching! I’m so glad you enjoy my humor 😂😂
I know right. I am sitting here laughing about to bust a gut and my husband is looking at me like I am crazy!!
I loved that too!
omg you are cracking me up!!!!! Your personality just shines and I love how you tell us the truth no matter what!
Thank you so much!! 😂💕💕
100% to all of this. I got the cloud couch from Modani and dealing with the fluffing is a must every morning while I am waiting on my coffee, sort of like that feeling of having to make me bed daily.
I totally understand! Fluffing can soo tiring!
Just found your channel. No wonder you are so popular - solid advice delivered in a practical and good natured way! I'll be looking up many more of your videos. Fun and informative is a great combination and it didn't even hurt that I've made many mistakes that you've wisely pointed out.
Welcome to my channel! Thank you so much! 💕
My living room looks like a catalog when I clean it and fluff my pillows light a candle all that until kids come from school and throw everything on the floor and the dog gets her toys to start playing oh and hubby comes after work and throw himself on the couch 🤣🤣then is no more like a catalog just a home with living people lol 🤦🏻♀️😂🤣
That’s my life every day! 😂 with 3 teenagers, 3 dogs, a cat, and a workaholic husband things don’t stay clean for long!
Same
@@lorabetht9206 you are not alone 😎can’t imagine three teenagers 🤦🏻♀️😉🥰
@@anarodriguez9294 they were actually better about picking up after themselves when they were younger- I’m just hoping I make it through the next few years 😜
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
I love layering my bed. You just gave me an idea about laying the pillows down, I am definitely trying it tomorrow morning when I make my bed. Thanks for sharing!!!
Yay! Thanks so much for watching! 💕
Totally agree with the stacking/overstuffing pillows and duvets advice -- it works beautifully, and it's helped me really cut down on impulse buying decorative cushions.
Kiva, you were so funny today, you are very witty and of course very talented. Great tips! Your living looks so crisp.
Aw thank you so much! I appreciate you! 💕
Personally, since I shifted from "I want it like that catalog" to "I like to achieve a vibe like some fave glossy pics from interior design magazines", it got easier because that is all about curating and the journey that can take years. But when you feel your space coming together and narrow down your look and interior goals from your own whims and ideas, it gets really interesting. Also, switching from two single sized duvets to one big one for a queen size bed is in itself a massive upgrade.
Yes, styling is so key. You can literally style one piece of furniture different ways to achieve a number of looks, good or bad, lol😄
Haha, yes, good AND bad! Styling is critical.
Hi uuu7u777
Great tips, I literally try and make my home look like a catalog, yes we live in it and it’s definitely comfortable but I’m all about that catalog look.
I love Crate and Barrel & CB2 because they have reviews. I am rarely disappointed by my purchases from them.
Kiva, you are too, too cute!! “now, does that make any sense”? You made a face that made me laugh!!! 😀 Okay, so seriously, I always wondered why there are no reviews on these high end stores! Hmmm, interesting! 🧐
Awesome tips! My newest trick was painting my common areas (living room, hall, dining room, kitchen) them same rich neutral color. The natural lighting creates moods throughout the day. I love your tips about the pillows and duvets.
This video was an especially great one of yours. I can't believe how much practical information you're able to give out repeatedly. Thank you for the insider tips as I'm now shopping for bedding.
Aw thank you so much! So happy you enjoyed it :)
Scale. I belong to an online decor group, and while I am no expert, I do have eyes and a sense of balance. People post pictures and ask," What color curtains should I buy, or do I get a x popular style coffee table? " You can buy and use whatever you like, but often people buy first rather than space plan. So no matter how many object d' art or luxury pieces they acquire, the space always seems lacking. Great post Kiva.
The most practical-minded designer I’ve heard so far- just earned a subscribe for well thought-out and clear presentation of points.
Thanks so much! Welcome! 💕
Same! I subscribed in under 3 minutes 🥰🥰
Thank you Kiva for the tips and tricks! I have never bought a sofa or coffee table or end tables, I’ve always been given hand me downs. So I’ve had to just live with what I have, watching your videos I’m working on styling it the best I can!
Now this is the video everyone needs to watch.!!Thank you KIVA for sharing, ❤️ love your sweater 😃👌👌
Thank you, Pooja!!!!
Yes, my couch is vanilla with down back cushions and came with a ton of extra throw cushions in soft greens/blues. It looks like a cloud sofa. It's always messy, but I'm eclectic. The down's usually flat cuz the dogs look out the window. I 'punch' it into shape when someone knocks. I'm more ADHD than OCD. If u drop by, the vacuum cleaner may still be out, or the card table-sized eating area table may have a plastic tarp and potting soil all over it. There are always a few dishes, mostly in the sink. I guess my apartment reflects my mental state...always mid project, slightly cluttered by designer standards.
Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us. I consider my taste as transitional. I bought a piece of furniture from Arhaus and love it. Its so versatile I can use it in several rooms. It was pricey but found it on sale.
I agree with you so much when purchasing new furniture. I had 3 boys that played every sport and always had friends at the house. I purchased a flexsteel brown leather sofa that I had 17 years and it still looked great when my son took it. I recently purchased a lazy boy sofa that reclines on both ends and has USB ports in both ends. As you get older you want comfort and convenience.
This video is spot on. We just built a new home and after watching your videos I have tried new decorating ideas. I painted the entire house all white. I have never done that before but I’m loving it. I just want to thank you for opening my eyes to new ways of decorating.
Love how you keep it real and give that 'good friend educating" vibe.
I never saw one of your videos before, but I am impressed with your practicality. My home doesn't look like it is out of a catalog. I want to feel an emotional connection with about everything in it. I try to decorate with things that mean something to me, not just for the overall look. I got rid of the accent pillows on my beds when I realized what a pain they were. Two usable pillows stacked works quite well.
I really love your videos... I agree on all your points as always. Here's my mistep: I bought a dark brown Caracole nightstand, thinking that it would match my dark brown leathered queen size bed, which was affordably custom-made... And, I was wrong. Both dark browns did not match, and there were clearly some more painted accents over the Caracole nightstand's wood which made the nightstand appear in a lighter shade of dark brown... The solution: kill the shade difference between the bed and the nightstand by placing a colorful runner over the nightstand that extended 20 centimeters on the side of the nightstand, and later place some vases, faux flowers, and a lamp over the nightstand, all to match the bedsheets, the pillows, and the throws on the bed. A colorful but matching runner was placed under the nightstand, and it extended all through the length of the bed. And, this is how I beat the catalog and the showroom look with a much more beautiful one that was all my style alone, and I am happy with the results! 😀
I find it rare to gain knowledge from a video, because I always compare listening to someone speak to reading the information on my own, but you spoke so fast and it was really rewarding. You fit so much knowledge in a single video. Thanks for the insight!
Thank you -- these tips are 100% gold!
Another thing is that decorating your home to your needs/style is a skill. Some people go into these stores thinking that some nice furniture will solve their interior problems. I feel like it's more of a tetris game. Stuff comes with pros/cons and you just have to find the right balance for your space.
I'm so glad I've become such a huge fan of yours! I'm about to move and you are helping me avoid creating a home that wouldn't look or feel like the home I want to live in. Designers like you are planting and nurturing the skills and ideas we need to live our best emotional/aesthetic/financial lives. Thank you!!!
Yes!! This was a great video. I didn't realize how important styling your space is. Making a style look deliberate and cohesive is a challenge at times. Thanks for all the ideas!
It definitely is a challenge, Danielle! Thanks so much for watching.
this video explains my entire adult life of frustration and I hit subscribe. I never could figure out why I hate decorating so much and am never happy with anything once it gets into my house.
None of my furniture matches, but it blends well. I bought everything from Marketplace used. I have a red sofa, a beige loveseat, a cat print chaise lounge and a multicolored asymmetric chair with a huge gray/white rug with plants everywhere. $350 total! People swoon when they walk in, so it works.
This is so helpful. I am not one to know intuitively how to decorate so have nothing to offer about how I have elevated my space, but I sure do appreciate all of your tips and tricks! Thank you!!!
I realy like how your vids doesn't have background music when your speaking. More pleasent to listen. Love your vids btw. Greetings from Holland
Awesome video!! When I was shopping for my couch, I was so frustrated by the lack of reviews online from the companies that you mentioned: RH, Pottery Barn, West Elm. One lux/semi-lux brand that did have reviews was Crate & Barrel. I saw a UA-cam video recommending the Gather sofa and followed it up with reviews on the CB website. Needless to say, but I purchased from there. I wasn't interested in dropped $2000 on a photograph and a description. Very, very happy with the quality of the sofa!!
"On a photograph and a description". You nailed it!
Ok! I just dropped everyone else too listen too you.. You’r that awesome and you make sense, I love how articulate you are while being able too express the point in layman’s terms . All the difference in the world too me. I’m serious about this and am unable too enjoy the giggling one’s. Instead I’m looking for someone too EDUCATE ME (not someone saying look how cute I am, I can tell you how too decorate using what I use) ! I’ve told everyone I know about you, just please don’t go giggly cute. This is serious business too most of us, everyone wants the most for what we can afford in these times.
Your honesty is so refreshing!
Never change - 💯
I appreciate that! :)
I'm not sure why this was recommended to me, a 64 year old single man, but I'm happy it was. Great video!!
I really appreciate your point that these furniture stores rarely let us comment in the furniture. For instance I have these nightstands from Crate and Barrel that I otherwise love BUUUUT the drawers do not open fully so it is really difficult to get stuff in and out of them. WHY would they make drawers that don’t fully open????
A series on furniture sizing for apartments townhouses and condos.
The look paired with “Now does that make any sense?” Took me back to being a kid. ULTIMATE MOM LOOK LMBO
Ahhh the comment about using stylish pillows you actually like to sleep with blew my mind. Why have I never thought of that before!? Great video!
Always get a bigger pillow and comforter than the sham and duvet to have the really stuffed look. I also like a king size duvet on a queen bed. Shams give more polished look than a pillowcase. When you are having company its worth the effort to iron or send it to the cleaners . The right paint color is crucial i can't agree more of what a difference paint can make. Also that your hone smells good . Its the entire vibe of the showroom to excite all the senses like you said the music and the intense colors and textures to touch so dont forget to find the perfect scent. Also nothing to personal like family photos overpowering the living room. You can have a nice black and white in a spectacular frame but imo less is best.
“Now does that make any sense?” *long pause* I’m crying 😭😭 Love the advice on your videos! I’ll be moving soon & want to make it the space of my dreams.
One thing I've noticed is that none of the designs I see incorporate clocks: desk clocks, wall clocks, any clock. Is that b/c most young people rely on their phones to tell the time? I might be old school (and I am old), but I have a clock in every room.
That's funny, I'm 34 and just yesterday, my mom was telling me about new wall clocks at the store, and I found myself genuinely confused for a bit, like "for what?! who's gonna look at that?!" But we ended up laughing about it because I reminded her that she thinks I'm her Speaking Clock anyway 😄! She's always asking ME what time it is!
Or TVs!
Same for me! and I love pretty clocks anyway! and yes I think clocks have gone the same way as watches now that everyone carries a smartphone and has the time right in front of them at all times. I just openly admit to the young generation that Yes, I know, I am a dinosaur as I laugh it off.
I'm 48 just realized I don't have a single clock on the wall or even an alarm clock. The only clock is on the microwave and my stove.
@@kellykinkade7126 Same. I'm 49 and only have the time on my electronics or the stove and microwave. You can always ask your phone or tablet or whatever what time it is.
These are FACTS. This is required viewing!!
I really like the swatches idea. Even if I don't buy from the store, if I like the palette of one show room option, I have the exact colors I would be looking for at other stores such as Ross.
Amen about the styling!
You are exactly right about the bedding. I walked into RH and the gal was on the bed steaming the duvet.
Thank you for this video packed with useful information.
All you need are a few sheets of graph paper to measure your room, draw out the walls, windows, doors, fireplaces, electrical outlets. Then cut out pieces for a rug, sofa, chair, tables.....move things around on the graph paper room so you can avoid buying furniture that is too big or too small. Figure out how ppl will enter the furniture area. Do they have to walk around a huge sectional? Is the area for ppl to walk in too narrow so they stub their toes? Do sharp corners hurt your shins? It is really good practice to figure out where and how big furniture and rugs can be and where they can get placed. Electric outlets often dictate where lamps for reading can be placed.... your information is extremely useful. Thank you! You are very professional and you do not call us "guys" which drives me nutso.
KB! Great advice! Thx! To reciprocate I have some great advice for you! I suffer time to time with acid reflux depending on what I ate previous to bedtime. A natural cure for me is a cup of water with a tbs of acv and 1/4 tsp of baking soda. This gives me instant relief. I know it sounds strange but really works. It produces that pain relieving belch and sweet sleep follows! Give it a try. Nothing to lose and your welcome in advance!😉
Hi Kiva!! Great advice. Please if you are eating tums all the time get your acid reflux check. A friend of mine was eating them all the time to help with acid reflux and the acid caused esophagus cancer in his 40s.
Kiva, you're just the personification of timeless elegance with an edge and "Less is more." 👍❤
Expensive items like beds & sofa: go online & find a factory direct outlet. A lot of them have storefronts on eBay. You get brand name stuff at half the price. My brand new sofa was half what it is currently selling for in stores .
@@lenahilltop227 you're very welcome! It's good for brand name bedding too that have minor stitching errors: Silent night duvets are half the retail price .😁🇬🇧
Nice Sweater! Love the tips, I am constantly trying to get the catalog look! It’s soooo hard.
Thanks Dana! It definitely is super hard. I totally get it!
Thank you about the bedding thing lol it used to drive me freaking nuts that I could never get it to look as good as the magazines. It would just look like a sad pile of blankets no matter what I did. It's a relief that it wasn't me and it was them.
It’s definitely not you!!
Double stuff my pillow-Tip of life! Thank you!!
I would love to hear how to order furniture items from Wayfair or Overstock. How can you tell what a quality piece is? Not many “name brand” furniture choices that have a good reputation. Local furniture stores are saying it will be 30 weeks on a sofa and 2 chairs. I found a very similar sofa and chair on Wayfair but I am hesitant to buy without touching it, sitting on it, how do I know if its quality upholstery and quality cushions? Would love to hear everyone’s opinion on this topic. Thanks
That’s a great video idea! Thanks so much Cindy! 💕
I've been tempted on sofas, But started looking on craigslist to see how they wear. It's stopped me from buying ikea and others because they look terrible after 6 mo to 2 years. Other high end brands look remarkable at 10 plus yrs. So seeing pics of used is like reading reviews for me.
@@SallyStClair-tv9gf Great tip! I’m going to use that one.
I've had great luck on Overstock through only buying items with high star reviews. I make sure there are a lot of reviews (2 5* reviews don't mean anything) and I look at the first few pages of reviews ordered chronologically to ensure a more honest view
Sometimes I found items that are on Wayfair are also available at Target.. and it costs waaay more on Wayfair, which can be a bit overpriced too
I love listening to your tips. You’re encouraging, so thanks for setting such an upbeat tone while helping us improve.
Aw, I’m so glad that that’s how you perceive me!!! Thank you!
I really appreciate all of these great tips for planning a well designed space. I'm currently furnishing my first apartment and I always check measurements in my home before buying anything. It's saved me more than once. And if I'm out and about shopping I always have photos of my space/photos of my inspiration with me so I can make sure the item I'm considering fits.
Your videos are so informative AND entertaining 😂😂😂 I can hardly wait until I get notified that Kiva has a new one!
Aw thank you so much!! I really appreciate your support. 💕💕
I like your attitude and honesty. 👏👏👏
Thanks so much!! 💕
Totally agree for the storage space! I always think about storage space when I choose furniture.
This is the best video I’ve seen on this topic. Thank you for always delivering the high quality content!
I’ve always wanted to have a reading nook under the stairs 😂 hopefully it’s a large staircase! Love your videos! I appreciate the design help 💕
Excellent original tips, KB; thank you! One thing I want to know more about is scale in table lamps. I assume they should be one of the last things you buy, but then what is the formula for choosing their height, circumference, weight, and style? Should a desk lamp be an actual task lamp if it will be helping to light a small room? I'll look at your other videos but hope you see these questions.
Remember that everything is staged. There is a reason why Mcdonald's hambugers look great in photos.
Wow too true!! 😂😂
you are delightful!! I love your style & way of explaining concepts!
Aw thank you so much!!
@@KivaBrent I just discovered you yesterday and I’m watching video after video. I am the kind of person who knows what I like when I see it but draw a complete blank when I try to come up with the ideas myself. So listening to someone with such talent, insight and artistic flair is really a pleasure. I also enjoy your use of the word ameliorate. It is an under-used word! 🤩
I am so over the multi pillow arrangements on the bed! I have had 8 on my bed for a year and I'm done! Looks great if I'm not using the bed, but I do. I'm here for designing for my life over a look. I love the catalog look, but I'm getting a better understanding of how to edit for myself.
The algorithm placed you in my life today. My initial thoughts were “I wonder how long I’d have to save to hire her?” and “Does she even do work in Vegas?” This video was funny and informative.
I appreciate you being straight and to the point, as well as detailed.
I love your way of styling pillows on beds. Stacking the pillows I actually use then putting small decorative pillows in front of them looks so clean and stylish. Thanks for that tip!
'Now does that make sense?....' She was really waiting for a response 🤣🤣❤
Practical, gracious, and clever!