Why in the US most of the houses have bathrooms right next to the kitchen or dining area? I mean, don't you smell from the bathroom if you're eating breakfast or dinner or cooking something in the kitchen? 🤢🤮
💯I once spent a year and a half using only the couch cushions on the floor because the whole couch would not fit through the damn door due to a stupidly placed closet at the entrance.
@@soulsticegirl1969 When I was young, and living with roommates, we had a similar issue with the sofa. Couldn't get the main part up the stairwell to the third floor living room, so the cushions on the floor and wall was our "sofa".
^^^ THIS! Great point Vicki. I bought a really cool aluminum desk for my ‘office’. NEVER contemplated 2 men getting that thing around a corner and thru a door. They were magicians! I will need to sell the house with the desk…..🤷🏻♀️
This this this! I had to return the couch i ordered from a furniture store because it couldn't fit through my awkward front door. I ended up ordering a couch from Wayfair and built it in the living room
And if you’re in a walk up apartment, measure ALL the landings. When buying furniture, I measured one landing and thought the couch would fit, but it didn’t make the corner of the second landing (by an inch and a half 😢). I was forced to buy the style’s loveseat, instead. (Which ended up being so much better proportioned for the apartment because I didn’t put tape down on the floor to see how it would fit! Overall, it turned up a win 🎉)
I have my parents' house to clear out, so I am proposing a rule: Before you are allowed to add storage furniture, you must Marie Kondo the equivalent space. Before you buy a new wardrobe, you must cull your closet. Before you buy a rolling storage cart for the kitchen or add a hutch to the dining room, you have to get rid of kitchen equipment and dishes you don't use. Same goes for books and bookcases. No new shelves until you've gotten rid of 87 cheap paperbacks and 50-year-old science textbooks!
Yupp 5S your house every 6 months to a year. I have gone from a very large house to a smaller 1000 sqft home. That crap you have not touch in years just has to go.
Seeing this a bit late BUT non-negotiables for me include dangerous rug placement. Throw rugs that move, get stuck under doors, runners in a hallway with corners turned up, and on and on. I'm not 'old' but have walking struggles; I have to sight out every rug on the floor when going to someone's house hoping they are safe for me to walk over! You could do an entire video on making sure you home is beautiful AND safe (as you mentioned with your reminder about curtain length). Thanks for being so accessible in your content, delivery and clarity.
I actually had this fight with my mom. My grandma had a rug by her bed which was great in the mornings because she didn't have to put her shoes on to get up, but she'd trip over it at night on her way to bed. She wasn't walking unassisted so she never hurt herself. I brought it up with my mom several times, but she only got my grandma up out of bed and not into bed so she didn't see it as a problem. One night, she tripped over it and had an assisted fall down (wasn't hurt of course). I got her back up, into bed, and threw the rug out on my way out. Told my mom that the rug was not coming back and she could fight me if she wanted to, but I was done risking both her and whoever was taking her to bed after that. My mom decided not to fight me on it 😅
Yep, I had a 4in gash in my forehead as a kid because of my aunt's throw rug. Turned my eyes solid black. Had a whole ordeal with CPS because of the severity and the crazy story that my foot got stuck in the loops of a rug that the corner was folded over while I ran across it tripping me and sent me flying across the room into a sharp coffee table 😂 it was such a bizarre story when I tried to tell the docs who asked me what happened. The EMS drivers thankfully were witness to the scene of the accident of the ripped crumpled rug and bloodied table. I've only had non slip low pile weighted rugs ever since.
I use webbed rubber mats you can cut to size to place beneath area rugs, and have never had a problem with the buckling of rugs or slippage. Otherwise, l totally agree about the safety issues.
As kid, I slipped on a loose mat and fell into the upright piano. Pierced my ear. Next day, that mat was gone, no longer to be seen! No loose mats in my house!
whenever i lived in a studio i intentionally mismatched the lighting temperatures to help create different "rooms" within my tiny apartment. the bed had the warmer lights and workspace and kitchen had cooler lights. i think it worked in helping me feel like i wasnt just living in a giant box, even if it didn't exactly look cohesive! LOL
this is kind of like what hotels do with the task lighting at the bedside being warmer and the entrance and bathroom being cooler. that's an interesting perspective!
I like it even in the same room for different moods and times of day. I hardly ever turn on all the lights at once. I know decorators love to have lots of lights in one room, but I feel like work is bright and home is cozy. And the closer to bedtime it is, the warmer and dimmer I want those lights to be. Maybe someday all my lights will be programmable and adjust themselves rather than me turning off this one and turning on that one.
I think in general, if there's a functional reason you're doing it, it's probably okay as long as that reasoning is well thought-out and translates well in execution - which I'm sure depends on your space. If you did this as a calculated choice, I'm betting it worked fine - I think this is more aimed at people who just buy light bulbs like they're taking pills from a bowl at a rave.
@@ben2120-x2t Well now I feel called out. I mean, I try to stick somewhat close to "daylight bright" on the bulbs I buy, but it has definitely happened that I've bought a hospital white bulb and worse, a bulb so low on energy I couldn't even tell when the light was on or not unless it was pitch black or I looked directly at the bulb.
“Let’s say you want carpet in the bathroom becaaause, you’re gross”. Seriously, Nick, you are one in a million, and just what I needed this morning. Also, thanks for the tip as I was struggling with curtain options and a baseboard heater. "Yes your place is beautiful, it’s stunning, but when it’s up in flames it’s not as stunning as it used to be”. Phew. Feel like I dodged a bullet there.
I hated, hated, HATED tile countertops!!! Couldn't be sanitized, grout always looked filthy, dishes rocked on the uneven surfaces, and FORGET rolling out cookie dough!!! I was SO happy to replace them with quartz counters as soon as I could!!! Love you and your videos, Nick! ❤❤❤
I know I'm a weirdo but I have tile and I love it! Durable, heat resistant, and easy to repair. If I'm cooking something messy I just roll out a restaurant-sized silicone baking mat. The visual texture of tile is so pretty. I love reading the comments and seeing how different people are. ❤
We have black and white ceramic tile on our counter because it jibes with the vintage look we have, and we love it. We have an enameled work table as an island if dough needs rolling 😁
Also, please consider safety in regards to lighting. My parents love very dim "mood lighting". I went to stay with them recently after one parent had a bad fall in the family room. The room had one dim grey 25 watt LED bulb in the ceiling light. If you want dim lights but are at risk for falls, please have dimmers installed so you can enjoy the dim lighting but then raise the lights when you need to walk around the room.
Houses with inadequate lighting make me feel anxious. Especially if the space is small and dirty. Light that sucker up so you can see better when cleaning!! And especially open the stupid blackout curtains!! Who doesn’t want natural sunlight in the house like a normal human being 😩
Also I think the different temperature lighting is a good idea. For example I use the overhead white light during the day but the warm lamp in the evenings.
@@farelimm Who doesn't want sunlight? Sadly, those of us who have frequent migraines need to have at least one room that can be darkened. And if you're in a bad headache cycle, it needs to stay dark.
it’s so interesting bc as a disabled person who uses a wheelchair and doesn’t have experience in interior design these are all things I think about very frequently. I have to think about clearance in order for me to access spaces and do tasks as efficiently as possible. I HAVE to measure furniture beforehand so I can make sure I can fit underneath, that I can have wide enough spaces for me to pass. I own multiple measuring tapes so even if I lose one I can always access it. Of course I’m ALWAYS thinking about how high and low things are, how reachable, how viewable. How usable things are because due to energy limitations I want as little hassle as possible. And finally, I’m always thinking about safety, both in terms of things I could trip on, etc, but also because I’m far less likely to survive a fire or other disaster so I want to minimize them happening in the first place.
I am not disabled but when I reno my kitchen, I followed guidance for ppl with disabilities. I didn’t reduce counter height but things like clearance around the kitchen and ergonomics on faucet and drawers, sink. It makes so much sense.
Here in Australia we're moving towards making accessibility design mandatory for all new dwellings. We've got a way to go in terms of what is and is not included in the standard, but we're working on it. The statistic we're taught is that 60% of dwellings will have someone with accessibility needs living in them during the design life of the building, and it's 22x more expensive to retrofit when you need it than just to build it in from the start. When you consider that "design life" for a house is typically only 50 years but worldwide the average house stays in use a lot longer than that, the economics become even more compelling.
"You want to make sure you choose the stuff that is going to not kill your family." Hysterical!!1 Nick!! Thank you so much for your fantastic advice and HUMOR. :)
Yes. This video is full of practical tips, and we had the same number one takeaway. You already said it, but it bears repeating-Make design choices that are not going to kill your family. It gets me every time!
Came to the comments to find this 🤣🤣 the pictures he added were crazy too, like the shower shooting into the toilet?? or the little slice in the wall for the ceiling fan 🤣
I'm proud to announce my precious daughter recently told me to keep the stuff I love and not worry about what she may have to dispose of. BEST daughter ever. I was disposing of a lot of belongings when she stopped me. It was a relief because I really hated trying to get rid of things I enjoy.
My daughter complained to me about my books, suggested I throw them out. She said she doesn't want to deal with them when I die. My books have been with me since childhood, they are my friends, have been my happy place when there was no other, I can look at a title, touch the volume, and feel wonderful. I love my books. She can hire an auction company to get rid of what I loved, I won't need it when I am gone. I hope she doesn't spend time on social media airing her grievances about my books and other lifestyle choices, I consider that sort of behaviour to represent intolerance when aimed at a specific individual, and I would be so ashamed of her!!!
We recently up dated a bathroom with a "comfort" height toilet and taller sink vanity. These taller fixtures are so much easier to use. As we age, that ease of use will only become more important.
Poor material choice: I had a white wool rug in my kid’s room before he threw up all over it. Also, don’t put kid books on a high shelf. They should be able to access their own books. High shelves are for things you don’t want them to break.
When my kids were small, the bottom shelf of every bookshelf was kid stuff. We even had a cover for when people came over to hide the ratty spines, since a well-loved book will never be a pretty book.
@@missrottigirl Nope. If someone said they didn't feel good and mght get sick, my mother would open a paper grocery bag, set it down into a plastic wash pan, line the bottom with paper towels, and set it beside the bed.
LIGHTING: I’ve experienced the different temperatures thing and here’s what I found out. People use different lights (in the same room) for different things but not necessarily at the same time. For instance, someone may use an overhead light that is brighter with a higher temperature during the day or at night when a group activity is going on (like meal time) but use a warmer light that has a lower temperature at night when they only have that one light on, like sconces or table lights) for activities such as reading, one-on-one conversations or night time ambiance (like nightlights for the kiddos). I assume when people do this, they realize that they are not going to be using all the lighting in a single room all at once…..if you’ve seen that happen, it could be the result of a visitor who’s unfamiliar with which lights are used for what……just saying!!
Thank you! That was my first thought as well! I have kitchen task lighting that I want to be able to do surgery under. Then I have "it's the evening and I just need some really low warm light to get a drink of water.
Well he was talking about seeing both lighting at the same time being on in apts he’s seen. It’s one thing if your overhead light is one kind and your lamps in the same room are diffenet and you use them at different times. I think he’s talking about having them all on at the same time. And that looks horrible
In our basement remodel, all new permanent fixtures are hue lights. On the hue app, there is a "natural light" option that changes with the hours. It's really warm, a reddish amber, in the middle of the night, and that is much easier on the eyes/brain than the mid-day hues. There are all sorts of options, basically color stories, but for the hall, the "natural light" is a nifty general purpose choice when you aren't pushing for something novel.
Wait, is it a common thing for people to put hot pans directly on the countertops!? Regardless of counter material, I've always placed hot pans on pot holders or iron trivets. Also, I always get such a chuckle when he calls out "farmhouse" decor. Lol Living in the country, we just sort of accumulate some of that type stuff naturally and don't even really think about it. I draw the line at signs. If you have to advertise your house is a "farmhouse," your house is not a farmhouse. LOL
I have tile counters and love the fact that I can put hot pans directly on them. I am resisting upgrading my counters because I have 30 years of habit to overcome!
He has always specified that if you live in the country or in a farmhouse that "Farmhouse" decor makes perfect sense. It's when your house in the suburbs is trying to vibe it and so is everyone else's. Like having a log cabin in the city. Makes sense in the woods, not so much in suburbia.
Spot on as usual. The whole drawer thing reminded me of when my toddler “locked” himself in the bathroom by opening a drawer in the vanity that prevented the door from opening. We had a key outside the bathroom to cover that locked scenario, but a vanity drawer…hadn’t even occurred to us.
As a designer. I prefer warm lights in general as opposed to cooler tones, but I Have a few exceptions. I am VERY color sensitive and most of my evening hobbies (drawing & needlework) involve colorwork. I have a chair in the livingroom with a daylight bulb next to it. For big get togethers, I switch out the bulb. The spare is stored in the table, so that even if I forget, its right there to quickly swap. Some of this is age related. I have warm task lights all over the kitchen, but there are times I want "LET THERE BE LIGHT!" moments. The overhead fixture has extreme lighting that is rarely used, sort of like flicking on the lights at last call in your favorite bar. Palmetto bugs have migrated/hitchhiked north to Tennessee. I need LIGHT when I'm stalking those nasty little beasts!
I have three rules that guide the mixed lighting thing and they have worked every time for me 1) Never the same type of lamp ie all the recessed lighting should be the same temp, all table lamps (excluding task lamps) should be the same color etc Rule 2) generally move warmer further down (except when using a spot or task light or if you have dimmable ceiling lighting) the lower the light is coming from the cozier so it goes well with usage and it reflects nature so it’s not as jarring Rule 3) Have a reason/know it creates a different space. Kinda like an accent wall a different light temp can be amazing at creating multi use spaces but it can also randomly break up space which is jarring and NOT GOOD tm
I had to search for quite a while before I found kitchen task lighting that was daylight in temperature. When handling produce, I want as close to perfect color representation as I can get because that's part of how I identify the state of my ingredients etc.
I like warm lighting generally, so that’s what is in most rooms, but for a project that requires significant light, I have a magnifying light on the desk that is cool. Mismatch lighting is for multipurpose rooms, or differing needs in a room (my mom also does the cool light over the kitchen sink to ensure everything gets clean).
The full quote is "In matters of taste, the customer is always right." People need to remember the whole thing, in all other matters, the customer is more often wrong than right.
I feel like such a jerk! My late mother-in-law was an interior designer, so I forget how much my husband knows even though I'm the one on organization & decor now that she passed. I bought some random lighting & he fixated on all the temp having to be the same; whereas, I hadn't even noticed the difference or done it on purpose, but he went out & bought all lightbulbvs to match what I did. Honestly, I didn't even know temp lighting was even a thing, but it made a huge difference! Kudos to u & my late mother-in-law who taught her son better than her daughter-in-law lol.
Yep. I once bought a lounge suite- back in the day when you actually bought lounge suites- it looked great in the showroom but when I got it home it was ridiculously too big for my room!!! We put up with it for years but I always hated it and I used to sit on one of the chairs with my legs over the enormously large arms. He’s always right isn’t he??❤
Doesn't need to be showroom. My bf at the time had a huge couch that could fit 10 people, it was super comfy and deep. It looked like a regular couch in his living room, but when we moved in together into a new place, that same thing took up 70% of the new living room. We had to literally climb over it to get to the balcony. We switched to a new, much smaller couch. Then we had kids and that couch is a mess. Having something that's not child proof (easily cleaned) is a nightmare.
Excellent video, thank you. All hail "Common Sense" or the design mantra version: "Form follows function". If your home is not functional or it's unsafe, it's a design fail. There are always stylish but functional and safe solutions for every situation.
My non negotiable is that any room that involves water gets tiled. Laundry, kitchen, bath. Even the mudroom and entryways. Carpet molds, wood warps, water can get under linoleum and ruin the subfloor. The luxury vinyl that seals is better than most other flooring, but there’s still the potential.
Large-format tiles and other slippery surfaces in the bathroom: yes! I stayed at a hotel recently where every shower was like taking my life into my hands because of their beautifully smooth shower tray. So aesthetic, much lawsuit waiting to happen. And very recently another design UA-camr told us we should buy these special bathmats because she slips all the time getting out of her shower, and even standing up from the toilet (after a shower, I guess? I hope?), and she acted like this happens to all of us and it was like GIRL NO IT DOES NOT, YOU NEED TO RETILE. Form shouldn't come before function when you could get seriously hurt if it's any other way!
In my country, you would have to lay your own tiles and lie to the store where you bought them if you want to use non-rough, slip resistant tiles specially designed for bathrooms and balconies / patios. Not up to code.
We have been building our house for awhile now. We put in a big walk in shower and we bought our tile at this outlet place. They had samples out and I asked if I can try them out with my bare feet and with water on them. They looked at me funny but I said, we’re in our 50’s and this is our “forever” home and also my 90 year old dad lives with us. I can’t have a slippery shower. Found some good smooth rock shower tile. We love it. Very non slip 👍🏻😊
We had the same issue. Found a company that does NO SLIP finishes. It is not expensive and changed our attitude and fear about getting in and out of the shower. It’s great around pools if someone stupidly put in travertine. They use it in commercial kitchens and in many of the casinos here in Las Vegas.
Nick, you are what HGtv USED to be…informative on an everyday practical useful level!! And that’s why I love your channel!!! You give us such great insight and instruction that we all can implement within our own homes without breaking the bank by restructuring our entire house!! Thank you so much!!!
Omg my friend has mismatched lighting temperatures within single fixtures! It’s awful. Her 6 bulb chandelier over her kitchen table has 3 different colors. Her recessed lights in her kitchen are all over the place. It’s insane. 😂
My neighbor had 3 different white lights in her kitchen ceiling fan. Drove me nuts so I brought her 3 of the same lights. We’re close enough that I could tease her about it. Lol. I can’t stand warm mixed with cool and blue tones. Ugh. Like fingernails on a chalkboard. Lol
Sometimes it is not that easy to get it fitting, especially if you don't want to change everything. I have a ceiling light in the bathroom and didn't find the same temperature bulbs for the wall lights. But I rarely use the ceiling light and it's only the bathroom, so I will stay with it. I also bought lots of spares for the living room lights so that the problem won't arrive too soon. But I used half of the spares already 😞.
I agree with consistent lighting temps - clashing ones give me a migraine _so_ easily. I prefer the 4000 k one - not too sterile blinding white, but not so yellow that _everything_ looks yellow and I can't tell if my food is done cooking. When Dad had said he was going to redo the kitchen countertops, I was so happy... until he went with the same style of tile and grout as it originally had. Like, _no,_ it's a pain to clean and maintain when so much cooking is being done.
Improper clearances around furniture drives me insane!!! I'm a housekeeper & trying to vacuum & clean floors becomes a nightmare when huge furniture blocks dry mops & vacuum paths
TVs hung too high and/or above the fireplace are nonnegotiable mistakes in my book. They look ridiculous, they strain people's necks and eyes, and I hate everything about them. Hate, hate, hate. People who buy a nice TV stand and then proceed to mount the TV on the wall 2-3 feet above it : WHY?!?!
I also hate TVs above the fireplace and don’t understand why someone tried it and then almost everyone joined in. TVs should always be at eye level. Heat from a fireplace can ruin a TV. Too often TV cords aren’t installed into the wall so there are ugly black wires hanging there. And finally, above the fireplace is a lovely place to hang something beautiful, and a TV is not beautiful.
I just moved into a new house this month and the previous owners had mixed warm lighting with hospital lighting throughout every room in the house. First thing we did was change out all of the lightbulbs to warm and it made such a drastic difference!!
and then there are things that aren't necessarily non-negotiable but boy do I wish had a legal limit... like how many pillows you're allowed to put on your couches and bed! Love that you're trying to be nice here, very very hard lol
I’ll add re. space around furniture: Figure in the size of indoor animals! A human may fit comfortably, but if a human PLUS an animal can’t, it’s too tight. When we brought home our German Shepherd puppy, we realized VERY quickly that our human-only-size floor plan wasn’t going to work for long! 😄 Now she’s 6 and 82 pounds, and INSISTS on being right beside us everywhere we go. Thanks to the Diva we have a new sofa, coffee table, bedroom layout, office, etc! 😂 *She’s worth it (and knows it!) 😁🐶
Good point for anyone who has a large / long-bodied dog. If they can't back up or turn around easily, they will knock over or tear up your stuff. Why we also don't place anything fragile at tail-wagging height.
@@gloriaalex11 I can’t tell you the number of spilled drinks we’ve had from guests not taking us seriously about the dogs sweeping things off the coffee table with their tails when they get excited. 😅 Fortunately the floor in the living room is tile, so cleanup is easy
When we were buying new patio furniture, we took the measurements of what we were considering, and laid out towels in the same measurements on the patio to see if the pieces would fit. Worked great, easy to do, and you could do it indoors too. No need for tape, or cutting up cardboard!
I was seriously considering getting a new rectangle coffee table until I used painters tape to mark where it would go, just like you suggest in this video. My current circlular one works much better. Saved me from making a big mistake.
At last, a designer who’s not afraid to call it as he sees it. Kudos, Nick, you’re a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stuffy room full of designers. And bonus, Canadian! I’ve just subscribed to the channel. Thank you for making these videos with your good, sound, honest, advice!
A tip about measuring, actually tape off the space of the piece you are interested in. After we bought out house, the house we plan oj living in for a long long time, we made the decision to be very purposeful about what we bought and not just buy the first thing we saw to be able to say we got something. So when w found a couch we loved, we came back and tapes off the size and shape of the couch on the floor to see how it was. Did the same thing when we couldn’t decide between tow sizes of TV. We were tempted to go with the slightly smaller one because of the price but after taping it odd on the wall we realized the bigger one actually fit much much better and so we held off and saved a little bit more.
I did a 3D model of a faux fireplace out of cardboard before we even build our house. I collected pictures of fireplaces for years. It really helped with the dimensions. The final fireplace looks spectacular and people think it’s real. It’s my favorite feature, I love decorating it. I have a fat candle in it and it even has a chimney
Would love to see your faux fireplace (sounds so fun!). I did two "hidden" doors in my basement using inset bookcases on hinges and casters (something I had collected pictures of for years as well). Also, strongly agree that, for me, it is important to do a room mock up of furniture and (generous) walkway spacing before shopping furniture so you do not get tempted to bring something home that doesn't fit the space. When I bought a new house I used a 3D modeling tool for my existing furniture placement for the whole house but usually just 2D / paper when it's just 1 room I'm redecorating.
Love your program. Makes me laugh every time I watch. The toilet photos were fabulous. Oh goodness. The pics of TVs above doors etc. Thanks for the laughs.
The clearances! One of my friends rented a condo in a round building, which meant that her kitchen was wedge-shaped. For some reason, they decided to put the stove in the small part of the wedge, which meant you couldn't fully open the oven door.
I totally agree with most things you say, they are so making sense. I cannot understand how tile countertops can be trendy or look luxurious. Tile is the cheapest looking thing as countertops.
Love it! You know, somehow I knew that the lighting temperature issue was gonna come up. Recently, I asked my electrician friend to help me change one of the LED’s in the kitchen. Do not ever take for granted that anyone knows what you want. Be explicit! Because I did take it for granted I wound up with one cool LED amongst all of the other warms. I thanked him graciously, but changed it soon after. Mixing temps is very off-putting. I felt like everything was wrong. I even thought my pants were on backward. You are sooo right. Mixing temps is non-negotiable!!!
My first apartment had carpet in the bathroom and kitchen. The building was from 1901 and the plumbing and pipes leaked so there was always mold. It was only $390 and across from a bar so my 22 year old self didn’t care 😂
Omg I had carpet in my bathroom too!! Never met anyone who had that as well 😂 After a couple years I pulled out the carpet and put laminate flooring in there (the landlord said that’s okay but I have to pay for it and leave it there when I move out) jeez And everyone always asked ‘why do you have carpet in the bathroom?’ 😂😂😂 My toilet was in a seperate room with laminate so I guess it wasn’t super dirty but it definitely was dirty
I know I am very late to this video, but when we moved into our current home we brought the warm light bulbs from our old home for lamps and the previous owners had the warm bulbs too. But the paint on the wall at the time were very on the warm side of beige. And the our lampshades were all kind of off-white in that direction as well. As a result, I felt like I was living in the giant cigarette stain. I got the cooler bulbs and it was a massive improvement.
When my husband was making our beautiful cherry kitchen table I had him make a plywood top to make sure the size was right and didn’t interfere with the entry to the kitchen. I changed the length and radius of the corners and it works perfectly for the room.
Yknow how there's that person who writes out the topic timestamps when a UA-camr hasn't provided them? Can someone provide that service of timestamping all of Nick's one-liners? 3:08 "I'm not looking in people's apartments. I'm not a pervert..."
I totally cannot live with carpet in the bathroom, or TV over the fireplace. That drawer, dishwasher thing would drive me bonkers as well. Then there is outlet frustration. You have your room all figured out for furniture placement, and there isn't an outlet where you need one.
Then there's a home like the one we just got. The living room is huge, and the builders added brass floor plugs, which are great. But only if they weren't put in completely random places. It's large enough for two or three furniture/conversation seating areas. Not a single floor outlet is in any way lined up for any seating arrangement that we can figure out!
Used to live in an older home that only had one electrical outlet per wall. And zero outlets in the bathroom. But since there was also zero counter space, all hair drying/styling and makeup had to be done in the bedroom anyway.
Oh nooo, not again. So often I hear this on UA-cam 💕 You should NOT EVER put hot pans or even have hot appliances on any stone surfaces. Please don’t! That’s coming from a stonemason assistant!! Marble is soft and therefor scratches, stains and etches easier. Hot pots can burn the marble. Granite is really hard and tight, very very hard to scratch or stain. BUT can crack with heat! Might not happen always. But Granite cracks the easiest (as there is so much tension in the stone. Quartz or Engineered stones are kind of in the middle (often depends on the colour). Can stain/scratch (not as easily), can get burn marks on them, or can crack. Please don’t ever put hot pots on stone surfaces!!! 💕🥰
I think my biggest non-negotiable is junking up a space with too much decor!! I see designers do this all the time in living rooms, especially with "boho" or "eclectic" styles. It's a nightmare to look at much less have to live in!! Thank you Nick for bringing sanity to design!!
I really agree with you about materials in bathrooms. Here in Sweden we will never install wood floor or textile floors, not paper wallpapers either. The building regulations and insurance companies will never allow that. The rest of your "rules" are common sense and many against building regulations (doors, electrical (both bathrooms and kitchens). Here the regulations are very strict and must be followed.
Also in my country, code requires rough, slip resistant tiles for bathrooms, patios and balconies. Haven't seen all of the video yet but we also are not allowed outlets or switches inside the bathroom. Need to blow dry your hair? There is an outlet in your bedroom or the kitchen.
The painters tape tip is super helpful for those of us who end up having to buy flat pack, since you can’t always see the item ahead of time so you cannot visualize the size! It has helped me A LOT
It is annoying when people have furniture listed on Facebook marketplace with NO measurements! I always ask first. Some sellers respond by stating I can come look at it, uh no, my time is valuable also! Have a great day!
@Theaterbuddy717 As someone who has had to give away nearly all of my furniture from my apartment to move into a house, due to timing, my biggest pet peeve with Marketplace *buyers* was long conversations indicating strong interest in a particular piece, but *_having absolutely no way to transport it._* My sofa, bed, dresser were among those pieces, often responses were from people without cars. And I gave up early on anyone saying *_"I have a friend with a car, but have to wait until he gets off from work"._* 🙄
I'm 5'4" and DH is 6'7". There isn't a useful compromise in the kitchen, but we do have his/hers bathrooms and seating. A "normal" height toilet is my non negotiable.
My dad is 6’4”. When they were building their house in the 1960’s. They put in a 3/4 bathroom downstairs that was my dads bathroom. The counter tops were higher and so was the shower head. 👍🏻
I feel your pain. Mine is 6’4”. It impacts so much of my design decisions. It’s like Goldilocks three bears. Papa sized furniture has to be huge for him. Trying to find an attractive recliner is hard enough without it being extra large too. 🫣And Yes, to separate bathrooms! 😆
The colour of the lamp shade has a significant impact on the color of the light cool or hot .If you use exactly the same bulb in terms of lumens on two similar lamps,the light with the yellow lamp shade will appear warmer than the light which has the blue lamp shade.
Yes! I just bought a new lamp and adore the base but the shade makes a blue cool light so I have t used it because I need a shade that pulls warmer. I even put super warm bulbs in it but the lampshade still made it appear cool, then the warm light peeped out the top and bottom creating the mixed temp look. It’s non negotiable that I need a different lamp shade before I even plug that lamp back in!
I grew up in Germany and so many stairs were absolutely dangerous: open risers, made of polished stone or polished wood. I'm not sure how I survived my childhood, but I still remember slipping and falling down these stairs and believing I would die. XD And now my in-laws have polished wood (not open risers at least) and my toddler keeps slipping on them... I know it's not 'the aesthetic', but... carpet on stairs is not a bad idea!
I just realized I sometimes forget to click “like” on your videos. I always watch them as soon as you produce them, and I love them! I still love that you always get to the point so quickly and give us lots of content. Some designers just go on and on introducing the topic and showing off and I find it irritating. I just love your presentation, and appreciate you. Have a great day!
My feelings on the lighting temperatures. If they are the same function, say all ceiling, all table lamps, basically ones that are going to be on at the same time then yes, agree, HOWEVER lighting in the same room with different fuctions, I think different temps work. In our lounge, our ceiling lights are daylight, however in the evening, we only have the lamps on and theyre warmer and that works so well. Works perfectly for different times of the day.
00:08:49 Nick I’m laughing so hard! Those two bathrooms are hideous disease traps. 😂 What you say about choosing correct materials for the job is great, great advice.
Love that this includes the hazards! Especially with antiques trending, things like lead in furniture finds or outdated safety standards for childrens items are something to pay attention to!
Choose furniture for durability if you have pets and/or kids! It’s SO tempting to buy cheap, flimsy stuff that you don’t care about getting damaged, but it can be a lot more expensive and a lot more hazardous. It is better invest a little more money up front for something durable that can take more abuse and still look halfway decent despite your little darlings than to risk spending money every year or so on tacky, cheap stuff that tends to fall apart if you look at it wrong.
Great advice as always! I like daylight bulbs in my bathroom to mimick the outdoor light so my makeup looks right, and also in the utility room so I can see and treat stains on clothing before they go in the wash. Everywhere else, I like the warmer lighting.
@@deborahgalvan5367 Natural light would be nice, but we don't have a window in our bathroom. I've also lived in places where the light from the bathroom window is coming in from the side as I was facing the mirror, so half of my face was lit differently than the other half... super annoying! Plus, if you're applying makeup when it's dark outside (I'm a 3rd shifter) or going out for the evening, you can't depend on natural light. Daylight bulbs just make it easier. 😀
My Mom was an interior designer and taught me that same rule about hanging art - it is sort of like mirrors. You want your face right in the center of a mirror so think of the art you're hanging similarly. Your eyes should roughly be in the center of the artwork (of course make small adjustments to the average height person if you happen to be really short or tall) 🙂
Only thing for me is that my art I inherited is huge. If I hang the stuff just above my bookshelves, couches etc, it's already high up. But I'm not getting rid of my art because it's slightly valuable.
I have different tones of lighting throughout my home, one warm and one slightly cooler. But! I only use one temperature at a time (I have several different lighting sources of both tones/temperatures). I live in a studio apartment and changing the lighting depending on the task/situation can help transform a small multifunctional space.
You made some really good points. I however bought a sectional for my previous house which had a larger living room than my current house. I was able to make it work; not what I’d buy if I was out looking for this space. Financially I had to make it work and I think that’s the case for a lot of people. For those that would buy the wrong size furniture on purpose probably don’t watch designers on UA-cam anyway and don’t care what they think.
Thanks, similar thoughts here. If you are buying new stuff for a space, then of course it makes sense to measure it exactly. But sometimes people need to make what they have on hand work, and can't buy a new sectional or sofa for every house they'll live in. Especially if they aren't in their forever home. Thanks for mentioning this.
Yeah I’m in this spot as well. We 100% know we will be out of this space in less than two years. Our living room is too crowded but I don’t want to buy a new sofa for this space when we’ll be somewhere new (that we’re hoping will be more long-term) so soon. It does full on drive me nuts though! I’m very prone to walking into corners in tight spaces.
What I do like, though, is that he laid the problem out so clearly. My couch in my space is what I could afford. (Free). However, it means that maybe I can switch out a cheaper piece..like the coffee table to make the living room work.
Yeah some of the advice was good, but assumes you have the money to buy new furniture all the time or choose what size your rooms are. A bit judgemental for the average person doing their best.
I recently replaced my oversized couch that I got as a free hand-me-down when I moved out with one that’s way more appropriate for the space and i genuinely can’t believe how much better my entire living room looks without all of that space being taken up!
I am losing my mind watching the news lately. I realized I needed to STOP for a moment and maybe watch a comedy. I started watching Will and Grace but I’ve watched every episode many times. Started watching Greg and dharma and it’s probably some thing I will go back to you but it just wasn’t working for me. And then I realized I’ve been away from Nick for a while, and boy have I missed you! Thanks for the good laughs and good interior design advice. Now I’m putting the remote down and purging every “cool” lightbulb that exist in my house.
I know exactly what you mean. And Nick is very funny. I turned from too much news to The Golden Girls, where every line seems to be hilarious. That's great background tv if you've seen it already as the writing is so good just to listen to. Also, I love cosy British tv for when the world seems mad. To the Manor Born, The Good Life, Doc Martin, early Midsomer Murders and Escape to the Country.
So true! Double check those materials, function comes first! Making artist decisions, is good to have in mind, that the years pass and we grow. We don't want unpractical materials that may cause accidents
Probably the weirdest thing i've seen in a while was in a kitchen reno video. The dishwasher was perpendicular to and right up against the corner of the counter by the sink, so when the dishwasher is open, there is no room for someone to be at the sink. To me, a dishwasher is for convenience, and if i had to put the dishes on the counter and then move to the other side of the dishwasher so i could open it and put the dishes in, i'd just forego the dishwasher altogether. i'm not sure why they didn't move it down even just a few inches while they were remodeling the space, but to each their own, i guess 😶
Sounds like they just didn’t think that thru 😬 I’ve also seen where people keep retiling or laminating their kitchen floor and then after 15-20 years it’s time to change out the dishwasher. Only to find out that there’s 2-3 extra layers of tile or flooring and the dishwasher is trapped in there. Lol
I’ve seen that same arrangement in new homes. Great looking kitchen in the pictures, but when you start looking at the practicality of where the dishwasher is placed, I realized I couldn’t stand at the sink and load the dishwasher which was crazy. This builder had done this in like three models. And kept selling them. But there were a lot of those homes up for resale within a couple years, and I’ll bet I know why!
Okay, okay, okay! A design video I can really get behind! I have a more maximalist, colorful design aesthetic which is commonly left out of a lot of design element videos 😅 I wouldn't trade it for the world though, my home brings me and my husband great joy BUT I want it to look intentionally pieced together. I appreciate videos like this that instead of going over "fad" likes and dislikes, the information is more based to help hone in your own style in a more professional way. Thanks Nick!
Any material that you cannot maintain yourself or cannot afford to have maintained properly, especially in a timely manner. Fluffy long faux fur accent rugs that have to be raked and combed and de-linted... It doesn't matter, the Flokati rug or the natural animal hide chair; The pure white upholstery; the shag pile rug in the kids room may seem soft and snuggly until you have to mine for the dropped Barbie stilettos, hair accessories, beads and trims from the My Big Girl Jewelry Design kit that your mother thought she would just LOVE constructing her own necklaces and bracelets; or unpredictable pets. I had just rolled out a 12'x10' wool and silk blend room size rug in my newly decorated living room only an hour before an expected visit from my out of town daughter and grandchildren. What daughter had not forewarned me was that they had just obtained a brand new beagle puppy and that Miss Bella was visiting too. After hours in the car with a long stretch since the last rest stop, my 5yr old granddaughter eagerly carried in her squirmy little "surprise" without the first obligatory stop on the front lawn before coming in, plopped her on the living room floor where Miss Bella scampered onto said prized rug and promptly emptied her entire puppy bladder on it! The rug was blotted and spotted & rolled up and sent off to the rug cleaners that afternoon. it cost me an additional $250 to have cleaned. At least they did pick up and delivery.
We moved away from carpet anywhere in the house for a season, because of two issues. We live in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and from October to May rain is really an issue. It was impossible to get the kids to always go around to the garage to come into the house, instead of using the sliding door in the family room, and that was the only door that opened into the fenced yard for the dogs. So that carpet was half damp all the time. And pet accidents are 100% easier to clean on a hard floor. But I do like carpet for noise absorption and the nice feel underfoot. When we ever get the time, energy, and money together I am putting carpet back in the master bedroom.
@@sleepycalico I have them all over , primarily because it is easier on our dogs. And they are theoretically easier to clean. But they kind of negate the easy care of hard floors. I think we will always have dogs, so probably will keep the rugs. In truth, carpet has its advantages for cleaning, just as hard floors do.
Good quality vinyl flooring might also help! Absorbs sounds, is comfy and soft on your feet, easy to clean. I find it warmer cpmpared to laminate or wood flooring. Can even be combined with heated floors.
Loved your TV comments. My TV installer thought my TV was getting hung too high. Then he sat in the lounge once it had been installed, a light bulb moment for him. The height means you can sit back on the lounge and not be slumped over or look up to watch the TV. I am loving it.
Right on with the granite Nick!I have enjoyed mine for 10 years and now will be finally renovating my kitchen and look forward to a new color.. we almost moved and the salesman was arguing with me in a model home that quartz is better than granite. Coming from a person who cooks and first lived with the builder laminate which looked like roller coasters due to the heat coming off of the stove on the left and right, to which my husband clamped them down until we finally updated with our beautiful granite.!
I learned the lesson about slippery floor surfaces in college. Many of the older buildings had colonnades with smooth stone and glazed brick pavers. And the steps into the front doors were smooth stone, too. They looked great, but if we had a warm humid air mass move in after we'd had cold weather, they would be covered in condensation and dangerous as hell.
"It's all fun and games until your toaster falls in the sink." Too. Much. Meme-worthy. Content! 🤣 Happy to report I painted my place this week - went from a cool grey to warm white in a north-facing condo! Decided to a while back but I appreciated getting your validation on the topic.
Nick excellent non-negotiables, I really enjoyed this video. In thinking on it, I'd have to add that housekeeping should be non-negotiable also. Thanks for always bring us great content with a sense of humor!
COUNTERPOINT : mismatch your lighting temperatures ON PURPOSE so you can change to a colder or warmer light depending on which lamp is on and on what's more fitting for the hour or the season.
I do this. My overhead lighting in everything but the bedrooms is cooler toned. In the various lamps in every room, warm tones. I use overhead lights when I get up in the morning or if I need to augment a grey day. I use lamps with warmer light bulbs in the evenings.
I actually have some overhead lighting that can change temperature! We have really bad natural lighting so it would be too dark with warmer tones during the day! But then can make it cozy at night!
@@DFBurgermeisterthey can be slightly mismatched if you have an obvious separation, like kitchen area is slightly cooler, and dining area is slightly warmer.
I have the dimmest possible light in my bedside lamp so I can happily transition to sleep as soon as I turn it off. I have a dim light in the living room that I turn on before I leave the house near nighttime. It is so cozy to come home to a little glow instead of having to switch on the "real" lights.
Finding furniture the right size for my generations-old living room was going to be time-consuming and very expensive, so I built it all myself. It's sturdy and lovely, and it fits just right.
That's amazing. I have a very small house from 1964. I am on a budget and finding furniture that is the right size is so hard. I'm on Facebook marketplace daily. I'd love to build my own but have no idea how. Might look into it
Another option for old houses with small rooms: shop auctions and buy period furniture made for smaller rooms. Bonus: it's usually far better quality than modern stuff. So maybe you need to recover a piece or two -- you'll still save money and get a more appropriate size for your spaces.
Lol. My apartment is really old and here that means the rooms are huge. Some of my rooms I'm using the furniture to split the rooms into different zones because buying massive furniture would be too expensive.
Use LEWIS55 to get 55% off your first month at Scentbird sbird.co/3LnqV6k
Thank you for the code! 🙏🏼❤️ I live for fragrance.
Love your channel
@@jori7398❤
Why in the US most of the houses have bathrooms right next to the kitchen or dining area? I mean, don't you smell from the bathroom if you're eating breakfast or dinner or cooking something in the kitchen? 🤢🤮
MEASURE! MEASURE! MEASURE! I've so regretted when I didn't. 😢
"You hear people say farmhouse is dated..." It was you, Nick. You were the "people" 😂
Well maybe I just consider myself the voice of the people then. 😂
You're the voice for this people!! @@Nick_Lewis
🤣🤣
Disagree 😂 I've been saying it too. It's totally dated 😅
He did clarify once though: If you live in an actual farmhouse, it’s ok-minus all the pithy signage in “Etsy” font. (Paraphrasing and agreed.) 🤭
You need to make sure what you buy will fit through the door to your house, apartment, or room.
💯I once spent a year and a half using only the couch cushions on the floor because the whole couch would not fit through the damn door due to a stupidly placed closet at the entrance.
@@soulsticegirl1969 When I was young, and living with roommates, we had a similar issue with the sofa. Couldn't get the main part up the stairwell to the third floor living room, so the cushions on the floor and wall was our "sofa".
^^^ THIS! Great point Vicki. I bought a really cool aluminum desk for my ‘office’. NEVER contemplated 2 men getting that thing around a corner and thru a door. They were magicians! I will need to sell the house with the desk…..🤷🏻♀️
This this this! I had to return the couch i ordered from a furniture store because it couldn't fit through my awkward front door. I ended up ordering a couch from Wayfair and built it in the living room
And if you’re in a walk up apartment, measure ALL the landings. When buying furniture, I measured one landing and thought the couch would fit, but it didn’t make the corner of the second landing (by an inch and a half 😢). I was forced to buy the style’s loveseat, instead. (Which ended up being so much better proportioned for the apartment because I didn’t put tape down on the floor to see how it would fit! Overall, it turned up a win 🎉)
I have my parents' house to clear out, so I am proposing a rule: Before you are allowed to add storage furniture, you must Marie Kondo the equivalent space. Before you buy a new wardrobe, you must cull your closet. Before you buy a rolling storage cart for the kitchen or add a hutch to the dining room, you have to get rid of kitchen equipment and dishes you don't use. Same goes for books and bookcases. No new shelves until you've gotten rid of 87 cheap paperbacks and 50-year-old science textbooks!
Great plan!
I totally follow this rule. Love Marie.
I co-sign.
I’m an only child and the hints I drop 😩
Yupp 5S your house every 6 months to a year. I have gone from a very large house to a smaller 1000 sqft home. That crap you have not touch in years just has to go.
Seeing this a bit late BUT non-negotiables for me include dangerous rug placement. Throw rugs that move, get stuck under doors, runners in a hallway with corners turned up, and on and on. I'm not 'old' but have walking struggles; I have to sight out every rug on the floor when going to someone's house hoping they are safe for me to walk over! You could do an entire video on making sure you home is beautiful AND safe (as you mentioned with your reminder about curtain length). Thanks for being so accessible in your content, delivery and clarity.
I guess it comes under a few different broader topics discussed in the video
I actually had this fight with my mom. My grandma had a rug by her bed which was great in the mornings because she didn't have to put her shoes on to get up, but she'd trip over it at night on her way to bed. She wasn't walking unassisted so she never hurt herself. I brought it up with my mom several times, but she only got my grandma up out of bed and not into bed so she didn't see it as a problem. One night, she tripped over it and had an assisted fall down (wasn't hurt of course). I got her back up, into bed, and threw the rug out on my way out. Told my mom that the rug was not coming back and she could fight me if she wanted to, but I was done risking both her and whoever was taking her to bed after that. My mom decided not to fight me on it 😅
Yep, I had a 4in gash in my forehead as a kid because of my aunt's throw rug. Turned my eyes solid black. Had a whole ordeal with CPS because of the severity and the crazy story that my foot got stuck in the loops of a rug that the corner was folded over while I ran across it tripping me and sent me flying across the room into a sharp coffee table 😂 it was such a bizarre story when I tried to tell the docs who asked me what happened. The EMS drivers thankfully were witness to the scene of the accident of the ripped crumpled rug and bloodied table. I've only had non slip low pile weighted rugs ever since.
I use webbed rubber mats you can cut to size to place beneath area rugs, and have never had a problem with the buckling of rugs or slippage. Otherwise, l totally agree about the safety issues.
As kid, I slipped on a loose mat and fell into the upright piano. Pierced my ear. Next day, that mat was gone, no longer to be seen! No loose mats in my house!
whenever i lived in a studio i intentionally mismatched the lighting temperatures to help create different "rooms" within my tiny apartment. the bed had the warmer lights and workspace and kitchen had cooler lights. i think it worked in helping me feel like i wasnt just living in a giant box, even if it didn't exactly look cohesive! LOL
this is kind of like what hotels do with the task lighting at the bedside being warmer and the entrance and bathroom being cooler. that's an interesting perspective!
I like it even in the same room for different moods and times of day. I hardly ever turn on all the lights at once. I know decorators love to have lots of lights in one room, but I feel like work is bright and home is cozy. And the closer to bedtime it is, the warmer and dimmer I want those lights to be. Maybe someday all my lights will be programmable and adjust themselves rather than me turning off this one and turning on that one.
I think in general, if there's a functional reason you're doing it, it's probably okay as long as that reasoning is well thought-out and translates well in execution - which I'm sure depends on your space. If you did this as a calculated choice, I'm betting it worked fine - I think this is more aimed at people who just buy light bulbs like they're taking pills from a bowl at a rave.
@@ben2120-x2t Well now I feel called out.
I mean, I try to stick somewhat close to "daylight bright" on the bulbs I buy, but it has definitely happened that I've bought a hospital white bulb and worse, a bulb so low on energy I couldn't even tell when the light was on or not unless it was pitch black or I looked directly at the bulb.
@@helenanilsson5666 I had one of those and it is a faulty light bulb. If that does not solve the problem immediately, call the electrician.
"I don't really love children but I don't want them to fall down stairs." Priceless, love your humor Nick!
It's such a fine line between the two extremes!
Yes, and "You don't want things that are going to kill your family!"🤣
I had to rewind twice to make sure I heard that correctly 😂😂😂
Oh my god this cracked me up! 😂
Exactly my stance on children 😁
"It's all fun and games until the toaster falls into the sink" 🤣
"I don't really love children, but I don't want them to fall down stairs"
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Why not
Cause they're not a terminally online edgelord? @@rainacherienne1010is that a good enough reason sweetpea?
“Let’s say you want carpet in the bathroom becaaause, you’re gross”. Seriously, Nick, you are one in a million, and just what I needed this morning. Also, thanks for the tip as I was struggling with curtain options and a baseboard heater. "Yes your place is beautiful, it’s stunning, but when it’s up in flames it’s not as stunning as it used to be”. Phew. Feel like I dodged a bullet there.
Right? What even is the thought process of putting carpet in a bathroom?? 🤨🤔
@@EH23831 I would love to know who the first person was who thought, "this is a good idea!"
@@vkumra some weirdo…
hahaha a 'gross weirdo'@@EH23831
"Feel like I dodged a bullet there." 😄😆😉
I hated, hated, HATED tile countertops!!! Couldn't be sanitized, grout always looked filthy, dishes rocked on the uneven surfaces, and FORGET rolling out cookie dough!!! I was SO happy to replace them with quartz counters as soon as I could!!! Love you and your videos, Nick! ❤❤❤
I don’t have countertops of any kind, and I’m glad. I don’t have cabinets either.
I love tile countertops. They're basically indestructible. I hate granite. HGTV has convinced everyone they have to have solid counters.
@@jeanemery1it’s so hard to roll out dough and feel like it’s a completely sanitary surface because of the crevices. I hated it!!
I know I'm a weirdo but I have tile and I love it! Durable, heat resistant, and easy to repair. If I'm cooking something messy I just roll out a restaurant-sized silicone baking mat. The visual texture of tile is so pretty. I love reading the comments and seeing how different people are. ❤
We have black and white ceramic tile on our counter because it jibes with the vintage look we have, and we love it. We have an enameled work table as an island if dough needs rolling 😁
Also, please consider safety in regards to lighting. My parents love very dim "mood lighting". I went to stay with them recently after one parent had a bad fall in the family room. The room had one dim grey 25 watt LED bulb in the ceiling light. If you want dim lights but are at risk for falls, please have dimmers installed so you can enjoy the dim lighting but then raise the lights when you need to walk around the room.
And you will need to raise the lights when the ambulance crew arrives.
A 25W equivalent LED bulb? I'm able to see with a 7W equivalent, is the bulb just outdated/gone?
Houses with inadequate lighting make me feel anxious. Especially if the space is small and dirty. Light that sucker up so you can see better when cleaning!! And especially open the stupid blackout curtains!! Who doesn’t want natural sunlight in the house like a normal human being 😩
Also I think the different temperature lighting is a good idea. For example I use the overhead white light during the day but the warm lamp in the evenings.
@@farelimm Who doesn't want sunlight? Sadly, those of us who have frequent migraines need to have at least one room that can be darkened. And if you're in a bad headache cycle, it needs to stay dark.
it’s so interesting bc as a disabled person who uses a wheelchair and doesn’t have experience in interior design these are all things I think about very frequently. I have to think about clearance in order for me to access spaces and do tasks as efficiently as possible. I HAVE to measure furniture beforehand so I can make sure I can fit underneath, that I can have wide enough spaces for me to pass. I own multiple measuring tapes so even if I lose one I can always access it. Of course I’m ALWAYS thinking about how high and low things are, how reachable, how viewable. How usable things are because due to energy limitations I want as little hassle as possible. And finally, I’m always thinking about safety, both in terms of things I could trip on, etc, but also because I’m far less likely to survive a fire or other disaster so I want to minimize them happening in the first place.
I am not disabled but when I reno my kitchen, I followed guidance for ppl with disabilities. I didn’t reduce counter height but things like clearance around the kitchen and ergonomics on faucet and drawers, sink. It makes so much sense.
Yea, ignorance is the privilege of the ableist
Here in Australia we're moving towards making accessibility design mandatory for all new dwellings. We've got a way to go in terms of what is and is not included in the standard, but we're working on it.
The statistic we're taught is that 60% of dwellings will have someone with accessibility needs living in them during the design life of the building, and it's 22x more expensive to retrofit when you need it than just to build it in from the start. When you consider that "design life" for a house is typically only 50 years but worldwide the average house stays in use a lot longer than that, the economics become even more compelling.
You are amazing !!!!! You should start a consulting company, for the disabled ....
"You want to make sure you choose the stuff that is going to not kill your family." Hysterical!!1 Nick!! Thank you so much for your fantastic advice and HUMOR. :)
Yes. This video is full of practical tips, and we had the same number one takeaway. You already said it, but it bears repeating-Make design choices that are not going to kill your family. It gets me every time!
😂 I had just gotten distracted by my phone when he said this. My head jolted up and I cackled like a hyena.
Came to the comments to find this 🤣🤣 the pictures he added were crazy too, like the shower shooting into the toilet?? or the little slice in the wall for the ceiling fan 🤣
you heard it here first, your design choices shouldnt aim to kill your family
it depends 🤪
No comment…
So guillotine chic is already dead in the water?
You all are too funny 😂
😂😂😂😂
I'm proud to announce my precious daughter recently told me to keep the stuff I love and not worry about what she may have to dispose of. BEST daughter ever. I was disposing of a lot of belongings when she stopped me. It was a relief because I really hated trying to get rid of things I enjoy.
My daughter complained to me about my books, suggested I throw them out. She said she doesn't want to deal with them when I die. My books have been with me since childhood, they are my friends, have been my happy place when there was no other, I can look at a title, touch the volume, and feel wonderful. I love my books. She can hire an auction company to get rid of what I loved, I won't need it when I am gone. I hope she doesn't spend time on social media airing her grievances about my books and other lifestyle choices, I consider that sort of behaviour to represent intolerance when aimed at a specific individual, and I would be so ashamed of her!!!
We recently up dated a bathroom with a "comfort" height toilet and taller sink vanity. These taller fixtures are so much easier to use. As we age, that ease of use will only become more important.
A must if someone in your home is over 6 ft
They're easier for YOU to use
And it’s their home.. kinda the point
We did the higher countertops in every bathroom and we love it!!! Works great for back problems!!
@@nailsofinterest Yes. Taller bathroom counters and comfort height toilets. Both easier on our aging spines.
Poor material choice: I had a white wool rug in my kid’s room before he threw up all over it. Also, don’t put kid books on a high shelf. They should be able to access their own books. High shelves are for things you don’t want them to break.
I have a scar from climbing a book shelf 😂
When my kids were small, the bottom shelf of every bookshelf was kid stuff. We even had a cover for when people came over to hide the ratty spines, since a well-loved book will never be a pretty book.
Just make an adjustment to your routine to fix that. My mother raised 3 children, never once did anyone throw up on the floor.
@@brockreynolds870 😂😂 This is a joke right?
@@missrottigirl Nope. If someone said they didn't feel good and mght get sick, my mother would open a paper grocery bag, set it down into a plastic wash pan, line the bottom with paper towels, and set it beside the bed.
LIGHTING: I’ve experienced the different temperatures thing and here’s what I found out. People use different lights (in the same room) for different things but not necessarily at the same time. For instance, someone may use an overhead light that is brighter with a higher temperature during the day or at night when a group activity is going on (like meal time) but use a warmer light that has a lower temperature at night when they only have that one light on, like sconces or table lights) for activities such as reading, one-on-one conversations or night time ambiance (like nightlights for the kiddos). I assume when people do this, they realize that they are not going to be using all the lighting in a single room all at once…..if you’ve seen that happen, it could be the result of a visitor who’s unfamiliar with which lights are used for what……just saying!!
Thank you! That was my first thought as well! I have kitchen task lighting that I want to be able to do surgery under. Then I have "it's the evening and I just need some really low warm light to get a drink of water.
Well said
Well he was talking about seeing both lighting at the same time being on in apts he’s seen. It’s one thing if your overhead light is one kind and your lamps in the same room are diffenet and you use them at different times. I think he’s talking about having them all on at the same time. And that looks horrible
In our basement remodel, all new permanent fixtures are hue lights. On the hue app, there is a "natural light" option that changes with the hours. It's really warm, a reddish amber, in the middle of the night, and that is much easier on the eyes/brain than the mid-day hues. There are all sorts of options, basically color stories, but for the hall, the "natural light" is a nifty general purpose choice when you aren't pushing for something novel.
@@cjhoward409 All on at once? Are you landing planes?
Wait, is it a common thing for people to put hot pans directly on the countertops!? Regardless of counter material, I've always placed hot pans on pot holders or iron trivets.
Also, I always get such a chuckle when he calls out "farmhouse" decor. Lol Living in the country, we just sort of accumulate some of that type stuff naturally and don't even really think about it. I draw the line at signs. If you have to advertise your house is a "farmhouse," your house is not a farmhouse. LOL
I have tile counters and love the fact that I can put hot pans directly on them. I am resisting upgrading my counters because I have 30 years of habit to overcome!
I have trivets hanging on the wall right over the stove so they're handy. Mostly lightweight silicone.
He has always specified that if you live in the country or in a farmhouse that "Farmhouse" decor makes perfect sense. It's when your house in the suburbs is trying to vibe it and so is everyone else's. Like having a log cabin in the city. Makes sense in the woods, not so much in suburbia.
I have quartzite counters ..it can take hot pans and I do it .
@@NoseyFloridaGirlBecause it’s real solid stone, right, as opposed to the manufactured quartz .
Spot on as usual. The whole drawer thing reminded me of when my toddler “locked” himself in the bathroom by opening a drawer in the vanity that prevented the door from opening. We had a key outside the bathroom to cover that locked scenario, but a vanity drawer…hadn’t even occurred to us.
Lol, how did you solve that?
As a designer. I prefer warm lights in general as opposed to cooler tones, but I Have a few exceptions. I am VERY color sensitive and most of my evening hobbies (drawing & needlework) involve colorwork. I have a chair in the livingroom with a daylight bulb next to it. For big get togethers, I switch out the bulb. The spare is stored in the table, so that even if I forget, its right there to quickly swap. Some of this is age related. I have warm task lights all over the kitchen, but there are times I want "LET THERE BE LIGHT!" moments. The overhead fixture has extreme lighting that is rarely used, sort of like flicking on the lights at last call in your favorite bar. Palmetto bugs have migrated/hitchhiked north to Tennessee. I need LIGHT when I'm stalking those nasty little beasts!
I have three rules that guide the mixed lighting thing and they have worked every time for me
1) Never the same type of lamp ie all the recessed lighting should be the same temp, all table lamps (excluding task lamps) should be the same color etc
Rule 2) generally move warmer further down (except when using a spot or task light or if you have dimmable ceiling lighting) the lower the light is coming from the cozier so it goes well with usage and it reflects nature so it’s not as jarring
Rule 3) Have a reason/know it creates a different space. Kinda like an accent wall a different light temp can be amazing at creating multi use spaces but it can also randomly break up space which is jarring and NOT GOOD tm
I had to search for quite a while before I found kitchen task lighting that was daylight in temperature. When handling produce, I want as close to perfect color representation as I can get because that's part of how I identify the state of my ingredients etc.
I like warm lighting generally, so that’s what is in most rooms, but for a project that requires significant light, I have a magnifying light on the desk that is cool. Mismatch lighting is for multipurpose rooms, or differing needs in a room (my mom also does the cool light over the kitchen sink to ensure everything gets clean).
The assertiveness reminds me of my mom, a home designer. The customer is always right, except for when they’re wrong.
The full quote is "In matters of taste, the customer is always right." People need to remember the whole thing, in all other matters, the customer is more often wrong than right.
I feel like such a jerk! My late mother-in-law was an interior designer, so I forget how much my husband knows even though I'm the one on organization & decor now that she passed. I bought some random lighting & he fixated on all the temp having to be the same; whereas, I hadn't even noticed the difference or done it on purpose, but he went out & bought all lightbulbvs to match what I did. Honestly, I didn't even know temp lighting was even a thing, but it made a huge difference! Kudos to u & my late mother-in-law who taught her son better than her daughter-in-law lol.
Darn tootin’
Huge showrooms can give the illusion that the furniture is smaller than it actually is. Always measure.
Good point!
That’s exactly what happened to me when I bought furniture for my living room
Yep. I once bought a lounge suite- back in the day when you actually bought lounge suites- it looked great in the showroom but when I got it home it was ridiculously too big for my room!!! We put up with it for years but I always hated it and I used to sit on one of the chairs with my legs over the enormously large arms.
He’s always right isn’t he??❤
Doesn't need to be showroom. My bf at the time had a huge couch that could fit 10 people, it was super comfy and deep. It looked like a regular couch in his living room, but when we moved in together into a new place, that same thing took up 70% of the new living room. We had to literally climb over it to get to the balcony. We switched to a new, much smaller couch. Then we had kids and that couch is a mess. Having something that's not child proof (easily cleaned) is a nightmare.
Big time !!!
Excellent video, thank you. All hail "Common Sense" or the design mantra version: "Form follows function". If your home is not functional or it's unsafe, it's a design fail. There are always stylish but functional and safe solutions for every situation.
My non negotiable is that any room that involves water gets tiled. Laundry, kitchen, bath. Even the mudroom and entryways. Carpet molds, wood warps, water can get under linoleum and ruin the subfloor. The luxury vinyl that seals is better than most other flooring, but there’s still the potential.
Large-format tiles and other slippery surfaces in the bathroom: yes! I stayed at a hotel recently where every shower was like taking my life into my hands because of their beautifully smooth shower tray. So aesthetic, much lawsuit waiting to happen. And very recently another design UA-camr told us we should buy these special bathmats because she slips all the time getting out of her shower, and even standing up from the toilet (after a shower, I guess? I hope?), and she acted like this happens to all of us and it was like GIRL NO IT DOES NOT, YOU NEED TO RETILE. Form shouldn't come before function when you could get seriously hurt if it's any other way!
In my country, you would have to lay your own tiles and lie to the store where you bought them if you want to use non-rough, slip resistant tiles specially designed for bathrooms and balconies / patios. Not up to code.
This is a situation where grout is your friend!
We have been building our house for awhile now. We put in a big walk in shower and we bought our tile at this outlet place. They had samples out and I asked if I can try them out with my bare feet and with water on them. They looked at me funny but I said, we’re in our 50’s and this is our “forever” home and also my 90 year old dad lives with us. I can’t have a slippery shower. Found some good smooth rock shower tile. We love it. Very non slip 👍🏻😊
"So aesthetic, much lawsuit" is now gonna be my go-to expression for form-over-function nonsense 😂
We had the same issue. Found a company that does NO SLIP finishes. It is not expensive and changed our attitude and fear about getting in and out of the shower. It’s great around pools if someone stupidly put in travertine. They use it in commercial kitchens and in many of the casinos here in Las Vegas.
Nick, you are what HGtv USED to be…informative on an everyday practical useful level!! And that’s why I love your channel!!! You give us such great insight and instruction that we all can implement within our own homes without breaking the bank by restructuring our entire house!! Thank you so much!!!
Yes! Do you remember the color wheel lady? That goes waay back.
@@tangledcharlotte That was my favorite show! Color Confidential!
@@robine916 l had totally forgotten the name! I can't believe anyone else remembers!
Yes agree. I miss old school HGTV. Also, I think you & I are name twins 👯♀️
I watch HGTV for its entertainment value and/or primal scream therapy.
Omg my friend has mismatched lighting temperatures within single fixtures! It’s awful. Her 6 bulb chandelier over her kitchen table has 3 different colors. Her recessed lights in her kitchen are all over the place. It’s insane. 😂
😱😱😱 I would absolutely refuse to visit that house until this travesty is corrected 😂
Bring light bulbs for the next dinner party. Screw the wine, she needs better lighting!
My neighbor had 3 different white lights in her kitchen ceiling fan. Drove me nuts so I brought her 3 of the same lights. We’re close enough that I could tease her about it. Lol. I can’t stand warm mixed with cool and blue tones. Ugh. Like fingernails on a chalkboard. Lol
@@soulsticegirl1969
😆😂🤣
Sometimes it is not that easy to get it fitting, especially if you don't want to change everything. I have a ceiling light in the bathroom and didn't find the same temperature bulbs for the wall lights. But I rarely use the ceiling light and it's only the bathroom, so I will stay with it.
I also bought lots of spares for the living room lights so that the problem won't arrive too soon. But I used half of the spares already 😞.
I agree with consistent lighting temps - clashing ones give me a migraine _so_ easily. I prefer the 4000 k one - not too sterile blinding white, but not so yellow that _everything_ looks yellow and I can't tell if my food is done cooking.
When Dad had said he was going to redo the kitchen countertops, I was so happy... until he went with the same style of tile and grout as it originally had. Like, _no,_ it's a pain to clean and maintain when so much cooking is being done.
Improper clearances around furniture drives me insane!!! I'm a housekeeper & trying to vacuum & clean floors becomes a nightmare when huge furniture blocks dry mops & vacuum paths
TVs hung too high and/or above the fireplace are nonnegotiable mistakes in my book. They look ridiculous, they strain people's necks and eyes, and I hate everything about them. Hate, hate, hate. People who buy a nice TV stand and then proceed to mount the TV on the wall 2-3 feet above it : WHY?!?!
Agree: makes rooms look cheap and like bars.
Agreed. And if you wear bifocals, you end up watching the show through the “reading” portion! No bueno!
@@cg741graf5 Or doctors' waiting rooms. Generally not the vibe I'm aiming for.
The worst is are those new modular tv stands. Me don't like. I dislike tv in LR.
I also hate TVs above the fireplace and don’t understand why someone tried it and then almost everyone joined in. TVs should always be at eye level. Heat from a fireplace can ruin a TV. Too often TV cords aren’t installed into the wall so there are ugly black wires hanging there. And finally, above the fireplace is a lovely place to hang something beautiful, and a TV is not beautiful.
I just moved into a new house this month and the previous owners had mixed warm lighting with hospital lighting throughout every room in the house. First thing we did was change out all of the lightbulbs to warm and it made such a drastic difference!!
Great start for your home decoration 👌🏻
😂😂😂 “it’s all fun and games until the toaster falls in the sink” hahahaha! Love you, Nick! ❤ Great video, as always!
That's what a GFI is for! 🔌🔌
There was a good Columbo episode about that. ☺️ (with Martin Landau)
and then there are things that aren't necessarily non-negotiable but boy do I wish had a legal limit... like how many pillows you're allowed to put on your couches and bed!
Love that you're trying to be nice here, very very hard lol
If you have to move them to use the furniture it's too many
I’ll add re. space around furniture: Figure in the size of indoor animals! A human may fit comfortably, but if a human PLUS an animal can’t, it’s too tight.
When we brought home our German Shepherd puppy, we realized VERY quickly that our human-only-size floor plan wasn’t going to work for long! 😄 Now she’s 6 and 82 pounds, and INSISTS on being right beside us everywhere we go. Thanks to the Diva we have a new sofa, coffee table, bedroom layout, office, etc! 😂 *She’s worth it (and knows it!) 😁🐶
Good point for anyone who has a large / long-bodied dog. If they can't back up or turn around easily, they will knock over or tear up your stuff. Why we also don't place anything fragile at tail-wagging height.
@@gloriaalex11 I can’t tell you the number of spilled drinks we’ve had from guests not taking us seriously about the dogs sweeping things off the coffee table with their tails when they get excited. 😅 Fortunately the floor in the living room is tile, so cleanup is easy
When we were buying new patio furniture, we took the measurements of what we were considering, and laid out towels in the same measurements on the patio to see if the pieces would fit.
Worked great, easy to do, and you could do it indoors too.
No need for tape, or cutting up cardboard!
Thank you, smarty pants! I'll use that!
I use newspapers , I tape them.
@@utahdan231 : also a great idea!
You could also use painter’s tape.
Great idea. Thanks. Next time I need to buy something or shift around a room, I'm so doing that.
My wife and I agree 100% with you on not mixing lighting temperatures, it drives me crazy. I hate daylight bulbs indoors.
I was seriously considering getting a new rectangle coffee table until I used painters tape to mark where it would go, just like you suggest in this video. My current circlular one works much better. Saved me from making a big mistake.
Multiple light temperatures are annoying with outdoor Christmas lights. Choose warm lights or cooler tones. Not both! Drives me nuts.
At last, a designer who’s not afraid to call it as he sees it. Kudos, Nick, you’re a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stuffy room full of designers.
And bonus, Canadian!
I’ve just subscribed to the channel. Thank you for making these videos with your good, sound, honest, advice!
A tip about measuring, actually tape off the space of the piece you are interested in. After we bought out house, the house we plan oj living in for a long long time, we made the decision to be very purposeful about what we bought and not just buy the first thing we saw to be able to say we got something. So when w found a couch we loved, we came back and tapes off the size and shape of the couch on the floor to see how it was. Did the same thing when we couldn’t decide between tow sizes of TV. We were tempted to go with the slightly smaller one because of the price but after taping it odd on the wall we realized the bigger one actually fit much much better and so we held off and saved a little bit more.
I did a 3D model of a faux fireplace out of cardboard before we even build our house. I collected pictures of fireplaces for years. It really helped with the dimensions. The final fireplace looks spectacular and people think it’s real. It’s my favorite feature, I love decorating it. I have a fat candle in it and it even has a chimney
Would love to see your faux fireplace (sounds so fun!). I did two "hidden" doors in my basement using inset bookcases on hinges and casters (something I had collected pictures of for years as well). Also, strongly agree that, for me, it is important to do a room mock up of furniture and (generous) walkway spacing before shopping furniture so you do not get tempted to bring something home that doesn't fit the space. When I bought a new house I used a 3D modeling tool for my existing furniture placement for the whole house but usually just 2D / paper when it's just 1 room I'm redecorating.
Love your program. Makes me laugh every time I watch. The toilet photos were fabulous. Oh goodness. The pics of TVs above doors etc. Thanks for the laughs.
The clearances! One of my friends rented a condo in a round building, which meant that her kitchen was wedge-shaped. For some reason, they decided to put the stove in the small part of the wedge, which meant you couldn't fully open the oven door.
I totally agree with most things you say, they are so making sense. I cannot understand how tile countertops can be trendy or look luxurious. Tile is the cheapest looking thing as countertops.
Yes on lighting consistency! Thank you! You are a joy!
Love it! You know, somehow I knew that the lighting temperature issue was gonna come up. Recently, I asked my electrician friend to help me change one of the LED’s in the kitchen. Do not ever take for granted that anyone knows what you want. Be explicit! Because I did take it for granted I wound up with one cool LED amongst all of the other warms. I thanked him graciously, but changed it soon after. Mixing temps is very off-putting. I felt like everything was wrong. I even thought my pants were on backward. You are sooo right.
Mixing temps is non-negotiable!!!
My first apartment had carpet in the bathroom and kitchen. The building was from 1901 and the plumbing and pipes leaked so there was always mold. It was only $390 and across from a bar so my 22 year old self didn’t care 😂
Trace I enjoyed that story wow believe it or not 👏🏾🤣👊🏾
They say that the most important thing in real estate is:Location,location,location.
I get that tastes change but what exactly were people smoking when they thought Bathroom + Carpet = Good idea.
🤣
Omg I had carpet in my bathroom too!! Never met anyone who had that as well 😂 After a couple years I pulled out the carpet and put laminate flooring in there (the landlord said that’s okay but I have to pay for it and leave it there when I move out) jeez And everyone always asked ‘why do you have carpet in the bathroom?’ 😂😂😂 My toilet was in a seperate room with laminate so I guess it wasn’t super dirty but it definitely was dirty
I know I am very late to this video, but when we moved into our current home we brought the warm light bulbs from our old home for lamps and the previous owners had the warm bulbs too. But the paint on the wall at the time were very on the warm side of beige. And the our lampshades were all kind of off-white in that direction as well. As a result, I felt like I was living in the giant cigarette stain. I got the cooler bulbs and it was a massive improvement.
When my husband was making our beautiful cherry kitchen table I had him make a plywood top to make sure the size was right and didn’t interfere with the entry to the kitchen. I changed the length and radius of the corners and it works perfectly for the room.
Yknow how there's that person who writes out the topic timestamps when a UA-camr hasn't provided them? Can someone provide that service of timestamping all of Nick's one-liners? 3:08 "I'm not looking in people's apartments. I'm not a pervert..."
For real for real 😂😂😂😂
15:15 "Mold is not a material" 😂🤣😂🤣
I totally cannot live with carpet in the bathroom, or TV over the fireplace. That drawer, dishwasher thing would drive me bonkers as well.
Then there is outlet frustration. You have your room all figured out for furniture placement, and there isn't an outlet where you need one.
I live in a small house. There’s no room for a TV anywhere but over the fireplace. I don’t have a castle height fireplace, so it works.
Then there's a home like the one we just got. The living room is huge, and the builders added brass floor plugs, which are great. But only if they weren't put in completely random places. It's large enough for two or three furniture/conversation seating areas. Not a single floor outlet is in any way lined up for any seating arrangement that we can figure out!
You do what you have to do with the space you have that is for sure. @@eimeark2094
Used to live in an older home that only had one electrical outlet per wall. And zero outlets in the bathroom. But since there was also zero counter space, all hair drying/styling and makeup had to be done in the bedroom anyway.
@@gloriaalex11 I understand. I have lived in a couple of older homes and outlets are an issue for sure. You make do.
The king of common sense design snark! 👑👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Always worth watching!
Oh nooo, not again. So often I hear this on UA-cam 💕
You should NOT EVER put hot pans or even have hot appliances on any stone surfaces. Please don’t!
That’s coming from a stonemason assistant!!
Marble is soft and therefor scratches, stains and etches easier. Hot pots can burn the marble.
Granite is really hard and tight, very very hard to scratch or stain. BUT can crack with heat! Might not happen always. But Granite cracks the easiest (as there is so much tension in the stone.
Quartz or Engineered stones are kind of in the middle (often depends on the colour). Can stain/scratch (not as easily), can get burn marks on them, or can crack.
Please don’t ever put hot pots on stone surfaces!!! 💕🥰
I think my biggest non-negotiable is junking up a space with too much decor!! I see designers do this all the time in living rooms, especially with "boho" or "eclectic" styles. It's a nightmare to look at much less have to live in!! Thank you Nick for bringing sanity to design!!
"You wanna make sure you choose the stuff that is going to not kill your family" haha Good video as allways.
🤣 that was funny love me some nick 👏🏾
Nick: “…I don’t really love children, but I don’t want see them falling through the stairs…”
🤣🤣😂🤣😂
He hasn't met my family. 😉🤭
LOL Right? 🤣@@sarahrosen4985
I really agree with you about materials in bathrooms. Here in Sweden we will never install wood floor or textile floors, not paper wallpapers either. The building regulations and insurance companies will never allow that.
The rest of your "rules" are common sense and many against building regulations (doors, electrical (both bathrooms and kitchens).
Here the regulations are very strict and must be followed.
Also in my country, code requires rough, slip resistant tiles for bathrooms, patios and balconies. Haven't seen all of the video yet but we also are not allowed outlets or switches inside the bathroom. Need to blow dry your hair? There is an outlet in your bedroom or the kitchen.
Great video! Oversized man cave furniture…think giant recliners and cup holder couches are non negotiable for me.
Yes, nightmare flashbacks to late 70s and 80s.
And they are always a hideous brown. Ugh!
Yes, ick!
It’s funny how dressing as room is like dressing your body; it’s not the body you may want, baby, buts the the body you HAVE!❤
The painters tape tip is super helpful for those of us who end up having to buy flat pack, since you can’t always see the item ahead of time so you cannot visualize the size! It has helped me A LOT
It is annoying when people have furniture listed on Facebook marketplace with NO measurements! I always ask first. Some sellers respond by stating I can come look at it, uh no, my time is valuable also! Have a great day!
Yes huge pet peeve of mine. If you cannot give me measurements, I will pass up your item.
@@vaderladyl Same, I asked for measurements and was ghosted. Fine, my money stays home.
Seriously. If I have to lean over the phone to press buttons and type the message asking “measurements?”
Then I’m not going to bother with the sale.
Exactly. Also annoying when they say "solid wood" but don't know what kind of wood.
@Theaterbuddy717 As someone who has had to give away nearly all of my furniture from my apartment to move into a house, due to timing, my biggest pet peeve with Marketplace *buyers* was long conversations indicating strong interest in a particular piece, but *_having absolutely no way to transport it._*
My sofa, bed, dresser were among those pieces, often responses were from people without cars. And I gave up early on anyone saying *_"I have a friend with a car, but have to wait until he gets off from work"._* 🙄
I'm 5'4" and DH is 6'7". There isn't a useful compromise in the kitchen, but we do have his/hers bathrooms and seating. A "normal" height toilet is my non negotiable.
DH? Dearest hubby?
@@francookie9353 yes
My dad is 6’4”. When they were building their house in the 1960’s. They put in a 3/4 bathroom downstairs that was my dads bathroom. The counter tops were higher and so was the shower head. 👍🏻
I feel your pain. Mine is 6’4”. It impacts so much of my design decisions. It’s like Goldilocks three bears. Papa sized furniture has to be huge for him. Trying to find an attractive recliner is hard enough without it being extra large too. 🫣And Yes, to separate bathrooms! 😆
Two of my bathrooms have a regular toilet, one with a highboy. Take your pick.
The colour of the lamp shade has a significant impact on the color of the light cool or hot .If you use exactly the same bulb in terms of lumens on two similar lamps,the light with the yellow lamp shade will appear warmer than the light which has the blue lamp shade.
Yes! I just bought a new lamp and adore the base but the shade makes a blue cool light so I have t used it because I need a shade that pulls warmer. I even put super warm bulbs in it but the lampshade still made it appear cool, then the warm light peeped out the top and bottom creating the mixed temp look. It’s non negotiable that I need a different lamp shade before I even plug that lamp back in!
@@Kris7245 yes go for a light yellow or deep beige it should do the trick
So true
I grew up in Germany and so many stairs were absolutely dangerous: open risers, made of polished stone or polished wood. I'm not sure how I survived my childhood, but I still remember slipping and falling down these stairs and believing I would die. XD
And now my in-laws have polished wood (not open risers at least) and my toddler keeps slipping on them...
I know it's not 'the aesthetic', but... carpet on stairs is not a bad idea!
"I've been wrong once or twice in my life" - that's some serious confidence 🤣
I just realized I sometimes forget to click “like” on your videos. I always watch them as soon as you produce them, and I love them! I still love that you always get to the point so quickly and give us lots of content. Some designers just go on and on introducing the topic and showing off and I find it irritating. I just love your presentation, and appreciate you. Have a great day!
Nick is a gem!
My feelings on the lighting temperatures. If they are the same function, say all ceiling, all table lamps, basically ones that are going to be on at the same time then yes, agree, HOWEVER lighting in the same room with different fuctions, I think different temps work. In our lounge, our ceiling lights are daylight, however in the evening, we only have the lamps on and theyre warmer and that works so well. Works perfectly for different times of the day.
00:08:49 Nick I’m laughing so hard! Those two bathrooms are hideous disease traps. 😂
What you say about choosing correct materials for the job is great, great advice.
i just use my old bamboo/wooden chopping boards as things to keep hot pans on. Upcycling and they look alright after i have demolded them
Love that this includes the hazards! Especially with antiques trending, things like lead in furniture finds or outdated safety standards for childrens items are something to pay attention to!
Choose furniture for durability if you have pets and/or kids! It’s SO tempting to buy cheap, flimsy stuff that you don’t care about getting damaged, but it can be a lot more expensive and a lot more hazardous. It is better invest a little more money up front for something durable that can take more abuse and still look halfway decent despite your little darlings than to risk spending money every year or so on tacky, cheap stuff that tends to fall apart if you look at it wrong.
Great advice as always! I like daylight bulbs in my bathroom to mimick the outdoor light so my makeup looks right, and also in the utility room so I can see and treat stains on clothing before they go in the wash. Everywhere else, I like the warmer lighting.
Best lighting to put on makeup is natural light from a window
@@deborahgalvan5367 Natural light would be nice, but we don't have a window in our bathroom. I've also lived in places where the light from the bathroom window is coming in from the side as I was facing the mirror, so half of my face was lit differently than the other half... super annoying! Plus, if you're applying makeup when it's dark outside (I'm a 3rd shifter) or going out for the evening, you can't depend on natural light. Daylight bulbs just make it easier. 😀
My Mom was an interior designer and taught me that same rule about hanging art - it is sort of like mirrors. You want your face right in the center of a mirror so think of the art you're hanging similarly. Your eyes should roughly be in the center of the artwork (of course make small adjustments to the average height person if you happen to be really short or tall) 🙂
Many of us marry a person of a different height. Split the difference?
@@653j521 depends on the art and who's stuff it falls into. His? His height. Mine? My height. Lol.😂
All my pictures will be at everyone else's bellybutton height then.
I'm 4'10.. I can't hang ANYTHING that would be appropriate for me because it's "hobbit level" for everyone else 😢
Only thing for me is that my art I inherited is huge. If I hang the stuff just above my bookshelves, couches etc, it's already high up. But I'm not getting rid of my art because it's slightly valuable.
I have different tones of lighting throughout my home, one warm and one slightly cooler. But! I only use one temperature at a time (I have several different lighting sources of both tones/temperatures). I live in a studio apartment and changing the lighting depending on the task/situation can help transform a small multifunctional space.
“You want to choose things that don’t kill your family” had me laughing out loud. But it’s sad you actually need to point that out to people.
"Your space is beautiful; it's stunning; but when it's up in flames, it's not as stunning as it used to be" I am clinically dead from this line. 😂💀
Only a fellow cat person 😂😂😂
I just bought a house with quartz countertops and didn’t know this about heat. Thank you!
You made some really good points. I however bought a sectional for my previous house which had a larger living room than my current house. I was able to make it work; not what I’d buy if I was out looking for this space. Financially I had to make it work and I think that’s the case for a lot of people. For those that would buy the wrong size furniture on purpose probably don’t watch designers on UA-cam anyway and don’t care what they think.
Thanks, similar thoughts here. If you are buying new stuff for a space, then of course it makes sense to measure it exactly. But sometimes people need to make what they have on hand work, and can't buy a new sectional or sofa for every house they'll live in. Especially if they aren't in their forever home. Thanks for mentioning this.
Yeah I’m in this spot as well. We 100% know we will be out of this space in less than two years. Our living room is too crowded but I don’t want to buy a new sofa for this space when we’ll be somewhere new (that we’re hoping will be more long-term) so soon. It does full on drive me nuts though! I’m very prone to walking into corners in tight spaces.
What I do like, though, is that he laid the problem out so clearly.
My couch in my space is what I could afford. (Free). However, it means that maybe I can switch out a cheaper piece..like the coffee table to make the living room work.
Yeah some of the advice was good, but assumes you have the money to buy new furniture all the time or choose what size your rooms are. A bit judgemental for the average person doing their best.
I recently replaced my oversized couch that I got as a free hand-me-down when I moved out with one that’s way more appropriate for the space and i genuinely can’t believe how much better my entire living room looks without all of that space being taken up!
I am losing my mind watching the news lately. I realized I needed to STOP for a moment and maybe watch a comedy. I started watching Will and Grace but I’ve watched every episode many times. Started watching Greg and dharma and it’s probably some thing I will go back to you but it just wasn’t working for me. And then I realized I’ve been away from Nick for a while, and boy have I missed you! Thanks for the good laughs and good interior design advice. Now I’m putting the remote down and purging every “cool” lightbulb that exist in my house.
I know exactly what you mean. And Nick is very funny. I turned from too much news to The Golden Girls, where every line seems to be hilarious. That's great background tv if you've seen it already as the writing is so good just to listen to. Also, I love cosy British tv for when the world seems mad. To the Manor Born, The Good Life, Doc Martin, early Midsomer Murders and Escape to the Country.
So true! Double check those materials, function comes first! Making artist decisions, is good to have in mind, that the years pass and we grow. We don't want unpractical materials that may cause accidents
Probably the weirdest thing i've seen in a while was in a kitchen reno video. The dishwasher was perpendicular to and right up against the corner of the counter by the sink, so when the dishwasher is open, there is no room for someone to be at the sink. To me, a dishwasher is for convenience, and if i had to put the dishes on the counter and then move to the other side of the dishwasher so i could open it and put the dishes in, i'd just forego the dishwasher altogether. i'm not sure why they didn't move it down even just a few inches while they were remodeling the space, but to each their own, i guess 😶
Sounds like they just didn’t think that thru 😬
I’ve also seen where people keep retiling or laminating their kitchen floor and then after 15-20 years it’s time to change out the dishwasher. Only to find out that there’s 2-3 extra layers of tile or flooring and the dishwasher is trapped in there. Lol
This is funny :)))
So bizarre,@@DecoratewithAtefeh 😂
@@cjhoward409happened to me, but I am only renting 😂
I’ve seen that same arrangement in new homes. Great looking kitchen in the pictures, but when you start looking at the practicality of where the dishwasher is placed, I realized I couldn’t stand at the sink and load the dishwasher which was crazy. This builder had done this in like three models. And kept selling them. But there were a lot of those homes up for resale within a couple years, and I’ll bet I know why!
Okay, okay, okay! A design video I can really get behind! I have a more maximalist, colorful design aesthetic which is commonly left out of a lot of design element videos 😅 I wouldn't trade it for the world though, my home brings me and my husband great joy BUT I want it to look intentionally pieced together. I appreciate videos like this that instead of going over "fad" likes and dislikes, the information is more based to help hone in your own style in a more professional way. Thanks Nick!
Any material that you cannot maintain yourself or cannot afford to have maintained properly, especially in a timely manner. Fluffy long faux fur accent rugs that have to be raked and combed and de-linted... It doesn't matter, the Flokati rug or the natural animal hide chair; The pure white upholstery; the shag pile rug in the kids room may seem soft and snuggly until you have to mine for the dropped Barbie stilettos, hair accessories, beads and trims from the My Big Girl Jewelry Design kit that your mother thought she would just LOVE constructing her own necklaces and bracelets; or unpredictable pets. I had just rolled out a 12'x10' wool and silk blend room size rug in my newly decorated living room only an hour before an expected visit from my out of town daughter and grandchildren. What daughter had not forewarned me was that they had just obtained a brand new beagle puppy and that Miss Bella was visiting too. After hours in the car with a long stretch since the last rest stop, my 5yr old granddaughter eagerly carried in her squirmy little "surprise" without the first obligatory stop on the front lawn before coming in, plopped her on the living room floor where Miss Bella scampered onto said prized rug and promptly emptied her entire puppy bladder on it! The rug was blotted and spotted & rolled up and sent off to the rug cleaners that afternoon. it cost me an additional $250 to have cleaned. At least they did pick up and delivery.
THE LIGHTS!!! Hypersensitivity can be inconvenient and embarrassing, but I just cannot help it. And mismatched lighting just sends me 🤦🏻♀️
***Buying Without Measuring*** very important! Understand your space or it isn't going to look like what you want. XXOO Nick!
We moved away from carpet anywhere in the house for a season, because of two issues. We live in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and from October to May rain is really an issue. It was impossible to get the kids to always go around to the garage to come into the house, instead of using the sliding door in the family room, and that was the only door that opened into the fenced yard for the dogs. So that carpet was half damp all the time. And pet accidents are 100% easier to clean on a hard floor. But I do like carpet for noise absorption and the nice feel underfoot. When we ever get the time, energy, and money together I am putting carpet back in the master bedroom.
Area rugs.
@@sleepycalico I have them all over , primarily because it is easier on our dogs. And they are theoretically easier to clean. But they kind of negate the easy care of hard floors. I think we will always have dogs, so probably will keep the rugs. In truth, carpet has its advantages for cleaning, just as hard floors do.
Cork. Tough as nails, warm underfoot and sound absorbing. I had it when I lived in Portland.
Ooh. Good idea. I ran on a cork track at the gym, and it was so easy on my knees, so there's another asset of cork.@@michellekeyser8085
Good quality vinyl flooring might also help! Absorbs sounds, is comfy and soft on your feet, easy to clean. I find it warmer cpmpared to laminate or wood flooring. Can even be combined with heated floors.
"Choose the stuff that will not kill your family" hilarious!
Loved your TV comments. My TV installer thought my TV was getting hung too high. Then he sat in the lounge once it had been installed, a light bulb moment for him. The height means you can sit back on the lounge and not be slumped over or look up to watch the TV. I am loving it.
Right on with the granite Nick!I have enjoyed mine for 10 years and now will be finally renovating my kitchen and look forward to a new color.. we almost moved and the salesman was arguing with me in a model home that quartz is better than granite. Coming from a person who cooks and first lived with the builder laminate which looked like roller coasters due to the heat coming off of the stove on the left and right, to which my husband clamped them down until we finally updated with our beautiful granite.!
I learned the lesson about slippery floor surfaces in college. Many of the older buildings had colonnades with smooth stone and glazed brick pavers. And the steps into the front doors were smooth stone, too. They looked great, but if we had a warm humid air mass move in after we'd had cold weather, they would be covered in condensation and dangerous as hell.
Bathroom counters that are too low drive me crazy! I had the builders raise mine in my new house! Also toilets in adult bathrooms! I am old 😀
"It's all fun and games until your toaster falls in the sink." Too. Much. Meme-worthy. Content! 🤣
Happy to report I painted my place this week - went from a cool grey to warm white in a north-facing condo! Decided to a while back but I appreciated getting your validation on the topic.
Nick excellent non-negotiables, I really enjoyed this video. In thinking on it, I'd have to add that housekeeping should be non-negotiable also. Thanks for always bring us great content with a sense of humor!
I love that you speak fast and down't draw your message out. Thanks!
COUNTERPOINT : mismatch your lighting temperatures ON PURPOSE so you can change to a colder or warmer light depending on which lamp is on and on what's more fitting for the hour or the season.
I do this. My overhead lighting in everything but the bedrooms is cooler toned. In the various lamps in every room, warm tones. I use overhead lights when I get up in the morning or if I need to augment a grey day. I use lamps with warmer light bulbs in the evenings.
The key is not to have them all on at the same time.
I actually have some overhead lighting that can change temperature! We have really bad natural lighting so it would be too dark with warmer tones during the day! But then can make it cozy at night!
@@DFBurgermeisterthey can be slightly mismatched if you have an obvious separation, like kitchen area is slightly cooler, and dining area is slightly warmer.
I have the dimmest possible light in my bedside lamp so I can happily transition to sleep as soon as I turn it off. I have a dim light in the living room that I turn on before I leave the house near nighttime. It is so cozy to come home to a little glow instead of having to switch on the "real" lights.
Finding furniture the right size for my generations-old living room was going to be time-consuming and very expensive, so I built it all myself. It's sturdy and lovely, and it fits just right.
That's amazing. I have a very small house from 1964. I am on a budget and finding furniture that is the right size is so hard. I'm on Facebook marketplace daily. I'd love to build my own but have no idea how. Might look into it
@@melissak8892 Pottery Barn has furniture just for small spaces.
Another option for old houses with small rooms: shop auctions and buy period furniture made for smaller rooms. Bonus: it's usually far better quality than modern stuff. So maybe you need to recover a piece or two -- you'll still save money and get a more appropriate size for your spaces.
Lol. My apartment is really old and here that means the rooms are huge. Some of my rooms I'm using the furniture to split the rooms into different zones because buying massive furniture would be too expensive.
Those super high TV look like wayfinding boards in train stations.
“I don’t really love children but then I don’t want them falling down stairs”…you are a hoot