Ah.. the arm tray, I have to disagree with that. That’s a disaster waiting to happen. I can already see the spills and it constantly being knocked down
@@KatyM423 yea, I’d rather a drink spill on my coffee table or side table than upholstery. Not to mention my husband is a big guy. I could see him stretching out and BAM!
Love 98% of your content Kiva BUT……No arm rest trays for me. Not now, not ever!!! Not giving up my side tables. Not now, not ever!!!! I have lots of space and my three side tables are happy!!!
We may disagree on some of these (I'm a no on the armrest thing and fake book boxes), but the sentiment is the same: Don't clutter your space, and when you do put things in your home, make sure they're really you - and you actually read them! Xo
Agree. I almost clicked off at the coffee table book section, lol. And no to the armrest thing over a side table. That made no sense to me coming from a designer.
Yes, absolutely. That armrest thing is ugly and cheesy looking. I'm kind of shocked that she suggested it because I think she has such good style typically
Her point is not to sacrifice function for form, and to give viewers options if they have a lot of these trendy options and are looking for alternatives. If you read your coffee table books, fine. If you don't, then don't get them and maybe try this alternative to get the aesthetic.
I love coffee table books. I have made the tacky mistake of getting a Chanel one before I knew better. Now, I've decided to get books on subjects I'm interested in. One on ballet, one on perfumery, another showcasing black artists. I actually pick them up and they are conversation starters.
This! We also keep to the stuff that already interests us or that we're currently looking at, like a particular artist or architecture of a place we're traveling to. And there have been several times when these conversation starters were super helpful (also in the cases where we're both running around getting stuff ready but our guests are already there and bored :D)
Funny that you said black artist. I bought one coffee table book at HG of " Dance theater of Harlem" my 9 years old daughter took it to her room and looked through it before going to bed until I asked her to bring my coffee table book back 😂. It never fails with her about black artists books. Thank you for mentioning that
THIS! Yes! Books that are actual conversation starters, I picked up studio 54 and this book about penguins🥲 I’m sorry but that Tom Ford is so basic for such a price - having one basically says I have no personality and want to be like everyone else
Yes. I had the Tom Ford book in my cart and then I thought “for what?” I won’t even open it. Instead I’m buying ones that match what I’m actually into lol
I'm sorry but I do not like the whole fake coffee table book box thing. I personally find them rather tacky in certain spaces. Just get a nice decorative box without it needing to look like a book. Coffee table books have been around at least since the 1950s, so I feel like they're not exactly a trend. It's up to the homeowner as to whether or not they are wanted and used or not. And coffee tables books, by and large, are mostly photos anyway so I don't understand what you mean when you treat them like books strictly for information. I agree that yes, they're typically quite expensive but you don't have to have a ton of them. Thrift them. Put them on your wishlist for birthdays or Christmas presents. Lastly, get books that you actually connect with. I don't understand why I keep seeing the same stupid Tom Ford, Chanel, and Vogue books. They are weird status symbols and not typically a reflection of the homeowners interests but used as an attempt to appear cultured. Are you into flowers and gardening? Get a book on gardening. Cars? Get a book on cars. Southwestern landscape photography? Get a book on that.
I have one coffee table book but I bought it because I love it. The pictures are stunning. I want visitors to want to look through the book. I think that’s her point. Don’t just buy a book to buy a coffee table book. Like how many people who bought that Tom Ford book, actually looked through that book? Now those things you can put on your sofa arm to replace side tables? No.
😱 🙀 If I see another YT apartment tour of that Tom Ford book!?!?!!? Half the people that put out this book, probably can only afford 1 item, every few months of his brand...if not at all!!!
yes, enough with the books coffee table or otherwise that are bought purely for decor. I have one and I actually refer to it often. NO fake books! And no to wood or metal chain links and wood beads. OMG stop. There, that's my rant, please excuse me but I had go get it out.
Coffee table books are a must all my guests always enjoy them 😁 it opens fun conversations with guest. I will never purchase that tacky tray for the sofa yuck.
I think my FAVOURITE thing about your videos is that you always impress that things can look pretty but the UTILITY features should/must always be there! Love that.
I ALMOST fell for the coffee table book trend. Those Tom Ford and designer books looked amazing in other people's home. But ultimately I didn't feel right displaying books that I have never read or have no interest in reading. I have no interest in designer clothes or brands so I feel like displaying a Tom Ford or Versace book would just be pretentious. Now I still display books on my coffee table, but they are books that I already have in my library, and I feel they represent me much more than a designer book ever could.
We love to keep books on our coffee table but we typically rotate what's on it with books we already have on the shelf that way the books actually reflect our interests and personality. We also love to go to Half Price Books for coffee table books because they are so much cheaper and they're second hand!
Yes, I would be against to buy coffee table books than are on trend and that have not meaning to you or only buy them for decor. But the books I have in my coffee table, I have them for many years, and I have read them many times and I love them. Most of them are gifts.
ugh, I have to disagree on the armrest, though...that thing is the exact opposite of chic. Side tables at least can be real pretty. And the smart light bulb is kind of...meh...well, I mean, not the lightbulb itself. But, the main reason for not turning on a light is....ya don't need it! It doesn't serve a function and that's why you don't turn it on. Just change it with another piece of decor
I work with Neurodivergent folks, and clear storage boxes can be a legit accessibility need for those with executive functioning issues 😊 It’s wonderful how a small change can really help!
I came here to see the SAME THING. If I can’t see it, it doesn’t exist. Open shelving, clear or wire bins, labels on everything. Better to see everything than forget you have it!
I love how sensible these suggestions are and how you back it up with why. Makes all the difference! “But I love my new ‘coffee table’ book! Oh yeah… you aren’t talking about the books you read. Gotcha”. The bed pillow thing had to be said. I’m only sort of sold on the smart bulbs - they are super annoying if you lose power in the night and then it comes back on… at 3am. All your lights. But your wifi hasn’t rebooted yet. So you dash around turning them off, praying it didn’t wake your kids. So not the best in bedrooms if you lose power often enough.
I have the same mixed feelings on smart bulbs switches and plugs. Mine haven't all turned on, but they have disconnected from the network before and I've had to pair them all multiple times.
For the wire shelves: Foam core boards from the dollar store! I’ve even seen a video where they got a wood look from contact paper and a front facing” board “ was even added, but they work just as they are
I've been collecting coffee table books 4 over 30 years and the subject matter is varied, it ranges from various art works to photography to perfumery to design and rest assured, I have read each and every single one of them many times over because they are all pleasure to look through and to share with others who are curious about the subject matter. But I've never purchased any on Tom Ford or Chanel because those two books alone to seem to be atrend to themselves. I'm sure those two topics are fascinating but I never wanted to purchase them just because every designer video features them. I just happen to love beautiful photographs and information presented beautifully in my library. That will never go out of style. But I do agree that they don't need to be displayed on a coffee table or on any table surface where they will look cluttered. They can be arranged on bookshelves wh e're if people want to look at them they're easily accessible . I think they still look great there.
I’m sick of the stupid Tom ford book in every instagram post but, I love books and absolutely think they count as decor. I also open my books all the time and my guests are also done the same. I have bought most of my coffee table books second hand and I have never paid more than 25 bucks.
Loving your content ❤ I’m 50/50 on what you mentioned this time. Let’s call it personal (influenced lol) preference. 1. Smart bulbs- absolute must!! Though, my husband complains he can’t change the lights himself. One day I’ll charge my iPad and leave that out. 2. Shelves- yes! I lucked out and my apartment builder chose wood shelving instead of wire. 3. Coffee table book- I’m new to this life and I will not give it up. Tom ford and Chanel book… but to be fair I’m a huggggge fashion enthusiast and also have other designer items I enjoy. And yes, I’ve read both books. 4. Pillows- leave me alone. I feel fancy. Also me: they’re on the floor in the corner because it’s nighttime. I swept there. It’s clean. Bins- I don’t have many.. I’ll consider the non see through ones, but I like the acrylic ones for the sake of them not taking up so much visual space. Great vid. Keep going.
Coffee table books are what I read/have read many times and will continue to be on my coffee table. I rotate my books out now and then, and when I buy books I go to the thrift store, library, or get them at a lower price if I order them. I have diy books home repair books a mix of different things that interest me. Fake book boxes are a bit weird so that's a no for me.
Now you know we’re not giving up the side tables 😂. The arm rest is a very cheap/man caveish alternative. It might be a better option for someone tight in space or with a tight budget
You can pry my end table out of my cold dead hands! Haha I don't have a coffee table (small space) so this is a must. Also where would I put my 999th plant?!
Can I just say your videos are like a small moment of joy which I actually use as 'rewards' for my university study breaks! I'm in total agreement about the coffee table books (but then I'm not a fan of using books as decor... I know that's probably design heresy, but it seems like a terrible waste of books if no one is actually reading them). I LOVE the idea of book boxes. However, you can pry my bed pillows from my cold, dead hands lol. I will say I only have the amount needed to allow my bed to double as a second sofa at times (small house solutions!), and I love the color and texture they bring to my room against my white oak headboard.
I have many table lamps with standard light bulbs and turn them on daily. I would get smart bulbs, but they not currently in the budget and walking around turning my lights on is a ritual for me and adds to my step count.
I love my clear bins for my pantry because it keeps me from over buying what I have forgotten that I have already purchased and those sofa arm things...hard pass. otherwise, solid list
Here in Germany these coffee table books are not common. I'm always wondering about this 'trend' if I see it in American videos like yours. I don't agree with the app controlled light bulbs. I don't like to walk through my house with my phone and switch the lamps on and off and warm white and cold white and blue and dimmed down or up....
The coffee table books... I only think it looks good if they're clearly in use! I have a few books on my (admittedly slightly messy) coffee table - but I'm actually reading them!! Not just stacking things on top of them! 🙄
Re: smart bulbs. Check out (and reference) the neurological impact of certain light waves - especially the effect on those of us with sleep disorders. Not everything is about convenience and/or decor. Sometimes focus & cognition simply MUST take precedence. Love your channel, btw, just hoping to spread awareness while we can still get the bulbs we need
Same, I like the idea for me but I saw my child walking over me with my coffee or whatever on that rest and before I could stop it coffee is everywhere because suddenly my kid decided that climbing over the arm of the sofa was a thing to do. Complete with an insistence that he didn't even see that there as I shriek.
An idea for the pantry if you have the wire shelves and don’t want to pay to have built ins. Get some wood from Home Depot or a similar store. Have them cut them to size and then stain them to match what’s already on that area. Or paint them to match your hardware. It looks really good, especially because they are custom cut to fit your space! And it’s super affordable ☺️.
This ! Just moved into my luxury apt and noticed that I have wire shelving in the pantry. I came across a diy video for the makeover you mentioned and it blew my mind. I keep going to smaller Home Depot’s without the lumber dept so it’s just me, pantry organization containers and a bookmarked video 😒😂
@@SLAYLORDFOCKER haha, not a bookmarked video and organization containers. But, you just moved in. You’ll get to it, and I’m sure it’s going to turn out beautiful❤️
I love art. I do have some Art books on top of a small bookshelf, but I read them! At the same time, I have the book storage books with Art covers for storing tv remotes, pens, pencils etc.. so they hid necessary clutter on my end table and coffee table. I have done this for years.
I actually prefer the smart switch and the smart plug over the smart light bulb as they give the same lift but also with smart switches over smart bulbs you still maintain the physical on/off for guests.
Kiva, these are life hacks. Fam can't leave dirty dishes/junk in the living room if there's nothing to leave them on. Decorative pillows-enough said. Coffee table books-you can get them from the LIBRARY and if you love it, then buy the $100+ book. Wire/metal shelves- have stained plywood on my wire shelves!!! They look good. It's taken me years to figure out and come to terms with these things. Hope others realize they can decorate and put in the infrastructure that works with their lives.
I agree with most of these with the exception of the smart light bulbs. I have them and love them, but they don't save me from needing to walk across the room or even across the house to turn them on. If I go into another room and forget my phone I have to walk back to the other room to get it, open the app, turn the lights on, then go back to the other room, lol. I'm thinking about getting smart switches to avoid this.
if you want the industrial look, it's worth every penny to invest in industrial grade goods. Wire shelving needs to be extremely sturdy and strong, like you find in restaurants, not decorative and colour matched to your pantry. In vest in the best, you will never regret it.
Agree. I don't have a pantry in my kitchen so about 20 years ago I had industrial grade wire shelving professionally installed in the garage. Never had a problem with it.
I found an amazing coffee table book that looks so good with my decor and has such great content (it's about light and it's use in photography) on a book swap bench. That was a great find!!!!
Kiva you are absolutely hilarious and I love watching and learning from you! I agree with everything you suggested and I am on the hunt for the book box and the sofa arm mini table thingy! Keep up the good work!
kiva, we have to talk about me wanting to kiss that little puppy of yours! i'm completely jealous! really good tips. jerry seinfeld asked "why are we holding onto books we already read?" so i'm getting rid of many ckbooks AND the bookcase where theyve lived for yrs. more floor space, fewer dustmites.
KB, love your videos! However, we'll have to agree to disagree on getting rid of side tables! Those sofa arm trays are not practical (and definitely not pretty!) for most people. My side tables hold my lamps so they're very useful! Not a fan of having to install another app for anything, so not a fan of smart bulbs, but I see the convenience for some people. I actually use a cute bronze container on my coffee table to hide candy for my kids, but the fake books: no thanks! Just get a pretty box instead. Amen to you comment about the decorative bed pillows though! Who needs 10 pillows?! Love your doggy!
Prefer side table to coffee tables which are bigger take up more space hit my shin more times on coffee tables. My son would spill stuff all over couch. Or spray paint the clear ones you have.
Thank you for sharing your ideas. I do have to disagree with you on the bins. It really depends on how you organize. I personally need the clear bins and open shelving to be able to see what I have. Not a fan of the fake book either. Would prefer a wicker basket to put things in.
Thank you for mentioning the coffee table books. I do not understand recommending buying Tom Ford or Chanel books when the average person could give two 💩💩. I bought the Vintage Black Glamour coffee table books instead.
I’m definitely getting those arm rest trays!! And oh, don’t get me started on the bed pillows🤣 I started off with 5 and now I only use 1. They get in the way!
I gotta agree with the comments on coffee table books. The fake ones look fake, so get a nice box instead. Vintage boxes are all around and can be super cute. I do appreciate that you say to at least use coffee table books you actually read. My best coffee table book collection was hardback Calvin & Hobbes. 😄 Alas, they did get soda spilled all over them and became not suitable for display. And the thing over the armrest is not my favorite look; it's kind of tacky, sorry!
There is something you can put on the wire shelves. It makes it so everything don’t fall though. I’m not that organized in my pantry. I have never had a coffee table book.
😂 i love my Tom Ford and Chanel books! IDC if they look tacky. I do agree on the wire shelving though. It amazes me that builders put them in million dollar plus homes. I do not have end tables. Have always hated how they look but that preference.
Unrelated: I saw a article that had all the bald baddies of IG. And I know like “IG model” isn’t your lane, but I am putting u on this list!! From the low low cut to the curls, U WEAR THIS LOOK SO EFFORTLESSLY ❤ and I love it!! 😍
KB, you are so funny! I laughed all through this video at your descriptive words. Thanks for the suggestions. I still like my side tables, but I do have one spot where an arm tray would come in handy.
I have that white Crate & Barrel fluted end table in the thumbnail 😅 Tbh I needed a short end table and my husband didn’t want an armrest tray. It was less than $200 on sale so idc. It works…
I replaced my coffee table years ago with a couple of cushioned ottomans. Easy to move and clean. Can be extra seating as needed, but plenty of room to place a glass or kick feet up. They don’t take up much space. Also the cushion protected my senior dog when she hopped on and off the couch. Not really a fan of the look of the armrest tray. Plus I would knock stuff over.
Lol coffee table books are fun if they're about things you've got a passion for like for me travel, but to try to look bougie. Ehh Metal shelves look tacky yes.. and what a pain! The clear bins though.. love but I am an organizing queen and I keep it that way! I'm not sure I'm a fan of the arm rest table.. looks tacky though I'll admit it looks very convenient!!
I have side tables instead of a coffee table (not a huge space). Two of three of them are in spaces that there's nothing better to do with. And $800? My style is quite traditional - £10 for three of them, I got them from a charity shop (thrift store)
I need all my useless end tables, coffee table books, etc. I have a formal living and dinning room, family room, sun room and then a sitting room in the basement. Actually need more crap 🤠
I have ordered the Alabaster books of the Bible for coffee table books, they are beautiful and are something I actually read over and over again. Also a good way to spark conversation about Jesus!
We only keep coffee table books that are purchased second hand or gifted. We have some pretty interesting ones we rotate. Side tables are one of my biggest issues. I tend to buy them second hand when I do not need a new one. I have at least two in each room. Need to get rid of them.
The wire shelving unit and clear plastic storage boxes I bought from Amazon for my bedroom just arrived today, haha. The shelves also have clear plastic liners though, so nothing falling through.
Ah.. the arm tray, I have to disagree with that. That’s a disaster waiting to happen. I can already see the spills and it constantly being knocked down
My spastic dog would be all over it trying to get at any food!
Yeahhhh not going to work with a toddler in the house lol
@@KatyM423 yea, I’d rather a drink spill on my coffee table or side table than upholstery. Not to mention my husband is a big guy. I could see him stretching out and BAM!
👍
Agreed. Highly impractical.
Love 98% of your content Kiva BUT……No arm rest trays for me. Not now, not ever!!! Not giving up my side tables. Not now, not ever!!!! I have lots of space and my three side tables are happy!!!
Agreed. I love side tables and also have 3
Agreed. Those things do not eliviate, they cheapen the space
We may disagree on some of these (I'm a no on the armrest thing and fake book boxes), but the sentiment is the same: Don't clutter your space, and when you do put things in your home, make sure they're really you - and you actually read them! Xo
Agree. I almost clicked off at the coffee table book section, lol. And no to the armrest thing over a side table. That made no sense to me coming from a designer.
Yes, absolutely. That armrest thing is ugly and cheesy looking. I'm kind of shocked that she suggested it because I think she has such good style typically
Her point is not to sacrifice function for form, and to give viewers options if they have a lot of these trendy options and are looking for alternatives. If you read your coffee table books, fine. If you don't, then don't get them and maybe try this alternative to get the aesthetic.
Big no on the sofa arm rest thingie. Imagine spilling something on my oatmeal colored sofa
You literally have coffee table books behind you!
Everything you are saying is opinionated. You are pushing your taste and your flair and decor on us..
I love coffee table books. I have made the tacky mistake of getting a Chanel one before I knew better. Now, I've decided to get books on subjects I'm interested in. One on ballet, one on perfumery, another showcasing black artists. I actually pick them up and they are conversation starters.
This! We also keep to the stuff that already interests us or that we're currently looking at, like a particular artist or architecture of a place we're traveling to. And there have been several times when these conversation starters were super helpful (also in the cases where we're both running around getting stuff ready but our guests are already there and bored :D)
Funny that you said black artist. I bought one coffee table book at HG of " Dance theater of Harlem" my 9 years old daughter took it to her room and looked through it before going to bed until I asked her to bring my coffee table book back 😂. It never fails with her about black artists books. Thank you for mentioning that
THIS! Yes! Books that are actual conversation starters, I picked up studio 54 and this book about penguins🥲 I’m sorry but that Tom Ford is so basic for such a price - having one basically says I have no personality and want to be like everyone else
Yes. I had the Tom Ford book in my cart and then I thought “for what?” I won’t even open it.
Instead I’m buying ones that match what I’m actually into lol
I'm sorry but I do not like the whole fake coffee table book box thing. I personally find them rather tacky in certain spaces. Just get a nice decorative box without it needing to look like a book. Coffee table books have been around at least since the 1950s, so I feel like they're not exactly a trend. It's up to the homeowner as to whether or not they are wanted and used or not. And coffee tables books, by and large, are mostly photos anyway so I don't understand what you mean when you treat them like books strictly for information. I agree that yes, they're typically quite expensive but you don't have to have a ton of them. Thrift them. Put them on your wishlist for birthdays or Christmas presents. Lastly, get books that you actually connect with. I don't understand why I keep seeing the same stupid Tom Ford, Chanel, and Vogue books. They are weird status symbols and not typically a reflection of the homeowners interests but used as an attempt to appear cultured. Are you into flowers and gardening? Get a book on gardening. Cars? Get a book on cars. Southwestern landscape photography? Get a book on that.
Agree. I love my coffee table books and flip through them often. No, they are not a trend.
I have one coffee table book but I bought it because I love it. The pictures are stunning. I want visitors to want to look through the book. I think that’s her point. Don’t just buy a book to buy a coffee table book. Like how many people who bought that Tom Ford book, actually looked through that book? Now those things you can put on your sofa arm to replace side tables? No.
Thank you! The book thing had to be said! Much rather display items that are meaningful.
😱 🙀 If I see another YT apartment tour of that Tom Ford book!?!?!!? Half the people that put out this book, probably can only afford 1 item, every few months of his brand...if not at all!!!
yes, enough with the books coffee table or otherwise that are bought purely for decor. I have one and I actually refer to it often. NO fake books! And no to wood or metal chain links and wood beads. OMG stop. There, that's my rant, please excuse me but I had go get it out.
Love you but armrest trays, NO JUST NO!
Protesting the armrest tray....My small side table is in a perfect spot for my glass of sugar free lemonade 😁(lemon water)
They look soo cheap AND don’t fit every couch hope these never become a thing 👎
If you're having a party, slapping those trays everywhere would be a great option. But for everyday use, I agree, it's a hard no.
Flimsy and tacky and I'm sure I'd be knocking my beverage over too.
I look at coffee table books when I visit other people's homes. It gives me something to do to feel less awkward and socially anxious.
Coffee table books are a must all my guests always enjoy them 😁 it opens fun conversations with guest. I will never purchase that tacky tray for the sofa yuck.
Man, someone finally spoke up about the crowd of pillows on the bed and the coffee table books
I think my FAVOURITE thing about your videos is that you always impress that things can look pretty but the UTILITY features should/must always be there! Love that.
I ALMOST fell for the coffee table book trend. Those Tom Ford and designer books looked amazing in other people's home. But ultimately I didn't feel right displaying books that I have never read or have no interest in reading. I have no interest in designer clothes or brands so I feel like displaying a Tom Ford or Versace book would just be pretentious. Now I still display books on my coffee table, but they are books that I already have in my library, and I feel they represent me much more than a designer book ever could.
I never did. I didn't understand why thousands of folks wanted the same books. lol
We love to keep books on our coffee table but we typically rotate what's on it with books we already have on the shelf that way the books actually reflect our interests and personality. We also love to go to Half Price Books for coffee table books because they are so much cheaper and they're second hand!
Yes, I would be against to buy coffee table books than are on trend and that have not meaning to you or only buy them for decor. But the books I have in my coffee table, I have them for many years, and I have read them many times and I love them. Most of them are gifts.
ugh, I have to disagree on the armrest, though...that thing is the exact opposite of chic. Side tables at least can be real pretty. And the smart light bulb is kind of...meh...well, I mean, not the lightbulb itself. But, the main reason for not turning on a light is....ya don't need it! It doesn't serve a function and that's why you don't turn it on. Just change it with another piece of decor
I work with Neurodivergent folks, and clear storage boxes can be a legit accessibility need for those with executive functioning issues 😊 It’s wonderful how a small change can really help!
Me with adhd completely forgetting what I own as soon as I can’t see them 😅
Yes! I have to have clear storage boxes because I don’t know what I have if I can’t see it.
I came here to see the SAME THING. If I can’t see it, it doesn’t exist. Open shelving, clear or wire bins, labels on everything. Better to see everything than forget you have it!
I love how sensible these suggestions are and how you back it up with why. Makes all the difference! “But I love my new ‘coffee table’ book! Oh yeah… you aren’t talking about the books you read. Gotcha”. The bed pillow thing had to be said. I’m only sort of sold on the smart bulbs - they are super annoying if you lose power in the night and then it comes back on… at 3am. All your lights. But your wifi hasn’t rebooted yet. So you dash around turning them off, praying it didn’t wake your kids. So not the best in bedrooms if you lose power often enough.
I have the same mixed feelings on smart bulbs switches and plugs. Mine haven't all turned on, but they have disconnected from the network before and I've had to pair them all multiple times.
disagree mostly on the side tables- the arm rest try is a hard pass... only if you really have no room at all.
For the wire shelves: Foam core boards from the dollar store! I’ve even seen a video where they got a wood look from contact paper and a front facing” board “ was even added, but they work just as they are
I think if you have the room a side table looks better. The arm rest tray is a good option if you don't have room for a side table
I've been collecting coffee table books 4 over 30 years and the subject matter is varied, it ranges from various art works to photography to perfumery to design and rest assured, I have read each and every single one of them many times over because they are all pleasure to look through and to share with others who are curious about the subject matter. But I've never purchased any on Tom Ford or Chanel because those two books alone to seem to be atrend to themselves. I'm sure those two topics are fascinating but I never wanted to purchase them just because every designer video features them. I just happen to love beautiful photographs and information presented beautifully in my library. That will never go out of style.
But I do agree that they don't need to be displayed on a coffee table or on any table surface where they will look cluttered. They can be arranged on bookshelves wh e're if people want to look at them they're easily accessible . I think they still look great there.
I’m sick of the stupid Tom ford book in every instagram post but, I love books and absolutely think they count as decor. I also open my books all the time and my guests are also done the same. I have bought most of my coffee table books second hand and I have never paid more than 25 bucks.
Me too!
Sorry, but that armrest thing is hideous!
I get GREAT art books at Half Price Books for pennies on the dollar and read them. Always enjoy your videos.
You are always the voice of reason ✌🏼😄
Loving your content ❤ I’m 50/50 on what you mentioned this time. Let’s call it personal (influenced lol) preference.
1. Smart bulbs- absolute must!! Though, my husband complains he can’t change the lights himself. One day I’ll charge my iPad and leave that out.
2. Shelves- yes! I lucked out and my apartment builder chose wood shelving instead of wire.
3. Coffee table book- I’m new to this life and I will not give it up. Tom ford and Chanel book… but to be fair I’m a huggggge fashion enthusiast and also have other designer items I enjoy. And yes, I’ve read both books.
4. Pillows- leave me alone. I feel fancy. Also me: they’re on the floor in the corner because it’s nighttime. I swept there. It’s clean.
Bins- I don’t have many.. I’ll consider the non see through ones, but I like the acrylic ones for the sake of them not taking up so much visual space.
Great vid. Keep going.
Coffee table books are what I read/have read many times and will continue to be on my coffee table. I rotate my books out now and then, and when I buy books I go to the thrift store, library, or get them at a lower price if I order them. I have diy books home repair books a mix of different things that interest me. Fake book boxes are a bit weird so that's a no for me.
Now you know we’re not giving up the side tables 😂. The arm rest is a very cheap/man caveish alternative. It might be a better option for someone tight in space or with a tight budget
You can pry my end table out of my cold dead hands! Haha I don't have a coffee table (small space) so this is a must. Also where would I put my 999th plant?!
Sis, I love your content, but it appears that you’ve simply shifted your coffee table books to the shelf right behind you
Thank you on the coffee table books! Show books you use or show something else! 🤣🤣🤣
Can I just say your videos are like a small moment of joy which I actually use as 'rewards' for my university study breaks! I'm in total agreement about the coffee table books (but then I'm not a fan of using books as decor... I know that's probably design heresy, but it seems like a terrible waste of books if no one is actually reading them). I LOVE the idea of book boxes. However, you can pry my bed pillows from my cold, dead hands lol. I will say I only have the amount needed to allow my bed to double as a second sofa at times (small house solutions!), and I love the color and texture they bring to my room against my white oak headboard.
Coffe table books “I don’t wanna take this class anyway” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Thank you for saying the same I’ve been saying for years about the coffee table books. Literally a space taker
Unless you're into them
Bc nobody agrees about your coffee table book
My arm rest tray used to fall off. Also why is KB against books and she said no bookshelves. I love a home with books
Sheba Castro
👍🏿Agree! I read a lot, therefore I love, love, love a home with books.
I have many table lamps with standard light bulbs and turn them on daily. I would get smart bulbs, but they not currently in the budget and walking around turning my lights on is a ritual for me and adds to my step count.
I love my clear bins for my pantry because it keeps me from over buying what I have forgotten that I have already purchased and those sofa arm things...hard pass. otherwise, solid list
Here in Germany these coffee table books are not common. I'm always wondering about this 'trend' if I see it in American videos like yours. I don't agree with the app controlled light bulbs. I don't like to walk through my house with my phone and switch the lamps on and off and warm white and cold white and blue and dimmed down or up....
The coffee table books... I only think it looks good if they're clearly in use! I have a few books on my (admittedly slightly messy) coffee table - but I'm actually reading them!! Not just stacking things on top of them! 🙄
The storage book is a great idea since I don't have any storage in my coffee table, would help to hide all the clutter, thanks Kiva! ❤
You always share great tips :) also could you please make a video on affordable accent chairs please.Thank you Kiva ❤️
It's on my list! 💕
@@KivaBrent Yaaay!!!
Re: smart bulbs. Check out (and reference) the neurological impact of certain light waves - especially the effect on those of us with sleep disorders. Not everything is about convenience and/or decor. Sometimes focus & cognition simply MUST take precedence. Love your channel, btw, just hoping to spread awareness while we can still get the bulbs we need
No couch armrest trays with my kids........that would be just asking for stress and work to do .... 🤣
Same, I like the idea for me but I saw my child walking over me with my coffee or whatever on that rest and before I could stop it coffee is everywhere because suddenly my kid decided that climbing over the arm of the sofa was a thing to do. Complete with an insistence that he didn't even see that there as I shriek.
@@floraidh4097 My point exactly, these kids do some things sometimes it's interesting.......let's go with that word 🤣
An idea for the pantry if you have the wire shelves and don’t want to pay to have built ins. Get some wood from Home Depot or a similar store. Have them cut them to size and then stain them to match what’s already on that area. Or paint them to match your hardware. It looks really good, especially because they are custom cut to fit your space! And it’s super affordable ☺️.
This ! Just moved into my luxury apt and noticed that I have wire shelving in the pantry. I came across a diy video for the makeover you mentioned and it blew my mind. I keep going to smaller Home Depot’s without the lumber dept so it’s just me, pantry organization containers and a bookmarked video 😒😂
@@SLAYLORDFOCKER haha, not a bookmarked video and organization containers. But, you just moved in. You’ll get to it, and I’m sure it’s going to turn out beautiful❤️
it’s gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day!
Coffee table books look beautiful on my library shelves.
I read those books.
I love art. I do have some Art books on top of a small bookshelf, but I read them! At the same time, I have the book storage books with Art covers for storing tv remotes, pens, pencils etc.. so they hid necessary clutter on my end table and coffee table. I have done this for years.
“C” tables fit over your lap and can be used for dinner tray or Laptop work surface.
I like this idea too…
I actually prefer the smart switch and the smart plug over the smart light bulb as they give the same lift but also with smart switches over smart bulbs you still maintain the physical on/off for guests.
Definitely agree about the lighting! I love that all mine come on at sunset and I can have Alexa turn one or all of them off with commands.
Kiva, these are life hacks. Fam can't leave dirty dishes/junk in the living room if there's nothing to leave them on. Decorative pillows-enough said. Coffee table books-you can get them from the LIBRARY and if you love it, then buy the $100+ book. Wire/metal shelves- have stained plywood on my wire shelves!!! They look good. It's taken me years to figure out and come to terms with these things. Hope others realize they can decorate and put in the infrastructure that works with their lives.
I agree with most of these with the exception of the smart light bulbs. I have them and love them, but they don't save me from needing to walk across the room or even across the house to turn them on. If I go into another room and forget my phone I have to walk back to the other room to get it, open the app, turn the lights on, then go back to the other room, lol. I'm thinking about getting smart switches to avoid this.
You can voice command smart lights.
if you want the industrial look, it's worth every penny to invest in industrial grade goods. Wire shelving needs to be extremely sturdy and strong, like you find in restaurants, not decorative and colour matched to your pantry. In vest in the best, you will never regret it.
Agree. I don't have a pantry in my kitchen so about 20 years ago I had industrial grade wire shelving professionally installed in the garage. Never had a problem with it.
„i‘d still continue to buy them because i‘m a hypocrite.“ 😂😂😂 love your dry self deprecating humour
Kiva Girl, I agree with you. Small but I'm addicted to pillows on my bed. I do however buy covers only👀.
You’re right about the pillows
Great video, mit the clear organization Boxer are quite good bc they sit in your cupboard anyways and if they are clearer you find things more easily
I found an amazing coffee table book that looks so good with my decor and has such great content (it's about light and it's use in photography) on a book swap bench. That was a great find!!!!
The Tom Ford book, ugh.😫
The sofa rest is a big no for me
Kiva you are absolutely hilarious and I love watching and learning from you! I agree with everything you suggested and I am on the hunt for the book box and the sofa arm mini table thingy! Keep up the good work!
kiva, we have to talk about me wanting to kiss that little puppy of yours! i'm completely jealous! really good tips. jerry seinfeld asked "why are we holding onto books we already read?" so i'm getting rid of many ckbooks AND the bookcase where theyve lived for yrs. more floor space, fewer dustmites.
KB, love your videos! However, we'll have to agree to disagree on getting rid of side tables! Those sofa arm trays are not practical (and definitely not pretty!) for most people. My side tables hold my lamps so they're very useful! Not a fan of having to install another app for anything, so not a fan of smart bulbs, but I see the convenience for some people. I actually use a cute bronze container on my coffee table to hide candy for my kids, but the fake books: no thanks! Just get a pretty box instead. Amen to you comment about the decorative bed pillows though! Who needs 10 pillows?! Love your doggy!
Suggestion amazon paintable outlets! Desquise them on wall neater look
Your fur baby is the ultimate decor essential
Prefer side table to coffee tables which are bigger take up more space hit my shin more times on coffee tables. My son would spill stuff all over couch. Or spray paint the clear ones you have.
So much yes on the wire shelving! I can’t stand it! I absolutely forbade it in the new house lol.
You will have to pry my side tables from my cold deadhands.
Thank you for sharing your ideas. I do have to disagree with you on the bins. It really depends on how you organize. I personally need the clear bins and open shelving to be able to see what I have. Not a fan of the fake book either. Would prefer a wicker basket to put things in.
I agree…part of the organizational clear bin is to contain items but also be able to quickly FIND everything. Can’t do that with black bins…🤔
The arm rest tray reminds me of something my grandparents would use, a big no.
Thank you for mentioning the coffee table books. I do not understand recommending buying Tom Ford or Chanel books when the average person could give two 💩💩. I bought the Vintage Black Glamour coffee table books instead.
Thank you. Nuff said.
I’m definitely getting those arm rest trays!! And oh, don’t get me started on the bed pillows🤣 I started off with 5 and now I only use 1. They get in the way!
I started off with 6 and I use the same 1
We just have the ones we sleep with... Although, I really want a body pillow.
@@RachaelTheRed I heard those body pillows are super comfy
I gotta agree with the comments on coffee table books. The fake ones look fake, so get a nice box instead. Vintage boxes are all around and can be super cute. I do appreciate that you say to at least use coffee table books you actually read. My best coffee table book collection was hardback Calvin & Hobbes. 😄 Alas, they did get soda spilled all over them and became not suitable for display. And the thing over the armrest is not my favorite look; it's kind of tacky, sorry!
Great ideas and tips! Love the Marlow pillow! Thanks KB!
Thanks for watching!!
There is something you can put on the wire shelves. It makes it so everything don’t fall though. I’m not that organized in my pantry. I have never had a coffee table book.
😂 i love my Tom Ford and Chanel books! IDC if they look tacky.
I do agree on the wire shelving though. It amazes me that builders put them in million dollar plus homes.
I do not have end tables. Have always hated how they look but that preference.
Unrelated:
I saw a article that had all the bald baddies of IG. And I know like “IG model” isn’t your lane, but I am putting u on this list!! From the low low cut to the curls, U WEAR THIS LOOK SO EFFORTLESSLY ❤ and I love it!! 😍
KB, you are so funny! I laughed all through this video at your descriptive words. Thanks for the suggestions. I still like my side tables, but I do have one spot where an arm tray would come in handy.
I found a new use for my 40 yr old biology 2” textbook; I recover them in pretty wrapping paper and display them:))
I have that white Crate & Barrel fluted end table in the thumbnail 😅 Tbh I needed a short end table and my husband didn’t want an armrest tray. It was less than $200 on sale so idc. It works…
Happy Thursday! 👋🏾
Great video as usual!
Thank you!! Happy Thursday :)
I Love your sofa! It looks like Big Sur by Pottery Barn!
I'm gonna try the armrest tray and see how well it stays on the sofa. Since its Amazon, it can always be returned. Thanks for the idea!
I’m doing the same thing in my nursery 😊
I replaced my coffee table years ago with a couple of cushioned ottomans. Easy to move and clean. Can be extra seating as needed, but plenty of room to place a glass or kick feet up. They don’t take up much space. Also the cushion protected my senior dog when she hopped on and off the couch. Not really a fan of the look of the armrest tray. Plus I would knock stuff over.
YES, CANDY on the coffee table. 😍
Lol coffee table books are fun if they're about things you've got a passion for like for me travel, but to try to look bougie. Ehh
Metal shelves look tacky yes.. and what a pain! The clear bins though.. love but I am an organizing queen and I keep it that way!
I'm not sure I'm a fan of the arm rest table.. looks tacky though I'll admit it looks very convenient!!
I have side tables instead of a coffee table (not a huge space). Two of three of them are in spaces that there's nothing better to do with. And $800? My style is quite traditional - £10 for three of them, I got them from a charity shop (thrift store)
I need all my useless end tables, coffee table books, etc. I have a formal living and dinning room, family room, sun room and then a sitting room in the basement. Actually need more crap 🤠
I like the way you think. Multi purpose items ( or alternate purpose) Yay. I despise coffee tables and wire shelves.
I have ordered the Alabaster books of the Bible for coffee table books, they are beautiful and are something I actually read over and over again. Also a good way to spark conversation about Jesus!
You can also get smart plugs for lamps and other items to enae wifi connectivity without having to buy bulbs.
enable*
We only keep coffee table books that are purchased second hand or gifted. We have some pretty interesting ones we rotate.
Side tables are one of my biggest issues. I tend to buy them second hand when I do not need a new one. I have at least two in each room. Need to get rid of them.
Ha! Love how you keep it real… I’ll probably buy more clear bins too 😉
Oh Kiva, I love your work, but armrest trays!!! Where’s the “classy” in that!!
Thank you for sharing
The wire shelving unit and clear plastic storage boxes I bought from Amazon for my bedroom just arrived today, haha. The shelves also have clear plastic liners though, so nothing falling through.
lmao at the clear bins. I definitely purchased my messy sister a few of tge wooden ones. Cuz mam..Uh huh. 🤣🤣
Can you do a video on window treatments. Modern farmhouse. Ect. For the whole house.
Yes for sure!!