I laughed like a drain when you said "Everyone has an Ikea - inevitably someone in New Zealand is going to say they don't have one" As a New Zealander, it was particularly funny!
I have a Kivik three seater and I agree that it is boring but it does have a huge selling point, which is that all of the fabric is removable. As a pet owner, that alone is why I got the couch. The entire thing can be removed and washed, and also replaced if needed, without having to buy an entirely new couch. 😅
We got a kivik (bought from a friend) for our first apartment sofa because we were broke and needed a big sectional 😂 agree that it’s boring but great at the time. I love that we could change the fabric for our next apartment we moved it to also.
I also have the three seater, and I do not own a pet. I bought two different covers, a grey one that I use in summer and a dark brown one that I use in winter. Changing covers, cushion covers and adding a wonderful woollen carpet together with a spread/throw placed on the sofa in winter is like I have redecorated my living room and makes it more inviting and cozy.
This comment deserves a "was this helpful" chart. Yes, definitely yes. Previously I liked one called something like the "Fritening"(something like!). It's got either side chaise, a sofa bed, with storage inside. But really washable covers Tops that. I hope to always have pets, and there's a new first timer grand child I hope to have visiting often!
The red of the slipcover seems to be replicating the color of the traditional red cottage paint that has been used for centuries in Sweden. Apparently that paint is incredibly durable. The white of the flowers evoke the traditional white trim of those cottages. The shape of the flowers is likely a traditional Swedish motif too. It wouldn't fit in my house but I think I see what they did there. It's like a love note to village life.
Yes the paint is traditionally made from particular Earth that makes it that colour. “Red soil paint” is the direct translation of the Finnish name for that paint. That chair would work in one of those houses (not to my taste, but I see what they tried to do).
I miss the days of shopping like my grandmother did (she was born in 1897). She'd save up to buy a piece of furniture and we now have real wood antiques because of that. I've been decluttering recently and realising that things that are a 100 years old are still going strong and still in fashion. It's such a shame the IKEA stuff I've bought will at some point end up in landfill. I found an in-laid cupboard with glass door that my mum had put in the shed because she needed another cupboard in there; bought in the 1930s I am going to renovate it and see if I can get it up and running again.
I don't think its an IKEA thing, its more a general society thing. Because vintage IKEA furniture is actually very well made and sought after. It's the newer stuff that sucks. And that is kind of true everywhere.
Spot on. You can shop like grandma, just need to shop second hand. I live in Ikealand and on the second hand market good real wood furniture is cheaper than IKEA junk. May be it is j a familiarity issue? it doesn't look like the neighbors ?
I love real wood furniture made in US if possible not China. I am 71 years old and that what I grew up with especially 60’s through the 90’s expensive well made furniture.
@@lindahammond7759 I don't think it matters where its made as long as its made well. You can have horribly made furniture in the US too. Plus there is something to say about traditional craftsmanship that's been handed down generations in the east, provided you are buying such pieces.
I needed the snark in this today. Ever had one of those weeks at work where the effort it takes to not pinch someone’s fool head off is barely worth avoiding repercussions? Yeah. I am here for snarking on some innocent IKEA mass produced merchandise as therapy. Thank you, Nick. You do a greater public service than you know.
I told Strawberry Songs their comment deserves a "Was this helpful// useful"? So does yours. It's been ten hours. Hope you're feeling more positive. You're right though. The momentary satisfaction isn't worth the jail time. Depending on your country, of course. If you're Australian, go for it
That spider pillow is straight out of my nightmares. Not only would that give me a mini heart attack any time it came into view, but it is also providing safe harbor for giant, leggy monstrosities to hide in plain sight right on my couch. No. p.s. those floral curtains took me back to Golden Girls🌸
That pillow made me think of two videos, one where a guy showed a wall covered with daddy longlegs and it was just a writhing black mass and the other video was viral for a time. Someone in Australia killed a spider with a broom that was carrying an egg sack. Like a horror movie, hundreds of tiny spiders spilled all over the kitchen floor. That would've been the moment I threw some gas and a match on the house and walked away 😂
I was actually thinking how many seconds that pillow would last in my home. My German Shepherd would really enjoy ripping each of those spiders out of the pillow ;-).
A Black Lady Sketch Show on HBO just had a skit in their latest episode about signs in homes and all I could think of was your dislike of signs. It's absolutely hilarious!
I’ll definitely be checking out that show, and hopefully my roommate will be within earshot when the sign skit comes on. I’ve never known a man to lock onto inspirational word signs, yet here he is.
I would imagine cat would gleefully leave swathes of fur everywhere on a velvet sofa - I have a velvet skirt that seems to magnetise cat fur every time I wear it. Velvet does make a gorgeous sofa though.
@@kooltom4 I've found my cats don't leave more fur on the velvet than they did on my previous woven fabric sofas, but it is slightly more visible. I have the dark gray Smedstorp from the video and two cats, one orange & white and one black & white, so 3/4 of their fur will show on the sofa. It's lightyears easier to clean off than a traditional woven fabric piece because on velvet the fur sits on top of the fabric but with a woven fabric the fur actually embeds itself and becomes difficult to remove. It takes less than 1/2 the time to clean my velvet loveseat than any sofa I've had before, just a quick zip with the hand vac and it's done! Also, at week 3 of the new sofa, The Orange One barfed on it in the middle of the night. I was distraught when I found it, but it really did clean right off, and again much easier than the old woven fabric loveseat. I 100% recommend velvet upholstery for cat owners.
I use my hardcover recipe books as my coffee table decor haha. It never made sense to me to buy coffee table books just for decor, this way they are easily accessible for when I'm trying to decide what I should cook for dinner
Love it! I enjoyed your video so much as usual Your elegant humour which is never vulgar (so rare nowadays), your subtle jokes, your charisma, please never stop!
Was not expecting to guffaw in a most unladylike fashion today. Foam rollers, spiders, word art! You said exactly what I was thinking. Thank you for blessing us with your videos!
About the red fabric of the granny chair: the pattern reminds me of old Swedish embroideries, so has a nice historic vibe to me and not "granny" at all. The colour reminds me of the red which is often referred to as red from the county of Dalarna (red with blue). So, for me it's not that bad 😊. Love your channel!
It would probably be hard to "match" with other livingroom furniture, but it would be lovely in a reading nook with an ottoman, a reading lamp, and a side table for tea & snacks. I would prefer if the red were either a rich royal blue or forest green.
That's the explanation I needed, I could totally see my mother buying/liking it but she is not a grandma-style type (total maximalist though). She literally wants me to get hold of some "Falu-Röd" paint powder for parts of her house - she can't get it easily in Scotland but will visit me in Finland so can take it back from here.
"I love how it has these little wooden dowel legs, which I think really kinda elevates it" I don't think that was meant as a pun, but it made me very happy 🤣
I actually love the beige sectional 😭 It looks like I could put my snacks on the arms and take a nap. It’s perfectly in my color palette and I would just add blankets and pillows for the cozy textures and more colors
I make a fantastic pumpkin soup, from a recipe a German friend sent me. It's pureed and savory, with ginger, onion, garlic, and curry--perfect for fall--not spring. That walnut tray is like one I have--and love. I put a lazy Susan on mine, to hold salt, pepper, and other things I like to have handy on my table.
It does sound bad but pumpkin soup is actually quite good, add a little dollop of sour cream...mmmm! I first tried it on my honeymoon in Jamaica and have loved it ever since.
It's a staple in Australia and there are a lot of seriously disgusting versions around: under-seasoned, floury/pasty and popular with cafes because it's CHEAP
After seeing two dark velvet pieces all I could think about was how hard it would be to keep them looking good in a house with two cats and a very fluffy dog :D
Totally understand! I actually found out that cat hair really doesn’t stick to velvet. We got a velvet cover for our couch and the cat hair hasn’t stuck to it! (We usually have between 2 and 3 cats)
Velvet is surprisingly hard-wearing! It was actually one of the fabrics specifically recommended for pets by the (very knowledgeable) person I talked to at lovesac
It's so funny to see velvet popping up more and more recently. When I wanted to update my sofa a couple of years ago I couldn't find a velvet sofa to save my life, so I actually sewed my own cover for my existing sofa 😂
Would you ever make a video designing around the “ugly” pieces? Like if someone came to you and said “omg I LOVE the red granny chair, can you do my living room?” Not sure if other people would watch that but I would 😂
I have a Kivik sectional. We got a cover for it off Etsy, and added legs from Pretty Pegs. I think it looks very chic. I’m not a fan of beige either, but there is a lot one can do with the Kivik line.
Agreed! We have a Kivik sectional too in the Orrsta grey but ordered slip covers from Comfort Works (which we learned about from Nick's channel!) And we are adding legs to ours too. Clean lines, flexible with chaise loungers. It's a great set!
I too have the Kivik, in gray, from about 10 years ago (not sure what's new about it) and I'll give it to Nick that it is a bit boring. BUT it has lasted for this long with two small dogs. Some good things about it is that it is VERY comfortable, especially when you add the ottoman. And the low wide arms make great surfaces to place things like remotes, laptop or the occasional dinner in front of the TV. And I suppose if I wanted to keep it longer, I could just buy new covers for it.
@@DanjaundTom You have to install leg mounting plates in order to screw legs onto the kivik. There’s a couple good blogs out there that illustrate the process. It’s really easy and I love the added height, even with just four inch legs!
the lighted head thingy would also be useful for those with hair loss and vision problems. The wig would sit on the head for the night, and the lights inside the head would show where it is.
Love this, thanks for posting! Just one gripe - both pumpkin soup and mushroom soup, if done well, are delicious. Not that I would *ever* buy these wall art things from Ikea.
Pumpkin soup for the win! We managed to get a bumper crop of pumpkins this year. They were planted unintentionally--apparently some compost was full of seeds. Fortunately they are cooking pumpkins and not jack-o'-lantern pumpkins. We will be enjoying pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and whatever pumpkin-else we can think of.
I never, ever skip your videos. You echo so much of my opinions and help me make sure I’m a little more authentic in my decorating instead of just grabbing a “space filler”. I would also like to say, I’m pretty sure that is the granny chair from 1998 that didn’t completely sell out at IKEA. I passed then and I’ll pass now!
Ok, I'm a granny....65 years old....but my vibe would likely be tie dyed or possibly Indian batiks.....I went to college in the 70s.....PLEASE....They might mean Great-great granny......!!
That’s different and I think @Nick Lewis would agree. That’s bringing in a personal/sentimental element to your space. But these generic cliche pieces that everyone has is obnoxious.
A friend of mine has bought an entire SET of those exact floral couch covering things. She's in her late 20s but a granny at heart - I have to say it fits the vibe
“Let me know how the soup is” Lol you just made me choke on my coffee 😂. Also, as a grandma of 4 I qualify as a granny and I concur that those florals are an abomination. 😱
Oh wow. I had this couch ( or something just like it) in a ‘chili’ color. I loved it. Was great to sleep on. Lasted for years. Had a colorful rug to help set off the color scheme.
I thought the Kivik was way better than the Linanas! Something about the Linanas felt juvenile to me, like furniture you’d see in a kid or teen area or something. I thought it was the ugly one 😂 And if I were shopping for a couch now I’d probably go for the Kivik. Not necessarily in beige, but I like the shape.
I love my Kivik. The arms are perfect for my dog who loves to lay on them and it is also a very sturdy couch for a heavier person. You can buy different covers. I have a dark grey and a brick red that I change out for the seasons.
Good to know about the sturdiness, thanks! Most sofas can't cope with more than 100kg, it's not enough. A lot of people weight more than that and you do want to have them over for a visit.
Those are good points. You want a couch that can hold the weight of multiple people. Also, being able to switch out the covers is a great selling point
I bought my Kivik love seat and ottoman about 10 yrs ago in chocolate brown and I'm so mad they don't make that color anymore. It goes so well with my color pallette and want to replace the cover.
Well the spider pillow did it for me. I nearly peed my pants. And the glowing head. Also this: “I’m not saying I don’t like florals. I feel like people are just going to assume that I don’t like florals. I don’t really like florals.”
I just re upulstered my gray ektorp with teal velvet and tufed the pillows and painted the legs gold! Ektorp is my favorite couch and I'm proud that I was able to give it a face-lift
I rarely shop at IKEA as the nearest one is 100+ miles away...however I made an exception & ordered 2 "vases "after seeing them featured on another blog. The FEMLEMMAD mini coiled black iron " vases" are SO COOL/ sculptural. Though small (think bud vases), I'm using them as candle holders after twisting together mini tapers to fit in them for a unique look. I never buy clear glass vases for fresh flowers (even Reeded) as witnessing murky water with floral degradation too soon becomes unappealing!
You can put tape around a glass vase, near the base or as far up as you want, and paint the bottom part. Peel the tape off & you've got a really pretty vase with a solid color base. I did that with a vase I got in a thrift store, & it looks like I bought a trendy new vase :) Flower pots are fun to do that with, too. Makes them look more expensive than they are.
Oy, that escape from the 1980s curtain! Now that I’m approaching “granny” age, I’m *starting* to bristle at it being used in a derogatory fashion. Can we please add a modifier so it better focuses on the aesthetic insult rather than an entire group containing many fabulous women? 🤓❤️
As a 65 year old I love granny anything, see it as a compliment. I've been through dozens of decorating styles and find "coastal granny" suits me now and IKEA has a sofa I'm jonesing for
I have had kivik loveseat and chaise for over ten years. I have changed seat cover over the years which has changed the feel of my room. I can put the 2 together, I can take them apart which also changes the look. Most comfortable couch I have ever owned.
I’d really like to see some pattern that you do like. You admit to not liking florals, but looking at your home, it doesn’t seem like there is *any* pattern that you like. Even your art is very neutral color blocks.
sign, sign, everywhere a sign, blockin' out the scenery, breaking' my mind - I agree! I love the vases and the chair (NOT in that color/pattern). the laundry basket is a win, too. our cats would destroy it, though. this was such a fun video, thanks!!!
I lost it at the foam roller lamp. Too funny. The head lamp: I was tempted by it and I'm a middle age woman! But I have a beautiful vintage glass mannequin head in cobalt blue that is perfect for my hat and sunglasses. I don't need a plastic lamp version, and the Iskarna Head Lamp just felt cheap.
Thank you! I am starting over from nothing after a disaster in my life and I can't afford really expensive stuff. This heals my soul and makes me excited to get started.
The KIVIK went disco years ago (having a configuration myself) and it used to come in an unbelievable amount of colours. There are still retailers making recovers for this piece and because it sits low on plastic legs (yes, there are legs on it!) I added hairpin legs from Amazon and loved it. Happy to see it's back and hope they bring more covers!
The light up head...I'm going to buy it for my husband.. (who is NOT a teenage boy!) I think it goes with all the gamer stuff they've been putting out, and he's going to love putting his hype brand hats on it next to his LED desktop.
Glad to see that velvet upholstery is making a comeback. My cats couldn't put a scratch on my Lawson sofa and chair. Wish I still had it. Very comfy, too.
I am still laughing about the spider pillows! How did that get approved? How?! I'm just tickled by it. Literally. Also I made an exception for art from a major retailer last year when I found an oil painting from 1950's era HBC "Art Collection" depicting a rather disturbing scene that looks like it's from a noir or horror genre film. It's so weird and creepy I love it.
The granny-chic chair cover I have mixed feelings about. I like floral designs but hate the RED, I agree about the curtains, they remind me of cheap hotel curtains. Also, I am so very tired of signs, I don't care what they say, I am tired of my walls talking to me, especially with trite cliches.
I think it is a splash of color in that all white setting, like a poppy. I don't think red and white flowers signal danger to anyone, from insect on up the food chain. And whether it makes someone look good sitting in it is beside the point if you think the chair and the room look good while you are sitting in it.
I live in Iowa and have been to an IKEA one time about 15 years ago in Chicago. I was so excited and somebody told me to have the Swedish meatballs, which I did. Until this video I thought it was mostly cheap particle board furniture and stuff. Now that Nick is okay with some of it, I’ll be looking again (online at least for now)!
@@trishaellen7449 for me it’s worked great. It’s a really short weave fabric, and there’s not usually any loose threads for them to snag. Of course every animal is different, but in general I’ve found that it is a fabric they tend to ignore. Of course it could still be punctured if your cats kneed with the murder mittens fully deployed, but it’s been great for me in the past. You have to keep on top of rollering the fur of course but that’s just par for the course.
@@653j521 it depends on the cat really, I had dark furniture and dark cats (black and tabby), and it found them pretty easy to clean - again, due to the short weave so when you take a roller or a damp cloth over it any hair comes up really quickly.
I was just at ikea and it seemed they were having extreme supply chain issues, there was just NOTHING and what they did have was black and grey. It looked decimated.
living in Toronto Canada, I can proudly say I have only been once. It's too overwhelming for me. I do love Nick's pairing down of what's good and what's bad, so I can just order online!
Ilse Crawford is amazing, I’ve had one of her books since I was a teenager. Her style is so elegant, I love her. And this collection looks amazing too, just like the collaboration she did a couple of years before.
Love your walk-throughs. Not just because it’s interesting to see what’s out there, but because your narration is so entertaining; discerning, clever and wicked.
I feel like the Uppland chair is not granny enough, its in a weird uncanny valley, the print leans traditional but is almost boho since its simplified, the red is way too bright, and the fact that the print is simply printed on the default ikea fabric rather than woven or embroidered will just make it feel cheap, in a more fun color it'd work for a kids room or a dorm, but as is I honestly don't know who the target customer is
Excellent episode! I’m learning a lot and hopefully elevating my style. (Or at least not confusing guests about which century they are in.😀) Thank you!
I'm a newish subscriber, and I have to say, you are hilarious! I burst out laughing several times, especially the foam roller lamp!!! 🤣 I love your opinions on everything, and I seem to agree with every one of them! Your talent, your words and your delivery of them is amazing... I think you were born to help people with design! ❤️
We got the Morabo blue velvet! It’s beautiful and added some fun and glamour to our leaving room… but it’s a lot of cleaning as everything ever sticks to the fabric.
I love these longer videos! I am definitely one of your more “kitschy” followers haha. I do have recipes framed for my kitchen 👀 BUT they are my favorites and ones I actually use! I probably would have liked IKEA’s signage more when I was in college. I am definitely loving that velvet fabric though!!!
Loove this video! I'm here for all the content, but let's face it, the joy of hearing you elegantly yet ironically describe the fails is gold! Made me laugh so much. The spider cushion though, once you said that it could not be unseen. LOL
Second time around on this video, just because you are so fun to listen to AND you have such great content. You are so flippin funny! Thanks for brightening my day and helping my interior decor game. 😊
Okay but I can Totally see the type of space that red floral chair would work in! Put into a craftsman style house, lots of beige crafty stuff and coloured glass and a colourful rug and a ton of plants. Very commercial drive artist space. And I am Screaming over the spider pillow! Love Me Some Creepy Vibes! ❤🕷🕸
You cracked me up talking about the spiderlings pillow and granny curtains. You are so entertaining and I love how you make such an effort not to offend anyone. Brilliant. Thanks from Perth Australia. 🤣🤩
I laughed like a drain when you said "Everyone has an Ikea - inevitably someone in New Zealand is going to say they don't have one" As a New Zealander, it was particularly funny!
Well moment of truth do you guys have ikea
When you showed the example of a foam roller, I thought “Wow, Nick’s right - that lamp looks EXACTLY like a foam roller!” 😅😂
I have a Kivik three seater and I agree that it is boring but it does have a huge selling point, which is that all of the fabric is removable. As a pet owner, that alone is why I got the couch. The entire thing can be removed and washed, and also replaced if needed, without having to buy an entirely new couch. 😅
We got a kivik (bought from a friend) for our first apartment sofa because we were broke and needed a big sectional 😂 agree that it’s boring but great at the time. I love that we could change the fabric for our next apartment we moved it to also.
I also have the three seater, and I do not own a pet. I bought two different covers, a grey one that I use in summer and a dark brown one that I use in winter. Changing covers, cushion covers and adding a wonderful woollen carpet together with a spread/throw placed on the sofa in winter is like I have redecorated my living room and makes it more inviting and cozy.
I actually really like it. Napability is big for me, and the low, wide arms are great for that. That being said, no one calls me trendy.
This comment deserves a "was this helpful" chart. Yes, definitely yes. Previously I liked one called something like the "Fritening"(something like!). It's got either side chaise, a sofa bed, with storage inside. But really washable covers Tops that. I hope to always have pets, and there's a new first timer grand child I hope to have visiting often!
Thank you for defending my Kivik. That's exactly why I got it! I have two dogs, a cat and a toddler. I NEED to be able to wash the covers.
“Completely unfortunate” is definitely a keeper phrase. So much kinder than “hated it!”. You always make me chuckle.
Love the blue velvet sofa!
It gave me Legally Blonde vibes: “Well, she needs highlights, but she’s not completely unfortunate-looking.”
@@llamasugar5478 THAT'S what I remembered that phrase from. Thank you for that.
"This should not exist." is one of my favourite Nick phrases. LOL
@@llamasugar5478 THAT'S why I was getting Heather's from that comment!!!
The red of the slipcover seems to be replicating the color of the traditional red cottage paint that has been used for centuries in Sweden. Apparently that paint is incredibly durable. The white of the flowers evoke the traditional white trim of those cottages. The shape of the flowers is likely a traditional Swedish motif too. It wouldn't fit in my house but I think I see what they did there. It's like a love note to village life.
I thought the pattern felt Scandinavian to me as well. I don’t mind the pattern in smaller doses.
I think the pattern would work if it were somewhat smaller, so that there was more white on the fabric.
@@michele1491 i agree maybe as a pillowcase
I like it, but if it were in my house, I know I would get tired of it.
Yes the paint is traditionally made from particular Earth that makes it that colour. “Red soil paint” is the direct translation of the Finnish name for that paint. That chair would work in one of those houses (not to my taste, but I see what they tried to do).
I miss the days of shopping like my grandmother did (she was born in 1897). She'd save up to buy a piece of furniture and we now have real wood antiques because of that. I've been decluttering recently and realising that things that are a 100 years old are still going strong and still in fashion. It's such a shame the IKEA stuff I've bought will at some point end up in landfill. I found an in-laid cupboard with glass door that my mum had put in the shed because she needed another cupboard in there; bought in the 1930s I am going to renovate it and see if I can get it up and running again.
I don't think its an IKEA thing, its more a general society thing. Because vintage IKEA furniture is actually very well made and sought after. It's the newer stuff that sucks. And that is kind of true everywhere.
You can still do that and get furniture made by a craftsperson. Then you're supporting a local small business too
Spot on. You can shop like grandma, just need to shop second hand. I live in Ikealand and on the second hand market good real wood furniture is cheaper than IKEA junk. May be it is j a familiarity issue? it doesn't look like the neighbors ?
I love real wood furniture made in US if possible not China. I am 71 years old and that what I grew up with especially 60’s through the 90’s expensive well made furniture.
@@lindahammond7759 I don't think it matters where its made as long as its made well. You can have horribly made furniture in the US too. Plus there is something to say about traditional craftsmanship that's been handed down generations in the east, provided you are buying such pieces.
“Extremely Unfortunate”. Going to start using that!
Not sure if you did this already, but could you make a video on entryways?
I haven’t but I could! Thanks for the suggestion
We need it!
Yes please !!!!
Oh yes please! Good suggestion. I need help….Tiny entry way.
Great suggestion!
I love how Nick is single handily bringing back Art Deco. It deserves a comeback, and Nick is serving
I needed the snark in this today. Ever had one of those weeks at work where the effort it takes to not pinch someone’s fool head off is barely worth avoiding repercussions? Yeah. I am here for snarking on some innocent IKEA mass produced merchandise as therapy. Thank you, Nick. You do a greater public service than you know.
I love this comment! Yes, I have been there.
Same
I told Strawberry Songs their comment deserves a "Was this helpful// useful"? So does yours. It's been ten hours. Hope you're feeling more positive. You're right though. The momentary satisfaction isn't worth the jail time. Depending on your country, of course. If you're Australian, go for it
Same here brother, same here. Nick's passionately righteous distaste of word art gives me life!!! Hope you week is better!
His videos are sooo therapeutic right? Hope next week is better ;)
That spider pillow is straight out of my nightmares. Not only would that give me a mini heart attack any time it came into view, but it is also providing safe harbor for giant, leggy monstrosities to hide in plain sight right on my couch.
No.
p.s. those floral curtains took me back to Golden Girls🌸
That pillow made me think of two videos, one where a guy showed a wall covered with daddy longlegs and it was just a writhing black mass and the other video was viral for a time. Someone in Australia killed a spider with a broom that was carrying an egg sack. Like a horror movie, hundreds of tiny spiders spilled all over the kitchen floor. That would've been the moment I threw some gas and a match on the house and walked away 😂
@@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley - That pillow IS a nightmare. You added to it. 😱
I was actually thinking how many seconds that pillow would last in my home. My German Shepherd would really enjoy ripping each of those spiders out of the pillow ;-).
I seem to be the only one that oddly likes it lol
@@janesmith7288 That would be one pillow I'd gladly let my German Shepherd destroy.
A Black Lady Sketch Show on HBO just had a skit in their latest episode about signs in homes and all I could think of was your dislike of signs. It's absolutely hilarious!
This is my new favorite show!!! Anyone in need of laughs, check it out!
@@kathleenwiens6763 It's so clever and I end up laughing so hard by the end of the show. I love it!
I loathe signs in homes as well
Don’t have HBO 😢 but maybe at some point I’ll get for a month and watch this. Sounds like so much fun!
I’ll definitely be checking out that show, and hopefully my roommate will be within earshot when the sign skit comes on. I’ve never known a man to lock onto inspirational word signs, yet here he is.
Important note about velvet sofas: not only gorgeous but good for cat owners… my cat at least can’t get her claws into velvet
Good to know!
I would imagine cat would gleefully leave swathes of fur everywhere on a velvet sofa - I have a velvet skirt that seems to magnetise cat fur every time I wear it. Velvet does make a gorgeous sofa though.
We have 3 cats different age and temperament, and I absolutely agree!
@@kooltom4 I've found my cats don't leave more fur on the velvet than they did on my previous woven fabric sofas, but it is slightly more visible. I have the dark gray Smedstorp from the video and two cats, one orange & white and one black & white, so 3/4 of their fur will show on the sofa. It's lightyears easier to clean off than a traditional woven fabric piece because on velvet the fur sits on top of the fabric but with a woven fabric the fur actually embeds itself and becomes difficult to remove. It takes less than 1/2 the time to clean my velvet loveseat than any sofa I've had before, just a quick zip with the hand vac and it's done! Also, at week 3 of the new sofa, The Orange One barfed on it in the middle of the night. I was distraught when I found it, but it really did clean right off, and again much easier than the old woven fabric loveseat. I 100% recommend velvet upholstery for cat owners.
I use my hardcover recipe books as my coffee table decor haha. It never made sense to me to buy coffee table books just for decor, this way they are easily accessible for when I'm trying to decide what I should cook for dinner
What a great idea.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
What a great idea!
Love it! I enjoyed your video so much as usual
Your elegant humour which is never vulgar (so rare nowadays), your subtle jokes, your charisma, please never stop!
Was not expecting to guffaw in a most unladylike fashion today. Foam rollers, spiders, word art! You said exactly what I was thinking. Thank you for blessing us with your videos!
About the red fabric of the granny chair: the pattern reminds me of old Swedish embroideries, so has a nice historic vibe to me and not "granny" at all. The colour reminds me of the red which is often referred to as red from the county of Dalarna (red with blue). So, for me it's not that bad 😊.
Love your channel!
I loved the pattern but the red is a little much for me if it was in a blue, I would probably buy it.
I thought the same thing. It’s very Swedish looking to me.
To me it looked a bit Chinese, and I liked it too.
Edit: Whereas an all-white comfy chair is borderline useless.
It would probably be hard to "match" with other livingroom furniture, but it would be lovely in a reading nook with an ottoman, a reading lamp, and a side table for tea & snacks. I would prefer if the red were either a rich royal blue or forest green.
That's the explanation I needed, I could totally see my mother buying/liking it but she is not a grandma-style type (total maximalist though). She literally wants me to get hold of some "Falu-Röd" paint powder for parts of her house - she can't get it easily in Scotland but will visit me in Finland so can take it back from here.
"I love how it has these little wooden dowel legs, which I think really kinda elevates it"
I don't think that was meant as a pun, but it made me very happy 🤣
If you want to do some flower arranging in a vase with a wide mouth, create a grid over the top using clear selotape. It's a game changer
I actually love the beige sectional 😭 It looks like I could put my snacks on the arms and take a nap. It’s perfectly in my color palette and I would just add blankets and pillows for the cozy textures and more colors
Imagine your elderly guests trying to get out of it though... 😳 . No legs means grandpa is not getting off that sofa anytime soon without help .
Ikea used to sell long, flat, rectangular, trays that would fit perfectly on the arms and accommodate your drinks.
Omg I love this, PLEASE make this an ongoing series of the good, the bad, and the ugly…. the possibilities are endless with so many stores!
I make a fantastic pumpkin soup, from a recipe a German friend sent me. It's pureed and savory, with ginger, onion, garlic, and curry--perfect for fall--not spring.
That walnut tray is like one I have--and love. I put a lazy Susan on mine, to hold salt, pepper, and other things I like to have handy on my table.
It does sound bad but pumpkin soup is actually quite good, add a little dollop of sour cream...mmmm! I first tried it on my honeymoon in Jamaica and have loved it ever since.
It's my favourite soup :) Nom nom nom
@@lsamoa mine too!
As long as it's not sweet, you add a little bit of spice or herbs or something to dress it up. I wanted to taste savory.
Absolutely! That and squash soup are my favorites!
It's a staple in Australia and there are a lot of seriously disgusting versions around: under-seasoned, floury/pasty and popular with cafes because it's CHEAP
After seeing two dark velvet pieces all I could think about was how hard it would be to keep them looking good in a house with two cats and a very fluffy dog :D
Totally understand! I actually found out that cat hair really doesn’t stick to velvet. We got a velvet cover for our couch and the cat hair hasn’t stuck to it! (We usually have between 2 and 3 cats)
Velvet is surprisingly hard-wearing! It was actually one of the fabrics specifically recommended for pets by the (very knowledgeable) person I talked to at lovesac
I wasthinking it'd hide the grime from my kids grubby hands 🤣 and I want
It's so funny to see velvet popping up more and more recently. When I wanted to update my sofa a couple of years ago I couldn't find a velvet sofa to save my life, so I actually sewed my own cover for my existing sofa 😂
Would you ever make a video designing around the “ugly” pieces? Like if someone came to you and said “omg I LOVE the red granny chair, can you do my living room?” Not sure if other people would watch that but I would 😂
I actually do love the granny chair but then, I’m a granny so….😂
I have a Kivik sectional. We got a cover for it off Etsy, and added legs from Pretty Pegs. I think it looks very chic. I’m not a fan of beige either, but there is a lot one can do with the Kivik line.
Agreed! We have a Kivik sectional too in the Orrsta grey but ordered slip covers from Comfort Works (which we learned about from Nick's channel!) And we are adding legs to ours too. Clean lines, flexible with chaise loungers. It's a great set!
I too have the Kivik, in gray, from about 10 years ago (not sure what's new about it) and I'll give it to Nick that it is a bit boring. BUT it has lasted for this long with two small dogs. Some good things about it is that it is VERY comfortable, especially when you add the ottoman. And the low wide arms make great surfaces to place things like remotes, laptop or the occasional dinner in front of the TV. And I suppose if I wanted to keep it longer, I could just buy new covers for it.
I have a Kivik in brown leather. Don’t care for trends, I like the square/box like design. The arm is perfect for my iPad stand
My new apartment comes with a kivik. Did you just put on any legs or is there something to look out for?
@@DanjaundTom You have to install leg mounting plates in order to screw legs onto the kivik. There’s a couple good blogs out there that illustrate the process. It’s really easy and I love the added height, even with just four inch legs!
the lighted head thingy would also be useful for those with hair loss and vision problems. The wig would sit on the head for the night, and the lights inside the head would show where it is.
oddly specific.
I like going to IKEA to wander around with my friends, saves me from spending $90 on going to an _escape room_
Love this, thanks for posting! Just one gripe - both pumpkin soup and mushroom soup, if done well, are delicious. Not that I would *ever* buy these wall art things from Ikea.
I just made the same comment (22 hours after yours). Big mistake on his part!
hi from Australia, we LOVE pumpkin soup down here, he was doing so well until that last 20seconds.
Pumpkin soup for the win!
We managed to get a bumper crop of pumpkins this year. They were planted unintentionally--apparently some compost was full of seeds. Fortunately they are cooking pumpkins and not jack-o'-lantern pumpkins. We will be enjoying pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and whatever pumpkin-else we can think of.
I never, ever skip your videos. You echo so much of my opinions and help me make sure I’m a little more authentic in my decorating instead of just grabbing a “space filler”. I would also like to say, I’m pretty sure that is the granny chair from 1998 that didn’t completely sell out at IKEA. I passed then and I’ll pass now!
I always feel twice as welcome when I watch one of Nick’s videos.
Ok, I'm a granny....65 years old....but my vibe would likely be tie dyed or possibly Indian batiks.....I went to college in the 70s.....PLEASE....They might mean Great-great granny......!!
You weren't into the whole flamboyant hippie chic thing way back when? This could fit that.
I agree JoAnn. I think he is not thinking in terms that Granny's today were the BoHo Hippies of yesterday! LOL God bless.
As soon as I saw the curtains my immediate thought was the show “Golden Girls” which I loved, but not putting those in my house. 😆
I immediately thought OMG, that looks like the 80’s!!! Been there! 😝
My family refers to things like these curtains as perfect for the "Florida room." 😆 Tacky yet amusing with a bent towards tropical.
I was thinking Mrs. Roper, but yes.
We actually took a bunch of my grandmothers recipe cards and turned them into artwork.
That’s different and I think @Nick Lewis would agree. That’s bringing in a personal/sentimental element to your space. But these generic cliche pieces that everyone has is obnoxious.
Beautiful idea, but that's unique and meaningful to your family. Different to generic, mass produced stuff.
I hope you make some at least one a month
@@pennycooks1389 I make her chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, and of course, her cheesecake. Her cheesecake is the absolute best.
@@rachellynncreates2703 that’s great
A friend of mine has bought an entire SET of those exact floral couch covering things. She's in her late 20s but a granny at heart - I have to say it fits the vibe
“Let me know how the soup is” Lol you just made me choke on my coffee 😂. Also, as a grandma of 4 I qualify as a granny and I concur that those florals are an abomination. 😱
Totally with you on that 'Spider Pillow'. It's definitely gonna give me a heart attack.
The 🕷 pillow has me giggling. 🤣 Love your commentary Nick, these are some of my favorite videos.
That kivik sectional isn’t that bad. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not exciting, but it can definitely work in a beautifully decorated space
I do agree :))
Oh wow. I had this couch ( or something just like it) in a ‘chili’ color. I loved it. Was great to sleep on. Lasted for years. Had a colorful rug to help set off the color scheme.
Just needs legs
I thought the Kivik was way better than the Linanas! Something about the Linanas felt juvenile to me, like furniture you’d see in a kid or teen area or something. I thought it was the ugly one 😂 And if I were shopping for a couch now I’d probably go for the Kivik. Not necessarily in beige, but I like the shape.
I love my Kivik. The arms are perfect for my dog who loves to lay on them and it is also a very sturdy couch for a heavier person. You can buy different covers. I have a dark grey and a brick red that I change out for the seasons.
Good to know about the sturdiness, thanks! Most sofas can't cope with more than 100kg, it's not enough. A lot of people weight more than that and you do want to have them over for a visit.
Those are good points. You want a couch that can hold the weight of multiple people. Also, being able to switch out the covers is a great selling point
I bought my Kivik love seat and ottoman about 10 yrs ago in chocolate brown and I'm so mad they don't make that color anymore. It goes so well with my color pallette and want to replace the cover.
@@NYcDcG ,you could buy a pale colour and dye it perhaps.
@@NYcDcG Have you checked Bemz? They sell replacement covers for IKEA sofas and they have variety of colours.
Your facial expression when talking about pumpkin vs mushroom soup was priceless!
That granny arm chair looks gorgeous in a monochromatic color. With that flower fabric thought… not so much.
Cracked up at "Even granny's like, 'Guuurl...' with the floral prints. Totally agree!
Well the spider pillow did it for me. I nearly peed my pants.
And the glowing head.
Also this: “I’m not saying I don’t like florals. I feel like people are just going to assume that I don’t like florals. I don’t really like florals.”
I just re upulstered my gray ektorp with teal velvet and tufed the pillows and painted the legs gold! Ektorp is my favorite couch and I'm proud that I was able to give it a face-lift
I rarely shop at IKEA as the nearest one is 100+ miles away...however I made an exception & ordered 2 "vases "after seeing
them featured on another blog. The
FEMLEMMAD mini coiled black iron " vases" are SO COOL/ sculptural. Though small (think bud vases),
I'm using them as candle holders
after twisting together mini tapers
to fit in them for a unique look.
I never buy clear glass vases for fresh
flowers (even Reeded) as witnessing
murky water with floral degradation
too soon becomes unappealing!
You can put tape around a glass vase, near the base or as far up as you want, and paint the bottom part. Peel the tape off & you've got a really pretty vase with a solid color base. I did that with a vase I got in a thrift store, & it looks like I bought a trendy new vase :)
Flower pots are fun to do that with, too. Makes them look more expensive than they are.
Oy, that escape from the 1980s curtain!
Now that I’m approaching “granny” age, I’m *starting* to bristle at it being used in a derogatory fashion. Can we please add a modifier so it better focuses on the aesthetic insult rather than an entire group containing many fabulous women? 🤓❤️
Amen to that!
Nick, I’m 70 and delight in being a granny. I didn’t take offense at all.
As a 65 year old I love granny anything, see it as a compliment. I've been through dozens of decorating styles and find "coastal granny" suits me now and IKEA has a sofa I'm jonesing for
Yeah, "granny" is often used disparagingly, which is both sexist and ageist.
I have had kivik loveseat and chaise for over ten years. I have changed seat cover over the years which has changed the feel of my room. I can put the 2 together, I can take them apart which also changes the look. Most comfortable couch I have ever owned.
I literally shrieked when I saw that spidery pillow! For the Addams Family, maybe?
I’d really like to see some pattern that you do like. You admit to not liking florals, but looking at your home, it doesn’t seem like there is *any* pattern that you like. Even your art is very neutral color blocks.
I feel like "tell me how the soup is" is a new burn that people should start using
sign, sign, everywhere a sign, blockin' out the scenery, breaking' my mind - I agree! I love the vases and the chair (NOT in that color/pattern). the laundry basket is a win, too. our cats would destroy it, though. this was such a fun video, thanks!!!
I lost it at the foam roller lamp. Too funny. The head lamp: I was tempted by it and I'm a middle age woman! But I have a beautiful vintage glass mannequin head in cobalt blue that is perfect for my hat and sunglasses. I don't need a plastic lamp version, and the Iskarna Head Lamp just felt cheap.
I have a 14 year old son who has amazing design sense (way more than me), he would find that head lamp hideous and disturbing 😂
Thank you! I am starting over from nothing after a disaster in my life and I can't afford really expensive stuff. This heals my soul and makes me excited to get started.
Good luck for this new chapter
The KIVIK went disco years ago (having a configuration myself) and it used to come in an unbelievable amount of colours. There are still retailers making recovers for this piece and because it sits low on plastic legs (yes, there are legs on it!) I added hairpin legs from Amazon and loved it. Happy to see it's back and hope they bring more covers!
The light up head...I'm going to buy it for my husband.. (who is NOT a teenage boy!)
I think it goes with all the gamer stuff they've been putting out, and he's going to love putting his hype brand hats on it next to his LED desktop.
Glad to see that velvet upholstery is making a comeback. My cats couldn't put a scratch on my Lawson sofa and chair. Wish I still had it. Very comfy, too.
I am still laughing about the spider pillows! How did that get approved? How?! I'm just tickled by it. Literally. Also I made an exception for art from a major retailer last year when I found an oil painting from 1950's era HBC "Art Collection" depicting a rather disturbing scene that looks like it's from a noir or horror genre film. It's so weird and creepy I love it.
Lol. Watching Nick diss granny chic and looking around my bedroom with a lot of that burgundy red in it. 😆
The granny-chic chair cover I have mixed feelings about. I like floral designs but hate the RED, I agree about the curtains, they remind me of cheap hotel curtains. Also, I am so very tired of signs, I don't care what they say, I am tired of my walls talking to me, especially with trite cliches.
Agree on the red chair. Red tires the eye colour cones, and overall reads "danger" with white splattered lines. No one will look good sitting in it.
I think it is a splash of color in that all white setting, like a poppy. I don't think red and white flowers signal danger to anyone, from insect on up the food chain. And whether it makes someone look good sitting in it is beside the point if you think the chair and the room look good while you are sitting in it.
I live in Iowa and have been to an IKEA one time about 15 years ago in Chicago. I was so excited and somebody told me to have the Swedish meatballs, which I did. Until this video I thought it was mostly cheap particle board furniture and stuff. Now that Nick is okay with some of it, I’ll be looking again (online at least for now)!
Love hearing Americans attempt Swedish, it's so wholesome! Also you did great!!!
Velvet is also great if you have cats - it doesn’t pill if they get their little claws into it.
Is that true? I hve had cats my whole life but avoided velvet because i feel fur would stick and claws
@@trishaellen7449 for me it’s worked great. It’s a really short weave fabric, and there’s not usually any loose threads for them to snag. Of course every animal is different, but in general I’ve found that it is a fabric they tend to ignore. Of course it could still be punctured if your cats kneed with the murder mittens fully deployed, but it’s been great for me in the past. You have to keep on top of rollering the fur of course but that’s just par for the course.
@@elizabethduffy2145 Does the dark color show hair more than lighter colors?
Really depends on the quality of the velvet. I've seen some velvet furniture really suffer from cats.
@@653j521 it depends on the cat really, I had dark furniture and dark cats (black and tabby), and it found them pretty easy to clean - again, due to the short weave so when you take a roller or a damp cloth over it any hair comes up really quickly.
I really like all the new things that feel like muji! That crossover area really appeals to me. Wood trays, simple but striking vases, etc.
I was just at ikea and it seemed they were having extreme supply chain issues, there was just NOTHING and what they did have was black and grey. It looked decimated.
@@bebenut123 USA, near Philly
@@bebenut123 Canada too
Washington state, too!
Pittsburgh is the same and it's been that way for almost 2 years. Shelves are bare as a baby's bottom. People go there for lunch and that's all.
Yup, same in California--for the last 2 years.
Agree with your comments on sustainability! Also watching from New Zealand hoping that one day IKEA will open a store here. I'm losing patience.
living in Toronto Canada, I can proudly say I have only been once. It's too overwhelming for me. I do love Nick's pairing down of what's good and what's bad, so I can just order online!
It’s coming to Auckland soon apparently!
Ilse Crawford is amazing, I’ve had one of her books since I was a teenager. Her style is so elegant, I love her. And this collection looks amazing too, just like the collaboration she did a couple of years before.
you're so awesome for still putting time stamps eventho you already cut to the chase and speak quickly with ur content. I never skip any part!
Love your walk-throughs. Not just because it’s interesting to see what’s out there, but because your narration is so entertaining; discerning, clever and wicked.
I feel like the Uppland chair is not granny enough, its in a weird uncanny valley, the print leans traditional but is almost boho since its simplified, the red is way too bright, and the fact that the print is simply printed on the default ikea fabric rather than woven or embroidered will just make it feel cheap, in a more fun color it'd work for a kids room or a dorm, but as is I honestly don't know who the target customer is
It is giving me IKEA christmas wrapping paper vibes 🙈
@@Kira-sb8gk totally!!
I love love love your delivery - such fun and interesting and, of course, I agree with you. Keep your marvelous posts coming.
Thank you. Thanks for just callin it like you see it. It’s what I enjoy most about your videos.
I'd love to hear about trends or items that you hated at first glance then changed you mind on. love the content!
On point every single time. And your facial expressions when discussing soup just made my day. 🤣🤣🤣 Thank you for going to Ikea so I don't have to. 😘
Excellent episode! I’m learning a lot and hopefully elevating my style. (Or at least not confusing guests about which century they are in.😀) Thank you!
🤣🤣🤣
Thanks Nick, you had me in stitches with the spider pillow.🤣🤣
That spider pillow cracked me up! 😂
I'm a newish subscriber, and I have to say, you are hilarious! I burst out laughing several times, especially the foam roller lamp!!! 🤣 I love your opinions on everything, and I seem to agree with every one of them! Your talent, your words and your delivery of them is amazing... I think you were born to help people with design! ❤️
We got the Morabo blue velvet! It’s beautiful and added some fun and glamour to our leaving room… but it’s a lot of cleaning as everything ever sticks to the fabric.
So enjoy your work. I get to learn and giggle. Will see that spider pillow in my dreams.
Those green vases are gorgeous. I think I need one. Thanks!
I love these longer videos! I am definitely one of your more “kitschy” followers haha. I do have recipes framed for my kitchen 👀 BUT they are my favorites and ones I actually use! I probably would have liked IKEA’s signage more when I was in college. I am definitely loving that velvet fabric though!!!
Loove this video! I'm here for all the content, but let's face it, the joy of hearing you elegantly yet ironically describe the fails is gold! Made me laugh so much. The spider cushion though, once you said that it could not be unseen. LOL
Second time around on this video, just because you are so fun to listen to AND you have such great content. You are so flippin funny! Thanks for brightening my day and helping my interior decor game. 😊
The kivik may put you to sleep, but if your tall or just need more space, the low arms are great for pillows.
My favorite was the spider pillow, hilarious!!!! :))))
Thank you for doing these Public Service Announcements. I get a good laugh and hone my insights watching your good-bad-ugly videos. 👍
Okay but I can Totally see the type of space that red floral chair would work in!
Put into a craftsman style house, lots of beige crafty stuff and coloured glass and a colourful rug and a ton of plants. Very commercial drive artist space.
And I am Screaming over the spider pillow! Love Me Some Creepy Vibes! ❤🕷🕸
Spider pillow! lol! You are so right on this! I hope you do more Good-Bad-Ugly videos. Informative and amusing. I do trust your sense of style.
That spider pillow needed to come with a trigger warning! WHO thought THAT was a good idea?! 😬
Golden Girls curtains!!
I’m living for the extra sass today regarding word “art”
Nick, love your sense of humor and sense of style. Always enjoy your vids.
I love your videos Nick! Your comments about the spider pillow had me rolling on the floor with laughter!
Me too!
OMG!!! That spider pillow is mega-creepy!! 😂😂
Love all your IKEA videos. Especially because we have the store where I live. 😉
You cracked me up talking about the spiderlings pillow and granny curtains. You are so entertaining and I love how you make such an effort not to offend anyone. Brilliant. Thanks from Perth Australia. 🤣🤩
Thank you for doing so many ikea videos! Love all your videos, but these are my favorite