Impractical Furniture and Home Decor | Armless Sofas and Dining Benches

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  • Опубліковано 20 тра 2024
  • I am loving my new Brooklinen Linen sheets for this cooler weather. You can use my code NickLewis to get $20 off any order over $100: bit.ly/NickLewis_BrooklinenNov23
    In this video, I go over some more impractical furniture and home decor items! Can you believe this is part 6? If you love these items, you don't have to take my advice, but maybe just consider some of these points. You can love these furniture pieces and home decor but that does not make them practical. Check out the rest of my impractical series here: bitly.ws/ZZxx
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    ⏱ Timestamps:
    00:00 - Intro
    00:35 - Brooklinen
    01:34 - Armless Sofas
    04:06 - Desks in the Middle of the Room
    07:45 - Large Format Tile
    09:10 - Dark Countertops
    11:24 - Open Nightstands
    13:24 - Dining Benches and Blackless Stools
    16:03 - Outro
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  • @Nick_Lewis
    @Nick_Lewis  6 місяців тому +7

    Brooklinen's Black Friday Sale just got better! They are now offering 25% OFF with up to 40% off their bundles. This is the best deal they've ever offered! You can shop it via my link: bit.ly/NickLewis_BrooklinenNov23

  • @stefs3460
    @stefs3460 6 місяців тому +1741

    Dearest Gwendolyn, It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this correspondence from the desk in the middle of the study so as not to stain the dark countertops in the kitchen with my tears. We are sadly one less on the dining bench after a series of unfortunate events. After falling off the side of our armless sofa my dear papa went to take a warm shower to soothe his aches and pains. Sadly he slipped on the large format tiles due to the lack of foot gripping grout and hit his head and died. I cannot bear to walk past his open nightstand with his dentures in their container sitting on the shelf next to his opened package of foam earplugs.

    • @annbrookens945
      @annbrookens945 6 місяців тому +83

      Beautifully written!

    • @stefs3460
      @stefs3460 6 місяців тому +81

      @@annbrookens945 It certainly helped that I had such great material from Nick to piggyback off of😄 All his videos are funny but this was especially so!

    • @cynthiajohnston424
      @cynthiajohnston424 6 місяців тому +36

      Brilliant - love your wit ! 😂

    • @martha3445
      @martha3445 6 місяців тому +49

      😂 That was hysterical!!

    • @Peachlover345
      @Peachlover345 6 місяців тому +18

      LOL

  • @serenityjoy1872
    @serenityjoy1872 6 місяців тому +1015

    What I learned- if you have a family that never cleans up after themselves, you should get large format tile so that in time the problem just fixes itself 😂

    • @Nick_Lewis
      @Nick_Lewis  6 місяців тому +546

      Your family should probably save this comment for the police investigation.

    • @tinaprice6090
      @tinaprice6090 6 місяців тому +22

      Lol

    • @terrir6031
      @terrir6031 6 місяців тому +77

      That’s funny! I meant to say; shame on you.

    • @jennifergraham3752
      @jennifergraham3752 6 місяців тому +15

      I’m really jazzed about this suggestion.

    • @lulupomegranate
      @lulupomegranate 6 місяців тому +15

      LOLOLOLOL I came in the comments to write that XD

  • @aroha9090
    @aroha9090 6 місяців тому +147

    'At worst it's murder, at best it's * rolls eyes * negligence'.
    We love you Nick.

  • @yourconnection9303
    @yourconnection9303 6 місяців тому +81

    Re: Flooring...Once upon a time I had large floor tiling. My dog got up quickly to run to the window, slipped - actually did the splits, cried and howled in pain, and we had to make an emergency trip to the veterinarian. Flooring must be safe for both humans and pets. Great 💯 content as usual Nick!👍👌

    • @Motherhubbard170
      @Motherhubbard170 6 місяців тому +5

      wow; that's actually awful as well as expensive

    • @yourconnection9303
      @yourconnection9303 6 місяців тому +8

      @@Motherhubbard170 We felt so bad for our dog. She had very bad muscle strain and was in a lot of pain for awhile, and medication too.😥

    • @cynthiajohnston424
      @cynthiajohnston424 6 місяців тому +6

      @@yourconnection9303 So sorry but relieved it was muscle strain & not worse . 🥰 As a horse, dog , cat parent & pet-sitter , I understand your experience . Even area rugs can be dangerous for pets , just like humans . It would be interesting if Nick did a few segments on design for pet parents .

    • @yourconnection9303
      @yourconnection9303 6 місяців тому +4

      @@cynthiajohnston424 Thank you! My dog had that injury at 7 years old. She wasn't quite the same physically after that until she passed away at 13 yrs. old. And I too would like to see Nick do a video on how to pet safe your home. That's a great suggestion! Enjoy and cherish your pets while you have them, because you'll miss them when they're gone.

    • @cynthiajohnston424
      @cynthiajohnston424 6 місяців тому +2

      @@yourconnection9303 So true ! I've been w/ so many as they cross over the Rainbow Bridge ... The oldest was a pony that we knew to be at least 40 yrs. old - in fat , spunky form up to his last couple days . The pony owners also had long-lived dogs in the late teens , a cat at twenty & their Arabian horses at 30+ ! All much loved & great care , most simply just " wearing out " . 💟

  • @choryferguson2196
    @choryferguson2196 6 місяців тому +479

    "Are they writing their correspondence‽"
    "Get a new family!"
    "they're just missing half the piece of furniture, and I'm expected to not say anything about it‽"
    I love when you're causticly funny.

    • @debmcgimpy5958
      @debmcgimpy5958 6 місяців тому +12

      I love it, too. So funny!😊

    • @annbrookens945
      @annbrookens945 6 місяців тому +8

      Absolutely funny! Thanks for quoting Nick so I didn't have to try to remember them all!

    • @louannhuber2651
      @louannhuber2651 6 місяців тому +4

      Snort😂

    • @JamieM470
      @JamieM470 6 місяців тому +14

      My favorite "...that's what happens when you have an open shelf. You fill the shelf and you fill it with ugly things."
      🤣🤣🤣
      That's our Nick. Brutally honest 😁

    • @suziekew33
      @suziekew33 6 місяців тому +3

      Those were some of my fav moments, too! Great call! ;-)

  • @anaiyasgarden
    @anaiyasgarden 6 місяців тому +487

    Came for the interior design content, stayed for the snark. I love this channel more than words can express. ❤

    • @TreasureDeal
      @TreasureDeal 6 місяців тому +6

      Me too. 😂❤

    • @kirstenlind-pedersen5184
      @kirstenlind-pedersen5184 6 місяців тому +10

      “Stayed for the snark.” Bahaha.

    • @MHart-xr6qg
      @MHart-xr6qg 6 місяців тому +6

      Perfectly said.

    • @ginafarley6190
      @ginafarley6190 6 місяців тому +3

      Absolutely 😂

    • @DrTBeez
      @DrTBeez 2 місяці тому +2

      Yes! I watch these sometimes as I fall asleep-no offense Nick - and I was just now laughing out loud at so many parts, like “get a new family” 😂 I’m also very particular about function and get very wound up about furniture that doesn’t work.

  • @chocolateghost
    @chocolateghost 6 місяців тому +75

    FINALLY!!!! Someone called the faux office, I was beginning to think I was the only one still plugging things in. And backless seating is just a form of torture.

  • @JWartsy
    @JWartsy 6 місяців тому +22

    I think Nicks advice is for the everyday person who happens to love home decor. A lot of the things we see on the apps and magazines are beautiful and aspirational but truly not how us mere mortals live

    • @GingerBiPolarBear
      @GingerBiPolarBear Місяць тому

      This is why I love his channel. I have an interior engineer / designer friend who is always suggesting I make huge and expensive changes like knocking down walls and who sells her furniture and buys new stuff far too often and pushes me to do the same. I just can't afford that. I need my stuff to be practical and nice looking.

  • @albiesspace
    @albiesspace 6 місяців тому +542

    Armless chairs and sofas have a public place vibe for me. Like a lobby or a cafe bench-sofa. And that's not the coziest vibe for a home.

    • @Nick_Lewis
      @Nick_Lewis  6 місяців тому +90

      I can see that. In feels like temporary seating.

    • @rockshot100
      @rockshot100 6 місяців тому +24

      So does a desk in the middle of the room, looks more like a conference room or an office.

    • @Elle-kr8od
      @Elle-kr8od 6 місяців тому +24

      Yes, the intent is to say "move along now".

    • @brettknoss486
      @brettknoss486 6 місяців тому +13

      Armless sofas maybe in an entryway or a bedroom work, but they're deffinatly for sitting and not relaxing or lounging.

    • @Inlelendri
      @Inlelendri 6 місяців тому +21

      Yes, precisely. I was going to say one of those examples looked like seating from an airport, and we all know how super comfortable those are.

  • @DoubleMD11
    @DoubleMD11 6 місяців тому +26

    “Don’t kill your family, okay?”
    Noted 😂

  • @MoonthistleHouse
    @MoonthistleHouse 6 місяців тому +65

    My last house had in-floor outlets in multiple rooms, and it was really a game-changer. Being able to plug lamps and things in the floor with a small channel cut into the rug pad really makes for an elegant room with "floating" lamps and not a cord in sight. If I build a place in the future, I'm definitely putting some in.

    • @kaasmeester5903
      @kaasmeester5903 6 місяців тому +16

      Be careful about hiding mains wires under a rug, if they are going to get walked on. Over time the cable may get damaged and short out. Use floor cord covers to protect them. Also be aware that extension cords produce heat, which is now trapped under the carpet. With a single lamp you should be fine, but if you have a desk with lights and computers hooked up to it, maybe not so much.

    • @gibbersking6575
      @gibbersking6575 4 місяці тому +2

      When Hubby & I designed our home, I knew sofa and accent chairs would be floating away from walls in Great Room. So, we had to have a few in-floor outlets installed. There we were, at the plywood and stud stage with our four camping chairs and cardboard boxes, figuring out our furniture layout and therefore outlet locations. Success!

    • @MoonthistleHouse
      @MoonthistleHouse 4 місяці тому

      @@kaasmeester5903 - this is definitely a good word of caution, and one I should have put in my reply. When I do run cords under rugs, I will only do it if the entire run is also under a piece of furniture (like a coffee table or sofa) - and even then, I'll get a bit of conduit or cord protector the same thickness as the rug pad and run it through that. Walking over cords beneath rugs is just asking for wear, shorts, and fire risk!

  • @divineohnine
    @divineohnine 6 місяців тому +73

    I redid my kitchen at the end of 2020 and got cabinets that are the same color as the ones at 10:14. I wanted matte black countertops like in the picture but due to limited stock and the fact that they were so pricy, I went with white quartz and felt like a basic b. Thank you for this video because now I can tell myself I made the wise, Nick Lewis-approved choice!

  • @kathi3625
    @kathi3625 6 місяців тому +130

    Once again you knocked it out of the park, Nick. “Don’t kill your family.” 😊

  • @melissaweyrick5311
    @melissaweyrick5311 6 місяців тому +83

    Decor Trauma is real, I grew up in the 70's - we had four colors. FOUR! 😭. Orange, Avocado, Gold, and Brown.... so much Brown.

    • @Geronimo2Fly
      @Geronimo2Fly 6 місяців тому +12

      Me too! All of our appliances were that iconic Harvest Gold. In our neighborhood, it was either that or the Avocado Green. (I don't remember any orange appliances, but I do remember the light pink and green bathrooms.) Cabinets, floor and furniture was some shade of brown. That's it. Just wait, in some future generation people will think those things are super cool LOL.

    • @cynthiajohnston424
      @cynthiajohnston424 6 місяців тому +5

      @@Geronimo2Fly Agree ! Just like trends in clothing - " everything old is new again " !

    • @annetteredelico2413
      @annetteredelico2413 6 місяців тому +5

      Burnt orange, avocado green, harvest gold, and was it nutmeg brown for the brown? I’m having a senior moment! 😂

    • @cynthiajohnston424
      @cynthiajohnston424 6 місяців тому +7

      @@annetteredelico2413" Dog poop brown " ? ! 😂 When I was in interior design , we just referred to the colors as a group , calling it " Autumn Colors " . All things considered , in some ways , I prefer those colors to the more recent trend of the color group " gray & grey " ! 🤔

    • @cmonyoureds
      @cmonyoureds 6 місяців тому +8

      May I add brick red? Specifically, linoleum tile printed to look like bricks, brick red? This fits all Nick's rants: wash and wax it, it will kill your family; don't and it will be a germ farm and kill your family as they skid trying to exit the dining bench...

  • @debbyalder4089
    @debbyalder4089 6 місяців тому +40

    Can I possibly give you two thumbs up today Nick?? One for the good content and one for the laughs!! And thanks for looking out for us … and our dead families!! Cheers from Deb x

  • @danielled1720
    @danielled1720 6 місяців тому +92

    I love when you make videos about impractical designs and decor. Thank you for saving us from wasting our time by pointing out problems we might have missed.

  • @catherinepalmer4596
    @catherinepalmer4596 6 місяців тому +144

    My mom put me on a piano bench for a meal with guests when I was 16. Someone said something funny, I started laughing and fell right off the back of the bench. I was never so embarrassed in all my life - especially because everyone thought it was hysterical.

    • @Elle-kr8od
      @Elle-kr8od 6 місяців тому +28

      I'm so sorry but this got me laughing out loud. But then I once slid off the end of a restaurant bench, trying to make a graceful exit.

    • @emiliebova
      @emiliebova 6 місяців тому +8

      A Victor Borge move!😂

    • @teresaday-fickel5876
      @teresaday-fickel5876 6 місяців тому +5

      @@Elle-kr8odI did that, too, in front of a client and cracked several ribs!

  • @chouliha1
    @chouliha1 6 місяців тому +173

    Writing their correspondence made me laugh out loud

    • @SuperDrLisa
      @SuperDrLisa 6 місяців тому +13

      I pictured Jane Austen writing Pride and Prejudice or writing to her sister Cassandra

    • @LaurelBuildsKitchens
      @LaurelBuildsKitchens 6 місяців тому +1

      I had to go back and watch that 4 times. 😂

    • @chouliha1
      @chouliha1 6 місяців тому +1

      @@SuperDrLisa It reminded me of the friends episode where Ross yells at rachel for being late to some award banquet for him and she changes into sweats and sits at the table and says she’s staying home to catch up on her correspondence. Yours is much better haha

    • @Maki-00
      @Maki-00 6 місяців тому +1

      I pictured someone in the 17th century writing a letter and using wax to seal it then sending it off by their servant who would deliver the letter by horseback. 😂

  • @susanbaker2796
    @susanbaker2796 6 місяців тому +17

    ".....give me an arm, give me a back!" This video is hilarious, top to bottom. You were on it today, Nick!!!! Some of your one-liners were so quick I had to hit pause and go back to really catch what you said. Really good!

  • @canuckviolet3322
    @canuckviolet3322 5 місяців тому +6

    Nick, when do you do your stand-up tour? You're better than half the 'pros' out there. All you need is that honesty and your dry observations of life and your a hit!! 😅

  • @jennifergraham3752
    @jennifergraham3752 6 місяців тому +182

    It really grinds my gears that this video was not longer because I love Nick’s videos and I hate when they end. @nicklewis I also love that you used the saying “grinds my gears”. It is a family favourite. If you could incorporate the phrase “I’m really jazzed about it” in an upcoming video that would be appreciated.

    • @SuperDrLisa
      @SuperDrLisa 6 місяців тому +6

      Yes!

    • @chynna12100
      @chynna12100 6 місяців тому +5

      I’m co-opting that saying!!!

    • @jennifergraham3752
      @jennifergraham3752 6 місяців тому +6

      @@chynna12100 which one? Gears or jazzed? My daughter tried to bring back “I’m really jazzed about it” because we think it’s funny but I can tell you that it turns out that a teenager can’t pull it off without coming across as sarcastic 🤪🤣

    • @chynna12100
      @chynna12100 6 місяців тому +12

      @@jennifergraham3752 gears. The “sweet little southern lady” comment I usually use is “that frosts my cupcakes.” I need some variety.

    • @SweetStuffOnMonarchLane
      @SweetStuffOnMonarchLane 6 місяців тому +3

      I used to work with the nicest girl who rarely expressed any negativity, but when she did get really mad or frustrated, she'd say, "that makes me want to grind my teeth off!" 🤣

  • @rutontuton
    @rutontuton 6 місяців тому +91

    For those of us with bad backs benches and backless stools are torture!

  • @shelly410
    @shelly410 6 місяців тому +17

    I agree about the backless benches and stools. The benches give a picnic table vibe. And who wants that indoors in their home? Not to mention how uncomfortable they are after just a few minutes. And yes, the middle seat is the pits!

  • @juliesimansky2495
    @juliesimansky2495 6 місяців тому +6

    I swear even if I didn't like interior design, I would still watch Nick's channel because his one liners are top tier. Love love love this channel!

  • @andrewmichels7804
    @andrewmichels7804 6 місяців тому +95

    Your channel is so much cheaper than therapy😂y Thankyou Nick!

  • @tomwinston6758
    @tomwinston6758 6 місяців тому +66

    “In which case, get a new family!!” Always enjoyable on top of informative

  • @janaboehringer
    @janaboehringer 6 місяців тому +9

    Am I the only one always watching Nick's clock in the background, wondering why it's not moving? 😄 Loved the video as always!

  • @jennbidwelledwardson2885
    @jennbidwelledwardson2885 6 місяців тому +36

    As a mom of 6 kids who are all adults now, and while I'm sure I traumatized them in all sorts of ways, the dining bench has never come up. I needed a way to squeeze a lot of butts around the table for dinner every day, and that's how it worked. As soon as we had the space, the bench was replaced by chairs. With backs. 😂 It's just for a season...😂 Thanks for another snarky, fun video.

    • @andreakyleozzy4739
      @andreakyleozzy4739 6 місяців тому +6

      Same for us. We have lots of little butts around here and the dining bench was really the only practical option. I will say though, that as soon as its practical to get rid of them, we definietly will be. They are not my style at all.

    • @mpi5850
      @mpi5850 6 місяців тому +5

      I agree, dining bench is awesome.

    • @joycey4754
      @joycey4754 6 місяців тому +4

      My husband made benches for our 4 kids to sit on. They has to learn to sit up straight and not wiggle all over at the dinner table.

    • @marianavazquez6152
      @marianavazquez6152 3 місяці тому +2

      I was a nanny for a family that has a bench and the amount of times that the toddlers fell off the back was inmense! It was good to keep the 3 kids there but at the same time all the times they hit their head because of it convinced me not to have a bench

  • @DeniseMarieplaylearnteach
    @DeniseMarieplaylearnteach 6 місяців тому +53

    I had more laugh out loud moments from this video than anything I’ve watched lately! Totally in agreement with all your critiques of impractical furniture and decor.
    “Don’t kill your family.”

  • @Mitch-Alex
    @Mitch-Alex 6 місяців тому +14

    Desks in the middle, absolutely!!
    They ALWAYSS do this in HGTV homes, I'm like that is so impractical! They will change that after the cameras leave

  • @tiffanyb6420
    @tiffanyb6420 6 місяців тому +30

    Once again, you delivered practicality with spunk. I died at the correspondence bit 😂😂😂. Most of what you listed today are almost universally “gear grinding.”

    • @rocklobstah1876
      @rocklobstah1876 6 місяців тому +1

      If you knew Spunk means something else elsewhere in the world you wouldn't use the word😂

  • @donnadebrodt1778
    @donnadebrodt1778 6 місяців тому +3

    Ha…if you find something that works, “you’re going to ride it until the wheels fall off.” Nick, you were in top form on this video!

  • @natassazacharia3090
    @natassazacharia3090 6 місяців тому +51

    Nick has the best one-liners in the whole UA-cam community...😆😆😆
    Amazing video as always!

    • @donnagreen5707
      @donnagreen5707 6 місяців тому +2

      He is truly gifted with the way he combines excellent design advice with sarcasm and wit. He’s the ultimate smart ass; aka the Bill Murray of designers. Love you, Nick!

    • @laurawood4476
      @laurawood4476 3 місяці тому +1

      Love this man ! I enjoy the fact he's not afraid to question things . His delivery is hysterical without just being ugly .

  • @wandabower2162
    @wandabower2162 6 місяців тому +26

    I love your advice to get a new family if they don't clean up. I must say it's very tempting.... But the old boy's been around for 46 years, so I think I'll keep him.

  • @NOGlameows
    @NOGlameows 6 місяців тому +12

    I have almost black stone countertops, and I LOVE them. Yes, you will have to clean them daily, but they are very easy to clean and so beautiful. I actually would recommend!

  • @IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS
    @IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS 6 місяців тому +13

    Here’s a backless stool that’s fully practical: a saddle rolling stool. They’re not attractive but great in the kitchen and also as an artist’s stool, as they’re comfortable and naturally having you sitting straight.

  • @DNAConsultingDetectives
    @DNAConsultingDetectives 6 місяців тому +33

    Excellent! Put the armless furniture in the room you want people to leave sooner than later. They won't know why, but those slipper chairs/armless sofas will make them uncomfortable and they are out of there! Glad you got to vent! "Get a new family"! Lol! 😂😂😂

    • @653j521
      @653j521 6 місяців тому +1

      Aren't those from his video on furniture that older people hate?

    • @lutra-lutra
      @lutra-lutra 6 місяців тому +1

      hmmm, quite the opposite in my experience, because you can't get off this armless sofas easily, so guests, especially those with mobility issues would stay. Forever😈

  • @BlweLotus
    @BlweLotus 6 місяців тому +92

    I hate armless and backless chairs so much! I want to RELAX when I'm sitting. That's the whole point of sitting.
    Freaking ridiculous

    • @ThisIsKassia
      @ThisIsKassia 6 місяців тому +2

      Unless they don't wipe up spills. Then off 'em and get a new family 😂

  • @deborahrombouts9958
    @deborahrombouts9958 6 місяців тому +7

    As the youngest child of 4 I’m working on the same trauma as you are Nick. It sucks always being stuck in the middle seat that no one else wants.

  • @Katiedora122
    @Katiedora122 6 місяців тому +12

    My roommates and I got a little one-seat backless bench for our "dining room" because we really only had a small alcove to fit our table, and was actually perfect! We put it against the wall so if anyone did sit there, support was available and it was the first time I didn't hate bench seating. And then we moved, and now I'm back to hating benches because it's inconvenient, lol. It's 2023, and I did not live through a global pandemic to not give myself the support I deserve.

    • @Artemisgrier
      @Artemisgrier 6 місяців тому +1

      An unwanted bench? It’s great at the foot of the bed!

    • @CBBC435
      @CBBC435 6 місяців тому +1

      Benches are a hard sell made trendy, imho. My cynical mind tells me that it is far cheaper, by cost of equipment, to just add a bench instead of the chairs required by the table.
      I see a lot of that approach in products these days, trending up an otherwise cheaply made product. Take, for instance, the so-called "caged" lighting fixtures that appear to be nothing more than wire frames around bare bulbs. It looks incomplete and certainly cheaply made, but they have been trended-up in all the published interiors.

    • @CBBC435
      @CBBC435 6 місяців тому

      ​@@Artemisgrier Good point.

  • @RitaVernoy
    @RitaVernoy 6 місяців тому +6

    I always come back for the information you share, but honestly, a big part of the attraction is your sarcasm!!😊

  • @divine-by-zero
    @divine-by-zero 6 місяців тому +90

    Dark counter tops: I was all “nah, you’re smoking something” because mine don’t do that at all … and then I realized my counters are MOTTLED black granite so they don’t really count and you’re right, smooth black counters would drive me dilly 😂

    • @joycevanrossum1811
      @joycevanrossum1811 6 місяців тому +10

      I had the same thought process going on. So if you want black countertops: have them be anything but solid black!

    • @flowersfrom7311
      @flowersfrom7311 6 місяців тому +12

      Agree, my countertops are black speckled granite, and they are very practical! :)
      I can see how solid black can show everything.

    • @RairakkuMushi
      @RairakkuMushi 6 місяців тому +5

      Aaaand deleting my comment to just agree with you! From black granite to white composite. I would ditch the white in a Second.

    • @daveandgena3166
      @daveandgena3166 6 місяців тому +5

      I have what they call leathered black granite, so it's textured. Instead of having that mirror finish, it "blurs" when you look at it, so it hides a multitude of sins.

    • @CCisRight
      @CCisRight 6 місяців тому +5

      Same here... I have dark brown and black speckled granite that I still love! They clean up well and really the only way I know they're properly clean is by dragging my hand on the surface lol. Still love them after 15 years.

  • @lormor460
    @lormor460 6 місяців тому +10

    I moved into a home with gray/dark gray countertops on a center island and ugh, yes, you can see everything, every smear, every fingerprint, Drives me crazy! Love your videos, Nick!

  • @momlifebeautifulchaos3882
    @momlifebeautifulchaos3882 6 місяців тому +7

    We need more interior designers like Nick Lewis ❤ The armless sofa portion of the video is right on point😂

  • @joansmall9019
    @joansmall9019 6 місяців тому +39

    Thank you, Nick, for saying what I'm thinking. Now I have to find a new family because these people don't pick up after themselves!! 😂❤

    • @KR-xh4wn
      @KR-xh4wn 6 місяців тому

      I tried. They keep showing up every day though 😂

  • @chynna12100
    @chynna12100 6 місяців тому +19

    Validation!!! I finally got rid of my dark countertops. What a difference with the cleanliness AND the reflectivity of light. That is a huge benefit for people like me who are dealing with reduced vision.

  • @TracyLeaOgden
    @TracyLeaOgden 6 місяців тому +1

    Do it Nick! Ride it til the wheels fall - we will be your passengers!

  • @jmfs8738
    @jmfs8738 6 місяців тому +5

    Totally agree with everything you said… and absolutely enjoyed your rant! Thank you; needed the chuckles!😊

  • @vlrissolo
    @vlrissolo 6 місяців тому +11

    Nick's killing it here 😂

  • @grat2010
    @grat2010 6 місяців тому +17

    You are hilarious. I could not control my laughter when you ranted about the suburban mom with her whitewashed 14 kids (or was it the photos that were whiteashed?) Looking super gorgeous in their dining benches. It was therapy for me too.

  • @laurabfromvt6197
    @laurabfromvt6197 6 місяців тому +7

    I also have to comment on dark countertops. I have dark gray/black soapstone countertops, and while they scratch unbelievably easily, there's no more of a problem showing dirt and crumbs than anything else. It has a matte finish with white swirls. Maybe it's different with high gloss black granite. But soapstone doesn't need to be photoshopped to look good.

  • @ApparentlyGoogledislikesmyname
    @ApparentlyGoogledislikesmyname 6 місяців тому +2

    About the large tiles. I once slept at a hotel in London, whose shower cabin blew me away. The floor was one big tile with a bit of incline. Nothing weird so far. It felt ok dry, not too slippery. But when wet, it actually turns rugged with *more* grip than before! I would love to have that in my home, but I bet it costs a fortune.

  • @kathiburdette4279
    @kathiburdette4279 6 місяців тому +25

    Oh!! You are SO SO RIGHT about the dark countertops!! I have black quartz and it is so hard to keep up with!! Fingerprints, tiny crumbs, air .... whatever!! Everything shows up on black quartz... trust me!!!

  • @loca8048
    @loca8048 6 місяців тому +6

    Countertops and I've had em all - the best are butcher block and stainless steel like in an industrial/restaurant kitchen. Never trendy, never not - just is - the zen kitchen.

  • @Ophelia_1668
    @Ophelia_1668 6 місяців тому +5

    Totally agree, great video! I was the youngest of 4 and always forced into the middle seat in the back of the car, hated it, so give us your trauma Nick, I am right with you for it all! Tears of laughter running down my face now!

  • @702chanel
    @702chanel 6 місяців тому +2

    “They’re going to grow up and have a UA-cam channel.” 😂😂😂 Love your sense of humor!

  • @zeerobles4496
    @zeerobles4496 6 місяців тому +81

    I have black countertops, and I love them!! By the time one gets to be my age you’ve had it all. I don’t mind cleaning and that might be why I don’t mind having them. I think they’re beautiful and so worth it . Just my two cents. Love your videos Nick! 😊

    • @deborahmatatall
      @deborahmatatall 6 місяців тому +9

      Me, too! I have Stellar Night Silestone (quartz) and they are beautiful and gorgeous and I love the way they look with my white cabinets. They are actually very easy to keep clean. Micro fiber cloths shine them to perfection with very litlle effort.🌸

    • @suziemyers9855
      @suziemyers9855 6 місяців тому +4

      Me, too. I had high-end granite with a lot of movement and when I'd wipe it off, omg, yuck. It hid everything. I finally have soapstone and I'm happy to wipe it down twice a day. Not gonna lie...

    • @nathalie_desrosiers
      @nathalie_desrosiers 6 місяців тому +4

      Thank you. I was planning on installing slate countertops in my soon to be built home and was crushed when I heard Nick comment about black countertops. Slate has so many pros, I really want to go that route. Your comment restore my decision.

    • @KatSchlitz
      @KatSchlitz 6 місяців тому +3

      Yes! I am installing soapstone counters surrounding a honed charcoal granite island (for Invisacook range), and cannot wait to have them. I just ripped out green laminate that showed everything the same as black, but the new kitchen will have minimal counter clutter, for quick full wiping down and ease on eyes, so I can have that clean counter feeling KNOWING they are clean, with a quick wipe being all it takes. Honed will make it slightly less obvious, but I love clean counters in a kitchen. My kitchen is right at french doors with a mountain outside (and thus dust), so having white means I live in filth and don't even know it!!
      I used to have chocolate brown granite with all the fleck colors. They hid EVERYTHING. And to my horror whenever I looked eye to counter level, they were REVOLTINGLY dirty!!! They were constantly disgusting, until I realized I needed to wipe them daily. And then I could not see if I missed stuff, and I always did! YUCK!
      Instead I will clean black soapstone and honed granite charcoal counters and will be beaming love at my stone everyday!

    • @esse1900
      @esse1900 6 місяців тому +4

      Me too. After 10 years of beige builder grade formica, I used a countertop paint in black marble to see if I could live with black. Three years later, I could afford new countertops and got black recycled glass. Yes, I see water marks and crumbs and, guess what, I clean them up. Why would anyone want a kitchen surface that "hides the dirt"? A quick wipe down with an ammonia-free glass cleaner once a day keeps them clean and shiny. And the surface reflects the under cabinet lights beautifully. Nick, you're my favorite and I'm doing me!

  • @lindaartz3297
    @lindaartz3297 6 місяців тому +22

    I had a black and hated it for the reason you said. I loved my white. My nightstand is so full of stuff that I need and it goes in the top drawer. I can open it the middle of the night and get what I wand in the dark. All of your ideas today are spot
    On.

  • @stefs3460
    @stefs3460 6 місяців тому +5

    A suggestion when shopping for new furniture, flooring or countertops consult with someone who has cleaned houses for a living. I USED to like dark floors, dark cherry furniture, glass , mirrored or acrylic furniture ect. 😅

    • @christinae30
      @christinae30 8 днів тому +1

      I never got those mirrored furniture as a teenager in the '80s, and always had a secret longing for them, but I think you've cured me...

  • @lisaburt7118
    @lisaburt7118 6 місяців тому +6

    Thank you Nick, your videos helped me design and remodel a completely safe, gorgeous, and highly practical modern bathroom for my disabled husband. You are 100 percent correct about using small format tiles on the floor (we chose a wonderful 2-inch natural marble hex) and put the large format tile on the shower walls. I adore the contrast between the “busy” hex floor tile and large format white gloss, large format wall tiles, The wall tiles mean less grout to clean, and it’s super easy to squeegee them off after a shower. Adore you and your channel, keep up the great work!

  • @julial1938
    @julial1938 6 місяців тому +24

    You're the highlight of my Saturdays, Nick. I live in my little 2 bed, 1 bath in the middle of Sask with my big, fluffy, white dog and my Ikea furniture and my shelves of books and items from travels around the world. It's way too late for me to attempt to be sophisticated in any way (although I'm very proud of my deep red leather couch and chair), but I love your videos and they're very much a must watch for me. Thanks for making them!

  • @Renzsu
    @Renzsu 6 місяців тому +37

    THANK YOU for mentioning that desk situation! It’s so hard trying to find a nice looking desk that isn’t a desk made for people that seem to do nothing other than writing the occasional letter on them! Like, can I have something that looks nice, where I can store my massive pc tower out of sight (not everybody can make do with a laptop). Major peeve of mine at the moment!

    • @jbridges9574
      @jbridges9574 6 місяців тому +2

      Seriously!!! I have 2 monitors so who wants to walk in and see them and all the cords- and my 3 drink cups.

    • @s.fuhrmann
      @s.fuhrmann 6 місяців тому +3

      And a pull out keyboard tray.. Is that so hard?

  • @creatrixcorvusarts876
    @creatrixcorvusarts876 6 місяців тому +2

    I watched this because we have dining benches because we have a trestle dining table, and we had a bunch of kids…and I didn’t want to have to push in several chairs when they forgot. We’ve had many gatherings and nobody has eve fallen off or had an issue….
    It works for us, not for everybody…😁

  • @dcyyc
    @dcyyc 6 місяців тому +3

    I barely discovered you channel about a month ago and you are now my favourite thing on yt (and I'm on yt a LOT). I've been under a lot of stress these last few week, and here I am now, exercising while watching you, laughing in tears and feeling the best I've felt in weeks. Thank you. You are an absolute gem. I used to dream about a desk in the middle of the room, but your comment on writing the correspondence at your silly desk just killed me (and convinced me that they are stupid). I can also vouch that black countertops are gross and a pain. I hate mine with a passion for exactly the reasons you listed here.

  • @pamelacox540
    @pamelacox540 6 місяців тому +10

    Solid countertops, either white or black, show every flaw. My favorite counter was a speckled black granite w wood cabinets. Easy to clean and pretty!

  • @jaimegonzalezrosa9463
    @jaimegonzalezrosa9463 6 місяців тому +8

    Tiles don’t depend of the grout but the slip resistance. It actually it’s better performance specifically in long term the less grout you have as the grout is not as waterproof material as porcelain or ceramic

  • @girlwhomustnotbenamed4139
    @girlwhomustnotbenamed4139 2 дні тому

    The armless sofas, yes! I never knew how much I took arms on a sofa granted until I moved into a rental with an armless one. The amount of times I had to scoop my pillows up from the floor. Also, there was no support and the seating part of it didn't have enough depth so I usually just lied down on it instead of sitting like I am in school with a straight back and my feet on the floor.

  • @amymcginty6634
    @amymcginty6634 6 місяців тому +2

    I agree with every item you spoke of! I detest backless stools & dining benches!!! Also, another strong dislike (hate) is booth seating in the kitchen… everyone crawling over everyone else to get in & out! One other of my biggest dislikes is sofas with low backs, so you can’t lean your head back & if you doze off, you have serious neck problems! Thanks for this video… I do design, decor & staging & I always warn clients about these impractical & uncomfortable choices. I also agree with your opinion about tile in the bathroom. Actually, shiny, slick floors are dangerous everywhere. There are ways to obtain the look without “killing your family”!

  • @ANDREAMXG
    @ANDREAMXG 6 місяців тому +17

    Nick, you are a gift. 😂 in so many ways. I love when your raw self shows through. It’s inspiring! Love all your videos ♥️

  • @randomletter-5i4
    @randomletter-5i4 6 місяців тому +4

    armless sofas and chairs are everywhere these days! Thanks for calling that one out.

  • @julienelson8162
    @julienelson8162 21 день тому

    You have a delightfully weird sense of humor and I LOVE it!! I’m also hopelessly addicted to your videos. (Don’t fall off your pedestal.) ❤❤❤❤❤

  • @DrawTangleswithDawn
    @DrawTangleswithDawn 6 місяців тому +2

    Dark countertops i also nominate black sinks. We thought that would look so good with our dark green granite and it looked beautiful for about a day... then all the hard water spots ... oh my goodness we absolutely cannot keep the sink clean unless we polish it dry after each use.

  • @patriciafuchs5970
    @patriciafuchs5970 6 місяців тому +10

    I detest armless upholstered furniture. I am 74 and need arms. I like practicality far more than trying to impress people.
    Large format tiles are dangerous. I need grab bars in the bathroom as well. Baths with big tiles don’t age along with you. It’s like concrete floors, a big nono. I do like cork, it’s far more durable than you realize. I like light countertops. You’re right white is great!
    I am too messy to have open shelves.
    You are hitting every spot that drives me crazy. Hate dining benches and backless 15:29 chairs, as well as chairs with arms that slope downwards. Old people need something to grip! You nailed my pet peeves!!!

    • @paulchappell
      @paulchappell 6 місяців тому +1

      You took all those words right out of my 75-year old mouth! Totally agree.

    • @cynthiajohnston424
      @cynthiajohnston424 6 місяців тому

      Agree ! Not just an age thing , but just good ol' plain common sense too . Form to function !!

  • @ivysweets
    @ivysweets 6 місяців тому +28

    I have a very small home and your tips and tricks have helped me make practical decisions for my home that work and that I absolutely love! Thank you!

  • @lindawynn9042
    @lindawynn9042 6 місяців тому +1

    I agree strongly with every single one of those. Thanks for pointing out that all of those are sometimes trendy, but never functional. And sometimes unsafe!

  • @artistnyc03
    @artistnyc03 6 місяців тому

    THANK GOD you brought up the floating desk thing. We just have to stop the insanity. Even worse are the hacks required to hide cords that end up damaging said beautiful floating desk.

  • @michellemichelle2639
    @michellemichelle2639 6 місяців тому +13

    I just love you Nick. You are so funny, informative and you make me laugh while learning. Thank you for that.

  • @chouchouhargneux
    @chouchouhargneux 6 місяців тому +7

    I love the « stupid dining bench » part 😂

  • @beitheleaf8221
    @beitheleaf8221 6 місяців тому +5

    Nearly had my coffee come out of my nose this video had me cracking up with all the sass and salty remarks on benches and backless stools 😂❤ I love your channel Nick, keeping it real for all of us

  • @scholl732
    @scholl732 6 місяців тому

    Nick, can you please do a deep dive on the work-from-home desk decor please? Yes, those cord issues, the huge ugly black screen, desk in a bedroom that upsets the room dynamic, the ugly work chairs that look so industrial

  • @natalyaakselaleksander4502
    @natalyaakselaleksander4502 6 місяців тому +7

    Nick’s sass gave me life😂
    You’re right Nick, that’s why we’re here 😅😅

  • @tammyphillips3334
    @tammyphillips3334 6 місяців тому +17

    Nick you are so hilarious and it is fine to work out your childhood issues on your channel. Makes us laugh. Agree with you on all points.

  • @katharinewowk9519
    @katharinewowk9519 26 днів тому

    AGREE WITH ARMS ON SOFAS AND CLOSED STORAGE IN BEDROOM. SO NICE.

  • @pizzaparty9783
    @pizzaparty9783 6 місяців тому +4

    Ooohhh, that's a good book premise! Murder by Tile!
    Also, I didn't realize I was causing trauma for my son (which is really just inevitable) by putting him on the dining bench but that baby was too messy for fabric! 😂

  • @ArtemisMaelstrom
    @ArtemisMaelstrom 6 місяців тому +4

    13:32 Yes! I'm here for the therapy and humor ❤

  • @theginger8855
    @theginger8855 6 місяців тому +11

    I have soap stone in my kitchen and they always look good. I swear… I love mine.

  • @cg1492
    @cg1492 6 місяців тому

    I'll never move my desk from the middle of the room. My cable management game is on point and I have the most amazing view of the blue jays and cardinals in my enormous evergreen tree. I still work from home and my office is a dream to work in.

  • @lesanimaux4416
    @lesanimaux4416 6 місяців тому +1

    I had fun when I went to a furtniture store to pick out a couch. I saw everyone sitting neatly upright and there I went, draping myself over couches, lying down, lounging, snuggling in corners. I had the best time (and I found the perfect couch that way too!)

  • @SuperDrLisa
    @SuperDrLisa 6 місяців тому +4

    My sister has black countertops and hates them, she's constantly cleaning them. Don't need to be doing that at 80. My nightstands are a mishmash of stuff, cpap, gallon water jug for said cpap, water, must have at least 16oz water, clock, tablet, phone, kindle (if it makes it there) headphones, meds, and the most important, cat treats!

  • @amandaklaus1677
    @amandaklaus1677 6 місяців тому +12

    Hi!! We have black stone countertops (with a bit of flecks and veining). They really work for us. You're not wrong about them showing absolutely everything, but there's always messes and crumbs in a kitchen regardless, so we just wipe them down once or twice a day. Our kitchen is small, so that makes it a lot easier. We might feel differently if we had a large kitchen with a lot of counter space! We also like the contrast between the dark counters and light cabinets. We need light wood cabinets because my hubby is in a wheelchair and the light wood really hides the bumps and scratches (trust me). Thanks so much for your informative/entertaining videos!, Nick!! Always enjoy your content!! ❤

  • @juliefaulkner5497
    @juliefaulkner5497 6 місяців тому

    Glad I'm not the only one who hates backless chairs and stools was alright at school when I had balance still!🤣!

  • @bonniemcmaken3966
    @bonniemcmaken3966 6 місяців тому

    I have black countertops in the kitchen and I love them. I wipe them down regularly, because that's how you maintain a kitchen. No issues.

  • @melbrod3868
    @melbrod3868 6 місяців тому +4

    Your reference to middle seats brought back a memory. I had two siblings growing up--3 kids total. Yes, we fought over the window seats in the car--and, of course, someone always got that undesirable center seat.
    I have two kids now--each can have a window seat, right?? They fight over the center seat.
    There's always something...

  • @arianekelly2633
    @arianekelly2633 6 місяців тому +8

    I was real concerned about my black marble quartz countertops. I LOVE em! Especially with my hickory cabinets. I do keep them pretty clean. I cook everyday. 😅

  • @sarahab6497
    @sarahab6497 6 місяців тому +5

    Love your videos! So fun and light-hearted. A realistic approach to design. I'd love to see a video about pet friendly design products ...stuff like fabrics to look for, types of carpet, things that are easy to clean etc

  • @paulas_lens
    @paulas_lens 6 місяців тому

    Several snorts later, I do concur with Nick - dark counters show everything.

  • @annecarter5181
    @annecarter5181 6 місяців тому +5

    “Don’t kill your family”!! 😂

  • @thebowandbullet
    @thebowandbullet 6 місяців тому +5

    Armless sofas look like the mid-section of a sectional.

    • @Moluccan56
      @Moluccan56 3 дні тому +1

      And that you couldn’t afford the ends of it.

  • @sun7677
    @sun7677 6 місяців тому +4

    Thanks Nick, I love these videos on impractical furniture. You might have never mentioned those white velvet, gorgeous dining chairs that can exist only in the magical lands of Pinterest. I have a couple of beige ones and I finally decided to hide them when guests come over. Harsh but necessary.