I agree with most of what you said. Especially the seasonal decor!! But I love finding original, small pieces of art and putting them in unexpected places in my home. It feels so quaint in my more modern house and I love the juxtaposition it creates.
I agree. And a beautiful small work of art can have a more powerful impact bc it draws the viewer in and feels personal. Also, most people can’t afford really good art, and it doesn’t make sense to spend money on bad art just to fill a wall space. An affordable alternative is photography, a framed textile or making your own minimalist art.
Agree on seasonal decor, but with kids, they get attached. I would use some ribbon, satin, burlap (no wire) to bring in seasonal color… I dunno for example, wrap a red Renton, secure with pin, not bows with matching color use seasonal red berries or greens (cut from your yard!) Either match the colors with branches or invert them..,,
I love the way you decorate your home…and I also love the way we decorate ours! I hang out with you because you give me inspiration and challenge me to do a better job. And while I love to change things up seasonally, I also like simplifying things. I totally agree with your thoughts on one-offs, I like sets too. And I like the ideas you give us on adding texture and changing it up seasonally. I like both big art and small art. I seem to have perfect places for both…and some things have a high degree of meaning and won’t be leaving our home anytime soon! I must be a Gemini at heart. Anyway, I do enjoy your videos and thank you for sharing. ♥️
We all have our personal style . I’m not into black, white, tan , large modern art , miss shaped pottery. .. but the concept of your video are helpful . The key to a happy environment are personal items that bring a smile .
I love all my “small books” it shows who I am as a person the same as the big display books. I have noticed the trend to turn your books around or make them color coded etc. as if books are an eyesore. As for everything else, I totally agree.
Yes, I think all books are beautiful. Color grouping or not showing rhe spines or covers is just ridiculous. I don't like big showy books. Too hard to handle. Too each his own, I suppose.
I am guilty of the holiday decor, but only fall and winter overall with a few themed things right around the holidays (like a snow globe collection that started when my grandmother would get me a snow globe every year). Mostly it's fabrics, and colors and textures that change. Plus heirloom pieces passed down (tiny mantle village and Menorah) that get prominently displayed.
I love some seasonal décor except for neutral and natural pieces that are timeless. I also love to thrift and go antiquing for pieces that fit nicely with a modern home. I do decorate my bar and my coffee area for the holidays and it is super fun.
Hello Valentina! And thank you. So on point. You speak my language. I do love Christmas decor/ minimal. But almost never buy things without a meaningful purpose or maybe meaning rarely. It's got to be special either way. I'm only 3 minutes in but I will go to the end. hehe. But before I forget! Could you talk about bouquet gardening! I love fresh flowers & greens in my house. Would love a video on that! Thank you
You can always frame small art with really wide matting and big frames! A friend has a postage stamp sized genuine Rembrandt litho, maybe not quite 2x3 inches, in a very large frame. Perhaps 18x24 inches wide and tall, with a heavy bottom mat. It made me go over and inspect it all the more closely! And it worked beautifully in the space. One of the most valuable items they had was also the very smallest! So 'small' art can become 'large' art! You can 'stretch' it!!! And you could just combine the smaller pieces and make a meaningful collage. A friend had some photographs printed onto fabric and had the fabric made into lamp shades for her bedroom. Hydrangeas if I remember correctly. Big, puffy, pink Hydrangeas! Pleated! Beside the bed. It was lovely. It fit her and the entire room's decor. Very well done! So small art isn't a problem. Except for the unimaginative, perhaps!!! In my laundry room I have 5 of my very most favorite pictures. We were not married quite 5 years before becoming a widower, 30 years ago next month. Why are these pictures in the laundry room. Because while I stand there and wait for the machine to stop spinning I look at those pics of sunny days and sunny smiles and appreciate what I had. No one probably sees them, except me, and that's fine! Those were and still are very private moments, for me. As is my favorite picture hung with magnets on the inside my medicine cabinet door! Every morning it is "Good morning, my dearest one!" And at night it is "Good night, and I'll see You in the morning. First thing!" 'Small art'? Yeah, I don't want to hear about it, really. I'm grateful for it. Everyday!
Love you and Jack. I'm not quite ready to stop decorating for seasonal/holidays, however, I am trying to scale back. Trying to move away from trends as well and buying only functional items I can use and get rid of things I don't use. See you Friday.
Last year I took out knick knacks and substituted with more lamps. I quit buying pumpkins and santas a few years ago and tried to up level my every day decor. It's still a work in progress trying to declutter (and stay decluttered).
I've been working on getting rid of my black stuff. Felt like I had to dust, dust constantly because of black.Done with black. Was my color for years. White, creams, taupe and light grays make us more relaxed. I like your tips though. I've been clutter freeing our home. Taking so long though.
New subscriber. Love your house ...I have always switch things around for change of seasons ... agree of buying oddments of themes .. I change colour not buy in tat ..
Hi Valentina! Please recommend a fabric that would go great with a camel color sofa in regard to adding throw pillows. Thank you. Your home soothes my soul. I detest clutter and knick knacks!! :)
Fun vlog Valentina 👍😊. 📚One small book in a draw wouldn't work for people who read loads in other subjects areas!.. I am a scientist and read loads of different books.. Non of which come as "big, coffee table picture books." So when you have loads of books you need shelves.. But you can still make book collections look nice on shelves in eg a library eg behind glass door cabinets, in colour or subject schemes etc. Big picture books WORK FOR YOU because you are interested in interior design.. So "coffee table photo books" are perfect for you!... But for my interests/subjects there are NO BIG COFFEE TABLE Picture Books! Infact there are no picture books 😂.. BIG coffee table books do not exist outside interior design, gardening, architecture and fashion etc... Therefore I would never buy them. I see books as sources of information NOT as "home decor"! You said people should have things that give them joy, make their house show their personality... Well for everyone that is interested in themes that do not come as big coffee table picture books, we have to buy small hard and soft back books... Which by the way can be very expensive eg up to, and exceed 500 USD a book! 🖼️🎨 I understand your comment on artwork... It is a very minimalist concept... "Fewer and bigger, better quality objects for a calm, uncluttered home environment." the principles I totally agree with! 👍... However buying Amazon pictures is not my idea of good art.. I buy my art paintings and sculptures from local artists when on my world travels🌍... So they can be big and small pieces of art.. A small intricate oil painting or ethnic painting eg aboriginal point painting art from Australia, black ink art of China, small oil paintings or water colours from Europe etc are beautiful and far better quality and more personal than some generic Amazon piece using eg plaster for texture and 2 to 3 colours (and worse still..fake gold leaf!) in lines made for the masses present interior design tastes. Being OTT with seasonal decor is definitely an American phenomenon. Valentines Day was also a US invention, so not widely celebrated in Europe. So all that seasonal house decor stuff is not a big issue in Europe. We stick primarily to Christmas decor and a bit of Easter decor. I do have some seasonal decor.. But mainly for the kids benefit. Halloween decor I put up 1 day before Halloween and take down 1day after.. Same for eg a Birthday Banner.. So I don't consider it "house decor".. I classify both as "party decor" because they are up for the one day celebration and are then removed. Easter decor we keep up several weeks because I live in Germany where it is traditional to have "an Easter Tree" which is decorated with blown painted eggs. We use 2 types of branches in water which then flower and get green leaves over several weeks. I also add tulips and daffodils to the vase of branches as traditional Spring/Easter flowers... Once the kids are older I probably won't bother with Halloween decor and the Easter tree decor will be slightly less colorful. As with all interior design.. A lot is down to taste which can also be influenced by cultural celebrations. Using natural things eg fur, wool, cotton is great for the seasons.. And as you say greenery.. But also other things from nature eg in Scandinavian and German we use moss, haselnuts, chestnuts, branches, colored leaves, fruit and veg eg corn on the cob and pumpkins, apples etc for decorations in the house.. Great for tables and mantelpieces.
I love Halloween but stopped buying the corny decorations Pottery Barn, West Elm couple places like that have got some fantastic decorations you can keep on your tables year-round
I've seen a lot of "knots" in your decor videos and I have to say they are beyond trendy and so overdone!! Will be in the goodwill bin down the road I think!! k
I’m not sure if I’ve noticed them in Valentina’s videos (I don’t watch all of them), but I will say that I have one metal infinity loop / knot that I like because it adds a sense of movement to the space. I’ve always had a more eclectic style though so I don’t really care whether it’s trendy or outdated as long as it flows well with the rest of the space.
No!!!!! Santa needs to come out and everything needs to come out of the storage (sorry) LOL I get it but Iam not there yet! I try to minimize during the year to only my coffee station being decorated.
I once left a FULLY decorated, 9 foot, Christmas tree up for 3 Christmases! In the front living room. Even turned it on throughout the summer months. I loved it but the neighbors.........? Who cares! As for that dreary looking living room I see a chrome, 3 legged, floor lamp next to the fireplace. With a big, bright, saturated, red drum shade on it!!! That room is just screaming out for some color! With bright red, slubbed silk pillows for the sofa!!! Down only! With red silk on both sides of the pillows. Or white silk with red polkadots. Nothing to be frightened of!!! Seriously!
Why are you talking about books as a item of decor exclusively ? I agree that small books are not decorative. I have them in closed cabinets Books have a different purpose
I know you have your opinions but putting two Black women Tabitha Brown and Opalhouse as a do not buy trendy items isn't cool. You could've made your point without deliberately having their collections up.
Small art - created by independent artists can be beautiful. Perhaps not on walls but tucked in bookcases or consoles become one of a kind treasures. As opposed to large mass produced items from Amazon ??? I’m an artist myself and spend hours creating my work regardless of size.
I agree. I buy art from the artist studios, sometimes from a gallery. I had some small pieces that are presented in such impactful way that nothing more is needed.
I agree, and it’s something I won’t change. I think her choice may be governed more by what she doesn’t like, and it’s definitely not right for everyone.
Completely agree with this ... I also love small thematically curated clustered works ... that make a large statement piece - I think its lovely to be able to peer into a small piece. When you have a large space the artwork (unless highly figured and coloured) just make ubiquitous graphic shapes on the wall - and end up bland - just an homogeneous space filler
This. I hated this advice. It isn’t controversial; it is just bad advice. I am also an artist, and while I don’t make small art, it is important to remember there is a lot of wonderful art out there that is small and intended as such. Thank you for this comment, Cathy!!
I think it all depends on what stage of life you’re in. If you have little kids you can’t avoid some corny decor and bright colors and basically trash that you wish wasn’t there but makes your kid so happy! You can only have a designer house like this if you’re single or already with grown children
I agree with all but Christmas, Valentina. My son is under 20 and absolutely loves Christmas. Also, my nieces and nephews enjoy coming to our home for the magic. We try to incorporate the natural pieces where possible but I love seeing their joy.
Yes! I totally agree. Christmas is the only holiday/season I still decorate for. I don't change plants or pillows either, only blankets and sheets. I want to store as little as possible, because I just have way too much stuff!
I agree. The little lights add so much warmth, the greenery/pine cones bring in elements of nature and the hope/excitement for this celebration brings people together. However, I do agree that collecting/storing decor for every single holiday can add a truck load of clutter to your home.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT! I definitely STOPed shopping at Target and all the new releases and I just pick out a piece or two that I really love. I started shopping pottery barn and invest my money in one great piece that I JUST LOVE and I really enjoy that piece and it makes me happy. Now cleaning is much easier. I don't have so much dusting to do and I don't feel overwhelmed in my space. THANK YOU for this video and for putting things in perspective, at least for me. Smiles
@@bettyschriver3277 I have art that I love around my house. A lot of it is my son's and art that was gifted to me from special people in my life but I love vintage artwork so, no Pottery Barn art as of yet lol.
When you say curtains with rings, do you mean grommets? If so we have some very nice drapes with high quality grommets that are beautiful…don’t remind me of a showers curtain at all.
I love the minimalist look but I miss your black and white artwork on the fireplace. It just made the room and the fact that you painted it made it more special x
Wow, I have been feeling the same way! I also stopped buying seasonally specific decor, mostly because I got tired finding a way to store it. I have really scaled back what I have out on display. I really just want to have a few select items that I can transition by changing the greenery in a vase, etc.
I love the way you approach seasonal decorating. But, Valentina, where do you keep all the things that are out of season? In that respect, I would love to learn about your home organization. Thank you for your awesome videos! :-) Good thoughts, Kendra
I want to know this too! Lol. I have way too much . And honestly I donate at least once a month! It’s constant cycle. We have three folks here and a dog.
No one asked me, but I keep out-of-season decor in closed storage in the home office, I donate if no more space. I only decorate with meaningful collected items, not mass produced
I love fall and Christmas decorating. I mostly have things I truly love and look forward to seeing every year and don't go too overboard. But believe me by January I am soooo ready to get back to normal. I am trying to incorporate more room decor to reflect the season but I also find that once I get a room the way I want it I am very resistant to change. Maybe living in Southern California and lacking seasons adds to not feeling the need to change seasonal decor as much. 😘
Great list! I agree with everything except the one off art pieces. I think art is something you should buy what you love when you find it and it will work. Maybe it is because I tend to be drawn to consistent color palettes. The biggest problem I have is where to hang pieces because everything I buy works in so many different areas of my home because of that palette. That being said, I 100% agree that lots of small art pieces look busy and take away from the impact. I have tons of built-in bookshelves so I do have a few special small pieces tucked in them but never on the walls
I have not that small art but small but I custom frame in big frames and it has work very well to enhance the piece. It has to be done by someone with lots of experience with fine art.
Loved this video! I’ve gone more minimalistic in my home also. It does feel more calming. I stopped doing coffee table books and put books away. I will still put out the seasonal decor for holidays, but it’s fairly minimal and I enjoy it. I plan to try to eliminate stuff I store that I don’t really love. I doubt my kids want it either! My goal is to “Marie Kondo” my entire home! You have all great tips! The “one off” tip made me put a pillow from one of my sofas in the donation box this morning! I don’t like small art either!
I needed to hear this today. I am having surgery and my recovery will be intense. My husband and I discussed the topic of decor; earlier today. I realized I won’t be physically able to decorate for the holidays this year. I will be focusing on making memories with my family this year instead of baking and decorating. This will be a HUGE game changer for me since I normally decorate my clients homes for the holidays. I will be taking your advise and enjoying a home with minimal fall and winter decor in 2022. I love your channel. Be blessed. Lynda
Can share in the joy of hanging line of christmas cards or of hanging photos. Can still create joy with these images and with just a couple of indoor plants Over winter scented pelagonium can be a highlight from rose, pineapple, lemon just a couple of natural scented leaf flavours with or without flowers!
LK...Sorry you will go through this. I wish you a speedy recovery. Feeling the love given to YOU this year will fuel your healing. May He watch over the surgeon's hands.🙏
I couldn’t agree more about seasonal vs holiday decor. I still do my Christmas tree and a garland on the front door for Christmas, but otherwise changing the textiles and what’s in the cases feels more authentic and connected to me as well. In my fairly open floor plan, we can see the Christmas tree from everywhere and it’s enough.
This video was really useful. I would like to see your plates and mugs for every day in your kitchen. Maybe, a video about your arrangement in that room. LOVE YOU VIDEO!!!
I'm with you on everything you touched on in this video. Less is more. It's like you can even breathe and think clearer without so many smaller items, including mismatched items. As for seasonal decor, I've got away from that, but I still appreciate seeing other people's home decorated in seasonal decor when it's done with style.
Most all of my everyday dishes are one offs. Or 2s or 3s. Each piece has a particular memory. A salad plate from Aunt Olga, a bowl from my neighbor, a cup and saucer from grandmum. Later today I'm having lunch off a plate from my mother's sister, June! Odd, one of a kind, mismatched pieces? Yup! Love each and every one! Should you need, or require, all matchy-matchy dishes..... please go to a restaurant! It will save both of our blood presures from going sky high! -------- I recently invited someone for dinner. "Who else is coming?" and "What are you having!?" were asked before answering. And my neighbor is 94, so he certainly knows better! And he certainly wasn't brought up that way! Someone wants to complain about my dishes.... "the front door is in that direction"! Absolutely impossible to have a dinner party anymore! Who is coming? Really? What are you serving!??? How boorish can you get?
In total agreement with you regarding "fast home fashion" in places like Target. I stopped "popping in" to Target every week and I noticed how much less I spent on each week!
Loved everything apart from the last bit, you are killing me😭 I love my books (unfashionable as they may be), and will be keeping them even if it makes my living room look less curated.
I love you and Jack - such a cute couple! I’ve spent years “curating” my mid century decor and I have a lot of glass and various antique items that I love. But I also feel that it’s too much visually, and I’ve been trying to edit and pare down my home. I’ve shown my husband (who doesn’t really care about decor) your home and also some pages out of Jenni Kayne’s Pacific Natural At Home book and his first word to describe both was “calm”. So, you inspire me! We all want to have a calm home and visually overstimulating spaces don’t help!
YES! We are here because we want to emulate your style. And, frankly, because you're super fun to hang out with! Thanks for the light and joy you bring to the world. I love when you go deep and talk about your philosophy behind design. You introduced me to the idea that design facilitates vibrancy in life. That resonated so deeply and I often think about it when I am working on my own spaces. Cheers!!
Yes, nothing brings light and joy to the world quite like black, dark greys and white/cream/beige!!! The poor children! The parents are afraid of colors. Got it!!!
Taking about what she did/does and why is one thing. But telling others what to do or not do is really getting way to preachy for me. Perhaps she should stick with 'I' more and not over use the pronoun 'you' . Not a fan of being told what to do by strangers. Dictates are not a real viable form of communication. Usually.
Go deep, Valentina. Go deep. I love to hear your personal 'Whys'. And, I love everything you said about books. I've always been a big reader and I use some books as decor because they're more accessible AND they express who I am. The same goes for when I'm in other homes... I'm always intrigued by the books I find there. Thank you again for your great advice.
I too reflected on the stuff I have back in December when we moved into our new home. I realized I had so many great things that I didn’t need to add more. Yes, lots of stuff is beautiful, but I don’t need it.
Love it! Once I fell in love with RH, I adapted their less is more minimal luxury principles and it is sooooo freeing ❤️❤️❤️. But I’m a black/white design girl, and love the way you are so real about how to achieve your style!
I am also designer. I too disagree about the grommets. I think they capture the minimal look with a touch of “jewelry” and gives a bit of texture to a room without making it look cold and bland, something for the eye to look at. I agree with you about the big art and I do see a big piece of art above your fireplace. I also can see a bit of a splash of color in pillows.
Totally agree that books are meant to be read. However, I do believe that buying large pieces of art just to fill a space is a waste of money. 🖼 I see so many professionally designed rooms filled w/ big ugly clunky art pieces. And most wealthy people don’t actually have good taste in art (unless they’ve studied/researched it for years), and unfortunately, they often receive bad advice. 😏
From a design point-Should velvet/heavy drapes only be hung during cool weather and switched out during summer? I’ve always wondered about that since it’s definitely how we do our pillows/bedding/throws etc etc
Art is expensive no matter which was you twist it, but recommending people buy art off Amazon is definitely not the best option, especially when there art local artists everywhere that can be bought for less than you’d think. And people always forget that framing (original or printed art) costs extra. Save up, buy local.
Thank you for saving our environment. So much of that stuff is ending up in landfills. They are of such poor quality that many of those things cannot be passed on to the next generation.
I no longer purchase holiday-themed items because 1) I have limited storage in my new condo, and 2) I’d rather spend money on purchasing better quality items I can use or show all year.
Ooo! Thank goodness in South Africa we just do Christmas. America is pretty much known for (sorry to say) excess… 🇿🇦 Love your vids, a breath of fresh air! Thank you!
I love your style Valentina, but it’s not my style. I have lots of antiques passed down through my family. I have small books that we’re my grandfathers; a book of Common Prayer and another of Psalms that were given to him by the army during WW1. I have framed family documents. I enjoy seeing what others are doing and appreciate a variety of style. I’ll keep watching but not sure I will ever become one who does your style, but I appreciate it if it’s your jam.
I got rid of ALL my one offs and sanity was restored! I am using white as the base color for all cups, plates, serving ware etc. and it is so much better. I add pops of color as needed and most are neutrals.
I absolutely love your style and ever since I discovered you, I watch all of your RUclips videos and lives on Amazon. I have learned so much from you and appreciate the time you take to teach us these things. I would love to see how you would style dark furniture like a black sofa 💜
I, too have lived overseas. And, yes, holiday-themed decor is definitely an American thing. I go for it on Christmas; I put up lights, light-up angels in the front yard, candles in the windows, garland, stockings on the mantel, and a tree. I do not go so far as to have holiday-themed dinner plates or tacky sayings on cheap throw pillows. Santa never enters the picture. I put a pumpkin out on Halloween and use one as a centerpiece on Thanksgiving. Easter gets loads of spring flowers and the traditional basket of red hard-boiled eggs. I put bunting on the front porch for the 4th of July and that's pretty much it. It is too expensive and too cumbersome for me to do anything more. I also think that most themed decor is pretty tacky.
I have used Pinterest for inspiration since 2013. Pinterest can be rather addictive, but it has helped during the past three years while I renovate my home. I love the ivory velvet curtains and plan to order several sets for my house (really like that they have the hidden loops that I prefer). Thank you for the link! P.S. So when is that closet reveal coming?
Thx you Valentina for this great video feel like you directed it towards me 😂. I feel I’ve been influenced by influencers buying trending things and loving their hauls. But yes enough is enough like when does the shopping stop . I also find myself buying something at target because it’s on sale not just one but 3 of thinking it’s a great price and I end up hiding it in a closet not even displaying such items. I want to feel happy and at peace in my home need to work on decluttering so hard to detach from things your kids have grown up with . The struggle is real 😩. Baby steps, will give myself a short term goal this week to look around my home and start decluttering.
I love your emphasis on less but better! That concept actually leaves you feeling better all around. Less overwhelm while still feeling inspired. We have a similar approach to our home decor and I find that I actually use, love, and appreciate our things more when there’s less. Great video V! Xx
I agree with 95% of the points here. I do like to decorate for the fall holidays. My boys have friends over for a Halloween bon fire and their friends love the jack o lanterns and spooky decor. They laugh, although I do have lots of generic things mixed in, like lanterns to light the way from the bon fire to the house. Also, the coffee mugs. I don't have "matching" ones. I have coordinating ones. Simply because if you're to the point where you're having coffee, often times, you have moved away from the table. While at the table, you can remember which is yours because of where you are sitting, but when you're outside or moving around and then have to step into the restroom or something, it's easy to forget which is yours. SO, in support of a local pottery artist, I have a set with different designs but all the same glaze so they coordinate but don't match perfectly. No one ever mixes them up now. :) LOVE your channel!!! LOVE your support of reading! We are avid readers in our home as well. Each of us have a "private library" area in our bedrooms.
Love this. You have totally inspired me, and confirmed how I have been viewing home decor, as of late. Thank you. You're so inspiring and cheerful! God bless!
Oh Valentina, your so lovely. Its brilliant how much of yourself you share with us all, as though we were all friends of yours. Totally agree with the sizeing up. I had a large painting given to me some years ago and I leant it against a small wall, just for now thinking to put in in another larger space. Then I realised, yes! this was the space to put it. Putting large items in small spaces work and as you say, not having a cluttered look, with lots of small stuff definitely calms the mind. Thankyou for sharing all your wonderful tips with us, you are definitely a kindred spirit ❤x
I agree with your approach to seasonal decorating, with maybe somewhat of an exception for Christmas. While I will never do Santas and snowmen, elves and such, I do bring out a red theme. I have red, silk and velvet pillow covers for the pillows on the couch, a red table runner for the dining table, cranberries that I put around the candles in my hurricane lamps, etc.. Otherwise, I do it all with fabrics , the type of florals, and things of that nature.
Great information Valentina!! I love changing my decor as well and have been trying to get rid of some extra stuff I don’t need. Just keeping what I enjoy looking at and special to me. Thanks for sharing . ❤️
I tend to change colors for new seasons in fabrics, switch out foliage, add a few accessories in bowls and vases that I use year-round. But I also add a few cutesy things here and there, especially for Halloween and Christmas. I will say that since following HoV last year, I've pulled back on things that are kinda meh, that I used to put out because "it's what we have, so we should use it." Just because I have it, doesn't mean I like it or want to see it every holiday. I really thought the house was beautiful during last year's holidays without the extra stuff that I don't absolutely love, and it allowed me to see gaps or things that I'd like to get for this year. So thank you, Valentina!
I agree with eliminating the seasonal tacky decor. However...my 3 & 4 year old grandchildren live next door. They LOVE my seasonal decor that I acquired when my children were small. Guess I'll have to wait a few years to have a nice, adult looking home.
Hi Valentina, I really enjoy watching you and Jack. Enjoy your designs and understand where you are coming from. That being said, everyone should decorate with what makes them happy. Unless my clients said to me that they love my style and want me to imitate that to an extent with them, I will do it. The end result is they are living there not me. So guiding them to make tasteful choices in their style is important! There are so many styles I love that I have to say…I love yours, also love color and gorgeous coordinated patterns and some antiques mixed in also! Large art trulymakes a statement and that is needed but a grouping of similar art like botanicals put together say two over two to fill the wall is lovely too. Decorating for the holidays makes me happy…not overdone! Styles come in and out. Minimalist is in for awhile then people tire of it and decorate a bit busier and things thoughtfully placed that make you happy! Then it goes around again! I love yours because it is artfully done but love many other styles also…Less is More and More is More! Love it all when tastefully done!
I try to add seasonal items that can be eaten or disposed of. I.e. real 🎃 pumpkins…. Candy corn in a pretty bottle of some type…pumpkin cookies in the cookie bowl…. A wreath that can be changed with the season…a seasonal bow around a candle… Halloween pasta (HomeGoods) in a tall glass bottle…. Orange or green pasta (you get the idea). I’m old now and I loved to get all of the inexpensive fun stuff to fill the house when my children were little. But now I’m trying to be more sensitive to a more minimalist type of home. (😂I am trying)
Good Morning Valentina🖤. I continue to learn so much from you. (Id actually love love to hire you! I’m in LA… any possibility)? I’ve been doing exactly what you’re talking about. I don’t know how ‘minimal’ I can go.. but I’m changing things. Have been for awhile. I’ve always found that I get bored.. and well start changing things. I absolutely love!! your home. I’ve bought quite a few items from just watching you.. (the sofa, the black boucle pillows..etc). My look has pretty much always been. Black, white, ivory, creams… grays. Love this look… I’m just changing some of it to be more cohesive.. Anyway… LoL. Love your channel… You really are my guide. Thank you!!🖤🖤🖤🤍🤍
The over riding theme is simplify, buy less stuff. Invest in fewer, quality pieces you love that make an impact. Lose the nick nacks and themed - be it holiday or nautical. 😯 Very Scandinavian of you 😁👏🏼👏🏼❤️
There are fake books out there? Well, I guess this is an American way to go with decorations :) I do have a few small art pieces and sculptures that are meaningful to me, and I don't want to put them away. As for the small prints - I put them in the power room as a group and it looks really good, in my opinion - the distance is close to see the details, and there is a few minutes the guests can spend there to enjoy them :) But, what can be done for the small sculptures? Just two or three of them? Please share if you have any ideas. Overall, I have the same feeling about the mismatched items over the house, and I glad to hear it from you, thanks for giving this confirmation.
I agree with most of what you said. Especially the seasonal decor!! But I love finding original, small pieces of art and putting them in unexpected places in my home. It feels so quaint in my more modern house and I love the juxtaposition it creates.
I agree. And a beautiful small work of art can have a more powerful impact bc it draws the viewer in and feels personal. Also, most people can’t afford really good art, and it doesn’t make sense to spend money on bad art just to fill a wall space. An affordable alternative is photography, a framed textile or making your own minimalist art.
Agree on seasonal decor, but with kids, they get attached. I would use some ribbon, satin, burlap (no wire) to bring in seasonal color… I dunno for example, wrap a red Renton, secure with pin, not bows with matching color use seasonal red berries or greens (cut from your yard!) Either match the colors with branches or invert them..,,
I love the way you decorate your home…and I also love the way we decorate ours! I hang out with you because you give me inspiration and challenge me to do a better job. And while I love to change things up seasonally, I also like simplifying things. I totally agree with your thoughts on one-offs, I like sets too. And I like the ideas you give us on adding texture and changing it up seasonally. I like both big art and small art. I seem to have perfect places for both…and some things have a high degree of meaning and won’t be leaving our home anytime soon! I must be a Gemini at heart. Anyway, I do enjoy your videos and thank you for sharing. ♥️
We all have our personal style . I’m not into black, white, tan , large modern art , miss shaped pottery. .. but the concept of your video are helpful . The key to a happy environment are personal items that bring a smile .
I love all my “small books” it shows who I am as a person the same as the big display books. I have noticed the trend to turn your books around or make them color coded etc. as if books are an eyesore. As for everything else, I totally agree.
Yes, I think all books are beautiful. Color grouping or not showing rhe spines or covers is just ridiculous. I don't like big showy books. Too hard to handle. Too each his own, I suppose.
I love this video, I have stopped shopping unless I absolutely need something and the only time I change out decor is Christmas 🎄
I am guilty of the holiday decor, but only fall and winter overall with a few themed things right around the holidays (like a snow globe collection that started when my grandmother would get me a snow globe every year). Mostly it's fabrics, and colors and textures that change. Plus heirloom pieces passed down (tiny mantle village and Menorah) that get prominently displayed.
I love some seasonal décor except for neutral and natural pieces that are timeless. I also love to thrift and go antiquing for pieces that fit nicely with a modern home. I do decorate my bar and my coffee area for the holidays and it is super fun.
Hello Valentina! And thank you. So on point. You speak my language. I do love Christmas decor/ minimal. But almost never buy things without a meaningful purpose or maybe meaning rarely. It's got to be special either way. I'm only 3 minutes in but I will go to the end. hehe. But before I forget! Could you talk about bouquet gardening! I love fresh flowers & greens in my house. Would love a video on that! Thank you
I love holiday themed decor and I’m not giving it up. 😂😂❤️
You can always frame small art with really wide matting and big frames!
A friend has a postage stamp sized genuine Rembrandt litho, maybe not quite 2x3 inches, in a very large frame. Perhaps 18x24 inches wide and tall, with a heavy bottom mat.
It made me go over and inspect it all the more closely! And it worked beautifully in the space.
One of the most valuable items they had was also the very smallest!
So 'small' art can become 'large' art! You can 'stretch' it!!!
And you could just combine the smaller pieces and make a meaningful collage.
A friend had some photographs printed onto fabric and had the fabric made into lamp shades for her bedroom. Hydrangeas if I remember correctly. Big, puffy, pink Hydrangeas! Pleated! Beside the bed.
It was lovely. It fit her and the entire room's decor. Very well done!
So small art isn't a problem.
Except for the unimaginative, perhaps!!!
In my laundry room I have 5 of my very most favorite pictures. We were not married quite 5 years before becoming a widower, 30 years ago next month.
Why are these pictures in the laundry room. Because while I stand there and wait for the machine to stop spinning I look at those pics of sunny days and sunny smiles and appreciate what I had. No one probably sees them, except me, and that's fine!
Those were and still are very private moments, for me. As is my favorite picture hung with magnets on the inside my medicine cabinet door!
Every morning it is "Good morning, my dearest one!" And at night it is "Good night, and I'll see You in the morning. First thing!"
'Small art'? Yeah, I don't want to hear about it, really. I'm grateful for it. Everyday!
Love you and Jack. I'm not quite ready to stop decorating for seasonal/holidays, however, I am trying to scale back. Trying to move away from trends as well and buying only functional items I can use and get rid of things I don't use. See you Friday.
Thanks Valentina for the knowledge and entusiasm that you share with us in every video🥰
Last year I took out knick knacks and substituted with more lamps. I quit buying pumpkins and santas a few years ago and tried to up level my every day decor. It's still a work in progress trying to declutter (and stay decluttered).
I've been working on getting rid of my black stuff. Felt like I had to dust, dust constantly because of black.Done with black. Was my color for years. White, creams, taupe and light grays make us more relaxed. I like your tips though. I've been clutter freeing our home. Taking so long though.
New subscriber. Love your house ...I have always switch things around for change of seasons ... agree of buying oddments of themes .. I change colour not buy in tat ..
I love the white paint on your walls. Would you mind to share the color and brand? Love your videos! Great tips!
Hi Valentina! Please recommend a fabric that would go great with a camel color sofa in regard to adding throw pillows. Thank you. Your home soothes my soul. I detest clutter and knick knacks!! :)
Great tips Valentina! Quick, weird question….what is your advice for keeping the linen book covers form accumulating dust, etc?
My house is slowly morphing into Valentina’s and I love it! Although I will still proudly display my “Boo” pillow this fall, lol.
Great video!!! I totally agree with you.
Fun vlog Valentina 👍😊.
📚One small book in a draw wouldn't work for people who read loads in other subjects areas!.. I am a scientist and read loads of different books.. Non of which come as "big, coffee table picture books." So when you have loads of books you need shelves.. But you can still make book collections look nice on shelves in eg a library eg behind glass door cabinets, in colour or subject schemes etc. Big picture books WORK FOR YOU because you are interested in interior design.. So "coffee table photo books" are perfect for you!... But for my interests/subjects there are NO BIG COFFEE TABLE Picture Books! Infact there are no picture books 😂.. BIG coffee table books do not exist outside interior design, gardening, architecture and fashion etc... Therefore I would never buy them. I see books as sources of information NOT as "home decor"! You said people should have things that give them joy, make their house show their personality... Well for everyone that is interested in themes that do not come as big coffee table picture books, we have to buy small hard and soft back books... Which by the way can be very expensive eg up to, and exceed 500 USD a book!
🖼️🎨 I understand your comment on artwork... It is a very minimalist concept... "Fewer and bigger, better quality objects for a calm, uncluttered home environment." the principles I totally agree with! 👍... However buying Amazon pictures is not my idea of good art.. I buy my art paintings and sculptures from local artists when on my world travels🌍... So they can be big and small pieces of art.. A small intricate oil painting or ethnic painting eg aboriginal point painting art from Australia, black ink art of China, small oil paintings or water colours from Europe etc are beautiful and far better quality and more personal than some generic Amazon piece using eg plaster for texture and 2 to 3 colours (and worse still..fake gold leaf!) in lines made for the masses present interior design tastes.
Being OTT with seasonal decor is definitely an American phenomenon. Valentines Day was also a US invention, so not widely celebrated in Europe. So all that seasonal house decor stuff is not a big issue in Europe. We stick primarily to Christmas decor and a bit of Easter decor. I do have some seasonal decor.. But mainly for the kids benefit. Halloween decor I put up 1 day before Halloween and take down 1day after.. Same for eg a Birthday Banner.. So I don't consider it "house decor".. I classify both as "party decor" because they are up for the one day celebration and are then removed. Easter decor we keep up several weeks because I live in Germany where it is traditional to have "an Easter Tree" which is decorated with blown painted eggs. We use 2 types of branches in water which then flower and get green leaves over several weeks. I also add tulips and daffodils to the vase of branches as traditional Spring/Easter flowers... Once the kids are older I probably won't bother with Halloween decor and the Easter tree decor will be slightly less colorful.
As with all interior design.. A lot is down to taste which can also be influenced by cultural celebrations.
Using natural things eg fur, wool, cotton is great for the seasons.. And as you say greenery.. But also other things from nature eg in Scandinavian and German we use moss, haselnuts, chestnuts, branches, colored leaves, fruit and veg eg corn on the cob and pumpkins, apples etc for decorations in the house.. Great for tables and mantelpieces.
I love Halloween but stopped buying the corny decorations Pottery Barn, West Elm couple places like that have got some fantastic decorations you can keep on your tables year-round
I've seen a lot of "knots" in your decor videos and I have to say they are beyond trendy and so overdone!! Will be in the goodwill bin down the road I think!! k
Agree, they are the epitome of dust collectors because they don’t have meaning or a story.
I’m not sure if I’ve noticed them in Valentina’s videos (I don’t watch all of them), but I will say that I have one metal infinity loop / knot that I like because it adds a sense of movement to the space. I’ve always had a more eclectic style though so I don’t really care whether it’s trendy or outdated as long as it flows well with the rest of the space.
No!!!!! Santa needs to come out and everything needs to come out of the storage (sorry) LOL I get it but Iam not there yet! I try to minimize during the year to only my coffee station being decorated.
I once left a FULLY decorated, 9 foot, Christmas tree up for 3 Christmases! In the front living room. Even turned it on throughout the summer months. I loved it but the neighbors.........? Who cares!
As for that dreary looking living room I see a chrome, 3 legged, floor lamp next to the fireplace. With a big, bright, saturated, red drum shade on it!!!
That room is just screaming out for some color!
With bright red, slubbed silk pillows for the sofa!!! Down only!
With red silk on both sides of the pillows. Or white silk with red polkadots.
Nothing to be frightened of!!! Seriously!
Yes I'm an artist as well, so that my home is full of paintings. Never really enjoyed seasonal decor. Please ditch the black walls!
So so true!!!
Why are you talking about books as a item of decor exclusively ?
I agree that small books are not decorative.
I have them in closed cabinets
Books have a different purpose
“One off” or “one of’s” ???
I know you have your opinions but putting two Black women Tabitha Brown and Opalhouse as a do not buy trendy items isn't cool. You could've made your point without deliberately having their collections up.
Enough is enough
Small art - created by independent artists can be beautiful. Perhaps not on walls but tucked in bookcases or consoles become one of a kind treasures. As opposed to large mass produced items from Amazon ??? I’m an artist myself and spend hours creating my work regardless of size.
I agree. I buy art from the artist studios, sometimes from a gallery. I had some small pieces that are presented in such impactful way that nothing more is needed.
I agree, and it’s something I won’t change. I think her choice may be governed more by what she doesn’t like, and it’s definitely not right for everyone.
Completely agree with this ... I also love small thematically curated clustered works ... that make a large statement piece - I think its lovely to be able to peer into a small piece. When you have a large space the artwork (unless highly figured and coloured) just make ubiquitous graphic shapes on the wall - and end up bland - just an homogeneous space filler
This. I hated this advice. It isn’t controversial; it is just bad advice. I am also an artist, and while I don’t make small art, it is important to remember there is a lot of wonderful art out there that is small and intended as such. Thank you for this comment, Cathy!!
I am in agreement. I'm a creative and artist and disagree with this "recommendations" for various reasons.
I think it all depends on what stage of life you’re in. If you have little kids you can’t avoid some corny decor and bright colors and basically trash that you wish wasn’t there but makes your kid so happy! You can only have a designer house like this if you’re single or already with grown children
I agree with all but Christmas, Valentina. My son is under 20 and absolutely loves Christmas. Also, my nieces and nephews enjoy coming to our home for the magic. We try to incorporate the natural pieces where possible but I love seeing their joy.
Yes! I totally agree. Christmas is the only holiday/season I still decorate for. I don't change plants or pillows either, only blankets and sheets. I want to store as little as possible, because I just have way too much stuff!
I agree. The little lights add so much warmth, the greenery/pine cones bring in elements of nature and the hope/excitement for this celebration brings people together. However, I do agree that collecting/storing decor for every single holiday can add a truck load of clutter to your home.
Ugh. As a lifetime avid reader with thousands of actual books I can’t comprehend why anyone would buy a fake book.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT! I definitely STOPed shopping at Target and all the new releases and I just pick out a piece or two that I really love. I started shopping pottery barn and invest my money in one great piece that I JUST LOVE and I really enjoy that piece and it makes me happy. Now cleaning is much easier. I don't have so much dusting to do and I don't feel overwhelmed in my space. THANK YOU for this video and for putting things in perspective, at least for me. Smiles
Me too 😀 it makes such a difference!
Same and it is so freeing to not have so much clutter and wasted money going out on stuff that doesn't last.
Buy real Art from real artists, not pottery barn.
@@bettyschriver3277 I have art that I love around my house. A lot of it is my son's and art that was gifted to me from special people in my life but I love vintage artwork so, no Pottery Barn art as of yet lol.
@@alanahenderson6030 Oh my goodness, yes! waisted money for sure.
When you say curtains with rings, do you mean grommets? If so we have some very nice drapes with high quality grommets that are beautiful…don’t remind me of a showers curtain at all.
When children are adults, often seasonal decor is no more.
I love the minimalist look but I miss your black and white artwork on the fireplace. It just made the room and the fact that you painted it made it more special x
I agree. It s too empty !
It would look so beautiful with something large above the fireplace.
Me three! too bare and cold!
It looks like a black hole!
When you toss the large decor beads, I will believe that you are reformed on buying trendy items.🙂
And Tom Ford....
Yes!
Wow, I have been feeling the same way! I also stopped buying seasonally specific decor, mostly because I got tired finding a way to store it. I have really scaled back what I have out on display. I really just want to have a few select items that I can transition by changing the greenery in a vase, etc.
I love the way you approach seasonal decorating. But, Valentina, where do you keep all the things that are out of season? In that respect, I would love to learn about your home organization. Thank you for your awesome videos! :-) Good thoughts, Kendra
I want to know this too! Lol. I have way too much . And honestly I donate at least once a month! It’s constant cycle. We have three folks here and a dog.
Me too!
Same here!
No one asked me, but I keep out-of-season decor in closed storage in the home office, I donate if no more space. I only decorate with meaningful collected items, not mass produced
yes! organization ideas please 😍
I loved this video! I keep feeling like I need to decorate more because of social media but I personally want to keep the paired back look
It is so freeing to pair back. It’s relaxing.
I love fall and Christmas decorating. I mostly have things I truly love and look forward to seeing every year and don't go too overboard. But believe me by January I am soooo ready to get back to normal. I am trying to incorporate more room decor to reflect the season but I also find that once I get a room the way I want it I am very resistant to change. Maybe living in Southern California and lacking seasons adds to not feeling the need to change seasonal decor as much. 😘
Great list! I agree with everything except the one off art pieces. I think art is something you should buy what you love when you find it and it will work. Maybe it is because I tend to be drawn to consistent color palettes. The biggest problem I have is where to hang pieces because everything I buy works in so many different areas of my home because of that palette. That being said, I 100% agree that lots of small art pieces look busy and take away from the impact. I have tons of built-in bookshelves so I do have a few special small pieces tucked in them but never on the walls
I have not that small art but small but I custom frame in big frames and it has work very well to enhance the piece. It has to be done by someone with lots of experience with fine art.
Loved this video! I’ve gone more minimalistic in my home also. It does feel more calming. I stopped doing coffee table books and put books away. I will still put out the seasonal decor for holidays, but it’s fairly minimal and I enjoy it. I plan to try to eliminate stuff I store that I don’t really love. I doubt my kids want it either! My goal is to “Marie Kondo” my entire home! You have all great tips! The “one off” tip made me put a pillow from one of my sofas in the donation box this morning! I don’t like small art either!
I needed to hear this today. I am having surgery and my recovery will be intense. My husband and I discussed the topic of decor; earlier today. I realized I won’t be physically able to decorate for the holidays this year. I will be focusing on making memories with my family this year instead of baking and decorating. This will be a HUGE game changer for me since I normally decorate my clients homes for the holidays. I will be taking your advise and enjoying a home with minimal fall and winter decor in 2022.
I love your channel.
Be blessed.
Lynda
Can share in the joy of hanging line of christmas cards or of hanging photos.
Can still create joy with these images and with just a couple of indoor plants
Over winter scented pelagonium can be a highlight from rose, pineapple, lemon just a couple of natural scented leaf flavours with or without flowers!
LK...Sorry you will go through this. I wish you a speedy recovery. Feeling the love given to YOU this year will fuel your healing. May He watch over the surgeon's hands.🙏
I couldn’t agree more about seasonal vs holiday decor. I still do my Christmas tree and a garland on the front door for Christmas, but otherwise changing the textiles and what’s in the cases feels more authentic and connected to me as well. In my fairly open floor plan, we can see the Christmas tree from everywhere and it’s enough.
This video was really useful. I would like to see your plates and mugs for every day in your kitchen. Maybe, a video about your arrangement in that room. LOVE YOU VIDEO!!!
I used to be into themed decor! I feel like it’s just cluttering now.
Aren’t those marble and wood chains trendy? I see them everywhere!
I'm with you on everything you touched on in this video. Less is more. It's like you can even breathe and think clearer without so many smaller items, including mismatched items. As for seasonal decor, I've got away from that, but I still appreciate seeing other people's home decorated in seasonal decor when it's done with style.
Most all of my everyday dishes are one offs. Or 2s or 3s. Each piece has a particular memory.
A salad plate from Aunt Olga, a bowl from my neighbor, a cup and saucer from grandmum. Later today I'm having lunch off a plate from my mother's sister, June!
Odd, one of a kind, mismatched pieces? Yup! Love each and every one!
Should you need, or require, all matchy-matchy dishes..... please go to a restaurant! It will save both of our blood presures from going sky high!
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I recently invited someone for dinner. "Who else is coming?" and "What are you having!?" were asked before answering. And my neighbor is 94, so he certainly knows better! And he certainly wasn't brought up that way! Someone wants to complain about my dishes.... "the front door is in that direction"!
Absolutely impossible to have a dinner party anymore! Who is coming? Really?
What are you serving!???
How boorish can you get?
@@paulortiz2035 I can also appreciate the different peices of dishes people had given to them over time which they value. Some are very unique.
In total agreement with you regarding "fast home fashion" in places like Target. I stopped "popping in" to Target every week and I noticed how much less I spent on each week!
Loved everything apart from the last bit, you are killing me😭 I love my books (unfashionable as they may be), and will be keeping them even if it makes my living room look less curated.
I love you and Jack - such a cute couple! I’ve spent years “curating” my mid century decor and I have a lot of glass and various antique items that I love. But I also feel that it’s too much visually, and I’ve been trying to edit and pare down my home. I’ve shown my husband (who doesn’t really care about decor) your home and also some pages out of Jenni Kayne’s Pacific Natural At Home book and his first word to describe both was “calm”. So, you inspire me! We all want to have a calm home and visually overstimulating spaces don’t help!
YES! We are here because we want to emulate your style. And, frankly, because you're super fun to hang out with! Thanks for the light and joy you bring to the world. I love when you go deep and talk about your philosophy behind design. You introduced me to the idea that design facilitates vibrancy in life. That resonated so deeply and I often think about it when I am working on my own spaces. Cheers!!
Yes, nothing brings light and joy to the world quite like black, dark greys and white/cream/beige!!!
The poor children! The parents are afraid of colors.
Got it!!!
Taking about what she did/does and why is one thing. But telling others what to do or not do is really getting way to preachy for me.
Perhaps she should stick with 'I' more and not over use the pronoun 'you' .
Not a fan of being told what to do by strangers. Dictates are not a real viable form of communication. Usually.
Go deep, Valentina. Go deep. I love to hear your personal 'Whys'. And, I love everything you said about books. I've always been a big reader and I use some books as decor because they're more accessible AND they express who I am. The same goes for when I'm in other homes... I'm always intrigued by the books I find there. Thank you again for your great advice.
I too reflected on the stuff I have back in December when we moved into our new home. I realized I had so many great things that I didn’t need to add more. Yes, lots of stuff is beautiful, but I don’t need it.
Love it! Once I fell in love with RH, I adapted their less is more minimal luxury principles and it is sooooo freeing ❤️❤️❤️. But I’m a black/white design girl, and love the way you are so real about how to achieve your style!
I am also designer. I too disagree about the grommets. I think they capture the minimal look with a touch of “jewelry” and gives a bit of texture to a room without making it look cold and bland, something for the eye to look at. I agree with you about the big art and I do see a big piece of art above your fireplace. I also can see a bit of a splash of color in pillows.
Totally agree that books are meant to be read. However, I do believe that buying large pieces of art just to fill a space is a waste of money. 🖼 I see so many professionally designed rooms filled w/ big ugly clunky art pieces. And most wealthy people don’t actually have good taste in art (unless they’ve studied/researched it for years), and unfortunately, they often receive bad advice. 😏
I'm so distracted by the mushroom behind your head.
From a design point-Should velvet/heavy drapes only be hung during cool weather and switched out during summer? I’ve always wondered about that since it’s definitely how we do our pillows/bedding/throws etc etc
I’m no design expert, but I think heavy drapes would also be okay year-round in a more formal space. It’s all about how the space works for you!
Hope you get to 300,000 this week. Cheering you on. Thanks for letting us know what we shouldn't buy! ❤️ Happy Sunday!
Art is expensive no matter which was you twist it, but recommending people buy art off Amazon is definitely not the best option, especially when there art local artists everywhere that can be bought for less than you’d think. And people always forget that framing (original or printed art) costs extra. Save up, buy local.
Thank you for saving our environment. So much of that stuff is ending up in landfills. They are of such poor quality that many of those things cannot be passed on to the next generation.
Yep! Fast fashion and cheap home decor needs to slow down and that’s going to happen by us not buying it anymore.
Consumerism is basically what this channel is about!
I no longer purchase holiday-themed items because 1) I have limited storage in my new condo, and 2) I’d rather spend money on purchasing better quality items I can use or show all year.
V, so proud of you for taming your “haul” beast…I think you will find it is emotional freeing. 🖤
"Buy BIG art" as she sits by a fireplace with a huge, blank wall above it!
OK! Right! Got it!!!
Ooo! Thank goodness in South Africa we just do Christmas. America is pretty much known for (sorry to say) excess… 🇿🇦 Love your vids, a breath of fresh air! Thank you!
I love your style Valentina, but it’s not my style. I have lots of antiques passed down through my family. I have small books that we’re my grandfathers; a book of Common Prayer and another of Psalms that were given to him by the army during WW1. I have framed family documents. I enjoy seeing what others are doing and appreciate a variety of style. I’ll keep watching but not sure I will ever become one who does your style, but I appreciate it if it’s your jam.
I got rid of ALL my one offs and sanity was restored! I am using white as the base color for all cups, plates, serving ware etc. and it is so much better. I add pops of color as needed and most are neutrals.
I absolutely love your style and ever since I discovered you, I watch all of your RUclips videos and lives on Amazon. I have learned so much from you and appreciate the time you take to teach us these things.
I would love to see how you would style dark furniture like a black sofa 💜
Where can I get the art piece of the “reclining woman” used in many of your videos.
A lot of what you are talking about in this video relates to sustainability and less consumerism as well. Fewer, better things that last.
Yap curtains with rings are so ugly , it’s too heavy to the eye, it takes an expert to see it though, I’m an interior designer as well
I, too have lived overseas. And, yes, holiday-themed decor is definitely an American thing. I go for it on Christmas; I put up lights, light-up angels in the front yard, candles in the windows, garland, stockings on the mantel, and a tree. I do not go so far as to have holiday-themed dinner plates or tacky sayings on cheap throw pillows. Santa never enters the picture. I put a pumpkin out on Halloween and use one as a centerpiece on Thanksgiving. Easter gets loads of spring flowers and the traditional basket of red hard-boiled eggs. I put bunting on the front porch for the 4th of July and that's pretty much it. It is too expensive and too cumbersome for me to do anything more. I also think that most themed decor is pretty tacky.
Aren’t you really adding/ using seasonal decor and instead avoiding using *holiday* decor?
I have used Pinterest for inspiration since 2013. Pinterest can be rather addictive, but it has helped during the past three years while I renovate my home. I love the ivory velvet curtains and plan to order several sets for my house (really like that they have the hidden loops that I prefer). Thank you for the link! P.S. So when is that closet reveal coming?
What is your white Ikea storage in the living room called?
I do less seasonal themed decor since my children are grown. When grandchildren come along... we will see.
your passion for interior design is so lovely and inspiring!! you look very refreshed and relaxed valentina :)
Thx you Valentina for this great video feel like you directed it towards me 😂. I feel I’ve been influenced by influencers buying trending things and loving their hauls. But yes enough is enough like when does the shopping stop . I also find myself buying something at target because it’s on sale not just one but 3 of thinking it’s a great price and I end up hiding it in a closet not even displaying such items. I want to feel happy and at peace in my home need to work on decluttering so hard to detach from things your kids have grown up with . The struggle is real 😩. Baby steps, will give myself a short term goal this week to look around my home and start decluttering.
It's addicting! You're not alone.
Also…I’ve stopped buying silk flowers 💐 😩
As a reader I laugh at designers/stagers who turn books spine facing wall, we have read and love all the books in our home
I love your emphasis on less but better! That concept actually leaves you feeling better all around. Less overwhelm while still feeling inspired. We have a similar approach to our home decor and I find that I actually use, love, and appreciate our things more when there’s less.
Great video V! Xx
I agree with 95% of the points here. I do like to decorate for the fall holidays. My boys have friends over for a Halloween bon fire and their friends love the jack o lanterns and spooky decor. They laugh, although I do have lots of generic things mixed in, like lanterns to light the way from the bon fire to the house.
Also, the coffee mugs. I don't have "matching" ones. I have coordinating ones. Simply because if you're to the point where you're having coffee, often times, you have moved away from the table. While at the table, you can remember which is yours because of where you are sitting, but when you're outside or moving around and then have to step into the restroom or something, it's easy to forget which is yours. SO, in support of a local pottery artist, I have a set with different designs but all the same glaze so they coordinate but don't match perfectly. No one ever mixes them up now. :)
LOVE your channel!!! LOVE your support of reading! We are avid readers in our home as well. Each of us have a "private library" area in our bedrooms.
Love this. You have totally inspired me, and confirmed how I have been viewing home decor, as of late. Thank you. You're so inspiring and cheerful! God bless!
Oh Valentina, your so lovely. Its brilliant how much of yourself you share with us all, as though we were all friends of yours. Totally agree with the sizeing up. I had a large painting given to me some years ago and I leant it against a small wall, just for now thinking to put in in another larger space. Then I realised, yes! this was the space to put it. Putting large items in small spaces work and as you say, not having a cluttered look, with lots of small stuff definitely calms the mind. Thankyou for sharing all your wonderful tips with us, you are definitely a kindred spirit ❤x
Waiting on your big coffee table book 😁
I agree with your approach to seasonal decorating, with maybe somewhat of an exception for Christmas. While I will never do Santas and snowmen, elves and such, I do bring out a red theme. I have red, silk and velvet pillow covers for the pillows on the couch, a red table runner for the dining table, cranberries that I put around the candles in my hurricane lamps, etc.. Otherwise, I do it all with fabrics , the type of florals, and things of that nature.
Great information Valentina!! I love changing my decor as well and have been trying to get rid of some extra stuff I don’t need. Just keeping what I enjoy looking at and special to me. Thanks for sharing . ❤️
I tend to change colors for new seasons in fabrics, switch out foliage, add a few accessories in bowls and vases that I use year-round. But I also add a few cutesy things here and there, especially for Halloween and Christmas. I will say that since following HoV last year, I've pulled back on things that are kinda meh, that I used to put out because "it's what we have, so we should use it." Just because I have it, doesn't mean I like it or want to see it every holiday. I really thought the house was beautiful during last year's holidays without the extra stuff that I don't absolutely love, and it allowed me to see gaps or things that I'd like to get for this year. So thank you, Valentina!
I agree with eliminating the seasonal tacky decor. However...my 3 & 4 year old grandchildren live next door. They LOVE my seasonal decor that I acquired when my children were small. Guess I'll have to wait a few years to have a nice, adult looking home.
Hi Valentina, I really enjoy watching you and Jack. Enjoy your designs and understand where you are coming from. That being said, everyone should decorate with what makes them happy. Unless my clients said to me that they love my style and want me to imitate that to an extent with them, I will do it. The end result is they are living there not me. So guiding them to make tasteful choices in their style is important! There are so many styles I love that I have to say…I love yours, also love color and gorgeous coordinated patterns and some antiques mixed in also! Large art trulymakes a statement and that is needed but a grouping of similar art like botanicals put together say two over two to fill the wall is lovely too. Decorating for the holidays makes me happy…not overdone! Styles come in and out. Minimalist is in for awhile then people tire of it and decorate a bit busier and things thoughtfully placed that make you happy! Then it goes around again! I love yours because it is artfully done but love many other styles also…Less is More and More is More! Love it all when tastefully done!
YESSSSSS! American here and couldn't agree with you more on the tacky, seasonal stuff we're expected to buy. Just say no!! 👌
Completely agree with your seasonal suggestions. I started incorporating seasonal items with my decor …organically… years ago. 🧡
I try to add seasonal items that can be eaten or disposed of. I.e. real 🎃 pumpkins…. Candy corn in a pretty bottle of some type…pumpkin cookies in the cookie bowl…. A wreath that can be changed with the season…a seasonal bow around a candle… Halloween pasta (HomeGoods) in a tall glass bottle…. Orange or green pasta (you get the idea). I’m old now and I loved to get all of the inexpensive fun stuff to fill the house when my children were little. But now I’m trying to be more sensitive to a more minimalist type of home. (😂I am trying)
Good Morning Valentina🖤. I continue to learn so much from you. (Id actually love love to hire you! I’m in LA… any possibility)? I’ve been doing exactly what you’re talking about. I don’t know how ‘minimal’ I can go.. but I’m changing things. Have been for awhile. I’ve always found that I get bored.. and well start changing things. I absolutely love!! your home. I’ve bought quite a few items from just watching you.. (the sofa, the black boucle pillows..etc). My look has pretty much always been. Black, white, ivory, creams… grays. Love this look… I’m just changing some of it to be more cohesive.. Anyway… LoL. Love your channel… You really are my guide. Thank you!!🖤🖤🖤🤍🤍
The over riding theme is simplify, buy less stuff. Invest in fewer, quality pieces you love that make an impact. Lose the nick nacks and themed - be it holiday or nautical. 😯 Very Scandinavian of you 😁👏🏼👏🏼❤️
Love your content! But I would love to see more reveals of actual projects you did! thanks
There are fake books out there?
Well, I guess this is an American way to go with decorations :)
I do have a few small art pieces and sculptures that are meaningful to me, and I don't want to put them away.
As for the small prints - I put them in the power room as a group and it looks really good, in my opinion - the distance is close to see the details, and there is a few minutes the guests can spend there to enjoy them :)
But, what can be done for the small sculptures? Just two or three of them? Please share if you have any ideas.
Overall, I have the same feeling about the mismatched items over the house, and I glad to hear it from you, thanks for giving this confirmation.