It is so refreshing to hear a designer with "real life" suggestions. I love that you are practical, and help us create great looking spaces without breaking the bank! Brava, Valentina!
@@HouseofValentina Your house is very charming! Love your videos! I followed your link for "Amazon live painting" videos and, unfortunately, couldn't find the one where you were creating your own art. Would you please help to locate it, please?
Our rule of thumb is to gather inspiration and then wait for a minimum of 60 days before a purchase - even for small purchases. The breathing space allows for thoughtful reflection.
Couldn’t agree more with this!!! I’ve had this happen SOOOOO many times where I’m glad I didn’t pull the trigger on something right away and ended up changing my mind. If it’s something hard to find I’ll buy it and then live with it while I’m still in the return window to see if it still speaks to me. A lot of times the idea of something seems so appealing and then just doesn’t translate in real life. You’re like EH not what I was expecting.
You make some good points. Just wanted to add that thrift shops, consignment shops, second-hand shops are a good source of vintage furniture and décor at reasonable prices. Also want to say that Home Goods and Target do not sell art. They sell mass produced copies. You can get original artwork at art fairs and estate sales for very little money or just frame prints of your favorite artists.
One of my sisters was an artist and she painted several pictures for me including one of my precious pet. She used to take paintings to Starving Artists shows. Excellent places to get quality one of a kind true art to place in your home. One of my granddaughters is talented and severs of her paintings were exhibited in a HS art show. One was Vincent Van Gough’s Starry Night which I framed and hung above a door. I love it.
Great point! And the best part is much of that vintage furniture was very well-made compared to the furniture of today. And there are so many artists that you can purchase original art from as opposed to mass produced copies from Home Goods, etc.
I’ve found some great mid century or vintage pieces at thrift stores for a few dollars that are being sold for hundred or thousands on 1st dibs or Chairish. Thrifting is an art and luck but a great way to curate pieces over time instead of purchasing a showroom at a designer store. Spray paint works wonders too to upgrade items like lighting.
“Don’t over spend on Lighting” - thank you! I love my faux Mouille ceiling fixture, this makes me feel better that it’s not the real thing. I adore it!
I think this is such an amazing video and something my husband and I constantly talk about. I would love to see separate videos on this topic specifically for bathroom and kitchen renos. We need to do both and I want to spend my money where it matters and not on “trendy” ideas that will not appeal to a buyer down the line anyway. I like classic and clean 👌🏼!!
Such a great video! My husband and I are doing a kitchen and bathroom revamp…not full remodel because of the cost. Contractors are so expensive! We are instead leaving the footprint intact, keeping the granite, refacing cabinets instead of replacing, replacing the backsplash, cabinet pulls, etc. We are basically renovating the things we can do ourselves. I’d love a video on how to revamp a space without tearing it all out. It’s shocking how our dated tan granite looks so fresh and pretty once we changed the orange oak cabinets to white, got new brass pulls and installed a white backsplash and got a unique, modern, light fixture. Now that “dated” granite blends right in, it looks like an intentional pop of color in a fresh kitchen.
Thank you Valentina for reminding me to pull things back in my house Reno. I needed a sense of reality and sensibility rather than getting drawn in by the contractors and shiny magazines !
I’m an artist and I love when people buy my art, haha of course- but it’s true, guys! You can make your own! And it’s fun and delightful and exciting to do. You might find that it becomes a new hobby or a fun way to shake you out of your typical mindset. And then you get to hang some really cool personal artwork in your home, how cool is that! 🎉 art is for everyone!!
You know it’s a great video when it takes me forever to finish watching it because I keep going to the links in the description to check out each individual thing 😂😃. Excellent , practical tips.
Love this, and as a Realtor myself, I have these conversations with clients all of the time when they're wanting to do a few updates before they sell!! Great advice!! Love your videos!!❤
I once fired a well known kitchen design and installation firm in my area because they insisted I needed a vent hood over my island stove. And, I had a downdraft vent! I didn’t want to break up the space with the vent and I also didn’t want them ripping into the upstairs hall and bedroom to make space for the vent to the roof. It would have taken space away from a bedroom. It was ridiculous. Their argument was, “we are a high end kitchen design company!” Bye Felecia!!
Firing seems extreme. I understand the customer is always right but for air quality, and actual removal of VOCs while cooking a powerful overhead vent is best. It may be ugly, but it does the job better. But I can't afford to upgrade things merely for how things are designed, I have to care about how things function. They did give you good advice even if you didn't like it. Now if you never cook you don't need any kind of venting.
@@key6157Obviously you've never dealt with a super-pushy sales pitch, especially if they think their excrement doesn't stink. The cost to put in that hood would have been absolutely astronomical. And have you considered that our great-great-grandparents cooked on their stoves just fine without a hood?
Do yourself a favor & subscribe. Valentina has a wealth of information she shares for people who live with budgets. Valentina is a joy to watch every time. She is passionate, vivacious, funny, and organized with how you can access products, fashion, etc. She and her husband are hilarious! It is also fun to hear and see her family life, whether it be trips, shopping, etc. Thank you, Valentina!
Our neighbors did change all the woodwork and doors in their house along with many other upgrades. It was beautiful, but they had so much trouble selling their house when they decided to move. They couldn’t get their asking price - way out of line with the neighborhood. They could not get back all the money they put into their home. The point you made is very real.
Absolutely love doing my own artwork in Photoshop. Never knew I could create awesome pieces from average 80s photos or small parts of digital photos. I do some as watercolours too. I got custom frames for the larger pieces and cheap frames with custom mats for the medium and small frames. Totally fallen in love with black and white pictures because of V and even create more modern pieces just to push myself out of my comfort zone. I’ve analysed how the art works together, the framing and even the tones in the B&Ws. My husband didn’t want art on the walls but my new home is going to have my art everywhere. I grin at the few pieces I have in my current home every time I walk in the room.
Wow! THANK YOU, Valentina! I REALLY needed to hear this. We bought a 1960's family home and I feel like I need to update EVERYTHING. We are in the middle of a reality check considering the comps in our area and the top of what we would get for resale. It's a very tough exercise to prioritize updates with renovation costs being so high. I'm working hard to consider what to embrace about the existing design features and what updates would have the greatest/most positive impact. Your thoughts as a designer are so welcomed. Thank you so much for sharing your honest thoughts about the reality many of us are living in.
This is so true! We built our home in 2000, and I want to redo EVERYTHING! It is encouraging to hear that there are certainly choices to be made, but NOT everything has to be high dollar!
@@bellaheblan8479 I'm right there with ya, Bella! :) The struggle is real! I so appreciate Valentina covering this topic. It's super thoughtful of her as a successful designer.
I ruined my mid century home because I was ignorant of history and didn’t know better. I tore out my pink bath to put white subway title and marble, and now I want to punch myself. It wasn’t until I learned about architectural styles that I appreciated the beauty in those old homes. Now all you see everywhere is neutrals and it’s getting repetitive. I suggest reding up on homes from the 60 s and see if previous owners left vintage details you can showcase, like fun title, metal cabinets, solid wood built ins. And please, please do not do a white kitchen cabinets! I regret them too.
I have shared this before on V's channel but I feel your pain. I'm a designer myself and did a lot of work for a lady in our city who lives in a large home on the corner of two of the most highly sought after streets in town. The lot is probably 2 acres. It all was inherited by the husbands grandparents. The love their house and area but at some point when they "move on" or have to sell the current house could actually be torn down to build a huge McMansion. SO when it came time to re-do the bathroom between two guest bedrooms I decided to embrace the 50's pink and black bathroom while breathing new life into it. The pink tile w/black bullnose, surrounding the tub and as wainscoting on bulldoze, was actually that lovely slightly variegated glaze you see a lot now, very artisan look so I left it all while painting the plaster upper walls a soft white. But the checkered floor was too much so I had my contractor put down a Coretec floating LVT waterproof floor that looked like crushed ebony oak. The graining even had a pale pinkish cast! Stunning! Then i did a vinyl water/steam friendly vinyl wood plank ceiling i painted a pale Robin's egg blue. Next I made a gorgeous tailored valance out of an expensive Lee Jofa very modern IKAT paisley linen fabric, an off white background with the same rosy pink and black paisley colors in the IKAT design with teeny shell beaded trim mounted over 2"ivory vinyl blind for privacy. I made a two panel shower curtain out of all cotton Robin's egg/aqua modern moorish trellis patterned curtains from Home Goods which I hung with a waterproof extra long liner behind. I kept the 50's sink the small clipped corner deco look on chrome legs but changed the fixtures and mirror and lighting, creating more magic. Then some fabulous modern art over the john, a rustic wood and steel hook wall rack for towels and then a small antique Persian rug she found in the attic (!) in the faded black and rose and cream colors hung on an antique rod on the wall next to the black toilet. Add other bath accoutrements and to say the least it was "eye candy" and tho the smallest, one of the most commented on rooms in the house! I give all that detail as inspiration in case any one else is looking to retain yet refresh and modernize a 50's coloured bathroom.
I didn't have time to proofread and correct my typos and even more frustrating, the stupid "spellcheck" so called "corrections" that switch words out and make no sense whatsoever. Here are the corrections: 1)the house was inherited FROM the husband's grandparents. 2)THEY love their house and area ..3)or have to sell, the current house could actually be torn down...(this is happening in our city and thousands of others where people pay top dollar for the prime location/lot and then do a "scrape off" of a perfectly good house in this case, to build something more grand!) 4)...the pink tile...as wainscoting ON THE WALLS..." 5) LVT waterproof floor that looked like CERUSED or limed ebony/(almost black) oak. Sorry I'm so OCD, those things make me nuts, especially the words that get switched to stupid meanings!
Valentina, Thank you for making this video! I think it will make a lot of people feel so much better about their homes and what they can/can't afford. I think for most people (unless they have an unlimited budget), it's the "look" they are after, not the price tag of an item or a room. Why spend thousands of $$$ for a designer's coffee table when you can get a very good dupe for a fraction of the price? I think if people learn where to shop, shop smart, train their eye to know quality, and get the design/decorating basics right, then they can create a beautiful home on whatever their budget is and they will be very happy with their space. This might be your best video yet, Valentina!
I've been following you for a few months now and just love your content. Your content kept showing up in my feed so I guess the algorithm gods said these are your people🥰 I truly love that you embrace the high-low model of life. I don't like or feel that everything that is beautiful has to be designer or expensive. I always laugh that when people come to my house because I get complemented on my IKEA outdoor sectional and inside curio cabinet and JC Penney leather sleeper couch more than my expensive items. They all are RH, West Elm, Crate & Barrel dupes...no one knows the difference😉.
Neighbors of ours spent a lot of money on silly cosmetic upgrades to their house, such as a luxurious-looking front door, and some landscaping and a gazebo for their front yard. Meanwhile they ignored all the home repairs they need to do from their house being somewhat damaged in a windstorm. They thought they could get buyers for their house simply through curb appeal, and without making any solid repairs to the missing gutters, damaged siding and shutters, and wonky fencing. Two years later and they still can't figure out why their house won't sell.
Great tips! I would add one more for us budget conscious; cleaning, organizing, and repurposing. Hard to beat sweat equity. If I find a way to fit something out of sight in a closet or make my books looked more pleasing to the eye it feels like an upgrade to me. If I’m really restless I move my art around my home. Feels new and I fall in love with it all over again. If something still stands out that bugs me then I know it’s time to invest in an alternative.
Love this!!! When I’ve been on a budget, I have had to repurpose what I already have and I ended up getting the functionality I needed without spending additional money. Sometimes I feel grateful to not have an unlimited budget bc it makes me less wasteful and more creative.
I really love how realistic you are! This is very usefull and honest information. And it`s all about the atmospere you create to love to live in, not about pleasing the designers.
Hi Valentina! Your videos are very enjoyable and entertaining as usual!👏With regards to throws, last fall I bought a 50 x 60 white faux fur throw from Costco for $59.00 and a navy blue one approximately the same size from CB2 at over $200.00 (can't recall the exact price). The CB2 throw looked smaller than it said it was when it arrived, and when I measured it, it was an inch short on each side. And size really does matter! Also, between taking it out of the bag and trying it out on each end of my of my white sofa, I noticed the dye from the throw transferred to my finger nails. As for quality, the Costco one - which sold out in no time - really looks and feels just as nice as the CB2 throw. For the amount of money CB2 charges, the dye should not have transferred, and the measurements should be accurate. I returned the CB2 throw, and hoping Costco will bring back that same quality faux fur throw back in the fall and in more colors. As for mirrors, if you check on line, Walmart actually has a variety of really nice mirrors for a reasonable price. Looking forward to your next videos!👌
Great advice! Regarding original art, some ideas for sourcing are consignment stores and auctions. Also check to see if you have any artist's co-ops or collectives in your area. Often they have great artists that are starting out. One other idea is art festivals. Again, often there are some great new artists for reasonable prices.
One of the features I appreciate about Internet is a huge variety of options, designer inspired items we can use to achieve a dream home with a high end feel
As a garden designer I really believe the benefits of having a pleasing outdoor space with beautiful plants is super beneficial for all. Great video, love the advice, thank you..
This is why I follow you. Reasonable and reminders always to be reasonable and within the level you can. You two go out of your way to help. The fireplace is amazing.
This episode should be called something like “Wisdom by Valentina”. Of course people have different budgets, but I see people spending money on things that in general makes no sense. I see so many people who don’t take into consideration what the market is in their neighborhood or community, or they don’t think about wether it’s a home they will stay in forever should their lifestyle or family dynamic change. Great video as always Valentina! 👍💕
As a 26 y/o first time homebuyer (brand new expensive city) i really appreciated this. The stigma of “how expensive is your home” here this has helped me decide where to splurge & where not to. Thank you so much!
I agree with most everything! ❤ If you use ready made drape at least hang them in a professional manner! When it comes to drapes I can always tell custom from ready-made. The biggest giveaway is how they are hung. Custom drapes are hung at the perfect hight and width, they have a proper return on the sides. Also they are hung professional application using quality hardware. If you can see behind your drapes from the side, and the side of the drapes don't return all the way back touching the wall it looks CHEEP!!! Only use lined and weighted drapes that are hung correctly if you want a high end look.
This was a great video. Informative and spot-on, and I agree with just about everything. The thing I most like to splurge on: art. I like to support local artists and it makes a huge difference. Everyone who comes into my home comments on my artwork more than any other thing.
Very very wise advice. You've now got me rethinking my main bathroom renovation. I did splurge and had custom drapes made throughout my house and I love them. Really elevated all the spaces. I inherited fine furniture and antiques so I didn't need to spend much on furniture. I often find really good original art at thrift stores and garage and estate sales. Some of the pieces have turned out to be worth far more than I paid. I too love mixing high end and budget pieces together. Very thoughtful and well presented video. ❤
A Realist Decorator. Thx V for putting this out there for the ones that’s on a friendly budget.. this video is much needed.. your home is your sanctuary! Blessings!
I like Perspective art . Art that moves me, takes me in and makes me feel I’ve been transported to a different place. I do also like some Abstract art but with color. I need color in my life.
Not tiling every surface in your bathroom is the best I've been able to change my paint color several times and I too am not doing laps in my tub so just a little tile did the trick.
I got those curtains off of Amazon that you showed and they have been great! They look beautiful and extremely high end; I get compliments all the time!
Ten years ago I upgraded my bathroom and I’ve learned to stay away from themed rooms. I’m in Texas and turned my main bathroom into a red, white and blue Texas nightmare even painting two walls Texas flag blue. There was a horrid flowery wallpaper which I sponge painted over with the blue. A western mirror, a Texas light fixture etc. At the time I loved it. The art purchased, specialized toilet lid....I’m so tired of it but need someone to help me. Never again.
I find it funny people have to buy throw blankets. Homemade afghans and throw quilts are so much more unique. If you don’t have a family member churning them out, buy from a crafter or check the thrift shop. I’m constantly rescuing afghans from our thrift shop.
like your videos. often I can buy a thing in a Jysk store, repaint it beyond recognition ... and then friends will come and ask where you bought this beautiful thing. 😍
On the lighting another point that is a super cheap way to upgrade your lights without even changing the fixture, just change the bulb! Do NOT go with cool white! Make sure you have warm color bulbs, 3000k or warmer, because the cooler the light the cheaper it looks. Think gold, luminous glow. You're welcome!
I love this kind of video. We bought a house a year ago and we really have to be realistic on what we can afford. I did splurge on limited edition prints because i really like the artist and i know my son will love to have it someday. So yeah we had to make sure we got good quality on the couch and mattress. I went crazy on indoor plants and invested on humidfier and grow lights but i live in northdakota where everything looks dead outside for 6 months in a year lol.
My husband..who is from Venezuela...and I laugh and have a great time watching y'alls videos. We now live in a luxury one bedroom apartment. I want to add some "velvet" peel and stick wallpaper in our bedroom. We have moss green velvet curtains. What timeless style could we add to our walls with our living in an apartment that is removable? Could I send a video of how I decorated our apartment?
This was really useful in focusing on which items are worth spending good money on. I would add that if ever I see something I really like but am not prepared to pay the price, I decide to keep about two-thirds of the price in cash available and I wait until the item goes on sale. Then if it's available, I still like it, and I have the cash, I buy it! It gives me a buzz that I got what I wanted at a bargain price. Having said that, it's strange how many times, with having to wait, I find I no longer like it so much, and don't make the purchase.
THANK YOU! I saved much money on lighting and curtains via Amazon. I could reuse the old fixtures in some instances making it look eclectic. Buying from amazon you return items with little fuss is also a plus.
Great…advice!!! We just built a NEW HOME 1 year ago. I opted OUT of the KITCHEN BACKSPLASH. We already put $71,000.00 of upgrades in the NEW BUILD, that I didn’t feel the NEED… for it. I am a VERY CLEAN person & clean as I go, when cooking. Therefore…I saved thousands of dollars & don’t miss it at all. Thank you for your logical opinions!!!❤❤❤
Agree with every single point you made here Valentina. We have done huge renovation to our 1964 home, i've upgraded every single bathroom and spent on hardware and tiles but only where i absolutely need tiles. Same thing with light fixtures, found gorgeous lights on wayfair and amazon where same style would costs 1000s if i got them from restoration hardware which btw i absolutely love. Vases, blankets, pillows, always shopping deals at Pottery barn, West Elm and target. 100% agree with art also. They're investments if you can afford them! Love this video!
Great information and I found it at the perfect time as I have a bathroom renovation that is causing anxiety. You have given me some ideas that will make the process more enjoyable and more affordable. Thank you!
We had a new build with no character. We went in knowing this because we had plans for certain things. On the builder plan there was space called Flex Room. We took that heart. It is our office, has a murphy bed, and sewing / craft space. Turned our 10x13 patio into a sunroom. And had a landscape company come in build a retaining wall and patio the length of the house. 16 feet wide, 40 feet long. Lots of entertaining space
Put my townhome up for sale. Had my neighbor in for a preview before his wife . When she came over to look he said "notice the door handles and the switches and outlets (we put decorra in all outlets and switches) . Very interesting what people notice. We also put white hinges on all the doors. I liked that .
I agree budget will determine all of the money allocated to each area. Personally I have an issue the newer LED fixtures that do not have replaceable lamps.
I'm looking for a new fixture for my living/dining room and have taken a look at lights that look just like the 2k ones but for a fraction of the cost. The economy & how far a dollar really goes today isn't great so spend on what counts.
Always love your tips and advice! Questions on curtains: How much "puddle" should I allow? Are curtain sheers a thing of the past? I've eliminated them from most of my rooms but still have a few holdouts. I live in a walking community and have found I have curious neighbors and don't feel comfortable with my floor-to-ceiling windows being fully viewable from the street. What to do? What to do?
This is just a tip since no one has responded to your query. I am a designer who recently decorated a studio apt in public housing for an old friend who had recently lost her husband. It was a labor of love, pro bono, and I furnished from an overflow of treasures from my own decades accumulated stash. When finished, you would have sworn you were in a authentic Parisian apt! I'm not exaggerating! Here's the tie in to your question. The building overlooks Centennial Park and an authentic replica of The Parthenon, quite the enviable view, however, people mostly men, were walking past her windows between their units and the elevator, at all hours. I purchased and we installed a window film you can see out of but from outside it looks like mirrored glass. Problem solved. I got it at Lowes (or Home Depot). It was DIY friendly. We still did a luscious window treatment with both sound softening chenille side panels and authentic Belgian lace under panels after all we were going for Paris, a city she had been to in her younger years, not a modern version but a romantic, dreamy interpretation that took her to another place and time. Anyway she felt protected from prying eyes while gazing out at a view to take your breath away!
It is so refreshing to hear a designer with "real life" suggestions. I love that you are practical, and help us create great looking spaces without breaking the bank! Brava, Valentina!
You are so welcome!
Agree!!
@@HouseofValentina Your house is very charming! Love your videos! I followed your link for "Amazon live painting" videos and, unfortunately, couldn't find the one where you were creating your own art. Would you please help to locate it, please?
I would also add that her personality is much appreciated! Seriously, some decorators are ridiculously unauthentic!
Our rule of thumb is to gather inspiration and then wait for a minimum of 60 days before a purchase - even for small purchases. The breathing space allows for thoughtful reflection.
Couldn’t agree more with this!!! I’ve had this happen SOOOOO many times where I’m glad I didn’t pull the trigger on something right away and ended up changing my mind. If it’s something hard to find I’ll buy it and then live with it while I’m still in the return window to see if it still speaks to me. A lot of times the idea of something seems so appealing and then just doesn’t translate in real life. You’re like EH not what I was expecting.
You make some good points. Just wanted to add that thrift shops, consignment shops, second-hand shops are a good source of vintage furniture and décor at reasonable prices. Also want to say that Home Goods and Target do not sell art. They sell mass produced copies. You can get original artwork at art fairs and estate sales for very little money or just frame prints of your favorite artists.
One of my sisters was an artist and she painted several pictures for me including one of my precious pet. She used to take paintings to Starving Artists shows. Excellent places to get quality one of a kind true art to place in your home. One of my granddaughters is talented and severs of her paintings were exhibited in a HS art show. One was Vincent Van Gough’s Starry Night which I framed and hung above a door. I love it.
Great point! And the best part is much of that vintage furniture was very well-made compared to the furniture of today. And there are so many artists that you can purchase original art from as opposed to mass produced copies from Home Goods, etc.
I’ve found some great mid century or vintage pieces at thrift stores for a few dollars that are being sold for hundred or thousands on 1st dibs or Chairish. Thrifting is an art and luck but a great way to curate pieces over time instead of purchasing a showroom at a designer store. Spray paint works wonders too to upgrade items like lighting.
“Don’t over spend on Lighting” - thank you! I love my faux Mouille ceiling fixture, this makes me feel better that it’s not the real thing. I adore it!
I agree, if you are happy with your pieces keep them, I do 🤛🏻🇬🇧
The great thing about not overspending in lighting is that you don’t feel bad if you want to update it later on.
I think this is such an amazing video and something my husband and I constantly talk about. I would love to see separate videos on this topic specifically for bathroom and kitchen renos. We need to do both and I want to spend my money where it matters and not on “trendy” ideas that will not appeal to a buyer down the line anyway. I like classic and clean 👌🏼!!
I would love a video on that as well.
I get a lot of beautiful things from Costco. Lamps, mirrors, bedding, throw pillows etc.
Such a great video! My husband and I are doing a kitchen and bathroom revamp…not full remodel because of the cost. Contractors are so expensive! We are instead leaving the footprint intact, keeping the granite, refacing cabinets instead of replacing, replacing the backsplash, cabinet pulls, etc. We are basically renovating the things we can do ourselves. I’d love a video on how to revamp a space without tearing it all out. It’s shocking how our dated tan granite looks so fresh and pretty once we changed the orange oak cabinets to white, got new brass pulls and installed a white backsplash and got a unique, modern, light fixture. Now that “dated” granite blends right in, it looks like an intentional pop of color in a fresh kitchen.
Garrett LeChic released the video you want today!
@@robinbirdj743 LOL! I watched that video the moment it went up! Love him ❤️
Thank you Valentina for reminding me to pull things back in my house Reno. I needed a sense of reality and sensibility rather than getting drawn in by the contractors and shiny magazines !
I’m an artist and I love when people buy my art, haha of course- but it’s true, guys! You can make your own! And it’s fun and delightful and exciting to do. You might find that it becomes a new hobby or a fun way to shake you out of your typical mindset. And then you get to hang some really cool personal artwork in your home, how cool is that! 🎉 art is for everyone!!
You know it’s a great video when it takes me forever to finish watching it because I keep going to the links in the description to check out each individual thing 😂😃. Excellent , practical tips.
Love this, and as a Realtor myself, I have these conversations with clients all of the time when they're wanting to do a few updates before they sell!! Great advice!! Love your videos!!❤
I once fired a well known kitchen design and installation firm in my area because they insisted I needed a vent hood over my island stove. And, I had a downdraft vent! I didn’t want to break up the space with the vent and I also didn’t want them ripping into the upstairs hall and bedroom to make space for the vent to the roof. It would have taken space away from a bedroom. It was ridiculous. Their argument was, “we are a high end kitchen design company!” Bye Felecia!!
Firing seems extreme. I understand the customer is always right but for air quality, and actual removal of VOCs while cooking a powerful overhead vent is best. It may be ugly, but it does the job better. But I can't afford to upgrade things merely for how things are designed, I have to care about how things function. They did give you good advice even if you didn't like it. Now if you never cook you don't need any kind of venting.
@@key6157Obviously you've never dealt with a super-pushy sales pitch, especially if they think their excrement doesn't stink. The cost to put in that hood would have been absolutely astronomical. And have you considered that our great-great-grandparents cooked on their stoves just fine without a hood?
Do yourself a favor & subscribe. Valentina has a wealth of information she shares for people who live with budgets. Valentina is a joy to watch every time. She is passionate, vivacious, funny, and organized with how you can access products, fashion, etc. She and her husband are hilarious! It is also fun to hear and see her family life, whether it be trips, shopping, etc. Thank you, Valentina!
I’m upgrading from the manplow shovel to a snow blower😂😂. So done with snow ❄️
Our neighbors did change all the woodwork and doors in their house along with many other upgrades. It was beautiful, but they had so much trouble selling their house when they decided to move. They couldn’t get their asking price - way out of line with the neighborhood. They could not get back all the money they put into their home. The point you made is very real.
Absolutely love doing my own artwork in Photoshop. Never knew I could create awesome pieces from average 80s photos or small parts of digital photos. I do some as watercolours too. I got custom frames for the larger pieces and cheap frames with custom mats for the medium and small frames. Totally fallen in love with black and white pictures because of V and even create more modern pieces just to push myself out of my comfort zone. I’ve analysed how the art works together, the framing and even the tones in the B&Ws. My husband didn’t want art on the walls but my new home is going to have my art everywhere. I grin at the few pieces I have in my current home every time I walk in the room.
I got into painting pictures of trees. Very forgiving! 🤣
@@firestick4991 Ah, trees--and waterfalls too...happy painting!!!
Sorry, but your husband sounds kinda boring. Best of luck, (truly, not joking) introducing him to a fresh perspective!
Valentina love your videos. CAN YOU PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON COUCH/SLIP COVERS? 😊 As a fresh update when you are waiting to purchase new. THANKS ❤
My fur blanket from Costco is insanely luxurious feeling. So plush and heavy.
How does it wash?
Wow! THANK YOU, Valentina! I REALLY needed to hear this. We bought a 1960's family home and I feel like I need to update EVERYTHING. We are in the middle of a reality check considering the comps in our area and the top of what we would get for resale. It's a very tough exercise to prioritize updates with renovation costs being so high. I'm working hard to consider what to embrace about the existing design features and what updates would have the greatest/most positive impact. Your thoughts as a designer are so welcomed. Thank you so much for sharing your honest thoughts about the reality many of us are living in.
This is so true! We built our home in 2000, and I want to redo EVERYTHING! It is encouraging to hear that there are certainly choices to be made, but NOT everything has to be high dollar!
@@bellaheblan8479 I'm right there with ya, Bella! :) The struggle is real! I so appreciate Valentina covering this topic. It's super thoughtful of her as a successful designer.
I ruined my mid century home because I was ignorant of history and didn’t know better. I tore out my pink bath to put white subway title and marble, and now I want to punch myself. It wasn’t until I learned about architectural styles that I appreciated the beauty in those old homes. Now all you see everywhere is neutrals and it’s getting repetitive. I suggest reding up on homes from the 60 s and see if previous owners left vintage details you can showcase, like fun title, metal cabinets, solid wood built ins. And please, please do not do a white kitchen cabinets! I regret them too.
I have shared this before on V's channel but I feel your pain. I'm a designer myself and did a lot of work for a lady in our city who lives in a large home on the corner of two of the most highly sought after streets in town. The lot is probably 2 acres. It all was inherited by the husbands grandparents. The love their house and area but at some point when they "move on" or have to sell the current house could actually be torn down to build a huge McMansion. SO when it came time to re-do the bathroom between two guest bedrooms I decided to embrace the 50's pink and black bathroom while breathing new life into it. The pink tile w/black bullnose, surrounding the tub and as wainscoting on bulldoze, was actually that lovely slightly variegated glaze you see a lot now, very artisan look so I left it all while painting the plaster upper walls a soft white. But the checkered floor was too much so I had my contractor put down a Coretec floating LVT waterproof floor that looked like crushed ebony oak. The graining even had a pale pinkish cast! Stunning! Then i did a vinyl water/steam friendly vinyl wood plank ceiling i painted a pale Robin's egg blue. Next I made a gorgeous tailored valance out of an expensive Lee Jofa very modern IKAT paisley linen fabric, an off white background with the same rosy pink and black paisley colors in the IKAT design with teeny shell beaded trim mounted over 2"ivory vinyl blind for privacy. I made a two panel shower curtain out of all cotton Robin's egg/aqua modern moorish trellis patterned curtains from Home Goods which I hung with a waterproof extra long liner behind. I kept the 50's sink the small clipped corner deco look on chrome legs but changed the fixtures and mirror and lighting, creating more magic. Then some fabulous modern art over the john, a rustic wood and steel hook wall rack for towels and then a small antique Persian rug she found in the attic (!) in the faded black and rose and cream colors hung on an antique rod on the wall next to the black toilet. Add other bath accoutrements and to say the least it was "eye candy" and tho the smallest, one of the most commented on rooms in the house! I give all that detail as inspiration in case any one else is looking to retain yet refresh and modernize a 50's coloured bathroom.
I didn't have time to proofread and correct my typos and even more frustrating, the stupid "spellcheck" so called "corrections" that switch words out and make no sense whatsoever. Here are the corrections: 1)the house was inherited FROM the husband's grandparents. 2)THEY love their house and area ..3)or have to sell, the current house could actually be torn down...(this is happening in our city and thousands of others where people pay top dollar for the prime location/lot and then do a "scrape off" of a perfectly good house in this case, to build something more grand!) 4)...the pink tile...as wainscoting ON THE WALLS..." 5) LVT waterproof floor that looked like CERUSED or limed
ebony/(almost black) oak. Sorry I'm so OCD, those things make me nuts, especially the words that get switched to stupid meanings!
Valentina, Thank you for making this video! I think it will make a lot of people feel so much better about their homes and what they can/can't afford. I think for most people (unless they have an unlimited budget), it's the "look" they are after, not the price tag of an item or a room. Why spend thousands of $$$ for a designer's coffee table when you can get a very good dupe for a fraction of the price? I think if people learn where to shop, shop smart, train their eye to know quality, and get the design/decorating basics right, then they can create a beautiful home on whatever their budget is and they will be very happy with their space. This might be your best video yet, Valentina!
It’s a great one!
I've been following you for a few months now and just love your content. Your content kept showing up in my feed so I guess the algorithm gods said these are your people🥰 I truly love that you embrace the high-low model of life. I don't like or feel that everything that is beautiful has to be designer or expensive. I always laugh that when people come to my house because I get complemented on my IKEA outdoor sectional and inside curio cabinet and JC Penney leather sleeper couch more than my expensive items. They all are RH, West Elm, Crate & Barrel dupes...no one knows the difference😉.
Neighbors of ours spent a lot of money on silly cosmetic upgrades to their house, such as a luxurious-looking front door, and some landscaping and a gazebo for their front yard. Meanwhile they ignored all the home repairs they need to do from their house being somewhat damaged in a windstorm.
They thought they could get buyers for their house simply through curb appeal, and without making any solid repairs to the missing gutters, damaged siding and shutters, and wonky fencing.
Two years later and they still can't figure out why their house won't sell.
Great tips!
I would add one more for us budget conscious; cleaning, organizing, and repurposing. Hard to beat sweat equity. If I find a way to fit something out of sight in a closet or make my books looked more pleasing to the eye it feels like an upgrade to me. If I’m really restless I move my art around my home. Feels new and I fall in love with it all over again. If something still stands out that bugs me then I know it’s time to invest in an alternative.
Love this!!! When I’ve been on a budget, I have had to repurpose what I already have and I ended up getting the functionality I needed without spending additional money. Sometimes I feel grateful to not have an unlimited budget bc it makes me less wasteful and more creative.
Valentina. You are describing the law of diminishing returns in real estate. “Chic is not a price tag” as an old friend once said. 👏
I really love how realistic you are! This is very usefull and honest information. And it`s all about the atmospere you create to love to live in, not about pleasing the designers.
Hi Valentina! Your videos are very enjoyable and entertaining as usual!👏With regards to throws, last fall I bought a 50 x 60 white faux fur throw from Costco for $59.00 and a navy blue one approximately the same size from CB2 at over $200.00 (can't recall the exact price). The CB2 throw looked smaller than it said it was when it arrived, and when I measured it, it was an inch short on each side. And size really does matter! Also, between taking it out of the bag and trying it out on each end of my of my white sofa, I noticed the dye from the throw transferred to my finger nails. As for quality, the Costco one - which sold out in no time - really looks and feels just as nice as the CB2 throw. For the amount of money CB2 charges, the dye should not have transferred, and the measurements should be accurate. I returned the CB2 throw, and hoping Costco will bring back that same quality faux fur throw back in the fall and in more colors. As for mirrors, if you check on line, Walmart actually has a variety of really nice mirrors for a reasonable price. Looking forward to your next videos!👌
Thank you for your understanding of those of us with tight budget
Your Amazon store is a boutique of beautifully curated gems!!!😉
This is so refreshing. As well as advice on things to buy, equally important if not more is what not to buy. Thank you so much.
Great advice! Regarding original art, some ideas for sourcing are consignment stores and auctions. Also check to see if you have any artist's co-ops or collectives in your area. Often they have great artists that are starting out. One other idea is art festivals. Again, often there are some great new artists for reasonable prices.
"Its just me, I'm not going to have a party in my tub!" Love it! You are a darling, Valentina. Adore you to pieces
Thank you for taking the pressure off!
My pleasure!
TOTALLY agree about the lighting and curtains!!! Not overspending also allows you the freedom to change things as your taste and styles change!
One of the features I appreciate about Internet is a huge variety of options, designer inspired items we can use to achieve a dream home with a high end feel
As a garden designer I really believe the benefits of having a pleasing outdoor space with beautiful plants is super beneficial for all. Great video, love the advice, thank you..
I customize my store bought draperies. Also some high end designer ones found at a consignment shop! Thanks for the tips!
Great advice ! Choose your projects carefully, Art is very personal and to me it’s best when it has meaning .
This is why I follow you. Reasonable and reminders always to be reasonable and within the level you can. You two go out of your way to help. The fireplace is amazing.
So Happy to be here with H.O.V. Community/Family ❤💪🏾☕️
You make me feel better about my clearance $20 light for my bedroom.
Great video, just got two matching nightstand lamps @ the store At Home and upgraded with smart bulbs. Less than $75. Vive la différence !
I love this video so much. Moving in 2 weeks. It's a rental but I still need to decorate and this gave me great links to use.
WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDERFUL ADVICE!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Valentina I love you're sense of humor !! Thank you for your common sense tips, so greatly appreciated.
This episode should be called something like “Wisdom by Valentina”. Of course people have different budgets, but I see people spending money on things that in general makes no sense. I see so many people who don’t take into consideration what the market is in their neighborhood or community, or they don’t think about wether it’s a home they will stay in forever should their lifestyle or family dynamic change.
Great video as always Valentina! 👍💕
Your fireplace is fabulous! 🙌
Great job! Seriously. It was like watching the early videos, but better even!
As a 26 y/o first time homebuyer (brand new expensive city) i really appreciated this. The stigma of “how expensive is your home” here this has helped me decide where to splurge & where not to. Thank you so much!
I like the dark places in your house
I agree with most everything! ❤ If you use ready made drape at least hang them in a professional manner!
When it comes to drapes I can always tell custom from ready-made.
The biggest giveaway is how they are hung. Custom drapes are hung at the perfect hight and width, they have a proper return on the sides. Also they are hung professional application using quality hardware. If you can see behind your drapes from the side, and the side of the drapes don't return all the way back touching the wall it looks CHEEP!!!
Only use lined and weighted drapes that are hung correctly if you want a high end look.
Every time I think I find of video of yours I have not seen. I notice I already liked the video
“ I saved up “ !!!! I had to giggle. I’m not making fun , l believe you. Love your style and how sensible you are ♥️
This was a great video. Informative and spot-on, and I agree with just about everything. The thing I most like to splurge on: art. I like to support local artists and it makes a huge difference. Everyone who comes into my home comments on my artwork more than any other thing.
I have those exact curtains and they are very beautiful and look very luxurious.
Very very wise advice. You've now got me rethinking my main bathroom renovation. I did splurge and had custom drapes made throughout my house and I love them. Really elevated all the spaces. I inherited fine furniture and antiques so I didn't need to spend much on furniture.
I often find really good original art at thrift stores and garage and estate sales. Some of the pieces have turned out to be worth far more than I paid. I too love mixing high end and budget pieces together.
Very thoughtful and well presented video. ❤
A Realist Decorator. Thx V for putting this out there for the ones that’s on a friendly budget.. this video is much needed.. your home is your sanctuary! Blessings!
I like Perspective art . Art that moves me, takes me in and makes me feel I’ve been transported to a different place. I do also like some Abstract art but with color. I need color in my life.
I like her...she disses designers🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 She makes sense!!! Decorate the way you like on your budget!!!
Your laughter 😆 gives me vibes every time 😂
Thank you so much!
Not tiling every surface in your bathroom is the best I've been able to change my paint color several times and I too am not doing laps in my tub so just a little tile did the trick.
You have definitely made some designers upset. Thank you for being honest about how we can balance design.
This is such an important video because some of us get carried away. Very practical and reasonable advice! Love your channel!🥰
I love your bubbly & enthusiastic way of delivery of advice. You are lots of fun to watch. ;0)
I love you! You are too funny. I appreciate your honest feedback. I have shared your channel with so many people.
I got those curtains off of Amazon that you showed and they have been great! They look beautiful and extremely high end; I get compliments all the time!
I love to see Valentina laugh. So funny. 😂
Ten years ago I upgraded my bathroom and I’ve learned to stay away from themed rooms. I’m in Texas and turned my main bathroom into a red, white and blue Texas nightmare even painting two walls Texas flag blue. There was a horrid flowery wallpaper which I sponge painted over with the blue. A western mirror, a Texas light fixture etc. At the time I loved it. The art purchased, specialized toilet lid....I’m so tired of it but need someone to help me. Never again.
You make a Texan proud! ❤
I find it funny people have to buy throw blankets. Homemade afghans and throw quilts are so much more unique. If you don’t have a family member churning them out, buy from a crafter or check the thrift shop. I’m constantly rescuing afghans from our thrift shop.
ALWAYS take your advice when it comes to decor. Thank you, this was very helpful. 🌸
You are so welcome!
like your videos.
often I can buy a thing in a Jysk store, repaint it beyond recognition ... and then friends will come and ask where you bought this beautiful thing. 😍
Valentina you are amazing woman! I love watching your videos you give me some much inspiration and love your style.
Home Depot lights are great!
Great advices! Love your charming laughter! ❤❤❤
On the lighting another point that is a super cheap way to upgrade your lights without even changing the fixture, just change the bulb! Do NOT go with cool white! Make sure you have warm color bulbs, 3000k or warmer, because the cooler the light the cheaper it looks. Think gold, luminous glow. You're welcome!
What a beautiful room
Valentina, I love love love your videos and look forward to them.
I have learnt so much from you. My favourite you tube channel by far !
As a designer myself, I completely agree.
It's so nice to see you wearing jeans! You look fab!
I love this kind of video. We bought a house a year ago and we really have to be realistic on what we can afford. I did splurge on limited edition prints because i really like the artist and i know my son will love to have it someday. So yeah we had to make sure we got good quality on the couch and mattress. I went crazy on indoor plants and invested on humidfier and grow lights but i live in northdakota where everything looks dead outside for 6 months in a year lol.
My husband..who is from Venezuela...and I laugh and have a great time watching y'alls videos. We now live in a luxury one bedroom apartment. I want to add some "velvet" peel and stick wallpaper in our bedroom. We have moss green velvet curtains. What timeless style could we add to our walls with our living in an apartment that is removable? Could I send a video of how I decorated our apartment?
This is a GREAT video with fantastic advice! Thank you for this!
I just wanna say that your outfit is verrrry French today! The navy and black is just 👌🏻
wow I really enjoyed this episode. Thank you for the practical tips on where to spend money and where to not when it comes interior decor.
You have great realistic suggestions. 😊
This was really useful in focusing on which items are worth spending good money on. I would add that if ever I see something I really like but am not prepared to pay the price, I decide to keep about two-thirds of the price in cash available and I wait until the item goes on sale. Then if it's available, I still like it, and I have the cash, I buy it! It gives me a buzz that I got what I wanted at a bargain price. Having said that, it's strange how many times, with having to wait, I find I no longer like it so much, and don't make the purchase.
THANK YOU! I saved much money on lighting and curtains via Amazon. I could reuse the old fixtures in some instances making it look eclectic. Buying from amazon you return items with little fuss is also a plus.
Great…advice!!!
We just built a NEW HOME 1 year ago.
I opted OUT of the KITCHEN BACKSPLASH.
We already put $71,000.00 of upgrades in the NEW BUILD, that I didn’t feel the NEED… for it.
I am a VERY CLEAN person & clean as I go, when cooking.
Therefore…I saved thousands of dollars & don’t miss it at all.
Thank you for your logical opinions!!!❤❤❤
Wow! You seem refreshing and real compared to a lot of designers.
Agree with every single point you made here Valentina. We have done huge renovation to our 1964 home, i've upgraded every single bathroom and spent on hardware and tiles but only where i absolutely need tiles. Same thing with light fixtures, found gorgeous lights on wayfair and amazon where same style would costs 1000s if i got them from restoration hardware which btw i absolutely love. Vases, blankets, pillows, always shopping deals at Pottery barn, West Elm and target. 100% agree with art also. They're investments if you can afford them! Love this video!
Great information and I found it at the perfect time as I have a bathroom renovation that is causing anxiety. You have given me some ideas that will make the process more enjoyable and more affordable. Thank you!
We had a new build with no character. We went in knowing this because we had plans for certain things. On the builder plan there was space called Flex Room. We took that heart. It is our office, has a murphy bed, and sewing / craft space. Turned our 10x13 patio into a sunroom. And had a landscape company come in build a retaining wall and patio the length of the house. 16 feet wide, 40 feet long. Lots of entertaining space
I truly appreciate this video
Put my townhome up for sale. Had my neighbor in for a preview before his wife . When she came over to look he said "notice the door handles and the switches and outlets (we put decorra in all outlets and switches) . Very interesting what people notice. We also put white hinges on all the doors. I liked that .
Thanks so much for your advice! I also love that jacket!! Classic❤
I agree budget will determine all of the money allocated to each area. Personally I have an issue the newer LED fixtures that do not have replaceable lamps.
Best chandelier I’ve ever bought was on Amazon. It is my most favorite piece in my dining room and was under $200.
That’s awesome and what a deal!
I'm looking for a new fixture for my living/dining room and have taken a look at lights that look just like the 2k ones but for a fraction of the cost. The economy & how far a dollar really goes today isn't great so spend on what counts.
Me too!!
Great video! I like to splurge on one item per room. It “sells” the perceived quality of other items.
This is one of your best videos ever!
Always love your tips and advice! Questions on curtains: How much "puddle" should I allow? Are curtain sheers a thing of the past? I've eliminated them from most of my rooms but still have a few holdouts. I live in a walking community and have found I have curious neighbors and don't feel comfortable with my floor-to-ceiling windows being fully viewable from the street. What to do? What to do?
This is just a tip since no one has responded to your query. I am a designer who recently decorated a studio apt in public housing for an old friend who had recently lost her husband. It was a labor of love, pro bono, and I furnished from an overflow of treasures from my own decades accumulated stash. When finished, you would have sworn you were in a authentic Parisian apt! I'm not exaggerating! Here's the tie in to your question. The building overlooks Centennial Park and an authentic replica of The Parthenon, quite the enviable view, however, people mostly men, were walking past her windows between their units and the elevator, at all hours. I purchased and we installed a window film you can see out of but from outside it looks like mirrored glass. Problem solved. I got it at Lowes (or Home Depot). It was DIY friendly. We still did a luscious window treatment with both sound softening chenille side panels and authentic Belgian lace under panels after all we were going for Paris, a city she had been to in her younger years, not a modern version but a romantic, dreamy interpretation that took her to another place and time. Anyway she felt protected from prying eyes while gazing out at a view to take your breath away!