bad interior design trends (& what to do instead!) pt. 2

[@journie_]

would love to see a video where you talk about spaces that don’t match your preferred aesthetic but are still successfully designed! like examples of say farmhouse done right or something.

[@chiaralennon1894]

Love this

[@carmelabart6131]

same

[@lli_loue]

great idea 👍

[@-o-o-o-1]

Exactly. Please do this!

[@HomeFromFarAway]

YES! where do I upvote this please?

[@jamesoriel4198]

I actually love the sh*t talking because explaining why something is bad is genuinely insightful

[@easygii]

Same here. Honestly, pointing out how lacklustre the small plants feel, healed something inside of me.

[@DavidMartin-gr7ji]

Same. Love the haterade

[@ktdmitriy4045]

I feel like this was actually really helpful because he explained why something is bad and gave an alternative. It’s shit talking with a purpose.

[@lisayang7083]

Can we talk more about good design that isn’t expensive?

[@jooooohn401]

I think it’d be awesome to see something like this! Some affordable options online or maybe things to look for while thrifting, etc (likely area dependent so may not be easy). I’ve gotten interested in interior design lately and realized someone I follow with a really nice apartment vibe has like $7k in lamps alone lmao. But obviously someone with a good design eye can make a space look amazing without buying high end everything and it’d be cool to see.

[@reading_fastandslow]

Paige Wassel does some of that

[@Future_Rebellion]

Yes please! I totally want this, lol, is it even possible? Or is a good design just rich design?

[@dismurrart6648]

​@Rabbidcamel tbf, a lot of the stuff in this isn't expensive. Put your stuff in a big pot, organize books like a normal person, get normal paint, skip velvet furniture. None of that takes tons of money.

[@_video_channel_]

@@dismurrart6648 That's true, but I reckon their comment was more about authentic materials in furniture. I can't think of a sofa that I can afford if I have to rely on genuine wood and cotton for example. I do agree with Noah's concept though about honestly and integrity in interior.

[@mariastathopoulos744]

I agree that the architectural elements of a house should be consistent inside and out. Where l differ is in the aspect of not having an alternative to an expensive natural material. Engineered timber and luxury vinyl planks are far more durable in high traffic areas with children and pets etc compared to natural timber flooring. Additionally easier maintenance. I know because l've had both. As for velvet from natural fibres, in Australia, one metre of velvet from 89% cotton and 11% polyester is $110.00. So assuming a tub chair needs 8 metres, the fabric alone is $880.00. This is the starting point. You need to purchase an existing tub chair and then pay for the frame to be professionally upholstered. I would guess that 85% of your viewers live in modest homes with an average income of $50,000 - $70,000 AUD. The cost of living does not allow for the average home to afford luxurious items. I think you are on a slippery slope of making interior design elitist. The financially average, and modest person wants the best that they can afford without going into further debt. If we all adhered just to natural materials most people would have to be minimalist and only have pine furniture. Wool, silk, linen, leather, oak, walnut, beech, birch, Victorian ash, hardwood, rubber wood, stone, marble, porcelain, brass and copper are all expensive. Bamboo and glass are the only truly budget friendly natural materials.

[@YRYu]

Agreed! Architectural designer here and nothing wrong with LVPs. I live in a condo and it just makes more sense than wood floors. Plus with HOA we have a ton of rules. Budget is so important when we talk to clients! Design isn’t just for the elitist or rich. When it’s personal or carefully thought it, the price doesn’t even matter. True 100% natural material is hard to find and purchase due to price and the way things are made today. We always say it’s ok to mix high and low end on things that matter. Larger furniture, yes, invest. Smaller items or side table, no, go ahead and spend less. Etsy is a good way to support a small business + find more hand made pieces at decent prices.

[@HomeFromFarAway]

*cried with gratitude for the rational comments about the pure evil of colour-coordinated bookshelves*

[@Pleunpleunpleun]

As a person focussed on visuals, who is bad at remembering titles and names, I do search for my books based on color. I agree that his examples look cringy though.

[@jonathanchu156]

Hey Nolan I’d love to see you elaborate on that last point. If someone has a lower budget. What are examples of good design materials and where would you go looking for them?

[@thehubatevergreen]

I genuinely am really bad at remembering authors names and book titles, but I am a very visual person and the rainbow bookshelf honestly helps me so much to find the book I am looking for. I always remember what color a book is even if I can't remember the title.

[@blueoystercolt97]

all rainbow home decor reminds me of those Lisa Frank school supplies… which is a 7 yr old’s dream, and feels so out of place in an adult space

[@kmcq692]

I was living down the street from Adobe Books when the owner allowed that artist to arrange all three walls of their medium sized old fashioned bookshop by color. It was a phenomenon, a striking curiosity, more of a performance piece. It lasted a few weeks before they put their books back in order of their content. That was about 20 years ago. Since then, every time I’ve seen this done, I get annoyed. Thanks for calling it out!

[@JennySk-t2k]

Authenticity! I can't afford hardwood floor today for my little house, but instead of buying cheap wood-look vinyl now, I'm saving for real wood in 6-12 months. Good design requires patience. Will I get a good ROI on installing hardwood floor in my tiny, boring, box of a home...? Who knows. But I will enjoy it for as long as I live here.

[@honeyrococo]

We are making a lime-washed interior and I thought your criticism was going to be that none of the walls in your pictures were actually lime-washed. They were just painted with a paint made to look like lime. We are painting our whole house for like 10 euros with agricultural lime that we slake ourselves and which bubbles like a cauldron like the Romans used to do. And we are doing it because we are insulating our walls with hemp and lime so our house will breathe and our house will be eco friendly. Lime-wash is good for killing mould, bugs, and is pretty fire resistant, unlike the paint in the pictures. Real lime-wash is magical. That paint is like fake marble tiles and wood print luxury vinyl flooring.

[@kymandrew1850]

Well done for making your own wash :)

[@alimo1611]

Done the same here in Italy for all the good reasons you mentioned. I don't think what they have used in the photo's is the same so I agree with Noah on those.

[@IgorDellaPietra]

context matters. i saw so many wonderful lime washed walls in italy, spain, france and occasionally in older buildings in germany. but we have to keep in mind that he probably refers to his viewers in the US that love to put some "mediterranian vibe" into their homes by faking it.

[@alimo1611]

@@IgorDellaPietra for sure

[@dismurrart6648]

I think in your case, lime wash goes into the context of why it's done. Like in my house, it would look strange and I don't really have a reason for it. In yours, it makes sense

[@ashleyjohnson3663]

Would you consider doing a video on subscriber submissions? Either reviews or responding to “how do I do x with this space?”

[@noahdaniel.studio]

Love this idea! Will definitely do this soon :)

[@rebelliousraven]

Small plants are expensive, let alone the big ones. If you have a hard time keeping them alive or pets that like to eat them (or pee in the dirt 😮 ) there's no shame in buying a good quality artificials plant. In the long run, it will save you money, and your home will still look great.

[@FleurDeCersier]

While you obviously don't have to like polyester fabrics, I just wanted to point that not all polyester velvet is created equally. There are massive differences in quality and not all polyester velvet looks and feels as cheap as the velvet on some of the pictures you featured. Personally, I hate the cheap kind and feel neutral on the better quality polyester velvet. Best quality of good quality polyester velvet is probably that it tends to be more scratch resistant with cats.

[@annas513]

I agree with your points but I love how when you said "good design does not need to be expensive" you inserted a picture of a 200€ folding chair

[@HomeFromFarAway]

Pretty sure that was a cheap knockoff of the real chair?

[@anabelharos643]

Thats not expensive

[@anabelharos643]

Find a dupe

[@violondon8776]

So if $200 is expensive, what do you expect to pay for furniture? You can't have Temu "fast-furniture" prices and good quality, integrity and good design.

[@masonburas]

@@violondon8776I sooo agree with you, I think people have forgotten what things should actually cost.

[@minniemeowmix2934]

I loved the way you articulated why these trends aren’t good instead of saying “just don’t.” When you were talking about the color coded bookshelves and the full spectrum being unsophisticated I found it very validating! Great video. 😊

[@annaelgl]

I'm obsessed with your insight on authenticity and designing within the parameter of your budget, as a new grad I always see people fill their new apartments with cheap mass-produced furniture/decor and I wish there was more nuanced advice for them that isn't only saying "buy vintage." It would be amazing if you could make more videos in this space - like how you would go about fully designing a space given certain parameters

[@blueoystercolt97]

this !!!!! you took the words out of my mouth. i love Noah’s clear explanation on this, would also like to see examples with various parameters set (i.e., style of home, neighborhood/region, different budget ranges, age/lifestyle, etc. or any combination of these)

[@shaunnarochelle]

I love the distinction between fake and authentic velvet! the difference is huge.

[@pindebraende]

I've seen quite many people making their "design trends that need to stop!" videos and I like the way you're doing it: picking things that I actually haven't heard anyone talk about yet but definitely are ripe for discussion, and giving it a fair critique with actionable suggestions for alternatives! Love that. I design 3d model houses as my hobby and I definitely have used things you have said in videos haha

[@Nicole78365]

On the topic of putting books on the shelf with the spine turned back - I just wanted to add that I have a huge bookshelf in my room, and for the longest time my space felt so overwhelming that I couldn't focus on anything (might be an ADHD thing 😅), it felt like all the different colors were too "noisy" for my eyes, if that makes sense. I also tried the color coded organization but it was still too much. This bothered me until I decided to try to turn almost all of my books so the spine is turned inwards, and it made such a difference in how calm I could feel in my room. I still remember the order the books were sorted before, so I can still reach any book I want pretty easily. Just wanted to offer another perspective as to why someone might present their books that way, even though it might seem odd 😊

[@evanrain1166]

As an architecture student I typically agree with authenticity of materials, and for most things I agree, but I have come across lots of faux wood flooring that I can’t even tell is fake unless I’m feeling it with my hands. When choosing vinyl flooring you have to be picky with what you end up with, and you have to look through the bundles and make sure that there isn’t much variation in the pattern. The key is to let it blend in, because if it stands out then you’re going to be too focused on it

[@annacapa]

Regarding multiple plants in a larger pot, the term "thriller, filler, and spiller" helps paint a mental picture of how to make that pot pop aesthetically. Meaning, the power of three (or more), with specific jobs for each plant. Is it a thriller, the focal point (usually the tallest plant in the pot), is it a filler, the greenery that might fill spaces and support the thriller, or is it a spiller, something that cascades over the edge of the pot/planter.

[@lillianbarker4292]

When I got married my husband had an old 1930s couch. We had it reupholstered in a green velvet blend of some kind. It lasted through children and dogs. I know it had polyester because of some hot liquid damage. Not all fabric blends look cheap. It was a great choice.

[@zeljkadobras9885]

Reminder that however entertaining it is to listen to someone's ''personal'' opinions on interior designs do's and don'ts, in the end your home is yours! Do what works for you and what you like, be it lime wash, synthetic velvet or god forbid, have a lot of plants! ^^

[@SuperYoshi29]

❤

[@valeriex3333]

Could you make a video on honest, budget friendly materials for tiles, floring, carpet etc?

[@EatBread_123]

I felt so targeted in the best way when you mentioned the small pants. I’ve recently been selling all my rare-ish plants I collected in the past couple years because I just don’t think a home/apartment will a lot of plants is calming or sustainable. The visual clutter really sneaks up on you. I had a little under 200 plants this time last year, currently at 65, wanting to get to get down to 40-20ish. First time I’ve heard someone say out loud what I’ve been experiencing so I appreciate the confirmation.

[@lulyb]

Couldn't agree with you more on the color coded rainbow book thing. What is that madness? You're a treat to watch Noah! Your voice is sooo soothing.

[@SuperYoshi29]

Hi! Just wanted to chime in, I purchased a synthetic fiber velvet couch from wayfair(!) and I actually LOVE IT! I will say, it’s matte grey, not jewel tone, so maybe that makes it look more “real” but a couple of points I thought should be made for my cheap AF couch: 1. We can’t have natural fibers in our home, unfortunately due to allergies and other external circumstances so I was specifically looking for something synthetic 2. We had a $300 budget, and this fit the bill (I stalked this sofa for over 3 months for the lowest price possible) 3. I needed something light and disassembled so I could actually get it in my space without having to pay movers 4. I needed something I could disassemble deep clean with water and didn’t have nooks and crannies so I can deep clean vacuum as well. While is FAR from sturdy, it wobbles quite a bit, but after sitting on the floor for a year, we love our sofa. Just wanted to provide another perspective and by no means attacking your opinion, I know your video is not for everyone, just wanted to give some reasons to consider why a synthetic couch from cheap online stores can be a great option and they definitely don’t all look terrible!

[@diocore2816]

You should maybe do some room specific videos! Like what makes a successful/unsuccessful kitchen design or the best ways to do living rooms !

[@salliekatew8617]

Nothing wrong with a problem-solving approach. It’s not hating so much as identifying a good desire people have that they haven’t found a good way to fulfill.

[@GINGIVITISSS]

Explaining why limewash isn't always the play, and then suggesting alternatives is _insanely_ helpful. I was considering something like that for my space specifically because I wanted some sort of texture or nuance to the walls. But seeing the alternatives definitely put me on to other options that I'm gonna check out 🔥🙌🔥

[@ipadbossbaby4558]

Absolutely love your page. Found it and binged everything already and hope you keep making content so long as you enjoy it! I really appreciate the way you make design not seem like a matter of an "it crowd" or just "this is right" but explain why certain spaces *feel* better intuitively compared to others, without people even necessarily being conscious of it.

[@nycReaching]

Spot on with jewel tones as a way to cheaply convey luxury.

[@borderlined87]

I love your thoughts on authenticity and artificiality. If wood flooring is outside of your budget, there are SO MANY cool options outside of vinyl faux-wood floors, but I think people are often scared to try them because they can convey something about their wealth or status. I live in a 1945 cape cod, and we're preparing to update the kitchen. We're going to do solid surface formica counters because 1) they're in our budget, and 2) they're in keeping with the era and original design of the home (we currently have the original formica counters). Everyone we tell that we're going with formica tries to bully us into going with stone or stone-look. It's wild!

[@Amber-se7qq]

I'm not a person who comes from a lot of money so I am more minded towards frugality when possible. That being said it's a really frustrating reality especially these days, when it comes to wanting to create a comfortable and beautiful home to inhabit but being limited or even completely barred from nice design. However, I do agree, when possible, honest materials is preferable and I find it ironic that many people settle for inauthentic materials in order to achieve an aesthetic but in reality only succeed in making something look even more cheap. I'm only able to thrift small decor items for the moment, but I try to build up things over time. Also for most people, design is something you learn instead of just copying others (especially when you're copying someone and deep down that's not really your personal taste.) Most people don't have the time or interest to learn those things. The backwards book trend is...wild, to put it politely. All because people feel like book spines somehow create visual clutter.

[@scb11323]

I love the conversation around limewash and the context in which it's in. I am planing on limewashing my bedroom and with everyone talking about how its overdone, I started reavaluating, but I think it's over done in the wrong context. My home is a traditional adobe house in the Santa Fe so a limewash plaster room makes a lot of sense and will have longevity because it matches the environment and home.

[@nikkaabaricia5883]

i really like what you said about the honesty and integrity of designing within certain parameters - never heard it explained like that

[@alexandrafulger1899]

Your videos are always so inspiring! For those of us on a tight budget, could you perhaps share some tips on affordable flooring options? It would be fantastic to see a video on budget-friendly design ideas. Thank you for considering!

[@sophie.paludan.muller]

I so agree with you about the color coordinated bookshelves! And I love the photos you put in with just beautiful ‘messy’ bookshelves🤎

[@kelsyh3669]

Don't stop making the what not to do videos! They are so helpful. And in my experience, people who tell you what not to do on KZbin are not pushing consumerism. The people who only talk positively about design are usually constantly trying to sell you something. Also, if I already have something in my house that you say is terrible, you're not going to change my mind. At that point I've already made up my mind that I like it. 🙂

[@rz1974]

I had this struggle with plants and reached the same conclusion. There was a strong urge to collect and showcase each one, but over the years it lead to visual clutter, typically around windowsills. I found having a harmonious interior was more important to me and paired my collection down to just a few medium sized ones. Maybe in the future I'll have a greenhouse or some sort of dedicated plant space to better pursue the hobby without futzing up my home.

[@kymandrew1850]

Lime mortar / render / limewash are great when they are used in their correct applications, for example, as construction and decoration of a stone-built house. But people who haven't experienced this context frequently pair limewash (real of fake) with glam, or Modern interiors. To a learned eye, it looks very strange indeed. I appreciate that sounds snobbish, but I believe it's the truth. When I see lime wash paired with 'luxury' vinyl plank and those self adhesive wall mouldings, I think the overall effect becomes ridiculous, the space no longer knows what it is! Truth to materials is EVERYTHING! The worst trend I've seen recently is to have beautiful stone fitted in a kitchen and then have it wrapped in plastic. When I first saw this on a prominent KZbinr's home I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Am I alone? Love your content Noah x

[@aliplay5]

so guilty of the plant thing and the "velvet" couch... in my defense the plants will eventually grow! and most of the joy is seeing them grow for me, I don't want to buy an already big plant. I am trying to get a console table where I can group them together and they all have white pots. As for the couch it was what I could afford at the time and the only thing that didn't look like it belonged in a waiting room.

[@unladenswallow43]

Amen to the plant point, figured this out recently and it’s made a world of difference. I never thought diffused small plants could be chaotic, had to learn the hard way!

[@dadaadda1]

I love the nuance and value on materials. I feel it's part of the times nowadays everything is expected to be cheap. I was internally screaming from my old apartment during Covid when I had to give a virtual video tour for the next tenants, and the management company wanted me to sell it by saying things like "luxury vinyl" flooring. There was nothing luxurious about it- the building company just put in the cheapest, most passable plastic flooring in order to cut costs. By contrast I now live in a building that is 50 years old with original parquet wood flooring. It's a beautiful feature of the apartment that gives so much character and a is nod to the time it was built. Builders nowadays would never.

[@lefabuleux896]

Thank you for talking about the importance of materials and how to archive solutions with good design in combination with material choices.

[@sunrainsnow]

Some good points you brought up. Personally I think also depends on the environment and climate one stays in. Over here, we use wood looking flooring and not parquet or hard wood because of the high humidity all year round and also a tropical country. If we use real wood, it attracts termites and also could grow mould which makes it hard to maintain. Also some materials like velvet and suede furniture are not so comfortable to sit in for long hours as they trap heat here. We usually go for some percentage of cotton or linen mixed with polyester for easy clean and comfort.

[@imdavidkoe]

I love the idea of combining different plants into one big planter! The examples look very inspiring - I think I just need to do some research on what plant goes with what lol

[@Rin-sr2ml]

thank you for dissing the color coded bookshelf….when i see that, all i think is that those people don’t read

[@ihatehandles111]

I have been saying I HATE rainbow bookshelves for YEARS!! I remember it started getting trendy in like 2010. It seriously needs to STOP! I'm glad you mentioned it, it's been on my list of things that I've been surprised that Paige Wassel never mentioned lmao. They are awful.

[@anahi278]

i consistently agree with every point you make! (except for my color changing bulbs. IM NEVER LETTING GO OF THEM!!) authenticity should be valued. enough with these plastic alternatives!! keep up these great videos! :)

[@noor78943]

Would love to hear your perspective on designs done right. Where you mix the different elements, that supposedly don’t belong together (such as the lime wash example). Without it feeling like a dub or inauthentic. Not only using an element or design the way its ‘supposed’ to be

[@virginiaraffaeli8332]

10/10 agree with what yours saying here, especially the books and the velvet! Books are meant to say something about you and your interests, not showing the covers just means you're not actually interested in the content. The more eclectic bookshelves look, the cooler they are imo

[@jadeait-said4563]

You are becoming my favorite youtuber out here on interior design, loved the video so inspirational and informative at the same time

[@lillianbarker4292]

Thanks for discussing the idea of embracing the general style of your home. Too many people think of their decor as a stage set rather than a living environment. I am especially allergic to the idea of slavishly following trends. Home decor should evolve as we live our lives.

[@ForeverEclectic]

Love your video. I watched it as soon as it went up, but I came back to read the comments:) I think a lot of people need to learn the art of thrifting (not just Goodwill and Salvation Army....venture out) , antiquing, consignment, estate sales...even Ebay. You will be surprised at what you will find. It just takes effort and time. Keep up the great work Noah❤

[@EvaKozanecka]

Would love a video on how to think about color in homes, especially one room in relationship to another - thanks for considering, and love your channel!

[@ElJebetequa]

A lot of vintage velvety looking pieces use chenille fabric. It can look really nice when done right and instantly gives a space an authentic mid-century vibe

[@IsabellaBoyne]

I discovered your channel recently and I really like this format of a small number of trends but talking about them in great detail. Really great!

[@unfilthy]

Currently sitting in the new home we moved to over a month ago (which is now lovingly called our warehouse, because we're, let's say, taking our time), having been pondering my potential curtain options for several months now, and I cannot emphasize enough the levels to which I relate to the faux-velvet thing. I have seen horrors. I have even seen KZbin designers recommend those horrors. It does not look luxurious, it just looks plasticky and shiny and in unintentional way, and it looks cheap in a profound way. Like, not in terms of price tag. I could actually get a basic curtain made of a natural fabric for cheaper than some of these things. It's like its essence is just wrong to me. On the other hand, I fault the plant logic. I think that, like books, plants can be someone's collection, and they should be organized in the way that makes sense for the collector, and not in the way that someone else might find aesthetically pleasing. So, just like the spine color or size of a book is not a great way to organize books if you're actually a book person, if you're actually a plant person, your plants should be placed where they thrive and are best cared for, not by how they look. Pots and shelving, that I can agree on, though.

[@rachelknopp6460]

Love how respectfully you lay this out, with an emphasis on education. Bravo!

[@viola6562]

I disagree. Real wood, stone etc. looks much better than fake, yet I'm not blaming anyone for wanting something they can't afford. Not gatekeeping it either. There are different levels on that spectrum and not all of them look inherently bad! I like your reasoning why you don't like certain styles but I don't necessarily agree on the points you made.

[@vegangames3468]

What would you recommend from IKEA? Top 10?

[@hypersynesthesia]

On honesty in materials… this is why shopping secondhand is the way. Getting acquainted with local messageboards, charity & antique shops, reclamation yards etc is how you find special pieces you could never afford new. Browsing often and finding original pieces from eras you love, in good quality materials, is always more satisfying than buying the MDF knockoff from Wayfair. It’s also broadly more sustainable. I dread to think what Wayfair’s supply chain is like.

[@joanne6408]

Thanks for this. Some of the best design videos I’ve seen consisted of photos of well designed, accessible rooms, with attention directed to all of the features and touches that made it special. I’ve found these most inspiring and full of ideas for my own spaces. Also, don’t forget those of us with more traditional styles.

[@lillianbarker4292]

So many flipped mid century homes in my city-Phoenix-have fake wood or cheap tile flooring. All they have to do is leave the old concrete. Even with cracks or edges around the walls where carpet nails were, it looks better. They even have beautiful colors, usually golden brown, dark green or barn red.

[@amandachan8958]

This is not a criticism of the major points of this video but not all polyester is made the same. When it comes to upholstery fabric modern synthetic fibers absolutely have a place and offer many practical advantages *besides* cost effectiveness which means they are simply not going away. Just because a fiber is natural does not make it sustainable, and just because a technique has a history does not mean that adapting it to newer technology is dishonest. By all means, save up for that beautiful silk velvet upholstered piece. Silk is wonderful and it will not be going away anytime soon. But poly velvet is not necessarily going to be like those cheap wayfair screenshots. Just get swatches when you're shopping and think critically. Something can be polyester and can be a practical, attractive, investment quality furnishing.

[@guilhermeluispereira]

Absolutely agree - I personally enjoy eco-velvet sofas (ie. recycled plastics) from certain brands.

[@christinelehnhoff7875]

I agree 100%. Keep the videos coming. Your critiques are intelligent and not at all snarky. Your voice is giving me soothing Bob Ross vibes. I’m off to smoke a cig and take a nap. ❤

[@Cheesyenchilady]

Hopefully not at the same time ❤😂

[@marionbetham5017]

thanks for keeping it real with the faux material work arounds. I always thought velvet was polyester and wondered why those couches looked terrible and cheap... I always thought it was the colour. thanks for the explanation. looking forward to the next video :)

[@lli_loue]

I kind of fell down the limewash rabbit hole when I refurbished my home 2 years ago. thankfully, when I found out how much it costs, I realized I could only afford to paint one bathroom (which actually looks great). I’m now relieved that I was saved by my budget constraint !

[@JessieAllen-hw5tx]

I love your videos!! Can you do one on selecting paint colors?

[@meredithmorgan6923]

Aaaaa I love that you’re coming for our-of-context linewash paint! 🎉

[@vladajousse]

I absolutely adore the values you are talking about! Sometimes we feel them but can’t explain and you achieve this explanation challenge so easily and so inspiring, that it becomes so clear as never before! Thank you for your videos!

[@clairegunn1698]

Honest materials and authenticity. That was an eyeopener.

[@Shannon_710]

Love the final message about being honest about materials you can afford 👏

[@lydiamarzluf7908]

I'm a nanny and I organized a 6 yr old girl's room a few months ago. Her giant book collection was just kinda thrown into these cute built-in bookshelves in her room. I opted to organize the books by color, I figured she'd have more fun putting them away carefully and keeping them neat if they were making a rainbow. Just tidied her room today and the books are all still vertical and in color order! It also looks cute in a little girl's room - kinda has unicorn vibes. I don't like the look in other settings but it works great for kids :)

[@Nivimary]

I agree with you 100% Color-coded bookshelves always give me anxiety whenever I see them. It just seems like the owners are trying too hard to make it look good (to them) but not only does it look weird, it’s also impractical. Ugh. And a ton of plants in a room or a house is such an eyesore to me. I love plants, though, but that’s just way too many. In my opinion, so many plants should be in a greenhouse or the atrium.

[@gallagrrr]

I loooooove what you said about budget. I am broooooke but I have style!! It's so offensive to me when people defend ugly or thoughtless design by saying it's all someone can afford.

[@MarianaBlanco.U]

Please never stop! You’re a great teacher.

[@Me265024]

So recognisable! I always hated laminate and the weird velvet with chrome furniture. And people didnt get that, it is so commonplace. Now i know i am not alone.

[@valduguay5773]

LOVE your take on honest design...def woking a ''normal'' budget lol, but finding inspiration in these videos that i can achieve a quality design within my budget :) you are def my new found joy

[@haleighen]

I still to this day will defend some level of color coordinated books but I prefer smaller scale. All fiction books are organized by author, and art books by style/subject. But the non fiction is by color because I remember where things are a little better. 😅

[@christychronicles]

Hi! I found this video on my FYP and am subscribing solely bc I am so happy someone is challenging the “faux” aesthetics. I also believe in authentic materials & look, and am really happy that you are honest about fake things looking fake. I am a firm believer that authenticity is the true aesthetic (not expensive materials) and love your view. Keep it up ❤

[@rockshot100]

From the photos it is hard to see the fake velvet, but the fake brass legs are even worse.

[@raineyrain2703]

I subscribed! I am not a plant person but your advice on updating the plant chaos was really thoughtful.

[@Lons_Tran]

I love the wabi-sabi aspect and style of the limewash, I don't think I have the budget and ability to change my exterior to look like an architecture piece to make it suitable to what I want but at least I can make my home look organic, and limewash. I want my house to be a relaxing, healthy, and calm environment. maybe I'll just do a partial lime wash on part of the wall and the other is to add actual texture. However, I will not limited to just a hallway or bathroom.

[@adamspful]

This has been very useful. I hate the matching books design, and the backward books design, they could not be more stupid. And I always wondered how to tell real velvet. I want things that will age. Very helpful.

[@Aliceimkaninchenbau]

Grandpa had nice plant-stairs (idk the English word, but it’s basically a piece of furniture where you place your plants on. It could be like a bench or like stairs or…) - and it organises plants in one place. It’s also pretty pretty :D

[@duikmans]

Synthetic velvet is a great fabric when you have cats...

[@nadjak3410]

It's never a nice fabric. I think there's so much nicer ones which are also cat friendly

[@duikmans]

@@nadjak3410 Which ones?

[@chicky6three]

@@nadjak3410 you are an unkind person.

[@AxisXY]

@@chicky6three @nadjak3410 is not being unkind, just stating a fact. Synthetic velvet is and will always be tacky.

[@twbrandt]

I just discovered your channel, and I am really enjoying it. You are very thoughtful, and very clear about the reasoning behind your opinions. I look forward to seeing more from you!

[@clairetomes617]

I have bamboo flooring. Much cheaper than hardwood, but looks and feels more natural. Scratches easily though. I don’t think all vinyl flooring looks terrible, people just pick the terrible ones because they’re what’s popular right now.

[@CPAndy-x5x]

For generations people raised (larger) families in homes with standard hardwood floors. Unless you're into the formal, dressy "don't step on my floor" look, they always were family and pet friendly and durable.

[@haruhianderson4019]

I completely agree with your take on lime wash. I think the only problem with the lime wash trend is the use of this ancient painting technique that instantly makes a room look classic and aged in homes/room with ultra modern furnishings like in your examples. It’s just tacky. It makes no sense. It looks like something you’d see in a Greek temple or a hundred year old property- why are you using it in your mid century modern home? That’s when it transitions to hobo chic in my opinion, it takes away all its sophistication

[@PratimaShri]

lol I feel called out with plants..for the first time I got a huge 6 ft majestic palm but now I am scared that I will kill it, it was expensive

[@pavana2810]

Noah I’d love to see your actual projects. I don’t mind if you’re only a vlogger tho. 💯 % agree on the weird book stuff. Also, cotton velvet I think that’s ok, make a judgement in person. I can’t afford a mohair velvet couch right now, someday. Keep up the good work 👍🏼

[@abbylennox]

Plants should be more than decor. A mini herb garden on your windowsill. A bonsai for a creative hobby. A lemon tree for fragrance. Things that improve quality of life in the home rather than impulse purchased 'stuff"

[@madisontcarter]

This was so great!! Loved the last part about the philosophy of good design.

[@catgeel264]

I actually do search for books based on colour! But I don't like the look of rainbows on my shelfs either and it's way too much work to keep it organized well. So I just sort them on subject and look for the bookcover based on its colour within that shelf :)

[@ravioliravioligivemeareaso4447]

I totally get the colored bookshelf - I’m terrible with names and titles in every aspect of life, but I can usually remember how the book looks! I’m the same with albums and streets. I have lived in the same city my whole life and am embarrassingly bad at streetnames - shop colors and weird street decor I remember though!

[@mattbow_]

it'd be a good to see a video on something like - good decor vs. decor that fits the style. Like limewash. I think a lot of people use good decor but in the wrong place. It'd be nice to see you talk about this more, and more examples like limewash

[@madeline569]

Would love to see you do budget builds/designs particularly

[@Cheesyenchilady]

The painted lime wash look was also popular in the late 90s. My moms bedroom was the green of the first room you showed with lime wash. She also had offwhite wainscoting on the bottom half, so not the whole wall, and not the ceiling. Anyway. her room was sooo cozy. I haven’t liked the trend this time around and I think you sorta gave me a lightbulb as to why. People doing too much of it!! Lol it’s overwhelming and gives the look you’re talking about that you don’t like … like it’s trying to be something it’s not. It didn’t feel that way in her room. Of course… I was also Ike 9, and maybe just unfamiliar with architecture so no alarm bells went off lol

[@madisonpatton2347]

whyyyyyy was putting all my plants in similar pots SUCH an AHA moment? Subscribed! Please keep reminding me how simple things should be

[@bent1208]

What are your thoughts on engineering flooring? Its top layer is real wood with a plywood backer. Also can be sanded and refinished again down the road. Its price point is halfway between vinyl and hardwood flooring and can be picked up pretty cheap when on sale. Just curious what your thoughts are because it’s real wood but at a more affordable price.

[@renmirage8007]

I think he’s said before that it’s a good and cheaper alternative and that the same goes for veneer

[@lli_loue]

he mentioned it as a good alternative a few weeks ago in a video

[@Sentient_Goose]

You made some great comments about the integrity of design. Fake wood floors are horrifying. I'd rather just rip up the foundation down to the floorboards and paint them, rather than put that plastic crap down. I love that cinderblock kitchen tho! Seems like a great modern industrial example on a budget.