Home Updates | new desk and secondhand finds

[@kittyworshippr5646]

I love how everything looks and while I respect people's opinions, I really don't agree with some saying that your rooms look "cluttered". Some people like to have minimal decor and whatnot but i find that idea clinical and not warm at all. I enjoy seeing a space filled with things because it feels inviting and cozy. Your channel is very fun to watch and I enjoy the character of your home

[@angyferro3819]

I agree with you, it looks arty, it looks like him, for me the room makes sense and I love how he is building a space that works for him

[@joanmcmanus5320]

Your home is one of my favorites on youtube. It's welcoming, unpretentious and not cookie-cutter. Your home has a unique personality and character. The desk is great. I love that you buy used stuff.

[@sandieedward993]

I Love it too and Your Estectics >Please be more confident in your own choices because I've done designing for Eons as I used to design store fronts in both Chicago and Vegas to help stores make sales & in My Opinion "You Rock" & it's an all natural sense & You have it 😮❤in Spades..Hope You still have the desk and the divider book shelf ❤

[@mwilliamanderson]

I love the new plant and desk! I’m struggling with the couch in front of the book shelves. It creates instant clutter to my eye. Having the desk floating in front of the shelves with the chair facing the big windows makes more sense to me since they’re both officey. Then you could try the couch where the desk is but facing the office or move it downstairs for guests. Either way it will make it feel like a separate room with a distinct purpose instead of trying to make work as if it’s part of the living room. My 2 cts, lol.

[@angelrocs]

Love this idea!

[@mwilliamanderson]

@@angelrocs Thank you!

[@rylincacciatore2391]

Agree with this!

[@justsomeguywithadhd8842]

I agree too

[@justsomeguywithadhd8842]

He's not very good at interior designing The Space is starting to look Cluttery I think he should use less furniture

[@grisespino5342]

Agree Benji, lots of little things appear busy and cluttered. Baskets, containers , decorative boxes. Some look like a book and are hollow for storage. Love the plant on the shelf.🌱 Missing Chris.

[@Aviclex]

Hi Benji, I've been following your journey on your new home because I love interior design AND plants. A suggestion for your big shelf to reduce visual clutter, is to opt for closed storage for parts of the shelf. If building doors for some of the open shelves is not possible, consider linen 'drapes', or even roll up bamboo blinds. Corral items together helps a lot too. ❤

[@londonhasfallen7786]

I love how it is coming along! The rug WILL tie it all together. The bookcase looks SOO much cleaner. I am a knick knack person as well and shadow boxes are a great space if you have an empty wall to sort of pay respects to that. The bookshelf looked a lot cleaner after you organized it, but I think the big print would look more intentional if you hung it, instead of leaning it. I always feel stressed out sitting underneath something that isn’t properly secured. You have such good style though!

[@sandieedward993]

Love 😘 be love that Horse Print Picture ❤ and Home Looks Good but You're the One who Must Feel Good in it💝

[@swicheroo1]

Put your desk closer to the wall of shelves. So your back is to it. That way you can have storage at your fingertips and it's a fully functional work space. You can add a very large lounge-y backless 'couch' type space with oversized pillows. That couch will be functional and divide your space...and it will also allow you to have a viewing spot for a nice object...or painting...or yuck...a television.

[@Unpotted]

Alternately, the couch could be replaced with several smaller cube-shaped storage ottomans. 😺✌️

[@ot7stan207]

never change the background music to ur videos, its so therapeutic!

[@homeboyDIY]

Love the first shirt 😍. I enjoyed the video so much. Can't wait to see the room with the curtains done.🎉

[@soflvsromance]

I love this! The big plant on the top of the shelf was a fantastic idea! ❤

[@colinneagle4495]

I love these videos Benji! Your style is so earthy and eclectic, it's very inspiring to watch you decorate

[@ellenzinner]

You could put a long hanging plant on the opposite side of the Monstero. There's a lot of room for it to hang.

[@alexcarey7267]

you are the marketplace king!!! 👑

[@LeilaSoleil]

It looks great, Benji! I like the black fireplace better now that there are a couple of black accents to jibe with it. I LOVE the new desk, and your work on the shelves was spot on. Also, that tan jacket looks amazing on you. Love it!

[@reedhughesfrance4532]

Also something to consider is taking the door down? I’m not sure if you use it but if you don’t it could make the space feel a lot more open

[@sambo6266]

I really like the new shelves especially with the contrast between paint and wood. I think that a runner in front of it to define it and hung (not leaned) art will make it feel cleaner

[@haloli1051]

Watching this vid that was uploaded 1minute ago for me! Thanks Benji for sharing your piece of life with us, you are an inspiration! Sending love from Canada/S Korea

[@BohoJungleCat]

I love following the journey in your new home. I liked the room divider where it was. It helps to break up the long room. I think putting the desk in front of the white shelves with your monstera facing the living room would look so good! Move the futon out. Add a bigger rug. You could also add a couple of chairs in front of your desk. 😉

[@gustavogutierrez2709]

Get rid of the door to the living room, it looks like it’s taking up space. Why is there a door there anyways?

[@sohrren]

I love how you did the shelves ! you're so relaxing and inspiring... thank you, take care Benji ♥

[@owenmckoy1202]

I might be slow on the uptake but your channel helped me realize that interior design is truly an art

[@quinnm.3127]

can you get the mirror across from the fireplace to reflect the paper ceiling light annnd the new plant on the shelf behind you!? then you can see both sides of a beautiful room at the same time! 🪟🪴

[@maeganmeresz2628]

I think you should keep the mirror in place and turn the desk so your back is towards the mirror but centered within that space and remove the futon.

[@marym3688]

I'm a month late to this party so I'm not sure if you'll see this but Theo rubbing himself on the couch after a walk is called a contentment ceremony! He's telling you he enjoyed his walk!

[@Outputable]

I think the painting would balance out the plant up in the left corner of the bookshelf better in the right section of the two you re-decorated. And I would have kept the horizontal small mirror and hanged it up right there in the left space to reflect the light from the small window. Just wanna tell you I love the content. Very well thought through, I like your analytical take on your decorating process and calm way of doing it.

[@gilliannash4944]

Swap the desk and the futon so that when someone is in your “office” sitting on the futon they’ll be facing you when you sit behind the desk instead of looking at your back! Have the desk facing out towards the living room, I promise it’ll look good!

[@gilliannash4944]

Use the futon as the divider is what I’m sayin

[@AnagarsCloak]

"the rug really pulled the room together" -The Dude

[@carladurbin5706]

Hi benji! Love your videos!! I was thinking putting a mirror or mirrors on your bookshelf would reflect the window on the other side making it look more open and as if there's a window behind your futon.

[@rafaelmartins3773]

Hugs from Brazil. I love the way you speak... and your plants, of course.

[@cindyvan635]

Love Soltech lights!!! 💚🌱😉 your place is looking so awesome!!!

[@lesezeichen1603]

I thought the desk could bei in front of the wall instead of being in the same line like the sofaposition. I mean: I could be parallel with the wall which has a mirror. The chair could be behind it so you would sit with a wall in your back, facing inside the room. You could see who is entering the room and you could still gather light from the windows. // Your flat and your style is stunning! I love it! Greetings from Berlin :)

[@plantpiggies]

Thanks Benji. I’m a big fb marketplace fan too!

[@jenniferviens4133]

I love your videos Benji! Good job moving the books from the white bookshelf, it is was too busy! Looks really good now 😊

[@labdanum]

with the books, you could try organizing by appearance so it looks less busy - so for my bookshelves, i group by genre/type first (broad categories like comics, nonfiction, fiction, photography- whatever you personally have the most of) then spine color, then spine height. so for example, tallest black book descending on to shortest black book, tallest tan book descending on to shortest, etc. of course for series with different spine colors like your eragons you can keep them all together, could potentially put a knickknack in between them and the next group to break it up. i hope this makes any kind of sense haha. i think on top of your built ins where theres the big gap between shelf and ceiling would be a great place to put large art pieces, like just sitting on top.

[@aaioann]

The desk is so good

[@koenburnside9455]

Please move the futon and put the desk in its place still facing the windows. It will open up the space more and allow you to see the bottom book selfs

[@christall4]

I'm so sad you got rid of the other shelving unit. I would have put the desk somewhere else. But I do love your style and the bookshelf behind the couch looks better.

[@deberasue]

Hey Benji, the shelves below the thaumatophyllum get some nice sunlight in your video. 2 or 3 small plants would look nice there.

[@justindolino]

Benji’s videos are now giving me call me by your name vibes

[@lilypad342]

I was just wondering this early morning “ where is Benji?l I love your Sunday videos!! They are relaxing and inspiring and prepare me for my week ahead!! I love the new space!! You and Chris are doing really amazing things with it

[@FGFsMo]

I would turn the desk so that your back is to the fireplace when you’re sitting at it. I think it would be cool in the “command position” in that room 😊

[@EvertonRodrigues]

I’m thinking of a drinking game where every time you say “Facebook marketplace“ we have to take a shot

[@kurkuremazza]

12:10 the cabinet surface is little shinny it make it look cheap , so something matte will look good

[@najigirl1]

100% the secondhand finds, too much waste in this world. You make anything look good Benji!

[@endlesssnothing]

If your landlord is okay with this, I'd remove the door in the living room off its hinges- It takes up quite a bit of space and also kinda disrupts the flow of the room!

[@twittwit1227]

OMG I love facebook marketplace lol. I literally sold my cats litter box on it just now haha

[@rebeccavalicoff1581]

Tue futon facing the fireplace and the desk in front of the bookcase makes more sense to me. I wonder if its good fen chi to block fireplace that way

[@AJ-my1jv]

What is the name of the low hanging plant you removed from the bookshelf?

[@samfarmer331]

Have you thought of turning a few books around to break up the colours, spines facing in for neutral tone

[@lorraineyanez4301]

Yay, Beijing I was thinking of you. I m in the same boat of "let's get it done". Just yesterday I sanded and stained my furniture. Two weeks ago I started organizing my laundry room and I have a small pile of... what do I do with this.😅 it always happens.

[@sandieedward993]

You should've saved the Divider BeCause it fit perfectly with the Divider and Would've Given you so many more options for designingy any space in the House...that desk and divider are such beautiful mid century finds 😢

[@sawakowalski2251]

Really nice !

[@sliceoflub]

I love your rugs! Where do you get them? It’s sooo hard to find good/inexpensive ones online

[@Ohmyblueberriez]

id move the desk with the futon, a desk with a bookshelf backdrop is always so nice and u will still see the window. the placement also allows for u to face ppl rather than having ur back towards anyone on the futon

[@nickgrimmer7274]

Guys, your home is looking more and more beautiful, so stylish and unique, please keep it up, stay safe and healthy, ❤️🇬🇧🏳️‍🌈🙏

[@ceetheninja1]

I would have loved to see the move from your old place to here but love you all nevertheless!

[@buddhagoddess1]

I love how everything is coming together, but be careful of putting too much furniture in your room so that it doesn't look cluttered. Sometimes less is truly more and I think people can be too quick to fill negative spaces.

[@craftandcookSG]

I love watching you redecorating your house

[@Mark-tr9ey]

Have you tried to float the new desk facing the fireplace? That way you increase the flow of the two areas and, great place for party food!

[@benbaranes7541]

In the white bookshelf above the openable sofa, there need to be in my opinion more shelf’s, it look empty

[@enrico4400]

that bookcase annoyed me for a long time XD glad u make it more pleasing, i also would move the two bigger shelf just below the height of the sofa because the empty space under the shelf that sticks out from behind the sofa is a little weird

[@viciouskittykat]

Once I saw the view from your desk, yes, thats a great spot! What is the plant you put in the cubby of the desk?! Its so pretty!

[@TheVideogreen]

I love the denim crop jacket you are wearing on 5:11 . Could you tell me where i can find it?

[@greencylinder1234]

I just got a place an hour south of LA and I hope I can turn it into something half as perfect as yours!

[@angelrocs]

I'd definitely move the desk back towards the white bookshelves, keeping the same orientation while moving the Ligne Roset couch to either face the desk or face the windows. I'd also remove the doors to that space unless you need it for privacy or noise dampening. You have a lot of horizontal spaces filled with objects so I think you can do without your recently acquired shelf. But if you need it for storage purposes, perhaps it can fit inside the fireplace? I personally prefer the wall with the new shelf to be blank. Or you can hang or lean your art against that wall.

[@troubiemakie]

drink every time he says facebook marketplace

[@ellenzinner]

Benji why not put more hanging plants on top of the book shelf?

[@rudlekthebear3697]

You can try moving a desk in front of the book shelves facing the windows, and the couch behind divider, facing the desk. That way when you are sitting at the desk you are facing the large room and the couch also.

[@tessgella]

If you're working for hours in your computer, like editing and stuff, you need to get a good computer chair for your office desk. 🙂 Mirrors make a space looks bigger. So, that mirror in your fire place should be bigger though. Just a suggestion. Your home is so pretty.

[@ProfessorThascales]

Does Chris have any input at all, LOL?

[@allthelittlerebornshansen5448]

It looks disjointed in room needs more cohesiveness

[@neilronan444]

in the white shelf against the wall, i feel like the bottom middle shelfs look a bit empty from this viewpoint. perhaps they could use some art aswell

[@GrellxSebby1012]

the book case def looks so much better but the desk separating the room makes too much clutter tbh. The divider before was so much better and created a more unique space. It sort of makes the home much smaller now that the desk is there as it looks like a studio space where u are cramming too much functionality into a single room. The separator being there was cool as it extended the living room in a much cleaner and unique way that we don’t often see even if it is just 2 living rooms in 1.

[@fredos8170]

you have a really good taste in decor 😳

[@cynthiarobinson9854]

Benji, I always enjoy your informational videos! I especially would like to put a large plant, not a Monstera, maybe Philodendron, Hope on a pedestal in my foyer area. I'm looking forward to your next video. Take care!

[@forest-dh5ww]

what plant magazines do you look at for references? You always perfectly mimic the references you use!

[@otaku.plants]

On your white shelf with all the white space? Is there a way to add another shelf to it? Like 2 shelves instead of the 1 with the tall space above. You could put your Jopei on it too

[@AOK123AOK123]

are you still selling the divider? I'm in Hancock park, keeping a look out on market!

[@jennifersutton3115]

Hi 👋 Benji. Your home is coming along just fine. I like the new desk in that spot 👍 your plants look great 👍

[@sydneybreckenridge9822]

I love the desk there and how you’re utilizing that area as a distinct space. If family is coming over it might make sense for you to put the futon downstairs for privacy. Maybe making the space where the futon is a reading nook instead since you have books there, adding one comfy chairs or 2 chairs would help and it would break up the space to see the bookshelf more.

[@hannahgalbraithphotography]

Benji! Your home is one of my favorite homes to watch on here! Love your style. I think putting the horse picture and vase with leaves helped the "clutter" look alot. I feel the same way too when I have too many tiny things. It just can feel random and over stimulating sometimes. I also love the desk and also have mine facing a window. Having the couch between the desk and bookshelf kind of feels like a lot and more clutter-y, I think. I get that it is office aesthetic and nice to have something to lounge on though. It just feels like a lot in one room, but if you like it that's all that matters! Since you asked what we thought haha

[@BleesArt]

Oh the large leaves on the shelf look fantastic! I can't wait to see which rug you choose ❤

[@denisevasquez9589]

does anyone have any tips on selling/buying stuff on fb marketplace? i’m always scared that someone might scam me or that i’ll run into someone with bad intentions ☹️ if benji is reading this, you should def make a quick tiktok/reel on this :)

[@kaizen_5091]

Great place for a desk, sweet find. The plant on top of the bookshelf is a such a moment. Thanks for grow light tip 😄 Little tip, if I may, to help reduce visual clutter from books there are some options instead of removing them - colour sort them or turn some or all of them around so you don't see the spine, you can also do horizontal stacks to change things up and place a piece of decor or little plant on top of stack.

[@evanpeay]

what happens when you all get your own place and start having a family.....???????? love to see your room choices......

[@kaahfee]

I love your ideas and aesthetic so much! I also love the new black and plywood bookshelf its perfect!!! if you would go over it with colour so it doesnt beat up too much a very dark forest green instead of the black would also look fantastic

[@llamabeee]

i really liked what you did with the book case! these small little touches definitely change the way the house looks/feels :-)

[@rexiehormillosa3909]

Thank you Benjie for the New Updates, Beautiful Ideas and Awesome Enhancement. You Made My Day, Everytime I watch Your VLOG. Tita Ots a.k.a Judith B. Anam Jaro, Iloilo City Philippines.

[@meredithheath5272]

So much respect - LOL - I too have a great deal of trouble when it comes to decisions concerning spending money! Months mulling over a desk and bookcases! Even the second hand things are expensive: All a seller has to do is label their sale item "vintage" and instant high price! Although, most things that are vintage DO look cool! (A beat up metal stool DOES look cool, but $80!!!?? 🤯) Your house IS very interesting! I love that pieces do not match - far more interesting! 💗

[@MARIOLANZO]

Pity you got rid of the divider. The colour of the wood matches the mid-century style of your place. Couldn't you have done a DIY and added legs to the top portion, which would've been somewhat nicer than the black piece? In any event, your channel is so calming and peaceful.

[@hopeyhope2012]

New sub! I’m dying to know the Etsy shop of the curtain company because I’m on the market! Also, not sure what your plans are (you may have said), but it would be so nice if you did track curtains!!

[@stacelololol]

Can you make a video on how you find such amazing pieces on Facebook market? Tysm!!

[@rhodealexandre6583]

Hi Benny, I do like your style but I think you are adding too many furniture like bookshelves etc… Also you could roll the tape and use it behind the small pictures. This way the tape will not show up

[@roryjai]

Your pad is sick. I just discovered MCM with my wife and I'm learning a lot of the different elements of colors, shapes and shine. I have finally given into the fact for second hand finds and market place items will take a very long time and the aesthetic takes a lot of time and patience. Cheers.

[@camilyss11]

i know you wanted the desk to have a back side that would face towards the living room. But my advice would be to stack both the desk and something like the divider you had before, being the dividir still a divider, because i think the desk itself is not long enought to create a division between both spaces. Plus it is a bit uncomfy that there is a gap between the desk and the wall, this i find one of the reasons why the desk floats so much. Maybe trying to create something like a "built in" desk using the desk and the divider can help a lot. Plus having extra space on your desk to work is always nice. The couch in front of the shelves doesnt bother me so much honestly, i think its original. You could try to put indirect light behind the couch, inside the shelves and it will bright up the space in a cool way. Or even hide blankets and pillows behind. Because in my opinion the "star" shelf that you have, is the other one, the wooden one.

[@StefaniaYoga]

Hello Benji, lovely video as always. Speaking of getting a bigger rug, how do you guys clean the rugs you already have? I'm reluctant to going full-on with rugs and similar because we have 2 cats and they go outside in the garden which means there's always some dirt on the floor (and hair - mine too to be fair to the cats lol). Any suggestions? Big hug to you all :)

[@timothygreer188]

Benji. I hope you talk to your dad about those light sockets, I think they need to be replaced with ceramic ones. Those old brass ones have a paperlining and are prone to catch fire if overheated.

[@Bruh-lr6uk]

Hey benji what brand is that black sweater at 5:23 I thought it looked really nice on you and I was looking to pick one up for myself. Thanks!

[@angeliek7488]

If you still feel off about the desk placement you could always push it further against the black wall but still looking the same direction so that it becomes part of the space instead of a floating island I also really love that rocking chair that you pulled out from behind the futon it should def be a piece that you showcase a little more! I really want my future home to have as much character as yours does! Also that shelf that u sold was so cool I would have snagged it myself if I had the opportunity:)

[@nathalie9905]

I never thought of hanging up art and/or a mirror into a bookshelf, but it looks great!