DECORATING MISTAKES that are EASY FIXES!

[@scrappytraveler-cherylfran4890]

I love these tips! I would also say that people might be surprised at what the cost of art is from their local art community. You can often get very cost effective pieces. If you are going to buy something from PB or Arhaus, you probably have the money to buy art from an actual artist. Some ideas 1: If you live in a city with a university or even a community college, they often have student shows. What a great way to support your community. 2: Call your local chamber of commerce and see if there is a first or final Friday art or gallery crawl. These are wonderful events to invite the local community into the galleries and you can get cost effective pieces. 3: Look for art when you travel. Especially local indigenous communities can have gorgeous art that is cost effective and you are giving back to the communities in which you are traveling.

[@ElinWinblad]

Or you can search your city tags on instagram when I post art I tag my location I live around

[@snowwhitepeak]

Great ideas, ScappyTraveler! I never thought of doing this. Thank you!

[@scrappytraveler-cherylfran4890]

@@ElinWinblad Great too! Thanks!

[@claireclemmons7927]

Was coming here to say just this!! Buy original art from local artists, usually way cheaper than the mass produced PB/West Elm stuff, and you are supporting an actual person! Not just 2D art, handmade vessels from a local potter, handmade candles, all kinds of accessories that make your home unique! That's what makes your home look "designer" and not catalog. I'm consistently surprised that Valentina, as a designer, doesn't recommend #supportingartists

[@marylut6077]

Great art and sculpture for reasonable price at local art shows, flea markets, estate sales, thrift shops

[@Kredwhiner]

My daughter in-law is a photographer and even won a contest and had her photo in National Geographic. She took a magical picture of our 3 granddaughters on a hill, silhouetted. We had it made into a large canvas for our wall. It’s very special.

[@elizabethzapata3186]

Hi Valentina, do you display family photos? or make albums? I'm curious how I can display pictures without it looking too busy or cluttered. Should frames match? I think it'd be a good topic to cover. Thanks!

[@caitlin862]

Would love thus video topic! I have a baby and it's SO tempting to plaster his beautiful face all over my house but I'm keeping it at 1 so far lol. I display family photos on our TV during get togethers

[@kristinrichmond8185]

Sounds like you want to do it, so you should. Valentina nor any of us , live with you. ❤️

[@kalenakai6808]

Enjoying a cozy morning at home watching decorating videos while it is 3º outside here in the Denver area. Lots of great ideas and tips!

[@baseballmomof8]

Snow falling here in northern Nevada… and loving Valentina 😊

[@HouseofValentina]

That sounds so cozy!

[@victorialove9104]

I have gotten some really beautiful art, large and small, at garage sales. Even, occasionally, at goodwill where I purchased a painting for 5 dollars that turned out to be worth over 3500. I got a 5' by 4' gorgeous oil painting for 50 dollars at a garage sale. They were using it as a tablecloth (!) To display other objects. It has some slight damage but fits right in to my vintage home and is breathtakingly beautiful. In perfect condition it would be worth upwards of 8 thousand. There are so many hidden gems in thrift stores and garage or estate sales. Beautiful lamps, vases, sculptures, decor in general. You end up with things that reflect your unique style rather than what everyone else is purchasing from the well known brands (not that they aren't beautiful). I prefer the thrill of the hunt. 😀

[@dinahreodica6644]

Love the mirror over the fireplace. Keep their forever.

[@JessicaJLandi]

Looking cozy in your snuggly sweater. Good advice on the materials & colors regarding life style. We're just getting a new coutertop that can't be burned, scratched, or stained - and doesn't need any maintenance/sealing. Good for our lifestyle with 5 kids in the house!

[@tinam761]

What kind of countertop? Enquiring minds here … details…

[@JessicaJLandi]

@@tinam761 dekton...it's a relatively newcomer on the countertop scene, but seems almost ideal. Non-porous and amazingly durable. It's one weakness is that it can shatter if hit with a sledgehammer. So no sledgehammers in my kitchen, lol, and anything heavy will go in the under cabinets so the chance of dropping something weighty on my counters will be minimal.

[@themodernmanor]

LOw light!!!! Yes, thank you!!! Warm, low (soft) light can solve a myriad of problems.

[@stevesandwichproductions1043]

Dear Valentina - I have subscribed to your channel for a few months now and you have inspired me and given me many ideas to improve my home. My wife is amazed by what I have achieved following your examples and guidance. She thinks I have good taste and creativity. Thank you!

[@HouseofValentina]

Thank you so much!

[@giuliagandolfini8655]

Excellent tips as always Valentina! With a new home I have bought only essential furniture at the moment. The look is still quite empty but I'm trying to resit the urge of buying quick things just to have the rooms completed. Let me tell you, not an easy one 😁

[@mireyaharo6977]

Thank you Valentine this was absolutely amazing I enjoy all these beautiful images they are inspiring

[@CC-kr3mr]

Valentina, besides all of your guru advice, you are hilarious 😂😂❤

[@baseballmomof8]

VALENTINA IS THE ACCESSORY QUEEN!!!!!!!!

[@lolasalesmoore236]

Thank you V for such great tips as usual.. Blessings!

[@HouseofValentina]

You are so welcome!

[@flufwix]

Great tips! I have bought a new home. It needs new doors throughout. To determine what style to get, I considered what style kitchen I will eventually install and selected doors with that in mind. Thinking ahead to future major renovations helped me not make a key design error

[@anaalves3658]

I totally agree on having custom items made for you. I had our bedframe and a chest of drawers made for our bedroom, I am so glad that I did. It was not more expensive than just ordering from a store, it takes longer, but it is exactly what I wanted. I definitely need to buy more table lamps 😊. And definitely think about the fabric on your couches if you have pets or kids, I didn't do that and had to have my couch recovered after 2 years because my cat destroyed the fabric, now it's in a velvety fabric 👍😊

[@Yasmine_WilliamsWoods]

Okay so this video is divinely timed because we're building our home & a friend just got glitter grout. I was so upset like, "I didn't even know glitter grout was a thing. What if I actually want glitter grout now." buuuuuut you're right. I seriously don't want glitter grout & my husband ABSOLUTELY doesn't want glitter grout. Shout out to the people who do. However, we have to "know our lifestyle"

[@DonnaRo]

Loved this! 🥰 I am guilty of buying too many lamps, lamp shades! 🤪 I’ll find a lamp as a great find at a thrift store & have to go on the big hunt to get a shade that’s right & I will grab a shade that I think is right but it isn’t. 😅 I call everyone I know & ask so… do you need a lamp because I have a few too many! 😂🤣 I really need to start with…do I need this? Where will I use it?

[@karinlester3066]

We have a huge abstract painting that takes most of a wall- and a few inches from baseboard and ceiling. It is an open concept home and we’ve decorated with it as the focal point. It was a huge investment and we are so glad it fits! Custom made furniture! Yes! I ordered a wood bed frame via Etsy and absolutely love it. The artist sent me pictures during construction which was very fun. It is solid wood and beautiful and the price difference between custom and something from restoration hardware isn’t great.

[@wandagooden6639]

Had a nice few hours watching your design decor videos. Ended up ordering a few that I loved. Thanks so much Valentina. So fun.

[@HouseofValentina]

You are so welcome!

[@purposedrivenlivinghome]

Love this Valentina - I enjoyed this it is going to allow me grace for my mistakes and room to fix them - thank you ☺️

[@sj68459]

I’d like to push back against art pieces that are mass-produced not being created by an artist. You’re right, that art probably isn’t hand-crafted or unique, but it was definitely made my an artist - someone had to design the print or take the photo and that person was almost certainly a professional creative.

[@melanieshort6190]

As always good reminders and inspiration for my projects!!

[@judithortiz-velazquez4992]

After a 2022 year of upgrade like painting the interior of my home, pulling out old accessories and buying curtains my home has a bit more me in it. Thanks for the inspiration. Now I’m faced with having to adjust due to practical reasons such as using an old , very good rug in lvgrm. New curtains are needed. Correctly framing wall pieces. It is a challenge but I’m up for it. I just have to be patient with myself.

[@ceciliangwhng1915]

Thank you on the Wonderful tips, you are a great inspiration on decorations.

[@susanwilson-stanton8706]

Agree with the custom furniture!! This made me realize that I had my Pottery Barn sofa made 10 years ago this March. Still loving the camel color in suede!! I have a couple of large cream with a touch of yellow and grey pillows, along with, Pottery Barn cream linen pillows and a Pottery Barn chunky blanket. It was reasonably priced and has held up great!! Even with a dog and cats! Liked the tips on curtains as well.❤❤❤

[@conniecrawford1403]

It amusing to watch old movies from 40's Era ... I love to watch these movies to see the decorating style the picture trend was hanging pictures very high like 3 inches from the ceiling ;) #I love vintage

[@carrieh922]

Another fun and useful video!

[@HouseofValentina]

Glad you think so!

[@traceygartrell3419]

Thank you for your inspiration

[@JoR00ke]

Yes, I got a velvet sofa as I have cats, they don't scratch it at all, however they just have to waft past it and its covered in fur 🙈 so you win some you lose some! x

[@trishamorgan4]

Thankyou for your art tips.

[@tammykolsky4127]

What about curtain rods ? Do you like when they go all the way across or just 2 small ones flanking a window ??

[@lindaga820]

Very informative video Valentina, tha k you !!!

[@murielbaith5445]

For art, you can also check out classic prints at your local library, sometimes.

[@carolebuckle7977]

Once again great tips Valentina, thank you 🙏🏻🇬🇧xxxx

[@Heather-rg8tj]

Great video! Have you ever decorated an atelier/craft room?

[@maryheller8560]

I bought my curtains from Ikea because the color, texture, and price were all just perfect. They were just about 13" too long :) I bought them anyway and will plan on having them hemmed so they're only lightly pooling. Right now its an ocean, not a pool. lol

[@barbaraknox2881]

Hi Valentina, just love your energy! Yours and Jacks laugh are infectious!! 😂 Anyway, this tips are great! Just brought a custom bed from PB and want some pointers on how to style it using a duvet etc. Do you have any video content to get me started?

[@tammybrennan2040]

I painted a wall flat black from behr Dynasty. Looks awesome. Great channel 🇺🇸

[@mrspleasants8529]

My interior decorator found a washable rug. Berber look, comfortable under the feet and made of a washable fabric...I think it is made of recycles plastics.. I just mop it and in the spring pressure wash it. It is a very large rug that fits under a round table and six chairs. We have dogs so it is great.

[@MsHillary9]

I love it! Such a great video…

[@dawnsfields]

I never really thought I needed floor lamps…until my eyesight started to age. I bought that floor/task lamp you recommended from Amazon and holy moly you lit a fire in me! I’m pretty sure we could achieve World Peace if everyone had more floor lamps!! 🤣🤣

[@sue8539]

I have several pieces of paintings from some renowned Filipino National Artists inherited by my husband from his parents so I usually take this into consideration when I buy my furniture and my home decor.

[@AlexaStyleBook]

Just loveeee it❤❤❤❤

[@melissamcdaniel7035]

Great advice!!!

[@Jaacck45]

Good idea think how you live now not the fantasy life 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@katherinekelly4782]

Great video!

[@wendykornfein3337]

So very helpful.

[@marylut6077]

Powder room wall opposite the door is great for upsizing art, instead of 18”w over 18”w above toilet

[@lea81179]

Do you have a recommendation for what kind of bulbs to use in recessed lights to give a warmer feel? We have them, but never use them because we hate the stark feel. Thanks!

[@vaderladyl]

Get lights no higher than 3,000 kelvin and get a dimmer.

[@painteddaisy6889]

Love your channel Valentina!!!! As a trained artist the most common problems I see is hanging art work to high...the mid range should fall at eye level, or up to 57- 60" depending on the size of work. Large art work is stately and conveys luxury-and keep these proportionate to what it is hanging over-and use upwards of 2/3's of that space. Also when hanging several different sized pieces-hang the tops at the same level and avoid the 'roller coaster' effect...just my opinion, cause that drives me crazy, lol...and always check out local art shows and community competitions-you can find original and usually affordable options. Reply

[@julesdavis1845]

We have 17 feet tall ceilings. We’d like to put in a chandelier, but are concerned it might visually block some of the highly placed art work. Choosing the right height for it is challenging given the ceiling height. Any advice?

[@pamelacarter2718]

Love these tips! Ikea has some new lighting items and decor that has me screaming. Please let us know your recommendations.

[@oliviarenteria9770]

This one was a good one 🎉

[@brionyf1193]

I have wide short bedroom windows with radiators underneath, and a family who each seem incapable of operating blinds of any type. So I am keeping short curtains for those, but have at least tried to match curtain and wall colour so they don’t stick out

[@BB-re8mw]

good choices...I have foster cats...if I had floor length curtains they'd always be fur covered... thanks. We just match the paint color and hang them as high and wide as can be...the curtains...not the cats.

[@loriegabidel]

Also, anyone who has trouble shopping for accessories can contact me because it's one of my favorite things to do. My most recent score was a set of gorgeous sculptural handmade wooden candle holders from Etsy.

[@rere2410]

Where is the planter your fig tree is in??? It's beautiful

[@WomanRoaring]

Materials are super important. I love the mirrored glam look but I have 2 cats, I can imagine little kitty nose prints all over everything lol. So I don't have that or anything velvet. - with the curtains though, we have a roomba so we don't want the curtains on the floor, it gets run over and the roomba gets stuck.

[@gabrielaturner-harris6007]

I would like to put curtains to my kitchen window and my back glass door but they are next to each other. I am not sure if they should be the same length or style. Please advise 🙃

[@lucyiraola5581]

You look so pretty with lighter clothes. Your eyes look brighter😃

[@janice3167]

Could you explain more how you know what the right sizes for a particular place? For example, What percentage of the size of the headboard should the art be?

[@megibug]

Hey, V🥰 I’d love to know how high (or low) we’re supposed to hang a large piece of artwork. I’m sure a lot of it depends on the size & scale of the room & furniture, but is there a good rule of thumb to follow???

[@NAVY-e8e]

@ Meg Walker - center of a framed artwork should be eye level which is approximately 57 inches above the floor, this is the average eye level which is the height that art museums hang their artwork.

[@megibug]

@@NAVY-e8e Thank you so much!!! This is something that’s always plagued me - I so appreciate your help!🥰

[@ladysparkymartin]

Re: Fabric 😱 When I adopted a long haired cat I learned tons about fabric weaves! Oh man the fur balls stuck to clothes and blankets and carpet! She died two years ago and I’m still removing her hair everywhere. Wouldn’t trade in the love but heretofore I’m never buying loose weaves or static magnets or that what’s it called plushy stuff again. 😂🤗

[@joekruger8033]

An additional point on lighting that is a pet peeve/deal breaker for my wife and I is color temperature. Blue/white light is horrible in our opinion, it makes the room look like an operating room. A warmer, (2700-3000K) like is inviting and relaxing.

[@snowwhitepeak]

I have the hardest time figuring out what style of table lamp to get. I want an Art Deco vibe, but nothing in the stores looks right. Any tips?

[@RamblingsfromCanada]

I hit up the estate sales and auctions for lamps like these. More often than not, they'll need to be rewired, but it's totally doable if you are handy, and you'll end up with a gorgeous piece that is well made and unique.

[@pcfrivera6023]

Like “think about your lifestyle”.

[@-nellie-m3711]

Great advice as always V, I just purchased a new table lamp and I absolutely love it and I’m pretty sure you would also, it’s black and has character about it, it’s not just your typical lamp, I’m still looking for a floor lamp and they did have one there but it just didn’t do it for me, once upon a time I probably would of purchased it but now I put more thought into what I’m buying for our home in decor, I’ll just wait till I find something that stands out when I see it, in our Sons home, him and his partner have put curtains up but they need more hanging, there just doesn’t seem to be enough But it’s their home and I’m learning to shut my mouth Lol 😂 maybe I’ll go out and purchase two more sets to add to them in a very discreet way Lol 😂, I love art work on the walls but have kept it to a minimum when we renovated, I was That person who had picture frames going down my hallway 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️, now I only have two very nice art pieces only on the one wall, I really haven’t found anything I like for the opposite wall and it looks okay with nothing on it, your advice and knowledge has helped me immensely in decorating my home, Thank You for always sharing great advice. Cheers from Nellie, Hope your having a Great Weekend and have a Great Week ahead. ❤️❤️

[@HouseofValentina]

Thank you so much Nellie!

[@loriegabidel]

I've never purchased art with an eye to how it looks in my house. Thankfully, most stuff I love works in my color palette. I just buy art that I love, and usually as a vacation souvenir. I'd love a ceiling light round up for interesting or unusual ceiling lights. Apparently, I'm SUPER picky and can't find one for my home office that is under $500 (it's a small room and that is not in the budget right now).

[@cherylkavanagh3387]

I agree. Buy the art that you love. it will find its place in your home.

[@pepperwell4297]

Got custom drapes as a “gift” from my MIL 20 years ago and HATED them! Company refused to make them touch the floor, we could even see outside at the bottom. 😢 MIL thought they were perfect as they didn’t interfere with vacuuming. 😂

[@vernacharboneau6691]

Even if the art is small you could buy oversized frame and mat for the piece

[@caitlin862]

I am breastfeeding my 1 year old and I saw these nursing monkeys at HomeGoods, in a tacky gold color. I painted black and they just give me so much joy looking at them. I did think "would Valentina approve?" But I bought them anyway lol. I'm just so obsessed with my little monkeys (a mom and baby nursing)

[@suetraviss8888]

I’m only 5’2”…my feet sometimes don’t touch the floor if I sit completely back on a couch. Leather couches…if my feet aren’t touching the floor, I’ll slide right off 😞

[@HouseofValentina]

I totally understand!

[@suetraviss8888]

@@HouseofValentina I’m 53 and still look like a little girl on big furniture 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@juliemckinnon1480]

You touched on what I think is the biggest mistake, after realizing you made one, not doing anything about it. Yes, take a risk but if it doesn’t work, don’t force it. Return, resell, donate, put the piece elsewhere. Just let the bad decision go. It’s ok…it’s a process. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤪

[@dgriffith13]

Do you offer personal design consulting?

[@SLily-rb6ji]

how do I find someone to customize a sofa from my design? the sofa I long for doesn't seem to exist, just parts of it.

[@bobbiejammes8119]

You mentioned curtains and I’m glad you brought that up. I do want to know (and I apologize ahead of time if you have covered this) if the curtains need to match the color of your walls. I am going to paint my bedroom Iron Ore (thanks to you and your room) and I’ve read that it’s important to match curtains to the wall so that it flows better, but I also notice your curtains are lighter than your walls. Could you possibly let me know if it matters or not? I’m so lost. So many people giving so much advice that you almost get whip lash. Your Scandi style is what I’m going for so your opinion would mean the world. If you have time, of course. Thanks in advance.

[@bobbiejammes8119]

* black locust 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

[@vaderladyl]

Not necessarily. They can either match exact color or contrast the wall and compliment your furniture and decor. Whichever you like the most.

[@bobbiejammes8119]

@@vaderladyl thank you!! 😊

[@EllisBell]

❤️

[@cynthiawarner5799]

Curtains are my biggest stressor when they aren't just right. My velvet Crate and Barrel ones skim the top of my barely 8' ceiling in the living room. They are stiff and heavy and so do not pool on my wood floor. They are messy looking, and I have yet to come up with a remedy.

[@baseballmomof8]

My art: a photo of Vin Scully. A tapestry honoring Mother Teresa. A son’s wedding photo with all 27 of us (the immediate family). A photo of the pilot kid’s first airplane. Pics of wine bottles. Yeah. Just what i can see from where I’m sitting 😂

[@ruthboston9562]

I have African American artists pieces like Ms. Maxine Joy and never seen any designers address hanging these pieces 14:32

[@Kathleen5429]

Close but not touching the floor drapes for me. No pooling, especially if I’m spending money on getting custom drapes made. Pooling drapes are dust catchers to me. And who needs more work?

[@AllisonMoon-SheWandersFeral]

I have TWO outlets over the middle of our 2mx2m Scandi-oak bed’s bedroom ceiling, but no wall outlet for lighting. WTF

[@BB-re8mw]

I will never understand why people feel the need to merchandise a standard hallway i.e. Something that is 3 to 4' wide... no matter how long it is, it is a passageway, imo it is a waste of money if you are on a limited budget. Far better to invest your money in a nice, large print for your main living spaces such as living room bedroom, and dining room, than to waste your money on "cheap art ". In a space where it won't be truly appreciated, merchandising passageways just looks and feels cluttered and and claustrophobic. Instead focus on upgrading the lighting/mill work to add interest. OR, if you are a minimalist, just leave it . I have a 10' x 3.5' entrance hallway that opens up, at the end' to the main event... my view of the woods from the 3rd floor. By not merchandising the hallway, it is that much more dramatic once people see the view... in my opinion... This is just an example.

[@lotsofcurls1000]

I think I bought the wrong size sofas which do not allow me the 36" between the walls if I will have even the smallest coffee table between them. 🥺

[@avedurham]

I am so confused here. If people are using the lower lighting at night, when are they using their overhead lighting? During the day I almost exclusively use natural daylight from the windows--and I don't even have a lot of windows. But it's definitely enough to get me through the day. Seriously, when would I use overhead lighting if not at night? Also, I absolutely HATE yellow light, or "warm" light. It looks messy, dim, and honestly a little bit "dirty" to me. What is everyone's obsession with yellow light?

[@Paula-sw2tt]

No leather in my house, my cats have sharp claws and use them!

[@LULC0759]

I custom ordered my sofa & its been a nightmare. Quality has been horrible. I won’t mention the manufacturer but I’m assuming quality isn’t the best anywhere anymore 😢

[@jennygodbolt-hoffman7787]

Curtains guilty for sure. … usually store bought curtains come in either 84” or 96? And 108”. Hard to purchase them with different ceiling heights, if you have an older home or newer, etc.

[@Omonike88]

My art pieces are from actual African American artists. They cost a pretty penny. I wouldn't do it any other way.

[@LauraT925]

My coffee table feels like my nemesis. It’s never not a mistake. (Double negative, cringe)

[@goldenskies7]

That plant on the right behind her looks like it doesn't feel well.

[@cynthiawarner5799]

It's not a live plant; it's cut foliage in water. 😄

[@lidarandolph8322]

FYI, Valentina doesn’t respond to questions in comments. That’s the downside of this channel. No interaction with subscribers and no live Q&A videos.

[@HouseofValentina]

That’s true, I can’t always respond to the comments. We publish four videos a week along with two Instagram accounts. There are a lot of comments out there. I wish I could respond to them all but it’s not always possible. We do have a Patreon group for people to ask questions and interact. We also host two Amazon Live events each week which are highly interactive.

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

👋🏿👋🏿👋🏿👋🏿👋🏿👋🏿👋🏿👋🏿