7 Interior Design Shortcuts You Should Never Make! When Being CHEAP Ruins Your Home!

[@gabrielledorigam2277]

I follow several interior designers, and I gotta say, I love how down-to-earth you are! Nobody else talks about stains, or how dusty and hard to clean things can get. Thanks for all the great tips, and for keeping it real! =)

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you so much, Gabrielle! This truly made my day 😊.

[@CamilaRodriguez-sk1sr]

👍

[@nancyberg6260]

Couldn't have said it better. Yeah,team! Thanks.

[@rosheenodonnell6769]

HGTV or any other home channel would be crazy if theyre not scouting you for a show ❤️

[@mikamorris27]

“You look at it and 10 petals fall off” 🤣 It’s the sarcasm and shade mixed with the beautiful visions for me!

[@KivaBrent]

😂😂😂

[@KellyDVance]

Spending money on well made furniture is always a good idea. My parents bought a sleeper sofa and an expandable dining room table when I was 12. The were purchased in England (military family) so survived a trip across the Atlantic. They survived a move from Las Vegas to San Antonio, TX. They survived a move from San Antonio to Southern Illinois. The survived that trip in reverse. That couch and table, now 30 years old, live in my house. There is minor water damage to the table and the cushions on the couch need new inserts. (The cushion covers have zippers and are machine washable.) The couch is still comfortable. The table still hosts family dinners, Lego building, and is my spot for sewing. And, with proper care will do so for many many more years.

[@fatine88]

Can you please do a video about choosing wall art for a space?In terms of size, design, colors, etc.

[@LLondon721]

Oh wow, this is a fantastic idea💫 I have never seen this topic highlighted on other decor channel’s although we need it🛋🖼

[@carligirrl]

Yes please do this! Adding on that I'd love to know what to do with long/wide but not tall walls. I have a very wide wall space but it is not tall (especially because there is furniture against that wall) and I have no idea what to do with it.

[@bagpipes978]

I own a small 3/2 house. The living room and dining room is really tiny! I don't know how to decorate the living room and I really don't know what art pieces would look good on the walls. Please, please do a video discussing these issues. Any advice about art pieces and placement would be enormously helpful. Thank you.

[@freakinfrugal5268]

This is my favorite quote ever, "It looks so tacky because...it does, it does!" Perfect logic.

[@lose999]

I bought a pale mustard yellow/carmel sofa 15 years ago and it still looks good. It was on sale (discontinued style) so it was a bargain at $800. It actually goes with everything. At first I wasn't so sure but I have never seen another one with this unique color. It has stood the test of time.

[@lisatiberi7448]

I learned the hard way about cheap sofas. We'd buy a $200-$350 sofa, but it needed to be replaced every year or two. We finally upgraded (for us) to an Arhaus sectional and we've had it for years. It has held up to dogs, a kid, and two overweight adults. :)

[@KivaBrent]

Amazing!! I know someone who has had the same Arhaus sofa for 10+ years with no problems!

[@Gerladinelife]

Haha yes my dog destroyed my 400 dollar emergency sofa in a month now with 2 kids and 2 big adults and 2 dogs I love my new couch splurged but worth it

[@shannonericksen1291]

Sherwin Williams has CRAZY sales 1 or 2 times a year. Like 45% off. If we have a project coming up we buy all of our paint. When it’s time to start, we take it back to get it shaken.

[@KivaBrent]

Yes!! Great advice Shannon!

[@monarock9552]

You’re so right! In March, I moved to my Mom’s condo after she passed away. I paid a professional to hang my art. I had more than 30 pieces. Best $300 I’ve spent in a long time. 😊

[@KivaBrent]

I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your mother, Mona. I’m glad that you made the investment to get the house feeling like home!

[@monarock9552]

Thank you so much. I think she’d be pleased. 🙏🏾

[@silvasilvasilva]

This is something I've learned: professionals exist for a reason. It's not always we can spend on services like that, but it's certainly worth the money.

[@kmicheleb]

Never knew that picture hanging was an actual job... 🤔

[@TreJ999]

So sorry for the loss of your mother. I recently had dinner with a new friend and she said she paid for a professional art and picture hanger and was worth every penny! So I guess it is a thing!

[@Bakerygo]

I have suffered long enough in my family's houses from bad sofas. When the time came and I had to buy my first sofa I didn't cheap out. Oh boy it was the best decision ever. Everybody loves this sofa!

[@LindsPatz10]

I always appreciate that you minimize the jumps cuts! You come across so real and genuine as opposed to creators that can barely finish a thought without numerous jump cuts in between. The advice shared today was on point.

[@freakinfrugal5268]

what is a jump cut?

[@Luca.121]

There’s nothing more expensive than cheap paint!!! 😝

[@CharlieFlemingOriginal]

And applying it with a paint roller and brush set bought for £1/$1/e1 etc lol

[@KivaBrent]

Righttttt 😂

[@cma9042]

👍👍👍👍!!!!

[@susanbaker2796]

Good one, Luca!

[@cooperbt]

Not to mention expensive paint that is cheap, like Ralph Lauren.

[@dorothysmith7280]

On pilling...I hate it everywhere it happens. The reason: in blends, the synthetic and natural fibers do not react to washing in the same way. The synthetic pulls away from the cotton creating pills. To prevent this dry clean or buy all of of one fiber.

[@MM-jf1me]

Interesting. I didn't know that, but it makes sense!

[@dawn899]

Fabric shaver works too! Been using it on my ikea couch and will keep doing so till I can afford a nicer one. It looks nearly new after using it!

[@fridayhunt7075]

@@dawn899 but think about how much time you need to spend on sheets. I spend enough time on my sweaters as is!

[@TamarLitvot]

It’s also when the fiber lengths are different. That can happen in lots of fabrics. I have a silk and merino yarn, good quality, wove a blanket for my daughter when she went off for college, and the pilling created a haze over the entire blanket after her first year.

[@keith161]

Moral of the story: invest in as much quality as you can for longer satisfaction.

[@653j521]

Keith However, have a sense of reality about where you are going in life. Do you hope to live on a pittance abroad for the experience? Were you born under a wandering star and don't work for places that pay for moves? Are you the kind of person who doesn't get attached to "stuff"? Are you evolving and don't have a feel for what you like because you like anything and everything? Do you want the feeling of freedom to pack up every item you love in your car and take off if life gets you down? If that is the case, it isn't an investment but just an expense. Most of my stuff is going to whichever charity will come and get it when I am ready to move. I like my apt décor for here not for every apt, and I can't afford to lug furniture cross country. When I came here, I was mindful of that. I think the video's moral was there are more important things to spend money on and less important things. For me, more important is a decent bed. :)

[@msmadamemime]

As a painter I'm really happy to hear you advocate for proper paint and tools 😍👌 one of my biggest pet peeves is people buying cheap paint and only doing a single layer 🙄 always paint twice! Great video and great advice as always! 👍

[@Mac-ze4gu]

Just bought a home, was overwhelmed with decorating. Your channel is saving my life. Love you ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤍

[@KivaBrent]

Congratulations on your new home!! So happy that you find my videos helpful! 💕

[@caliwebb3]

I would sooooooo love to hear how to find a good sofa. I've actually given up. Though I would love to have a wonderful sofa that would last and look good and be comfortable. In my seventy years, I have yet to find.

[@juliemariariley3212]

The tape measure! When I saw which one you were holding I immediately thought about my Dad- he has the exact same one and since it is a treasured item I was never allowed to 'borrow' it- Dad always came with the tape measure! I knew he had confidence in me when several years ago I received the same tape measure from him as a Christmas present- 🌞💕

[@kbergish7292]

As the daughter of a carpenter, this was the sweetest story! Wield that tape measure proudly. :)

[@destiny1833]

Love Love Love this channel! This has transformed my that way I have been doing (yeah it was all the way wrong). You are out here saving lives (and homes).

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you, Destiny!!!

[@chelseygarrett4221]

We just got a 5 gallon of the Sherwin-Williams for 130. We were able to paint every room in the house with one coat. We were going to do a second coat but it really covered very well. My in laws used to own a painting business, when she helped us paint she said this doesn't need another coat at all! Now we just have to see if it chips. the paint that was underneath it wasn't very good quality.

[@KivaBrent]

Keep me updated on this, Chelsey!! I want to hear! What tier of paint did you use?

[@chelseygarrett4221]

@@KivaBrent I have to look when we go over to the house later. I know the one gallon we did for my son's bedroom accent wall had a purple label.

[@chelseygarrett4221]

@@KivaBrent I'm having such a hard time choosing curtains our ceiling height is almost 10 foot. It's such a weird height. And the house is 100 years old.

[@cma9042]

A lot of times if the paint chips/fails it was the wrong type for the location or the surface wasn't prepped properly....sanded, washed with correct solution, primed.... Or it it could just be bad paint.

[@chelseygarrett4221]

@@cma9042 if I were to guess I would say they painted with an oil-based paint like 30/40 years ago. The last owner painted over that so it's separating. There was a lot of weird things done in this house. Like putting trim around the doors and windows upside down and put in with screws not nails. 🤦‍♀️ thank God that's the reason we got the house so cheap! And it's all things we can fix cheaply.

[@sparklie962]

Thanks, this was all super practical and made a ton of sense. Agree 100% on the paint - cheap paint takes way more coats to cover the old colour and scuffs off way too easily.

[@vaderladyl]

I had always bought my $35 to $40.00 dollars a gallon Behr paint and has worked very well for me. It is all in the formulation and the level of sheen and all of that.

[@joylastname3035]

The most expensive things in my apartment are the sofa and the mattress. I've been a long time fan of orthopedic mattresses. We used to have this mattress that would dent when you laid down on it and being pregnant at the time, I would cry some nights from sheer discomfort because my back was going thru hell. We changed to an orthopedic mattress even though money was really tight. It was hella expensive but that's one purchase we've never regretted even though at the time, we wondered if it was worth spending that much on a mattress. The support is out of this world and it's been years and it still feels like the first day we purchased it. It has made me dislike soft mattresses.

[@eseesa]

A good mattress is everything!!!

[@izishillboldon6036]

As DJ Kali would say, "Another One". Great, great video. Add this one to my file also. You are the greatest.

[@KivaBrent]

Aw thank you so much!!

[@annmariehicks2013]

'Penny wise and pound foolish' (thank you, Granny) - sums up much of this great advice. Thank you for such great info, Kiva!

[@krisy-in-italy]

You are so refreshing, thank you for all the ideas about Luxe with less as most of us don’t have a pocketbook full of money! 💜

[@CharlieFlemingOriginal]

Farrow&Ball paint is incredibly expensive but the quality and application is amazing.

[@dorothysmith7280]

Gorgeous but mostly for folks who have lots of money or have show homes. KB's picks are great and they will color match an F&B color. Plus they have coupons, annual sales and will give you a contractors' discount. I love my my local Ben Moore store because they know me... (family owned, 3 stores) plus they give me free fan decks.

[@CharlieFlemingOriginal]

@@dorothysmith7280 LOL the only reason why I know Farrow&Ball is so good is because I inherited 2 tins that were a third full and used them lol. No way could I afford to BUY them lol.

[@KivaBrent]

Farrow and Ball is super good, but pricey!!!

[@CharlieFlemingOriginal]

@@KivaBrent I was given two, third full tins from a friend which is all I needed... FOR FREE lol no way did I buy it :D :D (I am mega chuffed you replied BTW thanks) :)

[@MonsterMisunderstood]

I actually love assembling furniture

[@andreathorpe7035]

Your information about painting was on point! If you’re doing a DIY paint job, proper prep is a must! (In the past, that’s where I’ve gotten lax, lazy, and cheap.) Spend money on quality tape and brushes. Take the time to cover things and tape slowly carefully. You’ll be so glad you did! We’ve used Sherwin Williams paint for years and haven’t had any issues.

[@bubblestheterrible]

I swear, this is the most useful and fun channel on KZbin, kiva. We didn’t want to spend a ton on a sofa because our cats destroy them so we bought one from wayfair I think and it squishes horribly when my bf gets up and it’s also pilling, which I too can’t stand! At least I’ve convinced him I have learned to protect couches with many strategic blankets. We basically make a blanket fort out of it every time we go to bed or leave the house. Thanks for the advice about good paint!

[@othername6345]

Here is my paint tip. I don't live in the USA, so we have other paint brands (that's not the tip haha). My husband is in construction and he knows what paint is identical to the "best", but costs less. So, DON'T buy cheap paint, but if you know someone who works in the industry (that you trust and who didn't start their job yesterday) ask them what they recommend. And the most expensive paint will mean nothing if you don't do prep work if needed first.

[@nic9580]

I've just subscribed because you reminded me why I splurged on my first sofa. I am finally replacing that sofa 20 years later (it held up for about 15!) and needed to be reminded why I shouldn't cut corners here. Thank you!

[@Segu88]

I’m obsessed with your channel. So much good information!!!

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you so much!! 💕

[@Randa_Diba]

My first sofa was a Bernhardt that I purchased in 2001! I purchased my second from RH in November 2020 and got it delivered in May (yes, it took a while). It's worth it to spend a little more upfront on quality pieces because they do last.

[@ShortStef]

Sleep number bedding, hands down, the BEST! Their temp control sheets and their down comforters. 🔥

[@glittermama]

I have had many episodes of repainting my house(s). I would recommend the high end of Behr paint and Valspar, which is highly pigmented.

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

i’m such a big proponent of investing in good bedding. i’m a BIG fan of the eucalyptus sheets from Sheets & Giggles. sooo soft and silky, cooling, breathable, and not outrageously priced.

[@letiziagallinari222]

I literally laughed out loud when u said “ i will use my ruler from third grade” …. I am still laughing as I’m writing this …….. love everything u pointed out …it’s all true…( i am 63 years old and have lived thru a few mistakes… hello from montreal, Canada)

[@bryantshaw2347]

This advice is pure GOLD.

[@sandy949]

You’re the best! Can’t get enough of your channel and you are so down to earth!

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks so much Sandy!! I appreciate you! 💕💕

[@cherylkavanagh3387]

Enjoyed your video, Kiva. I am definitely a Benjamin Moore girl and their paint is throughout my house. I am also a believer in white glove service. It is worth every penny. Finally, I own several Stanley tape measures in various sizes and I carry a 12' one with me at all times, just in case I come across a piece of furniture and I need to measure. You never know! Love your common sense approach to style.

[@KivaBrent]

Yes I always carry around a tape measure!! You get me! 👏🏽👏🏽

[@fridayhunt7075]

Don’t forget the most important piece of furniture. You don’t spend nearly as much time on your couch as your mattress (or maybe not). I’ve never regretted buying one from European Sleepworks, even though it was over $1,000 (in 2001!). It feels the same as then and you can barely even see about half an inch or so of an impression at the shoulders. You can zip off the top and swap the components around for less wear and tear (there’s a top layer over the springs, each side can be customized - firm or soft, and the head section is separate from the foot section - so 8 parts total).

[@anikac8380]

Thanks! You lay down some real wisdom. And your audio sounds so clear and pleasant, compared to when I first came across your channel and busted your chops. You are such a class act. I never understood about the various lines of paint. Now, I have more of a clue.

[@carlajohnson6470]

i agree with the review of Benjamin Moore paint. We painted our home with it 18 years ago and the paint still looks great! I’ve repainted some of the rooms just to change the color - not because of need. And the family room and kitchen are still the original. Will not use any other paint - worth every penny (dollar)!

[@Jessica-bo9kz]

Paying for that extra shipping + assembly honestly changes the entire experience. 100% worth it

[@cherylroberts1869]

Just discovered your channel and have subscribed. Your comment on buying quality bar/counter stools was correct. Most people don’t think about stools/chairs/sofas being “weight rated”. I have friends and family who are tall, or wide, and a piece of furniture for me has to be weight rated for 250lbs or greater. Your Benjamin Moore paint review was right on. I have never been disappointed with the quality of their paint.

[@sarahkelpin6745]

That couch fabric!! Mind blown! I've always purchased cheap couches and I have pets. They never last more than 2 years. It's really expensive to keep buying new. My next couch I will splurge and get a good quality one

[@citticat2]

Totally agree on the paint. There is nothing more luxurious than bring home fresh cut flowers.

[@aadebahr]

I just found your channel and subscribed! So nice to have someone speaking to an audience of people who do have to save to buy nice pieces. Thank you!

[@KivaBrent]

Welcome Angie!! So happy that you’re here. 💕

[@justlooking1593]

i always learn something cool from you. thank you for making your work so accessible. :)

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks for watching, Amy!!!

[@mariasmith9998]

Wow i never thought about all these tips. They are very helpful. So i can get more bang for my buck. Thank you so much KB your the best!

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks so much for watching Maria! 💕

[@howmoon67]

Love your points. So true, do not try to be cheap now we know..So where or who do we buy from to stop looking cheap..

[@mycalmspot]

Best advice ever!!! As a Realtor and property manager, my clients run into these kinds of issues all the time. Thank you for sharing! 😍💕

[@theresarathell4686]

Thanks for the affirmation, my husband insisted that lowes was just as good, 2 months later and I am painting it over.

[@januarywaterchild7521]

Yes. Having the proper tools are important. Stanley Tools are my go-to. They’re well-made, affordable and made in my home state CT.

[@debrajean743]

OMG Kiva I'm so happy you mentioned Benjamin Moore paint. We also learned the hard way and had to repaint everything with Benjamin Moore. The best paint there is. Love ya and see you next time!

[@EdensApple80]

100% agree on paint- never cheap out! Sherwin Williams all the way for me. Honestly I do not love Benjamin Moore- I have their paint in a few rooms and felt the application was horrible. To each their own!

[@KivaBrent]

This is so interesting!! Most people have really extreme views on SW versus Benjamin Moore, myself included!!

[@coastaldiva]

@@KivaBrent i love both brands, both solid i feel. I have a Sherwin-Williams on my exterior and it last for years and years

[@tubebobwil]

Sherwin Williams has amazing coverage power.

[@karenryder6317]

In 2000 we were flush and splurged on SW "Duration" exterior covering (They wouldn't even call it paint as it was supposedly so superior.) After one year in the central Florida climate the exterior was blooming with mildew. The company store agreed only to a spray off as compensation. Sure enough, in a few months the mildew was back. Ever since then we have boycotted SW. We get the highest grade Valspar at Lowes with no problems whatsoever inside and out--and restoring houses was our business.

[@mandypdx]

I love SW too :)

[@EatingAnElephant]

This is a great video. It goes further to solidify my idea that spending a little more money on good quality things will help our environment in the long run. I have absolutely been guilty of this in the past. Think about it, better quality things last longer so you are only buying it once over a long period rather than repurchasing the cheap things over and over. What are our land fills over-flowing with? Cheap sheets that have ripped, cheap plastic flowers that fell apart, old broken furniture that couldn't stand up against normal human wear and tear. Keva is right, spend a little more, wait and save to get the better quality when and where you can! We need to consider what will happen with these items when they are past their sell by date. We need to protect our environment so it will still be there for Betty White when we are gone.

[@korricurtis3459]

I learned about performance fabrics from this video! So much useful info. Thank you!

[@MsSherry78]

Nice video. I tend to buy high end furniture and have 4 sofas in my home. The sofa we use the most has heavy everyday use from the whole family and it’s going strong after 4.5 years. Also the performance fabric on my furniture has saved my hide from parties and children. To tie in a 3rd item you mentioned…the better made sofa you purchase, the heavier it is. You DO NOT want to attempt to put the legs on and carry it through the home.

[@ealston0826]

My grandmother turned me to Frette sheets, yes, they are expensive but, they have never disappointed, even their percale sheets. I actually travel with two sets of their percale sets (in case I lose them, I did not lose my most expensive sheets) whenever I go anywhere.

[@preceptgal]

Regarding the faux flowers - there are a few really tough live plants that basically all you do is water them once their leaves start to droop. One of them is the Pothos - their lines are more distinct, or for a more dainty or classical look Scindapsis. They can hang down, be discreetly staked up, or kept level. It’s a different style choice, but it could be something you will love to incorporate into yours.

[@lindajohnston759]

And once again, invaluable information! As a retired designer I can attest to having dealt with every one on your suggestions.

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you! Linda, we would love any more wisdom you have to share!

[@EmpressSolstice]

I am one of those people who hates to pay for the white glove delivery. At least I was until I had to pay for two dressers for my son's room within 6 months. Poor assembly on my part led to a lot of wasted money. Sometimes it's cheaper to pay the extra money up front

[@cjay233]

What do you advise when you see an ikea sofa and they don't deliver to your area? Yah or Nah? Thanks

[@NicoleAminov]

@@cjay233 if it’s on the smaller size, I’d pick it up

[@cjay233]

@@NicoleAminov Thanks. Actually it seats four, so it's long, but it is gorgeous!

[@LisaMarie-br8tn]

Thank you on the faux florals and bedding! I work at a privately owned home decor store and I swear ppl always complain about them. They always say they can get flowers at the $1 tree. Noooo please! If you have to go fake at least get it as real looking as possible! And sandpaper sheets! Lol 😩 the worst! Also Behr paint ($45 per gal) from Home Depot is a great budget friendly option. Great video!

[@nicolef3856]

My parents declined the white glove service for their new couches that they ordered online. They were able to bring them inside the house and set them up, but were left with a mountain of packaging afterwards! So they had to store the packaging and pay almost $100 for a trash pickup when the white glove service would have been $150 😂

[@aldonastraczek]

Farrow and ball paint is fantastic. It applies like a dream, the pigmentation is stunning and they last. Ressource also has phenomenal pain especially their Klein blue.

[@georgina3358]

I love Farrow and Ball paints too. I haven't tried Ressource yet but their colours look great

[@aldonastraczek]

@@georgina3358 I painted my staircase and a large strip in my bathroom in Klein blue and when I return from holidays, I'm painting my living room Hague Blue by F&B.

[@georgina3358]

@@aldonastraczek I love Hague Blue by F& B. It goes with so many other colours yet it's got a lot of personality

[@aldonastraczek]

@@georgina3358 I absolutely adore this colour and it goes very well with my kaki sofa

[@georgina3358]

@@aldonastraczek khaki and blue is a great combination

[@nancym.prattphd.196]

Just found you! Amazing. Love the messaging especially. We deserve a home environment that is beautiful.

[@holiday991]

I just discovered the joy of velvet couch cover instead of spending all that money for a new one, so I get the comfort and style.

[@melly3043]

My sofa is actually vintage, and I love it. I got it for free and it’s in exceptional condition. Got it from a friend after her grandmother died, and it’s obvious that it sat untouched in an old lady’s house for years. I’ll need to get a new one eventually, but we’re just starting out and I’m glad I have it right now. It’s adorable.

[@faoncat]

Yesssss paint! So glad you said this! We bought and moved into a house a couple months ago thinking it’d be a simple repaint but the cheap plastic paint used by the previous owners meant we had to literally peel off entire rooms of paint (including ceilings!). It peeled off in sheets like glue, right back to the plaster!

[@angelageikowski8849]

Yes I completely agree about the faux flowers if they aren’t good quality they look cheap and tacky I got some beautiful faux hydrangeas from Joanne I paid a little more for them but they are silk and feel and look very real I love them I have had them for years and they still look good they are my favorite flower of all time.

[@flooshoomoo7104]

I love behr marquee! It’s the bomb in coverage, durability, self-leveling and available at Home Depot

[@savvyconsumer7342]

Love your personality. Fab video. Great info. 👍

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks so much!! 💕

[@fourcatsandagarden]

You can also hit up second hand stores for cheap short term furniture like chairs and tables.

[@mamaomom4987]

I agree a thousand percent with you!! A good sofa and a good bed are the two things definitely worth splurging on! I moved countries with my parents and lived in 4 different places. We still have two leather sofas that are 20 years old and look perfectly fine! We also have the bed they used to sleep on in the first house in our current guest room. We also had some temporary cheaper fourniture while moving and those items never lasted

[@cg50621Q]

Ooo, just got fabric samples for a new couch and hadn’t thought about testing them for stain resistance. Thank you so much!

[@traceysimmons4913]

It is so true about bed sheets, I also think the same way about bath towels. I hate hard rough towels against my skin yuck. You make a lot of sense , like the tape measure. Thanks for the advice.

[@doanetriggs6254]

SO true, so true, so true! Every point valid and especially well chosen examples.

[@starfirelena]

My husband and I moved in together after I graduated college. For that first apartment, we picked the cheapest furniture we could find on Wayfair because we were on a tight budget. He had a couch that he got from a well off aunt and that thing is still GREAT today. We recently gave it away to buy a sectional for our new apartment. He had that couch for almost 10 years AFTER his aunt used it and passed it onto him. It now has a new family. Quality pieces are definitely key! We have less of a budget constraint now, but we still had to mix and match some higher priced items with more affordable items. Thing we didn’t cheap out on are our mattress, sectional couch, office chairs (we both WFH), and pillows. Basically anything that would cause us actual pain in our daily lives if we skimped. We also invested in some nicer furniture in higher traffic areas made of quality materials (dining table, coffee table, wool rugs) just because we could and it just makes such a difference in how we live in our space. We still have some IKEA pieces when longevity isn’t the goal and love to mix that in to give our wallets some relief haha. Working on a budget is definitely dependent on allocating money to areas where it allows you live in your space better.

[@create-hx7pe]

Thank you for this informative video. Here’s my 2 cents: I’ve never had good experiences with painters. Not generalizing, but, 1. They do not clean (dust) the walls before painting, 2. They promise two coats and later “explain” why one coat will do, 3. They rush the “cutting” and you end up with warped corners, 4. They use the wrong roller and in certain lights you can see thick globs of paint, and on and on and on. How the walls are painted can also make your house look cheap or not.

[@nicholby2112]

I'm always stunned when designers say the cheapest and easiest way to transform a room is with paint. Really? Good paint is expensive, good tools are expensive and the labor of moving everything to the middle of the room and take everything off the walls is exhausting. No, it's not easy. I wish people would stop saying that.

[@harriettubman337]

Exactly.

[@ThatPlacefkaNebraskaBugeater]

Someday...Someday, I'll have my own home, & this video will be one of my most important resources I have when making design decisions. That day cannot come soon enough. Always love your double-handed wave. It suits you.

[@leighn.2169]

My mother always said, "You get what you pay for." So true! Thanks for a great video. 😀💗

[@JuliaARubin]

My husband uses laser measuring tool and it’s amazing!

[@hristinakostova7131]

Excellent video, Kiva, tons of helpful advice. Thanks for the demo of the performance fabric, that opened my eyes.

[@kandicethorn7816]

Love these. Hadn't thought about the bar stools, but I think you're right about that!

[@annbrookens945]

Excellent advice! It's always good to know where cheap is a mistake!

[@Ncornchex]

I agree with Benjamin Moore paint. Love it

[@vmpapillon8984]

Agree with you on the sofa. Bought a sofa from ikea a year ago because I didn't know how long I would live in the region. Looads of pilling 6 months later. Annoys me to no end.

[@aftereverett]

Every video you make is so on point

[@melodymartin222]

Worked in paint departments of both "big box stores"..our top end paints are excellent. Best in the hands of people who know what they are doing: clean your walls, prime, use quality applicators etc. True about buying paint yourself, many painters will let you choose colors from high end paint fan decks- and come in and get the color in the cheapest paint available.

[@berlinorama]

I so agree about sofas. I bought a really good sofa bed in 1995 and just gave it away recently and it is still in use.

[@IBNTOME2]

We just recently completed redid our living room and dining room..and had two professional painters come out give me a bid. One of them hated Sherwin-Williams and one of them hated Benjamin Moore $.. so I followed my first mind and went with Berh from Home Depot. We Absolutely love it..it's mid-grade money wise and our space looks amazing. I wish there was a button here so i cld post the pictures of bf and after.

[@caryn1158]

I definitely agree with the highest quality of paint! Love SW emerald line

[@mandypdx]

I repainted my entire home’s interior with it 2 years ago. I’m very pleased :)

[@anngraham3265]

I look forward to every video you make. Great practical ideas. Also,ideas to consider for the future.

[@rspen2142]

You are so right about splurging on furniture. growing up I saw family members buying cheap furniture for their homes and end up throwing it away or leaving it by the dumpsters of their apartments when they moved. About 15 years ago, my partner and I bought a fairly expensive bedroom set (which is now in the guest room) and sofa and chair set when we were in our early 20s. We just gave the sofa and chair away about 2 years ago (which was still in decent condition besides needing a good cleaning) and the bed is still sturdier than ever. Those items totaled over four thousand dollars combined, but I knew if those investments weren't made early on, we'd spend more than that over the long run.

[@stacyscribner9801]

Just found your channel! Excellent advise!

[@KivaBrent]

Welcome! Thanks so much Stacy! 💕

[@Randa_Diba]

I agree wholeheartedly about paying for white glove delivery. PB and RH have the costs built and it's so convenient especially when you live alone and there's a pandemic. Just point and they put the item exactly where you need it to be! Also, I do have a Stanley tape measure and have had it for years.

[@TamarLitvot]

Just finished interior painting with Benjamin Moore and looks gorgeous!