4 TACKY Interior Design Mistakes YOU KEEP MAKING in Your Living Room!

[@algp576]

THANK YOU, I am so tired of (and baffled by) people acting like books shouldn’t be on bookshelves. I have a lot of books, they’re literally the only thing I collect. I never understood buying packs of fake books to use in shelves.

[@donnaclinton991]

I'm with you...my books are in my bookcase & they're staying, damnit! 😀

[@Terre11117]

Yes thank you! Never trust a person with fake books lol I judge hard

[@traceysimmons4913]

Fake Books? Really how weird.

[@MultiEquations]

Also, there are nicer ways to stack/organize books and not just by color. Since we mostly organize books vertically, I think it looks nice to sprinkle in a few horizontal stacks. It's a good option for books that you don't reach as often, those that are oversized and those in a series. It just gives some visual interest to a space. Finally, I like pulling all the books to the front of the shelf since it looks super uniform and it's a holdover from the days when I worked at a library.

[@CataIAG777]

Wait... I know that those boxes that look like books exist but... Fake books for decor are a thing?...

[@caroann]

“Eclectic” styling probably looks tacky to some who come into our home. But, I wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s very cozy & homey to us. To each his/her own. ♥️

[@lelitzaford-isler2147]

Thats why she says…your house should look the way you want!

[@marycolemanglass2304]

Design videos started showing up when I started remodeling my kitchen a couple months ago. I can't imagine following any of the advice in these types of videos because none of it fits my style or sensibilities. However, I've been enjoying watching them because it's a glimpse into a thought process and way of life that's a million miles from my own.

[@mingram7748]

I love mixing styles! I get bored with matchy matchy rooms.

[@sogno_di_carta6430]

Love eclectic. She is like “I don’t know what to look at if you have too many pictures on the wall” and behind her I truly don’t know what to look at because there is barely anything. Gallery wall isn’t clutter. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Too many things on top of a table that don’t even go there is clutter.

[@sogno_di_carta6430]

@@lelitzaford-isler2147 yes but then she goes off to call everything that doesn’t look like an architect’s office in Manhattan, tacky. 🤣

[@TessieDobey]

You know what tacky is? My sister's apartment with leopard printed chairs shaped like giant Hooker shoes. Now that is tacky!!

[@shamekaewings6932]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 she's gonna get you for that!

[@silvergirl2847]

I'll bet it's fun to be in though lol

[@imamomtoo3470]

I am going to need to see that! 🤣👍

[@mboriginale]

😂🤣😂

[@HeyMsNadi]

Lmao 🤣 I needed this laugh.

[@anyas5]

Your suggestion of using a bookshelf practically (for books) blew my mind. I've never heard anyone in the KZbin design community actually say that. I've been feeling like I was using my shelves wrong because I use them for a utilitarian purpose. Thank you for providing advice that can be used in a real, livable home

[@ti4833]

Exactly!

[@texastomilandiyitaly]

My bookshelves are definitely used for books!

[@UnseenSpirit]

Have what you want. Look at different designs to get ideas, but go for what you want. Many interior design books will have book shelves that are full in a page or 2.

[@jeanvignes]

I like to put three decorative items into every shelving unit. A plant, a woven basket, a vase, a photograph. The rest is packed tight with actual books that I actually have read or intend to read, not color-coordinated books-by-the-foot. I just think they look a little too dense without something breaking up the books here and there.

[@RachelLWolfe]

Ironic, isn't it, considering that they are called BOOKshelves.... 😉

[@rolanda3241]

I agree with...."YOUR living room should look the way YOU want it to look. That's really all that matters, is your home comfortable for you.

[@hshawn00]

Amen and Amen!!!!

[@dmb.165]

One women's tacky is another woman's treasure.

[@KivaBrent]

Definitely!

[@babymoon5282]

And that is the only hard and fast rule at the end of the day.

[@B-ch6uk]

Right. Don't like it? Don't visit.

[@user-kpkxgtj]

​​@@B-ch6uk exactly.

[@brittanybrown8085]

I paint. My wife paints. So the entire house is a gallery. If I had more walls…there would be more gallery 😂

[@MA-zg2pz]

😍 love that

[@LanaNana24]

That’s beautiful!!!

[@BranMuffin365]

Love this😍

[@Tatiana_Palii]

My mom paints too, and our walls look amazing!

[@amberrose8756]

Same and I love this! I paint, my kids paint and create - we need more walls for our art!

[@marievaleur7877]

Tacky to me are fake books and books for show that no one ever reads and gallery walls made of ready to hang mixy matchy prints and not a bit of art or personality in sight. Bookshelves are for books, yes!! And curating a gallery wall is most of the fun of having one. At 59, I have inherited and acquired quite a few interesting and beloved pieces and am very proud to display them! But a gallery wall for the sake of a gallery wall is as bad as a bookshelf with fake or few books! 😁😉 Our homes are a reflection of ourselves and admit it, we all have our own special touch of tackiness that makes us unique! Fun video, thanks!

[@anarup916]

Thisss!

[@hshawn00]

Baby bookshelves are for whatever I choose to use them for. I paid my damn money for them and God Damn it I'll decorate them however I choose. Fill yours with books until your heart is over run with joy. I on the other hand have other uses for mine.

[@FuckThatYo]

@@hshawn00 Thattttt!

[@annelieswallace237]

"We don't need to style every inch of everything" Soooo true!!

[@KivaBrent]

Yes!!

[@rosem4119]

@@KivaBrent Hi Kiva, I would like your opinion/advise, I want to take the curtains high to the ceiling measuring 9'9. But I don't know if it's ok to leave the space of 730meter between the Windows frame and the crown molding/corner. The Windows start from the floor. Also, any suggestion how to hold the curtains rod if there is not wood behind the wall to support the curtains rod?

[@Gaia_satouru]

My mom needs to see this😂

[@AA-bm3hf]

Tell my mama that! Shieeett 😩😂

[@mightyisis6620]

I am styling it all. Sometimes 3 sometimes 6 but different heights. LOL

[@tammiejo]

Big rule for me, because I really love antiques but really do not want to look kitschy- I never put antique decor on antique surface. I put plants and modern picture frames on my Art Deco sideboard and save the antique knickknacks for my modern or contemporary furniture. I used to throw vintage and antique items around with reckless abandon in my first few places and finally feel like I’ve figured out the equation.

[@alexisgeorgia]

This is helpful, thanks!

[@leannemoore7752]

Love this tip! I sort of do the same, mixing umbra modern picture frames, locally made pottery candleholders, Angolan baskets from a friend, vintage thrifted wood decor. It all kind of clashes in the most fun, interesting way

[@winrachwingfield1404]

OMG! You had me at “bookshelves are for books”! My most prized positions are books that my great-grandfather (born 1865) and my grandmother (born 1892) owned! My father was old enough to be my grandfather and I’ve inherited their love of reading, so I can’t imagine hiding these books. I love gorgeous styling AND I believe it should be practical.

[@tammiepulley7167]

Amen! Bookshelves are for books. Books make a house feel warm.

[@suziejames7510]

Yes definitely, warm cosy and lived in. Love all my books which I buy to read not just for the aesthetic.

[@bluewrenreilly129]

Yes and hopefully informed.

[@Geronimo2Fly]

My mom has artwork everywhere, on almost every inch of every wall (at least at reasonably near eye level). People who see her house for the first time call it a museum (although museums have a lot more dead space than my mom does). Every piece she has is a beautiful, original, curated work of art. You would think it would look terrible, but somehow it works. Perhaps it helps that she keeps her furniture very simple, but whatever the case, she loves it and that's what matters.

[@user-kpkxgtj]

Sounds like she's a maximalist and has found a way to make it work ❤

[@loveteam753]

9:20 the pause killed me 😂. “Are you still working on it?” 🤔🤨 “Are you waiting for something in the mail?”

[@KivaBrent]

😂😂😂

[@IftinAbshir]

It’s so interesting to hear people not want to make their bookshelves full of books a focal point because in academia having a ton of books on bookshelves is like the biggest flex! Currently redoing my office to make it "my library" and the books will be front and center 🤓

[@muvachi]

Facts!!

[@FuckThatYo]

Academic flex? More like pathetic crutch, and sad attempt to create an illusion of intelligence where there is none. Is your “library” going to be host to a complete card catalogue, and eighty years of the local newspaper on microfiche?

[@linzeeb4]

Exactly! Having a library as an academic is totally a credibility enhancing display.

[@FuckThatYo]

@@linzeeb4 Unless you happen to be a competent interior designer.

[@rmonson5002]

@@FuckThatYo What are you even talking about? For someone who makes a living in academia, such as a college professor, having an extensive library is not an "illusion of intelligence." Books are simply tools of the trade that are used, and used often. What a ridiculously moronic comment.

[@ketowolf]

I appreciate the coffee table comment. It’s a pet peeve when I see coffee tables FULL of decor. I really don’t like non-functional design, so a coffee table that’s literally unusable makes my eye twitch, and I see it so often in interior design photos. Lol

[@simplelifesg3459]

Same goes with dining tables filled with decor and plants or flowers. How does one even dine on such dining tables?? 🤦

[@cindyvito1692]

And the kitchen island. So much big scale items styled on an island reduces the amount of space I can use to cook or have people sitting at the island.

[@virginiasoskin9082]

We don't even HAVE coffee tables. We have end tables with lamps.

[@witchypoo7353]

I personally love knickknacks, but I don’t like them being in the way. I hate them making practical things useless

[@coffieangel5689]

@@cindyvito1692 definitely agree on the kitchen island especially. Great point!

[@linzeeb4]

In my humble opinion, the tackiest design mistake is overstyling to the point that anything isn't functional. It just looks phony. Fake or color coded books, desks and other surfaces with too many things that are only for aesthetics, a piece of furniture too precious to be used, etc. It's one thing for something to not look good because it hasn't been styled or is only for function. But there's something especially sad/aversive about something that clearly took effort, isn't functional and still looks unappealing.

[@craftyluna6381]

I don't have any art on my ceilings . . . that counts as dead space, right? 😁 But seriously, whenever I have empty space, my eyes keep going there and wanting it filled. Maybe tacky is my aesthetic.

[@KivaBrent]

You like what you like! If it feels like home to you, you’re doing the right thing 😊.

[@jeanvignes]

Maximalism isn't necessarily tacky. It can be, but it doesn't have to be.

[@sogno_di_carta6430]

@@jeanvignes I was just going to add this but by saying that what she described isn’t called tacky but maximalist. Also another word is extravagant. And that word isnt always negative. I don’t like minimalism, it’s booooooring. I like to have a home that feels as though someone lives there and I can see the personality of its owner reflecting on every room.

[@barbaramobley8845]

Lol!

[@MA-zg2pz]

Keep doing you!

[@Dani_D00dle]

Kiva you would hate my home LOL my design style is “drunk rainbow that threw up everywhere with a side of tacky!” I love it!! Also I’m an artist so that’s probably the source lol

[@KivaBrent]

I grew up in a drunk rainbow house and loved it! This is general design advice, but not advice that needs to always been taken!

[@Dani_D00dle]

@@KivaBrent I love your design advice!!! And love it even more now that I know you grew up in a drunk rainbow home! I’m amongst friends! Lol!

[@theajayieffect]

I was going to say! My dream living room is inspired by Nia's ("Jordan's") from the Best Man - always has been! 😂

[@Glim246]

You keep doing you💗

[@AlmondJoie]

@@theajayieffect Right?! The set designer for _The Best Man_ absolutely nailed Nia's living room aesthetic. Based upon that, it would've been cool if they had shown the layout and decor of her entire house.

[@laurabolt5412]

I would love a Pros and Cons series on your channel where you talk about items or styles in contexts where they could be good/effective or bad/ineffective. What do you think?

[@KivaBrent]

That’s a great idea, Laura! I will certainly add it to my list. Thanks for sharing!

[@renhoek3687]

I loved your advice on "dead space". At 60 years old, I've always tried to fill my walls. You have enlightened me on the concept of dead space. My walls have never looked better! And I can actually see the art again instead of clutter. ♥️

[@louisefromNY]

Me too. And I’m 67 years old. Lol.

[@nativeamericanfeather9948]

I just say there's no right or wrong ..just decorate your space that makes you feel comfortable..nobody else has to live there but you♡ But definitely love this advice! Thank you for ideas & reminding us of some important things to keep in mind. I use have SO much stuff on my walls. And thankfully I took it all down. And my rooms looks so much bigger. There was so much that people got overwhelmed vs seeing & appreciating my decor.

[@JTS731]

Mrs Kiva, you got me rolling with the empty bookshelves comments .."are you still working on it" "is there something in the mail" oohhh.. ..lol!!

[@KivaBrent]

Haha! This is exactly what my OWN shelves looked like just two years ago!

[@tinajoneswilliams4253]

I literally laughed out loud! Xoxo

[@katherinekelly5380]

And I always wonder “where are your books, are they under your bed? “

[@coastaldiva]

I love dead space. Its such a breather. I get overwhelmed with too much on the walls

[@LylyHec]

Love my Gallery Wall, love my books over the table for when I sit to rest I grab it. Does it looks tacky? I really don’t know…maybe. My house feels cozy, minimal and clean, but also, It makes me happy. So yes. Different perpesctives. People: Do what makes you happy.

[@illepu]

I use the term "negative space." It's really difficult to find negative space in my home. It's well over a hundred years old and has been remodeled many times. There are lots of windows, doorways, and built-ins but no expanses of wall. It makes it quite difficult to hang paintings or to find a restful space. Yikes! I've read that in Japanese design there's often an empty shelf in a bookcase to allow the space to "breathe."

[@kindmama]

Your description makes me think of my home. Old and lovely, however there was such carelessness in the placements and design of additions and expansions. There is a built-in linen closet and when they added the bedroom they literally put it so close that the trim for the linen closet and bedroom door TOUCH! I can't even paint in-between the trims with a fine line art brush. So frustrating and cluttered. We are slowly remodeling and trying to make the whole house "breathe".

[@upgrade101]

THANK YOU. Bookcases 👏🏾 are 👏🏾 for 👏🏾 books 👏🏾 🤣

[@KivaBrent]

They are!

[@upgrade101]

@@KivaBrent I want to scream at 'influencers' to pick up a book 😅 it hurts me to my very core that they suggest buying books, only for the colour of the spines, or to turn back to front for decor 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@BrownEyedGirl1367]

@@upgrade101 and I know it’s popular, but a true book lover (one who reads) doesn’t arrange their books by color. This drives me nuts. 📚📚📚

[@upgrade101]

@@BrownEyedGirl1367 OMG YES! What happens if its a series?!?!? 🤬 Are these people honestly suggesting breaking them up?!

[@mkmason7727]

@@BrownEyedGirl1367 I love reading and I sort my books by color! It actually helps me find them because I can remember and see the color of the spine more easily than I can remember and see the title 😅

[@WarriorPrincess615]

Before this video started, I knew empty wall space was going to be on the list lol. But dead space is boring to me. My bedroom has the least amount of things on the walls and I fight every day to keep from adding stuff just because my bedroom is supposed to be where I relax lol. I know designers say when you have so much stuff your eye doesn't know where to look but for me it just gives me many places to look. I don't think of it as clutter either. To me clutter is a bunch of crap laying around that isn't organized & doesn't have a home. But if that's what we're calling it, fine I love "clutter" and Imma stick beside it 🤣. Anyway, great video as always ❤

[@dianeguy7452]

Me too! I love all my stuff and it’s stragetically placed not just laying around.

[@MA-zg2pz]

❤️ exactly

[@babykrul]

I do too! I sometimes look at rooms as a whole but I find it more fascinating to zoom in and look at the spaces within spaces, like little corners that almost look like their own separate rooms etc. Like the room is a world that has different countries instead of it being one big country? Idk haha but I just love to stare at all my things and drift away. I love chaos, for me it’s order in some weird way

[@LisaMarie-br8tn]

Took the words out of my mouth. I've learned that I'm very anxious in rooms I am not comfortable in which is usually bright, white, and empty.

[@user-kpkxgtj]

​@@LisaMarie-br8tn bright, white and empty sounds like a recipe for sadness 😅

[@beantownzfinest1247]

Omg this video is right on time, Ms. Kiva! Got me up here taking notes on what NOT to do✍🏾! Lol…I also have an idea for a video: I bought my first home last year & it is a home with all the “builder-grade finishes” included: NO TRIM WORK, laminate, beige walls, carpet, boob lights, etc. Would you please consider doing a series on how to add style to builder-grade homes?

[@netta358able]

That's what I do came to KZbin for idea on my home after I bought it,got a little tho☺️ good luck🤞

[@AHasNYC]

Yes yes!!!! Please !!!! I also want to see economical ways to add style to builder grade homes.

[@janesmith657]

Yes please!!!!

[@anged5142]

My first answer is alwaysss get rid of boob lights first 😂 Amazon has some pretty good deals on lighting

[@beantownzfinest1247]

@@anged5142 Thanks so much for the tip! Now I just have to find one that I like😂🤦🏾‍♀️. Lol…

[@brandoniswhoiam]

The tip on having some empty walls really helps me… when I’m decorating in The Sims 4.

[@jen3566]

The common theme in a lot of these issues boils down to practically. I know fashion is great and all and everyone wants a pretty home but!!! What if!!! Your home functioned for you!!! The whole usable surfaces and books actually on bookshelves was very refreshing to hear.

[@micheles8818]

I love you humor… “are you waiting for something to come in the mail?” 😆

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks so much Michele! 💕

[@sogno_di_carta6430]

I have to say that I have seen a lot of houses with “busy” interior designs that are amazing and look super stylish. I think it’s all about taste and because you don’t like to add, for example: a gallery wall, doesn’t mean your taste is what’s right. I mean it really it just depends on how is done and the colors that are used.

[@MA-zg2pz]

Amen

[@hshawn00]

Exactly! I just watched a video of a desgner talking up gallery walls then I come here and she's calling them tacky. It's all about personal taste.

[@bluebird4815]

Forget empty shelves. I'm that person whose dream is to have a home library. My books are my love. Getting lost in pages and various fictional worlds is fantastical. 😂😂😂😂 One day, i will have that home with a large but cozy plant & fairy lights filled library.

[@mamalulu2841]

Me too I love to read

[@alexsilva-vn7jc]

My dream too!

[@catalinacostilla5831]

Such good advice, right now I'm decluttering my home. I suffer from "can't say no to free good quality furniture" and now my home is very mismatched.

[@KivaBrent]

You are being sustainable, which is a good thing! Try to learn to say no, but you are doing a great job, Catalina!

[@barbaramorck2933]

I rescued 2 side tables from beside our dumpster -- they needed a little love -- screw tightening, maybe some sanding & buffing. I waited 2.5 hours to see if anyone else would get them. It rained -- drizzle, but still. I put them in the back of my hatchback to dry out. And, there they stayed for a week while I debated what to do with them -- I looked them up -- new they run $300-500. I finally decided that while it would be a good project, there are other things that require my attention. The local charity shop was the recipient. I'd like to say I felt better after donating them but No. At least I gave them another chance. I don't understand people who won't drive to donate. But at least, they didn't put them INTO the dumpster.

[@zerowhite2286]

Well done, you. I hate to see things going to waste. That furniture is having an after life thanks to you.

[@SunnySimmer80]

What about maybe sanding down the furniture and choosing a varnish that you like to have things match more? Just an idea!

[@karlenah10]

“Why is there no where to put my cup??” 😂 That took me out - so true

[@oeendrila]

Omg. Just today we redid the staircase so as to get more bookshelf space on the walls. We have so many books that I can only squeeze in couple of plants in there. I was wondering if I was doing it wrong. Thanks so much for reassuring us that bookshelves are for books. First and foremost!

[@tinac3880]

You just read my living room for filth!! And I loved every second of it. I embraced my tackiness a long time ago!

[@alexsilva-vn7jc]

I think there´s nothing I like better than bookshelves or bookcases filled with books, in a well styled home. It feels so comforting and classy to me. Our cd/dvd collections are a headache though, that we are still bickering over (married 25 years).

[@kelleyhawk6595]

My grandmother use to say the difference between gaudy and tacky is gaudy has class, tacky doesn’t!

[@brendaindallas9880]

?????

[@shamekaewings6932]

@@brendaindallas9880 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@rosemarybaxter9120]

I’m clueless when it comes to styling and decor, and I’m addicted to your channel!

[@HagathaBroomstick]

1) One color overload - check (purple) 2) No dead space - check (all walls occupied) 3) Cluttered /overloaded bookshelves - checkeroo 4) Cluttered table tops...check! I call my place the Gypsy Bordello and its AWESOME! I am a rebel! More! More! More!

[@unnamedxx]

Honestly the empty bookshelves/bookshelves with “fake” books bother me so much. Like what is the point of having bookshelves to fill with random pointless stuff? Or get a bunch of books you haven’t and will never read. Maybe it’s just cause I’m a avid book reader/collector so it bothers me more than it would most.

[@mycozymnlife6795]

Lol this! Im a major book worm and everytime I see that im just like what a waste of shelves

[@alexandragavrilidis6688]

I loved everything about this video! There are so many coffee tables and bookshelves around on social media that are packed with decor. I’ve been thinking to myself “is this what I need to do to make my space look good/cohesive/interesting/inviting?” Thank you for your tips. I am now excited to put my books on my bookshelves (without stacking on top of them a vase, candle, string of beads and plant till every inch is filled)

[@michie826]

This needs to be required watching for other YTers, specifically those who think they are interior decorators.

[@bonitaquandt4862]

I am so grateful to find your channel! Here I am in the final third of my life, still wondering what is my style and how do I make my home a comfortable place that shows it? You, dear Kiva, have clarified, simplified and encouraged me. I recently moved to a new home and am claiming what I love, and amplifying it with what I chose for furnishings, and some decor. Wow!

[@xcytd4diys894]

That Mirror is Tacky! I think you should store it at my house!😉

[@KivaBrent]

Hahaha noted!

[@californiaatravesdemisojos4917]

I’ll pick color and pattern anytime before boring beige.

[@kenshinlvr33]

So glad I found your video. Everything you said clicked with me. I feel the house itself is a piece of art and when people throw stuff on all the walls and clutter up shelving, it really takes away from the beauty of the house's structure. Look forward to seeing more videos from you!

[@tabo0026]

I love how you added that if you want it to look minimal, get shelves that enclose everything. That is what I am in the market for with my sheet music and my husband's work books. They will be in our bedroom when we move but I don't want to see them. It is too much visual noise for me. So I am shopping for a shelf that looks very stylish on the outside as well as functional on the inside. Thanks again for the great tips. I feel like I am one step closer to my perfectly designed house every time I see your videos. ♡ from Korea!

[@annelieswallace237]

DEAD SPACE - I always believed I invented this for my flat. Love it. Great to hear you love it too. Love and appreciation from Austria

[@KivaBrent]

Dead space is invaluable! I’m glad you have considered it while designing your home, Annelies!

[@Hershea1]

I love this video. I’m such a fan of “less is more” in everything I do when it comes to decorating and fashion. Thank you for sharing! ❤️ I would love a video on sofa styling and pillow sizes. Specifically a sectional 😫

[@paulalim1476]

Well, since I broke just about every rule I find myself breathing a sigh of relief that my built in book shelf has doors. I can’t stop shopping. I’m an attic…vintage & antiques. My rule has been that there’s always room for one more piece. Anyone looking for a spinning wheel from 1800’s? 😬

[@stefanianzo9907]

In a previous video you mentioned some tips on lighting. Lighting is just something that trips me up. Do you mind offering a video for this? Thank you, love your channel !

[@KivaBrent]

I can definitely do this, Stefani! I’ll add it to my list!

[@beantownzfinest1247]

Omg, yes please! A lighting video would be amazing😍. I need to know what to replace those ugly boob lights with, without spending $500 per light😂🤦🏾‍♀️…

[@DonnaScharff]

Kiva we have a family room, so I have turned my living room into a an extensive library with 6 large bookshelves full of books. I'm a book lover and I've spent the better part of 40 years curating them. They are all hardcover, most coffee table sized on every subject that interest me like art, architecture, astrology, world travel, classic literature, home decorating, gardening, history, science, transportation, lighthouses, some favorite novelist and and a sizeable collection of special interest reference books. I can't imagine my home without them. I have way too many books to "style" the shelves, but I do use them throughout my home to build platforms to display other home decor items like plants and candles. I'll be keeping my prized collection and if I'm lucky will be able to add a few more in the future! 😊

[@nancym5341]

THANK YOU!! I truly appreciate your HONESTY with our challenges. It’s so good to hear these things (we sometimes know) and get a new inspired outlook. I have a newly painted open concept basement apartment that I keep looking at as a new burden! As much as I needed the work done; it’s crazy cuz I need furniture (sofa/ chairs) primarily ! No ideas on where to get a deal. Thanks again KB and Babe best of luck with your Studies! You 2 are great inspiration.

[@marydonovan7383]

Thank you Kiva. I have learned so much from you! You’re helping me find my design style and decide on a color palette. Right now I’m taking a page from your playbook and choosing black/white. There will be plenty of room to add color once I get a good design foundation in place. Love how practical you are-your wife’s medical books don’t get banished from the room in the name of style. Is it sad that looking to see if you’ve posted a new video is often the highlight of my day lol.

[@reinlu3817]

Fake covers for books are also a good option, I think. Because many of us need a functional bookshelf and don't really have a lot of spots where we can place one. So you can style beautiful fake covers that match your colour palette and print all the necessary information you need on the cover. Also, extra protection for your books! Win-win

[@bricksloth6920]

I have color in upholstery and in art and accessories. Mostly solids, there's a pattern of squares on the rug. (Walls are neutral grays with white trim, the drapes are cream, to keep things from getting too loud.)

[@pman2916]

When you showed pics of the rainbow room, especially the green room with green seats, I was like but those rooms are divine!! Lol I've just discovered my aesthetic is Grand millennial, so the "throw up in the room" design you mentioned lol I love your suggestions tho and the suggestions pics you chose. Love it all!!

[@tracys694]

Your videos are so straightforward and solution oriented. One of my favorite channels ♥️

[@amaliag5877]

I just love your delivery, your humour, and your empathy! Amazing decor tips, fun to learn and you break it to us gently when we’re being design numbskulls! (My fave: bookshelves are for books!)

[@Reulus]

Kiva, you could have been more specific about books and tacky by mentioning the stacks of books on a table, several stacks, and objects placed over them like the hideous beads, or the ginormous 3 to 5 wood or metal links and a scented candle. Then again, how about the books turned backwards... or removing dust jackects to get the solid color of a book. A books purpose is to provide information, diversion, inspiration, delight... to spark the imagination, I have never thought of them as decorative items. I like books as decor without ignoring their original function. As for positive and negative space, many people have problems with negative space, they feel compelled to fill the negative space without realizing that a negative space is full and counterbalences the positive spaces. Nice job discusing these issues.

[@pk-all-day]

BOOKS TURNED BACKWARD. Completely impractical. My current biggest peeve, lol.

[@linzeeb4]

Agreed! I think books can be an important part of the design of a space only because they're such an inviting element of a home and reflection of the interests of the inhabitants. Beyond that, they're just there to be read and loved.

[@kathyohara6658]

Absolutely loved this advice. So many good pointers that we really don't consider. The illusion of space is so valid, especially in a busy home where easy maintenace is needed. It can easily become a cluttered mess bordering on hoarding when every space is filled.

[@korenbrigham5922]

I love this. My style is eclectic and I collect stuff such as vases, bowls and tchotchkes. I am allergic to dust so keeping three items displayed at a time and rotating them from under-bed storage (Brooklyn storage is limited) helps keep my space lovely, reduces dust-collecting surfaces and lets me enjoy switching out the items so I can really see them afresh. I don’t become blind to them when I changed them every once and a while.

[@AshCupric]

That’s a brilliant idea!

[@harryrock169]

She had me from “hello” she spoke my mind and yet I do the opposite in reality and I hate. I overdue things. Really love this informative video. I’m going to watch it again & try to implement every single advice bit by bit . Thank you. You have new fan.

[@treciamultiplepersonalityw9872]

I loved minimalist design until I realize how much of an "Anglophile" I am and started embracing ornate , intricate pieces/design to add personality to a space so "less is more" is now boring to me. "Tacky" to one is interesting to another. I love conversational pieces and design that's borderline "over the top". My design style is now airy but filled with details and cohesive patterns.

[@kaykayglover2463]

9:25 The leaning ladder shelf is my pet peeve. Hate hate hate those.

[@tiffanyb6420]

Thanks for exclaiming bookshelves are for books. Books are such an excellent way to demonstrate our personality or interests.

[@candibee8918]

I love this so much, super excited I found your channel! It's so refreshing to hear a designer talk about instagram vs. real life use. I don't know if this is a silly question, but as a beginner I really struggle with the rule of 3's and I wonder if you would be open to making a short how-to on it. In the space you showed I see one pile with 5 or 6 things in it, and then one large object, and one medium object with 1 plant in it. When I see it on that table, I get how it's a group of 3, but in my own space I struggle to know how to recreate it with my own things without it looking like a random assortment. If you ever do a little "rule of 3s" tutorial I will be first in line to watch!

[@Ohemaa]

It’s the “Are you still working on it?” That got meeeeee 😂😂😂

[@annparkes6542]

A shelving unit is different than a bookcase. My shelving unit has no back and staggered shelves and is made for "stuff". My bookcase has a back and has books.

[@jf7978]

Good points on not overcrowding. Thank you

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks for watching!! 💕

[@kathyabeauty]

Haha, "like the color threw up in your home" ! I so Love your channel. : D Thanks for your ideas.

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks so much Kathy!! 💕😂

[@catherineparisi1669]

Loved it!! Love your sense of humor too 👏🏻👏🏻☺️

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you so much! We need to have more fun when talking about our homes!

[@anahertrich6193]

Really great video! I haven't heard the negative space, less is more and color palette topics explained in the same way before. I will definitely be binging some videos!

[@vivettewilsonbrown]

I must agree with this video. I hate seeing 10 ginger jars in one room, over crowding of walls, accent color EVERYWHERE, tons of pillows on the sofa with no where to sit.

[@AtHomeWithDidi]

Kiva you’re my best interior decorator. I learn a lot from your videos and this is no exception. Thank you very much

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you so much Didi! I appreciate you! 💕

[@Little_Sidhe]

Guilty for the colour explosion, after a migraine I'm thinking of redecorating. Beige and white is nice.

[@nolomoloi]

I love how you share what you know so entertaining and valuable, thank you

[@BigTashington]

I’m so glad I came across your channel! Bookshelves not being used for books literally made me LOL I can’t stand to see the played out stack of (unread/unopened👀) fashion books with a random clay vase/sculpture on top, let books live 🙈 I find most maximalism mad confusing, less is always more

[@heathermarshall3396]

Wow - this video was so helpful. Love the tip to use the bookshelves as bookshelves and not making them the focal point in the room. Seems so simple, but yet I've struggled with this for years. I hated my bookshelves and felt embarrassed by the amount of books that were on them but I love my books, so shifted the couch and now the bookshelves are no longer the focal point you notice, they really do just melt into the wall/room, and I can still access my books! Thank you Kiva

[@izishillboldon6036]

Great presentation. It was very informative. You are great. The empty space was very entertaining and useful. I love contemporary style and you do a great job in bringing it. See soon.

[@dinaghikas7933]

Thanks for the tips, I especially appreciated the tip about embracing negative space, and not trying to fill every space. I just moved into a new home, and I brought very little decor with me, and it's hard to resist the temptation to find a plant stand or end table or artwork to fill every corner. I will (try to) hold back a little. Also, thanks for saying it's ok to have bookshelves that are for books. And, coffee tables that don't actually function as such, are a pet peeve of mine.

[@HelloMyeashea]

“Put your books on your bookshelf” THANK YOU! I ask people all the time where they put their books! Lol

[@MariposasSol]

Gracias for your honest home decor advice. I'm so glad you touched on the subject of empty walls; as I decided my living room furniture ( sofa, coffee table, fireplace mantel), will "act" as art due to the limited space I have to work with. Less is definitely more when space is limited.

[@noracardona2527]

Kiva, these were wonderful ideas of how to fix common mistakes. I appreciate the contrasting pictures to visualize what you are referring to. Your tips are very practical and doable. Thank you so much for the bookshelf ideas. Mine are a hot mess. I will definitely be referring back to this video as I fix my bookshelves. Thank you!

[@kimduong1473]

Omg! Im so glad I found your channel. I've been telling my husband that we don't have to stick just our color palette. We're going for modern contemporary blues greys white and gold. Just to give you a little back story. Lately I've been wanting to add some warmth to it. So it can feel more "homey" but my husbands like no, no wood. But our kitchen dining table has wooden legs sooooo

[@meep2253]

Thanks for the video! Could you do a video on Coastal interiors?

[@KivaBrent]

Yes!!

[@kc-lc7pi]

That would be great! Modern or Contemporary coastal I would like to learn more about. 💙

[@amy7494]

@@KivaBrent yes please!!!!!

[@annecarter5181]

Another winning video! Good basic guidelines for decorating.

[@christinetvaroch1629]

Time to go edit my shelves! I knew I needed to do this. Thanks for the push!

[@diazrigau]

You are the best decorator in KZbin, the best. I adore you. Thank you.

[@gailremp8389]

You have one bowl on the shelf? Are you waiting for something to come in the mail? Thank you I needed a good burst out loud moment of laughter at 4:30 in the morning. Totally agree. You all have a blessed day. I guess that's about it for the day and Gail in Central Florida Friday, October 29, 2021. Thank God it's cool weather in Florida yay

[@jacquelynedwards2183]

I recently added a 3rd item to my coffee table because of your tip on the rule of 3! I'm also going to leave my wall dead space alone, I've been tempted to add more and more, and it already looks great like it is, LOL! THANKS KB!!!

[@phoeebeexD]

Real comfy is what we all are looking is a home for us all, our families, friends, and need to feel at home helped me make it renovated my home an

[@thomashumphrey7395]

To each his own. You have to find your own style and what reflects you and your interests and not trends or homogeneity of design. Everyone is different, but granted, there are some universal truths and design axioms. Part of me thought the color going too far was true and garish and repulsive, and another part of me admired the boldness of having such a strong and distinct palette that was certainly unique. Most people don't have the courage or vision to design and think too far outside the box. So you have to applaud that, even if it's not everyone's cup of tea.

[@mingram7748]

It's just common sense! Peoples personalities are diverse and so are their opinions. Who decides how we decorate our homes?I'm very comfortable in my home so I couldn't care less if someone else doesn't agree with my choices.

[@1974angels]

Obsessed with the mirror behind you, absolutely stunning!❤😊

[@freakinfrugal5268]

I love what you said about books and bookshelves!

[@jeanvignes]

I don't think having a different design style is necessarily tacky. One of the most unique, over-stuffed, nuts, GORGEOUS, apartments I've ever seen belongs to Amy Sedaris. She doesn't have a truly tacky bone in her body, but her home would be overwhelming to many people. We need a different word for how Amy Sedaris' home strikes minimalists.

[@janebaker4912]

Yes! He apartment is amazing!! So much pattern and colour and life. So much delight

[@sogno_di_carta6430]

Thank you!!! Tacky means “bad taste” so she is technically calling everything she doesn’t like tacky as if her taste is what’s up! I find that tacky. Lol.

[@janebaker4912]

@@sogno_di_carta6430 I think kitch... (I'm spelling this wrong)

[@mpc13]

Same thoughts! Justina Blakeney also has a maximalist home - colors and decors everywhere - but her home is LOVELY!!!!!

[@aesinam]

@@sogno_di_carta6430 the one thing she talked about that is truly tacky is having empty shelves or bookshelves with fake books. Why?

[@tesssekhar432]

Omg I’m terrified of dead space!! Thank you for this realization!