High Maintenance Design Choices You'll Regret & Better Alternatives

[@raghavhabib]

This is an excellent video. Many designer homes use materials that look good in the picture or video but are a nightmare to clean and maintain!

[@cakedupkevin]

Like marble kitchen countertops! 😂

[@tealkerberus748]

You missed bamboo in the flooring section. I have friends with bamboo floors and two dogs and they're very happy with how the floors cope with the dogs' claws.

[@gantenbeinable]

How does bamboo handle sunlight over the years?

[@kfox24]

This is good to know! I have a dog and am currently designing my new home, and flooring is a big consideration. I'll keep bamboo in mind!

[@kitti_p]

Agree! I have bamboo flooring and it works for me. Not sure I'd call it low maintenance since it can absorb water, but I love the way it looks and feels and actually sold me on my current house. Also, previous owner had a massive dog who clearly liked to scratch, but the flooring looks pretty good to me

[@kitti_p]

​@@gantenbeinable I just moved into a house that's had bamboo flooring for 5-10+ years, and I can't see any obvious differences between the areas that get a lot of sun and those that wouldn't. I would worry more about moisture and chips when you drop something hard on it tbh. I've already dinged up tiny bits off when I dropped a plate😂

[@pman2916]

I'm team laminate because it's durable, cheap and I don't treat it as precious as I would something that was expensive. I've had this all my life and never had any issues. Thanks for this video🙏

[@wahahabuh]

I have had wood and stone and engineered stone. I agree with you, laminate is best because it's cheapest, it's durable and I don't have to be careful with it

[@barygol]

You mean laminate for the countertop or the flooring? For the kitchen not in a million years. Dekton, Neolith and the like for the win. No liquid absorption. Much more anti-bacterial, super easy to clean...it's more expensive but it's absolutely worth it. For flooring yes, unless you have heating floor.

[@evanor1296]

@@pman2916 i agree with both. Laminate floor ac 4 survives a lot. Not as good looking as real wood but ok. Laminate countertop is good in the other areas of the Kitchen. Dont like it next to the sink because risks of water damage. The nicest thing about laminate is that is easy to replace because of the price if something happens to it

[@wahahabuh]

​@evanor1296 my parents have laminate next to the sink. It's been more than 20 years and no water damage

[@razamughal4582]

Please make more videos on performance fabric.

[@catharinewhitby3649]

I wish cork flooring was back in fashion. It is warm, quiet, easy underfoot, natural looking, sustainable and anti-microbial. Today there are event waterproof cork floorings, useable in a shower. I'll be using cork flooring in my new build.

[@Mari-cre8s]

Super helpful info, thank you! And also timely as we are in the design phase of a big kitchen remodel. This is very helpful to whittle down choices… fussy cleaning is not how I want to spend my time! 🙏🏼😀

[@georgiawild4332]

I was most excited to learn about the new grout! We will eventually need to regroup our floors and that will be a wonderful replacement for the bathroom and kitchen! I hate grouted tile, BTW, I don't know who thought it would be a good idea for kitchen countertops.

[@youbetcha108]

Epoxy grout has been around for a long time. I think you have to be careful where to use it so Google it bf you decide where it should be used.

[@janeclass730]

Thank you for this very informative video. It is very helpful to know the ratings to consider for tile, laminate flooring, etc. A great video to reference for future home projects. ❤

[@penelopepitstock]

Thank you for mentioning silicosis! I hope other countries ban it too asap. The alternatives can easily replace the dangerous stuff. Love your work, love from Australia 🥰

[@Channel-gz9hm]

It's not dangerous unless you're hacking at it all day with a diamond saw. It is absurd to me that because construction workers are too lazy to wear respirators while building it that it should be banned.

[@johtajakansio]

@@Channel-gz9hm Just like asbestos

[@tealkerberus748]

@@Channel-gz9hm I think it's more about the factory workers who are handling it all day every day - when you're in that environment the dust is going to get into your hair and clothes and inside the pores in your skin, and respirators while you're actually working aren't going to protect you from breathing it in after work, or your family breathing it in when you go home. Employers had the opportunity to find a way to fix the problem and they failed, so we fixed the problem for them. The rest of the world could learn from us: if some industry's business model is killing your people, you shut down that industry.

[@peter65zzfdfh]

@@Channel-gz9hmthat’s what I thought until I looked into it, and even in places with wet cutting and mandatory respirator use people have still come down with silicosis, the particles are that fine they just can’t be worked. This is killing people in their 20’s.

[@Channel-gz9hm]

@@peter65zzfdfh You do not sound well versed in materials science if you believe silica dust is "impossible to filter out from the air". If a respirator can be designed to filter out chemical vapors/toxic gases and biological materials (which is self-evident as these respirators have existed for decades and decades), which are all infinitely smaller than silica particles, then quite plainly you can filter out silica. This simply falls back to the workers failing to protect themselves. Respirators do not work unless you are FIT TESTED and it forms an AIR-TIGHT SEAL. The only way workers are getting silicosis is if they were improperly wearing their respirators or wearing one that does not fit. This is all objective fact. I return to my point; No one may enjoy these countertops forevermore because construction workers are being irresponsible during installation? That is ridiculous.

[@tbloembergen]

Your videos always hit the nail on the head! What great content. Thanks again!

[@heijd]

Wonderful video! I love the perspective of maintenance for interior design! A video on design choices to keep the bedroom tidy would be amazing

[@sherrieludwig508]

I love my Corian countertops, installed over twenty years ago. still look like the day they were put in. easy to clean.

[@IamSiriusStar]

Good assessment 👏🏾 I also agree that it takes more effort to maintain furniture with legs. I have the vanity featured in this video. It replaced an older one that had a base. I asked the contractor to leave the base and it creates a barrier; dirt cannot accumulate underneath. I know that there has to be a "formal " name for this. It's not a new idea and it works like a charm

[@valiantvanadium6996]

I've always done tiled worktops. Easy to seal the plywood or mdf underneath with a product like red guard. Then just run 60cm tiles of your choice front to back to minimize joins. Use black grout, keep join narrow don't indent grout too much and add silicon afterwards to avoid water seeping in. Just use a painted or varnished wood strip on the side. Choose the tiles before cutting the worktops to ensure a perfect fit. That 60cm tiles could be anywhere between 59.5 and 60.5 cm. Using tiles makes it much easier to deal with irregular angles and shapes in the kitchen

[@evanor1296]

Im about to install a 90s secondhand stainless steel countertop with a bump in front so spill dont reach the cabinets before it wipes up :)

[@youbetcha108]

Excellent choice! No germs for you!

[@penelopepitstock]

@@evanor1296 what a great idea! As a frequent spiller this would help me a lot 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣

[@evanor1296]

@@penelopepitstock yes in Sweden this kind of countertop used to be standard untill the 90s. Then the small under mounted or overhang sinks with wood laminat or stone countertop became the thing so now people in Sweden are throwing away all of the old stainless steel combined countertop and sink. Really a waste because they are strong and simple to clean and buying a new in the same style is really expensive

[@penelopepitstock]

@@evanor1296 damn, what a pity. Be great if you could pickup some bargains and sell them to renovators looking for a practical and retro finish!

[@sommps]

Really love the practicality of this! Function > (pure) Form always!

[@valt-e]

I learnt so much on organization from your channel thank you

[@janelbuckley8332]

In our 50s home growing up, we had a pull out cutting board at standing level. It was so handy and preserved the counters. My dad coveted it in stainless. It would be so nice to have a pull out at setting level for kitchen work also.

[@RED-ek1zb]

100% agree on the furniture legs!

[@francineh.7825]

I didn't know the hazards of quartz counter tops! This was a great video full of useful information but I have to admit I rewound to watch the kittens a few times haha 😊

[@mcm9619]

Fabulous video thank you.

[@kevinfestner6126]

Love the content. I'm still going with the Free standing tub.

[@AngelaDavis-yz3xf]

Just realised, I've been watching your videos for months and never subscribed! Sorted, with notifications on 😊

[@simplexmelody]

I don't have my own place, but I will definitely bookmark this video for reference. Thanks for saving us time and heartache ^^

[@tiffanypersaud3518]

“Designing a home is like choosing a partner, do you go for the low-maintenance partner, or for the one that looks gorgeous that needs constant care.”… With me and my ADHD self I always give both so I shall get both😅. Thanks for the vid! ❤ Thanks for raising awareness on silica dust. It happens on construction sites with concrete too, I had to wear a dust mask on them, and I had my coworkers do the same. The stuff is carcinogenic.

[@phylliscraine]

We installed LVP inner house and we love it. Most people think it's wood.

[@Lulu-oi9ue]

I am getting plantation shutters and linen blend sheer curtains. I want lower maintenance and have something aesthetically pleasing. I’m all for that since I live in a small home with my small family and dogs. It’s a constant struggle to maintain. Especially as there’s a lot of white and beige.

[@BradThePitts]

Butcherblock countertops require a special soap and occasional application of mineral oil and/or caranuba wax. It's not that bad, and while I have the rag & latex gloves out I treat my cutting boards & wooden utensils - which is something you have to do anyway. And every time I do this I remind myself that I saved $10,000 by choosing butcherblock countertops.

[@linweizhang2382]

omg Reynard starts to have sponsorships!! Congrats!!

[@oliveoil2x]

Great video- great information & well delivered. Thank you.

[@endxofxeternity]

Such high-quality content, thank you

[@richdobbs6595]

I beg to differ. I've never sealed either slab or tile granite, and never had any problems with it. I've lived with a manufactured stone counter top for the last year, and its got turmeric stains, scratches from cast iron skillets and chips where I've bumped the rim when putting in skillet into the sink. I'm not sure what brand it is, because this is rental.

[@pinkroses135]

Stainless steel is my dream countertop

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Thank you, really great information in a condensed video!! Do you have any thoughts on what would be a good choice of flooring for kitchen and dining areas that would keep a dog from slipping and hurting themselves? We want to do luxury vinyl, but I'm so afraid of my dog really hurting herself! Also, we are on a (probably uneven) concrete slab... house built in the 1950's in the U.S., so that is also a consideration. 😬

[@jcs3330]

Another great and informative video Reynard, please keep them coming. With the absence of both children and animals, I believe looking after a stone or wood countertop is a breeze!. It's not so much about these materials being 'high maintenance'...it's more about 'respecting' the high investment you made purchasing them. Personally I have had both 'high maintenance' work tops, floors...and a low maintenance dog (even a wooden floor!). And they all cohabited quite happily together!. Although I would definitely agree, leather sofas are now a no go for me. I always say to friends who are thinking about purchasing leather sofas/chairs, to be aware of the 3 'S''s....Scratches, Stretches and Staines. All good if your home is a 800 year old castle with stuffed animal heads, and you want that aged 'patina' but otherwise avoid, cos this is 'high' maintenance and a emotional trip.

[@NeilPennington-f8o]

Furniture leather is also coated and feels like plastic.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

What would be a good flooring option to keep our dog from slipping and hurting herself? We are on a (probably uneven) concrete slab and want to do luxury vinyl in the kitchen/dining areas, but I really worry about my dog!

[@jcs3330]

@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane My late handsome boy Max, a Chocolate Labradoodle, navigated just fine on both our 'wooden floor' in our old UK home, followed by our (also now previous home) in spain, a 'tiled floor', and now our new Uk home which is LVT. I would say out of all of them Max found the tiled floor over the wood better (only because there was more wood exposed than area rugs, but LVT if say it is a good one and grained would probably be better over polished/sealed real wood (also for wear/tear and claw scratches which are not avoidable). Whatever you choose, just slowly get your dog used to the new surface and he/she will soon understand running round corners without slowing down is not a good idea!. Hope that is of some help. R.I.P Max.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

@jcs3330 Awe, I love labradoodles! Very sorry to hear about your boy, Max... it feels like they take a piece of our hearts right with them when they go. 🥺 Our Brittany Spaniel will be 14 soon, and I hate the thought of that day all pet parents eventually must endure... ugh... Thank you for your thoughts, and for taking the time to write a reply. It makes sense that textured tile would be best. I would love to have that wide textured tile that looks like wood, but my husband is concerned about the uneven cement slab and also the "coldness" of tile, which I can understand. I was told by a podiatrist to always wear shoes in the house so it wouldn't bother me, but he is the opposite. We will probably stick with the LVT then, and try to get one of the "grainier" ones. I also try to keep up with trimming her nails and the fur between her toe pads, but it is difficult. I'm pretty sure the groomer, who has since moved away, had nipped her by accident at least once, so she's very fearful of the whole process, and I guess I can't blame her! I know it's time to trim that fur between her toes when her back feet start sliding behind her while she's just standing in the kitchen! 😆

[@jcs3330]

Thank you for your kind words. I hope whatever floor type that you choose, Brittany is in full approval!.

[@helenetaito-jensen9604]

Thank you for another great video. Just wondering if you left concrete floors out for a reason?

[@ambergerhelper7852]

Would love recommendations for curtains!

[@fl3522]

Great video, good information. Thank you.

[@caldreamin4250]

Beautiful ideas! Many many thanks!!!

[@MWear-x8t]

As someone who has cleaned others houses for years, I get so upset when they weren't thinking of the cleaning lady when they chose that bath tub or whatever it is.

[@cakedupkevin]

Of course they weren’t.

[@solidstate9451]

The employee doesn't chose.

[@cappyfann750]

The employee can always not work for them.

[@asdfghjkp]

Since these things need cleaning that why they hire cleaning lady else they won't hire cleaning person if things are so low maintenance

[@Subee-f5b]

Loved your T shirt. May I know where can I purchase something similar

[@youbetcha108]

The cleaning tools today permit easy cleaning even around those tight fitting free standing tubs. If you like them get them. I don’t like them for safety reasons. But I’m sure that they are not so hard to clean around with the right tools.

[@EWWE-yq5fk]

When my parents bought the home i grew up in, not only was carpet everywhere, shag in the kitchen 😂 And a different color carpet in each room....🙃 those were the days! Confusing decor and bad choices days....lol

[@youbetcha108]

Carpeting had a few benefits. It kept thedwelling quiet and you could walk around in your socks. It prevented slips and padded a fall. It could also hide concrete flooring or mismatched flooring. And it could cost less than sanding and polyurethaning wood floors. Also the fumes from polyurethane last a long time and are very dangerous. Carpeting was a less expensive way to handle a lot of flooring issues. With the fabulous easy clean fabric materials out there now I think it could make a comeback.

[@EWWE-yq5fk]

@youbetcha108 good point! And i will always love carpet in bedrooms. I have brick in kitchen/liv rm and its a great option and low maint.

[@razamughal4582]

Please make more videos on performance fabric.

[@ccabezas26]

This video was very informative, thank you.❤

[@sumitsaluja]

Love your videos, learning so much from them. Wanted to get your thoughts on quartzite as a countertop? Wanted to get its pros and cons. Are they similar to granite?

[@dragonstalk86]

Quartzite is awesome, basically the same rules as granite but usually far more beautiful; had in my last house will do again next reno

[@reynardlowell]

Yup beautiful stone, much easier to maintain compared to most natural stones but really expensive.

[@caitlinroberts7040]

What are y'alls thoughts on concrete counters?

[@NeilPennington-f8o]

Difficult to form up, hard to fully seal, very unattractive.

[@apostately3384]

Today I learned that my granite countertops are supposed to be re-sealed every year … after 14 years 😅 They still seem fine to me! 😅

[@QuiteComtrary]

Put a black light on them. Sealing is to keep bacteria out. The appearance is secondary.

[@ftr911drvr]

Thats my thing with wood floors theyre beautiful but I'm so worried about having to keep them up and baby them with spills etc

[@adolfogonzalez3051]

There is an updated formula for the engineered stone for the australian market. I am interested to hear about the performance of it vs the old one

[@ArtArcanus]

I have stainless steel surfaces at work and, while they are durable and don't stain, thermal expansion is a thing. they won't burn, but they do warp. but these are unsupported metal tables. does anyone have steel countertops with wood underneath? do they respond the same to heat?right now, i really like wood countertops. while they take more damage, they also repair easy and are relatively cheap to replace if necessary. also, i like the rustic look of a scarred wood work table.

[@michaelpilos]

Full Body Porcelain 👌🏼

[@creuvette29]

I don't understand how porcelain is more resistant than granite ??

[@ambergerhelper7852]

My quartz island stains when you look at it. It’s ridiculous. Avoid Umi quartz- it’s white with prominent charcoal/ black veining!

[@L0U1SE]

Caesarstone is so dangerous. Can’t believe it is still acceptable outside of a Australia

[@j-y-y]

Great info, I feel that if Quartz or Engineered Stone is bad for construction guys, it mean it will be bad for consumers as well, who breath and eat residual eventually. DONT TRUST any ENGINEERING material

[@lap8329]

The risk from engineered stone comes from the dust that is generated when it is sawed to shape and size. When that dust is inhaled, it is very damaging to the lungs-not because the is any poison there, it’s just the dust builds up and physically destroys the lung tissues. An inert solid slab of stone is not in any way toxic or dangerous; it’s just a lump of rock. Nothing is going to float off it, or rub off it onto your food. Think of it like fireplaces: A badly maintained or blocked fireplace will kill you because of the accumulated carbon monoxide gas that can’t escape. That doesn’t mean that all fireplaces are killers.

[@strictnonconformist7369]

My current apartment has quartz countertops. Doesn’t stain? Nonsense! I’ve got rust marks and the like, it took them all too readily. Perhaps they used the cheap stuff that’s porous. Perhaps there’s something that I don’t know about that’ll take those stains right out with no effort.

[@TP-pi2ge]

I think it would be important to mention the toxicity of some materials or the release of microplastics. Always better to use natural materials to the most extent possible.

[@cappyfann750]

If my Whirlpool fridge is an indicator, stainless steel will rust unless one notices water has dripped down the front.

[@beno8983]

Anyone know how to tell if my granite worktops need sealing? Can see that not all granite needs it and sealing can damage

[@izaniblade616]

How about sintered stone?

[@QuiteComtrary]

Stainless?!? is low maintenance? If you don’t care what it looks like, absolutely. It’ll last forever and doesn’t hold germs- that’s why it’s used in commercial kitchens. But ask anyone who’s owned a stainless appliance that hasn’t been treated to be fingerprint proof. It looks awful all the time. And you can’t do the fingerprint treatment on countertops because it’s sensitive to chemicals and abrasion. I have glossy black marble. If you use the correct cleaner, it’s the same wipe down as any other surface and sealing it takes about five minutes every 6ish months. At my last apartment, I had white marble. Bleach goes right down the same tiny holes that wine, or blueberries, tbh, go into. Then another quick swipe with the sealer. So easy. Other categories- great tips

[@applesauceandhoney2407]

porcelain countertops how to clean? Can I use bleach?

[@applesauceandhoney2407]

? please answer

[@NatashasSkinSpa1]

Wonderful video. The only thing I disagree with is saying velvet is a high maintenance fabric. This is so incorrect. Velvet is one of the hardiest fabrics available, this is why we have so many examples of antiques still upholstered in their original velvet. It’s easy to clean and lasts a long time.

[@bleelee4566]

Depends on the quality of the velvet. And.no matter how good the quality heavy use will rub the velvet bald.

[@aramos1557]

My tub is in one of those tight spaces, but since it’s a low traffic area and we keep it clean overall (never shoes) it status clean.

[@CapitalisticEmu]

Starting by equating home design with partner choice 😂😂😂 Very brave. Let me grab the 🍿

[@reynardlowell]

Def a risky move 😅

[@margaretames6522]

Stainless steel scratches, doesn’t it?

[@youbetcha108]

Yes. It’s a patina. It’s also the best antimicrobial surface out there. Along with copper silver and gold.

[@NikiK57]

For countertops laminate is king. Why? Because not everyone can afford a kitchen that costs similar to a decent car... Stone is great, but the reality is that its too expensive for majority of people.

[@mrnonews]

Speaking of pronounciations, your accent can be quite difficult to listen to. Although turning on CC is an option, I think it's much better if you also provide the text for every material or highlights in the video as you pronounce them.

[@scrambaba]

Granite is pronounced with a short i vowel sound. So Granit, not Gran-eit. Cheers!

[@tenzin4664]

English is not pronounced the same across the world

[@scrambaba]

@ Where is it pronounced gran-eit? Just asking.

[@FigaroHey]

Very interesting. Do look up the pronunciation of the words "preface," "granite," "acid," "porous," "laminate" (as a noun; you're pronouncing the verb), "velvet," and "patina." Your accent is charming and the quality of your voice is soothing. However, for the sake of professionalism, it is necessary to look up and correct key terms used in your profession and always get them dictionary perfect (your pronunciation of "patina" is common, but incorrect; the pronunciation of a person who never properly learned the word and is guessing, rather than someone who learned the word as a professional in the area of finishes or just a well-educated native-speaker). Checking your pronunciation before recording is like checking a mirror before going on camera. (Native-speaker tip: use "tall" for animals, people, plants and buildings: entities that "grow" in height organically or as they are constructed. Use "high" for things that don't "grow": the pile of carpet, the height of furniture or cabinets, the altitude of planes or other flying objects.)

[@River-io3dc]

Get bent

[@joanvogelland3627]

Really....??

[@jkkay477]

Wow talk about picky, to say nothing of bossy.

[@angelicalawrence2932]

Seriously? People from different English speaking countries all pronounce their words in unique ways. And I’m saying this as an uncouth American. Lol

[@stefs3460]

I'm guessing you only speak English? His English is EXCELLENT for a non-native speaker. He sounds very professional, in fact much more professional than most well educated native speakers in USA such as news anchors, government officials and even some lawyers. If however, you want him to sound like a professional pain in the a** like yourself then I suppose your advice would be helpful, though he may lose subscribers because we enjoy his good design advice as well as his soothing voice and beautiful accent.

[@cynthiamahlin4815]

Lots of great information. Thank you.