home decor I don't think you should buy & why

[@truthisnthate7034]

I’m one of those “cool ceramic artists” you referenced and I am endlessly dismayed by the plethora of mass produced “hand made” fakes with their reactive glazes, wavy rims and wabi sabi imperfections. So I just want to thank you for expressing your appreciation for authentically crafted ceramics and the important role they can play in the home.

[@yiogilvie6225]

What should you look for when purchasing handmade ceramic?

[@CookieDr007]

The mass production/drop ship invasion at 'craft and art' festivals is infuriating

[@truthisnthate7034]

@@yiogilvie6225 Functionally, if you are buying a vessel that will hold liquid make sure it is not made with earthenware, the liquid may leach out of the bottom and damage your surfaces. You want something made with high fire or medium fire clay. Aesthetically, when you pick up a piece it should not feel heavier than you expected. And likewise, the walls of pots should be even from the top down and the walls and base should be of the same thickness. Pieces that are bottom heavy are a sure sign of a beginner maker. If you love the piece go ahead and buy it, but don’t pay a premium price.

[@allienorse2098]

Do you have a link to purchase or browse your art?

[@elsiehupp]

Funny thing: Rae Dunn (the person) used to be like you, but somewhere along the way the Devil mistook her for Faust.

[@virginiaraffaeli8332]

If you ever wanted to start a podcast please know we'd all be listening! You have one of the most soothing voices every❤

[@jasonkay6919]

Soothing, but, like, could use, like, some, like, coaching to, like, polish his, like, speech?

[@helena-em5do]

hey Noah! Historian here. love your videos and i agree that those fake busts are so tacky. Just a note on their origin: greek statues were colored BUT during the 19th century, white plaster busts of greek statues were widely popular, for example used as models for art schools and in line with the general obsession with greece during the neoclassical / greek revival period (this may well have been before we rediscovered that greek statues were in fact painted). You can find the 19th century plaster busts on places like first dibs for crazy prices like 2k$ upwards lol. So white plaster busts are kind of a historical artifact in and of themselves and definitely a collector's item! that being said, the fake ones from cb2 still look cheap af, no matter what they're trying to imitate, lol.

[@libbyslens7826]

Oh this is so interesting! Thanks for the insight 🙏

[@doloresipsum]

Correct but Greek sculpture was rediscovered during the Renaissance, not the 19th century. The color had been washed off by time but no one realized 😊

[@04nbod]

The Victoria and Albert museum sculpture room is basically entirely plaster dupes of classical statues like David. And Trajan's Column which is pretty impressive.

[@MesRevesEnRose]

Yes, I literally just came back from Athens yesterday and just learned this. I always thought the fake busts were tacky but it was kinda cool learning that people have had these fake plaster busts for centuries. So in away, it's authentic academia 'aesthetic' to have the fake thing. 😂 It added a layer of meta to the whole thing and made me feel better about having reproductions in my own home. This obsession with 'original' art is actually the new thing. Now I kinda want a plaster bust. 🤔

[@helena-em5do]

@@doloresipsum yes, totally! But the 19th century was somewhat of a re-renaissance when it comes to greek architecture and art. this was called the neoclassical period and was when these plaster replicas were especially popular. there may have been renaissance versions of them too though! :)

[@jillianl5893]

love the video! as an academic (phd student in art history) I find the mass-produced antiquities/faux-distressed rug thing so fascinating. in the 18th century there was a huge "cult of ruins," meaning an obsession with ancient things "artfully" destroyed by nature and it became a fashion (esp. in england) to have newly manufactured items made to appear old and worn. in 1903, Alois Riegl published an article about monuments, where he theorized that "age value" (meaning the pleasure we get from old things, especially when that age is evident on its surface) is always trumped by "newness value" in the eyes of the masses, since only an educated few appreciate an object's historic relevance. Today, more people are educated in history (or are at least aware that history should be valued), but newness is also still highly valued, which is why we get these strange clashes of mass-produced new objects that gesture towards the past

[@Soussand]

Love this. Another PhD student here, but in humanities and communication!

[@janelte]

Thank you - I think this is a more erudite way of making the point I was alluding to in my own comment. Just why these things appeal and yet feel deeply inauthentic is so interesting, and less likely to come across as an attack on the taste (and financial means) of the masses.

[@twobluestripes]

honestly it is so hard to find decent, affordable rug designs, especially for a more traditional decor style for an older home. i love the wide range of design style, quality, size, at IKEA, for such a good value for price (including their wool and handmade options), but nearly all of their “oriental rug” designs and every others have the distressed look to them and it’s very annoying for me. (i think i really should be looking for rugs at estate sales specifically!!)

[@Beardlybeloved]

I understand why pretty much every KZbin designer hates the fake vintage rugs but I have never been about to find an authentic vintage rug that’s 1.) big enough and 2.) affordable. All of the rugs I find secondhand are either tiny, or absurdly expensive, so I’d say my rug is the one thing in my home I just kinda shrug at and keep it moving (for now) lol

[@elisecccccccc]

Same! I have a few of these and got them while I was in school and super broke, but they still work well enough so until they start to become an eye sore for me I will keep them.

[@ChristiePriem]

Also I honestly think a lot of secondhand rugs are icky.

[@Maryvanni81]

Agreed! Plus even if these large secondhand rugs were more affordable, I can’t bring myself to spend much on a surface my cat will turn into a scratching post.

[@cwednesday]

Yes!

[@lf9341]

I get grossed out by used rugs.....

[@theotron3000]

everything you say is so much in line with what i have been thinking for ages about interior design, thanks for putting it so eloquently! authenticity is so important, if you want a nice rug, get a real one, if you can't afford one, look for a mass produced one that doesn't pretend to be artisan ... it just makes sense

[@sara61696]

Maybe you can do a video talking about all your favorite handcrafted Etsy sellers, vintage resellers, etc that you think have great pieces!

[@lillianbarker4292]

Honesty is the best policy. There is so much real art available. Enjoy it.

[@panos3322]

As a graphic designer with immense love for typography, your opinion on the mass produced "word art" shit really resonates with me. I've moved recently and I'm trying to make my apt more homey day by day, and apart from the local small shops I've visited for home goods, I kinda need stuff from Ikea as well, and MY GOD, every time I enter the "wall art" section I'm kind of running to get to the next room as soon as possible.

[@journie_]

it’s interesting to think about how a lot of vintage things we like today were once mass produced in their day. i wonder if 30 years from now things like rae dunn mugs will become sought after vintage pieces 😂

[@dg8273]

I was going to say the same. I buy a lot of vintage, but am also aware that those vintage pieces were also sold in decor stores. Also, people who make pottery are capable of making a "perfect" bowl, but get creative with a imperfect design. Also, there are actual designers behind these mass produced pieces. I would love to buy a whole set of dishes that are hand made by an independent artist, but it's out of my budget to do so. I won't feel bad buying an organic modern set from West Elm.

[@msgreenswede]

@@dg8273 I imagine mass production of 30 years is nothing like it is today, in terms of sheer volume and also the materials are much worse today because of cost. The mass produced stuff made today will not last 30 years so I wonder what thrift stores will be looking like then?

[@thefinalreader2392]

Noah, I love your videos. They really help me understand how to improve my space and nail down what was bothering me about it. However, I'm on the fence about the ceramics and rugs point. As a 20 year old living alone thats part of a volunteering program (gap year) and has NO money, I really love eating out of my affordable imperfect looking ceramics. It just adds that little bit of joy in my day. Same things for rugs. I love looking at my IKEA rug that has a 'vintage' pattern on it (not distressed looking, that is a bit weird to me), it cosys up my space and honestly really adds to the design in a space where I'm not allowed to change much. If I ever have the money, of course I'd love to buy from local artists. But as long as I don't, I don't see a reason to sacrifice my joy for an ideology ( even if i don't disagree with the ideology itself ). Definitely as long as it looks good and I'm aware of what it is. Edit: typo

[@semicolon.advocate]

very well put

[@noemiechabot7058]

I agree with your points, but I'd like to nuance the idea of mass-produced rugs vs hand-tufted ones. There were some really good wool rugs produced on industrial looms starting in the late 1920's that are high quality. I actually have one of those that came from my grandparents, and it was the first piece my mom picked when the siblings separated the inheritance after my grandparents passed away. It's over 75 years old and I don't think it's it's fair to say that it's just a fake imitation just because the design is not unique. It was well made and stood the test of time (I have a Karastan Kirman 759 that is 9x15 ft). I visited the house of a well-know architect in my city (Montreal) and he also had a large wool rug made by the same company. That company no longer produces these wool rugs, and I don't like their current polyester versions, but I think the vintage ones can bring a lot of beauty into a home.

[@rosee1776]

I think hes talking about current day mass produced rugs that are pretending to be distressed, not a high quality vintage rug produced from an industrial loom like yours.

[@charles8211]

Love hearing your thoughts, and especially the reasons why. I'm really vibing with the distaste for inauthentic decor. I remember finding plastic succulents for sale that were sloppily glued into a wood "pot" with rocks also glued around it. I about flipped over the display. Fake plants are bad enough, but fake succulents? Come on, they're like the easiest thing to keep alive.🙄 Anyways, can't wait for part 2! PS: headed out to an antique store on my lunch break to buy this cute, ceramic pitcher I saw yesterday. I couldn't stop thinking about it, and watching this def encouraged me to invest in it.

[@eleonoredespomeys-anselme7060]

We noticed you were gone for a week! Happy to see you back, looking forward to more Friday videos ❤

[@megschuetz]

Yes!! Perfectly said. I feel like if you decorate with these inauthentic pieces you'll get tired of it quickly as well - your place will never feel quite right.

[@auuddiiiii]

Of all the design content I consume on this platform, your channel is by far my favorite. Thanks, Noah! 🙂

[@justaghorl]

first thing i read was the caption saying "This week I was feeling a bit judgmental" and i hit like. immediately. because yassss

[@fromstardust.2660]

I think it's ok to like the look of a Roman or Greek bust in your space and it's not tacky if it's using authentic or natural materials like stone or even concrete (I'm biased because i have a concrete David bust that's also a planter). It's like having a poster of a Monet painting, while that's clearly not the real thing it doesn't scream cheap replica or fake, it just shows me that person really admires the art of the old masters and it brings them joy to be able to look at it on their walls everyday. I also think it's totally legit to prefer the colorless marble bust aesthetic even while knowing that historically they were brightly colored. I personally would not like them as much if they were ever "restored" to their color versions. I think the clean white marble emphasizes the amazing sculptural skills so much better, the missing arms or noses adds to the beauty--it's really the same as why some people prefer the old furniture to brand new furniture, they like the patina and story and aesthetic over the new.

[@itstheendoftheworld.]

Agreed 100%!

[@pollykent2100]

Absolutely agree about the rugs. We have a number of unique handmade rugs in our house and they ARE relatively affordable. I would encourage you to make a video about how to decide WHICH rug. I have learned by trial and error. Avoid fringe, for starters, because it gets caught in the vacuum. I saw on some other channel that in a small space use a rug that is similar in tone to the wood floor. I used that wisdom to help figure out which patterned handmade rug to buy for a small hallway at our back door and someone said to me recently "it looks like it belongs there." Really, for me, there could be no greater compliment.

[@EugeneBuvard]

The problem of second hand rug isn't the cleaning part?

[@jonnil1997]

I agree with all your points, but im also kinda guilty of some 😃. Getting actually hand made ceramics gets really expensive and im to scared to eat food in those ones I do have, gotta fill up my cupboard with some cheaper bowls.

[@hypersynesthesia]

I think one nice way to do it is, any time you travel to another country, look for one piece of locally produced ceramic/pottery. One will likely be affordable and over the years you build a little collection of special, individual plates & bowls that remind you of the different places you’ve been.

[@eleonora_g]

Studio that offers ceramics class have also yearly sale of student works. I know it requires more energy but I am sure that you will love it more. And then as he suggested in the beginning of the video buy regular ones from ikea too

[@rebeccajordan4491]

We have a nice mix of big box, secondhand and original ceramics. It all kind of works. But at this point, if I’m not buying original, I pretty much refuse to buy new. You can find such amazing things secondhand.

[@nikkifeltman8523]

@@hypersynesthesiabro if they can’t afford handmade ceramics how do you think they’re gonna afford visiting multiple countries soon 😭

[@lillianbarker4292]

You are SO right about the rugs. These new fake faded orientals are crazy. People will want to replace them in 10 or 15 years. New or vintage, well made traditional oriental rugs are ageless and last over a lifetime. You can buy them new at a good rug store or second hand. They go with any style.

[@Amy-vr5yt]

So much always boils down to authenticity- great to really put a label on why all this stuff feels so wrong

[@bigbad2e]

I noticed you didn’t post last week since I’ve really been enjoying your regular posts. Your videos have really got me thinking more critically about interior design. Even though sometimes I feel personally attacked by your opinions, you always have good reasons behind them. So thank you!

[@JonasSalvador]

Love your videos. Opposite to his one I’d also love to see some items you actually do like and consider good things to buy from the big box stores like IKEA.

[@melaniejaramillo6534]

How did it take me so long to find you? I could not agree more. It’s like you are putting to words what I feel when I go into houses or see like fake things like this that are meant to have character. It’s like the item takes energy from you instead of connecting you with people. Like massed produced things should be utilitarian or at least not try to disguise themselves.. I totally agree. It’s your overall philosophy that is SPOT ON!!

[@MarieLeEncanta]

Babe wake up, Noah has dropped another video!!

[@claudiuiordache6938]

It was the same for me: “Babe, wake up! The guy with the interior design videos that we binged last week dropped another video” 😂

[@MarieLeEncanta]

@@claudiuiordache6938 haha same here! We saw the Troye Sivan video two weeks ago and saw all the other ones since then. Now we anxiously wait for the next one 😭

[@easygii]

so addictive

[@Radmilalala]

Another great video, thank you for speaking sensibly! I agree with your points except for the part about the busts. You could opt for older, more authentic ones (not necessarily Greek replicas), or you could go for some amusing ones like those of celebrities or characters and not take yourself too seriously. Of course, moderation is key, but having a funny unique bust in your home can be quite amazing, in my opinion.

[@bellabellabelladonna]

I have a metal bust of Beethoven (but not a classical style one) and I LOVE it. No idea if it was mass produced, but it was my dad’s and it makes me so happy seeing it. Also love that all my ceramic that looks handmade…genuinely is. Bought from the artist herself who lives five minutes from my home in the country. And my art is mostly made by my incredible artist aunt or prints by Maurice Sendak that I inherited from my dad too. Because everything else in my house is absolutely on your list of “no no’s”, ha, but in my defence I built the house a year ago and didn’t get much choice in most of the fixtures. Over time I will update the floors to be genuine hardwood etc. just doing it but by bit.

[@Androgynary]

The funny thing about Rae Dunn is that she’s an actual ceramist. She’s spoken before about feeling saddened and upset because she wishes she could sell more of her handmade pieces, but she knows that resellers will only buy them to inflate the price.

[@Elena-b4p5m]

I LOVE HEARING YOU HATE!!! Give me more !!! 🤩 Although I don’t necessarily agree with all your points (I kind a like post modern, sorry) but I do respect your arguments. I’m art major myself and it really bothers me when I see tasteless mass produced items that pretend to be something else 🤮

[@PotterytothePeople]

three cheers for handmade ceramics!

[@fashionwunderkind4]

Oh, I DEFINITELY was looking for your Friday post, but we all get busy so no worries! Love your content sm.

[@bertol97]

I really like bringing ceramics and stuff from trips - we bought some beautiful little bowls in Taormina, some little plates in Naples, and beautiful vintage plates in a secondhand in Stockholm. I really like those pieces as we use them almost everyday. Also fun activity to do is make your own! I lately gifted my fiance ceramics course and it was awesome.

[@sandkinz]

the people want more!! looking forward to part 2 and 3 and 4...

[@alexanderrizo_]

Typography art that says “Live, love, laugh” are the one's that get me the most.

[@hereforit2347]

Not all faux-vintage rugs are created equal(ly). I have a pure wool “Persian” rug I bought online from Home Depot about 12-13 years ago that is absolutely beautiful. It’s really colorful and doesn’t have any of that phony-looking fading, distressing, or aging. I love it so much I bought another one that’s in the garage waiting for the first one to wear out. They don’t carry it anymore.

[@MIA_DaDe]

Hey Noah.. great thought provoking advice on what to add/not add to one's space/home.. I loved your comparison of Starbucks foray into "3rd wave' coffee houses* to mass manufactured 'imperfect' home items. Keep the videos coming. Thanks! *They weren't successful..as they were perceived as inauthentic and customers preferred truly local/'artisan' coffee houses.

[@ashleyjohnson3663]

FWIW I did notice you didn’t post last week, but felt zero worry or annoyance. Just missed my fave!

[@ipadbossbaby4558]

I've always found the busts tasteless too. You explained my thoughts about it better than I could too lol.

[@mikaph3051]

I enjoy your videos a lot. We have very similar taste. There is one place where I do use a fake rug (not the distressed one) but that is in the bathroom. I think it still looks a lot better than those tiny bath mats to have a larger colorful mat. And I throw it in the washer and dryer, for it isn't precious.

[@videosbyivy]

I gotta defend the busts. These home decor busts are basically to sculpture as a print is to a painting, famous or not. Some people love classical sculpture and busts, but of course can't afford to have the real thing. I see nothing wrong with having a reproduction of art you love. If someone loved Starry Night and had a print of it framed in their living room, I'm not going after them for not having the real thing.

[@notavideographer]

Stay smart and salty. I’m learning lots from this channel!

[@harleen222]

I love your videos and takes! I did gasp when you were talking about mass produced goods around 3 minutes in and showed what I assume is the 4 leg version of Alvar Aalto stool. A little sneak peak into finnish mid-century classics!

[@colinkulowcreative]

Thanks for pointing out the difference between “word art” and “typography”. ❤

[@jeanie8831]

Don't apologize for giving helpful advice. I like critiquing also. Some things are just glaring.

[@donjab218]

I agree with all of these, but one thing I'd like to add is that Ikea actually sells handmade products (e.g. rugs), at least where I live. HOWEVER Ikea does not need your money, small and/or local artists do!

[@DenverVoss]

We noticed 🥺 Looking forward to your weekly posts!

[@confessionsofabrokemillennial]

I went down a mental rabbit hole yesterday seemingly from nowhere about the fake classical busts and why I HATE seeing them so much 😂 thank you for putting my ick into coherent thought!

[@confessionsofabrokemillennial]

The thought came from seeing a genuine vintage anatomical medical model that gave a really similar aesthetic without being an obvious, tacky imitation sculpture

[@Gavrielmyles]

I’m an academic art student, and my peers and I have a large collection of casts, busts, to use as a still life set up. I think the tasteless vibe you get from seeing these classical busts in homes is that it serves no function for most people and is out of context with their space and lifestyle.

[@sarahlabbe9779]

The printed distressed rug is the new iteration of the "shabby chic" chippy paint furniture look from 10 years ago.

[@GK-up6xz]

It comes down to the issue of whether the piece has a soul. Some things do, some things don’t. Paul Goldberger once said ‘not everything needs to be Beethoven’, I’d don’t see why not…

[@magicK8ball]

I would literally watch at least 2 more hours of you talking about things you hate . I'd love longer videos !

[@mirasultan1137]

Your videos amplify my delusions of what I can and cannot afford 💀

[@lanehedler4080]

Haven't noticed? Your father and I have up all night, SICK waiting for your new video.

[@nikkifeltman8523]

ngl the whole “everything should be authentic or it’s not good” is kind of giving me a bad vibe. you seem like you have really nice taste, but authentic pieces are just not always accessible. a lot of people simply can’t afford or find things like that near them, especially outside of big cities. I looked for months trying to find a rug that was the right color, not basically destroyed, affordable, and also the right size. I ended up purchasing a new rug that has the vintage style I was going for and fits the room I put it in. it’s no different from buying a newly made mid-century style sofa imo ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@nikkifeltman8523]

I think it’s giving me the same vibe I get from fashion youtubers who think you should only shop vintage and never pieces that are vintage inspired and/or only shop from authentic indie brands or designers instead of big stores. it’s just not accessible

[@heidi3149]

My thoughts exactly 🙄 the tone is so elitist and condescending.

[@miausitashepard]

oh, i love you! you are funny, generous and with great taste, what more could I ever ask ?

[@carolinemurray7648]

Omg I nearly bought that rug from Ikea but the edge put me off - rather be rug less til I get the right thing! I feel so seen in this video!

[@renniarodney6899]

I really love your vids! They're chill but super informative :) keep it up!

[@irenelopezmartin2246]

I get the rug thing because it is obvious that they are mass produced, but if you have to check the bottom of a plate or vase to check if it's from zara home or if it is hand-made because you literally can't tell the difference and you've been sooo close to buy it... then do. No one is gonna know, and you loved that piece just before knowing it was not "authenticly hand-made"!!! I think the focus should not be "authenticity" but 1. is someone trying to scam you? 2. are you paying way too much for a mass produced good? 3. do you want to support your local artists or fucking Zara? 4. are the people producing that good fairly compensated, are their salaries and work conditions good? 5. am I creating demand for products that are wasteful and whose production and transportation is contaminating? 6. can I have something similar in a more ethical way? Etc. And I'm saying this because hand-made ceramics are usually quite pricey (which is a good thing! quality materials are expensive and people need to be fairly compensated for their work!) and not affordable for the majority of the people, and we shouldn't have to choose between true authentic pricey hand-made items or clearly mass produced items. If they are bought in an ethical way (charity shops, vintage...), then who cares!

[@rejuvinationstation829]

Love these videos! I would love a video where you go through different places to shop unique one of a kind things. Sometimes I feel like half the battle is even just finding where to source things.

[@hereforit2347]

Remember when Starbucks had leather sofas and club chairs? When they had mood lighting and colorful art on the walls? They looked like hipster coffeehouses in Seattle or someone’s cozy casual clubhouse. Some of them hosted poetry nights every week. What happened to that business model? In the past couple of decades they’ve become cold, dry, and stale. I’ve never liked their burnt overpriced coffee, but at least they had a vibe. ☕️

[@skellexis404]

my grandma will NOT STOP bringing me rustic word art signs and that say stuff about coffee and jesus and i don’t know what to do 😭 at least i can put the word art kitchen rags in a drawer, but i simply cannot hang up these signs and put the stickers on my windows

[@elsiehupp]

“It Looks Like You’re Trying To Live, Laugh, Love…” - Clippy (What I mean to say is that if you’re gonna do word art, a funny thing to do might be… literal Office 97 WordArt? Like, as a craft project. Maybe even hand-paint over it to play with the aesthetic!) (On a similar note Rae Dunn should do absurdist editions of pieces labeled with, like, e e cummings quotes.)

[@IgorDellaPietra]

i understand the concept of hand made ceramic and a few pieces i have at home are gorgeous and i'm glad i paid the fair price for it. but to be honest, i have no intention to waste money on that field. the time will come when all my ceramics, mugs and glasses are gorgeous little pieces i love to see and use. but it's important (general rule in life, especially in interior design) not to rush things. dont throw everything away and replace it. this way you just create more waste for the next generation. keep and preserve and replace with the aquired wisdom.

[@sanneamorsen1841]

Ikea has a lot of handwoven wool an cotton rugs, both persian-style and modern.

[@jackpowers3645]

I usually smugly love these kinds of videos because I never have any of the things mentioned…until now 😆. Idk why but I love my busts lol. We really leaned into a neo-traditional style and I just like how they look…but they’re at least thrifted and are not those plasticky looking ones 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@hereforit2347]

IKEA used to have *beautiful* Persian wool rugs in the ‘90s which ran about $700-$1,200. I wanted one SO bad but couldn’t afford one at the time. 😢

[@eduardorlagonegro8380]

I love when you say strange energy. This define very well this kind of sensation ! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@jillgaddis3889]

Wow!!!! a young designer who agrees with me. Double points for the faux vintage rugs, not sure why folks like them. I buy pottery form the artist, so many very nice craft and art sales. Yes you can get more than one plate, mug or even glasses that work well with each other, and mix with other ceramics quite well. Save the mass produced for a big party. Keep up the good vlogs

[@Monique-rn9lg]

I agree on all accounts. Love my authentic Persian rugs (all purchased second hand). Especially with a dog.... they always look fresh. I too hate the mass produced ceramics. I buy vintage dishes, have lots of China - whole sets (service for 8) that I get from estate sales, often cost less than whole sets from Target. Amazing. As for "word art" - yikes! That crap is just sad. I'm an artist and all of the art in my house are original pieces.

[@janelte]

Not sure about helpful and interesting but certainly confirmed all my prejudices. And a bit of irony in the "love you ... mean it" ending after a rant on the importance of authenticity. I think it would be helpful and interesting to consider why some mass produced, machine-made objects go on to become collectible design classics, and why other things really seem to need the mark of the human hand to give them value. Why do some things need to feel "warm", or warmed by the soulful evidence of handwork, and yet others are just as appealing in their machine-made, cold precision? I don't want to descend into the same easy criticism I am questioning, and I most certainly enjoy your videos and absolutely agreed with each point you made, but this felt way too easy to me. And I won't tell if you bubble wrap a "nibble", "slurp" selection for the retirement home.

[@izamalczykjewelry]

I just wanted to ask when you'll do the inevitable Paige Wassel collab ;) You two seem to be so like-minded and I'd love to listen to your collected thoughts on some celeb homes or subscribers' submissions. That would be golden :)

[@lli_loue]

I second this ✋

[@KateJessicaSINK]

And/or Caroline Winkler

[@chrisgiuliano7261]

Agree on the fake antique rugs. A lot of people don't realize how affordable actual antique rugs are - look for central asian rugs from the 20th century. Very pretty and not as expensive as you'd think!

[@TheIelena]

Your content has great potential and it s well curated. The only thing that cuts through unpleasantly is the amount of "it`s like(s)". Meaning it as feedback that can make your work here even more valuable.

[@dcoughla681]

Ceramics meant to look handmade - nope. Busts - I have 3 of them but they all fit in the context of my home. My bust of Beethoven actually wears my hat when I’m not wearing it. He looks super cool in a beanie or baseball cap. Word art - no way. Manufactured rugs - not my bag. Please continue with the list.

[@Erin.New.]

The Rae Dunn tangent had me rolling, I know exactly what you mean about being old and needing that cheekiness in your life. My 70 year old mother-in-law has the same relationship with MacKenzie-Childs home goods that are featured everywhere in her home with a good mix of original art.

[@matthewjackson8709]

great video. chapter marks (or whatever they are called) would be welcome but I enjoy your voice and it gives me patience

[@Rei-1200]

I have been called out for the first time in my life. I have one of the replica busts. I bought it during my “move out of my parents house and discovered home goods “ phase 🤣

[@no120992]

i'm a new subscriber, i am learning so much from the knowledge that you share. thank you!

[@elsiehupp]

My thought on classical busts is this: instead of reproduction busts of Greek and Roman deities, get busts of historical figures who actually personally interest you. This is to say that unless you’re a Greek Neo-Pagan a bust of Shakespeare or Mozart is probably a better start than a bust of Athena. And of course the busts we frequently see of historical composers and authors merely scratch the surface… e.g., why not a shelf-sized reproduction of the giant bust of Fiorello LaGuardia at his eponymous airport? You get the idea… 3D printing in particular has made it much more affordable to get one-off reproductions of obscure sculptures.

[@rebeccajordan4491]

Your videos could be 4 hours long and I’d watch them all the way through. Or, I’d use them as sleep therapy because your ASMR is 👌

[@bostonviewer5430]

Yes and AMEN to all you say: Fake Sculpture is fake and trash! But I'd like to point out there is time a honored tradition of authentic copies of sculpture. There are definite differences among bad fakes, bad fake copies and high quality reproductions. Witness the British Museum's collection of plaster casts of classical sculpture. Today there are only a few resources these days for authentic reproductions such as The Caproni Collection in Massachusetts. The Alva museum collection that went out of business, I think, in the 1970s, was not always reliable but sometimes produced real gems authenticated by the great (and small) museums of the world. And, If you search there are a few museums that offer fine reproductions from their own collections such as those sold at the Rodin Museum in Paris. These are not found at Target or HomeGoods.

[@meb3369]

Oh thank god he posted

[@jemimanascimento_]

I loved the tips! Your videos are great to watch 🎉

[@hereforit2347]

I like busts. I don’t have any, but I wouldn’t be against putting a small bronze bust on a bookshelf. They’ve just been grossly overplayed, to say the least.

[@SirMopy]

damn... i have exactly this rug.... but i also don't have the funds atm for a real persian one for like 3000 bucks

[@beverleyhicks2952]

Every interior designer KZbinr: Get a rug to tie it all together, make sure it’s not too small. Also them: No, not that one.

[@EugeneBuvard]

Well, if there is something that comes back in art history is rules being broken ;)

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

Maybe a video just focusing on what you really DO like? Would be slightly better energy, I think, to say why you love something and why the current trend isn't so inspiring. Just an idea. x

[@Weeabruh]

lmao good call on that prediction i totally see it. looking at it more, it treads so close between being too absurd its kinda cool and being not bad enough of a look and design that it makes it super bad lmfaoo

[@shopboy76]

Of course it’s most ideal to get the authentic ceramics, antique bust and Persian rugs but where I’m from, it’s extremely expensive and out of most people’s budget! Wouldn’t I love to hang an authentic Fragonard or Yayoi in my home but it’s clearly impossible so I’ve to settle for reprints from Etsy. It just feels kind of elitist and even condescending to judge others based on the authenticity of their home decors.

[@kyootkitteh]

I feel like the Grecian bust revival may have initially been in response to trends like vaporwave and 80s nostalgia, so it started off as this ironic tacky-on-purpose kind of thing (used in a more 80s coke den way), but then it got way too popular and subsumed into these other microtrends like dark academia that never really seem to work because it’s a cheap mass-produced imitation of ‘old money opulence’ or whatever. But yeah, maybe decorating your home ironically in the first place is just a step too far…

[@dee-here-now]

Totally agree with all of this! Can we talk shit about faux reclaimed wood please?

[@tomasdiaz4892]

Im totally agreed with you but not everyone can afford artists vintage pieces

[@certainstrength]

The dude version of vocal fry

[@joanmcmanus5320]

So true and so well said!

[@marietjejansen]

I agree with all you said and yes I noticed

[@noshka]

Ok well while I do agree on most of this I have to consider the fact that I’m broke af and I do like my cheap ass carpet that has the look I want but was in my price range. If you want a pop of color and some interesting pieces in your early 20s you have to make some compromises. Also it’s in pink tones so it’s not pretending to be something it’s not, everybody knows it’s not ancient but its pattern is inspired by those and I just think it’s pretty. Sure if I’m wealthy later in life I would definitely buy a real one but I don’t consider that as a crime compared to the live love laugh signs or the fakes busts 😂

[@spikephobic]

you should post more often your videos are so relaxing.

[@DesireeGonza]

Agree on all points.