Home Updates | Outdoor space, painted my bookshelf, and plant updates

[@ninafrigerio207]

I think that a pale yellowy sage kind of green (like the clearest one on your rug) would be so pretty on your book shelf! It would be a pop of color as well as a luminous accent on your wall ... And it would not take all the attention from your different items/books, contrary to this blue.

[@amycaxavier]

i thought so !

[@kirbyqueen2901]

omg yes! i was just about to comment about a yellow shade may do well in your space

[@kirbyqueen2901]

or sanding the shelf and doing some kind of wood stain

[@ilikeframboise]

Yes! Those colors were on my mind as well😊

[@ameliamagdalena2830]

unpopular opinion, but i love this blue bookshelf. it gives me 60-70s design vibe!! im obssesed 😭

[@SuperWutangforever]

I really love it too 😭

[@Hikari_28]

yeah it's good

[@KombuchaDrinker]

Theo is so cute :(. His house is the dream , its literally plant heaven

[@tarantellalarouge7632]

this house was already such a nice place but Benji turned it better and better, it looks so peaceful and perfect, I would love to be his dog (Iggy Pop quote !) even if I don't really like chihuahuas, I more a French bulldog kind ....

[@KombuchaDrinker]

@@tarantellalarouge7632 Yesss for sure!! I also don't usually like chihuahuas but Theo is so sweet!

[@anniebananie444]

You guys are straight pimpin, as a 52 year old woman who is a crazy plant lady and passionate about aesthetics, thank you for always being so generous with your ideas, it’s really hopeful to be inspired by our future generation of young and talented people like you ❤

[@ponddaughter]

I would try a more muted blue on the shelf, or go with a muted green like your couch/rug - don't give up, color will add so much character!! Bird feeders/houses and bat boxes will really help with the mosquitoes, plus you get to birdwatch 🐦 thank you so much for sharing your videos, you're such a wonderful presence !! ☀️💚

[@lindabonomi7274]

GREAT ideas!!!!!!

[@deborrasanders]

For what it's worth, I love your painting in its current off-center position. I think it's perfect. I vote for a pale green for the bookshelves.

[@Darenim]

I think the blue book case might feel out of place because your whole place is warm toned, and the book case is a cool color. So either introduce more cool colored things in the rest of your space, or paint the book case a warmer color. If you can photoshop, make a picture and change the color of the cabinet digitally to see what it would look like.

[@no_longer_]

This, the reason why

[@Pt0wN973b0iI]

Using a fan outdoors is a good way to help keep bugs away. That is why, in the south, they have ceiling fans on porches!

[@quinnm.3127]

interesting! 🌬🌬🌀🦟

[@amandameier109]

Hi Benji, i’d consider painting not only the bookshelf but that entire wall (dark green could be cool!)

[@bethboonstra399]

Yes! I thought the same. If the wall and bookcase were all one color, it would make it look more like a built in.

[@SimonE-ud3pq]

Yeah, also I think they should paint the door

[@KamandaHickey]

I thought the exact same thing

[@mid_century_meows]

Plant lavender in a big pot. Mosquitos don’t like the scent. You can put the pot anywhere as long as it’s sunny area so by the outdoor seating so you don’t get bitten. Maybe trim back some of the branches of the figs. So you don’t accidentally sit on the fallen fruits. There’s probably a pool of water that has mosquito larvae.

[@KamandaHickey]

Yes, I had lavender on our deck all summer in terracotta pots and no mosquitos,

[@twittwit1227]

his videos are so calming omg

[@hazystarlight5823]

For the shelf, I think Olive green or golden ochre would work you can extend the paint on the wall above the shelf. It would tie up the color theme of the living room

[@Chris.from.1950]

Thanks for another calm and pleasant video, Benji. I really enjoyed the brief peek at your aquarium, as that is a horticultural and artistic area that I have enjoyed for a long time. I hope you will consider giving us a bit more detail on the development/backstory and ongoing progress of your aquarium! ❤ All the best! 😊

[@gordonissocoollike]

As a single older guy living alone. Your videos and chat are very welcome thank you .

[@maachabrooks9226]

I think a calm light green with those red furniture would go nice... ♡ and it would go nice with the plants two! The rug had nice light colors two ♡

[@Dressommer]

Hey Benji! A tip for the mosquitos outside. Is to use the plant Pelargonium. In my country we call the specific kind smelling Pelargonium. They repell mosquitos with their scent and these plants are also used for “bug sprays”. Pelargonium crispum - smells like lemons. Easy plant.

[@KatieSalisbury]

I actually love the blue bookcase, it adds a nice pop of color and I like the way it gives a primary color dynamic with the red chair and painting. Also, the oil painting above your bed is perfect where it is! On the left side. Not everything needs to be centered.

[@anthonynguyen7774]

for the bugs: i’ve seen a lot of outdoor gardeners have pots of standing water that they place mosquito bits/dunks in, and it basically eliminates the mosquito population around their area because they all lay eggs in the water and dip. the eggs hatch and die due to the mosquito bits/dunks! just make sure you change it out as needed.

[@k.s5889]

I really like the blue color. Is pretty that don't match the other bookshelf, that make it look beautiful

[@AmbikaN]

Have you tried citronella candles outdoors to keep the mosquitoes away? I've done citronella before and it's worked for me! Also, we bought one of those mosquito zappy lights and that's been helpful when we've had swarms of them around us outside, especially when it's humid. Also, totally feel you on being alone at home, it can definitely be an uncomfy feeling to not have someone around!

[@lisaostrowski1516]

I like your calm tone and everything looks nice...I also like the blue bookcase 👍

[@thestarsxyou]

an off-white or beige for the bookshelf would be cool i think. I like how the bookshelf being a different color defines that space a little more, but agree that blue seems out of place. If it was still a neutral color, it would have that effect without being too much. also would add a really cool subtle variety to the room

[@Mstes2241]

I know what your saying, I'm introvert, when I had my dog, he was my companion most of my days since hubby works overnight. Since my dog is no longer with me, it's been very lonely. I keep myself busy again by taking care of my plants that I haven't killed. Mosquitos zapper and also the green stuff that burn slowly are great for outdoors as well, don't let thise pesky thing stop you from enjoying the outdoor gathering.

[@andrewchase9780]

I like the colour of the shelf thoooo, the imperfection and disoriented feels you're feeling makes it perfect and orientated!

[@momo-ct4ve]

1 looove the sky blue bookshelf! I personally think it fits the space very micelyX because you have different colorful accents like the red chair, so it doesn't at all seem out of place to me. I also think a different color that matched the rest of the living room more, would look very monotonous and everything would blend into each other if that makes sense? I'm obsessed with the blue bookshelf, and I think it adds a calming and clean atmosphere to the space. And if you want to tie ut all together you could add blue toned throw pillows, decor items, plant pots, a rug even? You just have to place these blue items (if you’re considering keeping the blue and wanting to give it a try) intentional, placing a blue book on the coffe table for example, or a blue plant pot on the sideboard, so that the blue accents are clearly visible and the blue book shelf’s blends in better with the rest of the space :)

[@lps-emily]

theo watching you from inside was so sweet!

[@johnmontano7121]

sage green might work on your shelf

[@vanessascott2009]

I like the blue with the pops of red! I think it goes with the room. Add some pops of the same red on the shelves.

[@mamarlucidity]

Your videos are my fave to drink my tea and relax with, thank you for that space to enjoy 😊 That art piece is remarkable. Also, I like the idea of sage green for the bookshelf! 💚

[@plantaddict4951]

I have a few ideas. For the book shelf, you may want to paint it a color commonly found in the space. For example, an earthy tone would suit the space well as you have darker furniture and plants. Another idea would be to color match your current white wall color and go a few shades darker. This will make the book shelf stand out while being more subtle. As far as the balcony goes, you could place a sloped shade cloth above your seating area to both provide shade and deflect falling figs. On the concrete pad where you placed the new table, you could place an outdoor rug on it to make it more cozy. Maybe a rug color that ties in with the brick. I hope this helps 😊

[@diveinD]

I love that blue paint, it fits amazing with the red chair, the red lamp and the wood of your desk. But I get it that with the rest of the living room, it might feel a bit off.

[@lorraineyanez4301]

Hola, Benji. Hi Theo ❤. Sunday vibes. The fig tree said, if you want my shade you have to deal with my fruits.😮😮Benji your outdoor spaces look amazing, Chris is going to like these extra reading spaces.

[@elianapereiramorais702]

The blue was a good choice because it creates contrast, maybe a different shade of blue, something less "watery", a darker blue, and maybe paint the bookcase and the wall behind the same color. Not only it will create some uniformity but it will give the impression of a bigger element and complement well with the rest of the colors in the room. The green will not uplift the space, you already have a lot of green, in your sofa, in yours plants, in your window view!

[@TheatricArtist]

Definitely a green. Maybe an earthier sage green

[@luciasvoboda7344]

I love that ypu added a headboard to your bed, it really makes a big difference 😊 i think a mustard yellow or a muted green would look really great on your bookshelf/wall As always a very relaxing video 😌

[@deborahestep3403]

Terra cotta orange would look beautiful in that space!

[@zoiesomers6393]

If you want to get some paint, I work for sherwin Williams and can get you a good deal 😂 I think a sagey green would be gorgeous on the bookshelves

[@sarahoh5668]

I love the blue!!!

[@mariorobertu]

The bookshelf looks beautiful in this color. Add a pop of color to your living room.

[@cloud__99]

I like the blue shelf tbh! I think it works greet with greens and the red accent pieces. Maybe it wouldn’t look so overwhelming if it was more filled in. No use in keeping it if you don’t like it though! But white wasn’t a good fit either imo. I think a dark rich green could look awesome! Something like Pantone 627 C. Works great with natural tones and is less “loud” while still bringing in some colour 🌲

[@rachelfurman553]

I actually really love the color of the bookcase, it brings a cool accent that will look more cohesive once the room settles in a bit more

[@iggychong3430]

Use the colour palette in the mood board, as in colour blocks. 😊

[@antoniocarlosrodriguescamp1497]

The house itself is so beautiful, the glass panel , the plants, the garden on the whole. What a balcony! A 'happy' atmosphere , I would say.

[@janka2213]

When your favourite plant KZbinr mentions your favourite book&travel KZbinr ❤

[@dinsun1111]

Idk I love the blue book shelf. It’s calming and beautiful

[@dannettesavas3269]

I think a medium sage green would be great on the bookcase and Theo is so adorable

[@Sssssssssssssandy]

That blue looks so good!!! But if you don’t like it it’s your space

[@hidethegrapes314]

I painted our bedroom walls a dusty blue because I loved the combination with teak that I’d seen on Pinterest, but it turned out too dark and too blue, similar to your bookshelf. Maybe get some swatches of a dusty blue that’s more what you wanted, along with some neutrals (not too warm, not too cold). Go lighter than you think. Color is always darker and richer than you think when looking at a small piece of it.

[@chiaragertrudearquilos3552]

I think it will look good if you paint the bookshelves with ‘muted yellow’ or any kinds of dark yellow palette to match the art piece on the wall that you got from Vietnam. It would be best to contrast the green color of the plants on the shelves too. 😊

[@cr0wdedteeth]

i think for the shelf either a natural stain (warm oak, or maybe walnut) would match the rest of the area well. or if you like the idea of paint perhaps only painting the backs of the shelves or only the frame a certain color! i think its good to keep in mind what you are going to be placing on the shelves, if its plants you might want to avoid greens as itll compete with and blanch the green of your plants. perhaps a sunny pastel yellow. If you look up korean butter furniture that shade is very beautiful and works well in neutral rooms!

[@ellenzinner]

Beautiful table and chairs. Invite your good friend and his husband over, and break in the table. You can cook up a nice dinner. Love your inside plants. Love your moss. I enjoy your videos so much. Just try to keep busy while Chris is gone.

[@ExLibris-Alys]

The bookcase would look so nice in a dusky sage green similar to the rug. Your home and garden are lovely 😊

[@rishisatwik3188]

I think you can go really light and pastel(sage green or pastel yellow) or you can go really dark(sap green or like really dark blue) and maybe paint the entire wall with that colour so that the shelf would not be an eyesore. Love your videos. ❤

[@clementsfamily4685]

The bookshelves don’t look terrible in that color, but I can understand how it may not flow from room to room. After all, Green is the best color. ❤

[@lexi6693]

thank you Benjie. youre like my weekly therapy

[@MarianneInmarsilia]

I actually really like the periwinkle blue of the shelves ❤

[@franciscosilver6644]

Very nice video 😊 I think that Speaking / No-speaking is a theme that can bring couples together or apart. 4 decades ago this brought us together because one loves to chat and the other one likes to listen 😊 Now, that same personality characteristics kind of bring us apart 🙈🙈 All your plants are fantastic!! 😃 And I would leave the bookshelf blue, it looks clean and fancy 😊 What I would change is the ceiling lamp for something more 'unique', less generic. But, that's just an idea. Excellent everything!! Thanks for sharing! ❤❤

[@ginaleebennett6099]

I think the bookshelf would look amazing with your space as a forest green.

[@civilizeddiva]

10:56: Phillips makes a smart, Wi-Fi bulb (i.e., uses an app, color changing). Maybe you could wrap and hide the cord and use a smart bulb. 13:30: 🤩

[@Mariocatt]

i feel like a rusty brown would really fit with the aesthetic of the living room and give it more character

[@leonorarteaga3883]

I love the blue bookcase. It's the right amount of color

[@kparker2444]

Benji I love your videos! Thank you for the serotonin 💚🪴

[@remsan03]

To keep the mosquitos away from the outdoor table, use an industrial fan. The bigger, and stronger the fan is, the better.

[@soaressantos1494]

Hello! I learn a lot from you! Your work is wonderful! Hugs from Brazil!

[@critiqueofthegothgf]

the music at 4:30 was such a lovely surprise. it felt like i was at a medieval ball

[@maya-oh2op]

A dark red for the bookshelves! Warm + deep + fairly neutral, think it’s would work well

[@GaanaSrini]

maybe a nice light lemon yellow or a muted olive? something that keeps things more neutral throughout

[@luonri11]

I think that the rest of the bookshelf should be the same brown-wood colour (same kind of natural colour as the shelves). It ties in with the rest of the brown-wood / natural colours of the room, and extends the colour of the floor up the wall. It'll be timeless, definitely a tried and tested combo!

[@gabrielarojas7258]

The bookshelf can be a terra color or something similar that matches with the other bookshelf you have in the living room. The color will flow with the hole vibe that you have in your living space.

[@noodlecat9609]

you could try planting things like mint and lavender to repel mosquitoes! and also maybe consider painting the back of the bookshelf a color and the protruding shelf parts white?

[@pugachan._.2523]

i love cari can read so much and her vlogs

[@hanyas4774]

for the bug i would really recommend getting a thermacell (its similar to a citronella candle but it actually does something)! i'm from a state with awful mosquitos and its one of the only things that actually works...i always use it when i have to spend more than like twenty minutes outside. the backyard is really coming together!!

[@kaizen_5091]

Love the desert rose and all the incredibly unique pots in Benjis collection that complement the individual plants so well. Must have 😍 Having the art in on the bedroom wall off-center looks awesome and I think it helps with making the white part of the wall look wider than it actually is. With your bookcase... You can maybe bring in the exact same colour as the wall and paint the front face edging of the cabinet, or the inside with the same as the wall colour and leave the front face edging in the blue for a subtle pop of colour - just so it ties into the space better.

[@Acewithplants]

A sage green or a terracotta brown colour would look great on the bookshelf, I think. Benji knows best though. ☺️

[@clairedennis9437]

I'm so excited for Paige to give her tips and ideas for your space! I enjoy both of your channels a lot and am really looking forward to the collab.

[@sanniamalik1087]

Try a grey sage type of color for the shelf. It’s neutral but will be cohesive but not matchy matchy and still give contrast to your plants and whatever items you put on the shelf - it’s also not too dark of a color and I noticed that wall isn’t getting the most light in the room so whatever color you paint will tend to look a bit darker

[@valerieclark5695]

Command Hooks/3M makes a product that would neaten up that light cord that bothers you. I can't remember its exact title but it has the word "decor" on the label. People with Ikea cabinets sometimes use them to tame cords in their cabinets. Thanks for another great video. I really liked learning about ant ferns, having seen other ant plants but not the fern. Plants are just the coolest.

[@jodpigbass5904]

Also a cord cover...

[@thegem3588]

Love the aesthetic that you have created for your house both the inside and outside spaces. You have a great therapeutic voice as well 😊

[@tesseoul]

I think you need a mosquito control outside the garden. The one that they spray around. It will help remove or lessen the mosquitos. In my country, we usually burn the dried leaves to create smoke. It's also effective. But be careful about the fire. All you need is just the smoke.

[@alexmeir1312]

Hi Benji, I think a warm color with yellow tints will work best for the bookshelves! The blue tone is too cool, so that’s why it doesn’t feel cohesive. Lean into the yellow-greens, salmon pinks or orange/brick browns in your space and I think it’ll feel much better :) Good luck!

[@alexmeir1312]

Also- if matching the color to your green couch, then I would lean into olive greens with lots of yellow/red tints, but avoid darker tones. You may even want to go a few shades lighter than your couch, because it will feel darker on the wall, especially during the afternoon/evening. Nothing too cool-toned overall (think of warm autumnal colors vs bright or blue colors) or it will feel heavy/disconnected. Hope this helps ☺️

[@Laura-rx9mp]

Thank you. Very lovely plants and all! Cheers

[@may-zg6cm]

i honestly liked the white on the bookshelf before, but i think like a sand-y colored paint or a beige or smthn would go very well in that space, esp. if it kinda matches the tan colors in the rug in the living room. it would bring only be a little contrast to the wall, but it would at least not only be plain white.

[@bunnyyy___]

With your place being warm tones, a forest green for the bookshelf would be beautiful, or possibly a chocolate brown, or burnt orange dark terracotta color! Something warm but a bit deep in color

[@gandhirasgo8342]

You might want to use a paint that compliments your fireplace for a cohesive look… and yes, paint the whole backdrop including the wall with that color.. I don’t know really but I’d probably go that route 😅

[@NguyenTran-rz4ib]

I love that color on the bookshelf though 😯😯😯

[@plantaddict4951]

Another idea for the book shelf would be to color match your current white wall color and go a few shades darker and warmer. This will help it stand out while being more subtle.

[@pouri55]

I love your windows and plants. The way your place is lit with the sun/daylight is amazing! I think maybe a mushroom color for your book shelves would work?

[@gjbaan2860]

I love your blue bookshelf! keep it as is.:)

[@marilyn3605]

Benji you shout get a cordless blower for your leaves! I love your indoor and outdoor space!!,❤❤

[@PlantsandPowerTools]

The bookcase would look nice in a dark navy blue color

[@miax4683]

Love the two gorgeous oriental pots

[@solvingsimon]

14:01 I drew out the room in my sketchbook and looked over all the tonal values in the room, the blue Is better as a statement piece as your main room colours is white, beige, and a mahogany brown. your accent colours for the room should be orange, red and that specific blue. The bookcase should be a somewhat natural colour to fit into the rest of the rooms blocky and cozy aesthetic. Just my idea.

[@laibakausar8161]

If you really like the color, you can add some blue accents in main living room area. It will look more tied together.

[@HerPlantPalette]

Behr has a shade called Pastoral. I think thatd look nice but I like dark color accent walls. I would paint the wall door and bookshelf all in the same color. I think a grey-green shade would look amazing with your other color choices. If you're planning to have plants in that space chosing a super dark green shade would be elegant dramatic and make the foliage shine. 🖤💚🖤

[@quinnm.3127]

hmm maybe to tie the bookshelf in with the rest of the room, you could do a warm brown, similar to the other bookshelf/cabinet/table by the window on the other side of the room? im not sure which color exactly, rust, brown, orange, red? but maybe you can pull something interesting from the woods or bricks in the room. or you could just lighten the blue a lot. maybe a powdery or sky blue. try pinning up some samples :) 💙🧡❤💛🤎🤍

[@ArchaicSmile8]

Hi Benji, love your videos. You've given me many ideas for my own home. Regarding your bookshelf, have you considered leaving it and painting the wall around it with the pastel blue you mentioned? Like in your little art piece. If you go a few shades lighter than the color on the bookshelf, it will integrate better with the rest of the room. A colored accent wall would really pop nicely and that color of blue you used is beautiful. It gives a sense of water in combination with the all the earth tones. In addition, you could paint just one back section of the bookshelf a different color. Possibly a richer, deeper color. Just for another pop of color. Edit: As well as what I mentioned above, you could place a large area rug that has a little bit of that blue (or a similar shade) in it under your desk. That would anchor the whole wall and make it more intentional.

[@animhsa]

I will to share some of my thoughts: Cutting some branches off the fig tree would solve or reduce the problem, or maybe move the couches a little to the right. For the library Ι would suggest to paint each shelf in the style of a Mondrian painting, where each square is a different color: blue, white, black, red or yellow. Your new pots are gorgeous! Sending my love to you and Theo!

[@coriblack4503]

I think you should paint the bookshelf a dark green like the sofa or a really dark maroon like the stripe lumbar pillow

[@mwilliamanderson]

I love the bedroom changes and new outdoor table! It's so cool how it's the same height as the bricked patio behind it. For the bookcase, how about a warm red? This color (if the picture posted) is Cochineal Red by Benjamin Moore, and it plays nicely with warm tones. I love the idea of painting the whole wall as well, maybe the door too as others have said.

[@sharonpollitt1524]

grow some citronella, lavendar and lemongrass. Also make sure there's no standing water around.