Interior designer Rita Konig on how to lay out your rooms | House & Garden

[@KEKrato]

"An ugly table can be jolly useful." I LOVE it

[@MTMF.london]

You can always cover it with lovely tablecloths too - and heaps of books and jugs of flowers and no one will notice it.

[@kristinaulrich2223]

@@MTMF.londonabsolutely! it's so simple.

[@eizhowa]

Love the table-positivity

[@drepotente]

“Ugly table is better than no table”. She’s one of the most clever and sensible lady in designing. Of course my own opinion. 😊

[@paulacaffey6026]

Amen! I loved this talk - the most practical and useful interior design talk I have ever seen!

[@nyangweso]

"When those children get cleared away" is absolutely my aesthetic.

[@stephanieheger7388]

Yes!

[@flwrrjp]

So true

[@JG7868]

nyangweso 😂🤣

[@cavsomecadence6117]

"When your husband goes away for work and boards the 3 dogs🤸

[@lisalloydxox]

Yes. I decided to avoid having them to clear away. Best let others keep them!

[@EveryoneOnEarth]

This is the only design channel I could find with colours on the walls. I'm subbed to this rare unicorn.

[@simoncrawley7430]

So refreshing to learn from a considered, intelligent and knowledgeable person. Bravo Rita.

[@majamaja1678]

What a nice, little masterclass in less than 20 minutes.

[@christanne1]

There is something very soothing about Rita's voice. Could listen and watch her creativity continuously.

[@omadjourney]

I'm thinking she's so matter of fact, strict and no nonsense but I just want to listen to her 🤔.

[@middle2451]

I enjoyed the calm presentation. Too many presenters feel obliged to act over enthusiastic and showy which is very annoying.

[@ladypenelope99]

True, Col Aus; very true.

[@kristenthomas3985]

Very true

[@danishviking6254]

I agree.

[@ingenuity168]

I agree. Too over the top.

[@Ghonosyphlaids]

I don't know if the stiff upper lip of posh brits would allow for exuberance

[@paulascott5701]

I bought Rita's course after seeing this and can't recommend it highly enough. I've spent a lifetime listening to "designers" ramble on about inconsequential, pointless things. Rita is the real thing. She isn't full of "it", hawking the latest fad and "must have". She actually gives you information. AMAZING!

[@orchidlife9482]

I cannot get over her gorgeous kitchen-I adore the color green. And the way she displayed her dinnerware/appliances.

[@paulchezkari6952]

Googling any books she might have written.

[@paulascott5701]

@@paulchezkari6952 Take an online course of hers. You won't be sorry.

[@lucy6422]

Rita's advice to 'take your furniture' was an eye-opener for me when moving house recently. I was on the verge of buying all new furniture but ended up using what I had and it worked out wonderfully. Very grateful.

[@vicihuizinga8157]

Bring her back- Rita is smart, thoughtful and charming. I would like to learn more from her.

[@paulascott5701]

Rita König has an online course. I took it and do not regret it.

[@rrelampago1]

I am a retired interior designer. Then I watched Rita and am inspired to go back to work.

[@velvetindigonight]

:)

[@lovepilie]

Only 2 minutes in, and I already know this is the best interior design advices I have ever heard! It took me decades to figure those things out XD

[@ebl36]

somehow she makes things one ought to have thought about - but didn’t do - interesting, and clever tricks one would never have thought about sound so obvious

[@ruthhovsepian]

I've been watching and reading all kinds of interior design books & magazines, shows, and videos for over 30 years. This is the first time that the pace, details, and explanations all came together. I recently subscribed to this channel & I'm glad I've now discovered Rita Konig.

[@slwilliams75]

Well said. You echo my thoughts entirely.

[@valeria-militiamessalina5672]

If this is the first time in 30 years then you’ve really been reading and watching the wrong books and shows.......

[@jfreeman2047]

"When those children get cleared away" My type of person 😂

[@dva5610]

no u r zaddy

[@Ursaminor31]

As a professional degree holding interior designer with 22 years of experience, this is a good introductory explanation of the design programming process, and data collection. The biggest key is lifestyle assessment and lots of questions being asked. One needs to think about how they live. Space follows this fundamental programming and exploration. She’s revealing our inner design process.

[@TheAmandabarrett]

I loved looking over her shoulder as she fit the puzzle pieces together. More content like this please!

[@awanderingprince]

could listen to this woman talk all day. lovely voice and useful knowledge!

[@kristinaulrich2223]

how can somebody dislike this super valuable tips from such an incredibly personable experienced woman?

[@jimh4072]

I could listen to Rita talk about absolutely anything. 😀

[@romymacawana5848]

As grand as she may be she is so down-to-earth, unassuming and above all, what she says makes sense - unlike so many pretentious people out there `whooping it up' with their egos. She has a rare sense of enduring style.

[@debbiem6406]

She’s brilliant but down-to-earth. Thanks.

[@THEWIELDBOYS8700]

Can you just come over? That would be much easier

[@Kaththee]

Exactly, I can send my floor plans ahead of time.

[@indiasimone6645]

🤭💙

[@swaters5127]

Hehehe. I'm sure there are some reasonably priced decorators in your area.

[@zoesolanki961]

😂

[@juliancoulden1753]

Such a wonderful thing to hear Rita talk about the “drawing room” as a fact, not something out of fiction! People do still have drawing rooms!

[@christanne1]

Yup, I have a long drawing room with a fireplace at the end. It's a pain to lay out but I've fallen into the trap of having the sofas around the fire - need to keep warm during the Scottish winters.

[@Saba15-t9d]

@@christanne1 I am Norwegian so I don't know the name 'drawing room'. What is it?

[@christanne1]

@@Saba15-t9d A drawing room is a room in a house where visitors may be entertained. The name is derived from the 16th-century terms withdrawing room and withdrawing chamber, which remained in use through the 17th century, and made their first written appearance in 1642.

[@kimclarke5018]

I love listening to her. She’s got a very calm manner and her room’s are lovely

[@auntfanny3266]

I use graph paper to make scale plans, and have little cut outs of the main pieces, again to scale, so I can shuffle everything about and see at a glance how it fits. Then I do a very detailed "artist's impression". (Obviously I have too much spare time!) I am always on a very tight budget, so being able to do all my own upholstery and soft furnishings, as well as basic joinery, is a huge asset. Many years of evening classes have certainly been worthwhile!

[@KaliMaLover]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everything she says, how she says it and how she is. REAL deal, no pretense, common sense, warm, and intelligent. Maybe I finally watched the only interior designer I would actually want to meet and work with.

[@timeandplace4114]

I learned so much. Loved the slow, soft and intimate teaching format. I agree with all the other comments; "more Rita", please.

[@clemencec3790]

"you must be led by the room and not the rule" such a great and simple advice we tend to forget

[@katewilliams8207]

What a breath of fresh air she is - I loved everything she had to say

[@oliversweden]

This is the best and most honest interior advice I’ve ever heard

[@gurudeclan]

Finally an interior channel with a bit of taste.

[@marcy3717]

The "Open Concept" really means that those in the other side /family room watching tv can be heard & disturb the people reading or talking to guests in the front/living room part of the house. Learned the hard way.

[@jimh4072]

Me too, never again. 🙄

[@chicnoir29]

I really hate open concept.

[@jimh4072]

@@chicnoir29. Yes, it’s horrible. Just cooking smells and noise.

[@staffagirl]

Agree with everyone and would also add that open plan means cold and draughty. Never again.

[@shonabeggs4640]

Me too, could never live in a house with no rooms. My next pet hates are L shaped sofas and beige bathroom tiles. I often think someone starts those 'trends' is doing it as a joke to see how many people fall for it 😂

[@craftwhimsy4776]

Very practical advice, and honestly she’s just rocked my world with the advice of not being governed by a feature! I have an awkward fireplace situation and taking that out of the equation the ideas are just flowing!

[@carolefreeman2544]

Wow, I am so glad I came across Rita Konig on House and Garden. Everything Rita stated makes so much sense and has taken so much worry of my mind. It’s far better to arrange a room for people and comfort than worry about a home looking lovely and perfect but not functional. Like she stated, our living room has a TV and fireplace and is the only reception room in the house. The worst thing is the Fireplace is unfortunately, built in the far end of one wall and the TV is beside it. It is hard to see the full fireplace no matter how you design the seating, it will always be blocked partially. This has been a worry for me. But at least the fireplace is there, giving warmth to the room while you read, chat or watch TV. Rita, thank you, you have given me freedom to arrange the furniture without having to worry about the fireplace being the focal point. I also, like being able to put a small writing desk behind the sitting area with a stool that can be used for added seating if required, very useful information from a very knowledgeable Interior designer.

[@JeremyAntonL]

Ms. Konig is absolutely brilliant. This is so clever, calm and wise to hear. It is quite unusual to find, on top of her talent and skill, really.

[@gailwood3248]

I'm an American designer and work almost in the exact formula you do. I work technically with drawing but also by 'feel' which I could very much decipher in your feeling about the corner chair! I also could very much relate to your initial monologue about room placement, it has to make sense, form and function with creative flair. It was nice to truly see a sister in design!

[@alishaygan9844]

the best video on the subject that i have seen. every suggestion was practical and logical. she also didn’t assume that the sky is the limit for your budget nor try to show you how to replicate with ikea. just terrific all around

[@carolem6354]

Brilliant advice! Rita is top notch, she is the master of comfort and welcoming design.

[@kate2create738]

This is the best demonstration of the first steps of planning the interior design of a room I've ever scene.

[@soniatriana9091]

Wow! Rita Konig’s presentation was exceptional!! She presented very useful tips & suggestions along with great examples &/or valid & practical reasons for doing or not doing something. And, her entire presentation was easy to follow & understand - she sure makes a great Instructor!! Looking forward to seeing her again!!!

[@cherrierichardson1032]

Thank you. For someone who has no idea how to arrange furniture in a room, this is a godsend.

[@kathiefludd1448]

Over 30 years, I have been reading and watching all sorts of interior design magazines, shows, books, and is the first time that the pace, details, and explanations a

[@patty1509]

I very much enjoy how real and authentic she is when speaking. She's not trying to be pretentious in any way. This presentation is very calming, insightful and informative in a very relaxed, yet classy and relatable manner. Kudos!

[@misschaudarie7333]

there’s something about rita konig’s voice that reminds me of princess diana

[@ebl36]

yes! I’ve been arguing this with my sister for a while... she can’t see it.

[@maryaustin1569]

Agreed. She even has a slight look of her too.

[@misschaudarie7333]

@@maryaustin1569 i see that too!

[@me8em]

Precisely what I ALWAYS think!

[@lisastallingskeelor3328]

Her “O’s” sound very much like Diana’s. Also the pace of her phrasing and the up and down emphasis on words. Very much like Diana.

[@kaizen_5091]

Perspective and tips like no other I have seen on YT. Worth the watch.

[@franj1]

I could listen to her talk about interiors all day.

[@davidfraiberg]

I echo the sentiment expressed by many: MORE RITA, PLEASE. Straight-forward guidance from a charming voice of experience. Kudos.

[@desiree7633]

I'm just taking some notes for the sims 4

[@salttothesea]

🤣 love it!

[@simonahristovska3719]

I learned more from this video than 4 years of college. Thank you so much for making it fun to learn about interior design again!

[@jjpp2216]

What I liked most about this was the emphasis on function and scale. Too much tv or KZbin decorating is about ooh the pretty fabric (or paint colour or granite or whatever). Real design is s90% about the function and scale. Picking the fabrics is actually really simple. Making sure the sofa isn’t so big as to be overpowering or that you have the desk and that it works because it’s practical is what matters far more than anything.

[@ianbromley7218]

This is a great video with good honest advice, politely given. For anyone attempting to decorate without a designer, this is invaluable advice. Remember, for the advice to be useful, don’t think you can cut corners. The professional has been kind enough to give simple but essential direction. Don’t think you know better

[@theparanoidandroid3583]

"So far, so... Blue Peter" love it

[@marimartinez7351]

I absolutely love Rita. I love how she mixes everything and end up with something absolutely beautiful and magical. I love colors and she knows exactly how to mix them and make them look beautiful together. I just loooove her style. I am decorating my home in the Dominican Republic and she is one I am definitely following her footsteps. My home is my maternal home and all the furniture there belonged to my mom ❤ hugs from NYC

[@taniabadillo4796]

Rita is my fav int designer , I just can’t get enough of her style . My fav inspo ever! ❤️

[@luarbiasa-of3ty]

She teaches how to arrange things that matches your strong character and feel based on your daily activities, starting confidently with all what you already have, not just follow the trend. That's beautiful.

[@jasminebambury5841]

This is so helpful and I find I keep coming back and rewatching Rita's videos. Cheers👍

[@seviregis7441]

It's always fun to watch another design artist at work. I now use either a design software, which is amazing for the 3-d rotations, spacing, placement, and editing functions... but when I design manually, I've taken to using graph paper which makes the sizing so quick and clear, it's nearly impossible to miscalculate.

[@kimowen339]

So knowledgeable! Thoroughly enjoyed listening to Rita.

[@nmbr6kid]

Fabulous and so instructive. I love that sort of muttering voice which says you are deep in thought and creating rather than making a video. Nicely done and surprisingly calming Thank you!

[@gillianbc]

Very sensible. I came here as my new lounge is smaller than my current lounge, has french doors with a marvellous view and a corner log burner. I'm unsure how/if I'll be able to successfully place my large 4-seater and 2-seater. It was good to see how she planned a small room and fitted so much in. I will take her advice and play around with the drawings and see what works.

[@marynielson1705]

Really good advice to start with the furniture you already have when moving to a new house.

[@elizabethann9152]

I think I've watched this 12 times. Yasss, Queen.

[@TheAngiepangie424]

What a great video. I enjoyed watching you measure and draw the drafting plans! Very informative and helpful, thank you!

[@ultrasoundblinds]

So well explained, thanks a lot, Rita! I think light plays a big part in complimenting your space too. To maintain privacy a lot of natural light can be lost, especially if your windows overlook a busy street. However, many people are unaware of the variety of styles and designs that are available to find the perfect balance between both natural lighting and privacy control.

[@investigatinglamps]

Im an interior design student and this really inspires me. i love how organize she is!

[@pizzakrydder2515]

"so far, so ...... Blue Peter". Haha! This was enjoyable and informative.

[@angaeltartarrose6484]

Couches are so much nicer away from walls! With a long table behind it, or long low cupboard, or even another couch facing the other way. Two couches facing each other of the same size with the fireplace at one end is nice. A large round ottoman, or round coffee tables are nice for not bumping the corners or stubbing toes! An ugly table just needs a pretty tablecloth to the floor, & a glass top to hold it in place.

[@freespirit5130]

We put our tv in front of the fireplace and then put a light chair in front of the tv, to create an enclosed communal setting- we have become more sociable, and are happy to move the chair when we watch tv, which isn’t often.

[@agatthee]

This video was relaxing and very helpful. I haven't heard of Rita before, but she's great!

[@eleonorelance5411]

This is real, good, solid advice. What a treasure - thank you for sharing. (I feel I can only repeat the commenter before me - every bit of knowledge and information I have gathered over the years has finally been brought together in a cohesive whole)

[@Dan-hf3on]

Love the "demo" exactly as it happens in design school.

[@michelmoutinho]

I love Rita’s style!

[@eshqa]

I don't lay out a room by a taught way to. They're done the way that feels and looks the best to me. Many people are too dependent on being told what to do and how to do it. They've been taught they should do what other people do or think they should, not encouraged to be naturally unique.

[@kooltom4]

You sound like you have an eye and a flair, and probably some artistic talent and can pull it altogether from these skills. However, someone like me who is completely without a spot of creativity or sense of design, it's good to have the basics broken down so I can have a starting point. I wish I could just move things around and know when the proportions, colour, flow and light all looked "right" but I just don't have the skill or "eye". Lucky you if you can do it all "innately" in a sense, but I need help so my house doesn't look like an op shop store-room 😉

[@tinahillsdon2776]

so true

[@eshqa]

@@kooltom4 maybe experiment by getting something you like and placing it where if feels and looks good to you. 🙂 It's just a matter for feeling what you like, what feels good to you. The same with color and design. Instead of your home looking similar to what you described 😉, or looking like something someone else would do, you'll end up with a home that's unique. So many homes look similar because of trying to do the latest popular style and decorating or having a designer do it.

[@mattneillninasmom]

"If you have a house that sleeps 14, you'll need seating for them all...." You have NO idea how hysterically funny this is to a NYC/L.A. resident living in one room!

[@marleybedford8628]

For my husband his living space consists of, If there is a spare space it is a place to put his tools, things he has pulled apart, store precious man stuff, generators, car parts, spare parts, everything but me. He is lucky I love him dearly. Though, oblivious, he is otherwise tremendously lovely in every other way.

[@evoluna3056]

That is really love, he is blessed to have you 💖

[@RussiaIsARiddle778]

I enjoyed that. Makes me want to rearrange our great room.

[@janemackrell3733]

I’ve just realised that younger designers may have a problem in future, working in the American market if they do not have a knowledge of Imperial measurement. I learnt so much - thank you

[@berylgreen1973]

The best advice on interior design I've ever heard. (Of course, I already knew all this...)

[@leonieharry2941]

So well done! Thank you for your effort and your video!!

[@kaylaledouxgary2200]

Needed to hear this as I am about to move into a home with an off center fireplace in a long living room. She explains situations well!!

[@magpiesmith971]

So informative and enjoyable ❤️.

[@jess_santillan]

First of all… “unintentional ASMR”. Secondly, I did exactly what you suggested when I moved into my hom with this very long weird room I had. One end we put up a ceiling fan and made it a TV watching area, the other end we put in a chandelier and a dining table, the middle has a few chairs and a bookshelf

[@E.R.Hewitt]

More Rita please

[@janeburan5580]

What a clever girl you are!!

[@lanataliamaria]

Rita should release an interior design book 🙏

[@paulascott5701]

She has an online class. It's wonderful.

[@sailing9802]

Loved her fabric choices.

[@martinwright4125]

i would have loved having her work on some of my projects and some of my difficult houses and cottages. i like the way in which she lays out information and the presentation. it is as if she were having a conversation w/ one. many of my designers and interior people have begun on a bad side, as their ideas are overwhelmingly different from mine. i'm no architect or licensed interior designer, but i have studied design, and i have decorated many fine homes---most were mine, but some nice ones, other than mine. most clients have some decent ideas, and most clients have a feeling of what they want and envision. the skill is pulling that out. i always want a sounding board around. i'm not one who goes very much by trend. i love classic looks, periods, etc., but i do like a bit of relief and whimsy, in specific rooms. currently, i see this trend/fad of grey this, and dull that. blond furniture, swedish this and that, ikea-looksey, white everything, stark, ugly, and unimaginative material. perigold and fortuny, etc., are worrying me to death, as they try to get me interested in these outhouse-worthy materials, but i'll not have it. my best antiquities, marble, persian rugs, turkish rugs, sculptures, collections of silver, tortoiseshell, toile, alabaster, glass, paintings, and on and on will be out as long as i am. i don't think it is overstated to say each day i go through various rooms, and my eye lands on something that brings a memory, warmth, comfort, or smile to me. i like that. i like the quest of looking for something special. today, for example, a special auction containing some french rugs, some beautiful metallic worked table clothes. their beauty makes me smile and see what they could be in a special place in my home. i think that is what decorating is all about---whether in mezzotints, steel engravings, hudson valley artists and paintings, rare books, china, etc.

[@marycallahan2398]

Well said sir!

[@marciamellow1211]

Love your personality...people take decor too seriously...I like your approach..probably because I design...

[@HouseFairyDIY]

That was a relaxing video to watch.

[@lesliec.7796]

Incredibly helpful and she was a delight to listen to! I truly enjoyed this and come away more prepared for our up and coming move into a new to us home!

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

Great minds think alike and great minds go for function over form - everyday, b/c without function, you've got nothing. I love my little makeshift items as much as the "curated" things that cost a wee bit more. Her beautiful mind has manifested a beautiful face that makes a mind which makes a beautiful place.

[@doesitmatter2943]

"When those children get cleared away" chuckles in toff

[@marquamfurniture]

I like Rita Konig's thoughtful deliberate demeanor as opposed to the brassy fake exuberance of many American designers.

[@latinaalma1947]

Yes...this is how we actually create...so not fake rather a natural flow to her thought processes just lovely and REAL instead of the more usual presentation/performance style...an American psychologist

[@lesliec.7796]

I’m an American and I totally agree! Rita is the real deal.

[@Lexyinlondon]

I’m obsessed with house and garden KZbin videos ! It’s a great platform for artist to get inspiration from other designer ~~💜🥰

[@cathysong7022]

me too!

[@denisefrandsen5106]

I love this lady!

[@gregoryswartz4466]

Great ideas. Practical. Useful. Spot on. Thank you Rita! -Greg

[@elenavasilieva6567]

Как приятно наблюдать за "ручной" работой дизайнера в красивом кабинете-мастерской, процесс просто завораживает.

[@madeleinewinterdown3256]

"An ugly table can be jolly good because... no table and no light and nowhere to put your drink is uncomfortable"

[@verdora.studio]

This was way better than Master Class!! And I didn't have to pay for it.