How To Decorate A New Build or Builder Grade Home & Apartment With No Features

[@RosemarieSKikel]

Finally, a video that helps most of us. It's easy to decorate a mansion that often needs little to make it shine. The bigger issue is..... can you create something beautiful and unique from a basic builder grade home that the majority of us own.

[@amayabueno]

Yes exactly! I found it so difficult to decorate our new build apartment at first because all the inspiration online were these beautiful custom built homes 😅

[@reynardlowell]

Yes! Even took me a while to curate the images because most are custom homes.

[@mandywong1408]

People who own mansions also have a bigger budget for an interior designer Vs people who have builder grade / apartments 😢

[@cinematicaddict6863]

Definitely agree . Learning to make what u have to work with look it’s best is the real talent not what new trends u can change it to

[@SRM2025]

Finally a video for half the world who live in apartments! You are the absolute best Reynard. ☮️💜

[@lf9341]

YES!

[@karenartis4472]

I am so glad one of your videos showed up in my KZbin feed last week. I spent a few hours looking at your videos and definitely subscribed.😊I have since unsubscribed from other interior designers I followed. Your advice is so practical and explains the ‘whys’ instead of buy this/buy that. After your 2/3 video, I rearranged the furniture in my bedroom and was even able to create a seating space in that room. I could never figure out why that room never seemed to come together. It wasn’t for lack of trying-I’ve lived here for 20 years! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@kshit100]

Can you please make a video about types of curtains, blinds, rolling shutters etc and which one fits what kind of mood? Love your videos.

[@27Spiritgirl]

Hi again Reynard- yes could you please show us how to get perfectly even folds on the curtains that slide on tracks ( especially using Ikea system ) it's all my budget will allow at the moment but they look bunched up, uneven and awful.. A video on how to achieve perfect folds and pleats on curtains would be extremely helpful! ❤Xo from Canada

[@anaalves3658]

Creating a home you love takes time. Last year we framed and hung art. We finally chose and bought a light fixture for the dinning room and just last week i bought a second bedside table for our master bedroom. We also had a custom bed frame and chest of drawers made for our bedroom, the exact dimensions that i wanted, it's highly functional and unique 😊. A home, just like Rome is not built in a day.

[@michellespohrer6395]

Great advice, Reynard. I always think that a house is not a home until you add art, plants, pillow, and throws. They just seem to add life to a space.

[@anaalves3658]

And a cat 🐈❤😂

[@Jade-cs6mm]

Liked the video as soon as a saw the title. I have been waiting for something like this - thanks so much!

[@Talon97]

"Remember this is real life, not a reality tv show". My guy you're giving society way too much credit lol...

[@oliveoil2x]

You really did it!!! This is the video we have been waiting for! Informative, practical, simple, & applicable. Nailed it. Thank you!

[@fmoreira2727]

Finally something relatable and actionable. Subscribed in the hopes of more of this these type of videos.

[@GregginHOU]

Great video! Excellent advice! IKEA doesn't do everything well but you hit on one of their best features--their endlessly adaptable and customizable storage lines (Besta, Pax, Billy). There are websites just on IKEA hacks and some of the hacks are amazing. And, as you mention, original artwork--even one or two pieces--can work wonders. And LIGHTING--yes! I love battery-powered sconces. SO much easier to install that wired sconces. And wall moldings--yes. Straight of Home Depot or Lowe's--super-affordable. OK, I should stop now... 😁

[@young6533]

10:18 Wow the balcony design is mind-blown...😶‍🌫Thanks for the insipration!

[@Shrinksjp]

I just completed my home in British Colonial chinoiserie style with 18th and early 19th century antiques and Baker reproductions. I did a good deal of re-construction, both interior and exterior. I think before anyone approaches a re-decoration, knowledge about the style is needed in terms of decor, color, etc., and this can be done by researching similar styles and visiting historic homes if that is the look. however, you do not have to stick to every aspect, and it is important to introduce your own style here and there as long as it integrates with eh whole.

[@stefaniemore3203]

Thank you, so much, for a truly information-packed video. You managed to cover, as well as include, a good variety of information into a seventeen (17) minute video. Bravo, and well done!

[@Great_PatBingsoo]

Reynard never misses with this content ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@emilysha418]

for once, I'm excited about an add. I've always wanted to be able to auto open/close blackout curtains!

[@CandyChantelle]

I can’t tell you excited I was to see this video pop up. I have been struggling with this ever since I moved into my house - I have this vision of certain aesthetics but felt like they would be ruined by the basic modern style of the build. Excited to implement your tips!

[@Vicky-fg1kn]

Great video Reynard! I’m in a very basic 1970 ex local authority flat. I plan to lean into the simplicity as I love styles like organic minimalism, but your video shows I can add interest through incorporating midcentury elements that will work well in the space. Love your videos, I enjoy them with my morning coffee

[@flufwix]

Thank you. I’ve bought a 90s builder grade 3-bedroom home which needs a lot of love. Luckily it has wall paneling which I could paint but apart from that its a challenge to be inspired

[@susannee.colella6109]

I am so happy when I watch your videos. They are so helpful and have such good information. Thank you please keep posting

[@tulayararat9183]

The japanese balcony ❤❤❤

[@LambentLark]

I went to a music festival in Ninilchick Alaska weekend before last. I found this amazing artist. His name is Adam Shea. I spent a couple hours looking at his work. It is different paintings at different distances. I like Salvador Dahli's Suburbs of a Paranoiac Critical Town. Because I have had a print of it on my wall for 25 years, and I am still finding echos in his paranoid critical approach. Shapes play duel rolls. It is alway gifting something new. I think that is the way Shea's art will be. In another 25 years I will be looking at his painting and finding previously undiscovered gifts.❤ I love that.

[@gloglos100]

Wonderful lighting effects, thank you I need this comfort. I have by circumstances bought my last home, the ugliest I have ever owned with dwarfish modern ceiling height and builder style but excellent position.

[@marlenecarvery4270]

Reynard you really have the magic touch for decorating!!

[@hey_cass]

I always live for the "live, laugh, love" shade >.

[@FM-ny7xh]

I didn’t know that I was living in a « Cookie cut home » 😅 like the majority of us. Adding personality on a budget is definitely a must! From builder grade to custom 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@suburbia2050]

Yes

[@_silentrose]

Wow I absolutely love that SwitchBot gadget ! ! ! Definitely want to get one myself for my future curtains 🥰

[@cooganwong8562]

Could you make a video giving tips on various solutions to make a room transition look nicer? (i.e.: tiled living room hallway to vinyl wood floor office) Thanks! Appreciate the tips in your videos.

[@razamughal4582]

Excellent topic.

[@MargaretMitchell-ob8lb]

A lot of ideas presented well,

[@kevinfestner6126]

Just subscribed, I love this channel, I have a cookie cutter townhome that had an open plan. I'm getting ideas to make it my own

[@DONAVIN-0]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@DaniOchannel]

Thank you, Reynard😊

[@blissjoyful]

Thank you for all this info. I’m loving all your videos 👍🏻

[@binuuu6751]

Hello Reynard! New to your channel, randomly had the urge to look into interior designing/decorating and currently addicted to your content HAHA. I was wondering if you have a video of you listing and explaining your best apps/program to plan or design? I would like to just play around with the program.

[@dealman3312]

If you are going to use ikea for closets you need to beef up the strength. My family member did a huge renovation and corner closet ikea with mill work around. In 2 years it was all Broken.

[@juliem.3936]

Thank you for stating that wall paneling/molding doesn't have to be in every home. What other design styles besides Mid Century Modern would that apply to? Thanks!

[@lanipowell7287]

This is the advice I've been looking for. I loved the great photos too. I'm so tire of looking at interior design videos featuring homes with great architecture and tall ceilings. The real challenge in interior design is the home without great architecture.

[@Meela234]

I want that Switchbot!

[@somewhatideal]

Great video, do you have tips for those who live in rented basement apartments? I'd love to add a better ceiling light but we're not allowed. I also don't want to add too much lamps 😅

[@milabolognini6305]

Curious if wall panelling works for small/mid sized homes with low ceilings? I find it hard to tell what architecture features will look “appropriate” in my cookie cutter 80s suburban home 🤔 I have been leaning towards mid century modern because of this…

[@coffeedudeguy]

Great tips! I recall you mentioned getting some art pieces in Collingwood or something. Where would you recommend getting affordable custom art pieces around Melbourne?

[@BrhynoD]

Dying for that shelving unit on the left at @2:34 - does anyone have a clue where it comes from?

[@mandywong1408]

Do you have a link to the Japanese garden balcony you did with rocks? Or any videos that are similar?

[@sirishakusuma]

Thank you for the video. Can you tell where to purchase the curtain track?

[@isaacmatias3673]

Hi Reynard. I’d like to know your opinion on living room dividers. The living room and dining room are one and the same in my house. Will a living room divider make it look good or worse?

[@lillianbarker4292]

I like the idea of embracing the original era of your house, unless you live in a new tract home with no special style. I like mixing old and new things that have authenticity. It’s almost impossible to sell furniture for what you paid for it. So try to get what you want to live with for a long time. A friend of mine bought mid century modern furniture in the 1970s when no one else wanted it, and she loved it. Now she’s in her 70s and everyone wants her furniture 😂.

[@rigomortiz]

Where can I get that mega shipping list for my tablet?!

[@sharvanibhat103]

Loved the curtains!! Where did you get those from?😍

[@wobbywobbo]

Hi Reynard! About your point of the curtains. I have quite thin and tall windows, I was wondering whether you would recommend roman blinds/blinds/curtains for such windows?

[@reynardlowell]

Really depends what the rest of the wall is like and where the window ends. But in general, roller blinds are purely functional (they don’t do much in terms of aesthetic). So if you want something to look nice, either roman or curtain. Roman doesn’t work well if window goes all the way to the floor. And if using curtains, hang them wider than the window (if thin windows, maybe have it open/stack to one side instead of centre opening).

[@wobbywobbo]

@@reynardlowell Wow! Thanks so much for the advice! The windows do not go to the floor so I will consider roman blinds. May I ask what you mean by have it open? Does that just mean leave the curtains open? Thanks so much!

[@wobbywobbo]

@@reynardlowell Absolutely love your videos by the way! Your videos really helped me plan out my new space which is quite challenging (narrow open plan space).

[@reynardlowell]

No worries! What I meant by that (if using curtain), is to have them open on one side (either stacked to left or right) instead of two (centre opening), since the window is narrow.

[@Kiki-wi7px]

BEST Video E-V-E-R ! ! I Would like to S👀 More Video's with P-A-T-I-O Design's. Wish that you would have SHOWN the One that you Did for a "Longer" Period of Time. The Floor of the Patio was Amazing ! ! Could you Do Some which Include the "Smaller" Table and Chair Set's ? (ASAP) Thank's. 🍃🐦

[@christinealbright7631]

I have a sliding door and another window about 2 feet away from it…. on the same wall. I have NO idea what window treatments to use. Do I make it look like all one window? But it would only look like that at night when the curtains are closed! Any suggestions?

[@gloglos100]

What is the piece of furniture behind you, lovely. Please tell us.

[@diabobiamaria]

Hi do you offer virtual design? I want to have my living room designed

[@AmenoMagatsu]

Should i hire an electrician to replace my downlights with a pendant light/chandelier style?

[@laurie8857]

I love the concept of this video... but did feel a bit deflated seeing most of the inspo images being from architectural character homes 😅

[@La_Carouselle]

I want to paint my doors but not sure what colour 😕 what is trendy but will last?

[@reynardlowell]

Door colour? Don’t sweat it too much, it’s very easy to repaint anyway 😅 Mine is currently in light blue - I’ve seen dark green, black, navy, even red in various homes. If you have solid timber doors, may be worth to just stain them instead of adding colour.

[@razamughal4582]

‘Not recreate features where they don’t belong’ That is the part I am stuck on.

[@ftr911drvr]

I get the matching the style of the home, BUT you forget the homes in aay the 2000s lack any real stand out trends for example the cookie cutter homes in sub divisions thst many of us live in dont have unique and original features. So we only can pull from other times and periods. I wish a designer would speak to this instead of just focusing on older periods with strong original features that can just be updated

[@gloglos100]

Hideous short skirting boards, low ceilings, oh dear no architectural pleasure in builder homes, I cannot believe that the 1950s home I just bought in an expensive inner city leafy suburb in Melbourne is a builder home, zero influence of mcm, when the mcm plans were in newspapers free in the late 40s and into the 1950s and a very strong ethos in furniture. Yet low ceilings and more. Thank you for advice re taking time.

[@LluviadeOrugas]

You said not to use flat paint on walls, what paint finish is best?

[@razamughal9095]

Eggshell

[@LluviadeOrugas]

@@razamughal9095 , thanks! 👍

[@sassygirl6407]

Wow, those automated curtains are really nice 😍 Is it also available in Belgium? Also, in Belgium with new build apartments, usually you're not allowed to do whatever you want to the outside. There are certain rules, so things won't look too different. I, for example, had my eye on a new build apartment where you weren't allowed to put for example bamboo against the railing of the balcony 🤷🏼‍♀️