Interior Design Trends That Are Making a Comeback

[@Nick_Lewis]

As some people mentioned in the comments section, sunken living rooms can be a challenge for people with disabilities and they can be a bit of a hazard! So consider that if you are considering one for your home. I will also be addressing this in an upcoming video on this subject so thanks for the comments! ❤

[@moua0067]

Thank you for acknowledging this. As someone who has a neuro-immune illness with mobility issues, I didn't realize how stressful steps, stairs, and narrow hallways were until I got ill!

[@teilzeithobbit7441]

Thank you for adding this. I gotta say, as someone with a (non mobility impairing) disability, nothing says „I don’t have disabled people in my life and I don’t want to“ quite like putting ~*aesthetic stairs*~ in front of your designated hangout space. Not a fan of this trend 🙈

[@63Lsp]

Yes on accessibility! Front porch steps too. If older home, it's great to consider hand rails at a minimum 👍🏻

[@marigeobrien]

Originally, sunken living rooms were not like that at all. They were the whole room, with stairs at each entrance. The whole room was sunken, compared to the rest of the house. It was something that had to be added to the building plans. It would be really difficult to add on later. The photos you show are something that was known as a conversation pit because they are only part of the room. I think they are very dangerous, especially in the dark. Or when someone drinks too much. It's just too easy for someone to walk right off the upper level and falling badly partly on the couch but also beyond.

[@LivingInNashvilleTennessee1]

Anyone with vision issues or those getting older when depth perception changes make sunken living rooms or any drop in levels at unexpected areas can be super dangerous. 😀 ask for party goers who accidentally step back. Just something to consider-- and be sure to have a lot insurance

[@CarLyGer]

I think individual rooms could be a response to the last two years and staying home. Being able to have a private area to escape to feels necessary now. I think that the sunken living room is also coming from the pandemic. Invite your friends over for an intimate party, and the coziness of the area feels so anti social distancing.

[@MilwaukeeWoman]

I heard about it as a trend at least five years ago. People realized that even if you clean as much as you can when you're cooking your kitchen, right before serving is always in a bit of disarray and the odors are strong. I still prefer an open floor plan because I don't entertain that much and if I do I pick menus that are not something that can't be done mostly ahead. I also prefer things that are modular like taco bars so that people with the million different diets there are now can build what they want. I used to work where I had to cater things and it just worked out better. Of course the house we were able to afford has the closed floor plan it's always had for the 105 years it's existed, lol.

[@veronikavolhejnova5036]

I am all for open kitchen/dining room, but I surely want a fresh room to retire to with my coffee (and maybe my guests) afterwards . And besides, try juggling homeoffice/homeschooling in an open plan home...

[@adorabell4253]

Also probably a response to people actually cooking at home all the time. Turns out when you dry onions the smell spreads.

[@patriciaseyfferle1427]

I think room dividers are also a response to open-concept houses and WFH needs. It helps to have a divider behind you in Zoom meetings, and it's nice to be able to block the work space from view at the end of the work day.

[@victorialove9104]

My home was built in 1940 and has individual rooms. I love it. I like having a kitchen I can close the door on as I am a disaster when I cook and I create a mess. Nice not to have to look at it and also nice to contain smells.

[@threearrows2248]

I LOVE having a separate kitchen. It's a full room. And so many people have told me to open it up, but the older I and my kids get, I appreciate having a more quiet, separate space. It's peaceful, as opposed to one giant, crazy room.

[@ilikecontent2327]

Amen to that! There is nothing worse than excess noise. Loud teens or maybe people watching a sports game and you are trying to talk to someone in the kitchen or trying to focus on the task at hand so you don't drop something or burn yourself! Or worse! 😊

[@jaxxiet5851]

My house looks nothing like any of the homes on this channel, it’s a small ranch from the 50s but it has a small kitchen with a pocket door and I’m not changing it any time soon. I love the privacy.

[@Imzadi]

Mom of toddlers here. We have an open floorolan and it’s nice to keep track of the kids but we visited a more closed off AirBB and I was surprised how much I loved it! I put up a baby gate and it kept the kids out of the kitchen while I cooked and sipped my wine 🍷 😍

[@HosCreates]

It keeps the sofa from smelling of cooking too. I dream of a separate closed off kitchen

[@lizhoward9754]

I can’t agree with you more!! I have lived in both and I definitely prefer the separate kitchen. I am one of these people who is totally focused while in the kitchen and I don’t really like people chit chatting and hovering around me while in the kitchen. On the other hand I totally get someone wanting to keep their eye on kids while in the kitchen but I am 65 and no longer need that 😁

[@janereinhardt4715]

Yes, at age 61, I noticed many years ago that when things come back they are slightly different. As long as dark brown & orange wall to wall shag carpet doesn't come back, it's all good with me!

[@margaretkinnaman8585]

Or the avocado green and bright blue shag carpet either! 🤢

[@sherielowe4256]

Or the seafoam green with forest green like in our late 70's home.

[@Clionsgirl]

@@margaretkinnaman8585 Mother bought stove and fridge in avocado green (ugh)

[@christinep.]

Yes, and no avocado green!

[@tinabean713]

We still have it in a few spots at my office. Never could get corporate to approve a complete replacement (they office elsewhere).

[@AnthonyL1983]

You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that individual rooms in a house are trendy. People always give me side eye when I tell them that I hate open concept and never want to live in one big room.

[@lepetitEllie]

I'm with you, I like separated spaces. It's how my home I grew up in was situated. There was an open flow, but separate, defined rooms. My current house is like this and I love it.

[@Pretty_Fantastic]

Same, also unless you cook beige food… you don’t want the odors of your cooking to go everywhere! I can’t with the open kitchens LOL.

[@celieboo]

I hate open concept, too. I love a good formal dining room. But I also like ranch style homes, which are less than 10% of the market. My choice was one existing ranch style home with an open concept or many two and three story homes with individual rooms or open concepts. I chose the ranch style home. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@paigelaliberte]

Open concept is something that I loathe! The homes are always echoey and cavernous and there is no place to get away from people. Plus, when you cook, your whole house smells like food.

[@lilolmecj]

I miss my formal dining room.

[@denver1865]

Ever since my grandmother-in-law came over and plunked herself where she could have a bird's eye view of my every move while I was making Christmas dinner for the family and subsequently made a huge mess pulling a flimsy tin foil pan with the turkey out of the oven, spilling most of the drippings....EEK!! I am a Huge Fan of a closed kitchen. Maybe with a lock.

[@threearrows2248]

😂😂😂 I love being able to kick everyone out of the kitchen

[@chandaharkins4418]

LOL!

[@MilwaukeeWoman]

People who want to help in the kitchen are fine if they recognize they are on someone else's holy ground.

[@HosCreates]

@@MilwaukeeWoman I don't mind one other cook in my kitchen as long as they are chopping or stiring but once they say I'm doing something "wrong " they're getting the boot! There's a reason there's the saying "too many cooks in the kitchen ruin the pot"

[@karaa7595]

I cannot hold a conversation with a guest and cook a meal wo screwing something up so I feel your pain!

[@athenas.8588]

Sunken living rooms look super cool and I get why they are coming back from an aesthetic sense. BUT-have a cocktail or two or simply a guest who isn't necessarily paying attention to the changing level and you have a twisted knee or sprained ankle. As a Gen-Xer, I saw this happen more than once. On another note, sitting on a couch in a sunken living room creates sight lines with people who are standing on the level above that are not always...well...optimal. Like, you can be sitting on the couch and at eye level is someone's crotch. It's awkward. Last but not least, I remember that the sunken living room acted like a dust bowl. All of the dust and pet fur in the house ends up in that space. Also, I grew up with a sectional sofa. Again, looks super cool. But trust me, you will get tired of the constant shifting that occurs with use because they always look slightly janky if they aren't kept in line. The every single day need to 'fix' the couch gets old. Can you tell that keeping the living room clean was one of my chores as a teenager??

[@motherblank]

I always hated sunken spaces for the tripping hazards and accessibility issues they create (my dad was in a wheelchair for many years when I was a kid), but your comments about the sight lines had me rolling!😆 Please, people, just say no!!!

[@leporid257]

I will never understand, that people actually sold/sell, bought/buy individual sofa pieces, that aren't screwed or hooked together. in Germany it's common to choose, when buying, what exact style you want. Then you get those pieces and they hook into each other. The armrest covers the hooks on the outside sidepiece (if not the open ottoman thing). That must work with modular sofas, where you can maybe buy more pieces later??

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

I agree with EVERYTHING you said and just wrote up horror stories from my own childhood about The Pit. lol! With that said, they do appear to have solved the shifting sectional issue. My daughter got one a couple of years ago and the parts can be invisibly clamped together once you decide where you want them. What impresses me is that she can unclamp them, move them to clean up the toddler/pet residue that inevitably gathers under there, then clamp them back together. What sold her on it was that she can buy replacement covers and get a new/updated look whenever she wants.

[@Hollyhock7]

I've never been a fan of sunken spaces

[@athenas.8588]

@@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284 ooh cool! Sounds like it solves that problem!!

[@lynnb2562]

I want the Parlor Room to make a comeback. Especially now that my son is starting to get into school-age I suddenly remember what it was like to be a kid when we got rid of separate room areas and constantly being yelled at to turn the TV down with my friends because the grown-ups were talking in the dining room literally feet away from the living room. I want a parlor where I can hang out with the other adults and my kid can watch whatever he wants in a living room or den area separate. Also totally agree about stainless steel being out. I just bought new appliances this week and we got all black appliances to go in our kitchen with white cabinets and deep plum colored walls. It looks so much better than stainless steel

[@653j521]

That was the living room, as opposed to the rec room for the kiddies.

[@marylhere]

Looking at copper….been eying up a kitchen sink for a few years.

[@04beni04]

It took me a long time to realize that I wanted my living room/parlour to be a place of tranquility, and now that I finally banished the TV down to the basement I actually enjoy curling up in there with my word puzzles or knitting, listening to an audiobook or podcast, or even (in normal times) _visiting_ with someone rather than just being two people sitting in the same room to watch a movie. It's been one of the best productivity hacks I ever adopted, lol. I like cool white appliances myself, but I grew up with black appliances and definitely appreciate the effect. Sounds like you know how to do them right. 👍😊

[@lulubelle65]

@@04beni04 I think you are either a TV-in-the-living-room person or not. I grew up in a house where the living room was for reading or having a conversation, and the family room was where the TV was. My apartment now does not allow for a separate TV room and I find myself way more focused on the television than I was before.

[@jaxxiet5851]

@@04beni04 I like white also!

[@Celi-nette]

I have watched a video about maximalism few days ago and I felt that the host was making a good point: in the UK - where I live - the weather is not that nice most of the year. That can explain why people got tired quickly of minimalism here: if the weather is always grey and your flat is half empty, it can get quite sad. Maximalism is a way of creating a comfy cocoon for the cold days.

[@xpsxps1339]

I definitely agree that the weather/climate may strongly influence how people style their homes. E.g., I love lush greenery, but since I have been living in a hot climate for some time already - most of the greenery is outside on my back yard - visible via french doors and wall-sized windows. When I lived in a colder climate, most of my greenery was inside potted plants. The same with light and temperature that are very different in the south compared to the north. White minimalism may feel very pleasant and satisfactory in Santorini or Spanish Granada, but not that (much) in Manchester, e.g., where one needs to warm the space with colors and (thicker) layers.

[@margaretkinnaman8585]

I live in a senior citizens apartment on the 5th floor. It's very comfortable and a perfect size. It is however rather cold and blah without my comforting color scheme and comfy furniture. I'm not minimalist but I'm not over the top with stuff either. I have my books in nice bookcases and several little bits here and there but not a lot, just special memories of people and places.

[@nineteenfortyeight]

@@margaretkinnaman8585 I agree, there is a mid-range of stuff and color that is ideal. I hope you can decorate!

[@andreaandrea6716]

Well said!

[@Emma-Ghanima]

Yes !! Minimalism and everything white feels really depressing to me and i live in à very rainy area too haha

[@christinaaubin8508]

Back when sunken living rooms were around the first time we used to call them ankle breakers, for the obvious reason that a lot of people broke ankles if they weren’t paying attention. Probably still applies.

[@valeriemcdonald440]

I grew up in a house with a sunken living room and I loved it. My parents said it made their feel cold 🤷‍♀️ I did used to run down the hall and leap off of the top step, hop across the coffee table, and land on the couch. I don't think that they liked that either 😆

[@karaa7595]

I'm so jealous!

[@doyoulovehimloretta1607]

😅

[@lizajane6926]

Ooooo we had the “sunken” den growing up. I remember it always feeling cozy and the whole family all together each evening. It had all these neat “hidden” compartments for storage built in the walls and molding that hid the seams so nobody knew they were there.

[@louelaine6539]

Dusty rose got popular in the '80's along with "seafoam" and beige. Those colours became popular with the "country kitchen' concept. Decor included lots of ducks/ geese with ribbons around their necks. The whole country farmhouse look became popular mid 80's. Lots of matching decor. Sunken living rooms are a deathtrap for older people. I've witnessed the missing of the step disaster. I can't wait to see the end of gray and black. It's had it's day.

[@jenniferlynn3537]

Seafoam Green! *That’s* what was missing! Yes - and it was often paired with Dusty Peach or Dusty Rose as the alternative to Country Blue or Grey! I DID like those color combinations back in the 80s ...but probably because I was so dang tired of endless variations of Harvest Gold, Avocado, Pumpkin and Teal of the 1970s. Admittedly, Teal had a lot of tenacity and went from simply being simply an accent shade, to a primary in the 90s - often combined with chrome - when people wanted an edgy, moody look. Ah, good times!!!

[@debfincher1741]

I'd just like to add with the cost of fuel going higher sometimes a large open plan space can be less cost effective. We only heat the rooms in use. Also with open plan there is less ability to "escape" or regroup if needed!

[@carmelasantana3091]

Love these trends. Before 2020, we had too much noise in our lives, a lot of responsibilities pulling at us, so a minimalist approach was needed for balance. To me, these trends are all driven by the events of the last couple of years and a direct expression of our human yearning for balance: the desire for more privacy in the home, cozy spaces and colors to stave off the insecurities of real life, less need for minimalist dwellings because there hasn't been a lot of outside noise/activities to escape from, more decor to keep the eye and mind entertained.

[@jemimahgertrude590]

Totally agree with this assessment.

[@MyFocusVaries]

Interesting. I became way more minimal during the pandemic. Being home all the time made me want less stuff and more space. I find "things" distracting.

[@TuMadre6995]

you're very eloquent :)

[@carmelasantana3091]

@@MyFocusVaries I agree, "things" make a noise :) I'm curious: Did you have any "a-ha" moments as you removed stuff from your environment?

[@MyFocusVaries]

@@carmelasantana3091 I can't recall any specifics; I know I kept being surprised by how much easier it was to purge items than I thought it would be. I'm so happy with the open spaces. And a year later, I don't regret any decisions.

[@nogames8982]

As a physical therapist I've got to say that I do not like sunken rooms. Because the mobility issue for people. But either makes the room completely in accessible to some people or make a falling hazard. As people get older they really need to start to plan, decide if they want to live in that house forever and if they do how accessible it might be. I hate to see people having to move out of their house just because it's not accessible for them but it happens all the time.

[@belle16117]

I agree. Having broken both ankles (at different times), I have experienced limited mobility. Being in my 60s, I want to age in place. More steps = more fall hazards.

[@nogames8982]

@@belle16117 another huge barrier that people sometimes don't think about is their bathrooms. Is there enough room in there for the use of a walker or wheelchair? Is it a walk-in shower or bathtub? You wouldn't believe the amount of people who have to move out of their home because their bathrooms are not accessible.

[@debbyalder4089]

I’m an Occupational Therapist (Australian), and I completely agree that sunken living areas went away for a really good reason!!! My other concern is it really does limit the positioning of your furniture pieces. I like being able to change things around! But for anyone with health issues they pose a big and limiting problem. The other room I think is limiting and pretty one dimensional is a dedicated theatre room. Everyone lined up in rows facing a big screen, yuck ! The only time these are OK is if you have a really massive house and have other entertainment rooms where you are allowed to speak and be social!!

[@nancydenson3727]

We had a sunken living room back in the 90s and I would never have another one - we entertained a lot in those days and the mixture of inattention due to socializing and alcohol is a disaster - we had so many accidental stumbles that my nerves were on edge with guests there all the time…I even talked to an architect about either taking it out or putting visual signs that there was an elevation change it. Good riddance to that fad…

[@jenelle152]

Yes. Major risk for falls

[@ozvoyager]

Warning: if you're tempted to buy a colourful refrigerator, avoid Smeg. Australia's consumer magazine, Choice, recently tested a massive range of fridges and the Smeg tested at the bottom of the group - way worse than any of the other brands on the market. The colour is really their only selling point.

[@HosCreates]

Thats good to know -I really like the look of them but they are so pricey!

[@camellia8625]

Thanks for sharing that

[@romeoslover817]

please share those brands

[@Blonde_Somnambulist]

Correct, I bought a Gorenj instead , cheaper and better quality .

[@gentillydanny]

Even the name sounds dirty.

[@TrinaMadeIt]

Hahaha, saying we all lived through beige in the 90’s. I think my house was the exception. My parents used grey’s and white for all the fixed parts of our house like skirtings, cornices, floors, cabinets etc. and then every room had walls painted in different colours. We had just about every colour under the sun. Everyone would always comment on how fun our house always was :)

[@luzguillermo7960]

When I learned about Art Deco and Art Nouveau in high school, I knew right then and there that I would fill my home with those styles some day. Well, I don’t have a house to fill yet, but my apartment has touches of it, and I love that it’s easy to shop for! I’ll never tire of it :)

[@Wazupiseeyou]

Those pics he showed are absolutely stunning. Maybe that is why I never liked the minimalist hotel look.

[@AurorasJournals]

Art nouveau ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙌

[@ww3032]

I love Art Deco and art nouveau too, but I find to live in a place like that would be too overwhelming for me. Perfect place for an office or a restaurant though.

[@victorialove9104]

I inherited my childhood home. I'm doing a cosmetic renovation of the kitchen which is from 1953. Keeping the cabinets but painting them off white, replacing the countertops and sink. Removing the linoleum to reveal the oak floors. I'm definitely keeping the mint green wall oven from 1953. I love it and it still works! Would love to find a mint green refrigerator. But maybe I'll paint a white one mint green. I didn't know that was a thing. Love your videos Nick.❤

[@vegasrenie]

I've heard people taking their appliances to an auto body shop and having them paint the appliances. It's permanent, and it looks better than a DIY attempt.

[@marylhere]

I have the desk that was once the post office for my home town when my grandfather’s family owned the general store. Did my homework on it almost every night. It’s a beautiful antique from the turn of the century.

[@JamieHaDov]

I am absolutely on board for bringing art deco back. Currently working on a room rehaul as such…ish

[@Bravokaylyn]

Living close to Palm Springs for a couple years I never knew Art Deco wasn’t in lol

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

Well, I'm skipping ahead a few years to Art Nouveau and nobody can stop me! lol!

[@mg8642]

@@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284 me too!!

[@MilwaukeeWoman]

I don't go for art deco except in bathrooms. Can't explain it. Especially if the bathroom is large enough for a makeup table. So much glamour.

[@jessv4300]

I recently went to Ashley furniture to find a couch for my mom and I was so surprised to see the cutest little art deco style settee there, similar to the one at CB2 you showed. I guess that’s the true sign that the style is coming back, when it can sneak its way into stores that normally stick to lumpy fake-leather recliners and farmhouse styles lol

[@margaretkinnaman8585]

@@viewviewview1236 kick him out of the house? 😜😂

[@huehnerfressenponies]

I bought a house that came with a bright orange cooker. It… wouldn’t have been my first choice, but it’s certainly a conversation starter and I’m slowly liking it more and more.

[@TheLaurelRose]

I am SO down for art deco to come back, if only so it's easier to find! I've loved art deco for ages and I'm probably never going to give it up, even when it falls out of style. Don't care, it's cool!

[@seriliaykilel]

Even if it’s just you, keep going in bringing back Art Deco. I’m there for it!

[@mariaboulukos2736]

Yes ! I think my parents had a beige couch! My parents also have a house that's 100 years old .They never opened up the rooms , which I love. I love how every room has it's separate space. WE have fit all 12 family members at the dining table. And the dining room is not big .Three kids they're spouses and 7 grand kids .

[@LuthienNightwolf]

I love individual rooms and having a bit of maximalism, it makes your home feel more cozy and reflects your personality better. I also work at home and can definitely vouch for the importance of a dedicated workspace. You don’t want your relaxing space mixing with your working space, it starts to become difficult to separate the two and then you can’t really do either of them properly.

[@davidjones9146]

I would add vintage to this list. It’s definitely back in a big way and I’m here for it.

[@shelbybrackett3860]

I didn’t think that I’d like that beige is back, but I love it and I think you hit the nail on the head. Much more natural, organic, etc. than it was done previously.

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

Agreed. They're doing that one right this time.

[@Hollyhock7]

As long as it's not that "pinkish flesh toned" beige. . My pet peeve

[@MilwaukeeWoman]

Every time beige is popular people feel it's natural, suddenly there's jute and some shade of wood that gets dated fast and eventually it's all minimalism and bright white again. The second there's also macrame jute with wood beads, I'm out. My cousin did a beige living room about three years ago and it desperately needs some navy throw pillows or something with color desperately.

[@HosCreates]

Beige is not back I don't know were its trending but it's not trendy at all in the greater Kansas City area and sounding areas.

[@Wazupiseeyou]

@@HosCreates What are talking about? It’s been trending in my home for the past 5 years. 😆

[@elvisneedsboats3714]

Work spaces - I love that they alway show desks (usually way too small to actually work on) without so much as a laptop on it and no place to plug it in anyway, Many times, the desk is positioned away from the walls, so once again, no way to plug anything in. These spaces look good for about 2 seconds until you realize they just don’t make sense. Quite often there is no storage for files or supplies anywhere.

[@banaabekwegirl5731]

Ahhhhh.... yes. What a relief to read someone expressing my festering annoyance with the difference between a trendy desk and useable work surface.

[@justalittlebitmo]

Good point! I was just trying to imagine my husband's set-up in any of those spaces! He's got two huge monitors connected to his laptop AND he's got to be plugged into internet to get the best speeds...lol! Those tiny "intentional" spots just wouldn't cut it. Though they do take a nice photograph 👌

[@wordscrafter]

Our house is older (1933) and it has a separate kitchen. Sometimes I wish it was either much larger or open concept in order to promote conversation/inclusion when I'm in there cooking and everyone else is in the dining or living room. Then there are times when I didn't do the dishes and someone drops by and I'm thankful they can't see all that 😉.

[@HosCreates]

I've lived in turn of the century late 1800s homes to 1990s homes. My favorite kitchens have always been closed off ones because it keeps odors from sticking to my: living room drapes , upholstery and carpets. the hidden dishes and cooking is a favorite feature too.

[@imahick5723]

I have gotten around from being separated from my guests by planning menus that are easy to serve like a casseroles and don't require a lot of last minute cooking or cutting. It works

[@darrisnelson5223]

In 1989, I designed and built a sunken living room. The house had all fir hardwood floors. You entered into a cozy entry then it opened up into a big open beamed great room with 4 french doors and big windows. There was also a step down/up to the formal dining room. There was a big wood burning stove surrounded by dark green slate which heated the house amazingly but you definitely noticed the drop in temp when in the great room! It is a challenge for anyone struggling with steps/stairs. Loving your videos!💚

[@rebeccacarlin6103]

The beiges of the 90s, especially 90s Tuscan, were so yellow. I really appreciate the tones of the beiges we see today.

[@vaderladyl]

Or the hard surfaces were too pinkish beige.

[@lindahammond7759]

Especially love BM paint color Calm - greige with beige under tones

[@shontoo6979]

I just finished removing our sunken living room and our step up doorway. Every single person who entered our home would trip on those steps, it was a huge accident waiting to happen.

[@blissiimo2064]

LOVE LOVE LOVE Art Deco. I live in Canberra Australia, which is essentially an Art Deco City - built in 1920's - with a whole heap of 70's brutalist art and architecture thrown in. It's my 2 favourites.

[@sharonwilliamson4592]

I like walls, defined spaces, privacy, quiet, art work, display areas for shelves. Glad there not forgotten. 🙏👍😄

[@A9201001]

My grandparents’ house has a sunken living room… so many memories of making pillow forts with my cousins in there! These new ones look much nicer though 😂

[@HerLeenest]

I would absolutely love to see you do a video on Art Nouveau. You touched on it briefly in another video but I would love for you to do a video on it. You give great examples and explain things so well.

[@valsanverghese]

Office spaces: weren’t they called studies when there were individual rooms other than bedrooms ? Sometimes you do need an isolated space if you want to get work done. Or put a desk in the bedroom and shut the door, to get away from the open spaces, as you’ve mentioned. Great video !

[@653j521]

Yes, studies or even dens, and of course in the library with Miss Scarlet and a gun. :) Depends on how pretentiously you wish to live.

[@MilwaukeeWoman]

@@653j521 I like to be silly pretentious, ever since I learned that rich people say rich and not wealthy, sofa and not couch, toilet and not bathroom, I use all those terms. My home office is now the study. Maybe I'll call my living room the drawing room while I'm at it.

[@katewade9992]

ALL the office spaces were cold hard uninviting chairs & desks with spindly legs. Uncomfortable. Nope.

[@CornbreadOracle]

Home offices were big in the 90s when computers had their own room.

[@abzurdity]

@@katewade9992 Agree! Not one of those spaces had enough surface area to house a keyboard, monitor, and god forbid a piece of paper. And all those chairs would destroy your back after just a few hours of Zooms.

[@saritacruz3020]

"It can still be great and not be my style." I absolutely love that sentiment.

[@immiegee]

I think the individual rooms are coming back due to the covid-19 crisis. Working from home, children at home... People were suddenly in need of more privacy. Oh you said it yourself in the video. 😄

[@itnama]

I recommend using peel and stick wall paper on your fridge! That way you have so many more options for patterns/ colour and can easily remove if you get sick of it or want to sell. I did it to my bright white fridge and now it has a cool geometric print which is a nice 'art piece' for my bland rental kitchen.

[@JoJoJoker]

Thank you! All of our appliances are stainless except for the fridge and we want to update without buying a new one as it’s a nice fridge.

[@taylorqueensbury170]

@@JoJoJoker there are refrigerator magnets that are custom made online. I think they have stainless one if I am not mistaken. They are around $150.

[@yunglynda1326]

thats a cool idea!

[@thedevilandhertrumpets4268]

Whatever I like is always in style in my house. 🤗💜

[@karenhollywood3523]

I’ve just always done what I liked, trends be damned. 😝 Actually painted my fridge aqua back in the last century, and it turned out pretty good! Over time, my taste became more sophisticated, yet kept it different and interesting. Did MCM starting in the 90’s (no knockoff new stuff) and always loved Art Deco, and for the past five years dreaming of my Nouveau/Deco flavored spacious Bed and Bath. Now settling in to new home and working on it with my Designer friend who has the eye for me to enjoy an eclectic mix of several designs I adore. MCM , Nouveau, Deco, PopStyle, and more…. I enjoy EVERY Nick video so much… Keep them coming,Sir…. 😎Cheers! 🍸

[@OwlingDogDesign]

No, I love Art Deco and I'm so glad it's making a comeback. I also love the earlier Art Nouveau but it's a lot harder to pull off. (Maybe just in some of the details.)

[@653j521]

Maybe psychedelic will come back along with Art Nouveau posters for black light.

[@lisaburt7118]

I love your channel Nick. You always temper your opinions on decorating with kindness and humor. The world could use more of this approach. Thanks.

[@nancyfryhover]

No! Not sunken living rooms! Danger, danger! Well, for me as a senior, lol. Oh, cleaning would be harder too.

[@katebender4745]

I've never heard of Maximalism but that's 100% what my house looks like!

[@LadyAhro]

Art Deco and Moody Maximalism is definitely back and thriving as a small movement if you know where to go for inspiration and discussion for it. The Moody Maximalist Facebook is a great place for inspiration and discussing it.

[@thewol7534]

If you are building/renovating your "forever" house with the strategy of eventually aging in place, you do NOT want a conversation pit. Major fall hazard. I had to deal with a knee replacement surgery and the sunken living room in my rented duplex that was built in the 1970's, and it was "the pits."

[@Rachel-lq8sc]

Don’t love the sunken living room either- my mom is in a wheelchair and it completely blocks her out of a very social part of the house!

[@Bravokaylyn]

I was thinking the same thing. When I have my grandparents over it would make it harder for them to join and I can just see all the kids jumping from the upper space to the couch and breaking something lol.

[@beverlynorris557]

My elderly parents live with my sister and she has a sunken family room, they have almost fallen several times. Not for people with reduced mobility for sure.

[@Ajlatango]

I love how the thumbs up now gets all colorful when I hit it. I know that’s not a your channel thing but I just had to share and encourage others to hit that like button

[@NiamhCreates]

I'm not really a "trend" person in general, but there are a few of these that are definitely my style: separate rooms, Art Deco, workspaces, and maximalism.

[@Bravokaylyn]

I lived in a separated home, everything was in its own room but still had a nice flow and then I bought a open concept. I still prefer the open concept to entertain because when it was separated everyone would just gather in the kitchen no mattttterrrr what I did and it drove me crazy

[@HosCreates]

I once saw a statement that said " "women belong in the kitchen"is so dated and sexist. Men belong in the kitchen -kids belong in the kitchen the kitchen has food"

[@SoniaTolson]

I love, love, love the warm beige, taupe, brown tones! Very earthy!

[@amandakesterson224]

Art Deco has been a favorite style of mine since I was a kid. I'm so excited its coming back. Rich jewel tones are 😍😍😍

[@denisefrandsen5106]

Art Deco never been out of style, maybe forgotten, but never out of style. The most classic of the classics. Best style ever.

[@superfacch]

Can you do more on designing a workspace? I've been working from home for many years but I live in a tiny apartment and my office space is in my living room so it needs to be attractive. I was just putting up a room divider to hide my many monitors (I work in software) but that was kinda ehh as well

[@superfacch]

Oh specifically designing around a sit-stand desk, which can tend to be kind of ugly

[@sheribarnett3180]

And maybe clever ways to camouflage the ugly giant monitor these old eyes need?

[@MilwaukeeWoman]

Maybe a curtain hung from the ceiling as a divider? It could be an open weave and light, but you can put it very close to the desk so it doesn't make the room smaller than necessary when it's closed. Or pick the curtain fabric and then get room paint to match so it disappears except as a different but interesting texture.

[@superfacch]

@@MilwaukeeWoman the point was to visually open the space so I've already ruled out room dividers of any kind. But that would definitely work in some spaces!

[@user-qp6lj6gu7s]

@@superfacch This is exactly the thing I wanted to bring up as well, I'm in a very similar situation. I don't feel like dividing the room would be good option for me as it would make the space too small and maybe hinder natural light, how has that worked for you? On the upside I don't have a TV to take into consideration

[@janetpugliesi3203]

Being one who loves color..happy about art deco and the colored appliances.. I feel color is a way to make your home a place of peace ,contentment and joy...it does for me....

[@g.b.2806]

The one reason I can think of that speaks against modular furniture is that it can lead to a chopped up look, since there necessarily are "breaks" in the outline wherever a new module is attached. If the modules are all based on a square footprint, that can look pretty busy.

[@sandrawestley4193]

Sandra WestleyUK, cannot stand modular settees it’s definitely to my style at all, my son had one when they were fashionable 20 years ago, it just takes up so much room, especially in uk homes that are much smaller the USA, we don’t have basements or dens there just isn’t any room for that sort of thing.

[@tishratcliff9601]

I love my modular sofa. I’ve been able to customize the arrangement so that it is great for conversation and also lets me lounge in front of the fireplace.

[@jd9351]

An older friend (80s?) still lives in her model home from the early 1970s with a conversation pit, complete with round modular sofa. If her late husband hadn't been a minister, I'd speculate about the swingers' parties they may have had. You step down three or four steps, climb into the pit and lounge away. It's something else.

[@tamarastone141]

🤣🤣🤣

[@lulubelle65]

My immediate thought about the sunken living room was "Key party!'

[@seaside2001]

Our work space was once called the small bedroom we housed the "baby" in - now long time gone. Have always used it for the "office" at home. Very convenient.

[@ivory8889]

Yesssss! ART DECO!! It’s just something about it that says different, exciting, and pleasing to the eye. I love walking into a space that keeps me wondering what is next with the shapes and textures. ☺️

[@Jessica-kk1cz]

All I remember from the late 80s and 90s are white walls, everywhere. It was the builder grade color in every house and in every room. Then it was white and sage during the 2000-2008 housing boom. Then it was "the formula" of white / grays / white / wood floor / white/ gray / plant / white - over and over and over and over and over and over. And over. Love Art Deco. They use color and design and creativity, which made amazing atmospheres.

[@tamarastone141]

I absolutely despise all white walls its giving rental property vibes

[@DaveTexas]

Wow, so my house is coming back into style! I live in a 1970s contemporary townhouse. Sunken living room, cathedral ceiling, kitchen and dining room completely separated from the living room, lots of natural wood. I also have tons of "stuff." I’ve traveled the world and collected all sorts of things from everywhere I’ve been. I also have hundreds of books, thousands of LPs, and more CDs than you’d believe. Photos and art on every wall. Maximalism is my life. I even have a bedroom that has been set up as my office for more than 20 years. No Art Deco, though. I love Art Deco, but it doesn’t fit with our ‘70s architecture at all. Our furniture is all the Mission style (it all looks like Stickley furniture). I’d love to see that come back into style. I also really really want wood paneling to come back. I love rooms with wood paneling everywhere! Not the reclaimed-wood feature wall trend or that horrible shiplap look, but rather rich, polished wood paneling on the walls. Guess I’ll have to wait a few more years for that. I’m just glad that "open concept" is going away. I HATE open-concept great rooms. Having to clean the kitchen between preparing a big meal and the guests’ arrival is not my idea of a fun dinner party. Give me walls!

[@karaa7595]

Art deco can go with 70's architecture but you typically have to be an Interior Designer to pull it off.

[@ingupin]

I am currently looking to buy or build a house and I am completely torn on open concept vs. individual rooms. Personally, for family life I think open concept is great, because you spend time together and casually have a conversation whilst doing different things. One is doing their homework on the table, the other one is preparing dinner, the next one is browsing on the laptop, but everyone is together. I love that. But on the other hand, it has so many complications. You can't mix a smoothie while someone is talking on the phone. You can't use the kitchen machine while someone is watching TV. You can't prepare a surprise birthday cake for someone. Everybody sees and hears everything all the time.

[@namelessone3339]

Beige reminds me of all the rental apartments I've lived in. I have vintage 1963 yellow stove, hood and sink surrounded by yellow boomerang Formica™. I liked that you put up a picture of a traditional design living room when discussing maximalism--don't get to see much of that.

[@MilwaukeeWoman]

I can't wait until we can afford to get rid of this uninspired beige carpeting that was here when we bought the house. I have simple furniture and want a low pile loud area rug like I had at the apartment we were in before here and it just gave the room so much life.

[@JASONMCDONALD2]

I really love all of the ideas and direction you give me. You speak of design in a way that's accessible. Thank you.

[@ptrfsh]

Samsung’s Bespoke collection is a great option for colorful appliances, especially their refrigerators because the door panels can be changed as needed so you can have fun with different color combos but also if you get sick of the color over time you can change the front panel without having to replace the whole refrigerator. I got mine in the navy blue glass and I absolutely love it and don’t see myself getting tired of it but it’s nice to know if I can change it in the future if I want. The individual panels aren’t too expensive either so it’s great way of change the look around in your kitchen without breaking the bank.

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

Yup, yup! I just got a zline and I can change out the door if I like.

[@dearhart31]

I was going to say the same thing! I did get mine in white, but cool to know that I can get other colors if I want at some point. Plus, I get a ton of compliments on it when people see it. Very modern and clean. I love it.

[@Jules_Pew]

No to sunken rooms - accidents just waiting to happen. Yes to individual rooms - as much as I love my family, it's good to have some peace and quiet, especially if you're working from home, but I have an office in the garden as well.

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

I graduated in the early 80's and quickly discovered I am NOT a gray person. The world was mauve and gray or Williamsburg blue, rose and gray. I went beige. I stay beige. I don't do trends. When I see gray on the design horizon - I stock up on sheets and towels. So happy to see beige coming back - the sheets and towels need replacing.😁

[@PaintingandExercise]

I am right there with you! I do beige not grey. The last 10 years have been difficult finding anything but grey, cream, and off white.

[@theresaalexander4142]

I'm with you. There is nothing warm, cheerful, or interesting about gray. ANY gray. It's cold, depressing, and dull.

[@cs4849]

Yes! Me, too! Hate gray, love earth tones.

[@tjrothausen]

ME TOO! Glad I’m not the only one. Hate grey w a passion LOL

[@rosieposie9564]

@@tjrothausen I love gray. I find it versatile, calming and the ultimate neutral but beige, especially the new beiges are okay too. I do not like beiges in bathrooms though as it can make that room look a bit unclean.

[@Cello-Pam]

Dear Nick, I DO live under a rock. That's why I watch you!

[@TheOrganizedSoprano]

Been building sunken living rooms in the Sims 4 for the last few months after they introduced platforms…good to know I’m on trend lol

[@roxycocksey]

Lmao omg girl SAME 😂 I’ve been building really 70’s inspired sims builds with sunken living rooms and wood paneling on the walls because it’s what I really want in real life 😊

[@TheOrganizedSoprano]

@@roxycocksey YAAS! It’s my favorite way to live vicariously and experiment with design styles with no risk to your own space lol. I actually downloaded a ton of CC with colored kitchen appliances as well and I am obsessed. I’m too scared to do it in my own kitchen so far but…

[@jdxx59]

Love your You Tube channel!

[@namjoonie936]

i make sunken kitchens lmao

[@TheOrganizedSoprano]

@@namjoonie936 interesting 🤔 I might have to experiment lol

[@estewartdixon]

Right there with you Nick with Art Deco! Love this comeback and your previous Art Deco videos. Thanks for the content!

[@JanellNatekar]

Oh man, I really hope that Art Deco comes back in fashion some more! I've been trying my best to follow it a little from my own home too, but I need the stuff to start producing some cheap knockoffs before I can afford it. Vintage isn't really helping me out either in price. Currently subsisting off of painting a few things black and decorating them with gold tape in geometric patterns and sticking a few cheap gold-coloured legs on furniture that wasn't made to have any. 😅 Not exactly brass detailing and black laquer. Fingers crossed!

[@forestsprite8495]

Mid-week video? I'm here for it! One of these days I'm going to follow up all the design advice I've soaked up and start doing over the home we bought almost two years ago...

[@heleneac]

Sunken living rooms are awesome, but I prefer a proper split-level so the change in level is more obvious and you don’t accidentally trip on it. The split doesn’t lock in the floor plan and it becomes more of a landscape you walk through rather than a “pool with pillows”.

[@tamarastone141]

I agree...I recently bought a split level and it so functional

[@banannerz]

Im 24 and just moved into my first ever unfurnished apartment and am finally creating my own space for the first time. I was really struggling with my vision, but after many hours of apartment tour videos and Pinterest, I was just so incredibly drawn to the maximalist eclectic spaces people created. I loved all the unique items and storytelling they’d worked into their homes, it was incredible. Especially as an artist that also works from home, it’s so important to me that I find my space inspiring and energizing so I’m definitely pushing to create a fun maximalist space for myself. So excited to hear it’s officially coming back in style (even if it weren’t, I’d still pursue it though haha).

[@mackereltabbie]

Separate rooms are more practical if you work from home, and it helps you save on heating (save money, and the climate!)

[@BePlushed]

There was an episode of Love It or List It Vancouver I watched a couple of months ago. Todd was showing the couple houses and they absolutely DID NOT want an open concept living space. The wife wanted the kitchen separate and closed off from the dining and living space. I think she didn't want people moseying about when she was cooking. Todd was honestly flabbergasted a bit and told them it will be difficult to find a house with everything on their "want list" that didn't have open concept because that was the "in thing right now". Your section about individual rooms really popped that memory back up!

[@valeriej291]

The conversation pit; a sectional sofa for people who love spraining their ankles. 😂

[@joshrocha2500]

Happy to see open concept start to fall away. Bring back cozy, quiet homes with gentle lighting. Leave the loud and intense kitchen work to the kitchen. The living room should be a place for mellow and intimate conversations and good vibes.

[@blah914]

id argue that ~the power bill~ is also a motivation for going back to smaller rooms. our house was build open plane back in ww1, but we put up glass walls bc heating up that entite space, 3/4 not in use, was just *stupid*.

[@mikki3961]

My house was built in 1934, not a fan of new construction and we have actual rooms. I love the flow and the unexpected when moving from room to room. So yes a formal living room, dining room, separate kitchen and a den! Decorating is so fun. I love art deco too Nick! Please no more cottage/farmhouse unless it's in the country!

[@kanases]

Lots of interesting ideas, I like the colored appliances but feel they're more for ppl with the finances to replace them when they are not trending. I like the modular furniture, am not a fan of maximalism, it's too much clutter for me!

[@obelus5985]

Open concept has a place. It's great for small homes with small children. In that case, you can watch over the little ones and the open concept gives a feeling of more space. However, once you can move up, it's wonderful to have separate rooms. For example, the kitchen separated from living areas eliminates cooking smells and noise. You can prep ahead to time and enjoy guests in your formals (dining and living rooms). Kids, now older can retreat to the family room where they won't be bored by adult conversations.

[@newearthling1111]

I'm digging the maximalism trend. It's definitely a reaction to wanting more color and life in their homes, post covid.

[@RachaelTheRed]

If Nick is single handedly bringing back art deco then I'm here to help. We plan to do our bedroom and my office in an art deco style and now we are trying to figure out how we can bring it through the rest of the house now too.

[@ashleyrose1840]

I love Art Deco❤️

[@elena_a-2023]

Partitions and Art Deco from the 1920s are just beautiful. Thanks Nick! I loved this video.

[@brigantiablackbird]

Hooray for Art Deco and Maximalism and freaking COLOR and PERSONALITY!!!! What a relief after so many dreary years of soulless design being pushed down everyone's throats.

[@silvasilvasilva]

Thaťs why some of us don't do trends. You do what you like and what everyone else does will be of no concern. I personally don't see the link between stuff and personality, but, as I said, to each their own. I'll keep my home minimal whatever the trend of the week.

[@ammiller3911]

Love the room dividers. Easy to fix the "open concept" our landlord did to the house before we moved in. Gives an office space out of a weirdly oblong living room

[@sdophoto1405]

I am in love with the modular sofas in fact I am considering a few of them. Rove Concepts, Article and King Living jump out at me. I think it is really cool to create something that works for you space and where you can even change it around based on your various needs. Like you said why did this go out of style?

[@NachoAE360]

We just bought an untouched, one owner home built in 1965 with a deep sunken living room. I love it regardless of ‘trends’ or opinions! It separates the space while still being open and turns the hallway into more of a catwalk (lined with wrought iron railing). I also love that we finally have a separate dining room- our first home was a new construction home where the kitchen living room and dining room were the same space. I hated it

[@jordanbelvin528]

I have ALWAYS loved sunken living rooms ahhh, idk why… I just love them they’re so cool. I’m still a fan of open concept, I just think it makes a home feel larger and more airy, but I do love like a double sided fireplace that divides two rooms I think those are so cool. Unfortunately I live in Texas where these things don’t really exist lol 😆 I love the new take on browns, just bc I’m a BIG fan of wood anything as well. Hmm 🤔 Art Deco, I like it… however I wouldn’t want MY home personally to be all Art Deco. Absolutely NOT colorful appliances, it’s a NO for me. I like modular furniture, I’m in the middle of max and min. I love that we have a full office for my husband who works from home. It’s so nice. I just wanted to state all of my opinions lol thanks for the video :)

[@chandaharkins4418]

I was never on board with the stainless appliances (or white cabinets), so I'm glad they're on the way out. What goes around, comes around. I'm old enough now to see trends repeating, and I do agree that they don't always come back exactly the same, Nick. Enjoyed your video!

[@Heeeyyyyou]

Individual rooms are probably making a comeback since housing prices are bananas, even on older homes where this is the original layout, and people are trying to save money on renovations.

[@tamarastone141]

Sooo true!

[@susanmulvey6311]

I love the colored appliances!! Very retro! I’ve always like sunken living rooms. Well, only a step or two down!