Omg. What my home looked like before i found my personal style...

[@arianahoule7223]

Lovely video. At "76," I just got rid of my 45-year-old couch and bought a lovely new couch and comfortable chair. For so long I kept thinking that, since I was probably going to die soon, I should just keep all my old stuff. All my children live far away and they don't want anything. However, all any of us have is the now moment. So, lovely lady, keep on playing with various styles and ideas. Sending loving thoughts your way...and to your sweetheart, and to your lovely parents and siblings...and to everyone.

[@luxbio]

I want to give you a hug! So glad you got that couch. It’s worth enjoying every minute of it, just for yourself. 🔥

[@HappyHarryX5]

So glad you treated yourself. You deserve it! Remember you’re young at heart, not old.

[@Lostmyoldaccount123]

What lovely comment! I’m impressed you’re tech savvy enough to interact on KZbin. You’ve got my parents (60s) and grandmother (80s) beat! So glad you got the couch! Please don’t ever feel like you’re counting down your days. Keep on making changes here and there and keep us updated if you’re able. Wishing you the best! ❤

[@dcoughla681]

The present is a gift so live it. Enjoy your new comfy sofa & chair!

[@cathyc1079]

My mother who is 91 has in the last couple of years bought new couches, new entertainment unit, new dining setting. She likes her unit to look and feel modern, no old stuff for her lol. So l finally bought a new couch (old couch was 30+ years old!). I'm going to be more like my mother :). Enjoy your new couch x

[@KatKhatibi]

To be honest, I’m here because I like YOU. You could literally be cooking, cleaning, decorating, or spilling tea and I’ll be here. 😊

[@sylviaeneriz4808]

Same 🙋‍♀️😊

[@Lieliamy12]

Same!!

[@santisanti8386]

It will be very emotional moment for all of us 700 000 people when you decide to leave that little wonder of an apartment to move into your new chapter of life. What a wonderful journey we had together last couple of years. ❤

[@corinneanderson1273]

I enjoyed hearing about phases as I have found myself doing some of the same things. Growth is always important.😊

[@rondabellefontaine2759]

Thank you for this video. You've shown how decorating your spaces is an evolution that starts with trial and 'error'. Although it's not really an error, it's learning. Thanks again. This may be my favourite video of yours.

[@HeatherCashArt]

This could not have come at a more perfect time. I got admitted to the hospital today for a mass in my brain and I've been dizzy and throwing up. Finally feeling better because they gave me steroids to reduce the swelling and then the symptoms finally went away (I'm going to need brain surgery, holy hell). Anyways, this is just what I needed for a wonderful distraction, thank you so much 💗💗💗

[@incognitoincignito]

😢

[@Eclecting]

Sending well wishes your way.

[@pamelatsantosstudio]

Hope you get better soon and wishing you a speedy recovery ❤

[@marisadaniela6]

Hoping and praying for all to go smoothly. Glad you are being cared for. Hang in there!❤

[@MO-006-09]

Praying for you❤ And sending you strength.

[@IsabellaLondonLife]

Everything you said at the end about being in a period where you have nothing to show for it but have those little seeds planted in the ground made me feel so much better about the current state I'm in (not successful career wise, romantic wise, or decorative wise either) - so thank you

[@daisylua]

Same here. I started bawling 🥲

[@Future_Rebellion]

Me too. I've been in that state since 2020 and was slowly ebbing out of it over 2024. I have nothing to show for those years, I might as well have not existed. But now that I'm finally back on my feet I'm more of a person than I ever was before.

[@labibliobecca]

it's truly impressive seeing how far you have come in such a short amount of time. it really feels, not even like you found yourself, but like you created yourself, and still are. you're so good at what you do that sometimes i feel like you're just built different, and this video takes away a lot of mystique and makes it feel doable and also personalized for people watching. once again your content feels both comforting and inspiring, thank you caroline

[@annabobe3475]

I'm a regular old hag, too. I took at least 10-15 years to know what my style is. And I love to change things up every once in a while. You are a treasure and pleasure to watch.

[@Caroline_Winkler]

we're mostly just regular hags out here. but that is our power. so much room to evolve and explore our hagness :)

[@eshqa]

I'm 80. Creative change doesn't stop. Just like styles of clothing, hair, etc, changes, and seeing how they were in old photos and videos they look so weird, so they also will when you watch this video years from now, this never ending instant. ✨

[@cherylbarrel9966]

"This never-ending instant"---- Fabulous!🎉

[@adelaidebeckman9152]

What a lovely way of looking at change - something to embrace, not fear

[@eshqa]

@@adelaidebeckman9152 What a lovely response to the comment ✨

[@eshqa]

@@cherylbarrel9966 🌺

[@lorrilewis2178]

I'm 66 and I concur.

[@Ohbranananana]

Hi Caroline! Just wanna say I truly appreciate the rawness in your videos. I feel like a lot of ppl can relate to reliving those strong emotions when looking back through old photos, and the epic dramas that tend to culminate in retrospect. To hear it from you, a public voice, and then reading it back in comments makes it feel like it's just part of like, the human experience. I guess just thank you for creating the space where it makes growing up feel beautiful. :)

[@HappyHarryX5]

I needed this! I decorated my room at 13yo and it was awesome. After that, I married a narcissist who whinged for decades about anything I chose but wouldn’t choose anything himself. If he tried, it was cringe worthy. Lived 1600km from real shops so always got the worst of the worst stuff in town that was mixed with 1980s brown wood laminate company furniture. Wasn’t allowed to decorate or have my own spaces for the most part. He’d take them over. Post divorce I’m in my element with DIY, colour scheme and experimenting. I can hang art, my art!!! ❤

[@user-lb6nq6bn2k]

I'm exactly like you! Just got out of an abusive relationship of over 15 years. He would belittle my tastes in literally everything, not just interiors, and would routinely throw out furniture on a whim in the name of "minimalism" (aka, we weren't allowed to have anything nice, and he could feel morally superior about it). I'm now pushing 40 and I'm throwing myself into very slowly decorating my unit with comfort, colour, and everything that will make it a true home for my two little girls to grow up in. Caroline and other youtubers have been so invaluable in helping me.

[@Kim-qt7yn]

I am 2.5 years after escaping a 29 year marriage debacle. Enjoying life finally!

[@nancychestnut8928]

Yes! Freedom! Some people just like to be sour. You're not one of them!

[@HappyHarryX5]

@@Kim-qt7yn May this be the best chapter of your life! I was with the so and so for 32 yrs. I call people who tell me life gets much better afterwards divorce heroes and give them a place of honour on my shoulders as shoulder angels. You are there too!

[@HappyHarryX5]

@@user-lb6nq6bn2k I’m so glad you’re out of it! I figured out while he was moving out that it’s about taking your ownership of your spaces off you so you don’t even feel like you deserve to live there. As he is a hoarder it took him 18 months to move out yet in every room and shed, he’d leave just enough around every wall so I couldn’t use any space. He told me that I wasn’t to move any of his stuff around even 4 months after he’d officially moved out. At that time he still told me he was going to buy my half of the house from me right up until he couldn’t deny moving out. Then he said we were going to sell the house. In the end I moved some of his stuff. He took some of my stuff and hid other bits like cutlery and denied it. Throughout the marriage he’d even throw my bedding on the floor if it went on his side just so I didn’t feel safe or calm in there. 18 months post divorce I’m still not feeling like I own the spaces he occupied but try to do a Wonder Woman twirl in them every time. I’m sending you and your family a big hug. It’s not easy finally recognising the boundary of abuse. I used to think that if he didn’t hit me, it wasn’t abuse, he was just grumpy all the time. May this be the best chapter of your lives and love and laughter fills your home.

[@lilagyory7867]

Even though I've watched you for years it was so weird seeing photos/clips of you without your bangs. The bangs are just so YOU.

[@SchlyterMia]

I'm 43 and live by myself for the first time in life! I ABSOLUTELY encourage women to live solo for a while. You discover who you are without having to compromise with anyone else. That goes for tastes, values and general lifestyle. This is where you grow!

[@craven5328]

Funnily enough - I lived on my own for most of my life till 43! I soooo loved not having to compromise! Now I'm trying to meld styles with my BF - and he's in the "veto" phase Caroline talked about lol. Arg!! I'm gonna tell him he needs to offer alternative options!

[@breyer333]

I’ve never commented anywhere before, but I felt compelled to this time. I first discovered your patio makeover a few weeks after I was released, and I immediately connected with your positive energy and creative insight. You could say I’m one of those annoying people who like to claim, “I was here from the beginning.” I just wanted to share how much I appreciated this video-not just for the design, but for the way it reflects growth and transformation, both creatively and personally. Over the past five years, I’ve been laid off, moved back home, and eventually started over in a new city where I didn’t know anyone. Through it all, your content has been a source of comfort and inspiration. It’s been incredible to watch you evolve and discover what you love, especially as I’ve been on my own journey of figuring out the same. Your videos have helped me feel more confident in making design choices that genuinely reflect who I am. I still have some growing to do, but my home has never felt more “me” than it does now-largely thanks to your encouragement to create spaces that truly resonate with the people who live in them. Thank you for sharing your personal style journey. It’s made a difference in mine. :)

[@auntkaz815]

I had a painting that my grandmother had painted that I wanted to hang in my new apartment. A dear friend of mine who I had asked to help me decorate told me that “nothing could make that look good”. I went on a quest to prove her wrong. This is how my decorating journey started. I discovered a creative side to me that I didn’t even know existed. Had a huge amount of fun creating my home environment… and in the end my friend admitted that I had done the impossible and used the painting in a vignette that made it really appealing.

[@kathleenkaleookalanismith8724]

I love this!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@GlareUsy]

When I was in a very unhappy relationship I would go out every single weekend and buy things to decorate our house, I spent so much money for things I wasn't even sure I liked just trying to bring a little bit of joy around me. I relate

[@tyson211]

I really needed to see this, I thought people were born with a design instinct and I just didn’t have it. I’m deep into the vintage phase right now and I spend all my time and money at thrift stores, thank you for showing me that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

[@JustMe-fo4ev]

Been glued to the news the past couple days so this is a nice break from it.

[@nancyh1990]

It hurts to see you hurting in those photos. I went through a breakup around the same time, and all I did was take photos of me being happy when it was the opposite of how I felt. Love and appreciate you ❤️

[@mffmoniz2948]

I looked at old photos one time as if I was looking at someone I didn't know. Suddenly the sadness in my eyes was in every photo. It hit me like a freight train how sad I was during that period. My parents were both sick and I was doing university and taking care of them. And having no energy to take care of myself. Looking at those photos and seing how much I needed a hug, helped me forgive myself for some things I thought I hadn't done enough. I did. I did as much as I was able to.

[@lienochka75]

Hi Caroline, great video as always ! It's so funny that you said that you weren't able to give advice about how to blend style with a partner, because you totally helped me in that area ! You did a video a while ago with your brother, in which you made him swipe through pinterest pictures to determin what he liked (you called it design tinder). I did this exact thing with my boyfriend (using your pinterest brainstorm board btw

[@Jo-vy1kd]

Two videos in three days? I love you. Baby's asleep, toddler's asleep - perfect timing.

[@Moshm4n]

Those little hehe's are something like a retrospective growth laugh. I did those just the other day. It's so reflexive. It feels like "wow look how adorably cringe I was."

[@rduckster4727]

Girl I just love how you can take a video about design style and weave in some profound truths and have these vulnerable moments with us. Dang I found myself remembering the fur babies and homes and loves I left behind but I’m so thankful for where God brought me to 💜

[@fjjjjjsdlfjslakjdf]

i mean this in the best way possible but i love that your camera is sometimes your therapist and you let us in on it. you're good people, caroline winkler!

[@SnipNTint]

I love when you make videos like this. It can be challenging to reflect in such an honest way. I appreciate you going there. I don’t know why but this video hit hard in just the right spot. I can totally relate to that feeling of getting to know your own style and self while simultaneously not feeling my best. Growth for me always happens when it’s tough. I look forward to seeing whatever you do next. So glad I found this channel a few years ago. I feel like I’m part of a like minded community, I need this right now.

[@barbarabarber9950]

I am also a senior at 75. And love her shows. I may not be able to do all that she does but I have learned what goes together. And I’m trying different colors. I recently purchased a red bedspread!!

[@Bethanyfetherston]

All I have to say after watching this and following your for many years now is: We all love you, are incredibly proud of you and I am sending you a virtual hug

[@Eclecting]

YAY!!! What did we do to deserve two back-to-back videos? My Saturday night is looking up. (I'm a little pathetic but very grateful)

[@rachel933]

I love how you shared this of yourself, that even as we get older, creativity doesn't need to end. It just evolves in our interests and that we can create our living spaces to reflect our special tastes in life. Your past videos have given us tools and ideas and now you show that you were never "perfect" from the get-go, you show us what many content creators are missing on, being genuine & authentic. Many kudos to you

[@dodgethis_]

Sending a big hug to that lost, sad Caroline (Angelica?) from the pictures. It was hard to see for me, so I can't even imagine how it felt for you. It's very comforting to see how far you've come. In your design style and in your confidence. Thank you for sharing 🤍

[@emmericdupreez]

Loved that! It's so important and so rare to see someone's actual process and to realize that the journey happens over years. That's why it's called a journey and not a day trip. Also to stick to it. Thanks for sharing. It must have been hard. ❤

[@verodomurat-tostado3079]

You are happy now and it shows. I appreciate your honesty and opening your heart. It was fun seeing the road you have traveled.

[@Kim-qt7yn]

Evolution is growth. Caroline you have cultivated a fantastic “bloom” of inspo for us, TY!

[@pegm5937]

I realise that this is a super personal, post relationship video to make, but... I ❤ the Caroline context and vulnerability that shows everyone that everyone has a past, plus growth through experience, and good times and bad, plus I learned stuff, and, yes! It's okay if you don't notice or aren't perfect right out of the gate. Yes! You are allowed to just let things be what they are and sort it out later. ❤ Yes! It will get better if you open up to growing. All of this

[@brendahumphries9423]

Caroline I’m 69 yrs old and got married at 18. My couch that I bought had baskets of fruit on it! All the pictures were from Home Interiors! Cheap cheap pictures! But now my home is full of personality and beautiful vintage furniture and vintage frames for pictures or professional frames. It’s what we do we find our way. And yes! Still married 51 years!

[@kellyotterness]

I’m in the parent-phase following a big breakup super similar to yours (long relationship in the Midwest, also got a little domestic, also killed a lot of time in thrift stores, also had a puppy I recently found photos of and felt sad about, recently moved back to a big city to live with family). It was so comforting to see your evolution from that point till now, creatively and personally. I love that you truly made your own home that feels unique and peaceful for you. It’s a huge inspiration for me as I try to envision my future independence. Thanks! I can’t wait to see what my style becomes when I get my own space.

[@darkoc34n]

Caroline, thank you for sharing your amazing personality with all of us here. It’s always a joy to see your videos, they feel like a warm hug and I really look forward to them! I’m only 19 and all of your insight about not only interior design but the difficult parts of being human I take fondly to heart. Never stop being you❤

[@vanessawhitneypro]

Oh, YAY! Something for a Saturday night West Coaster like me! Thanks, always, Caroline. You're always honest & genuine. Cheers.

[@jeannemitchell6094]

What I am struck by in this video is how much you looked like a sad little girl. Now you look like a confident woman. ❤

[@lucyc.5816]

It's crazy how much I relate to this video. So comforting to see that you've gone through so much of the same confusion and inner turmoil before you arrived here!

[@21cormorants]

I think IKEA and similar kinds of places with showrooms are a great idea for couples blending design sensibilities; you can walk through slowly and point out what each person likes to the other and, ideally, keep an eye out for wherever there’s overlap!

[@mffmoniz2948]

I was recently in Ikea. I came back with some future purchase ideas. But... a lot of the show rooms... Also on other furniture stores I visited. So big and spacious. The furniture and ideas for rooms. It was all big and spacious. My house is not that big and spacious. I need smaller furniture. Smaller solutions. I need a dining/living room with space for 8 people when I have my friends over. But that's cozy when it's the 3 of us. Ikea has an extendable table that I want. But the buffet thingy is always too long. So it has to be storage. But most storage furniture is boring. Just a rectangle. I don't want to change my sofas. Maybe upholster them? Buy a new pretty rug. Anyway, that's my beef with show rooms. The kitchens, the dining and living rooms, even the bedrooms and bathrooms are all big and spacious. Where are these houses with all this available space? And I have stuff that needs to go somewhere. That doesn't fit this minimalistic furniture for storing nothing.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Any furniture store actually. I get so overwhelmed at Ikea I can barely go there every 5 years.

[@21cormorants]

@@mffmoniz2948 aww I definitely relate to this, too. IKEA often has one or two small rooms to pick a few ideas from, but of course they’re rarely able to truly replicate, say, two people with their whole lives tucked into a studio apartment under 300 square feet! That said, my comment is more to help with generating ideas on what styles you and a partner might both like when your design sensibilities seemingly have little overlap. Maybe one likes dark and moody, while the other strongly prefers bright and airy - but you both like MCM furniture in mid-tone wood? Those showrooms can sometimes display furniture in unexpected ways, which can help you (both) to imagine a potential shared space that might bring in elements you both like - and potentially build on that towards something unique to the two of you. 🙂 Even if you don’t buy a thing, just being in neutral-party spaces like that can really help alleviate the stagnancy that can settle over discussing design decisions from a home where you both might be feeling a little stuck with what you already have.

[@anyaroz8619]

I love this video. I guess it's the transformations and the idea of allowing self to evolve that excites me. Thank you, Caroline! It really resonated and made me think of my "stages". My first space was after I moved out from a 17-year marriage. I still ache for the apartment I put together for me and my teen daughter. Completely from scratch. I now realize that I totally overlooked both bedrooms and focused solely on the living/dining space. Life has happened since that time. My daughter and I ended up moving in with our boyfriends in a couple of years. And we both have changed countless number of places. She - for studying, I - because my new husband is a free-lancer and we've been traveling for over 12 years living in airbnbs all this time. I now can't wait to get a place of our own, so we can decorate it the way we want and of course I have no idea what it's going to be or even where, but I am excited to see what we end up in. Your channel helped me stay calm about not having a permanent home. And also helped me grow as a person even though I am much older than you are (you are closer to my daughter's age). Thank you ❤

[@pegm5937]

What?!!!❤ middle of the Saturday night Caroline??! Hold the phones. I'm here for it ❤

[@Christina0925]

You are cute

[@urmysunshine90]

I've been married and trying to make our house (this is our second) something I love for 10 years. This year we finally ripped out the ollllld carpet I LOATHED and it made me so happy, I decorated most of our house over the summer, mostly from Facebook marketplace. Even though it isn't totally finished, it makes me so happy.

[@VioletEvans-yt2fd]

The perfect man is the guy who says I can do whatever I want with the house. My husband was that way and it was glorious.

[@adalima_]

talk about character (and style) development. you're doing great Caroline. hurts to see you hurt seeing old photos but i think most of us know the feeling. be proud

[@user-he3ek3cs4z]

As a person who rented for 29 years, and 4 homes......style is so transitional! I base it on time and place. Yes, my first home I bought as single person was total mosh of antiques and thrift and oh boy mixed periods .....scary, but workin with no moola , that was what it needed to be!

[@jenniferflannery764]

This might be my favorite video. I love the process and evolution. Takes away the sting of my own…eras (not cringey failures).

[@susannovak8263]

I remember that first video! The patio turned out great. I think one of my faves was when you were apartment hunting. I was so happy when you chose the one that you’re in now. Loved watching the different design iterations.

[@סימוןשלומי]

I can definitely understand how looking at the old photos brought up hard emotions! Thank G-d your life is beautiful now! ❤

[@Daymickey]

Thank you for being so vulnerable with us. 20:52 I resonated so much with the seed analogy and just generally taking time to recover after a break up. 😢 Why do I still get surprised when I tear up at Caroline’s videos?

[@naturalist61]

I love this video. Your channel helps me make my home feel more cozy and like me BUT I also always come away feeling emotionally cared for too. Thank you Caroline. You’re a gem 💎

[@mar-tinak.3025]

Dear Caroline, Every time I watch a video of yours, I am amazed by how much I can relate to you, in many aspects of your personality. Your videos are not only entertaining but also enlightening. Love it! Wish you well, even though I'm a stranger😊

[@lbopp.....]

Thanks for sharing! Really helped put things into perspective for me. Crazy, bc i literally just styled my dining room bc my aunt gifted me some vintage glass... it inspired me so much that i went and pulled things together to make it whole, and i am LOVING it.

[@st6720]

I've been enjoying your channel for several months now and finally decided to leave a comment. Thank you for sharing your design and life videos with us. ❤️

[@סימוןשלומי]

That’s amazing that you had no memory of the paint swatch wall art and you made it again in your present apartment!

[@VioletEvans-yt2fd]

Caroline, you just crack me up. That last bit of the video is hilarious. I think that’s part of your appeal. You can laugh at your mistakes. You’re so human. Justin must not know what hit him. 😂❤

[@starklingspars8956]

At about 20 minutes you made me feel better. I am 43 but chronically ill since 13 and Idespite writing a couple of badlt thought out novels and a part time waitressing career I had to end I feel like I have little to show career wise etc. I'm drafting a new novel by hand and am looking at second hznf0d laptops... i feel ...not hopeful about the book or my life improving but I love my cat and am ok, but I take heart from your words, motherly words really, that good things are just around the corner. Thanks for being like a friend inbetween your design information and personal stories 🥰

[@terrispencer7608]

Praying for you. Life will get better❤

[@starklingspars8956]

@@terrispencer7608 Thank you ☺

[@Heatherskl]

Great video! I’m decorating a home for the first time (I’m 51) and a little lost so this was a confidence/motivation boost. Also, glad you’re in a better place :)

[@hollie-rosekayagil4353]

I really enjoyed this video. I like how its so cosy. Talking to us while laying on the couch. ❤

[@centralWisconsin1]

Your style, I would say, is classy, cozy, lived in, fun, eclectic, colorful but tastefully balanced with white and empty spaces that allow the eye to rest. Anyway, you have a great style, and from watching this video, definitely lessons well learned as time moved on in your life. Well done!

[@terrydulever]

I love how honest you are about having to work through things. It never feels like the foux "authentic" shit that a lot of influencers do. You are actually inspiring me to let go of fearing not being good and just trying stuff.

[@scarlet7658]

So happy to see you healed and healthy! ❤ I started watching you around the time you were apartment hunting, and maybe it was the first video I watched. Then I binged all the other ones. You look a lot better than few years ago and I am happy you are well! I will miss this apartment if you ever move in with your boyfriend, it became nearly perfect with time, but I’d be happy to see you in a new place soon! Take care! ❤

[@LindaQueLeenda]

aww. it breaks my heart when i see photos of myself as well. im still at a point where im unhappy and i hope to be in a new phase and happy one day too! “i dont live in the past, i live today!” Thanks for sharing bc it’s absolutely so relatable. 💔❤️‍🩹

[@gman7495]

I love your style! I must also say that you look better, younger, and healthier today than you did in the older photos.

[@user-sf2dd5wc9i]

Thank you Caroline. I'm 64 yrs old and appreciate your truth.❤

[@andromachevoutsa]

Not the focal point of the video, but I also had to leave my dog behind and it's one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I feel you.

[@ianmini757]

I can't believe most of these updates are from ~5 years ago. You've come so far!

[@bridgetr6156]

I absolutely love what you said about planting the seeds of your life and how going through phases in life just means they haven’t broken the surface yet 🌷 You are a stylist AND a profit, Caroline 🙏🏼✨

[@Lieliamy12]

You made me cry 🥹😭 I felt so seen when you told the seeds in the ground-story. It felt very validating as someone who is going through that right now 🙏🏼 Thank you so much for your vulnerability and inspiration ❤️✨️

[@brianna.pichardo]

I’m so glad you thought of doing this video 🥰

[@ZydrateElixir]

You're so real for this! 💖 Thank you 🎀

[@gailwilliams5278]

Wow, I had the impression you were a decorating savant, laser-focussed from the start. It is so reassuring to see how much you have grown in just a few years. I feel like I can grow into style too.

[@msKmakesart]

I relate so much to this. Ironically I left a relationship and moved out of DC after a relationship. I discovered my love of interior design in that period of deep unhappiness, sought meaning in the thrift store. We’ve lived weirdly parallel lives and have a similar aesthetic - always tinkering! Love your videos!

[@mariamirolyubova6921]

I relate your design journey with pendulum swings going from extreme to more centered around yourself to many areas of my life: relationship with my husband of 15 years, interpersonal relationships with people in my life, raising my two children, religion, personal style, etc. As you say, it's important to give yourself permission to experiment, and I would add, to just not be so hard on yourself in general. Progress, not perfection is what matters! Thank you for this candid exposure of the evolution of your taste in interior design. It was very sweet and moving and deeply personal! Best regards from a subscriber in Ukraine. Peace.

[@TheNinnyfee]

You are so right about mutual contributions in any relationship. I had the food question answered with "something warm" and then got the "nos" when I made suggestions. About something I would cook. Boyfriends do it as well. Especially if your partner cooks: you either make a suggestion or you eat what you get (if you aren't allergic, sick, etc. of course).

[@NonyaBidness-w7e]

I think it's a lot to learn about decor when we're really not only trying to live in the moment, but at this point in history, we're all trying to make sense of our country's history, the connections to Europe, and surrounding influences in N and S America, then adding whatever feels modern in terms of design - like you can't discount technology and futurism from our lives and it's inauthentic to think otherwise. It would betray reality to have all vintage and deny the idea of something like your iPhone, Laptop or AirFryer and the lines and design influence of these items that we use every day, constantly so I love things like the modern white console you added into your living room. I think decor is always the idea of integrating so much of how we actually live while reflecting our personal tastes and preferences and making it intimate and inviting. I've learned SO much from your videos, Caroline and absolutely love the way you describe the phases you're talking about. We've all been there and I'm still going through mine. I adore the content you do about finding your personal style and picking a few themes and finding which dominate and not being rigid about rules, but also being structured enough to serve what works well in your life. Cheers. Great job.

[@darrisnelson5223]

Fun to see your design journey and a bit of life’s journey. Relationships and life transitions help us grow and learn about who we are and what we want. So happy it all led you to us!❤

[@loserplanet]

Caroline, I cannot express how much this video means to me! But thank you for being a shining example that it IS possible! I just always assumed you were one of those people who ALWAYS had style and a good eye for design and I am just not gifted in that way. I appreciate you being so open about the phases and struggles! We bought our house in 2017. And guess what I did? Ran to Home Goods, Target, Amazon and bought GREY EVERYTHING. I thought I needed to pick a THEME and I went with lame coastal farmhouse? But I struggled to even execute it because of course I had pieces that were super industrial and I also had glam cheap gold fake brass items. I couldn't pick a lane. I put up polyester curtains, hung way too low. Bought generic, mass produced art to try to fill up space. Over the years I've discovered so many people like yourself that have helped me to develop my style. Which is still in progress. I was complaining that my style was "too eclectic" in a KZbin comment and the designer told me eclectic was the BEST style. And that I didn't have to follow a theme. Which I found freeing. Ok I CRIED when you were getting glassy eyes looking at those photos of you and that pup!!! Thanks for being the best and making everything approachable. You always make me laugh, too. 💕💕

[@johanabanana2]

I am feeling exactly this right now in my current life. So spooky to hear you talk about the same thing. Made me smile when you said that the seeds are under ground, thanks for that❤

[@GeoffVincent-l3d]

A wonderful and comprehensive telling of your journey. I love the dog (and he loved you)! Looking at how your tastes developed over a relatively short period, I wish I’d had the opportunity to create an environment as beautiful as that in which you have created. We also love Craftsman style but lack the finance necessary to make it happen). We now live in Melbourne, Australia, and are renting. This was our fifth city in five years, so stability was an issue! When we got here we were so busy that we couldn’t do anything to furnish any of our apartments. Exasperating. Still, I enjoy watching you (and Elizabeth 🤣🤣) engage in critiques of various styles and develop your own ideas. Please keep it up!

[@user-rc2ym5tr3v]

Caroline, I always feel better after watching your videos, regardless of topic. You have a special gift; thank you for sharing it with us.

[@sewsinthedark]

You and Nick Lewis have really helped me figure out how to manage my eclectic style. I know now that I like my seating to be upholstered and everything else to be wood with mid century modern being my base to build from. You helped me name this cohesive corner I have, turns out it's called a vignette. I bought a Curio Cabinet to house my elephant collection and other knick knacks. I now know what to do with my rug. But I think one of the biggest take aways for me was when you said no overhead lighting at/after dusk . I'm a very tense person and that one rule has led to me being able to relax more in the evening. Not completely, don't be silly but it's a marked improvement. I moved a week ago and am slowly making this a home. Loving the fresh opportunity to decorate.

[@mll1208]

Just commenting to say I am right in your April 2021 right now. Pretty much the same falling-apart at 30, saturn-return kind of situation (though I'm thankfully able to keep sharing the puppy for now). I went through all these stages of interior design through your videos, overdoing it and overconsuming to try and distract myself, give myself a purpose, an outlet, force happinness? God knows. Nothing can be forced, no matter how hard we try. But "good things are right around the corner," as you say. Thank you for doing what you do, you have been such an inspiration (way beyond design), both through your videos and your podcast 🩷

[@mll1208]

Also I should say, I pretty much only make myself go to youtube through my browser for your videos these days, and this morning, after tracking my breakup moods on my notes app, I thought "let's see if Caroline posted something, though fat chance, as it wasn't that long since the last video". Girl, what a gift, you're there right when I needed you.

[@melbunnyy]

THANK YOU FOR THE ADVICE ON DECOR WITH ROOMMATES 👏 👏 in my previous NYC apartment I was the ONLY PERSON putting in effort to make the space feel comfortable. I was seeking furniture on craigslist free, FB marketplace, repainting the godforsaken renter’s beige, building lamps, hiding cords, curating the walls (they said I could do all this, as an artist with an interior decorator as a mother I have an eye for it). One of my roommates had the taste of a 16 year old in a 30 year old woman’s body (pink and Paris France everything) and the other roommate was “not a possessions person” aka she used everyone else’s appliances/furniture because she only owned her bed and her clothes. I put SO MUCH WORK into curating the apartment because I’m extremely influenced by my environment- and made sure to thoroughly check with my roommates if they were okay with said thing on the wall or color change or plant/light placement before I went through with my little projects, I made Pinterest boards etc etc etc this house was EMPTY when I moved in with no consideration for design or ease of life via well designed objects/appliances Sometimes they would have less than practical suggestions about a project I would be working on (like a dresser in a 4x6 bathroom for towels???? WHAT?) and I’d succumb and it would look tacky and they knew it when it was done too wow I was the only one who ever put effort into curating a space call me arrogant or self centered but I know what makes a space feel not like a padded cell YEESH CALL ME TRIGGERED

[@dreamsincolor10]

Being with you on a Sunday morning is such a welcome respite from the reality of our country/world right now. And thank you for being so vulnerable and real. It encourages and welcomes others to do the same. I do think you have a natural gift though. It may have taken time to discover and hone it, but it is there. I've learned/am learning so much from you, and I'm 25 years older than you! I know I don't have your gift. Thank you so much for sharing it with us! ❤

[@ggbythesea9231]

Caroline, this is a WonderFULL video. I *HOPE* You feel the Healing happening.. looking through the old photos, feeling those times, had to be difficult. Thank YOU for being brave, vulnerable, authentic. You're an Inspiration. Bless You! Take Care✌🏼💙✊🏼💙🙏🏽💙🐾💙🪶

[@kathycampbell1977]

I'll be 73 in afew weeks and my husband and I are going antiqueing and vintage store shopping through Va. I want new " old" things for my birthday 🎉🎉🎉 i enjoy all your videos, Caroline.. ❤❤😊😊Kathy from Pennsylvania😊

[@CynthiaMiller-cc3qj]

Love this❣️Through the years my style has evolved from early American hand-me-downs to blending my stuff with my new husbands to Country/Vintage to Grandma’s Antiques (owned a B &B) to where I am now -a mix of old & new, vintage & modern, lots of color on the walls, area rugs, & a mix of different textures. I think the particular house/apt you live in will partially dictate how it wants to be decorated. My Victorian B&B would not have wanted to have modern furnishings. My current brick ranch-style home would not tolerate Victorian furniture or decor. I have picked up some great tips from you in the last year. I love your style. You Rock❣️❣️

[@PhanieMannbeck]

Love this video so much! I’ve watched every video, and I enjoy them all, but this was perfection. Honesty, humor, grief, humility, self-compassion, growth, acceptance, confidence, gratitude, looking ahead. I teared up a few times, but mostly just felt joy. Grateful to you for sharing your journey and helping normalize life and space design ups and downs!

[@lourdessantiago3291]

I love your channel. Its gives so many ideas so you can choose your favorite things. Sometimes I see something I would never thought of doing. Thank you...

[@tracyplath863]

God, I so love your humor, and your humility as well. I'm 54 and still bumping my way along toward my own design style, even after having had four years of design school in my twenties. It is, indeed, a process, and probably one I'll never get to the end of because it's so much fun along the way.

[@Clovergirl7934]

I definitely like an eclectic feel to my spaces. I now fill my home with things that I love to look at. Things that make me feel warm cozy are personal and speak to who I am NOW. I am constantly tweaking my space whether seasonally or just rearranging so it always feels fresh and not stale or boring.

[@lynndixonsilva9961]

Thanks for sharing your designs over the years to where you are now :) .... the beauty of thrifting is you haven't invested a ton of $$ in your items, so as your style changes, it hasn't cost you a fortune. Vintage items can offer uniqueness and better quality than a lot of newer items. Another plus to antique & vintage items is that they may hold their value versus newer items losing their value as soon as you walk out of the store! Love your honesty & humor, Caroline!

[@williamskywalker1]

Enjoyed this video, thank you Caroline! You've come along way ,and not only in decor, thank you for posting; and blessings to you and your supportive and loving family! May the new year bring many happy surprises your way! Love to all your family and to Justin too! Happy Valentine's day, the month of Sweethearts!🥰🥰💘💌❤

[@lose999]

I remember your apartment hunting video (the algorithm led me to you when I was looking for a place) and I've enjoyed your growth. I also love fresh flowers. We have the same size place but yours is way cuter!!

[@mffmoniz2948]

Yes. That was the first video I saw too. Loved the personality and discovering the décor advice, I just parked my tush on the channel.

[@16handsoffunfunfun]

Thank you for your channel Caroline. I found you a few years ago after your organizational video went viral and I've loved every minute of it. You have showed me you can truly fall in love with your space even if you are renting. I use to hate all my rentals because it felt like I couldn't design them the way I like, but design is so much more than renovations and sanding cabinets (shan't be doing it). I have applied all your advice to our little 2 bedroom house and we've been here for a year and it feels like my space ❤️

[@cailinanne]

19:21 when I first moved to the state I live in now and I felt really isolated and lonely. I think I went shopping almost every single day just because I felt like it was the only social activity I had to do, so I totally empathize with what you were feeling. ❤

[@HappyHarryX5]

The first video I watched of yours was when you changed your name. From then I went back and watched from the beginning. I did change my full name. Yours was the only video that emboldened me to do it for a reason. I’ve loved seeing your style grow and see you own it and experiment to the point where you don’t care what others think. ❤

[@judypeterson803]

I forgot about the name-change shocker!!

[@ourbeautifulinheritance]

Yeeessss! I've had a style journey somewhat similar to yours, and I've had a booth space in several antique malls for over a decade now so it's fun to look back at old photos of my home/booth space and see how far I've come (knowing there's still so much further to go!). I think my favorite line in this video was when you said, 'like, this was not that long ago... it was 2019' and I thought, wow, how far you've come in just a few years! So good and so encouraging! Also, I feel like the red chair (4:50) could totally work in your current space... lol! Thanks for sharing!

[@annabarr4069]

This video makes me feel so good. I am just like you when it comes to always thinking about decor and designing and Ill even start over if it doesn't feel right. I am on my journey now finding my definitive style. I have been an -ALL THE TIME- thrifter for years and I even think about pieces that I know my fiends would enjoy in their spaces. If the process of design didn't make me feel so happy to think about this much (as an amateur) then I would think it was too obsessive. But ya I spend a lot of time at thrift stores... After watching one of your other makeovers I went out for the afternoon JUST looking for a small red lamp to go in our bedroom lol. It really is the pop of color we'll need in that space and I cant wait to find it. It will be so satisfying. Anyhoo, just wanted to say how much Ive appreciated hearing about your process because it is so validating for me and I feel Im not alone!