I love saving furniture. The idea of taking something that is ready for the trash and giving it new life thrills me. We are so spoiled as a nation and wasteful.
No, no, no on the pillows, pillows, pillows. I cannot deal with having to get through pillows before getting into bed and then having to find a place for all the pillows till the next day. simplicity with the pillows for me, continental and standard is sufficient.
There must be a happy medium between 2 pillows and 2 many pillows. I hate clutter, so it was always a drag waking up at my mom’s with the bedroom floor littered with pillows I had to take off the bed so I could fit. That being said, I just got 2 new pillows and I can’t recommend this enough: try replacing your old pillows before adding new ones. My thin, flattened old pillows looked like saltines compared to the new ones.
Sorry but a lot of people do not have the money to buy furniture every couple years according to trends. I'm personally over mid century modern. It's as popular as modern farmhouse and every home is beige. I have traditional pieces that I have had for 30 years and I still love them. Curate what you love and don't worry about spending thousands on pieces because it's on a pinterest board.
he’s talking about trends in this video, not classic pieces :) im sure the furniture you have is beautiful and should definitely keep it if it makes you happy :)
This is why we should not follow design trends. Just do what you like. Because one year these design experts will tell you that something is in style, and the next year they'll tell you it's out. Do with your home what you love!!!
My style has evolved over the years. Some designers are saying what is trendy in 2023 are designs I have been constructing for years. I finally went full circle and my design style is now considered trendy. Who knew?
I’m addicted to bed pillows. Of course I use them all - my rheumatoid arthritis requires it, so might as well embrace it! I like BIG pillows, sofa size pillows, and linens and textured fabrics not sheet fabric. If I have to have the things might as well be styling.
I love Phillips hue and nano leaf, I love the colors at night watching movies or gaming, but I do switch them to bright white in the morning and golden amber in the evening, that's why I love them. The versatility. They ain't goin nowhere, babe.
Some of those paint flips are really bad, but one reason a lot of mid century furniture is repainted is due to the age and wear of the piece. lots of these pieces end up in land fills because they have a water mark or a chipped leg so when someone can turn around and give it new life its great! Embracing sustainable design is the new normal
Agreed 100%. I’ve some some beautiful MCM pieces painted that I wish could have stayed natural but it’s not always possible. Of course he chose the ugliest painted pieces to showcase 😂
The sustainability aspect is pretty important. And the new normal. Stop buying new sh#t every time a new trend hits the magazines Use money to dongood instead, I say 😉
Yeh, but restore it to its former glory! I guarantee that the furniture will still end up in land fill when the paint starts flaking off in a couple of months.
Yes, I agree, though it’s also super easy to replace a leg, use a 2 part wood epoxy, or lightly sand the top and shellac. Even a quick coat of stain is wayyy easy ( apply with a paper towel, wipe off, wait 2 hrs).
If you're just starting out I think painted pieces can look a lot nicer than cheap disposable furniture from Home Goods, etc. And you feel a sense of accomplishment because you made it according to what YOU like.
I actually follow a few furniture refinishers who thoughtfully try to save the furniture piece by sanding and re-staining. But sometimes, there are parts of the furniture that are so ruined and damaged that the only way to save it from the landfill is to fill the holes, gouges, and dents with filler and paint it (not necessarily all of it). However, there are some furniture flippers who take a perfectly fine piece of wood furniture and paint it gaudy colors. That sort of art work needs to be done on a canvas and not a piece of furniture.
So true, and some of us don't have the $$$$. to keep buying more. I think changing the look instead of throwing it in a "landfill" like you said is a great option.
What would be even better it to change it not with paint, but take elements and incorporate them into other uses, or change the legs, or remove them and mount on a wall as a cabinet etc.
Agreed. But some people be taken it a bit too far. They will sand down or remove the wood details, remove the original hardware and bunch of other stuff so what ends up happening is that they are paying more money for a piece of furniture that looks like it came from ikea. Like just buy something from ikea at that point.
True! Heh, OMG I HAVE to find this book from 1950 where one section shows how to take a "dowdy old Victorian" piece and turn it into something to use. Just so funny because EVERYthing comes off and it's a box haha. Reminds me of that Down East joke where the fisherman is given sausage by his wife. He says, Well it tastes good .. but once you clean it and skin it, there aint much there""
I love the monastery chic look. It's relaxing and calming. Life is too f**king short to be tossing a bunch of pillows aside EVERY night and/or dealing with 3 or 4 layers of bed covers. I have two pillows, one sheet set and one thick blanket. If I need heat I get out the electric blanket. If I need to be cool, I turn on the A/C.
When you find a wooden piece you like and can afford, and give it a thoughtful paint job you create something unique that no one else has. It’s so rewarding ….and great for the environment…👍🏽
Not painting it is also great for the environment though! Lol. For me, it comes down to the quality & condition of the piece. A poor quality piece in terrible condition is a perfect candidate for cleaning up & giving a new life- you can reinforce it with other materials & because it wasn't great quality to start with, there's nothing to be concerned about saving. I disagree with Arvin on the look of a lot of the pieces he doesn't like, as I really enjoy seeing people's wild creativity, but I'm also very aware that there are a lot of really lovely pieces that are destroyed by people's ignorance. Wood can be delicate, in a way, and some pieces- styles, species, et cetera- are irreplaceable. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Best to have a good understanding of what you're working with, is all.
@@zannahmerrill3620 This. There are certain furniture eras that have very few pieces left, and they're irreplaceable. Painting over them is basically vandalism, just like when that guy botched the restoration of the Ecce Homo fresco. That piece is now gone and our shared cultural heritage is poorer for it. Same here. Respect design history and know your place in it, people. Please. Also, teak wood often used in MCM furniture is a rare wood now, painting over it is NOT sustainable, quite the opposite. Painting over antique furniture the most direct way to send it to landfill.
Yes. I have found tons of authentic, vintage mid century modern furniture from thrift stores, and let me just say that they are NOT real wood pieces. Lol. The only thing to do is to paint them, and they can look really good when renewed with paint.
These vintage pieces should be restored not painted. Learn how to properly strip the varnish, sand, repair, re-stain and protect. Bring them back to their former glory!
Agree with you re: the colored Hue lights... BUT I bought the white philips hue light bulbs and they are a game changer. If you haven't tried smart lighting you really should consider it - you can have your lights come on at a certain time, specifc lumens/wattage etc... can make a room SO cozy
Exactly, I chose most of my Philips hue as white ambience. My living room serves as a sofa-tv space, have an office corner and dining (live in Europe) so being able to change the light temperature and intensity according to the task/occasion is a must. The color spots ones are cool during parties and football nights.
My wife and I just put a smart switch in our hallway. It's amazing being able to dim it at night to keep our room from being so bright but have it nice and bright in the morning when we start moving around.
We have full spectrum smart light and it is amazing. We have a smart setting used so in the morning the white light is cool toned and in the evening it is warm white. BUT for some reading before sleep we just turn it dark red, so the hormones in you body prepare for a sleep and for the reading itself we just use reading lamp. The colors don't have to be just purple or pink - I love thoso colors too tho. :-D We love hue colors for watching movies.
Sorry Arvin, but I love painted furniture. Some furniture just looks dated with its wood grain or heavy, dark stain. A lot of MCM furniture is veneer, that maybe has been beat up over the years. You can't save a piece if the veneer is worn through or damaged, so painting it is a great option. I just had my dresser and highboy done this year. They sanded and stained what they could, and painted the other bits. Came out great. And saved them from the landfill. If done well - stain plus dark grey, black, white or off-white - it can look amazing!
I'm with you on this! Some veneers look really cheap and tacky. I've repaired and saved several thrift pieces that would've otherwise gone to the dump. My entire bedroom is a mishmosh of furniture, all painted white.
Agree! I have an old secretary desk that has seen it’s days…lots of stains and scratches and waaaaay too many nooks and embellishments to sand and stain. She’s getting painted in a beautiful linen cream paint and I can’t wait.
@@plantsoul1605 The examples he showed WERE "gimmicky", as he described it. But I could show dozens of examples of pieces that were painted and looked totally chic.
When we say things like "slapping paint on" of course it sounds horrible. But some of these people, at least the ones I watch, actually make these old, beat up pieces look great again. Which is likely why they're able to sell them for what they do. I wish I had the time & talent to do it.
I think painting the furniture can be a good option if the furniture isn’t in great condition but I’d stick to something like gray or a another neutral color
Agreed but imo grey is not neutral - it's actually too cold to pair with many colours, including other more warm-toned neutrals. And it's a bit 2015 for my tastes.
I just don't like it when they do parts of it painted and leave other parts of the furniture as wood... if you're gonna paint it then commit, paint it all! I know people think it looks chic, but to me it looks so out of place
@@user-ed7et3pb4o light gray is pretty neutral. There are also warm grays, cool grays, and neutral grays. There’s a lot to finding the right color for a specific individual💯
I have had Phillips Hue for about three years but I haven't been impressed...until recently when I realized that you could actually decorate your walls with light. I'm Obsessed!!^^
Arvin, you’re missing the point here. Instead of throwing into landfill Drexel furniture from the 60s re-make it with good taste. I think you should follow some of the pros like The TeddyJames Co. Why? Because most of these companies are small businesses run by young woman, now can support their families, pay off college loans, etc. It is easy to purchase fast furniture at Target and Pottery Barn. Support small business. Also not all of us can live in a California, Eichler house. We actually have more traditional houses with gray days,and a well done, sustainable piece with tastefully done color can bring happiness into months of dreary weather. It’s ok if your preferred palette is neutral-come live in the PNW forest and you will embrace color.
I paint some of my old furniture that has no value left in it (not great pieces to start with) and they look great but I live in a cottage or one might say bungalow home. I downside as I reached a certain age and love my painted pieces that go well with my more expensive furniture. It is a style I enjoy but I do think one can go overboard with painted furniture in decor. To each their own but I do think your ideas are great most of the time.
I love the Zara Home minimalist rooms. So chic! It's a trend I hope actually catches on more because I feel like it's still very niche or only caters to a higher end clientele. If only they were practical for the everyday person.
Arvin, I love a big, fluffy bed also but I live in the desert and don’t want to throw all my bedding in a heap every night because it’s too hot to leave it on the bed.
Furniture flipping will continue because it is a sustainable measure. YES, you can make it better, especially if it is very damaged, they will fix it. Lavender color is good for children rooms. Not everyone likes wood tones.
Agree. I think we should be at a point that we realize our earth can't handle everyone throwing out their furniture every two years to keep up with a trend. If something is beautiful and well crafted it should never go out of style. I think Europeans have it right.
Last one, no way. Not sure if the green and wood dresser is Transcend Furniture Gallery, but if you saw the state of some of the pieces, they can't be saved and refinished. She does amazing work and restoration. Haha, maybe you need to get out of your bubble.
Hi Arvin. I just redecorated my home with the help of a designer, and I never heard of or saw any of the things you mentioned that you hate! I never heard of lime washing, I never knew about the colored lightbulbs, and I didn’t choose any boucle fabrics for my furniture. But I do see a lot of it online. Insightful video! Love the necklace!
I love you Arvin Olano and mostly agree with your astute decorating advice BUT please don't discourage people painting or buying painted MCM or other old furniture. Let's keep history out of the landfills. Someone with the skills can always strip back the ugly paint and refinish the wood/veneer at some later date. Let folks do whatever they need to do to keep these pieces in circulation and somewhat working with their palettes and design aesthetics. A piece of rainbow painted Disney themed MCM in someone's kid's room is still one less tree getting cut down in real life.
Don’t stop at painting MCM pieces….many antiques with rare or beautifully patina’d woods are being painted and “distressed” - it makes me sad. I like you, Arvin - even though our esthetics often differ - a lot of what you say makes total sense!
Thank you! 😂 I live with a giant cloud sofa! My husband is 6'6" so we have giant furniture 😂 My biggest wish for 2023 trends to go away is painting beautiful wood furniture 🙏
im so glad that im not into those trendy interior design..having my home so minimal, im not stress of what it should look like...thanks arvin for this vid
I love a repainted piece in extravagant colors IF it fits the room. If you can make it work and really use it as a statement piece, I'm all here for it. If you're just adding it to your collection of random furniture and combining it with 10 different colors -maybe not.
I agree with the ugly paint flip. There are some great refinish/renew/repurpose folks out there who do thoughtful work. I think that’s key otherwise it looks worse than how it started!
I’ll never forget the first video I saw of yours. It was two years ago, I had just finished furnishing my first ever place, and I kid you not it was like you saw my place and listed everything I did was wrong lol. Words on pillows, welcome to our farm, rug was too small, chabby chic, we paint thrifted furniture. I remember me and my sister sat in silence watching after gathering all these items and our mouths just dropped open, we stared at each other and just busted out laughing. Thankfully I had thrifted everything and thanks to your tips, I was able to pretty much fix all the mistakes. I got rid of the words everywhere, I actually layered my small rug on top of a big rug, I moved the furniture from the walls, etc. you totally saved my place. Everyone that came in complimented it, no one would have ever guessed where I started 😂😂 so thank you
It’s funny you bring up bouclé because as soon as that trend hit I kept thinking, “yeah that trend will come and go fast and it won’t be long before everyone will be hating it.” Haha. I honestly never got the whole cloud sofa hoopla. I hate sofas that are not firm and feel like you’re sitting on pillows.
The smart light bulbs can instantly go cool, neutral, or warm. Colors too. They are super versatile (you can dim all your lights without installing dimmers). Give them a real try, especially for a sexy party!
I love these videos, even if I don't agree (which I usually do) you are just hilarious Arvin I love watching videos of ugly painted midcentury furniture being restored to the original finish. It's ASMR-like.
About the sofa fabrics...in my country - Bulgaria, if you purchase sofa you have a catalogues to choose your fabric and color. Its like that in every store besides the IKEA.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who hates those remakes of beautiful wooden furniture painted with ugly colors. I agree 100% on this video. And I love your new sofa and chair! ❤
I repainted some old brown nightstands someone gave (from 90's or 00's in a simple style). I painted them a neutral color and changed the drawer pulls to matte black. I use them as end tables for some much needed living room storage in my new apt. They look fab! My friends couldn't believe they were the same tables. I think the trick was not using crazy colors.
I missed this kind of videos! I agree with all trends mentioned! About lime wash... In my opinion, it looks good on a particular style of homes, I do not see a modern apartment with this kind of painting, maybe in a house if we want to get this kind of Mediterranean vibes , but it has to be very well integrated with the style and design of the home to look good. Otherwise, I will choose white, it is always a good choice and timeless. And NEVER on furniture! No no.
with all due respect, I prefer boucle over shearling because of the animal cruelty. Unless is a vintage piece like you usually source them. Animals should be left alone in every industry (fashion, design, interiors). Love your content Arvin, cheers from MX
Yes , I am so done with sectionals, as if we all have to sit on one couch and the end does not have a armrest ! So you fall off ! Sectionals are done !!
I live alone & I sit on every piece in my living room every week. I’m about to reupholster two of my chairs. My late husband’s recliner is out of here & the couch it held sentimental value to him. I’m with Arvin, I really like the Wayfair sofa.
@@lzh3131 than you must get it ! If , like me , live in Canada , reupholstering is so expensive, you are better of to buy new ! But in the US , it mite not be so much . 👍
I love your views on the latest things in 2023 that does not sit well with you. Hilarious. I will agree on some DIY colors; however, sometimes the actual wood is so damaged, scratched, water spots, that giving it some paint and texture is great for the planet. Helps keep down waste in landfills. Giving an upcycled MCM piece can give a great vibe or whatever that vibe happens to be and customizing it can still be very stylish and add some texture balance to a room. Not all DIYs are bad. Furniture is like fashion, some good, some bad from low end to high end.
No no no, it's not great for the planet! Damaged solid wood is easily restored unless it's covered with paint. When you paint it you reduce the lifespan of the piece. That's not sustainable. Do it to cheap IKEA pinewood but NOT to quality solid wood furniture, which most MCM pieces are.
100 % agreed! Love you Arvin! Also, could we please make the giant beads and chain link decor pieces disappear too? 🤢🤮 thanks for everything and stay fabulous! ❤
I couldn’t agree more with paint RUINING MCM furniture!! 😩😩😩 Classic wood and teak pieces being covered with paint is such a huge no-no!! I can understand when they are stained beyond repair, but keep that paint brush away for the rest of these gorgeous pieces!
So agreed on the beads and the links. Top designers are STILL styling with them to finish things off. Whaaaaaaa? That Tom Ford book's gotta go too. Pick a different one please. 😆
Painting vintage teak Danish mid-century modern furniture reduces its value to practically nothing, and it really can't be brought back to its original look. Totally agree, Arvin. Do it with the cheap knock-offs if you must do it at all.
That was a wonderful 11 minute laughter therapy session. The Hue light commentary had me on the floor. And, I can not with the sound effects that were added. Thank you!!! This channel brings me JOY!
I am a certified master in fine woodworking. NO MORE PAINT ON BEAUTIFUL FURNITURE PEOPLE!!!!!! Arvin, YOU are a mofo genius, gentleman, and a scholar. I have not heard ONE. Not ONE, designer mention this atrocity that's been sweeping the nation like the rona. HOWEVER, it has helped my business because I'm the one fixing the horrendous, horrible, dare I say criminal (what I like to call furniture felony) mistakes hahahha ugh but i digress. I never ever leave comments on TH-cam, but I literally screamed out THANK YOUUU!!!!! by myself in my living room lol so yes people of America, please for the love of God and all that is holy in this world (like Mersman, Chippendale, Stickley, ect)ALONE MKAAAYYYY? My dear Arvin, you're freaking adorable, funny as hell, and an honest to goodness Amazing designer worth paying attention to. I love your approach. Its another one I like to call: start where you are, and with what you have. If you dont like what you have, heres some affordable ish, and some expensive awesome ish, also! hahaha
Thanks for making me smile today. I just cannot get past a sofa without any legs/feet?! And, seeing the Cloud Sofa makes me think of an irregular/damaged return.
Hi Arvin! So I actually tried sitting on cloud sofa at RH in Denver. OH. MY. GOD! It is the single worst piece of furniture I ever sat on. A bean bag chair or a folded futon would actually be an improvement. There is absolutely no back support. It's like someone went "Hey, what's the perfect antithesis of 'ergonomic'? Let's make it into a sofa!" So, there you go! Now you can bash how it looks AND how it feels! 😎
I love how you showed an example of the large sectional replaced with other pieces. That made a huge impact on me. I also love the sofa from Wayfair ❤ simply gorgeous! Thanks Arvin.
I love that you recommend high lux and affordable options. It seems like a lot of designers on TH-cam recommend cheaper Amazon products. Thanks for elevating the design options!
Paint flipping is okay if flipper has done their research. I had a neighbor that was interested in a piece I had, informed me she wanted to cut it in half. Also, managed an antique store where people would come in looking for a cabinet to cut the top out of for a sink 😿
No I love my antique vanity I will never paint it it's still the original stain sure has some dents but I don't care it's well loved 😄. Painting old pieces and I told my mom I would never paint but sand and restain the family dining table if worn out. Traveled the open sea from Australia to Texas 😄
The thing with Phillips Hue and other smart lights is that you are able to control the warmth or coolness of the lights and set the mood as they choose. It doesn't have to be garish and gimmicky.
if it’s a junky piece that you tried to refinish and it was not working, or veneer, or damaged, yes paint it, but not good real wood pieces and especially not mcm pieces.
I feel that some of these items was trendy to begin with. It may be fine for a while but furniture is expensive and you want it to be timeless if possible. As far as pillows go I have a lot of pillows and the majority of them are stacked up against each other on the floor in different natural colors and textures for different seasons.
I love saving furniture. The idea of taking something that is ready for the trash and giving it new life thrills me. We are so spoiled as a nation and wasteful.
No, no, no on the pillows, pillows, pillows. I cannot deal with having to get through pillows before getting into bed and then having to find a place for all the pillows till the next day. simplicity with the pillows for me, continental and standard is sufficient.
too much pillows make feel that the bed is intended for the pillows to rest not for me.
How to you breathe when you are sick lol
There must be a happy medium between 2 pillows and 2 many pillows. I hate clutter, so it was always a drag waking up at my mom’s with the bedroom floor littered with pillows I had to take off the bed so I could fit.
That being said, I just got 2 new pillows and I can’t recommend this enough: try replacing your old pillows before adding new ones. My thin, flattened old pillows looked like saltines compared to the new ones.
I have 4 standard and. 2of them always end up on the floor so def not adding throws 🙄
10000 %
Sorry but a lot of people do not have the money to buy furniture every couple years according to trends. I'm personally over mid century modern. It's as popular as modern farmhouse and every home is beige. I have traditional pieces that I have had for 30 years and I still love them. Curate what you love and don't worry about spending thousands on pieces because it's on a pinterest board.
he’s talking about trends in this video, not classic pieces :) im sure the furniture you have is beautiful and should definitely keep it if it makes you happy :)
He’s also not suggesting people buy furniture every 2 years. 😂 Some people need to update when their stuff falls apart or they buy a new house.
He said don't hate him. He's just saying don't buy it if you don't already own it.
There’s always that one…
All my furniture is 2nd hand that iv had for years. I still enjoy these videos. Again, these are only his opinions
This is why we should not follow design trends. Just do what you like. Because one year these design experts will tell you that something is in style, and the next year they'll tell you it's out. Do with your home what you love!!!
Exactly. It's all so silly. Do what you want with your own home and belongings!
My style has evolved over the years. Some designers are saying what is trendy in 2023 are designs I have been constructing for years. I finally went full circle and my design style is now considered trendy. Who knew?
@@dawncarnley7007 Agreed! My home is designed in a way that makes me feel warm, cozy and serene.
I agree. He made a video during covid about trends and some of them were specific to ppl working from home, and now what?!
Yup agree, I just mix & match every trend or style for a eclectic look for me. Keep till I grow tired of it.
The monastery chic or whatever looks super cosy to me. I hate when I have to take away 10 pillows before using the bed
I think there is a point where it needs to reach a middle ground with those pillows. Not too bare but not too full either.
I’m addicted to bed pillows. Of course I use them all - my rheumatoid arthritis requires it, so might as well embrace it! I like BIG pillows, sofa size pillows, and linens and textured fabrics not sheet fabric. If I have to have the things might as well be styling.
I agree. It should be easy both going to bed and making the bed!
Like where am I supposed to put them when I’m sleeping
@@sarahgooly6620 those extra bed pillows go on the mandatory side chair, Duh. LOL
I love Phillips hue and nano leaf, I love the colors at night watching movies or gaming, but I do switch them to bright white in the morning and golden amber in the evening, that's why I love them. The versatility. They ain't goin nowhere, babe.
He's incredibly misinformed, not just about the Philips Hue system.
I agree. I just commented that watching tv under a blue light is actually easier on my eyes.
lol you mean the very reason they are popular!!
the take in the video is absurd
Some of those paint flips are really bad, but one reason a lot of mid century furniture is repainted is due to the age and wear of the piece. lots of these pieces end up in land fills because they have a water mark or a chipped leg so when someone can turn around and give it new life its great! Embracing sustainable design is the new normal
Agreed, also why did he choose the worst geometric designs. I love two tone looks. In my humble opinion, he trippin".
Agreed 100%. I’ve some some beautiful MCM pieces painted that I wish could have stayed natural but it’s not always possible. Of course he chose the ugliest painted pieces to showcase 😂
The sustainability aspect is pretty important. And the new normal. Stop buying new sh#t every time a new trend hits the magazines
Use money to dongood instead, I say 😉
Yeh, but restore it to its former glory! I guarantee that the furniture will still end up in land fill when the paint starts flaking off in a couple of months.
Yes, I agree, though it’s also super easy to replace a leg, use a 2 part wood epoxy, or lightly sand the top and shellac. Even a quick coat of stain is wayyy easy ( apply with a paper towel, wipe off, wait 2 hrs).
If you're just starting out I think painted pieces can look a lot nicer than cheap disposable furniture from Home Goods, etc. And you feel a sense of accomplishment because you made it according to what YOU like.
I actually follow a few furniture refinishers who thoughtfully try to save the furniture piece by sanding and re-staining. But sometimes, there are parts of the furniture that are so ruined and damaged that the only way to save it from the landfill is to fill the holes, gouges, and dents with filler and paint it (not necessarily all of it). However, there are some furniture flippers who take a perfectly fine piece of wood furniture and paint it gaudy colors. That sort of art work needs to be done on a canvas and not a piece of furniture.
If painting a mid century piece will keep it out of the landfill I’m all for it.
So true, and some of us don't have the
$$$$. to keep buying more. I think changing the look instead of throwing it in a "landfill" like you said is a great option.
I bought a refurbished piece by local artist and love it because it’s unique and one of a kind.
What would be even better it to change it not with paint, but take elements and incorporate them into other uses, or change the legs, or remove them and mount on a wall as a cabinet etc.
Agreed. But some people be taken it a bit too far. They will sand down or remove the wood details, remove the original hardware and bunch of other stuff so what ends up happening is that they are paying more money for a piece of furniture that looks like it came from ikea. Like just buy something from ikea at that point.
True! Heh, OMG I HAVE to find this book from 1950 where one section shows how to take a "dowdy old Victorian" piece and turn it into something to use. Just so funny because EVERYthing comes off and it's a box haha. Reminds me of that Down East joke where the fisherman is given sausage by his wife. He says, Well it tastes good .. but once you clean it and skin it, there aint much there""
I love the monastery chic look. It's relaxing and calming. Life is too f**king short to be tossing a bunch of pillows aside EVERY night and/or dealing with 3 or 4 layers of bed covers. I have two pillows, one sheet set and one thick blanket. If I need heat I get out the electric blanket. If I need to be cool, I turn on the A/C.
When you find a wooden piece you like and can afford, and give it a thoughtful paint job you create something unique that no one else has. It’s so rewarding ….and great for the environment…👍🏽
Not painting it is also great for the environment though! Lol.
For me, it comes down to the quality & condition of the piece. A poor quality piece in terrible condition is a perfect candidate for cleaning up & giving a new life- you can reinforce it with other materials & because it wasn't great quality to start with, there's nothing to be concerned about saving. I disagree with Arvin on the look of a lot of the pieces he doesn't like, as I really enjoy seeing people's wild creativity, but I'm also very aware that there are a lot of really lovely pieces that are destroyed by people's ignorance. Wood can be delicate, in a way, and some pieces- styles, species, et cetera- are irreplaceable. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Best to have a good understanding of what you're working with, is all.
@@zannahmerrill3620 This. There are certain furniture eras that have very few pieces left, and they're irreplaceable. Painting over them is basically vandalism, just like when that guy botched the restoration of the Ecce Homo fresco. That piece is now gone and our shared cultural heritage is poorer for it. Same here. Respect design history and know your place in it, people. Please. Also, teak wood often used in MCM furniture is a rare wood now, painting over it is NOT sustainable, quite the opposite. Painting over antique furniture the most direct way to send it to landfill.
@lsamoa then I'll just cut it up and repurpose the wood for something I do want in my house.
@@neurotika Completely missing the point
Painting furniture can save it from the landfill. We can all agree on that, right?
Only save it temporarily while the trend is popular.
Yes. I have found tons of authentic, vintage mid century modern furniture from thrift stores, and let me just say that they are NOT real wood pieces. Lol. The only thing to do is to paint them, and they can look really good when renewed with paint.
Just know what you have
These vintage pieces should be restored not painted. Learn how to properly strip the varnish, sand, repair, re-stain and protect. Bring them back to their former glory!
@@jumpinggakflash2313 I totally agree.
I'm about to diy my own slat headboard, and I'm super excited! I do not care if some stranger on the internet likes it. Just do you, boo boo!
Agree with you re: the colored Hue lights... BUT I bought the white philips hue light bulbs and they are a game changer. If you haven't tried smart lighting you really should consider it - you can have your lights come on at a certain time, specifc lumens/wattage etc... can make a room SO cozy
As you age your vision yellows so older people do well with whiter cooler light also!
Exactly, I chose most of my Philips hue as white ambience. My living room serves as a sofa-tv space, have an office corner and dining (live in Europe) so being able to change the light temperature and intensity according to the task/occasion is a must. The color spots ones are cool during parties and football nights.
P
My wife and I just put a smart switch in our hallway. It's amazing being able to dim it at night to keep our room from being so bright but have it nice and bright in the morning when we start moving around.
We have full spectrum smart light and it is amazing. We have a smart setting used so in the morning the white light is cool toned and in the evening it is warm white. BUT for some reading before sleep we just turn it dark red, so the hormones in you body prepare for a sleep and for the reading itself we just use reading lamp. The colors don't have to be just purple or pink - I love thoso colors too tho. :-D We love hue colors for watching movies.
Yesssss EDC!! Since I can’t be at EDC everyday, let’s bring the rave home 😆 🙌🏼 🌈 🎶 🌟
Sorry Arvin, but I love painted furniture. Some furniture just looks dated with its wood grain or heavy, dark stain. A lot of MCM furniture is veneer, that maybe has been beat up over the years. You can't save a piece if the veneer is worn through or damaged, so painting it is a great option.
I just had my dresser and highboy done this year. They sanded and stained what they could, and painted the other bits. Came out great. And saved them from the landfill. If done well - stain plus dark grey, black, white or off-white - it can look amazing!
I'm with you on this! Some veneers look really cheap and tacky. I've repaired and saved several thrift pieces that would've otherwise gone to the dump. My entire bedroom is a mishmosh of furniture, all painted white.
I agree. Save it from the landfill! Arvin only showed the ugly pieces but a lot of them turn out beautiful.
Agree! I have an old secretary desk that has seen it’s days…lots of stains and scratches and waaaaay too many nooks and embellishments to sand and stain. She’s getting painted in a beautiful linen cream paint and I can’t wait.
I agree with you sometimes its not just about trends its about what makes sense design wise
@@plantsoul1605 The examples he showed WERE "gimmicky", as he described it. But I could show dozens of examples of pieces that were painted and looked totally chic.
the minimal bedding is giving me war flashbacks of sleeping at a guy's place and getting the flat, crusty pillow
When we say things like "slapping paint on" of course it sounds horrible. But some of these people, at least the ones I watch, actually make these old, beat up pieces look great again. Which is likely why they're able to sell them for what they do. I wish I had the time & talent to do it.
I personally love your advice please don’t ever stop. It helps me think of things in a new way. Its weird that people take everything so personally
6:41 was such a powerful example. I didn't love the room before but once the sectional was placed in there it became sooo regular degular.
100% agree with you on every point except the monastery look. I hate clutter so this look is for me and I love it. After all, less is more!
I think painting the furniture can be a good option if the furniture isn’t in great condition but I’d stick to something like gray or a another neutral color
Agreed but imo grey is not neutral - it's actually too cold to pair with many colours, including other more warm-toned neutrals. And it's a bit 2015 for my tastes.
I just don't like it when they do parts of it painted and leave other parts of the furniture as wood... if you're gonna paint it then commit, paint it all! I know people think it looks chic, but to me it looks so out of place
@@user-ed7et3pb4o light gray is pretty neutral. There are also warm grays, cool grays, and neutral grays. There’s a lot to finding the right color for a specific individual💯
@@user-ed7et3pb4o grey is literally considered a neutral though
@@suzq2744 // you're exactly right. I think what most people think when they hear gray.. is the concrete gray which is definitely not the case.
Spot on with painting mid century furnitures 😅
I have had Phillips Hue for about three years but I haven't been impressed...until recently when I realized that you could actually decorate your walls with light. I'm Obsessed!!^^
Arvin’s back to throwing shade! ❤
Like it’s sunny ☀️ 😎
Arvin, you’re missing the point here. Instead of throwing into landfill Drexel furniture from the 60s re-make it with good taste. I think you should follow some of the pros like The TeddyJames Co. Why? Because most of these companies are small businesses run by young woman, now can support their families, pay off college loans, etc. It is easy to purchase fast furniture at Target and Pottery Barn. Support small business. Also not all of us can live in a California, Eichler house. We actually have more traditional houses with gray days,and a well done, sustainable piece with tastefully done color can bring happiness into months of dreary weather. It’s ok if your preferred palette is neutral-come live in the PNW forest and you will embrace color.
The way you say 2023 makes this year sound way fancier than it is.
I paint some of my old furniture that has no value left in it (not great pieces to start with) and they look great but I live in a cottage or one might say bungalow home. I downside as I reached a certain age and love my painted pieces that go well with my more expensive furniture. It is a style I enjoy but I do think one can go overboard with painted furniture in decor. To each their own but I do think your ideas are great most of the time.
I'm so with you on the painted MCM furniture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just sand it and STAIN it!
I love the Zara Home minimalist rooms. So chic! It's a trend I hope actually catches on more because I feel like it's still very niche or only caters to a higher end clientele. If only they were practical for the everyday person.
U have no taste
@@sashamoore9691 sick burn 🤡
Arvin, I love a big, fluffy bed also but I live in the desert and don’t want to throw all my bedding in a heap every night because it’s too hot to leave it on the bed.
Furniture flipping will continue because it is a sustainable measure. YES, you can make it better, especially if it is very damaged, they will fix it. Lavender color is good for children rooms. Not everyone likes wood tones.
Agree. I think we should be at a point that we realize our earth can't handle everyone throwing out their furniture every two years to keep up with a trend. If something is beautiful and well crafted it should never go out of style. I think Europeans have it right.
Last one, no way. Not sure if the green and wood dresser is Transcend Furniture Gallery, but if you saw the state of some of the pieces, they can't be saved and refinished. She does amazing work and restoration. Haha, maybe you need to get out of your bubble.
Hi Arvin. I just redecorated my home with the help of a designer, and I never heard of or saw any of the things you mentioned that you hate! I never heard of lime washing, I never knew about the colored lightbulbs, and I didn’t choose any boucle fabrics for my furniture. But I do see a lot of it online. Insightful video! Love the necklace!
I love you Arvin Olano and mostly agree with your astute decorating advice BUT please don't discourage people painting or buying painted MCM or other old furniture. Let's keep history out of the landfills. Someone with the skills can always strip back the ugly paint and refinish the wood/veneer at some later date. Let folks do whatever they need to do to keep these pieces in circulation and somewhat working with their palettes and design aesthetics. A piece of rainbow painted Disney themed MCM in someone's kid's room is still one less tree getting cut down in real life.
Don’t stop at painting MCM pieces….many antiques with rare or beautifully patina’d woods are being painted and “distressed” - it makes me sad. I like you, Arvin - even though our esthetics often differ - a lot of what you say makes total sense!
Thank you! 😂 I live with a giant cloud sofa! My husband is 6'6" so we have giant furniture 😂 My biggest wish for 2023 trends to go away is painting beautiful wood furniture 🙏
im so glad that im not into those trendy interior design..having my home so minimal, im not stress of what it should look like...thanks arvin for this vid
I love the monastery bedding. I think it should stay.
I love a repainted piece in extravagant colors IF it fits the room. If you can make it work and really use it as a statement piece, I'm all here for it. If you're just adding it to your collection of random furniture and combining it with 10 different colors -maybe not.
Agree cloud sofa
I agree with the ugly paint flip. There are some great refinish/renew/repurpose folks out there who do thoughtful work. I think that’s key otherwise it looks worse than how it started!
Agree
Agree stains are beautiful
I’ll never forget the first video I saw of yours. It was two years ago, I had just finished furnishing my first ever place, and I kid you not it was like you saw my place and listed everything I did was wrong lol. Words on pillows, welcome to our farm, rug was too small, chabby chic, we paint thrifted furniture. I remember me and my sister sat in silence watching after gathering all these items and our mouths just dropped open, we stared at each other and just busted out laughing. Thankfully I had thrifted everything and thanks to your tips, I was able to pretty much fix all the mistakes. I got rid of the words everywhere, I actually layered my small rug on top of a big rug, I moved the furniture from the walls, etc. you totally saved my place. Everyone that came in complimented it, no one would have ever guessed where I started 😂😂 so thank you
It’s funny you bring up bouclé because as soon as that trend hit I kept thinking, “yeah that trend will come and go fast and it won’t be long before everyone will be hating it.” Haha. I honestly never got the whole cloud sofa hoopla. I hate sofas that are not firm and feel like you’re sitting on pillows.
I never thought you would of said boucle in this video....Whenever I see boucle I think of Arvin Alano
I love the repainted furniture 😃
Me too! ❤
The smart light bulbs can instantly go cool, neutral, or warm. Colors too. They are super versatile (you can dim all your lights without installing dimmers). Give them a real try, especially for a sexy party!
I love these videos, even if I don't agree (which I usually do) you are just hilarious Arvin
I love watching videos of ugly painted midcentury furniture being restored to the original finish. It's ASMR-like.
Thanks for watching 💛💛💛
I agree! Arvin is simply the best, no matter what is being said!!
About the sofa fabrics...in my country - Bulgaria, if you purchase sofa you have a catalogues to choose your fabric and color. Its like that in every store besides the IKEA.
Same in Romania 😅 even the cheapest shops offer tons of models
Same in most countries I've been to. I'm surprised they don't have that option on the US. Maybe it's just certain American brands that don't?
I’m glad I’m not the only one who hates those remakes of beautiful wooden furniture painted with ugly colors. I agree 100% on this video. And I love your new sofa and chair! ❤
I agree Arvin with your choices. I love a cozy looking bed. The DIY items are hit and miss. The lavender chest would be pretty for a nursery.
I repainted some old brown nightstands someone gave (from 90's or 00's in a simple style). I painted them a neutral color and changed the drawer pulls to matte black. I use them as end tables for some much needed living room storage in my new apt. They look fab! My friends couldn't believe they were the same tables. I think the trick was not using crazy colors.
My favorite kind of Arvin video!!
I missed this kind of videos! I agree with all trends mentioned! About lime wash... In my opinion, it looks good on a particular style of homes, I do not see a modern apartment with this kind of painting, maybe in a house if we want to get this kind of Mediterranean vibes , but it has to be very well integrated with the style and design of the home to look good. Otherwise, I will choose white, it is always a good choice and timeless. And NEVER on furniture! No no.
with all due respect, I prefer boucle over shearling because of the animal cruelty. Unless is a vintage piece like you usually source them. Animals should be left alone in every industry (fashion, design, interiors). Love your content Arvin, cheers from MX
Yes! Throwback to the hilarious edits and sound effects! Please do a Home Goods/Target video soon!
You got it!
@@ArvinOlano yes!! can’t wait! love all your content! 🤍
Your description of the DIY slat wall is hysterical!
Loved this video! We are slowly revamping our house and I really like your tips, but I do love some of my painted furniture.
7
Painting the furniture…completely agree. Everything is repaired, sanded, ready to be stained. Then the paint goes on!!! It’s awful
Yes , I am so done with sectionals, as if we all have to sit on one couch and the end does not have a armrest ! So you fall off ! Sectionals are done !!
I prefer lots of seating options but that’s just me 🙌🏼
I live alone & I sit on every piece in my living room every week. I’m about to reupholster two of my chairs. My late husband’s recliner is out of here & the couch it held sentimental value to him. I’m with Arvin, I really like the Wayfair sofa.
@@lzh3131 than you must get it ! If , like me , live in Canada , reupholstering is so expensive, you are better of to buy new ! But in the US , it mite not be so much . 👍
Man your laughter is fantastic, it made my day! thanks for your work!
I love your views on the latest things in 2023 that does not sit well with you. Hilarious. I will agree on some DIY colors; however, sometimes the actual wood is so damaged, scratched, water spots, that giving it some paint and texture is great for the planet. Helps keep down waste in landfills. Giving an upcycled MCM piece can give a great vibe or whatever that vibe happens to be and customizing it can still be very stylish and add some texture balance to a room. Not all DIYs are bad. Furniture is like fashion, some good, some bad from low end to high end.
No no no, it's not great for the planet! Damaged solid wood is easily restored unless it's covered with paint. When you paint it you reduce the lifespan of the piece. That's not sustainable. Do it to cheap IKEA pinewood but NOT to quality solid wood furniture, which most MCM pieces are.
Re-staining the old furniture pieces might be a better option.
100 % agreed! Love you Arvin! Also, could we please make the giant beads and chain link decor pieces disappear too? 🤢🤮 thanks for everything and stay fabulous! ❤
YES, omg. I am so tired of the beads and sculptural chains lol
Sculptural Chains are still okay for visual interest. But what is the purpose of beads in a bowl? So stupid.
I couldn’t agree more with paint RUINING MCM furniture!! 😩😩😩 Classic wood and teak pieces being covered with paint is such a huge no-no!! I can understand when they are stained beyond repair, but keep that paint brush away for the rest of these gorgeous pieces!
Totally agree with getting rid of the chains and beads; looks cheap to me!😱
So agreed on the beads and the links. Top designers are STILL styling with them to finish things off. Whaaaaaaa? That Tom Ford book's gotta go too. Pick a different one please. 😆
Omg Arvin, you slay me! LMAO this whole video lol NEVER change🤗
Alwayssss
I love the slat walls 😃
Painting vintage teak Danish mid-century modern furniture reduces its value to practically nothing, and it really can't be brought back to its original look. Totally agree, Arvin. Do it with the cheap knock-offs if you must do it at all.
This 100%
The “intro dance” is my favorite part.😅 We need an end-of -year compilation of that!
I love painted furniture. Not gonna lie. But I still love you Arvin. You make designing fun.
That was a wonderful 11 minute laughter therapy session. The Hue light commentary had me on the floor. And, I can not with the sound effects that were added. Thank you!!! This channel brings me JOY!
I am a certified master in fine woodworking. NO MORE PAINT ON BEAUTIFUL FURNITURE PEOPLE!!!!!! Arvin, YOU are a mofo genius, gentleman, and a scholar. I have not heard ONE. Not ONE, designer mention this atrocity that's been sweeping the nation like the rona. HOWEVER, it has helped my business because I'm the one fixing the horrendous, horrible, dare I say criminal (what I like to call furniture felony) mistakes hahahha ugh but i digress. I never ever leave comments on TH-cam, but I literally screamed out THANK YOUUU!!!!! by myself in my living room lol so yes people of America, please for the love of God and all that is holy in this world (like Mersman, Chippendale, Stickley, ect)ALONE MKAAAYYYY? My dear Arvin, you're freaking adorable, funny as hell, and an honest to goodness Amazing designer worth paying attention to. I love your approach. Its another one I like to call: start where you are, and with what you have. If you dont like what you have, heres some affordable ish, and some expensive awesome ish, also! hahaha
Hear hear!!!! ❤
Finally Arvin , miss this kind of videos of yours
I do agree about painting mid century furniture! It's pure vandalism!
Yes!!!! No more DIY slat wall! Ahhhhhh!!!!!
Never saw it before so it seemed interesting to me.
I love the painted mid centry furniture!
Colored lights look like a teenagers room.
I guess they have warm lights too 🤣🙌🏼
Thanks for making me smile today. I just cannot get past a sofa without any legs/feet?! And, seeing the Cloud Sofa makes me think of an irregular/damaged return.
One thing I learned about lime wash, is it seems to age quickly. I absolutely hate them on the cabinets like you said.
His hate of colored Phillips lights is giving boomer grandpa realness
He is legitimately giving the Edna from The Incredibles vibe and I can't help with it! Such a lovely energy though, thank you
I’m so with you on the bouclé situation ❤
Let’s get other tactile fabrics next year. Mohair !!!! Even faux mohair 🙌🏼
@@ArvinOlano fauxhair if you will.
I get smart lightbulbs for entertaining. They usually have warm tones for every day, but I can throw on a cool pink or blue for a party.
Hi Arvin! So I actually tried sitting on cloud sofa at RH in Denver. OH. MY. GOD! It is the single worst piece of furniture I ever sat on. A bean bag chair or a folded futon would actually be an improvement. There is absolutely no back support. It's like someone went "Hey, what's the perfect antithesis of 'ergonomic'? Let's make it into a sofa!" So, there you go! Now you can bash how it looks AND how it feels! 😎
I love how you showed an example of the large sectional replaced with other pieces. That made a huge impact on me. I also love the sofa from Wayfair ❤ simply gorgeous! Thanks Arvin.
I have been waiting for this video!!!!
I'm completely with you Arvin baby! Especially the last one...
Not you coming after boucle after practically slangin it for the past 18 months 😂😂 jk, I agree, it’s getting tired! It had its moment.
I just wanna see more options 🤣🙌🏼 I still like them
I love that you recommend high lux and affordable options. It seems like a lot of designers on TH-cam recommend cheaper Amazon products. Thanks for elevating the design options!
Paint flipping is okay if flipper has done their research. I had a neighbor that was interested in a piece I had, informed me she wanted to cut it in half. Also, managed an antique store where people would come in looking for a cabinet to cut the top out of for a sink 😿
No I love my antique vanity I will never paint it it's still the original stain sure has some dents but I don't care it's well loved 😄. Painting old pieces and I told my mom I would never paint but sand and restain the family dining table if worn out. Traveled the open sea from Australia to Texas 😄
wow that's so cheap
butchering history because they're too lazy to find ikea, their level
@@seabreeze4559 Chinese antiques that survived the revolution no less. So much was destroyed...
@@andreabradley5837 People have no respect for history and cultural heritage. It really saddens me :(
The fluffy coaches are fluffing 🤩🤣
They cute though.
I love the return of dancing Arvin!
The thing with Phillips Hue and other smart lights is that you are able to control the warmth or coolness of the lights and set the mood as they choose. It doesn't have to be garish and gimmicky.
I'm guessing those boucle furniture pieces in real life look grungy and dingy. They look like they would be real dirt magnets and impossible to clean.
Amen. I agree with you Arvin. Glad you verbalized it for us.
if it’s a junky piece that you tried to refinish and it was not working, or veneer, or damaged, yes paint it, but not good real wood pieces and especially not mcm pieces.
I still love boucle, white and beige is still my favorite color but I do wish it came in more colors.
Boucle is available in many colors. The trend is further encapsulated within the natural color.
Keeping my boucle items!
LOVE Arvin!! Great advice, great taste!!!
I feel that some of these items was trendy to begin with. It may be fine for a while but furniture is expensive and you want it to be timeless if possible. As far as pillows go I have a lot of pillows and the majority of them are stacked up against each other on the floor in different natural colors and textures for different seasons.
Yes..this is your taste but I totally agree with everything you said!! Enjoy watching you as well.
Hi Arvin! To be fair I do like the idea of recycling furniture and that lavender piece may be lovely in a kid’s (not my) room! 😉
Nobody asked but I love this video. I agree with everything you said