Critique away! I would love to have you walk through my home and point stuff out to me. Your videos are so helpful. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into these!
Heyyyy Christina!!!! New to your channel and I’m loving every moment of it!!!! Love your approach on decorating in a tasteful, creative, timeless style!!! Love how you explain about getting inspiration but making a space your own unique style that resonates with you!!!
I think a thin large rug under the table brings warmth and color and coziness. I didn't have one for years but when I added one in, the whole area came to life. We also don't eat at that table very much. We play cards and hang out at it sometimes but it is more for show.
Hi CD! I get it! They’re perfect for defining a space and adding warmth-especially if it’s cozy and soft under the feet! I don’t think it’s a design DO/DON’T but a personal preference of course; regardless, there are rules for the size appropriate rug for a reason 😉 Hope you’ve had a great weekend my friend!! 🤗
Thanks for the video, it was on point and the images helped demonstrate concepts. I appreciate the advice and encouragement to create unique and personal spaces in our home!
That first image of dining table chairs to close together is actually a Tripp Trapp high chair at the end of the table. These high chairs are designed to look like regular dining chairs. They have probably squeezed the other chairs together to make room for the baby to sit at the end of the table.
Thanks for pointing that out babe! Yes I caught that but doesn’t change the issue for the adult legs that must cram in there. A longer table with some breathing space and leg room would be better for all ❤️ Actually not only for legs but for elbows too!
Very helpful video. You obviously put a lot of time into gathering the perfect images. I especially liked the dining table at 11:39, where they used a happy baby to add life to the space. 😂
Oh yes I love that happy baby too!! Such a cutie and I’m a sucker for baby pics! Haha PS thank you, Janet! I’m so pleased it was helpful (and also for recognizing the time and effort). Much appreciated babe 🤗😘
Hello beautiful! It’s so wonderful to get another interior design fix from you. I ordered the Interior Design Handbook you recommended to add to my collection-it should arrive tomorrow. Other than inspo from artists’ studios, I like to give my home a bookshop vibe, too (just as well-my art and design book collection is swelling in size). Sending you sparkling friendship vibes and hugs x
Joanna I love it!!! Very Libra to love books isn’t it!! Sounds so lovely in your home and you are certainly in for a treat with the handbook. Sending you love my dear 🤗
My allergist was very clear when he said I can’t have any rugs in the house I have dust mite allergy so he said no rugs. The only rugs I buy is the washable ones. I dry them on high heat. So far so good. 😊
Great tips, I especially appreciated the insight of the squished in shelves and the scale of the items on top of them. Btw to me at least the subway noise comes through quite subtly, I don’t think you need to worry about that (unless it just distracts you too much)
Thank you 🤗 I never know what others might think about the sound, which is why I rarely record here. I seem to be used to it but perhaps to someone else it’s loud. PS Happy you got some insight from the video!
Hola Christina, thanks for another informative video. I don't have rugs in my apartment due to severe allergies. I personally prefer bare floors. God bless 🙏
Another fabulous episode! Such useful information..... every single time! When you create a gallery wall of art, do you start with the largest piece and arrange the other pieces around it? Are there rules about sizes to group together? I would love a whole video on arranging a gallery wall. Thank you!
Great suggestion! I would work around the largest piece, making sure to balance the smaller pieces with the large. I think gallery walls are pulled off easily if there isn’t a huge dramatic variance between the sizes. Sort of like 1-4 varied sizes, each one slightly bigger than the other. That first example in the video is a good reference point if working with one big piece and several smaller pieces.
I love your videos. Very helpful commentary. Everyone I know hangs pictures way too high. It drives me crazy. I too have a studio art degree. The pictures look like they are hanging from the ceiling.
Great info, great video with example pics. One of my biggest pet peeves is placing art too high on a wall and/or placing small pictures or art over a sofa. Cracking up at Frat booze bottles as decor 😂. Love your sense of humor! Xo
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio yes, I have new pics to send you! I tried something entirely different. I’ve been traveling the last ten days so just getting caught up, but will pass them along to see what you think!
Oh good! Thank you babe! I was able to adjust the background noise a little-which helps. I have grown used to it living in the city, but when editing I’m shocked at the volume.
Hi Christina, I enjoyed your video. Thank you so much for your good work. I have a question. How can you hang a painting eye level when it’s over headboard and the headboard itself is high-level and more ? Thank you
Good question. My first thought without seeing it is that the art piece might be too big for the space-or depending on the piece, for example it’s oversized, you can layer it behind the headboard. Sometimes this looks nice BUT only if it’s a combination that makes sense with the art headboard combo. Without seeing it I would say to opt for something smaller or out artwork on the sides above night stands. You have to gage if the piece you want to add looks right to you or if it feels off. You can get a gut feeling if you think it looks wrong. Try it and let me know! 🤗
One issue my husband and I have is that ‘eye level’ to me is at 5’2” and to him it’s at 6’4” and I know you’re thinking take the average but for whatever reason it just doesn’t work- we are constantly battling heights of where things need to be hung plus we have ceilings that are all angles and heights - some very tall - we struggle in this area.
That’s a tough situation!!! I think anytime you can use a standard height then do that but for those trickier areas you’ll have to practice using balance and symmetry. This way the pieces make sense on those varied height walls. If the walls are really tall then I would hang a much larger piece so it doesn’t look too small on an over sized/vaulted wall.
In my view you don’t need to apologise and be politically correct. People, who don’t understand that listening to critics is one of ways to learn and improve, are free to go. Aren’t they?
Not sure why being hesitant to critique makes someone “politically correct?” It would be more accurate to state that there is a difference between unwarranted personal attacks and healthy criticism.
@@Spungle15 Maybe it is due to my lack English skills, but it appears to me that people apologise if they did something wrong. In my view there is absolutely nothing wrong with expressing an opinion. If it offends someone, it doesn’t mean that an offended person is right. It feels that the English speaking world resembles more and more a totalitarian society where only one opinion was allowed.
In regards to a mirror in the dining room, I was thinking about putting antiqued mirror tiles from the top of the cocktail cabinet to the bottom of the wall mounted wine rack. What do you think about the antiqued mirror look?
Chilewich has some very thin rugs that are perfect under a table because they’re easy to clean www.chilewich.com/store/ I would look at the washable rugs from Ruggable ruggable.com/
Doesn't design have rules for a reason? I think the purpose of design gets diminished if we can do whatever we want just because we love it and it's our space. Great examples here!
Yes for sure! Orincipals of design are there for a reason-to create harmony, unity and balance in a room. There are some amazing rule breakers out there and so I’m all in for creativity and trying new things-provided they generate the previous feelings noted above: a.k.a. HUB as I call it 😉
And an huge table I’m sure! Yes DM me on Instagram and I’ll have a look. I plan to feature a few subscribers design dilemmas, challenges and give feedback. Would love to help you babe 🤗
Happy Sunday, Christina! Ok so you answered my question about rug sizes. I will go for bigger when shopping! Now I have one about hanging framed art. I want to hang a piece of framed art on each side of a sofa, over the side tables. They have symmetrical wall spaces with a window in between, but one frame is slightly bigger than the other, 2 inches larger on all sides. Would you hang them so that the tops of the frames are at an equal height (so the bigger one hangs a bit lower) or would you hang them so that their centers are about in the same latitude? Or maybe it's bad form not to have identical sizes in this kind of symmetrical set up?
Hi Melissa! This is a question-thank you for adding it here! If they’re flanking the window then ideally they should be the same size. If they’re slightly off then it’s likely going to be one of those things that seems off. If it was much smaller you could do two small ones (one above the other) and then the larger one on the other side. IF you were to hang these two as-is then yes, you want to hang them with the same middle-point (centers are the same latitude). Let me know if that helps.
@Christina_DiStefano excellent info, thank you! 😊 They are too large to stack, but I'm betting I could find a different frame for the larger one to match the other better.
I think so too and maybe use a mat to fit the new bigger frame or even mount it on top of the mat (if even needed-perhaps not necessary). Depends on the art piece though if it looks good/intentional on top. Keep me posted 😘
Hi Brenda. I think you’re right! Rugs define a spaces and bring warmth. Also you’re talking to a textile lover over here so drapes all day long for me!
I’m guessing you’re asking about hanging art? Let me know if not. The proper height is eye level: 58-60 inches which is 4 feet 8 inches to 5 feet. So this should still be eye level for you.
6:37 Most cacti and succulents have high light requirements. In most homes, they should be down near the floor to maximize falling light from windows, not above windows as it seems here. Cacti grow up towards the light, not the ceiling. They will not be happy or thrive on that shelf and probably succumb to pests that sense their misery. This shows the owner is not a plant person, or the plants are fake. Pet peeve of mine, sorry. I feel sorry for poorly treated plants.
I’m with you. I believe plants feel things too and I definitely don’t like seeing them poorly cared for. I didn’t know that about succulents but it makes sense as they do grow from the ground upward. They might be fake which is a pet peeve of mine!!
Hey Christina, I just watched your video and I must say that it was really informative and well-made. I was wondering if I could help you edit your videos and repurpose your long videos into highly engaging shorts? I can also make high CTR thumbnails for your channel
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio Boa noite! Livros, artesanato (africano, entre outros), equipamento técnico ( TV, som). Difícil, para um mortal comum. Muito Obrigada pela disponibilidade.
Yes Timi! It’s so bad!! 😱😂Bad for the wine and bad for the design! The only place I approve of this is a bar cart/cabinet/ shelf/dresser. In other words, a designated home bar.
I notice it more now that we leave the city for the weekend. It’s a huge contrast to the birds chirping outside our house in the country. I’m convinced I have hearing damage after nearly two decades in NYC 😂 Not really a laughing matter I suppose but it’s so crazy how much our ears tolerate here: the outside subways sounds, inside the station with their squeaking brakes, sirens, horns, etc.
Hi Marcia. I’m glad you noticed the connection with simple living and the design principals I follow. I’m curious about what you don’t know. Will you kindly explain?
You are my decor spirit animal!!
I absolutely love your channel!!
Awwwww babe-that is such a big & sweet compliment!!!! I love it!!!! 🤗 What a perfect first comment. Thank you so much Shaun!!
I don't like rugs under the dining table too. Food crumbs and dirt are so much easier to clean away without another layer on the floor.
Yes I am forever sweeping under the table. Too much crusty baguette over here in this house.
Agreed
Hi Christina, I love the examples you use! They're so helpful and spot on with what you're talking about. Awesome Video ❤❤❤
Thank you babe!!!! 🤗 Big hug 🤍 Appreciate you being here!!!
Critique away! I would love to have you walk through my home and point stuff out to me. Your videos are so helpful. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into these!
Thank you Izzie!!! I really appreciate you saying this! BIG HUGS 🤗🤗🤗🤗😘
You're wonderful explaining this. Thank you. I'm glad I found your channel.
Hi Eileen! Welcome to the channel babe 🤗
Heyyyy Christina!!!! New to your channel and I’m loving every moment of it!!!! Love your approach on decorating in a tasteful, creative, timeless style!!! Love how you explain about getting inspiration but making a space your own unique style that resonates with you!!!
Amazing!!! Welcome luv!!! Awww I’m so happy it’s resonating with you and you like my approach. XOXOCD
I think a thin large rug under the table brings warmth and color and coziness. I didn't have one for years but when I added one in, the whole area came to life. We also don't eat at that table very much. We play cards and hang out at it sometimes but it is more for show.
Hi CD! I get it! They’re perfect for defining a space and adding warmth-especially if it’s cozy and soft under the feet! I don’t think it’s a design DO/DON’T but a personal preference of course; regardless, there are rules for the size appropriate rug for a reason 😉 Hope you’ve had a great weekend my friend!! 🤗
Thanks for the video, it was on point and the images helped demonstrate concepts. I appreciate the advice and encouragement to create unique and personal spaces in our home!
Wonderful Marty!! So glad you found it helpful and my little illustrations/pics made sense!
I actually didn't mind art critique at school... Taught me that design is cultivated & that itcs the "science" of art.
That’s a very healthy way to look at it!! I like it! 🤗
Thank you for your elevated perspective. I am learning from your videos! Thank you.
Yes!!! You’re welcome Kathy! That makes my day to hear you’re learning 🤗 It’s a win-win because I love to make these videos to help others 🤍
I think that your corrective critiques actually show us how to make our rooms sing more in harmony.
Thank you Elizabeth 🤗 I’m all about the harmony ✨ I’ll definitely make more as they seem helpful to our group!
That first image of dining table chairs to close together is actually a Tripp Trapp high chair at the end of the table. These high chairs are designed to look like regular dining chairs. They have probably squeezed the other chairs together to make room for the baby to sit at the end of the table.
Thanks for pointing that out babe! Yes I caught that but doesn’t change the issue for the adult legs that must cram in there. A longer table with some breathing space and leg room would be better for all ❤️ Actually not only for legs but for elbows too!
Very helpful video. You obviously put a lot of time into gathering the perfect images. I especially liked the dining table at 11:39, where they used a happy baby to add life to the space. 😂
Oh yes I love that happy baby too!! Such a cutie and I’m a sucker for baby pics! Haha
PS thank you, Janet! I’m so pleased it was helpful (and also for recognizing the time and effort). Much appreciated babe 🤗😘
Hello beautiful! It’s so wonderful to get another interior design fix from you. I ordered the Interior Design Handbook you recommended to add to my collection-it should arrive tomorrow. Other than inspo from artists’ studios, I like to give my home a bookshop vibe, too (just as well-my art and design book collection is swelling in size). Sending you sparkling friendship vibes and hugs x
Joanna I love it!!! Very Libra to love books isn’t it!! Sounds so lovely in your home and you are certainly in for a treat with the handbook. Sending you love my dear 🤗
I loved this video, thanks a lot. I'm sure your channel will be a big sucess soon. Love from Brazil :)
Awww thank you luv 🤗 Appreciate you being here all the way from Brazil ❤️ 🇧🇷
Christina, thank you for the best content!
You’re so welcome Nicole 😘
Love love love! Once again, a wonderful episode.
Awww thank you, Boudica! 🤗
My allergist was very clear when he said I can’t have any rugs in the house I have dust mite allergy so he said no rugs. The only rugs I buy is the washable ones. I dry them on high heat. So far so good. 😊
Oh yeah-Ruggable? They’re genius!
Great tips, I especially appreciated the insight of the squished in shelves and the scale of the items on top of them. Btw to me at least the subway noise comes through quite subtly, I don’t think you need to worry about that (unless it just distracts you too much)
Thank you 🤗 I never know what others might think about the sound, which is why I rarely record here. I seem to be used to it but perhaps to someone else it’s loud. PS Happy you got some insight from the video!
Hola Christina, thanks for another informative video.
I don't have rugs in my apartment due to severe allergies. I personally prefer bare floors.
God bless 🙏
This is the comment I meant:
Oh yes! Definitely not good with allergies!
I accidentally pasted it in the shoulder pads comment 😂
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio lol too funny. 😀
At 3:58 the round white "thing" is an old light switch, my grandparents had those in their home when I was little.
Nice greetings from Germany!
Ahhhhhhh thank you Susa from Germany for solving the mystery ❤️
I always learn something from you. Thank you!
So nice of you to say. Thank you Christina 🤗 PS love “CH” Christinas!
Great tips...especially rug size...thank you 😊
You’re so welcome Sophia 🤗 Thank you for watching and chiming in here!!
Another fabulous episode! Such useful information..... every single time! When you create a gallery wall of art, do you start with the largest piece and arrange the other pieces around it? Are there rules about sizes to group together? I would love a whole video on arranging a gallery wall. Thank you!
Great suggestion! I would work around the largest piece, making sure to balance the smaller pieces with the large. I think gallery walls are pulled off easily if there isn’t a huge dramatic variance between the sizes. Sort of like 1-4 varied sizes, each one slightly bigger than the other. That first example in the video is a good reference point if working with one big piece and several smaller pieces.
I learned so much! Thanks for your content!
You’re welcome Sarah! It’s my pleasure and I’m so happy you enjoyed it 🤗
I love your videos. Very helpful commentary. Everyone I know hangs pictures way too high. It drives me crazy. I too have a studio art degree. The pictures look like they are hanging from the ceiling.
Hahaha so you feel my pain?! I get it though-who taught them how to hang pictures? Probably no one. Until now…😉
Great info, great video with example pics. One of my biggest pet peeves is placing art too high on a wall and/or placing small pictures or art over a sofa. Cracking up at Frat booze bottles as decor 😂. Love your sense of humor! Xo
So you understand and feel my pain 😂 I see incorrectly hung photos and artwork all the time.
PS I know “fratcore”, like cottage core-but different 😂
Thanks for sharing ❤
Awww you’re welcome, Natasha 🤗
These are great tips Christina!
Hi Shauna, luv 🤗 I’m so glad you liked them!! PS how’s the portière coming along?
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio yes, I have new pics to send you! I tried something entirely different. I’ve been traveling the last ten days so just getting caught up, but will pass them along to see what you think!
@@ShaunaPloeger Definitely!!! Can’t wait!!
The subway noise is really not bad x
Oh good! Thank you babe! I was able to adjust the background noise a little-which helps. I have grown used to it living in the city, but when editing I’m shocked at the volume.
I did get a slightly too-small rug for the living area in my studio apt 🤦🏽♀️ BUT I do want to eventually layer it on top of a larger jute rug
And that’s a great solution if you find that the rug is too small 👏
Good job!
Thank you!
Absolutely, Kathy! 😘
Hi Christina, I enjoyed your video. Thank you so much for your good work. I have a question. How can you hang a painting eye level when it’s over headboard and the headboard itself is high-level and more ? Thank you
Good question. My first thought without seeing it is that the art piece might be too big for the space-or depending on the piece, for example it’s oversized, you can layer it behind the headboard. Sometimes this looks nice BUT only if it’s a combination that makes sense with the art headboard combo. Without seeing it I would say to opt for something smaller or out artwork on the sides above night stands. You have to gage if the piece you want to add looks right to you or if it feels off. You can get a gut feeling if you think it looks wrong. Try it and let me know! 🤗
One issue my husband and I have is that ‘eye level’ to me is at 5’2” and to him it’s at 6’4” and I know you’re thinking take the average but for whatever reason it just doesn’t work- we are constantly battling heights of where things need to be hung plus we have ceilings that are all angles and heights - some very tall - we struggle in this area.
That’s a tough situation!!! I think anytime you can use a standard height then do that but for those trickier areas you’ll have to practice using balance and symmetry. This way the pieces make sense on those varied height walls. If the walls are really tall then I would hang a much larger piece so it doesn’t look too small on an over sized/vaulted wall.
In my view you don’t need to apologise and be politically correct. People, who don’t understand that listening to critics is one of ways to learn and improve, are free to go. Aren’t they?
Yes they are! Will you hang out in my comments every weekend? 😉
Not sure why being hesitant to critique makes someone “politically correct?”
It would be more accurate to state that there is a difference between unwarranted personal attacks and healthy criticism.
@@Spungle15 Maybe it is due to my lack English skills, but it appears to me that people apologise if they did something wrong. In my view there is absolutely nothing wrong with expressing an opinion. If it offends someone, it doesn’t mean that an offended person is right. It feels that the English speaking world resembles more and more a totalitarian society where only one opinion was allowed.
In regards to a mirror in the dining room, I was thinking about putting antiqued mirror tiles from the top of the cocktail cabinet to the bottom of the wall mounted wine rack. What do you think about the antiqued mirror look?
I love the antique mirror tiles and think that would look great in your dining room. It would also define that space and is great feng shui!
What are some thin enough rugs you would recommend for under the dining table? What material?
Chilewich has some very thin rugs that are perfect under a table because they’re easy to clean www.chilewich.com/store/
I would look at the washable rugs from Ruggable
ruggable.com/
Doesn't design have rules for a reason? I think the purpose of design gets diminished if we can do whatever we want just because we love it and it's our space. Great examples here!
Yes for sure! Orincipals of design are there for a reason-to create harmony, unity and balance in a room. There are some amazing rule breakers out there and so I’m all in for creativity and trying new things-provided they generate the previous feelings noted above: a.k.a. HUB as I call it 😉
I would love for you to critique my dining room. I'm actually a mother of eight so I have a lot of chairs.
And an huge table I’m sure! Yes DM me on Instagram and I’ll have a look. I plan to feature a few subscribers design dilemmas, challenges and give feedback. Would love to help you babe 🤗
“Good things”
Happy Sunday, Christina! Ok so you answered my question about rug sizes. I will go for bigger when shopping! Now I have one about hanging framed art. I want to hang a piece of framed art on each side of a sofa, over the side tables. They have symmetrical wall spaces with a window in between, but one frame is slightly bigger than the other, 2 inches larger on all sides. Would you hang them so that the tops of the frames are at an equal height (so the bigger one hangs a bit lower) or would you hang them so that their centers are about in the same latitude? Or maybe it's bad form not to have identical sizes in this kind of symmetrical set up?
Hi Melissa! This is a question-thank you for adding it here! If they’re flanking the window then ideally they should be the same size. If they’re slightly off then it’s likely going to be one of those things that seems off. If it was much smaller you could do two small ones (one above the other) and then the larger one on the other side. IF you were to hang these two as-is then yes, you want to hang them with the same middle-point (centers are the same latitude). Let me know if that helps.
@Christina_DiStefano excellent info, thank you! 😊 They are too large to stack, but I'm betting I could find a different frame for the larger one to match the other better.
I think so too and maybe use a mat to fit the new bigger frame or even mount it on top of the mat (if even needed-perhaps not necessary). Depends on the art piece though if it looks good/intentional on top. Keep me posted 😘
Area rugs and curtains is what makes a room solid…. IMO
Hi Brenda. I think you’re right! Rugs define a spaces and bring warmth. Also you’re talking to a textile lover over here so drapes all day long for me!
You are great,
Awwww Pat. Thank you, luv 🤗
What about if you are short? I am 5 foot 5 inches tall and my husband is an inch taller.
I’m guessing you’re asking about hanging art? Let me know if not. The proper height is eye level: 58-60 inches which is 4 feet 8 inches to 5 feet. So this should still be eye level for you.
6:37 Most cacti and succulents have high light requirements. In most homes, they should be down near the floor to maximize falling light from windows, not above windows as it seems here. Cacti grow up towards the light, not the ceiling. They will not be happy or thrive on that shelf and probably succumb to pests that sense their misery. This shows the owner is not a plant person, or the plants are fake. Pet peeve of mine, sorry. I feel sorry for poorly treated plants.
I’m with you. I believe plants feel things too and I definitely don’t like seeing them poorly cared for. I didn’t know that about succulents but it makes sense as they do grow from the ground upward. They might be fake which is a pet peeve of mine!!
Hey Christina, I just watched your video and I must say that it was really informative and well-made.
I was wondering if I could help you edit your videos and repurpose your long videos into highly engaging shorts? I can also make high CTR thumbnails for your channel
Thank you for watching. I’ll keep it in mind.
❤
Thanks Erin ❤️
Muito esclarecedor. Como organizar estantes? Gostaria de ouvir os seus conselhos a esse respeito.
Hi! Not a problem but what are you putting on the shelves? Storage boxes, books, accessories?
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio Boa noite! Livros, artesanato (africano, entre outros), equipamento técnico ( TV, som). Difícil, para um mortal comum. Muito Obrigada pela disponibilidade.
It’s a bit too complex to explain in a comment but I will include this on a video. This sounds like a living room and not a bedroom, correct?
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio Exato. Aguardo o vídeo o tempo que for necessário. Vou resolvendo como sei. Muito obrigada. Bom trabalho.
Oh my goodness, decorating with liquor bottles!? Is that really a thing?? 😅😅
Yes Timi! It’s so bad!! 😱😂Bad for the wine and bad for the design! The only place I approve of this is a bar cart/cabinet/ shelf/dresser. In other words, a designated home bar.
I have a question? Why didn't the realtor invest in sound proof windows?
They did and it cuts the sound significantly; however, you can still hear it.
They did and it cuts the sound significantly; however, you can still hear it.
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio thanks for the update. 🙏
I notice it more now that we leave the city for the weekend. It’s a huge contrast to the birds chirping outside our house in the country. I’m convinced I have hearing damage after nearly two decades in NYC 😂 Not really a laughing matter I suppose but it’s so crazy how much our ears tolerate here: the outside subways sounds, inside the station with their squeaking brakes, sirens, horns, etc.
I just do not know...
These examples are..
Simple living.🤔
Hi Marcia. I’m glad you noticed the connection with simple living and the design principals I follow. I’m curious about what you don’t know. Will you kindly explain?