Hi luvs! I missed you all so much last week! So just a heads up I'm at work at one of the projects on the Upper East Side and not my home :D Hope you enjoy the video XOXOXOXCD
Love that you provide quidelines, rules, and guidance, but make room for individuality and creativity. So happy you are not "selling" all the stuff like so many are involved in. Major Ugh!
My husband and I recently went to Minnesota, and attended an art pottery tour in the St. Croix River Valley. We saw the work of over 100 artists. It was fun to pick out a few for our home. We focused on practical pieces first, and beautiful pieces that spoke to our hearts second. I was fun to purchase unique art pieces.
Wow Marcia-this sounds like a dream! Unique pieces really make a home feel more personalized. Also what a lovely memory you have connected to all these pieces. Beautiful 🤍
Totally agree about the artwork. Every time I watch your videos I start looking around my house. I mentioned once in the comments that when people come to your home for the first time, that they should leave knowing more about you just by your decor. You asked me what I thought my house said about me but I never responded. As I thought about it, the funny thing is that what I THINK that my house says about me, is not necessarily what other people think when they walk in. In my eyes, my house is rustic. I love using natural materials (woods, metals, linen, marble), and in my head it’s giving moody and masculine but also very feminine with all live greenery and a lot of Michael Aram. I have had a few people, after just walking in the door (which just consists of an entry and hallway), say, oh wow how long have you been here is this new? I can’t for the life of me figure out why my entryway is giving that vibe. In my head it’s moody and rustic. I have had a family member say that I “really like antiques” and flowers. I don’t have any antiques..lol. And I wouldn’t say that I love flowers but it is important to me to always have at least one piece of live greenery in every room.
Hahaha Hi Lorrain! Yes, I remember this and you describing your rustic home. You know the thing about anything we create into the world is that we can't control what other people think about it, or how they perceive it. Which is why they are seeing something different from your true motivation. I think also that some people don't have the awareness of the references we have in our home (what inspires the style) and so they may categorize objects into a totally different category--which to them makes sense, but to you--who as invested so much time into creating the space, would never even consider--because it's a whole other category! You are reminding me of my time in art school, when I would create a piece and it was critiqued by the other art students in class. I heard so many interpretations of my work that had ZERO to do with my motivation, process or style of work. Ugh never liked that! As they say, art is subjective!
I'm blessed to have a handy husband. He built our futon sofa using old doors for the ends which are soft white and oak for the rest. I just changed it up with a new cover. He also built our beautiful dining table and chairs. Plans for coffee table and a wall mounted unit under the TV. (Kitchen remodel going on first lol) This creates one-of-a-kind timeless beauty for us.. I've never been trendy. And I agree that I don't want items in my home that anyone can just go buy at the home store. Our artwork is all one of a kind from my kids and husband. I appreciate your advice and your belief that a color can be a neutral!
Yes Melanie!!!! I would love to make custom pieces--you are so lucky! My father made our furniture too. (He still makes pieces, restores, and reupholsters them for decorators so I grew with this mentality). It is such a great feeling to have unique things. Growing up with that led to a true appreciation for being different. Oh and your artwork. Girl you know the way to my heart. I love that it was created by your family. You gave me the warm fuzzies. That's so beautiful!
Yes, that's my 'homie language,' too. 'Fine-tuning your eye,' as Christina says, is wonderful. Over time, you become more discerning and refine your taste and how you see things. It's a fabulous, creative journey that opens you up to everything else, too, along the way!
I’’ happy you said that not only beige is neutral, but something that we love and base our decor on. I have blue kitchen and love it. Years on I still look toward blue furtniture and decor - just my color, don’t know why
It’s your signature color!! Some people are color loving and others are traditional neural loving-either is fine but I don’t think one is better than the other, nor do I think one should try to change the other. I like neutral but love to see others express through vibrant color! I think what makes me happiest is when someone loves their home and feels like it’s authentic to them. Be yourself! PS 💙 blue is a lovely color.
You and me both Tobey! I love the hunt! It's so much fun isn't it? Finding the perfect piece is like ahhhhhh. That video that I did on buying vintage doctor--not sure if you saw it, but what I like to do is spend some time visualizing the perfect piece, what it will look like, how it will make the room feel--you know, totally manifesting secondhand finds BUT it really does work for me! Hahaha (PS thank you--I looooooove this table and know I will forever--also it weighs a ton so it's not going anywhere haha).
thank you for another inspiring video! Most of my things are "old", probably because I don't like the look of "brand new" and I'm also shopping on a budget. I think I have a good eye for good design but feel like I end up with things that don't quite go together. I would love a video of you commenting on an eclectic space where things are working, possibly unexpectedly, along with an eclectic space that is not working and why.... I like what you said in one of your videos about trying to envision the space you want and then go shopping. I like this idea but I'm not sure I can do it! So many possibilities!!!
Hi Carol! Yes I know-a lot out there!! Start with how you want it to feel. A designer would want to translate that feeling through design/decor. Also I love your suggestion and will add it to one of the eclectic videos. I don’t necessarily think it’s “unexpectedly working” though, it’s about identifying the things that “feel” like you, what you want the space to feel like, then fine tuning your eye to spot things that give that feeling. I think eclectic style requires even more thought actually! Because it can be all over the map as we eclectics like so many things. We’ll see if I can make a video to really dig into it though 🤗
1000% resonates with me when you said you didn't want your home to look like everyone else's home! I see sooooo many designer videos posting inspo pics or before and after pics, and all the rooms have the "same look" as a catolog page. Wether it's RH, or Anthro, or H&M, or whoever. I struggle with wanting to look classic and unique, and chic, but can't really tell if I'm creating a tacky clown house!
Yes Timi I hear you! I see it too and it’s disappointing for me. I want to be inspired and seeing the same things does just the opposite for me. A clown house? lol I have a feeling you’re not-but now I’m so curious to see your home!! Classic, unique & chic is a perfect mix! Love it ❤️
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio it's really hard to "practice," train at, "good taste.". It's like singing, YKWIM? You can sing, or your tone deaf. Hahaha I kinda think it's the same thing with a designer's eye. You either has taste, or you don't, hahahaha. And if you're tone deaf, you really think you're singing on key. But you're not, haha. So I can't tell if I'm tone deaf to good design.
@@timilisafogal6990 I get it! Plenty of people that think they can sing but can’t!!! 😂 Send me a pic on Instagram and I’ll let you know my thoughts-if you like that is!!
Lovely video again. Very useful. I have to say that with getting a bit older, I'm less following trends, I don't need to be "hip" anymore. I just want to be "me" in my home. I love beautiful things, but live on a budget. So when I see something with classic quality that I can't afford, I try to find something affordable with similar characteristics, also in shops like H&M Home and Ikea, or smaller brands. They can also function as placeholders, so I can save for for example handmade ceramics. Sometimes I can afford a real nice purchase, like my Danish design tablelamp, that lifts the whole room. And my go to paint is Farrow & Ball. As I always have loved certain colors, I now have a yellow sofa, had a purple sofa for 14 years, for a long time now I also love certain metals. I never liked the gold and brass trend (but everyone has his own taste), but sticked to silver and chroom etc. So for me that is timeless and classic. About the characteristics of a timeless home, that is you, I had to think of British interior designer Beata Heuman. She combines much colors, patterns, materials, art and personal stuff in her designs. Her concept is that when you put different things together that not necessary match, but still work together, that when you add new things, like personal memories, that they will not clash with what you already have. For me helpful, because I tend to look at what will go well together, with a risk to be too matchy matchy. You once said that we need to develop a discerning eye. Your video's are very helpful and help to judge what choices will add to what I want my home te be. They back my process. BTW gorgeous coffeetable!!
First off, Grady you know I LOVE your sofa. It was an excellent purchase and acts as a focal point in your living room. It's also something you love that will stay with you--which in my opinion, it mindful and is the goal when purchasing anything for your home. I am also so with you on wanting to be "me" at home and in my style. It's actually a beautiful journey of self discovery and builds confidence. Know thyself! You have a curated eye and so I have a feeling (as well as how you describe your process above), that when you shop for home accessories at H&M/IKEA for example, you are selecting with that refined eye. It will be a piece that you will value regardless if the price. I feel that's a bit different, because of the selection process you use. What concerns me is when people don't develop their eye and purchase things because they're cheap--there's no intrinsic value, and off the the garbage or thrift store they go when they are "dated" or out of style (which is usually short lived).
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio I recognize the process of buying trendy things and not liking them anymore once the trend is over. It is still a pitfall, but knowing more and more who I am (I am so with you in your comment!) my choices become more independent. I love the process of growing into that autonomy, whilst at the same time finding inspiration in a diversity of homes on Pinterest, Instagram and TH-cam. That can be in different styles, but perhaps there is that one corner with that particular choice that gives me an idea for my own home. Thanks for making your video's for even more layers of awareness to composing a home.
Oh yes exactly Grady-that little moment that we see elsewhere that could be reinterpreted into our spaces 🤍 Also to comment, we get so much more comfortable being our authentic selves as time passes-I’m so grateful for that!!! Sending you hugs luv 🤗
Hi Sophia! I too love the avant-garde--that's innovative, and the designers that work on that edge are those creating the ripple (it has the potential to evolve into a trend); however, an indicator that a trend is on it's way out if when "it" becomes heavily mass produced and/or saturated in the media. The innovative, the avant-garde designers are always ahead of the curve, the "follower" designers do just that. Follow. There is nothing wrong with either stance, it's our own personal choice, but to get the most out of our financial investment is to purchase anti-trend, classic pieces--I'm also very sentimental and so I want to have memories tied to the pieces in my home. Hope that helped to clarify my purpose :D
Good morning, Christina! Your coffee table is tdf! And I loved the blooper! 😂 I also wonder where all of the cast offs end up when trends shift again. Is the bottom of the sea littered with pink couches? The whole reason my personal progress is so slow is because finding quality furniture at a lower price is arduous, albeit fun. My husband and I take day trips to visit shops and thrift stores but only once a month at best. I shop on FBM constantly but find that many people in my area are dishonest in their listings and once I travel to meet them, it's awkward to back out of a sale. I once ended up with some wobbly (unfixable) cane back chairs that way. I think estate sales are in my future. I love your pragmatic advice like checking the wear on a floor model. I have one dodgy piece of pine furniture (ikea) that the floor model was a giant red flag for. We got it anyway because our 60 yr old house had zero storage when we moved in, and this solved the problem. Also, it perfectly fits into a large wall space that would have cost a fortune to have built. It still looks nice but only because we dont touch it 😂. So the rest of our furniture needs to feel more substantial and solid to balance that bad boy out. I'll be referring back to this video for reminders! Thank you!
Melissa please don’t ever let anyone pressure you to buy the fbm item. I absolutely refuse and know it can be awkward but this is your money babe and they should have been more transparent with listing the item. That irks me that people are dishonest-lol I don’t want you to ever feel that way. Okay so that’s that-now onto the pink couches. Yes I think about all those large bulky cube-like modern/modular sofas that I see all over the internet. That look is going to go and when it does it’s going fast. I feel like it’s kind of always moving that way. Where are they going? A big motivation for this video was the estimated 19 million tons of furniture ending up in the landfills-yearly. On a lighter note, I love estate sales!! I used to work for an antique/vintage store when I was younger and they are excellent places to purchase quality unique pieces.
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio 19 million tons!? I love that you are addressing the wastefulness of "fast decor!" It's a real problem that a lot of people are brushing under the rug.
@@melissak8892 Thank you babe. It’s a big focus for me which is why I’m always encouraging secondhand and also advocating to create one’s own personal style. Also we all work hard for our money and I’d rather not see it wasted because someone knows how to trigger our “purchase unnecessary junk” buttons😉 I’ve been guilty of it too! This is why I no longer subscribe to them! Hahaha I know myself well.
Loving your channel! I am going for a truly timeless / classic space. I’ve had difficulty actually knowing what is trending. Example, I saw a fluted media console at RH, I’m guessing it’s trendy so I’m staying away, I’m going to look at their other pieces for a more timeless piece.
I love fluted glass and I actually see a lot of it in beautiful older prewar homes here in NYC. I think it's timeless because it still looks beautiful in those older homes. We're kind of in an interesting time right now because the things from the past are so in--and so it can be challenging to discern what will trend, what will fade and what will stick around. Some trends right now are not really trends, they've always been there and looked timeless. Sounds like you went with your gut on that purchase, because it may not be a timeless thing for you--and that's what's important. I am concerned about a lot of those lovely arched cabinets--I wanted one badly last yet decided against it--so I'm just as susceptible to trends as anyone, but I knew this was a shape that I would tire of. There are so many of these arched cabinets everywhere and when I see something like that's overstated in the media, I stay away (unless I truly love it AKA makes my heart sing). Otherwise a few years later I'm going to be asking myself, "Why did I fall for that?!"
I think some trends will become timeless. Like those Pierre Jenerette chairs that are right now much copied. You could say they are trendy because they are everywhere, and their popularity will wane, but they will hold their own over time. I think it’s the execution of a room that determines how well it ages. People say organic modern is a huge trend that’s already over. I disagree. It’s definitely a huge trend, but I think that style is resonating hard for people, because in its highest form, it represents a new lifestyle and way of living, a new value system. I think we are going to see elements of that continuing to work their way in to other styles for a long time. Now, if you buy absolutely everything new in your home right now organic modern, it’s likely to not age as well. Unless you execute that with the utmost care and skill. But in the same way that mid century modern pieces set off more classic pieces, I think organic modern pieces will too, so people will continue to use them. I feel like- ok, people say organic modern is over, but tell me if some of those pieces turned up in a thrift store, you wouldn’t snap them up? The earthy, soft, minimal forms are going to look good for a long, long time. It all depends how well chosen your pieces are. And I would agree w you about the trendy h&m accessories, something I am guilty of and already becoming aware is a waste of money. Trying to really think about what are good choices!!
I think it’s hard to not be influenced by trends unless your style is straight up traditional. I don’t care for traditional, but it does have staying power, I’ll give it that!
I think Amy Neunsinger’s home is a good example to study. I think I remember seeing it in Domino 20 years ago. It’s aging super well. But it does have some elements of industrial and shabby chic styles, both of which were trendy styles at the time. Why did it age so well?? Like I look at her dining room table, she has white Tolix cafe chairs and a chandelier. It still looks great. Even though if she were doing her home today and picking out chairs or a light, maybe there would be a more enticing option today. Chandeliers and Tolix chairs were trendy at the time, but they are also classic. Her home was well chosen and well executed at the time, and still looks good. Even though probably today Tolix chairs are somewhat out of style and you are less likely to choose them.
Wow thank you for taking the time to contribute all your great thoughts here. I love it! 🤗 Okay, let’s dig into it. I don’t think organic modern furniture will stay in style, simply for the organic shapes are a bit whimsical and I feel that has a time in place. This still will resurface someday, maybe reinterpreted(?) if made well, like all pieces do-ex: FirstDibs. I do agree that modern is timeless (modern as in the modernist movement which impacted all areas of culture, science, society), but I don’t associate organic modern with that. I would love to understand the highest form, new lifestyle and way of living associated with it. When I think of OM I think of over consumption. It’s almost as if this trend became an addiction for some people. Maybe this is what you’re referring to regarding filling your whole home with new OM. It is the sort of thing that becomes heavily (and cheaply) manufactured, and then I wonder-where does it go? Unlike original modernist pieces from the early 20th century, which were fabricated in a way to last, those pieces from Crate and Barrel or CB2 will not likely last. If we’re talking Jenni Kayne, for example, her pieces are exceptionally well made and have an organic modern feel, but with the clean lines they have staying power-a wise investment. Not everyone can afford this which is why I get into how to find good pieces on a budget. But I also say that if you authentically love something and you are buying it because it feels like you, then it doesn’t really matter because you will always keep it no matter what goes in and out of style. I don’t really like those in and out of style videos for this reason. I’m not here to make people feel bad because they still like a style that someone has deemed out. I don’t want anyone to ever feel bad about their home or their taste. I want them to learn and refine it. To take risks and be okay with that. That’s how you learn to execute things and mix styles. It’s a learning process that deserves encouragement. Okay not sure I touched on everything. I’m unable to see your whole message as I type on my phone 😉 Really appreciate you taking the time to really think about this subject and contributing your thoughts. Thank you 🤗
Thank YOU for your reply! I think everything has a high and low form. The enemy is really the low form, once it’s hit the rock bottom of Walmart. Or even crate and barrel. Materials and longevity should be important considerations. But unfortunately, this makes things inaccessible to the everyman. What to do??? I don’t have the answer. Speaking for myself, I have been in a game of approximating high design on a thrift store budget. In some ways I feel like this has kept my look more timeless because I simply can’t afford to change big pieces often or invest in big pieces that are new. But overall, my look has a bit of a shabbiness to it. I’m trying to figure out really strategic buys that are going to elevate the whole composition. I’m looking toward new pieces from places like crate & barrel or west elm, which in my imagination are expensive and “nice”, but in reality I see the shoddiness of construction and the lack of longevity. It’s frustrating when you want to invest but are not sure where your money will be best spent. And when you live in a shabby box with no architecture… I don’t have the answers!!
I also think that maybe what I consider organic modern isn’t what you consider organic modern. I would include things like African stools, sheepskins, stone tables. Things that are actual natural materials and not just minimal curvy shaped style mass produced furniture. I think pieces like those I mentioned go a long way to warm up other classic 20th century modern pieces, or to juxtapose with traditional elements. Like when you look at “modern” from the late 90s/early 2000’s, a lot of it is authentic and quality pieces, but too much sameness, angles, coldness. I think we are at a place with design where there is a lot more freedom, people can play so much with contrast instead of everything needing to be one style and sameness. It’s fun and exciting instead of boxed in!
Love this, Christina! I noticed that a lot of the wood materials are of a similar tone. I'd love to hear your thoughts on how to mix or match wood pieces ☺️
Hi Hannah! Mixing woods doesn’t have to be difficult. Try mixing woods with the same tone (or undertone). For example, look at the woods and determine if it’s a warm wood (yellow/orange/red/warm tones) or a cooler wood (blue/green/gray tones). Also if you have some pieces not stained, you’ll want to stick with that look throughout the room-and of the same tone; however, in the house you can mix that up. Neutral tones can mix with either one (neither yellowish/warm or grayish/cool). Hope this helps 🤗
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio thanks for the tip! In the new house, I have a neutral tone bookcase and a lot of reddish brown wood in the new house that conflict with some of the grayish-cool tone wood furniture from my partner's previous apartment. It's certainly a process to create unity with clashing colors 😅
Is it possible to integrate similar color accessories (as the wood tones) to tie it together? (Like textiles, vases, artwork, sculpture, etc) Trying to visualize this! It sounds like a challenge-very similar to when my boyfriend, now husband, and I moved in together, bringing furniture from both our previous apartments. Two very different styles!!
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stumbled across your channel. Love listening to you, makes perfect sense, subscribed ! thank you for making informative content.
Hi Nicky! Welcome, luv 🤗 Thank you for tuning in and being here. It’s my pleasure making these videos for you. Hope to keep inspiring you!
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio 💗
Hi luvs! I missed you all so much last week! So just a heads up I'm at work at one of the projects on the Upper East Side and not my home :D Hope you enjoy the video XOXOXOXCD
I love the last few statements she made about the space you create that’s a reflection of you & you get to show it off to others❤
Awww thank you Lauren 🤗 It is so true!!!
‘You are creating the showroom of your life’. I love that and it’s so true. Thank you Christina for another wonderful video.🤎
You are so welcome my dear Paulene! It's so true!!!
Love that you provide quidelines, rules, and guidance, but make room for individuality and creativity. So happy you are not "selling" all the stuff like so many are involved in. Major Ugh!
Nope! You will not see me pushing my Amazon influencer store over here!!
Oh my gosh…so many good points here
Hoorah, my favourite decorator!
🤗Awww thanks, sweetheart 😘
My husband and I recently went to Minnesota, and attended an art pottery tour in the St. Croix River Valley. We saw the work of over 100 artists. It was fun to pick out a few for our home. We focused on practical pieces first, and beautiful pieces that spoke to our hearts second. I was fun to purchase unique art pieces.
Wow Marcia-this sounds like a dream! Unique pieces really make a home feel more personalized. Also what a lovely memory you have connected to all these pieces. Beautiful 🤍
Yes, you are so right about feeling/sitting on furniture before you buy it. I follow the "can I watch a movie comfortably" in/on it. 😂
Hahaha EXACTLY, CD! That is one of the worst things to have seating that you can't bare to sit in! Function over form!
Totally agree about the artwork. Every time I watch your videos I start looking around my house. I mentioned once in the comments that when people come to your home for the first time, that they should leave knowing more about you just by your decor. You asked me what I thought my house said about me but I never responded.
As I thought about it, the funny thing is that what I THINK that my house says about me, is not necessarily what other people think when they walk in. In my eyes, my house is rustic. I love using natural materials (woods, metals, linen, marble), and in my head it’s giving moody and masculine but also very feminine with all live greenery and a lot of Michael Aram. I have had a few people, after just walking in the door (which just consists of an entry and hallway), say, oh wow how long have you been here is this new? I can’t for the life of me figure out why my entryway is giving that vibe. In my head it’s moody and rustic. I have had a family member say that I “really like antiques” and flowers. I don’t have any antiques..lol. And I wouldn’t say that I love flowers but it is important to me to always have at least one piece of live greenery in every room.
Hahaha Hi Lorrain! Yes, I remember this and you describing your rustic home. You know the thing about anything we create into the world is that we can't control what other people think about it, or how they perceive it. Which is why they are seeing something different from your true motivation. I think also that some people don't have the awareness of the references we have in our home (what inspires the style) and so they may categorize objects into a totally different category--which to them makes sense, but to you--who as invested so much time into creating the space, would never even consider--because it's a whole other category!
You are reminding me of my time in art school, when I would create a piece and it was critiqued by the other art students in class. I heard so many interpretations of my work that had ZERO to do with my motivation, process or style of work. Ugh never liked that! As they say, art is subjective!
does it make your heart sing 🎶
what a beautiful thought.
thank you for another great video.
You’re welcome Laurence 🤗 I’m so pleased you enjoyed it!
I'm blessed to have a handy husband. He built our futon sofa using old doors for the ends which are soft white and oak for the rest. I just changed it up with a new cover. He also built our beautiful dining table and chairs. Plans for coffee table and a wall mounted unit under the TV. (Kitchen remodel going on first lol) This creates one-of-a-kind timeless beauty for us.. I've never been trendy. And I agree that I don't want items in my home that anyone can just go buy at the home store. Our artwork is all one of a kind from my kids and husband. I appreciate your advice and your belief that a color can be a neutral!
Yes Melanie!!!! I would love to make custom pieces--you are so lucky! My father made our furniture too. (He still makes pieces, restores, and reupholsters them for decorators so I grew with this mentality). It is such a great feeling to have unique things. Growing up with that led to a true appreciation for being different. Oh and your artwork. Girl you know the way to my heart. I love that it was created by your family. You gave me the warm fuzzies. That's so beautiful!
"Timeless", "speaks to my soul"....you speak my language! Great content as always, thank you!
Hi Mary--it's my pleasure babe!!! Nice to see you---and always, if it truly speaks to your soul, you will never go wrong.
Yes, that's my 'homie language,' too. 'Fine-tuning your eye,' as Christina says, is wonderful. Over time, you become more discerning and refine your taste and how you see things. It's a fabulous, creative journey that opens you up to everything else, too, along the way!
@@MyGoldendoodleDiary Aww thank you Joanna for contributing this lovely comment! 🤗 hugs to you from the other side of the planet 🌎💙🌏
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio 💫Far away yet somehow close-by 💫
@@MyGoldendoodleDiary I love that! 🤗
I’’ happy you said that not only beige is neutral, but something that we love and base our decor on. I have blue kitchen and love it. Years on I still look toward blue furtniture and decor - just my color, don’t know why
It’s your signature color!! Some people are color loving and others are traditional neural loving-either is fine but I don’t think one is better than the other, nor do I think one should try to change the other. I like neutral but love to see others express through vibrant color! I think what makes me happiest is when someone loves their home and feels like it’s authentic to them.
Be yourself!
PS 💙 blue is a lovely color.
I’m one of the pink women!! Always have been
This is extremely helpful information! Thank you Christina!
Hi Nicole! Thank you for watching!
Woah, your awesome coffee table!! ❤ Most of my furniture is thrifted and classic. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Really try not to buy trends.
You and me both Tobey! I love the hunt! It's so much fun isn't it? Finding the perfect piece is like ahhhhhh. That video that I did on buying vintage doctor--not sure if you saw it, but what I like to do is spend some time visualizing the perfect piece, what it will look like, how it will make the room feel--you know, totally manifesting secondhand finds BUT it really does work for me! Hahaha
(PS thank you--I looooooove this table and know I will forever--also it weighs a ton so it's not going anywhere haha).
thank you for another inspiring video! Most of my things are "old", probably because I don't like the look of "brand new" and I'm also shopping on a budget. I think I have a good eye for good design but feel like I end up with things that don't quite go together. I would love a video of you commenting on an eclectic space where things are working, possibly unexpectedly, along with an eclectic space that is not working and why.... I like what you said in one of your videos about trying to envision the space you want and then go shopping. I like this idea but I'm not sure I can do it! So many possibilities!!!
Hi Carol! Yes I know-a lot out there!! Start with how you want it to feel. A designer would want to translate that feeling through design/decor.
Also I love your suggestion and will add it to one of the eclectic videos. I don’t necessarily think it’s “unexpectedly working” though, it’s about identifying the things that “feel” like you, what you want the space to feel like, then fine tuning your eye to spot things that give that feeling. I think eclectic style requires even more thought actually! Because it can be all over the map as we eclectics like so many things.
We’ll see if I can make a video to really dig into it though 🤗
1000% resonates with me when you said you didn't want your home to look like everyone else's home! I see sooooo many designer videos posting inspo pics or before and after pics, and all the rooms have the "same look" as a catolog page. Wether it's RH, or Anthro, or H&M, or whoever. I struggle with wanting to look classic and unique, and chic, but can't really tell if I'm creating a tacky clown house!
Yes Timi I hear you! I see it too and it’s disappointing for me. I want to be inspired and seeing the same things does just the opposite for me. A clown house? lol I have a feeling you’re not-but now I’m so curious to see your home!! Classic, unique & chic is a perfect mix! Love it ❤️
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio it's really hard to "practice," train at, "good taste.". It's like singing, YKWIM? You can sing, or your tone deaf. Hahaha I kinda think it's the same thing with a designer's eye. You either has taste, or you don't, hahahaha. And if you're tone deaf, you really think you're singing on key. But you're not, haha. So I can't tell if I'm tone deaf to good design.
@@timilisafogal6990 I get it! Plenty of people that think they can sing but can’t!!! 😂 Send me a pic on Instagram and I’ll let you know my thoughts-if you like that is!!
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio I will 😀 Thank you!
@@timilisafogal6990 😘😘😘😘
Lovely video again. Very useful. I have to say that with getting a bit older, I'm less following trends, I don't need to be "hip" anymore. I just want to be "me" in my home. I love beautiful things, but live on a budget. So when I see something with classic quality that I can't afford, I try to find something affordable with similar characteristics, also in shops like H&M Home and Ikea, or smaller brands. They can also function as placeholders, so I can save for for example handmade ceramics. Sometimes I can afford a real nice purchase, like my Danish design tablelamp, that lifts the whole room. And my go to paint is Farrow & Ball. As I always have loved certain colors, I now have a yellow sofa, had a purple sofa for 14 years, for a long time now I also love certain metals. I never liked the gold and brass trend (but everyone has his own taste), but sticked to silver and chroom etc. So for me that is timeless and classic. About the characteristics of a timeless home, that is you, I had to think of British interior designer Beata Heuman. She combines much colors, patterns, materials, art and personal stuff in her designs. Her concept is that when you put different things together that not necessary match, but still work together, that when you add new things, like personal memories, that they will not clash with what you already have. For me helpful, because I tend to look at what will go well together, with a risk to be too matchy matchy. You once said that we need to develop a discerning eye. Your video's are very helpful and help to judge what choices will add to what I want my home te be. They back my process. BTW gorgeous coffeetable!!
First off, Grady you know I LOVE your sofa. It was an excellent purchase and acts as a focal point in your living room. It's also something you love that will stay with you--which in my opinion, it mindful and is the goal when purchasing anything for your home. I am also so with you on wanting to be "me" at home and in my style. It's actually a beautiful journey of self discovery and builds confidence. Know thyself!
You have a curated eye and so I have a feeling (as well as how you describe your process above), that when you shop for home accessories at H&M/IKEA for example, you are selecting with that refined eye. It will be a piece that you will value regardless if the price. I feel that's a bit different, because of the selection process you use. What concerns me is when people don't develop their eye and purchase things because they're cheap--there's no intrinsic value, and off the the garbage or thrift store they go when they are "dated" or out of style (which is usually short lived).
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio I recognize the process of buying trendy things and not liking them anymore once the trend is over. It is still a pitfall, but knowing more and more who I am (I am so with you in your comment!) my choices become more independent. I love the process of growing into that autonomy, whilst at the same time finding inspiration in a diversity of homes on Pinterest, Instagram and TH-cam. That can be in different styles, but perhaps there is that one corner with that particular choice that gives me an idea for my own home. Thanks for making your video's for even more layers of awareness to composing a home.
Oh yes exactly Grady-that little moment that we see elsewhere that could be reinterpreted into our spaces 🤍
Also to comment, we get so much more comfortable being our authentic selves as time passes-I’m so grateful for that!!!
Sending you hugs luv 🤗
Great tips, thank you. I always like to be up-to-date date or even avant-garde, so sometimes I have too much trendy stuff. But will use your tips. ❤😂😊
Hi Sophia! I too love the avant-garde--that's innovative, and the designers that work on that edge are those creating the ripple (it has the potential to evolve into a trend); however, an indicator that a trend is on it's way out if when "it" becomes heavily mass produced and/or saturated in the media. The innovative, the avant-garde designers are always ahead of the curve, the "follower" designers do just that. Follow. There is nothing wrong with either stance, it's our own personal choice, but to get the most out of our financial investment is to purchase anti-trend, classic pieces--I'm also very sentimental and so I want to have memories tied to the pieces in my home. Hope that helped to clarify my purpose :D
Good morning, Christina! Your coffee table is tdf! And I loved the blooper! 😂 I also wonder where all of the cast offs end up when trends shift again. Is the bottom of the sea littered with pink couches? The whole reason my personal progress is so slow is because finding quality furniture at a lower price is arduous, albeit fun. My husband and I take day trips to visit shops and thrift stores but only once a month at best. I shop on FBM constantly but find that many people in my area are dishonest in their listings and once I travel to meet them, it's awkward to back out of a sale. I once ended up with some wobbly (unfixable) cane back chairs that way. I think estate sales are in my future. I love your pragmatic advice like checking the wear on a floor model. I have one dodgy piece of pine furniture (ikea) that the floor model was a giant red flag for. We got it anyway because our 60 yr old house had zero storage when we moved in, and this solved the problem. Also, it perfectly fits into a large wall space that would have cost a fortune to have built. It still looks nice but only because we dont touch it 😂. So the rest of our furniture needs to feel more substantial and solid to balance that bad boy out. I'll be referring back to this video for reminders! Thank you!
Melissa please don’t ever let anyone pressure you to buy the fbm item. I absolutely refuse and know it can be awkward but this is your money babe and they should have been more transparent with listing the item. That irks me that people are dishonest-lol I don’t want you to ever feel that way.
Okay so that’s that-now onto the pink couches. Yes I think about all those large bulky cube-like modern/modular sofas that I see all over the internet. That look is going to go and when it does it’s going fast. I feel like it’s kind of always moving that way. Where are they going? A big motivation for this video was the estimated 19 million tons of furniture ending up in the landfills-yearly.
On a lighter note, I love estate sales!! I used to work for an antique/vintage store when I was younger and they are excellent places to purchase quality unique pieces.
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio 19 million tons!? I love that you are addressing the wastefulness of "fast decor!" It's a real problem that a lot of people are brushing under the rug.
@@melissak8892 Thank you babe. It’s a big focus for me which is why I’m always encouraging secondhand and also advocating to create one’s own personal style. Also we all work hard for our money and I’d rather not see it wasted because someone knows how to trigger our “purchase unnecessary junk” buttons😉 I’ve been guilty of it too! This is why I no longer subscribe to them! Hahaha I know myself well.
Glad you are feeling better, and you look great. Great advice
Awww thank you lovely, Pat. Feeling so much better.
Loving your channel! I am going for a truly timeless / classic space. I’ve had difficulty actually knowing what is trending. Example, I saw a fluted media console at RH, I’m guessing it’s trendy so I’m staying away, I’m going to look at their other pieces for a more timeless piece.
I love fluted glass and I actually see a lot of it in beautiful older prewar homes here in NYC. I think it's timeless because it still looks beautiful in those older homes. We're kind of in an interesting time right now because the things from the past are so in--and so it can be challenging to discern what will trend, what will fade and what will stick around. Some trends right now are not really trends, they've always been there and looked timeless. Sounds like you went with your gut on that purchase, because it may not be a timeless thing for you--and that's what's important.
I am concerned about a lot of those lovely arched cabinets--I wanted one badly last yet decided against it--so I'm just as susceptible to trends as anyone, but I knew this was a shape that I would tire of. There are so many of these arched cabinets everywhere and when I see something like that's overstated in the media, I stay away (unless I truly love it AKA makes my heart sing). Otherwise a few years later I'm going to be asking myself, "Why did I fall for that?!"
Hi Christina, I’m drooling over your black marble coffee table. Is from RH ?
It’s from BR Home. It’s the Brooklyn Marquina Coffee Table 🖤 I love her too! She’s a beauty!!
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio thank you so much. I love your TH-cam channel. Your esthetics are very similar to mine 💕
@@RG91977 😘Aww thank you babe!!!
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I think some trends will become timeless. Like those Pierre Jenerette chairs that are right now much copied. You could say they are trendy because they are everywhere, and their popularity will wane, but they will hold their own over time. I think it’s the execution of a room that determines how well it ages. People say organic modern is a huge trend that’s already over. I disagree. It’s definitely a huge trend, but I think that style is resonating hard for people, because in its highest form, it represents a new lifestyle and way of living, a new value system. I think we are going to see elements of that continuing to work their way in to other styles for a long time. Now, if you buy absolutely everything new in your home right now organic modern, it’s likely to not age as well. Unless you execute that with the utmost care and skill. But in the same way that mid century modern pieces set off more classic pieces, I think organic modern pieces will too, so people will continue to use them. I feel like- ok, people say organic modern is over, but tell me if some of those pieces turned up in a thrift store, you wouldn’t snap them up? The earthy, soft, minimal forms are going to look good for a long, long time. It all depends how well chosen your pieces are. And I would agree w you about the trendy h&m accessories, something I am guilty of and already becoming aware is a waste of money. Trying to really think about what are good choices!!
I think it’s hard to not be influenced by trends unless your style is straight up traditional. I don’t care for traditional, but it does have staying power, I’ll give it that!
I think Amy Neunsinger’s home is a good example to study. I think I remember seeing it in Domino 20 years ago. It’s aging super well. But it does have some elements of industrial and shabby chic styles, both of which were trendy styles at the time. Why did it age so well?? Like I look at her dining room table, she has white Tolix cafe chairs and a chandelier. It still looks great. Even though if she were doing her home today and picking out chairs or a light, maybe there would be a more enticing option today. Chandeliers and Tolix chairs were trendy at the time, but they are also classic. Her home was well chosen and well executed at the time, and still looks good. Even though probably today Tolix chairs are somewhat out of style and you are less likely to choose them.
Wow thank you for taking the time to contribute all your great thoughts here. I love it! 🤗
Okay, let’s dig into it. I don’t think organic modern furniture will stay in style, simply for the organic shapes are a bit whimsical and I feel that has a time in place. This still will resurface someday, maybe reinterpreted(?) if made well, like all pieces do-ex: FirstDibs.
I do agree that modern is timeless (modern as in the modernist movement which impacted all areas of culture, science, society), but I don’t associate organic modern with that. I would love to understand the highest form, new lifestyle and way of living associated with it.
When I think of OM I think of over consumption. It’s almost as if this trend became an addiction for some people. Maybe this is what you’re referring to regarding filling your whole home with new OM.
It is the sort of thing that becomes heavily (and cheaply) manufactured, and then I wonder-where does it go? Unlike original modernist pieces from the early 20th century, which were fabricated in a way to last, those pieces from Crate and Barrel or CB2 will not likely last. If we’re talking Jenni Kayne, for example, her pieces are exceptionally well made and have an organic modern feel, but with the clean lines they have staying power-a wise investment. Not everyone can afford this which is why I get into how to find good pieces on a budget.
But I also say that if you authentically love something and you are buying it because it feels like you, then it doesn’t really matter because you will always keep it no matter what goes in and out of style. I don’t really like those in and out of style videos for this reason. I’m not here to make people feel bad because they still like a style that someone has deemed out. I don’t want anyone to ever feel bad about their home or their taste. I want them to learn and refine it. To take risks and be okay with that. That’s how you learn to execute things and mix styles. It’s a learning process that deserves encouragement. Okay not sure I touched on everything. I’m unable to see your whole message as I type on my phone 😉
Really appreciate you taking the time to really think about this subject and contributing your thoughts. Thank you 🤗
Thank YOU for your reply! I think everything has a high and low form. The enemy is really the low form, once it’s hit the rock bottom of Walmart. Or even crate and barrel. Materials and longevity should be important considerations. But unfortunately, this makes things inaccessible to the everyman. What to do??? I don’t have the answer. Speaking for myself, I have been in a game of approximating high design on a thrift store budget. In some ways I feel like this has kept my look more timeless because I simply can’t afford to change big pieces often or invest in big pieces that are new. But overall, my look has a bit of a shabbiness to it. I’m trying to figure out really strategic buys that are going to elevate the whole composition. I’m looking toward new pieces from places like crate & barrel or west elm, which in my imagination are expensive and “nice”, but in reality I see the shoddiness of construction and the lack of longevity. It’s frustrating when you want to invest but are not sure where your money will be best spent. And when you live in a shabby box with no architecture… I don’t have the answers!!
I also think that maybe what I consider organic modern isn’t what you consider organic modern. I would include things like African stools, sheepskins, stone tables. Things that are actual natural materials and not just minimal curvy shaped style mass produced furniture. I think pieces like those I mentioned go a long way to warm up other classic 20th century modern pieces, or to juxtapose with traditional elements. Like when you look at “modern” from the late 90s/early 2000’s, a lot of it is authentic and quality pieces, but too much sameness, angles, coldness. I think we are at a place with design where there is a lot more freedom, people can play so much with contrast instead of everything needing to be one style and sameness. It’s fun and exciting instead of boxed in!
Love this, Christina! I noticed that a lot of the wood materials are of a similar tone. I'd love to hear your thoughts on how to mix or match wood pieces ☺️
Hi Hannah! Mixing woods doesn’t have to be difficult. Try mixing woods with the same tone (or undertone).
For example, look at the woods and determine if it’s a warm wood (yellow/orange/red/warm tones) or a cooler wood (blue/green/gray tones).
Also if you have some pieces not stained, you’ll want to stick with that look throughout the room-and of the same tone; however, in the house you can mix that up.
Neutral tones can mix with either one (neither yellowish/warm or grayish/cool).
Hope this helps 🤗
@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio thanks for the tip! In the new house, I have a neutral tone bookcase and a lot of reddish brown wood in the new house that conflict with some of the grayish-cool tone wood furniture from my partner's previous apartment. It's certainly a process to create unity with clashing colors 😅
Is it possible to integrate similar color accessories (as the wood tones) to tie it together? (Like textiles, vases, artwork, sculpture, etc) Trying to visualize this! It sounds like a challenge-very similar to when my boyfriend, now husband, and I moved in together, bringing furniture from both our previous apartments. Two very different styles!!
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👋Hi gf you look beautiful, missed you.Grabbing my sun tea…gurrl it’s 🥵here in LA. Great inspiration today.🫶🏻Mimi
Wow sun tea! Feels like summer is so far away now over here. Chilly nights!! Stay cool babe 🤗