I'm a guy who has NO IDEA how to design a room. I've been looking at women designers over the past few days and, thought they've been excellent, you are at the peak! The others tell what to do but you tell the WHY which really helps a guy like me understand. A gem of a youtube video here.
Chris, I'm so glad that I'm helping you with your design journey!!! You're so right - there's merit in knowing why you're doing something and not just following along blindly! Thanks so much for watching!
Another good reason for curved furniture in small spaces: disabilities! I and some of my dear friends have mobility limitations, and knowing that it won't hurt us if we bump into a corner makes a space feel *psychologically* bigger as well. More room to stretch out 😊💖
@@KivaBrent Hi Kiva, I want hang my curtains high but there is not wood behind the wall to support the curtains, what can I do? Also, to update kitchen handles, is it better to match them with the colour of the other doors in the house, this case gold?
@@rosem4119 I know I'm not Kiva but...lol You don't have to put gold hardware in your kitchen if that's not what you want. Just make the look cohesive within the space. Use anchors if you don't have wood to hang your treatments.
@@Nic2Blk Thank you, much appreciated. I liked them satin brass but thought it could be too much yellow with the handles doors as well. So, since the appliances going to be black and silver plus sink greish and chrome tap. I think is best to go silver, black and gunmetal. Depends what I can find budget friendly. Thanks once again for your reply.
@@rosem4119 ooohh! black, silver, and gun metal is going to be CUTE!! I'm looking for black hardware for my cabinets ugh... wish me luck because I'm so picky LOL
That's encouraging! I'm raising the curtain rails in my lounge this week, just got the longer curtains sussed - looking forward to experiencing something similar :)
This may sound crazy, but i have a tiny bedroom, 11" x 12". We did a dark navy monochrome. The walls, trim, and ceiling are all painted a very dark navy, and we used dark wood for our large furniture, but bright colors like blush pink chair, or white rug and bedding for accent pieces. The room looks twice the size because the dark monochrome wall color tricks the eye. The dark colors move to the background, while the light colored accents pop as they move to the foreground. Again it has to be monochrome to work though because a lighter ceiling or trim will breakup the color and your brain will no longer push it to the background.
Agreed. This is an all or nothing sort of thing. People go wrong when they half ass the dark colors. You totally did it right by going all out with a dark monochrome theme including the trim and ceiling! Kudos!
Kiva, I'm just obssessed with your channel. As a self taught designer, I grow leaps and bounds each time I watch your videos. Your content is amazing and you are so funny and practical. Ahhhh...a designer after my own heart! 💜💜💜
Kiva, thanks. My whole house is small. These ideas are helping me figure out how to move things around …”shopping” in my own house (and i hate saying this-our storage ‘sheds’ ). I appreciate you, your style and gentle commentary. You don’t make me feel “small”. R/ monica.
Hey KB, could you please do a video talking about designing wall panel moldings, like the kinds found in Parisian apartments? I've been seeing more people DIY these and I have a bunch of questions like, do your ceiling have to be certain minimum height to make them look good? Some molding have a chair rail with panels above and below, while others have just a long rectangle, how do you know what works best for your space? What if you are putting furniture against a paneled wall, how does that change things? When are wall moldings a bad idea? I don't know if others have the same questions but I thought it might make for some interesting content.
I have had all of these questions too! I haven’t seen much info on this topic in online searches so I would be curious to hear a professional’s opinions.
You're the only designer I've seen brave enough to nix the Gallery Wall. I don't think it's a mainstay n would love to see them go buh bye! I love art n have a lot of it, but gallery walls make me feel claustrophobic. Negative space is important too. I prefer picture rails w a lip; I change out my art frequently n love not putting new holes all over my walls.
I have a large dining room set, and my daughter says it’s outdated. Turn off our dining rooms out now I love watching your show. You make everything look easy.
Excellent! Thank you! My hints: use a coffee table with a glass top and an interesting base as your working desk top. My 48" round glass seems invisible. Do the same with your dining area table. Get a grip and downsize your stuff periodically instead of buying more storage. Tiny House Nation has great suggestions for this.
This gave me good ideas, I love living in a black hole of darkness and I hate guests haha but this video still gave me a lot of tips and things to take away from it for ME to feel cozy in a smaller space ❤
Whew! Breaking up square furniture is key. I used a round coffee, and dining table. My tv console has a curved edge, and my night stands are oval. Some of the best design decisions I made.
My husband and I are in the process of buying furniture (we’re starting with almost nothing) and this was very helpful. I’m always learning new things from you!! Thank you!! 😊
Keva so I was rug shopping the other day and saw this beautiful 100% wool rug for half then it was online. While in the store I taught about a what you said about wool rugs shedding a lot. Well I went ahead and brought thel rug home. Needless to say she got evicted 2 days later, she had to go back to the store. The SHEDDING!!!!! Ugh 😩. It looked like I had about 10 cats in my house. I'm someone who likes to sit on the floor sometimes, eat on my coffee table and watch TV. I was completely covered in wool after just sitting on it one time. I say all that to say, you tried to warn me, I didn't listen. Lol thanks for your videos.
The one time dark colors work in small rooms is if you have high ceilings. My bedroom is small but our ceilings are 12 feet. I painted my bedroom super dark gray, basically black and it made the room feel soo much bigger because it made the ceiling look even taller. I was shocked.
We have a sort of L-shaped living room, with no windows but the glass balcony door that takes up the entire wall, and we made the half next to it our office, since it's literally the best place in the apartment and where I spend 90% of my day. To divide the space but not block the light going into the living room area, I put up an open bookcase between it and the office, and it's been a resounding success! Decorating it has been a slow process, though, because it has to look good both from on the side of the living room and from the side of my office. Still worth it!
Thank you for your tips and tricks… my style is a bit eclectic with a touch of farmhouse feel, I have pictures made by my dad, a covered bridge painting by my quadriplegic nephew (he had gross motor skills but not fine motor skills), a Dutch Delft collection… most items in my house have a meaning or a story ❤ I love old things compared to new. I have implemented many of the things you talk about and I must be doing something right, because when people walk into my home they all comment how cozy and comfortable it is. My best friends boyfriend actually fell asleep the first time he was here while she and I were making Christmas treats!
Really great tips here. I have just one door entry to the living room, and this isn’t going to change. I am now strongly considering changing the door to a glass-paned door, so when it is open you can see through it into the corner it obscures. It will also allow light to flow into the entry hall when closed.
Yup - when space is limited, some rounded furniture is the way to go - and not just because the “flow” of the curves allows the eye to travel more easily around the piece. Though you didn’t mention it, rounded furniture backs (like barrel chairs have) make a piece much easier to maneuver around - which is especially beneficial in smaller spaces.
This presentation was very practical. As someone who lives in the UK where most living spaces are very small in comparison to other countries' properties, I always come across videos for huge spaces, so this is very helpful. Proper living space in UK properties is a luxury. 😊
Love furniture with legs. New living room sofa is on legs. I live with 2 furballs and the Robot vacuum has to sweep daily and I like that I don’t have to keep moving the sofa each week to chase the shedded hair. Our homes here in Italy range from tiny to small so these videos really help. Most designers from the North America are always decorating humongous areas. Not relevant to European style homes. 💜
Changed my dark blackout curtains for mustard lined ones and instantly felt energised. Unable to raise the length, but added another pair and felt the warmth i was lacking without losing heat.
I live in a 2 bed apartment (fairly decent sized rooms but not palatial) .I’ve just painted my living room dark blue (it’s 4x4metres). I left the wall facing the window white, and also the window reveal (inside the “box”) is white so light is bounced back into the room (Love me some frog tape!) The room partially adjoins my kitchen, so a mirror opposite this entry also reflects light from the kitchen. I’ve also got long white linen curtains that pool slightly which stops the ceilings feeling too low. I feel the room has much more of an identity (it was all white before), and honestly doesn’t feel smaller, maybe just more cosy? I’ve got 2 orange sofas on order (waiting several millennia for those to arrive 😕) so hoping they don’t clutter the room up too much, but whatever! The colour will look cool anyway! I totally respect Kiva saying keep colours lighter, but also don’t be afraid of using more vibrant, deeper tones to express yourself…you’ve just got to be thoughtful and study the colour wheel to keep colours complementary! Love to all!
Thank you as always Kiva. Ive been doing a room over that has three walls of chocolate brown barn board. I have one wall of studs and drywall {one large room was divided}. I painted the drywall a deep, dusty purple {Behrs Evening in Paris. I put 2 L shaped wire clothing units in for my clothes, shoes, kitchen items {I created a small kitchen area behind the units as well} and other storage. Im planning of hanging white velvet curtains from the ceiling to make "soft walls" to cover the units and hide the "clutter". I have two small windows Im also hanging the same curtains over. I bought a white rug with a black lined abstract pattern. Putting up all the white is really going to help counterbalance all the dark wood walls. Thank you thank you for always giving the small space ideas and hacks. One designer I watch once said designing a small space is so much harder than a big one. Im applying ALL your tips. Your'e so awesome to share your gift and knowledge.
This is super helpful for me because we are building a little house with a small living room. I will look for furniture with taller legs and curves. I tell you, it’s not easy finding smaller scaled furniture these days! Merry Christmas to you and your wife!
So true! I have been remodeling and updating my house this year and part of that was looking for new living room furniture and everything is so huge and Low to the ground.
@@kellyfaunce717 My local Goodwill doesn't have furniture. I'll try in a different drift store and my sister here is telling me that I need patience 😁. Thanks!
My husband gave me light strips for Christmas. My son gave me a four pack of art lights. I'm so glad yt suggested you to me. I needed this video. I live in a tiny space.
Dear KB, I discovered your TH-cam channel about 2 weeks ago and watching/re-watching your good taste. What you do is an ART. Unfortunetly, that is not a talent I have. I live in Santiago, Chile. My apartment is a sort of rectangular about 45sq meters. Luckily, I have rather long windows(not to the floor, about half a foot from the floor) that go from one end of the apartment to the other so I have fantastic natural light. You give great tips where to buy but, in Chile stores such as IKEA are very expensive and dealing with supposed workers that are not cheap. I did my kitchen it gave my poor Willa(yorkie) an epileptic attack and me taking tranquilizers to be able to continue working and functioning. Now. I am looking at AMAZON because they do ship to Chile. Thanks for giving me inspiration because I had given up. My best wishes from Chile.
Happy to see that you showed an example of open shelving with glass/acrylic doors in your tip #6. That's what I did in my apartment with my board games and other things that need to remain dust-free! Merry Christmas Kiva 🥰
I have thick carpets because I live in an upper floor flat and it helps with sound insulation. I would like a sofa with legs but it would makes holes in the carpet. Sofas without legs usually have broad feet, which is less damaging. Also, modular sofas are easier to get up the stairs.
Kiva you have convinced me to install longer curtains in my family room (I love the longer curtains in my library) as well as take away a few items to give my room more breathing space. I've been wanting to create a focal wall so I may add a painted feature wall behind the media console. I have two nice large pieces of art to flank the media center, so it will bring the art more "forward" in the room. I think I would enjoy such a transformation and am excited to give it a go! Thanks for all your great small space tips!
Thanks Kiva! I really appreciate that LED strip lighting technique in place of lamps. I'll have to incorporate that. Great video...again❤️Enjoy your holiday wknd.
I sold my accent chair. We have the ikea nockeby 3 sits and a bench at the windowsill. In the linving room corner (open concept). The nockeby fits perfect in our small rectangular appartment. Because it's only 62m2 including two bedrooms, it was inevitable to kill my darling. I loved the chair. But it's better like this. And my couch is indeed the divider between the livingroom and the dining area. Loved the video!
I love these! I have a small living room and a small den separated by a dining room so I can’t combine them into one larger room. I have found these small spaces videos so helpful. Although I do have a larger navy sofa in the living room, (lol I love it though) I have only 2 side chairs opposite it and smaller side and coffee tables. I use a medium sized picnic basket as a small table that also holds a throw. Definitely hung those drapes up next to the ceiling as they are just 8 feet tall. Huge difference! Thank you so much for all the helpful information. Have a Merry Christmas!
I love the use of mirrors. My husband does not. We have completely different design styles that we have had to combine so that our home doesn't look like a college dorm.
I just discovered you today and watched three of your videos. Great info and enjoyable to watch. You’re practically a neighbor as I live in Johnstown. My husband and I have polar opposite ideas about our surroundings. He has to display every book he every read from the age of 15 and I’d like to stop the books from taking over. We also have a small house in France and often I am tempted to bring home to Johnstown a lot of the French iconic decor - but I do keep it to the minimum and only things that function.
Great vid, as usual. And, as a recovering triskaidekaphobe, thanks for using 13 examples! I now do tons of stuff at 13 -- low volume level on the stereo, 13 seconds to "soften" ice cream in the microwave, that sorta stuff. And remember -- 13 is a Baker's Dozen!
I just love your small space ideas. The part I found interesting, and it makes a lot of sense was getting furniture with feet so the light can pass through underneath. I do have an unrelated question about curtains if I could have your opinion or anyone that reads this. What do you think about hanging cafe curtains in the front window in the living room? Or are those for kitchen only?
Thank you for all your videos! As an artist I would have thought I would be good with interiors but am not. All the little tweeks you suggest make such a BIG difference! My new home is going to look amazing! Thank you so much. Oh and Merry Christmas!
Thanks I can implement at least three ideas you presented. I am going to add casters to my occasional table, make the drapes extend past the window, and add legs to my sofa that are a little taller.
hi Keva.thank you for the video.it was really helpful.moreover you are the only designer,who told about multiple entries. I did it in my apartment, but nobody understand why, including me. but BINGO! I was right. thanks for the great content on your channel and BIG HI from Azerbaijan!love u
Can you do a video about submissions of people with small spaces and you can provide input on what the culprits are that are actually making it small or hacks on what you might advise should be changed to be bigger? If so, let me know where I can make my submission :-)
Hey, I LOVED what you said about using mirrors in a small space! That's a GREAT idea, I think. I'll REMEMBER that piece of advice, when I get my own small apartment, which should happen during either spring or summer of 2023! THANKS again!
My home is just under 1000 sq feet. It's me and my husband and we are retired. My living room combo dining space is 20 feet by 14 feet. So all the living room furniture and the table and chairs must fit in here. We have lived here over 6 years and it has taken me that long to finally figure out what works and what makes the room look less cluttered yet functional. I might add that I am still trying to figure it out!
Although my space is open concept, I have applied some of these tips and it really does help to elevated the space! Definitely do the ceiling to floor curtains...they just bring a different element!
Thank you Kiva Diva! I clicked on this video so damn fast! lol! My living room is super weird - very wide but not deep at all! It's a basically a super narrow rectangle. Thanks for the tips, i might even need to be on your next episode of design dilemas! lol!
Liv, hello!!! Oh my gosh, no one has called me that since middle school 😂. Yes, please DM me your space for design dilemmas so that we can come up with a plan for your narrow living room. Happy holidays 💕💕.
Thank you. I’m renovating and this is so helpful. I have a unusual space with sky lights instead of windows. I’d be interested to know how a mirror could reflect light coming from above
Terrific tips. I have open plan with kitchen, dining, lounge & desk. So my actual lounge is on the small side. I find mirrors tricky in the lounge because l feel what is reflected on the mirror should be visually appealing/interesting....my home is nice, comfy, modest and relaxed but doesn't have the WOW factor worth having a reflected image.
Hi Kiva! I found your video in my news feed. I am a new subscriber now. I love your tips that are very practical and how you clearly and succinctly explain how to improve our homes and living spaces.
Such a great tip about furniture with legs! We are going to be remodeling our living room this summer and I will definitely look for furniture with legs to let light in. Thanks!
I love your videos. I don't understand every word but the Main thought I can get. My family and I are moving in a few weeks and I actually thought of dividing the living room and dining area through a Kallax and to make a mirrow wall at the back of it. But now I'm rethinking everything I planned. 😉 We are a family of 6 and it's Not easy to think about good and practical Things for the appartement because I want Our new Home be also pretty and designed. Sorry for my english, I'm from Germany. 😀
This is great!! Thank you for all the helpful hacks. I'm building a MIL cottage attached to my son's house. It will be a great deal smaller than the 2200 sq ft house I sold last year. I'll be shopping for furniture this Spring and will take your suggestions with me to help in the selections. Love your videos!!!
I built a mil cottage behind my daughters home 410 sq feet. I use a wheelchair so everything really has to have a long of bang. I've followed ur tips as close as i cod n am loving the space
Hi KB, I love your channel - thank you for all the great design tips! I'd be curious to know how you'd decorate the wall behind a TV unit/TV. Thank you KB!
Could you make a vide on styling an open plan space? We will have one in our house which is one long rectangle and I want it to feel comfortable but airy.
Hi Kiva! I always enjoy your videos. I was curious about remotes for lighting.....I only just became aware of some devices you can get that turn older lamps and fixtures to remote controlled possibilities. THank you for all your upbeat videos and ideas. Love them and love you two!
Instead of wheels on your furniture why not put felt under each sofa leg or chair leg. Its hidden and doesnt feel as though you move your furniture around all day every day. Just a tip. Love your show.
I just moved to a new space and will look for a couch with legs to let the light shine through… might take 6-8 months after I order it but what the heck! 😂 Happy New 2022!!
Thanks for the tips Kiva! We just moved into a townhouse and while it's beautiful the living room space is small. I'm going back and forth with my husband on whether we should get a coffee table because it would have to be a small one. A living room looks unfinished without one, right?
It really doesn't have to! I ditched my coffee table at my old place (where I live now, there's no room for one anyway) because we ended up cluttering it again and again no matter how hard we tried to keep it clear, and I was so surprised how not having a coffee table opened up the room! Try a small side table instead (if you use a stool, you can turn it into extra seating if needed) to put your coffee and book on :) and if you do end up really missing one you can always add it later
Terrific channel. You are a common sense guru. You certainly have what it takes to have a great room. One question, how is it dealing with those nice sofas in your living room? I have light colored furniture and it's a workout keeping it clean. Can suggest a good cleaner that l can spruce up my sofa with? Love your personality and style.
I'm a guy who has NO IDEA how to design a room. I've been looking at women designers over the past few days and, thought they've been excellent, you are at the peak! The others tell what to do but you tell the WHY which really helps a guy like me understand. A gem of a youtube video here.
Chris, I'm so glad that I'm helping you with your design journey!!! You're so right - there's merit in knowing why you're doing something and not just following along blindly! Thanks so much for watching!
@KivaBrent Hi Kiva!. How do I get in touch with you for a design consultation for a new apartment?
Yes, her channel is excellent. Check out also Reynard Lowell, you'll be inspired!
Haha! A mirror behind a sofa looks like a portal to another dimension! 😎
Another good reason for curved furniture in small spaces: disabilities! I and some of my dear friends have mobility limitations, and knowing that it won't hurt us if we bump into a corner makes a space feel *psychologically* bigger as well. More room to stretch out 😊💖
Great point!
Another great idea for small living rooms or any rooms is decluttering things that you don’t need or serve no purpose.
Yes!! Amazing tip!
@@KivaBrent Hi Kiva, I want hang my curtains high but there is not wood behind the wall to support the curtains, what can I do? Also, to update kitchen handles, is it better to match them with the colour of the other doors in the house, this case gold?
@@rosem4119 I know I'm not Kiva but...lol
You don't have to put gold hardware in your kitchen if that's not what you want. Just make the look cohesive within the space.
Use anchors if you don't have wood to hang your treatments.
@@Nic2Blk Thank you, much appreciated. I liked them satin brass but thought it could be too much yellow with the handles doors as well. So, since the appliances going to be black and silver plus sink greish and chrome tap. I think is best to go silver, black and gunmetal. Depends what I can find budget friendly. Thanks once again for your reply.
@@rosem4119 ooohh! black, silver, and gun metal is going to be CUTE!! I'm looking for black hardware for my cabinets ugh... wish me luck because I'm so picky LOL
I’ve re-done all my curtains now at the ceiling and I cannot believe the difference in how much taller the rooms feel!
Thanks 😊
Me too and i loved it
I’m so happy to hear that, Jenn!
That's encouraging! I'm raising the curtain rails in my lounge this week, just got the longer curtains sussed - looking forward to experiencing something similar :)
@paintingmonkey I'm now looking at my curtains lol, and planning to raise them!!
This may sound crazy, but i have a tiny bedroom, 11" x 12". We did a dark navy monochrome. The walls, trim, and ceiling are all painted a very dark navy, and we used dark wood for our large furniture, but bright colors like blush pink chair, or white rug and bedding for accent pieces. The room looks twice the size because the dark monochrome wall color tricks the eye. The dark colors move to the background, while the light colored accents pop as they move to the foreground. Again it has to be monochrome to work though because a lighter ceiling or trim will breakup the color and your brain will no longer push it to the background.
Agreed. This is an all or nothing sort of thing. People go wrong when they half ass the dark colors. You totally did it right by going all out with a dark monochrome theme including the trim and ceiling! Kudos!
The curtain tip really helped when we had to turn our bedroom into our nursery as well. Insane how such a small adjustment can make such a big impact!
Kiva, I'm just obssessed with your channel. As a self taught designer, I grow leaps and bounds each time I watch your videos. Your content is amazing and you are so funny and practical. Ahhhh...a designer after my own heart! 💜💜💜
You are too sweet!! Thank you so much Miranda! 💕
Kiva, thanks. My whole house is small. These ideas are helping me figure out how to move things around …”shopping” in my own house (and i hate saying this-our storage ‘sheds’ ). I appreciate you, your style and gentle commentary. You don’t make me feel “small”. R/ monica.
Hey KB, could you please do a video talking about designing wall panel moldings, like the kinds found in Parisian apartments? I've been seeing more people DIY these and I have a bunch of questions like, do your ceiling have to be certain minimum height to make them look good? Some molding have a chair rail with panels above and below, while others have just a long rectangle, how do you know what works best for your space? What if you are putting furniture against a paneled wall, how does that change things? When are wall moldings a bad idea? I don't know if others have the same questions but I thought it might make for some interesting content.
I have had all of these questions too! I haven’t seen much info on this topic in online searches so I would be curious to hear a professional’s opinions.
Yes! We are hoping to buy our first home this year and one of the things I want to do in the dining area is panel moulding. I’d love info on that too
Oh heck yes! I would totally watch that!
Chiming in in hopes that KB will see this. Would love a video like this!
Agreed!!
You're the only designer I've seen brave enough to nix the Gallery Wall. I don't think it's a mainstay n would love to see them go buh bye! I love art n have a lot of it, but gallery walls make me feel claustrophobic. Negative space is important too. I prefer picture rails w a lip; I change out my art frequently n love not putting new holes all over my walls.
I have a large dining room set, and my daughter says it’s outdated. Turn off our dining rooms out now I love watching your show. You make everything look easy.
Your videos are always astounding but the LIGHT STRIPS ?!?! Mind blown.
Thank you 😊
Excellent! Thank you! My hints: use a coffee table with a glass top and an interesting base as your working desk top. My 48" round glass seems invisible. Do the same with your dining area table. Get a grip and downsize your stuff periodically instead of buying more storage. Tiny House Nation has great suggestions for this.
I love how I’m hanging my gallery wall while watching this 💁🏽♀️ It’s too late… I’m too invested 😂
This gave me good ideas, I love living in a black hole of darkness and I hate guests haha but this video still gave me a lot of tips and things to take away from it for ME to feel cozy in a smaller space ❤
Same here!! ✨✨✨
Whew! Breaking up square furniture is key. I used a round coffee, and dining table. My tv console has a curved edge, and my night stands are oval. Some of the best design decisions I made.
My husband and I are in the process of buying furniture (we’re starting with almost nothing) and this was very helpful. I’m always learning new things from you!! Thank you!! 😊
Keva so I was rug shopping the other day and saw this beautiful 100% wool rug for half then it was online. While in the store I taught about a what you said about wool rugs shedding a lot. Well I went ahead and brought thel rug home. Needless to say she got evicted 2 days later, she had to go back to the store. The SHEDDING!!!!! Ugh 😩. It looked like I had about 10 cats in my house. I'm someone who likes to sit on the floor sometimes, eat on my coffee table and watch TV. I was completely covered in wool after just sitting on it one time. I say all that to say, you tried to warn me, I didn't listen. Lol thanks for your videos.
The shedding!!! Oh no! I’m glad it went back to the story, Janney. Thanks for watching!
The one time dark colors work in small rooms is if you have high ceilings. My bedroom is small but our ceilings are 12 feet. I painted my bedroom super dark gray, basically black and it made the room feel soo much bigger because it made the ceiling look even taller. I was shocked.
We have a sort of L-shaped living room, with no windows but the glass balcony door that takes up the entire wall, and we made the half next to it our office, since it's literally the best place in the apartment and where I spend 90% of my day. To divide the space but not block the light going into the living room area, I put up an open bookcase between it and the office, and it's been a resounding success! Decorating it has been a slow process, though, because it has to look good both from on the side of the living room and from the side of my office. Still worth it!
Thank you for your tips and tricks… my style is a bit eclectic with a touch of farmhouse feel, I have pictures made by my dad, a covered bridge painting by my quadriplegic nephew (he had gross motor skills but not fine motor skills), a Dutch Delft collection… most items in my house have a meaning or a story ❤ I love old things compared to new. I have implemented many of the things you talk about and I must be doing something right, because when people walk into my home they all comment how cozy and comfortable it is. My best friends boyfriend actually fell asleep the first time he was here while she and I were making Christmas treats!
Really great tips here. I have just one door entry to the living room, and this isn’t going to change. I am now strongly considering changing the door to a glass-paned door, so when it is open you can see through it into the corner it obscures. It will also allow light to flow into the entry hall when closed.
I love the glass doors!
Yup - when space is limited, some rounded furniture is the way to go - and not just because the “flow” of the curves allows the eye to travel more easily around the piece. Though you didn’t mention it, rounded furniture backs (like barrel chairs have) make a piece much easier to maneuver around - which is especially beneficial in smaller spaces.
This presentation was very practical. As someone who lives in the UK where most living spaces are very small in comparison to other countries' properties, I always come across videos for huge spaces, so this is very helpful. Proper living space in UK properties is a luxury. 😊
Love furniture with legs. New living room sofa is on legs. I live with 2 furballs and the Robot vacuum has to sweep daily and I like that I don’t have to keep moving the sofa each week to chase the shedded hair. Our homes here in Italy range from tiny to small so these videos really help. Most designers from the North America are always decorating humongous areas. Not relevant to European style homes. 💜
Changed my dark blackout curtains for mustard lined ones and instantly felt energised. Unable to raise the length, but added another pair and felt the warmth i was lacking without losing heat.
I live in a 2 bed apartment (fairly decent sized rooms but not palatial) .I’ve just painted my living room dark blue (it’s 4x4metres). I left the wall facing the window white, and also the window reveal (inside the “box”) is white so light is bounced back into the room (Love me some frog tape!) The room partially adjoins my kitchen, so a mirror opposite this entry also reflects light from the kitchen. I’ve also got long white linen curtains that pool slightly which stops the ceilings feeling too low. I feel the room has much more of an identity (it was all white before), and honestly doesn’t feel smaller, maybe just more cosy? I’ve got 2 orange sofas on order (waiting several millennia for those to arrive 😕) so hoping they don’t clutter the room up too much, but whatever! The colour will look cool anyway! I totally respect Kiva saying keep colours lighter, but also don’t be afraid of using more vibrant, deeper tones to express yourself…you’ve just got to be thoughtful and study the colour wheel to keep colours complementary! Love to all!
Thank you as always Kiva. Ive been doing a room over that has three walls of chocolate brown barn board. I have one wall of studs and drywall {one large room was divided}. I painted the drywall a deep, dusty purple {Behrs Evening in Paris. I put 2 L shaped wire clothing units in for my clothes, shoes, kitchen items {I created a small kitchen area behind the units as well} and other storage. Im planning of hanging white velvet curtains from the ceiling to make "soft walls" to cover the units and hide the "clutter". I have two small windows Im also hanging the same curtains over. I bought a white rug with a black lined abstract pattern. Putting up all the white is really going to help counterbalance all the dark wood walls. Thank you thank you for always giving the small space ideas and hacks. One designer I watch once said designing a small space is so much harder than a big one. Im applying ALL your tips. Your'e so awesome to share your gift and knowledge.
Love the colour in the painting behind you.
Thank you so much, Glenys!
This is super helpful for me because we are building a little house with a small living room. I will look for furniture with taller legs and curves. I tell you, it’s not easy finding smaller scaled furniture these days! Merry Christmas to you and your wife!
Merry Christmas to you!!! I can’t wait to hear about your beautiful new home!
So true! I have been remodeling and updating my house this year and part of that was looking for new living room furniture and everything is so huge and Low to the ground.
I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one. Where other than Ikea can you find smaller scaled furniture?!
@@karinaibarra7359 try thrift stores, maybe? That usually worked for me.
@@kellyfaunce717 My local Goodwill doesn't have furniture. I'll try in a different drift store and my sister here is telling me that I need patience 😁. Thanks!
My husband gave me light strips for Christmas. My son gave me a four pack of art lights. I'm so glad yt suggested you to me. I needed this video. I live in a tiny space.
That is the best advise I ever heard.
Thanks so much for watching!! You’re too sweet, Patty! 💕
Dear KB, I discovered your TH-cam channel about 2 weeks ago and watching/re-watching your good taste. What you do is an ART. Unfortunetly, that is not a talent I have. I live in Santiago, Chile. My apartment is a sort of rectangular about 45sq meters. Luckily, I have rather long windows(not to the floor, about half a foot from the floor) that go from one end of the apartment to the other so I have fantastic natural light. You give great tips where to buy but, in Chile stores such as IKEA are very expensive and dealing with supposed workers that are not cheap. I did my kitchen it gave my poor Willa(yorkie) an epileptic attack and me taking tranquilizers to be able to continue working and functioning. Now. I am looking at AMAZON because they do ship to Chile. Thanks for giving me inspiration because I had given up. My best wishes from Chile.
Great video & very helpful tips to apply for my 480 sq foot studio, one entrance & only 1 large window.
Happy to see that you showed an example of open shelving with glass/acrylic doors in your tip #6. That's what I did in my apartment with my board games and other things that need to remain dust-free! Merry Christmas Kiva 🥰
Merry Christmas!! I also hate dusting 😂😂
@@KivaBrent Where did you get that black/orange/yellow print hanging behind your couch?
I have thick carpets because I live in an upper floor flat and it helps with sound insulation. I would like a sofa with legs but it would makes holes in the carpet. Sofas without legs usually have broad feet, which is less damaging. Also, modular sofas are easier to get up the stairs.
This is right up my alley. Sconce lights are scary to me because I like to rearrange furniture. Curves do help so much!
Kiva you have convinced me to install longer curtains in my family room (I love the longer curtains in my library) as well as take away a few items to give my room more breathing space. I've been wanting to create a focal wall so I may add a painted feature wall behind the media console. I have two nice large pieces of art to flank the media center, so it will bring the art more "forward" in the room. I think I would enjoy such a transformation and am excited to give it a go! Thanks for all your great small space tips!
Thanks Kiva! I really appreciate that LED strip lighting technique in place of lamps. I'll have to incorporate that. Great video...again❤️Enjoy your holiday wknd.
I thought that was a very clever solution.
I sold my accent chair. We have the ikea nockeby 3 sits and a bench at the windowsill. In the linving room corner (open concept). The nockeby fits perfect in our small rectangular appartment. Because it's only 62m2 including two bedrooms, it was inevitable to kill my darling. I loved the chair. But it's better like this. And my couch is indeed the divider between the livingroom and the dining area. Loved the video!
Your advice is so practical, and your delivery is so likable... You're pretty cool. =)
Aw thank you so so much!! You're too sweet!
I love these! I have a small living room and a small den separated by a dining room so I can’t combine them into one larger room. I have found these small spaces videos so helpful. Although I do have a larger navy sofa in the living room, (lol I love it though) I have only 2 side chairs opposite it and smaller side and coffee tables. I use a medium sized picnic basket as a small table that also holds a throw. Definitely hung those drapes up next to the ceiling as they are just 8 feet tall. Huge difference! Thank you so much for all the helpful information.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Thanks for a really comprehensive, concentrated and professional collection of basic principles. I enjoyed your presentation!
I literally JUST found your channel and you are a wealth of information! I’m hooked…And I grew up in Johnstown!
Welcome!!! Thank you so much :)
I love the use of mirrors. My husband does not. We have completely different design styles that we have had to combine so that our home doesn't look like a college dorm.
Thank you!! I knew I needed to allow light to pass under my sofa! Thanks for the confirmation!! ✨☺️
Actually hacks I haven't heard before. I can use some of these! Nice
I had no idea you lived in Pittsburgh! Me too! Whenever i see the sun i freak out lmfao
I just discovered you today and watched three of your videos. Great info and enjoyable to watch. You’re practically a neighbor as I live in Johnstown. My husband and I have polar opposite ideas about our surroundings. He has to display every book he every read from the age of 15 and I’d like to stop the books from taking over. We also have a small house in France and often I am tempted to bring home to Johnstown a lot of the French iconic decor - but I do keep it to the minimum and only things that function.
Great vid, as usual. And, as a recovering triskaidekaphobe, thanks for using 13 examples! I now do tons of stuff at 13 -- low volume level on the stereo, 13 seconds to "soften" ice cream in the microwave, that sorta stuff. And remember -- 13 is a Baker's Dozen!
Great ideas I love watching and listening to you. I love decorating and I really get some good inspiration from you,keep up the good work 👍
I just love your small space ideas. The part I found interesting, and it makes a lot of sense was getting furniture with feet so the light can pass through underneath. I do have an unrelated question about curtains if I could have your opinion or anyone that reads this. What do you think about hanging cafe curtains in the front window in the living room? Or are those for kitchen only?
Thank you for all your videos! As an artist I would have thought I would be good with interiors but am not. All the little tweeks you suggest make such a BIG difference! My new home is going to look amazing! Thank you so much. Oh and Merry Christmas!
How did the interior design of your home turn out?
Thanks I can implement at least three ideas you presented. I am going to add casters to my occasional table, make the drapes extend past the window, and add legs to my sofa that are a little taller.
Such a cool video! You blew my mind when you talked about the sheen of a carpet reflecting it's colors!
Great ideas for small living rooms.
Thank for sharing!
Thanks so much for watching! 💕
hi Keva.thank you for the video.it was really helpful.moreover you are the only designer,who told about multiple entries. I did it in my apartment, but nobody understand why, including me. but BINGO! I was right. thanks for the great content on your channel and BIG HI from Azerbaijan!love u
Can you do a video about submissions of people with small spaces and you can provide input on what the culprits are that are actually making it small or hacks on what you might advise should be changed to be bigger? If so, let me know where I can make my submission :-)
The best tips in ONE thorough video. Thumbs up!
Hey, I LOVED what you said about using mirrors in a small space! That's a GREAT idea, I think. I'll REMEMBER that piece of advice, when I get my own small apartment, which should happen during either spring or summer of 2023! THANKS again!
My home is just under 1000 sq feet. It's me and my husband and we are retired. My living room combo dining space is 20 feet by 14 feet. So all the living room furniture and the table and chairs must fit in here. We have lived here over 6 years and it has taken me that long to finally figure out what works and what makes the room look less cluttered yet functional. I might add that I am still trying to figure it out!
Nice! I'm in Pittsburgh too. I just found your channel and I'm a new subscriber! Infinite Blessings
Although my space is open concept, I have applied some of these tips and it really does help to elevated the space! Definitely do the ceiling to floor curtains...they just bring a different element!
Thank you Kiva Diva! I clicked on this video so damn fast! lol! My living room is super weird - very wide but not deep at all! It's a basically a super narrow rectangle. Thanks for the tips, i might even need to be on your next episode of design dilemas! lol!
Liv, hello!!! Oh my gosh, no one has called me that since middle school 😂. Yes, please DM me your space for design dilemmas so that we can come up with a plan for your narrow living room. Happy holidays 💕💕.
@@KivaBrent Hahaha! And here I thought I was being all original with the nicknames! Haha! Sounds good love! Happy holidays to you and the fam! :D
Thank you. I’m renovating and this is so helpful. I have a unusual space with sky lights instead of windows. I’d be interested to know how a mirror could reflect light coming from above
You are so helpful. Thx so much!!!
Thanks for watching!! So happy this was helpful :)
Terrific tips. I have open plan with kitchen, dining, lounge & desk. So my actual lounge is on the small side.
I find mirrors tricky in the lounge because l feel what is reflected on the mirror should be visually appealing/interesting....my home is nice, comfy, modest and relaxed but doesn't have the WOW factor worth having a reflected image.
You pack so much good info. into a video - thank you for sharing your professional tips.
Thank you so much for watching, Ann!!
You gotta lotta content here. Which I can use. Bless your heart. Thank you.
Thanks so much for watching and supporting me Nancy! Happy Holidays! 💕💕
Would like to see a video on studio apartment solutions😃
Hi Kiva! I found your video in my news feed. I am a new subscriber now. I love your tips that are very practical and how you clearly and succinctly explain how to improve our homes and living spaces.
Welcome Nora!! Thank you so much! 💕
@@KivaBrent
Hi
Can you tell me the size of the light colored rug that you mention on the living room floor?
Such a great tip about furniture with legs! We are going to be remodeling our living room this summer and I will definitely look for furniture with legs to let light in. Thanks!
All GENIUS
Thank you so much for your always interesting information- and looking great while delivering it!
It’s nice to learn some tips that haven’t already been said over and over! Great video!
Thanks so much for watching, Dina! 💕
Just discovered your videos! Really helpful and accessible info! Subscribed!
Welcome Sarah!! Thanks so much for watching! 💕
New subscriber!! All your points are SPOT ON!!
I love your mind . Wall art is my interest right now .
The curtain tip is a great one. It truly does make a small space look larger and also more elegant
I am SO glad I found you! Your advice is solid!
I love your videos. I don't understand every word but the Main thought I can get.
My family and I are moving in a few weeks and I actually thought of dividing the living room and dining area through a Kallax and to make a mirrow wall at the back of it. But now I'm rethinking everything I planned. 😉
We are a family of 6 and it's Not easy to think about good and practical Things for the appartement because I want Our new Home be also pretty and designed.
Sorry for my english, I'm from Germany. 😀
never say sorry about ur english.
Hi Keva, you have the best tips and suggestions! These hacks and tips are so helpful, and l use them, thank you!
Excellent! Thank you! My hint: use glass tops for your coffee table (which I also use as my desk top) an
Really good tips for a small space
Thank you so much!
This is great!! Thank you for all the helpful hacks. I'm building a MIL cottage attached to my son's house. It will be a great deal smaller than the 2200 sq ft house I sold last year. I'll be shopping for furniture this Spring and will take your suggestions with me to help in the selections. Love your videos!!!
I built a mil cottage behind my daughters home 410 sq feet. I use a wheelchair so everything really has to have a long of bang. I've followed ur tips as close as i cod n am loving the space
Hi KB, I love your channel - thank you for all the great design tips! I'd be curious to know how you'd decorate the wall behind a TV unit/TV. Thank you KB!
Oo I can definitely do a video on this!!
@@KivaBrent Awesome, thank you KB, can't wait xx
Great ideas that will help decorate my small 11x11 bedroom that will be my “den”. I like the IKEA video for accent furniture.
They are genius 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 you are absolutely on point. Love your videos and personality. Thank you
Thank you so so much Erika! 💕
Could you make a vide on styling an open plan space? We will have one in our house which is one long rectangle and I want it to feel comfortable but airy.
Hi Kiva! I always enjoy your videos. I was curious about remotes for lighting.....I only just became aware of some devices you can get that turn older lamps and fixtures to remote controlled possibilities. THank you for all your upbeat videos and ideas. Love them and love you two!
Hi Kiva-
Just came across your channel and after a few videos, I LOVE YOU!!! Not only are you the coolest, you make total sense!
I’m a new fan
Instead of wheels on your furniture why not put felt under each sofa leg or chair leg. Its hidden and doesnt feel as though you move your furniture around all day every day. Just a tip. Love your show.
I just moved to a new space and will look for a couch with legs to let the light shine through… might take 6-8 months after I order it but what the heck! 😂 Happy New 2022!!
Thanks I needed this video I've used a lot of your tips for my small living area but these help a lot
Thank you!
Happy Holidays Mary! 💕
Thanks for the tips Kiva! We just moved into a townhouse and while it's beautiful the living room space is small. I'm going back and forth with my husband on whether we should get a coffee table because it would have to be a small one. A living room looks unfinished without one, right?
It really doesn't have to! I ditched my coffee table at my old place (where I live now, there's no room for one anyway) because we ended up cluttering it again and again no matter how hard we tried to keep it clear, and I was so surprised how not having a coffee table opened up the room! Try a small side table instead (if you use a stool, you can turn it into extra seating if needed) to put your coffee and book on :) and if you do end up really missing one you can always add it later
OMG, Keva you actually have color in that piece behind you 😃 🥳
Thank you very much I'm learning little by little thanks to u. Merry Xmas.
Merry Christmas Rosa!! 🌲
Terrific channel. You are a common sense guru. You certainly have what it takes to have a great room. One question, how is it dealing with those nice sofas in your living room? I have light colored furniture and it's a workout keeping it clean. Can suggest a good cleaner that l can spruce up my sofa with? Love your personality and style.
Thank you. Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays Carmen! 💕
And I love my dark grey feature wall 😂