I used to have all my walls in bookcases because I'm a book obsessed person but recently I got dust allergy and decided to reduce it (I gave books to local library). Now I think the only way for me would be to have either closed bookshelves or with glass front.
Great segment! One item I never understood is the giant sectional. I usually hear people say, "look at how many people I can seat," but there's really only two good seats, those with arms. A sofa and two chairs seats the same number of people, takes up the same amount of space, and everyone gets an arm. In addition, it adds visual interest.
Ew, that first pic you showed with the bulky couches had way too much of the same shade of brown! I guess that is also a good example of too much "matchy matchy". It flattens out a space that should have a ton of depth. I am the cable hiding queen! I have everything hidden with the surrounding decorations. I also painted the back of my entertainment center the same shade as my wall so I could have the illusion of an open back without any cords showing. It is against the feature wall, which is a different color from the rest of the room. It's kinda magical!
Adding annotation to your video was helpful. Sometimes, as you are talking and highlighting a room, I'm not so sure what's good and bad (except the obvious). For example, you annotated the orange wall as competing with the ceiling and that was really helpful. Thank you for your expertise!
We recently relocated (retired) to Florida and bought a house fully furnished. The design is basically my taste and it worked out for us because we didn’t have to move our old furniture. I’m starting to make some changes to make it more my own. With your videos, I’m starting to feel more confident in my decorating choices. Thank you!
Hi Gabby, I'm also a relatively new Floridian. Raised in NY, moved to NJ, now here. I'm in Palm Beach Gardens. What part of FL did you move to? Welcome!
I know Hygge is about as old a trend (outside of Denmark, that is) as farmhouse, but all the talk of cozy vs comfortable made me think of that. My living room has enough pillows and blankets for an adequate fort or movie night pallet, but they are unobtrusively tucked away when not being put to those uses. Comfort is also about creating a sense of orderliness, that even if all is not right in the world, here at least I can lay down my burdens safely.
The furnishing mistake that I often see in real life is furniture that is simply placed in the corners, it always looks cheap. I like the traditional way of placing furniture, with some symmetry (not too much) and some distance from the walls (if the space isn't too tiny). That's the trick to making it look so chic in rich people's homes. Both modern and traditional furniture looks so much more expensive when it is in relation to the space.
Garrett, you gave your viewers another video with advise that so many homes need!!! The worse thing in any home is stinky, dirty carpet and the stench of cigarette smoke and dirty ashtrays. A home needs to be a place to nurture growth and health of family, friends, and guests.
Garrett, do you have a video that discusses how to place accessories and books on shelves so that it looks cohesive and not a cluttered visual explosion? I have always struggled to "stage" living room bookshelves attractively.
Ugh! Matchy matchy drives me insane. Just because the colours match doesn’t mean that you need it. It then ends up looking like a muppet vomited everywhere. Haha! Always love your tips and your videos! Great job Garrett!
I really appreciate your professional advice and recommendations. Your formal training and natural talent really shines and your advice is so realistic to achieve.
The design mistake I notice is too much jammed into a small space - both furniture and decor. So, this video was reassuring to me because we just ordered our living room furniture. It’s a smallish living room with a stone fireplace on one side and big windows looking into the woods on the other. So kind of two accents. We bought a smaller clean-lined sofa with narrower legs so you can see the wood floor underneath that will go perpendicular to the fireplace and windows (at a slight angle). Then two small barrel swivel chairs in a similar fabric but different color than the sofa, that can be turned toward the fireplace, the sofa, or the windows. We are hoping that will make the room more versatile so it will work well for entertaining or for just the two of us watching the fire or the woods.
Thanks for the description! We are building a new house on 50 acres and I want a room of windows. I’ll have to look into barrel chairs. I’ve never heard of them.
There is so much information in this video. You obviously spent a lot of time on this production Maybe you should split those into multiple pieces and do more on each suggestion. More pictures. You are very talented and it takes me more time and visuals to get it.
I just realized that the only pattern in my contemporary living room is the area rug! Everything else is not matchy matchy, but pretty solid in color. I need to think about patterns. Your videos are so practical. Thank you!!!
Love your advice and ideas. Your followers give great advice too. I just want to share a criticism people have made of my decorating ... Too many pillows! I recently bought a loveseat sectional that came with .. get this... 6 large pillows! I first thought I had to use them because I paid for them. Well, nobody could fit on the sofa. So, I removed them and put smaller pillows of various shapes, sizes and textures with colors that played off my two chairs on the other side of my coffee table. My room is pulled together now and everyone can have a comfortable seat and enjoy a glass of wine while discussing their favorite designer. Garrett LeChic, of course
Ohhh, I need those flat extension cords! As for living room mistakes - one that gets me every time is a lot of open shelving dripping with disheveled DVD collections, CDs, books, magazines - along with various knick-knacks. They're usually very dusty and have also become a catch-all. It's like a huge junk drawer on open display for the world to see. smh, I just can't handle that.
A design mistake I see often is too many pictures and accessories hung on every available wall space. There is no open space for the eye to rest and gives the room a cluttered appearance.
Another great video. To me, dusty big fake plastic trees will make your living room ugly (some folks will have Christmas lights on them all year round). 😳 You’re so fun and helpful to watch, simply the best!!!
Love your videos Garret! I love how you show how to fix what people already have. You’re so refreshing! There’s many things that drive me crazy in living rooms, like tiny art super high up in the wall, tiny rugs, etc. Can you do a video on how to overcome the No foyer situation? Also, tiny dining rooms. I’d love to hear your take on these problems.
I would love to see something on "no foyer". No one ever uses our front door so the foyer is wasted space. I would like to move our front door over 6 feet and include the wasted foyer space in our kitchen.
Textures can be a decent replacement for patterns (ie, bouclé, large knits, jute) or you can do that with accessories (stone/clay vessels, greenery/plants, patterned throw blankets, etc.) It adds visual interest without being a busy pattern.
The Geek in you came through in this video Garrett!! I especially love the last piece of advice on over accenting and it made sense when you visualized it by showing how the poor beautiful architectural fireplace got washed out by the bold black accent walls on both sides flanking the fireplace. That was super sad!!!
Learning to understand the scale you have to work with is hard. The last time DH and I bought furniture, he kept looking at big sofas. I kept saying, no. Finally, I convinced him to try 2 loveseats and an accent chair, with the understanding that "when" I was proven wrong, we'd move one downstairs into the Family room, and get a sofa for the Living room. 🙄 Four houses later, I've re-covered it, but we never did get around to buying that big sofa! And have yet to be in a space that would support it. 😉
I am so glad that you pointed out that having faux fur pillows, loads of them and cluttering up with accessories doesn't necessarily translate to real life comfort.
Dimmer switches for everyone!!! When we moved into our brand new condo last year, within a week we swapped out every light switch to dimmers. I think it's the first layer in lighting! Love you G!
When my mom passed away in 2018, I took my collection of watercolours she had done especially for me over the years, and created a gallery wall in my living room. Which I guess I needed to do at the time. But it became the competing accent against what had always been the main one - the riverside view outside my LR window, which has always been the thing I loved most about my little apartment (and so did my mom!). Last fall it finally clicked with me that most of the paintings were of rivers! And that she truly had understood me and was trying to honour my home. But I created this huge busy wall of grief and let it overwhelm my life. (Especially once the pandemic drove us all into spending most of our time at home.) Anyway, I've since dismantled the gallery wall and it feels like the LR (and I) can breathe again. But I really would like to find a way to display mom's incredible talent and her gift to me - in a less overbearing way. I'm just not sure how I'm going to do that yet....
I really enjoyed your presentation. Makes so much sense. Your ideas, reasoning, and design knowledge shines through. I agree with commenter Honeybee (below) .....it would be helpful if you incorporated annotations of each photo considered 'good or bad' for some of us.
OMG, Garrett! This is your best video yet, as it is PACKED with great tips!!! I love the points you made about scale, lighting and accessories. And the difference between cozy and comfortable is SO true! I've seen some places so overdecorated in an attempt to be "cozy" that one feels smothered in the space! I'd love to see you talk more about choosing meaningful accessories and curating them so they aren't overwhelming in our spaces. Thank you for this great information!!!
You are fabulous. I completely agree with all you listed. I have a very small house and my living room literally has no space for an accent chair, but I was finally able to convince my husband that those stupid bulky movie recliners were UGLY and taking the little space we had. So now I do have a sectional that’s is bigger in terms of seating space, but it’s so straight lines and low to the ground with low backs, that actually made my room look twice the size that looked before, all A illusion, I know. But looks so modern, comfy and spacious now. Thank you for all the tips and tricks, you are great.
Love this. I am definitely guilty of over accessorising. I am going to remove everything from the room and slowly add a few items back in. Thank you so much for your common sense advice ❤️
You make a lot of sense. My comfortable living room includes a cozy space to snuggle under a blanket, drink a glass of wine, and enjoy a GarretLeChic video.
Exceptionally well-done tutorial. I love that your own space appears to be traditional with high-quality, historic reproduction pieces. So refreshing. Also, the timeless, classic blue-and-white color palette! The living room mistake that actually prevents me from relaxing in someone's home is an overhead ceiling fan with bright lights attached. Frequently, only source of light in the room, and it actually creates a sense of foreboding and dread. Those stark shadows that it casts -- yikes! Haha, I know I'm neurotic, but that actually is how it makes me feel. Keep up the great work Garrett!
I am glad to hear you address “cozy.” I dont know what it really means to people when they say that, and I just think “ah, so they want to add clutter.” So, your explanation of how to address that need of some people without adding more STUFF was good, thanks!
Thanks for the advice on the overstuffed and ornate sofas. I realize that some people have only one common living room/space that they use for entertaining, watching TV, or daily living so the space has to accommodate multiple functions. But those overstuffed reclining chairs and sofas with built-in drink holders are hideous and tacky. It can be a challenge to find sofas that are not overstuffed - we searched for 6 months before we found something we liked. I like your advice of how a space can be livable yet structured. People confuse formal with old-fashioned.
OMG - ive been saying for years that power cables are the biggest enemy of streamlined decluttered living, and the absolute antithesis of interior design! I hate the buggers!! I paid a fortune to have power points placed strategiacally so as to not have a cable strewn across the floor! ANd when I designed our extension to our historic home - that vacant spot for lingering to chat while ppl decide which direction they go to - was one i created - it looked odd on the plans but i could see the visuals of ppl arriving for an event - and it does help people decide how and where to socialise when they arrive to your home. All very good points!
Garrett, that room @13:01 had the most amazing furniture... and staircase and chandelier ! OMG that armoire! I literally had to stop the vid, just to take that in. And that side table! For such a calm and peaceful room, it sure was unapologetically whimsical. BTW, I had the great fortune of playing a private party on Saturday at a Mizner-built estate in Palm Beach. It took my breath away! Built in the 20s... all original architectural elements... Just gorgeous! Wish you could have been there!
Welcome to the channel Jessica! We are so happy to have you as part of our subscriber family. One of the things that I don't do is push my own style, or belittle people for having a different style. We cover a wide variety of decor and design styles. I just want to share what I learned getting a college degree in interior design with everyone as much as possible. :)
@@GarrettLeChic You are a gem Garrett. What you share certainly works! I make some of my own furniture and your tips help me get the proportions right for the room (something I really struggle with!) so: obrigada! 💚
I completely agree with the investing in large pieces. I have this massively tall yet skinny vase from anthropologie in the corner of my living room. Its my favorite bc it stands out and doesn’t compete with the smaller vessels
I recently discovered you, and so happy I did! You seem to combine your artistry with generally accepted design principles flawlessly. Your guidance is so appreciated! One thing I struggle with, and would love to hear your advice on, is how to combine traditional furnishings/accents with fresh or modern elements, particularly in the living room. There isn’t a ton of information online about this. Thanks Garrett!!
Welcome to the channel Cyndie! It's great to have you as part of our very valued subscriber family. I did a video last year on mixing design styles I think you will like, but we will probably address it more in a future video. Here is the link: th-cam.com/video/HBg_fuRqGV4/w-d-xo.html
You’re good at this. Your information is very helpful without “fluff”. And thank you for not referring to your listeners as “my lovelies” or “my wonderful subs”.
Oh I needed this! In trying to figure my style I’m finding myself stuck in matchy matchy and you give simple clear ideas how to break away from it. I really like your new flowers 😊
Can you make a video discussing open concept versus closed concept homes. Stating the pros and cons and your opinions on them. Open concept has been popular for a few years now but now due to the pandemic people are spending alot of time at home and now want the walls once again. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Funny to hear you talk about the rug pad. Just had a Turkish rug dealer in my home a week ago that immediately removed the pad off the floor and told me that is unnecessary. So I bought the rug tape you recommended. Thanks!
I still have a zenith console tv in my living room. I get a lot of flack about it but even though I got it in 2000 it still works perfect and looks good with my electric fireplace. I`m painting my kitchen yellow and taking your advice about not over decorating and keeping it simple but with different colors and not too matchy. Thank you for your interesting and helpful videos!
This was excellent and so useful. Foley through trial and error I have my living room the way I want it. I wish I had your advice previously because it would have saved me time money and frustration. There are still some tweaks I need to do. I think I am guilty of too many small accessories. Easy to fix. What a treasure you are.
hmmm...well, I have 2 beautifully restored and painted full size carousel horses in my living room (which is not a huge space). I have them tucked into the bay window area, and they seem to look great there (to me?) Maybe sometimes, a person can have some truly unusual large art, like the carousel horses, and it can work regardless of decor style (although my style is Victorian eclectic, so wayhey!)
I loved this. I’m having a hard time though because literally every recommended change shows a large space. I live in a craftsman. I have three rooms available to decorate but non are larger than 15x15… it’s hard to make any of these recommendations work in such confined spaces. Everything feels cramped.
Thanks so much Kayla! Many of the elements I speak of can be used in any size home calibrated to the size of the space, but I did do a video for smaller bathrooms earlier this month. Last year, I did a video about making small spaces look bigger, and I am thinking about doing more videos specifically for smaller spaces in future videos. Here are the links for the smaller bathrooms and making smaller spaces look bigger: th-cam.com/video/PuVmVzLAm48/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/USu04xEmC2I/w-d-xo.html
The overwhelming “design” mistake I see is when people let there collections take over their space so that’s all you really notice. I’m talking China cabinets (plural) full, as well as every table top and surface that can hold the collectable object. The exact opposite of creating a comfortable, inviting and elegant space.
@Amy Weaver: you describe my mother's house perfectly. When I try to suggest she edit out some of that stuff, she gets huffy and very defensive. According to her every horizontal and vertical space must be covered or decorated. Sigh.
Flat extension cords…. Who knew??? I bought a couch about 5 years ago for the style… it is comfortable but not that comfortable you know. I have aesthetically made the room cozy but I get what you mean in being comfortable cozy. Thanks for sharing!!!
One of ur best videos yet!! I don't care how nice ur house is -hanging artwork too high ruins the whole look in my opinion - beautiful sideboard & marble coffee table !
As usual this was so helpful and very relevant to me as we’re in the process of decorating our living room. We installed built-ins. And while I don’t like clutter, I have this urge to over accessorize. It’s not necessary especially being as we actually have books on our shelves! I think one of the issues I see in living rooms all too often is BAD lighting, and you did touch on that a bit in the video. Dimmers are essential!
I have a small living room that flows in with dining room.. I have a chair that was my sister that passed away a few years ago it a queen ann chair with the dark cherry wood color and jacquard material burgundy with a little gold maybe... my sofa and loveseat is a neutral color beige .. So I have the chair with the back facing the dining table I've been trying to tie it in together it looks ok just seem like something still missing.. I watch your videos all the time you give good tips on everything I've really learned a lot from keep it up I enjoy your videos!!!
Got twice through the video and will go again tomorrow. Very much liked the ideas of accent chairs and cozy vs comfortable and geometric décor. Thank you!
Just subscribed today July 4th 2022. I'm 72 yes old and retired. I've been looking for ideas on how to decorate my new one bedroom apartment. I love your ideas and your personality. Your mother must be proud of you.
Hello 👋 once again you helped me look at space and decor in a different way, I so needed this for my living room that’s pretty large. I only have two large deep tufted love seats and have been stuck on how to continue to furnish or lay it out since it can have two separate seating areas but also has two large entry ways. I cannot handle overly decorated rooms it just looks like clutter to me so less is best in my case and who wants to dust all of that. Great video
Yet more stellar tips! My thing is skirting boards, I like to see them! A room where I can't see a good amount of skirting boards makes me stressed lol I think of the dust 🤣
I have been wanting more solutions for cables and thank you so much for your ideas. I had not idea about the flat extention cord! I have done so many searches and somehow missed it. I subscribed.
My wife and I have been in our house for over a decade and are only just now starting to think about how to put a cohesive design plan together 😆But your videos have been great! It’s so nice to get practical advise along with your great design theory lessons. Just wanted to say thanks.
Thank the good lord I found your channel! I’m getting the real education I need to decorate and furnish the new home I’m moving into!! I hate all matching furniture, but I was also struggling with how to make my random pieces work together. I feel like I’m getting a better idea now of what to do! Thank you!!
Am I obsessed with Garrett? Yes. Do I feel like he is pretty much always spot on? Also yes!
Thanks so much Catherine! :)
I totally agree
Yep!
Let's call him “Garrett The Bestest!”
I agree!!!
I love and hate bookcases. I love bookcases with books, even if it's just a few. I hate bookcases with decor only and no books.
Couldn't agree with you more. Bookshelves are for books!
Absolutely!
I used to have all my walls in bookcases because I'm a book obsessed person but recently I got dust allergy and decided to reduce it (I gave books to local library). Now I think the only way for me would be to have either closed bookshelves or with glass front.
I recommend an ❎ when showing an example photos of incorrect design, and a ✅ for the correct examples.
Julie Khuu does that. In case you don't know her, check her out!
I agree with the concept of formal spaces; it elevates our senses and cultivates good manners.
Awesome! Thanks for supporting our channel by subscribing. I appreciate it!
Great segment! One item I never understood is the giant sectional. I usually hear people say, "look at how many people I can seat," but there's really only two good seats, those with arms. A sofa and two chairs seats the same number of people, takes up the same amount of space, and everyone gets an arm. In addition, it adds visual interest.
Ew, that first pic you showed with the bulky couches had way too much of the same shade of brown! I guess that is also a good example of too much "matchy matchy". It flattens out a space that should have a ton of depth. I am the cable hiding queen! I have everything hidden with the surrounding decorations. I also painted the back of my entertainment center the same shade as my wall so I could have the illusion of an open back without any cords showing. It is against the feature wall, which is a different color from the rest of the room. It's kinda magical!
Adding annotation to your video was helpful. Sometimes, as you are talking and highlighting a room, I'm not so sure what's good and bad (except the obvious). For example, you annotated the orange wall as competing with the ceiling and that was really helpful. Thank you for your expertise!
We recently relocated (retired) to Florida and bought a house fully furnished. The design is basically my taste and it worked out for us because we didn’t have to move our old furniture. I’m starting to make some changes to make it more my own. With your videos, I’m starting to feel more confident in my decorating choices. Thank you!
Hi Gabby, I'm also a relatively new Floridian. Raised in NY, moved to NJ, now here. I'm in Palm Beach Gardens. What part of FL did you move to? Welcome!
@@DonyaLane - thank you. I’m in Boynton Beach. Not that far from you.
WOWZEE, flat extension cords. Thanks much.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching, and being such a great subscriber to our channel Pat. :)
God, this is actually insanely helpful here. Cozy vs comfortable e.g.
I know Hygge is about as old a trend (outside of Denmark, that is) as farmhouse, but all the talk of cozy vs comfortable made me think of that. My living room has enough pillows and blankets for an adequate fort or movie night pallet, but they are unobtrusively tucked away when not being put to those uses. Comfort is also about creating a sense of orderliness, that even if all is not right in the world, here at least I can lay down my burdens safely.
The furnishing mistake that I often see in real life is furniture that is simply placed in the corners, it always looks cheap.
I like the traditional way of placing furniture, with some symmetry (not too much) and some distance from the walls (if the space isn't too tiny).
That's the trick to making it look so chic in rich people's homes.
Both modern and traditional furniture looks so much more expensive when it is in relation to the space.
cozy vs comfort...you really nailed it there...i hope you teach design, you would make such good teacher.
Thanks so much!
There goes that gorgeous Wedgwood blue dining room with its exquisite furnishings.
Thanks so much!
So, Garrett, when are you going to start an on-line decorating and design service for your viewers (fans)?
I'm not sure yet. We are hoping sometime later this year. :)
Cozy vs. comfort. I've never before heard that distinction. Brilliant.
Garrett, you gave your viewers another video with advise that so many homes need!!! The worse thing in any home is stinky, dirty carpet and the stench of cigarette smoke and dirty ashtrays. A home needs to be a place to nurture growth and health of family, friends, and guests.
Thanks so much Elizabeth! Great comment. :)
Garrett, do you have a video that discusses how to place accessories and books on shelves so that it looks cohesive and not a cluttered visual explosion? I have always struggled to "stage" living room bookshelves attractively.
Not specifically, but it will be a part of a future video. Thanks Amy!😄😄😄
Ugh! Matchy matchy drives me insane. Just because the colours match doesn’t mean that you need it. It then ends up looking like a muppet vomited everywhere. Haha! Always love your tips and your videos! Great job Garrett!
Thank you Keely!
I really appreciate your professional advice and recommendations. Your formal training and natural talent really shines and your advice is so realistic to achieve.
I appreciate that! Thanks so much for watching, and supporting our channel by subscribing Bee. We appreciate it!
That vase arrangement behind you is breathtaking. The colors, the simplicity, the positioning, the heights, PERFECT. :) :) :)
Thanks so much!😀😀😀
The design mistake I notice is too much jammed into a small space - both furniture and decor. So, this video was reassuring to me because we just ordered our living room furniture. It’s a smallish living room with a stone fireplace on one side and big windows looking into the woods on the other. So kind of two accents. We bought a smaller clean-lined sofa with narrower legs so you can see the wood floor underneath that will go perpendicular to the fireplace and windows (at a slight angle). Then two small barrel swivel chairs in a similar fabric but different color than the sofa, that can be turned toward the fireplace, the sofa, or the windows. We are hoping that will make the room more versatile so it will work well for entertaining or for just the two of us watching the fire or the woods.
Thanks for the description! We are building a new house on 50 acres and I want a room of windows. I’ll have to look into barrel chairs. I’ve never heard of them.
Sounds lovely
@@victorialove9104 Thanks!
I learned while working for a fashion designer that much too much is made of matching.
If everything matches, it is not going to look very curated or elevated in a home.
There is so much information in this video. You obviously spent a lot of time on this production
Maybe you should split those into multiple pieces and do more on each suggestion. More pictures. You are very talented and it takes me more time and visuals to get it.
I just realized that the only pattern in my contemporary living room is the area rug! Everything else is not matchy matchy, but pretty solid in color. I need to think about patterns. Your videos are so practical. Thank you!!!
Thanks so much Tracy! We really appreciate you being a subscriber.
Great advise! I see coffee tables that are too big for the space and it feels like a obstacle to get around them. I hate that.
I agree with you on the small decor pieces, too many looks like clutter
Love your advice and ideas. Your followers give great advice too. I just want to share a criticism people have made of my decorating ... Too many pillows! I recently bought a loveseat sectional that came with .. get this... 6 large pillows! I first thought I had to use them because I paid for them. Well, nobody could fit on the sofa. So, I removed them and put smaller pillows of various shapes, sizes and textures with colors that played off my two chairs on the other side of my coffee table. My room is pulled together now and everyone can have a comfortable seat and enjoy a glass of wine while discussing their favorite designer. Garrett LeChic, of course
Thanks for sharing CeCe!
Ohhh, I need those flat extension cords! As for living room mistakes - one that gets me every time is a lot of open shelving dripping with disheveled DVD collections, CDs, books, magazines - along with various knick-knacks. They're usually very dusty and have also become a catch-all. It's like a huge junk drawer on open display for the world to see. smh, I just can't handle that.
OMG HOW DID I MISS THIS VIDEO. IT'S FILLED WITH BRILLIANT INFORMATION!!!!!
Hi Susanna! Thanks so much. Please check to see if you are still subscribed, and your notifications are on. :)
A design mistake I see often is too many pictures and accessories hung on every available wall space. There is no open space for the eye to rest and gives the room a cluttered appearance.
Agreed! The counterpart of that is a big wall with an insignificant piece of art.
Another great video. To me, dusty big fake plastic trees will make your living room ugly (some folks will have Christmas lights on them all year round). 😳 You’re so fun and helpful to watch, simply the best!!!
Thanks so much! It's greatly appreciated.
Terrific video. Scale is that magical word. It touches everything from the furniture to the accessories.
Thanks so much!
Love your videos Garret! I love how you show how to fix what people already have. You’re so refreshing! There’s many things that drive me crazy in living rooms, like tiny art super high up in the wall, tiny rugs, etc. Can you do a video on how to overcome the No foyer situation? Also, tiny dining rooms. I’d love to hear your take on these problems.
Glad you like them! Thanks for you suggestion, and will give it consideration to be included in a future video.:)
I would love to see something on "no foyer". No one ever uses our front door so the foyer is wasted space. I would like to move our front door over 6 feet and include the wasted foyer space in our kitchen.
Flat extension cords?! 🤯 Brilliant. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much!
I appreciate your advice on scale of decor. I definitely was brought up to believe that bigger decor symbolized more expensive
Thanks Marsha, and thank you for being such a supportive subscriber to our channel. :)
I always find too many patterns overwhelming. I had to force myself to get a patterned side chair, I like it, but no more patterns in the area for me.
Textures can be a decent replacement for patterns (ie, bouclé, large knits, jute) or you can do that with accessories (stone/clay vessels, greenery/plants, patterned throw blankets, etc.) It adds visual interest without being a busy pattern.
The Geek in you came through in this video Garrett!! I especially love the last piece of advice on over accenting and it made sense when you visualized it by showing how the poor beautiful architectural fireplace got washed out by the bold black accent walls on both sides flanking the fireplace. That was super sad!!!
Learning to understand the scale you have to work with is hard.
The last time DH and I bought furniture, he kept looking at big sofas. I kept saying, no.
Finally, I convinced him to try 2 loveseats and an accent chair, with the understanding that "when" I was proven wrong, we'd move one downstairs into the Family room, and get a sofa for the Living room. 🙄
Four houses later, I've re-covered it, but we never did get around to buying that big sofa! And have yet to be in a space that would support it. 😉
Can you do a video on dressing up fireplaces, including stone and brick types? Everything I ever do looks awful.
I am so glad that you pointed out that having faux fur pillows, loads of them and cluttering up with accessories doesn't necessarily translate to real life comfort.
Dimmer switches for everyone!!! When we moved into our brand new condo last year, within a week we swapped out every light switch to dimmers. I think it's the first layer in lighting! Love you G!
Great tip!
This is probably weird but for some reason your videos are so relaxing! Thanks for the great advice and soothing sounds 🤣.
😊 thank you, and thanks for supporting our channel by subscribing! We appreciate it.:)
When my mom passed away in 2018, I took my collection of watercolours she had done especially for me over the years, and created a gallery wall in my living room. Which I guess I needed to do at the time. But it became the competing accent against what had always been the main one - the riverside view outside my LR window, which has always been the thing I loved most about my little apartment (and so did my mom!). Last fall it finally clicked with me that most of the paintings were of rivers! And that she truly had understood me and was trying to honour my home. But I created this huge busy wall of grief and let it overwhelm my life. (Especially once the pandemic drove us all into spending most of our time at home.) Anyway, I've since dismantled the gallery wall and it feels like the LR (and I) can breathe again. But I really would like to find a way to display mom's incredible talent and her gift to me - in a less overbearing way. I'm just not sure how I'm going to do that yet....
Swap one out in one area a couple times a year.
I really enjoyed your presentation. Makes so much sense. Your ideas, reasoning, and design knowledge shines through. I agree with commenter Honeybee (below) .....it would be helpful if you incorporated annotations of each photo considered 'good or bad' for some of us.
OMG, Garrett! This is your best video yet, as it is PACKED with great tips!!! I love the points you made about scale, lighting and accessories. And the difference between cozy and comfortable is SO true! I've seen some places so overdecorated in an attempt to be "cozy" that one feels smothered in the space! I'd love to see you talk more about choosing meaningful accessories and curating them so they aren't overwhelming in our spaces. Thank you for this great information!!!
You are so welcome!
You are fabulous. I completely agree with all you listed. I have a very small house and my living room literally has no space for an accent chair, but I was finally able to convince my husband that those stupid bulky movie recliners were UGLY and taking the little space we had. So now I do have a sectional that’s is bigger in terms of seating space, but it’s so straight lines and low to the ground with low backs, that actually made my room look twice the size that looked before, all A illusion, I know. But looks so modern, comfy and spacious now. Thank you for all the tips and tricks, you are great.
Thanks so much Erika! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. :)
Gaaah!! Movie recliners!! 😱 I’m soo sorry! I’m glad you were able to convince him to let them go! I think they’re hideous!
@@susangrande8142 exactly 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Love this. I am definitely guilty of over accessorising. I am going to remove everything from the room and slowly add a few items back in. Thank you so much for your common sense advice ❤️
You make a lot of sense. My comfortable living room includes a cozy space to snuggle under a blanket, drink a glass of wine, and enjoy a GarretLeChic video.
It would be nice to have you as part of our subscriber family than? :)
@@GarrettLeChic you asked so politely, I couldn’t possibly refuse!
@@betsysommer7142 Welcome to the channel Betsy! It is great to have you on this journey with us.
😊😊😊
@@GarrettLeChic I assure you the pleasure is mine
Bunny tails & pampas grass, it's everywhere. Love your advice, always makes my smile when you pop up on my phone xxx
Exceptionally well-done tutorial. I love that your own space appears to be traditional with high-quality, historic reproduction pieces. So refreshing. Also, the timeless, classic blue-and-white color palette!
The living room mistake that actually prevents me from relaxing in someone's home is an overhead ceiling fan with bright lights attached. Frequently, only source of light in the room, and it actually creates a sense of foreboding and dread. Those stark shadows that it casts -- yikes! Haha, I know I'm neurotic, but that actually is how it makes me feel.
Keep up the great work Garrett!
Thanks so much Terry! Appreciate your support. 😀😀😀
I am glad to hear you address “cozy.” I dont know what it really means to people when they say that, and I just think “ah, so they want to add clutter.” So, your explanation of how to address that need of some people without adding more STUFF was good, thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it Kim!
Thanks for the advice on the overstuffed and ornate sofas. I realize that some people have only one common living room/space that they use for entertaining, watching TV, or daily living so the space has to accommodate multiple functions. But those overstuffed reclining chairs and sofas with built-in drink holders are hideous and tacky.
It can be a challenge to find sofas that are not overstuffed - we searched for 6 months before we found something we liked.
I like your advice of how a space can be livable yet structured. People confuse formal with old-fashioned.
I agree. I think it is nice when you have a logical mix of formal spaces, and informal spaces.
OMG - ive been saying for years that power cables are the biggest enemy of streamlined decluttered living, and the absolute antithesis of interior design! I hate the buggers!! I paid a fortune to have power points placed strategiacally so as to not have a cable strewn across the floor! ANd when I designed our extension to our historic home - that vacant spot for lingering to chat while ppl decide which direction they go to - was one i created - it looked odd on the plans but i could see the visuals of ppl arriving for an event - and it does help people decide how and where to socialise when they arrive to your home. All very good points!
Thanks for sharing Roxann! Thank you for supporting our channel by subscribing, and watching our videos! I appreciate it.
Here’s mine thing that makes me crazy. It’s when art is hung too high or isn’t grounded to something.
Yes, agreed! That is a very important point. I’ve discussed it in a few of my past videos.
Another brilliant video full of practical tips, you know your stuff Garrett👌
Glad you enjoyed it Linda! Thanks so much for being such a wonderful person and subscriber.
Garrett, that room @13:01 had the most amazing furniture... and staircase and chandelier ! OMG that armoire! I literally had to stop the vid, just to take that in. And that side table! For such a calm and peaceful room, it sure was unapologetically whimsical. BTW, I had the great fortune of playing a private party on Saturday at a Mizner-built estate in Palm Beach. It took my breath away! Built in the 20s... all original architectural elements... Just gorgeous! Wish you could have been there!
Thank you Garrett. Too many books!!! too many magazines !!!(you can tell I am decluttering!!!
You are so welcome!
Thanks for sharing your expertise, Garrett. You not only save me from ugly, but you also save me money!
Thanks so much Anika! I'm glad you enjoy the videos and they are of help. :)
Thank you as usual for sound advice!
My pleasure!
Our tastes differ, but what you said in this video is spot on and applicable to us all. I'm becoming a follower Garret!
Welcome to the channel Jessica! We are so happy to have you as part of our subscriber family. One of the things that I don't do is push my own style, or belittle people for having a different style. We cover a wide variety of decor and design styles. I just want to share what I learned getting a college degree in interior design with everyone as much as possible. :)
@@GarrettLeChic You are a gem Garrett. What you share certainly works! I make some of my own furniture and your tips help me get the proportions right for the room (something I really struggle with!) so: obrigada! 💚
Dimmer switch excellent idea ♥️🇬🇧
This is great! Drop that decor knowledge 👏🏼. We need a follow up on it all coming together without it being matchy matchy.
I completely agree with the investing in large pieces. I have this massively tall yet skinny vase from anthropologie in the corner of my living room. Its my favorite bc it stands out and doesn’t compete with the smaller vessels
Thanks so much for sharing Keri! Please take a moment to support the channel by subscribing if you haven’t already. I appreciate it. 😊😊😊
I LOVE what you did for the backdrop in this video. Just beautiful. Not that I’d expect anything other than gorgeous!
Thank you so much! :)
I recently discovered you, and so happy I did! You seem to combine your artistry with generally accepted design principles flawlessly. Your guidance is so appreciated! One thing I struggle with, and would love to hear your advice on, is how to combine traditional furnishings/accents with fresh or modern elements, particularly in the living room. There isn’t a ton of information online about this. Thanks Garrett!!
Welcome to the channel Cyndie! It's great to have you as part of our very valued subscriber family. I did a video last year on mixing design styles I think you will like, but we will probably address it more in a future video. Here is the link: th-cam.com/video/HBg_fuRqGV4/w-d-xo.html
@@GarrettLeChic Thank you Garrett!
You’re good at this.
Your information is very helpful without “fluff”. And thank you for not referring to your listeners as “my lovelies” or “my wonderful subs”.
You are so welcome Kelly! Thank you for being a part of very valued subscriber family. We appreciate you. :)
Oh I needed this! In trying to figure my style I’m finding myself stuck in matchy matchy and you give simple clear ideas how to break away from it. I really like your new flowers 😊
Thanks Chelsea!😊😊😊
Genius!! Flat extention cord!! Get in my cart now!! Thanks!!🎉
You're welcome!! 😊😊😊
Can you make a video discussing open concept versus closed concept homes. Stating the pros and cons and your opinions on them. Open concept has been popular for a few years now but now due to the pandemic people are spending alot of time at home and now want the walls once again. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for the comment. I may do a comparison of open vs. traditional floor plans in a future video.
Yay! 😍 😍 😍
Funny to hear you talk about the rug pad. Just had a Turkish rug dealer in my home a week ago that immediately removed the pad off the floor and told me that is unnecessary. So I bought the rug tape you recommended. Thanks!
Agreed! I have Turkish rugs in my home as well. :)
I still have a zenith console tv in my living room. I get a lot of flack about it but even though I got it in 2000 it still works perfect and looks good with my electric fireplace. I`m painting my kitchen yellow and taking your advice about not over decorating and keeping it simple but with different colors and not too matchy. Thank you for your interesting and helpful videos!
Thanks for sharing Susan! It's great have you as part of our very valued subscriber family. :)
This was excellent and so useful. Foley through trial and error I have my living room the way I want it. I wish I had your advice previously because it would have saved me time money and frustration. There are still some tweaks I need to do. I think I am guilty of too many small accessories. Easy to fix. What a treasure you are.
Thanks so much Victoria!
I love your videos. I stumbled upon you and now I'm hooked. you are so informative
Welcome to the channel Christine! It's great to have you as part of our very valued subscriber family. I'm glad you enjoy our content! :)
hmmm...well, I have 2 beautifully restored and painted full size carousel horses in my living room (which is not a huge space). I have them tucked into the bay window area, and they seem to look great there (to me?) Maybe sometimes, a person can have some truly unusual large art, like the carousel horses, and it can work regardless of decor style (although my style is Victorian eclectic, so wayhey!)
Sounds great!
Thank you for the video as I was watching it I was looking around my space and saw where I could eliminates to improve ❤️
Glad it was helpful!
I loved this. I’m having a hard time though because literally every recommended change shows a large space. I live in a craftsman. I have three rooms available to decorate but non are larger than 15x15… it’s hard to make any of these recommendations work in such confined spaces. Everything feels cramped.
Thanks so much Kayla! Many of the elements I speak of can be used in any size home calibrated to the size of the space, but I did do a video for smaller bathrooms earlier this month. Last year, I did a video about making small spaces look bigger, and I am thinking about doing more videos specifically for smaller spaces in future videos. Here are the links for the smaller bathrooms and making smaller spaces look bigger: th-cam.com/video/PuVmVzLAm48/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/USu04xEmC2I/w-d-xo.html
The overwhelming “design” mistake I see is when people let there collections take over their space so that’s all you really notice. I’m talking China cabinets (plural) full, as well as every table top and surface that can hold the collectable object. The exact opposite of creating a comfortable, inviting and elegant space.
@Amy Weaver: you describe my mother's house perfectly. When I try to suggest she edit out some of that stuff, she gets huffy and very defensive. According to her
every horizontal and vertical space must be covered or decorated. Sigh.
👍Great Advice! I love it!😄 ONE of my pet peeves is when people hang their art/ mirrors to high😕, it throws off the entire space!
So true!
Great advise! I'm about to freshen up a family room, and will keep your words in mind as I go. Thanks!
Thank you for addressing both high end and...not high end concerns and situations!
Your so welcome Lurlene! Thanks for supporting our channel by subscribing. :)
Flat extension cords…. Who knew??? I bought a couch about 5 years ago for the style… it is comfortable but not that comfortable you know. I have aesthetically made the room cozy but I get what you mean in being comfortable cozy. Thanks for sharing!!!
Glad you enjoyed Nita!😀😀😀
One of ur best videos yet!! I don't care how nice ur house is -hanging artwork too high ruins the whole look in my opinion - beautiful sideboard & marble coffee table !
Thank you so much! I made that video 2 years ago, but it’s all still great information.
As usual this was so helpful and very relevant to me as we’re in the process of decorating our living room. We installed built-ins. And while I don’t like clutter, I have this urge to over accessorize. It’s not necessary especially being as we actually have books on our shelves! I think one of the issues I see in living rooms all too often is BAD lighting, and you did touch on that a bit in the video. Dimmers are essential!
Thanks again Garrett, I love ow you share your studies and knowledge., the practical with the beautiful. Linda
It's my pleasure Linda!
Thank you Garrett for a lovely presentation.
Thanks for supporting the channel!
I have a small living room that flows in with dining room.. I have a chair that was my sister that passed away a few years ago it a queen ann chair with the dark cherry wood color and jacquard material burgundy with a little gold maybe... my sofa and loveseat is a neutral color beige .. So I have the chair with the back facing the dining table I've been trying to tie it in together it looks ok just seem like something still missing.. I watch your videos all the time you give good tips on everything I've really learned a lot from keep it up I enjoy your videos!!!
Thanks so much Dorothy! We are so happy to have as part of our subscriber family. :)
All my furniture is bulky and at the moment no budget to buy new😕🙁. I will try to arrange pieces to open the up the area. Thanks for the great advice
Got twice through the video and will go again tomorrow. Very much liked the ideas of accent chairs and cozy vs comfortable and geometric décor. Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Just subscribed today July 4th 2022. I'm 72 yes old and retired. I've been looking for ideas on how to decorate my new one bedroom apartment. I love your ideas and your personality. Your mother must be proud of you.
Thanks so much! Welcome to the channel Betty. It’s great having you as part of our very valued subscriber family. 😊😊😊
Hello 👋 once again you helped me look at space and decor in a different way, I so needed this for my living room that’s pretty large. I only have two large deep tufted love seats and have been stuck on how to continue to furnish or lay it out since it can have two separate seating areas but also has two large entry ways. I cannot handle overly decorated rooms it just looks like clutter to me so less is best in my case and who wants to dust all of that. Great video
Yet more stellar tips! My thing is skirting boards, I like to see them! A room where I can't see a good amount of skirting boards makes me stressed lol I think of the dust 🤣
I have been wanting more solutions for cables and thank you so much for your ideas. I had not idea about the flat extention cord! I have done so many searches and somehow missed it. I subscribed.
Welcome to the channel! It’s great to have you as part of our very valued subscriber family. 😊😊😊
Thank you for posting this! I'm trying to redo the living room so it couldn't come at a better time.
You're so welcome!
"Less Decor-More Impact" example13:03: OMG that's absolutely STUNNING!
My wife and I have been in our house for over a decade and are only just now starting to think about how to put a cohesive design plan together 😆But your videos have been great! It’s so nice to get practical advise along with your great design theory lessons. Just wanted to say thanks.
You are so welcome! Much more to come. New video coming this Thursday, 1pm PST you both should watch. It will help your plan for sure.
Thank the good lord I found your channel! I’m getting the real education I need to decorate and furnish the new home I’m moving into!! I hate all matching furniture, but I was also struggling with how to make my random pieces work together. I feel like I’m getting a better idea now of what to do! Thank you!!
You are so welcome! We appreciate having you as a very valued member of our subscriber family.
Once again you've given great design advice: Comfort vs Cozy, flat extension cords, patterns, and accent chairs - Thank you!!!!
You are so welcome!
Such great advice. These videos are helping me so much, as I am in the process of decorating. Truly the best ones online.
Awesome! Thank you!
Never knew that there were flat extensions cords …thanks again …🙏🏼
Happy to help!