I was reluctant to share this, because as designers we have this expectation of living in this beautifully crafted space, and this isn’t my forever space. although this is just my temporary space for now. I can’t wait to fully design and customize my own home one day. As always thanks for watching 🥰 it’s all of you that will allow that to come true
A LOT of us have the same exact design issues…talking about the dog bed, space, ugly grey floors etc…you’ve overcome those and I believe that investing in yourself is an awesome idea…you can buy your own condo soon enough…just keep churning out those beautiful designs for your clients and keep your fans posted…I can’t wait to meet you on my next trip to NYC..I’m not a creepy killer either…(I actually asked for this video a long time ago) thanks
I love this. It’s well appointed, manageable for what you need now, super smart, and you’re not spending ridiculous amounts of money just to say that you did - but the real inspiration is that you decided to invest in yourself first. No way will you regret any of that. You’re building your empire.
I feel the same as an artist. I have filled other peoples homes with my artwork and photos but have almost none of my work in my home. Your space is awesome though. Can’t wait to see your new place when the time comes.
Sometimes we need to accept our current reality. And that’s ok. Living in places like this makes us understand better challenges of space and design and also to improve them and appreciate better spaces when we finally have them in the future🙏🏻💖 thanks for sharing ❤
When you keep apologizing for your space (I know it's a very Canadian thing to do but still lol) it diminishes from the hard work you did to make the space your own! You have a really beautiful home and really looking forward your journey and seeing how you use all those pieces in your future space :)
You’re doing it right though. Taking care of your business, IS taking care of yourself. Success will bring the finer things in life, and your path looks massively promising. Keep up the good work, and don’t waste your time on embarrassment. Stepping stones are your friend, Phoenix! ❤
I am so proud of how brave you are to let us into your private and personal space. It shows that you are genuine, and actually use/live in your space. No pretence ❤
I never comment but I watch your content all the time. I love the vulnerability and confidence it took for you to post this and share. I think it’s so important that people see realistic spaces. I think you’ve done a great job with applying design elements and principles in conjunction with your style. Our style evolves over time and also Home takes time whether it’s temporary or permanent so thanks for sharing! Not disappointed with it at all! Not that my opinion matters lol ultimately it’s about you and how you feel in your space.
I think your space is warm, inviting, cozy and functional! I love how you utilized the space without it appearing crowded. I have learned so much from you and your sense of humor keeps me smiling. Thanks for inviting us over!
We don’t expect you to be fake perfect/unattainably rich, etc. We watch you because you keep it real for normal people with good taste. Most of us don’t have a budget that matches our creative imagination. Thanks for being vulnerable. 👏🏾😎
I laughed really hard at that one! Aside from the comical break it’s really interesting to see a creative “make do”, which most people would think was a magazine feature. It’s humble and therefore relatable and something I can use toward my own rental home. In Europe a rental arrangement gets more respect it’s a lifelong contract. I love,love, the invisible design, the fabulous scents. I adore a walk in Gastown passing by Aesop and stepping in…
It’s refreshing to see this so thank you for sharing! A realistic space that you’ve made beautiful, despite the limitations. Love you and your content! ❤
That means a lot thank you so much. I was very much against sharing my space 😅 a stepping stone for now, but this is what I was able to do in the meantime
I can relate! I'm a Professional Organizer (of 23 years) and our 1000 sq ft condo is fuller than I'd like it to be. I can list a hundred Organizers who are more minimal than I am. I have an abundance of jeans, shoes, protein powders, vases, etc. and my husband and I practically hoard outerwear. (I even keep some at my mom's.) People love seeing "real" homes. BTW, your "real" is quite beautiful. You ARE walking the walk. Thank you for this! You have nothing to apologize for.
i'm late to the party, but what are you even talking about? Your box in the sky is awesome, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. i can't be the only one who's happy you shared this with us 😊
I predict that you just connected with so many more people by sharing what a real home looks like and how you apply your talent to that oh so relatable space. I was fortunate enough to be able to build a home in the burbs a few years ago so I have a little more space , but once you commit so much of your income to that space there is not a lot for expense decor, but I like your style, use of finishes and small details. I love my backsplash, but I also love that I've broken it up with a combination of layered cutting boards just as you showed. And yes honey, do keep the tissues and lotion out of sight. 🤭
I think this is wonderfully inspiring when so many of us are renters or new home owners trying to deal with features and elements in our space that we hate! Thanks for sharing!
You've proven with this video that the "flaws* in contractor builds and flipper grey abodes can be worked around and even celebrated by layers and redirections. Too many show only perfect set ups instead of the cookie cutter base options we rent or settle for buying. You're a design genius to take the mundane and transform it to subline. Thank you for sharing this with us.
You were apprehensive about something you needn't be. You let us in, showed us your beautiful home and we are very appreciative. I love all the textures and colors you used~ fabulous. What is the old saying; Brave is being fearful and doing the thing anyway...? Much respect, Design Daddy ♥
I am so appreciative of you sharing your space. I loved seeing real life solutions to problems I also have in my apartment. This video lets me see you as a human being and not just an interior designer. Thank you so much for trusting us with your home.
I LOVE that it's colorful! So many have these all white or mostly white canvases and I'm so over it. Not even a white sofa - go you! Just because ya have to live in a builder grade bore, does NOT mean it needs to look like one! You can decorate the boring out of the space with some color and style. Well done!
Thank you for showing your space. It is great and I love that you were forced to innovate since it isn't huge. I really get sick of videos that look like mansions. They're everywhere. We need more designers like you with creative/innovative minds and solutions to small space problems and problems like how to deal with pets, etc. Most of the time I think designers pretend they don't exist or just edit them out! Who wants a world without dogs? Love that metal artwork too!
understand your reluctance to share T.O. condo rental reality but kudos for being open and authentic - it does endear you to us .... especially prioritizing dog over design! YES! ( and yes, loved the IKEA ad reference)
I'm a huge fan! It's not embarrassing at all. You shared so many useful tricks that we all could use, especially in limited spaces. All the items you chose have amazing tastes and are very Design Daddy. And I can clearly visualize you will own your all customized dream house one day very soon, as you are certainly climbing the ladder of success. Thank you for sharing!
Phoenix…wow! That is gutsy and took a brave step on your part. I am a retired landscape designer so I do get it. Can I say that getting a tour of your personal spaces makes your interior design more authentic. I watch every one of your videos. This makes your advice, your visions doable for the ‘normal’ person. Never apologize for who you really are!
I think your space is great looking. I love the dark green, dark blue and black as well as your art pieces. It makes the space look welcoming and very liveable.
Love that you have so much gratitude. Appreciate your humbleness to show your space. It is good for us to have you show us how your real life translates to your insight. This drives it home why you are so good - you know how to prioritize.
Loved that this was so real. Sometimes it feels like the house tours you see on youtube are so out of reach for ordinary ppl. Most of us are lucky if we can have one piece of high end furniture piece never mind a houseful of designer brands or custom pieces. You manage to make something so elegant thats still doable on a budget. Beautiful work!
Your potty mouth just makes me bust a gut at times 😂❤. When you showed that "big ass..." column it bent me over!!! Thanks for being, Oh So Real, and showing how creative one can be in their own spot without breaking the bank. That's smart and intelligent. Been listening to you for some time now. Keep up the great work, as you are truly gifted in interior design!
You know what, I love real people, real home, real things and probably this real life living is my favorite video in your channel. Congrats and thank you for share with us your personal place, by the way I LOVE IT. 👋👋👋👋
HEY! I love that you live in a relatable space! You have given me so many great ideas for my tiny--I mean COSY!--space! Thank you! Thanks also for validating my bed pillow adoration.
Your home looks amazing and very stylish! You have the special touch! Have you ever thought of doing something with the dog crate. We put wood on top of ours! we just have dog beds on top with stairs for an extra sitting area to look out window, they love it for some reason. But im sure you could think of something better!!
I found this channel when searching for small space design and now need to watch every single episode before continuing. Inspiration that's exactly what I need as I downsize! 🥰
Mr. grey, thank you for keeping it real. This is real life interior design. This is a job well done for real life clients. And I admire how consistent you are between your videos and your own space. Kudos
Phoenix, your home is amazing and we can really feel the passion and the love you had to make you apartment your very own space. I know the struggle of shoebox city units because I live in Paris and i lived for 7 years in a 23mt2 apartment where everything was lumped and with a grey and bordeaux lacquered kitchen ( i know... don't ask...) I hope your businesses can grow and grow stronger and you can have the house you desire and deserve for all the hard work you do everyday! P.S. Your bag collection is ❤
I love your space! I was lucky enough to design my own house two years ago and the compromise was real! I learned if you can get 80% of what you want, it is a win. I adore your design esthetic and I hope you are successful beyond your wildest dream. You deserve it!
I love your space! You show that for anyone renting, or with limited funds, you are still able to give your space personality with other design elements.
I loved this 1. A light bulb moment occurred when you mentioned using an upper cabinet as storage. I was able to find diy blogs that use this idea to construct built-ins. and for the next hour, I was on the Ikea and other big box sites viewing upper cabinets. 2. I loved the pendents in your kitchen and bedroom, and I was able to find something similar 3. The way that you were able to partition the storage cabinet to organize your items was brilliant. I will utilize that idea 4. no part of your living space was wasted 5. So many design youtubers showcase extravagant , expensive and flamboyant and expansive design ideas, that don't represent the builder-grade homes that we all live in. I appreciate your practicality and commonsense that you express in all of your videos.
This makes your designing comments in your video more real. That you too are stuck for a bit in a smaller place and you have still decorated it with style and flair while working around limitations in your ability to change certain aspects. (I agree so much with you, I HATE gray, what is this world now every new place done up in gray, gads, get over it, have people heard of color??) Now, having seen your place, I am more inclined to see your designing advice as useable in real spaces - that it can be utilized in smaller places. I don't have to have a giant 4000 sf house to be able to do that. My apartment can truly benefit from you sharing your space. Thank you for the sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing this real and realistic video. I live in a condo less than 600sqft with a toddler. I struggle to find space for our day day. The idea to have the sofa on rollers is game changer…I have been complaining about not having a space to work for months/years. I will implement this pronto. Thank you so much for letting us into your personal space❤❤❤!
I Love love love this! Your space is so beautiful, and I have taken away great ideas for my own space. We have similar tastes. Thank you for sharing. And you have a dog! I love it even more!
It's beautiful love! You are just starting, never be embarrassed for what you have, you have acheived so much! The most impressive thing to me is the ability to delay the immediate gratification of buying to build something long term. Takes a ton of character that seems quite rare lately. Lot's of love from a TX farm girl ;)
Suggestions: to warm up the kitchen space consider your backdrop (in the kitchen section your camera angle really shows off your balcony) - add a plant, for your location maybe a swirl topiary evergreen? in a wooden pot. Under the TV, replace the black vases (the black against the navy makes the vases disappear) with warm metal or wood vessels or a finish like your wall disc. The exciting Ikea light find (just 2 days later) is such a perfect warm accessory. Both your "foyer" and your under-TV cabinets are beautiful. Can you hide the desk cords more? Love the rubber tree but wish the pot was warmer color. For your makeshift bar, love the amber but wish there was only three large objects instead of 3 groups of 3. Who cares about the dog-bed in the middle of everything because dogs are important and you have a tiny space. Love the colbalt blue in the bedroom, pothos & fluted glass cabinet in the bathroom. You definitely need a larger place - good on you for investing in your future/dreams - I am sending positive energy to the universe that you have such success that a large place comes soon and you can have space for the large furniture you need (all 6'4" of you), an actual walk-in closet, and no huge pillar in the middle of everything.
Thank you for sharing your personal space with everyone. I know it’s not ideal but your sense of style and decorating elevates it to another level and it’s an elegance that would be lacking if you didn’t design this yourself. It showcases all the things you love and recommend. It’s nice to know you do as you say ❤
Apologies?? Au contraire found it totally inspiring and completely relatable since many of us are starting with places we are far from in love with. Major respect for the huevos to keep it a buck & lay it all on the line as you did. You just earned even more street cred DD!!! ❤ You rock bud
Cool space, thank you for sharing! Side note - Google Home does the same thing as Apple with lighting that's connected and is also super customizable. My lights also do the same as yours when I leave home and come back, but I respect your choice to opt for Apple regardless of reasons. 😉 😊
Wow Phoenix, you shouldn’t be apologizing for your Apt space. You have worked your magic to make it look comfortable and. Functional without looking cluttered which is often seen in small rental units. However, I think you live in Vancouver if not Toronto, where the rental rates are top dollar. I’m sure if you had a nice sizeable deposit, your mortgage payments would be less than your rent. I would be very happy to live in your apartment! It really shows your creativity. I adore the gold Art you have displayed in your living room and the blue one in your bedroom too. 🥰👏🤗🇨🇦
There’s nothing embarrassing about it. It’s your home for now and it providing you with shelter and a place to live your life and make memories. It’s beautifully put together even with the space constraints. I understand the feeling as we bought an our first home and given the market it’s not what we had in mind but we are grateful given the circumstances. I am trying to figure out what to do with the spaces and layout. If you ever decide to give pointers of your followers homes and spaces I will volunteer!! lol 😊❤ So happy for you and that you invested in yourself 🤍
totally get the size of the space, my Beijing place was literally a hotel that was remodelled into homes so I get it. I love that you make the bed every morning and its so important because at least its one thing I have achieved for the day. Thanks for sharing you are a star.
I love your OCD! If I know I have a magazine slightly askew, I will have to out of bed and fix it! I don’t know how people can live with crooked blinds 😮 that is just wrong
Hi DD! Thank you for showing your home. Don't be ashamed of the size - that condo unit is considered as "large" in my country. Studio units are around 20 to 24 sqm. In this economy, most ppl are feeling the pinch & have to live small. Btw I'm glad that you didn't have a painting/ artwork above your bed - that's bad feng shui. I know you don't practice FS but for those of us that do, we notice those things. Lol. You decorated your condo unit beautifully. Take care & stay blessed. 💐
I'm renting as well and my landlord allows me to do what ever I want to the apartment and I did so much to improve the place and make it more my style. I'm painted the walls, changed door handles and even added new light bulbs because the apartment was built in the 70's really needed to be fixed. I know people say "Don't change anything, it not your place and you're just waiting money" but fixing things (that doesn't break the bank) and adding your own personal touches just makes the place feel more livable.
I’m fortunate enough to own my own (700 sq. foot) home only because I bought at close to the bottom of the market in Florida. I’m now, 7 years later, remodeling. You gave me some great ideas. The sofa on rollers - genius. I also love reeded glass and sadly I’m not as OCD as you and I couldn’t do clear glass for upper cabinets and hey presto, you gave me a solution! I could go on and apologies are completely unnecessary - your space is a wonderful example of how we normal humans can approach designer our spaces in ways that look great now and that won’t look dated in 5 years. Thank you. (And thank you for your delicious home critiques of the rich and famous as well as DIY fails - helps us know what to avoid!)❤
Just discovered you and have watched about six of your videos in a row. You’re such a lovely guy. I hope your business grows out of control and you buy a massive mid century home and show me how to fix and style everything (on a budget). Best of luck to you from Australia x
It's really lovely to see you putting design and personal style in such a limited condition average persons live with everyday. Great work and your home is very insightful to me. Functional, cosy, personal, and thoughtful for guests especially in the bathroom
As a fellow Torontonian living in a condo, I can totally relate. But I love the creative challenge of making it work in the space we’re given. Your space looks dope asf! ❤ Also, I’m taking your idea of layering wood in a sterile kitchen.
I love your place !! I did not know you are Canadian 🎉 woohoo score for us!!! It's real and it's beautifully done. I spent all my teens and twenties in T.O. I know how small most of the bachelor apartments are and how hard it can be to decorate. You've done it beautifully !!
Thanks for sharing, it's amazing what you've managed to do with a less than ideal base! I just wanted to point out as I've noticed this in multiple of your videos: that's not what OCD means! And it's a shame because actual storage and maintanence tips for OCD, ADHD, neorodivergency would be super useful
Thank you for showing you your place. You did very well with the limitations of space and grey kitchen. But limitations foster creativity. The sound is good in your condo, not harsh. I must nag you about the Hermes throw, and Louis Vuitton decor, LOL ! But that is ok, we love you. You are funny and real, I am so fed up with unrealistic decor. I wish you the best with your business.
Dear Phoenix, Thank you for sharing your home tour video!! Your place is sooo lovely and tasteful!!! You're so sweet and cute being shy to share it, but you shouldn't be. You're really talented! I wish you all the best in your business and life ❤️
This video is awesome! With the way housing is going, more and more people are renting with all the limitations that it entails. Seeing how you worked with the negatives in your space is enlightening. I think you’ve done a great job
Beautiful thank you for sharing! I love how you made the best of your space despite many things not being of your preference. I love the creative ways you made things work, like your couch on rollers, I have never seen that before! AND I LOVE the lil box for your remotes that is too perfect
I love this video Phoenix! Thank you so much for sharing. My son and I share a small 2 bed 1 bath apartment and you have given me great ideas for making it a home! ❤
Thanks for the tour! About mirrors opposite windows, I would not do this if you have a lot of street noise from the window. The mirror will reflect, not absorb the noise. In that case you could hang a tapestry or heavy fabric opposite the window. I'm always surprised that designers don't consider noise when putting mirrors opposite windows.
How refreshing to see a “designer” home we can all relate to! And re your column … flexible mirror tiles my friend, flexible mirror tiles! Love the light fixture above the bed … but … um … have you or any overnight guests ever been speared in the back? Or anywhere else?? And LOVE the 2 circular art pieces as well as the story of them. This was a great tour, relatable & so many useful tips no matter what your budget! I am going to try to work in the term “seasonal pants” in a conversation at work tomorrow. It has tickled my fancy!
I'm a new subscriber, thank you for inviting us into your personal space. I reside in a rental apartment in Manhattan NY that has an ugly beam in the living room. I share your exact sentiments. I'm a fur mom so with all due respect, your fur daughter 🐕 is your best "home decor". 😊 God bless you. Elated to see your future home. Thanks for being down to earth. Side note; I'm a Virgo so my OCD is to the tenth power. I have a no shoe policy. Fur baby included.😊
new fan, but just got done watching you in another post dissing the Hermes blankets!!!! AND: you also just 'had to tell us' about your expensive soap dispensers in kitchen!!!! Made me laugh! LOVE your sensibilities !!!
Pheonix...Yes, you have BM Hale Navy, and I love how you've done your space. As far as the kitchen, I don't see gray, grey, or however it's spelled (but the concrete gray) unless my screen is showing something different, but it looks greige to me, and I love greige. How many people don't like Greige here? I have BM Revere Pewter as a transitional color to Hale Navy. I think it's a gorgeous space and well done from one OCD sufferer to another. If a picture is crooked, it drives me absolutely nuts. I have to fix it immediately.!! 👏 👏 👏 Phoenix and thank you so much for sharing.❤ I had to come back to say you're genius.
Love your condo definitely would like to get the large blue and gold pice for my new home that is being built.I also have a navy blue couch.Open plan home so enjoy your honesty.No storage in homes here in Florida.Have to be creative with furniture and space.Thank you for the tour,your dog is adorable ❤
JUST THANK YOU! great artistic intellect, you put it in your life. thank you for being so kind sharing your thoughts and ideas. My wishes of the very best for you, all your dreams to come reality. Happy holidays !
Beautifully curated space, light, effortless and containing varied surfaces, textures. Beautiful deep blue and green, and the round reflective artwork is genius- really keeps the space alive.. Wonderful🤩
I'm so glad you shared this. I feel similarly about my tiny apartment but I'm also trying my best to make it work for me. And I also have a pothos hanging in my bathroom hahah. I've been Inspired, Maybe some day I'll make an apartment tour too. I really liked seeing how someone with good design sense lives in a realistic place.
You did so much to make a rented space “you” and so tasteful and well done. ABSOLUTELY NO (big ick) to the corny H throw. And the “seen everywhere” Tom Ford coffee table book? Really? 😂🤦♀️-are wooden beads hidden somewhere? 🤪 Love the navy wall and how you hid cords. Your many ideas are so great for small spaces and I’m taking notes!🎉 Thanks…great video! Love your special home🩷
Brilliant! Thank you, this is SO real life! I rent too, so we have to deal with what we can't change. You are so funny and charming! Love from Wisconsin ❤️🧀
I was reluctant to share this, because as designers we have this expectation of living in this beautifully crafted space, and this isn’t my forever space. although this is just my temporary space for now. I can’t wait to fully design and customize my own home one day. As always thanks for watching 🥰 it’s all of you that will allow that to come true
A LOT of us have the same exact design issues…talking about the dog bed, space, ugly grey floors etc…you’ve overcome those and I believe that investing in yourself is an awesome idea…you can buy your own condo soon enough…just keep churning out those beautiful designs for your clients and keep your fans posted…I can’t wait to meet you on my next trip to NYC..I’m not a creepy killer either…(I actually asked for this video a long time ago) thanks
I love this. It’s well appointed, manageable for what you need now, super smart, and you’re not spending ridiculous amounts of money just to say that you did - but the real inspiration is that you decided to invest in yourself first. No way will you regret any of that. You’re building your empire.
I feel the same as an artist. I have filled other peoples homes with my artwork and photos but have almost none of my work in my home. Your space is awesome though. Can’t wait to see your new place when the time comes.
Sometimes we need to accept our current reality. And that’s ok. Living in places like this makes us understand better challenges of space and design and also to improve them and appreciate better spaces when we finally have them in the future🙏🏻💖 thanks for sharing ❤
Love you and I pray that dream comes true for you😊❤
When you keep apologizing for your space (I know it's a very Canadian thing to do but still lol) it diminishes from the hard work you did to make the space your own! You have a really beautiful home and really looking forward your journey and seeing how you use all those pieces in your future space :)
That means so much! Thank you 🤍🙏🏼🤍 I can’t wait to eventually build and design my own space and can look back on this
You’re doing it right though. Taking care of your business, IS taking care of yourself. Success will bring the finer things in life, and your path looks massively promising. Keep up the good work, and don’t waste your time on embarrassment. Stepping stones are your friend, Phoenix! ❤
@@mrphoenixgrey Like a Boss !!
You did a fantastic job with the space you have. It's refreshing to see a real apartment instead of designer palaces.
Thank you 🙏🏼
I am so proud of how brave you are to let us into your private and personal space. It shows that you are genuine, and actually use/live in your space. No pretence ❤
I never comment but I watch your content all the time. I love the vulnerability and confidence it took for you to post this and share. I think it’s so important that people see realistic spaces. I think you’ve done a great job with applying design elements and principles in conjunction with your style. Our style evolves over time and also Home takes time whether it’s temporary or permanent so thanks for sharing! Not disappointed with it at all! Not that my opinion matters lol ultimately it’s about you and how you feel in your space.
Thank you so so much 🤍 I’m glad my shared knowledge can help so many people
Of course! When I rented I did not put much effort in my space and looking back I wish I did. I was lazy and refused to ever paint lol.
Small but impactful. Your choice of color and textiles are right on! Can’t wait to keep watching you soar!
Don’t be embarrassed! We weren’t expecting anything super lavish, if anything it Helps give more realistic tips for the average person. Thanks DD!
I think your space is warm, inviting, cozy and functional! I love how you utilized the space without it appearing crowded. I have learned so much from you and your sense of humor keeps me smiling. Thanks for inviting us over!
We don’t expect you to be fake perfect/unattainably rich, etc. We watch you because you keep it real for normal people with good taste. Most of us don’t have a budget that matches our creative imagination. Thanks for being vulnerable. 👏🏾😎
“Start the car, start the car”
I can tell you’re a man of culture
😂😂😂😂
I’m so glad the right people get this reference!! 🥰🤍
I laughed really hard at that one! Aside from the comical break it’s really interesting to see a creative “make do”, which most people would think was a magazine feature. It’s humble and therefore relatable and something I can use toward my own rental home. In Europe a rental arrangement gets more respect it’s a lifelong contract. I love,love, the invisible design, the fabulous scents. I adore a walk in Gastown passing by Aesop and stepping in…
The pillar! I love how much you hate it. I also love that your dog is more important to you than the visual of her "home."
It’s refreshing to see this so thank you for sharing! A realistic space that you’ve made beautiful, despite the limitations. Love you and your content! ❤
That means a lot thank you so much. I was very much against sharing my space 😅 a stepping stone for now, but this is what I was able to do in the meantime
I can relate! I'm a Professional Organizer (of 23 years) and our 1000 sq ft condo is fuller than I'd like it to be. I can list a hundred Organizers who are more minimal than I am. I have an abundance of jeans, shoes, protein powders, vases, etc. and my husband and I practically hoard outerwear. (I even keep some at my mom's.) People love seeing "real" homes. BTW, your "real" is quite beautiful. You ARE walking the walk. Thank you for this! You have nothing to apologize for.
i'm late to the party, but what are you even talking about? Your box in the sky is awesome, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. i can't be the only one who's happy you shared this with us 😊
I predict that you just connected with so many more people by sharing what a real home looks like and how you apply your talent to that oh so relatable space. I was fortunate enough to be able to build a home in the burbs a few years ago so I have a little more space , but once you commit so much of your income to that space there is not a lot for expense decor, but I like your style, use of finishes and small details. I love my backsplash, but I also love that I've broken it up with a combination of layered cutting boards just as you showed. And yes honey, do keep the tissues and lotion out of sight. 🤭
Thank you so much for watching! And I appreciate you comment 🤍 we all start somewhere.
I think this is wonderfully inspiring when so many of us are renters or new home owners trying to deal with features and elements in our space that we hate! Thanks for sharing!
You've proven with this video that the "flaws* in contractor builds and flipper grey abodes can be worked around and even celebrated by layers and redirections. Too many show only perfect set ups instead of the cookie cutter base options we rent or settle for buying. You're a design genius to take the mundane and transform it to subline. Thank you for sharing this with us.
You were apprehensive about something you needn't be. You let us in, showed us your beautiful home and we are very appreciative. I love all the textures and colors you used~ fabulous. What is the old saying; Brave is being fearful and doing the thing anyway...? Much respect, Design Daddy ♥
That means more than you know! Thank you so much for watching and following along 🤍
I am so appreciative of you sharing your space. I loved seeing real life solutions to problems I also have in my apartment. This video lets me see you as a human being and not just an interior designer. Thank you so much for trusting us with your home.
I LOVE that it's colorful! So many have these all white or mostly white canvases and I'm so over it. Not even a white sofa - go you! Just because ya have to live in a builder grade bore, does NOT mean it needs to look like one! You can decorate the boring out of the space with some color and style. Well done!
Thank you for showing your space. It is great and I love that you were forced to innovate since it isn't huge. I really get sick of videos that look like mansions. They're everywhere. We need more designers like you with creative/innovative minds and solutions to small space problems and problems like how to deal with pets, etc. Most of the time I think designers pretend they don't exist or just edit them out! Who wants a world without dogs? Love that metal artwork too!
understand your reluctance to share T.O. condo rental reality but kudos for being open and authentic - it does endear you to us .... especially prioritizing dog over design! YES! ( and yes, loved the IKEA ad reference)
I'm a huge fan! It's not embarrassing at all. You shared so many useful tricks that we all could use, especially in limited spaces. All the items you chose have amazing tastes and are very Design Daddy. And I can clearly visualize you will own your all customized dream house one day very soon, as you are certainly climbing the ladder of success. Thank you for sharing!
Awe thank you for watching! This is just the start. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me and it’s only growing faster 🤍
Phoenix…wow! That is gutsy and took a brave step on your part. I am a retired landscape designer so I do get it. Can I say that getting a tour of your personal spaces makes your interior design more authentic. I watch every one of your videos. This makes your advice, your visions doable for the ‘normal’ person. Never apologize for who you really are!
I think your space is great looking. I love the dark green, dark blue and black as well as your art pieces. It makes the space look welcoming and very liveable.
That makes a lot thank you so much 😊
Love that you have so much gratitude. Appreciate your humbleness to show your space. It is good for us to have you show us how your real life translates to your insight. This drives it home why you are so good - you know how to prioritize.
Loved that this was so real. Sometimes it feels like the house tours you see on youtube are so out of reach for ordinary ppl. Most of us are lucky if we can have one piece of high end furniture piece never mind a houseful of designer brands or custom pieces. You manage to make something so elegant thats still doable on a budget. Beautiful work!
Your potty mouth just makes me bust a gut at times 😂❤. When you showed that "big ass..." column it bent me over!!! Thanks for being, Oh So Real, and showing how creative one can be in their own spot without breaking the bank. That's smart and intelligent.
Been listening to you for some time now. Keep up the great work, as you are truly gifted in interior design!
You know what, I love real people, real home, real things and probably this real life living is my favorite video in your channel. Congrats and thank you for share with us your personal place, by the way I LOVE IT. 👋👋👋👋
Nice to see that you do in fact practice what you preach; everything is organized, attractive, and well - considered.
You have to! My OCD would not let me otherwise 🤣
HEY! I love that you live in a relatable space! You have given me so many great ideas for my tiny--I mean COSY!--space! Thank you! Thanks also for validating my bed pillow adoration.
That makes me so happy 🤍
Your home looks amazing and very stylish! You have the special touch! Have you ever thought of doing something with the dog crate. We put wood on top of ours! we just have dog beds on top with stairs for an extra sitting area to look out window, they love it for some reason. But im sure you could think of something better!!
I found this channel when searching for small space design and now need to watch every single episode before continuing. Inspiration that's exactly what I need as I downsize! 🥰
Mr. grey, thank you for keeping it real. This is real life interior design. This is a job well done for real life clients. And I admire how consistent you are between your videos and your own space. Kudos
Phoenix, your home is amazing and we can really feel the passion and the love you had to make you apartment your very own space.
I know the struggle of shoebox city units because I live in Paris and i lived for 7 years in a 23mt2 apartment where everything was lumped and with a grey and bordeaux lacquered kitchen ( i know... don't ask...)
I hope your businesses can grow and grow stronger and you can have the house you desire and deserve for all the hard work you do everyday!
P.S. Your bag collection is ❤
I love your space! I was lucky enough to design my own house two years ago and the compromise was real! I learned if you can get 80% of what you want, it is a win. I adore your design esthetic and I hope you are successful beyond your wildest dream. You deserve it!
I love your space! You show that for anyone renting, or with limited funds, you are still able to give your space personality with other design elements.
Exactly! Even with temporary spaces we should still be able to make it feel like home 🤍
I loved this
1. A light bulb moment occurred when you mentioned using an upper cabinet as storage. I was able to find diy blogs that use this idea to construct built-ins. and for the next hour, I was on the Ikea and other big box sites viewing upper cabinets.
2. I loved the pendents in your kitchen and bedroom, and I was able to find something similar
3. The way that you were able to partition the storage cabinet to organize your items was brilliant. I will utilize that idea
4. no part of your living space was wasted
5. So many design youtubers showcase extravagant , expensive and flamboyant and expansive design ideas, that don't represent the builder-grade homes that we all live in. I appreciate your practicality and commonsense that you express in all of your videos.
There are sofas with additional storage, like Ikea Jättebo. The covers can be replaced, and you can even buy velvet covers online.
This makes your designing comments in your video more real. That you too are stuck for a bit in a smaller place and you have still decorated it with style and flair while working around limitations in your ability to change certain aspects. (I agree so much with you, I HATE gray, what is this world now every new place done up in gray, gads, get over it, have people heard of color??)
Now, having seen your place, I am more inclined to see your designing advice as useable in real spaces - that it can be utilized in smaller places. I don't have to have a giant 4000 sf house to be able to do that. My apartment can truly benefit from you sharing your space. Thank you for the sharing!
I got one (donut)couldn’t believe it lovely glow x and lovely place 🙋🏼♂️
Yes! So amazing. And thank you so much
Thank you so much for sharing this real and realistic video. I live in a condo less than 600sqft with a toddler. I struggle to find space for our day day. The idea to have the sofa on rollers is game changer…I have been complaining about not having a space to work for months/years. I will implement this pronto. Thank you so much for letting us into your personal space❤❤❤!
Don’t be embarrassed of your blessings, you did a good job with what you have , it’s clean and organized 🎉
I Love love love this! Your space is so beautiful, and I have taken away great ideas for my own space. We have similar tastes. Thank you for sharing. And you have a dog! I love it even more!
It's beautiful love! You are just starting, never be embarrassed for what you have, you have acheived so much! The most impressive thing to me is the ability to delay the immediate gratification of buying to build something long term. Takes a ton of character that seems quite rare lately. Lot's of love from a TX farm girl ;)
Suggestions: to warm up the kitchen space consider your backdrop (in the kitchen section your camera angle really shows off your balcony) - add a plant, for your location maybe a swirl topiary evergreen? in a wooden pot. Under the TV, replace the black vases (the black against the navy makes the vases disappear) with warm metal or wood vessels or a finish like your wall disc. The exciting Ikea light find (just 2 days later) is such a perfect warm accessory. Both your "foyer" and your under-TV cabinets are beautiful. Can you hide the desk cords more? Love the rubber tree but wish the pot was warmer color. For your makeshift bar, love the amber but wish there was only three large objects instead of 3 groups of 3. Who cares about the dog-bed in the middle of everything because dogs are important and you have a tiny space. Love the colbalt blue in the bedroom, pothos & fluted glass cabinet in the bathroom. You definitely need a larger place - good on you for investing in your future/dreams - I am sending positive energy to the universe that you have such success that a large place comes soon and you can have space for the large furniture you need (all 6'4" of you), an actual walk-in closet, and no huge pillar in the middle of everything.
No need to apologize. You managed to make it stunning. Love it. 😊
Your space looks great! You made a tight space seem spacious! Great job 👏
Appreciate it! Thank you 🤍
L O V E D this video ... timely, as we move (downsize) into a teeny condo. GREAT tips n tricks! Thanks for sharing. 🤗
Thank you for sharing your personal space with everyone. I know it’s not ideal but your sense of style and decorating elevates it to another level and it’s an elegance that would be lacking if you didn’t design this yourself. It showcases all the things you love and recommend. It’s nice to know you do as you say ❤
Apologies?? Au contraire found it totally inspiring and completely relatable since many of us are starting with places we are far from in love with. Major respect for the huevos to keep it a buck & lay it all on the line as you did. You just earned even more street cred DD!!! ❤
You rock bud
Cool space, thank you for sharing! Side note - Google Home does the same thing as Apple with lighting that's connected and is also super customizable. My lights also do the same as yours when I leave home and come back, but I respect your choice to opt for Apple regardless of reasons. 😉 😊
I love your circle 3D art piece. Gorgeous and unique conversation piece.
Don’t be embarrassed! And don’t apologize! It’s beautiful!!!!
Wow Phoenix, you shouldn’t be apologizing for your Apt space. You have worked your magic to make it look comfortable and. Functional without looking cluttered which is often seen in small rental units. However, I think you live in Vancouver if not Toronto, where the rental rates are top dollar. I’m sure if you had a nice sizeable deposit, your mortgage payments would be less than your rent. I would be very happy to live in your apartment! It really shows your creativity. I adore the gold Art you have displayed in your living room and the blue one in your bedroom too. 🥰👏🤗🇨🇦
There’s nothing embarrassing about it. It’s your home for now and it providing you with shelter and a place to live your life and make memories.
It’s beautifully put together even with the space constraints.
I understand the feeling as we bought an our first home and given the market it’s not what we had in mind but we are grateful given the circumstances. I am trying to figure out what to do with the spaces and layout. If you ever decide to give pointers of your followers homes and spaces I will volunteer!! lol 😊❤
So happy for you and that you invested in yourself 🤍
totally get the size of the space, my Beijing place was literally a hotel that was remodelled into homes so I get it. I love that you make the bed every morning and its so important because at least its one thing I have achieved for the day. Thanks for sharing you are a star.
I love your OCD! If I know I have a magazine slightly askew, I will have to out of bed and fix it! I don’t know how people can live with crooked blinds 😮 that is just wrong
Hi DD! Thank you for showing your home. Don't be ashamed of the size - that condo unit is considered as "large" in my country. Studio units are around 20 to 24 sqm. In this economy, most ppl are feeling the pinch & have to live small. Btw I'm glad that you didn't have a painting/ artwork above your bed - that's bad feng shui. I know you don't practice FS but for those of us that do, we notice those things. Lol. You decorated your condo unit beautifully. Take care & stay blessed. 💐
I'm renting as well and my landlord allows me to do what ever I want to the apartment and I did so much to improve the place and make it more my style. I'm painted the walls, changed door handles and even added new light bulbs because the apartment was built in the 70's really needed to be fixed. I know people say "Don't change anything, it not your place and you're just waiting money" but fixing things (that doesn't break the bank) and adding your own personal touches just makes the place feel more livable.
Target brand bergamot and aloe room spray is surprisingly stylish looking, and smells amazing.
I’m fortunate enough to own my own (700 sq. foot) home only because I bought at close to the bottom of the market in Florida. I’m now, 7 years later, remodeling. You gave me some great ideas. The sofa on rollers - genius. I also love reeded glass and sadly I’m not as OCD as you and I couldn’t do clear glass for upper cabinets and hey presto, you gave me a solution! I could go on and apologies are completely unnecessary - your space is a wonderful example of how we normal humans can approach designer our spaces in ways that look great now and that won’t look dated in 5 years. Thank you. (And thank you for your delicious home critiques of the rich and famous as well as DIY fails - helps us know what to avoid!)❤
Just discovered you and have watched about six of your videos in a row.
You’re such a lovely guy. I hope your business grows out of control and you buy a massive mid century home and show me how to fix and style everything (on a budget).
Best of luck to you from Australia x
It's really lovely to see you putting design and personal style in such a limited condition average persons live with everyday. Great work and your home is very insightful to me. Functional, cosy, personal, and thoughtful for guests especially in the bathroom
I’m so glad your room is yellow and blue! So it mine!! Mines lighter but still ❤
Thank you for sharing with us. No shame allowed. ❤
As a fellow Torontonian living in a condo, I can totally relate. But I love the creative challenge of making it work in the space we’re given. Your space looks dope asf! ❤ Also, I’m taking your idea of layering wood in a sterile kitchen.
I love your place !! I did not know you are Canadian 🎉 woohoo score for us!!!
It's real and it's beautifully done. I spent all my teens and twenties in T.O. I know how small most of the bachelor apartments are and how hard it can be to decorate.
You've done it beautifully !!
Thanks for sharing, it's amazing what you've managed to do with a less than ideal base! I just wanted to point out as I've noticed this in multiple of your videos: that's not what OCD means! And it's a shame because actual storage and maintanence tips for OCD, ADHD, neorodivergency would be super useful
Thank you so much for sharing your home! For those living in a condo / it was filled with fabulous ideas ❤
Thank you for showing you your place. You did very well with the limitations of space and grey kitchen. But limitations foster creativity. The sound is good in your condo, not harsh. I must nag you about the Hermes throw, and Louis Vuitton decor, LOL ! But that is ok, we love you.
You are funny and real, I am so fed up with unrealistic decor. I wish you the best with your business.
Dear Phoenix, Thank you for sharing your home tour video!! Your place is sooo lovely and tasteful!!! You're so sweet and cute being shy to share it, but you shouldn't be. You're really talented! I wish you all the best in your business and life ❤️
This video is awesome! With the way housing is going, more and more people are renting with all the limitations that it entails. Seeing how you worked with the negatives in your space is enlightening. I think you’ve done a great job
Be proud of your home, whether it’s a temp or permanent place you make it your home ❤staying Humble is your best quality.
Thanks for sharing your home. You must be very tall. I think your home is very nicely decorated.
That kitchen island, i want one. And that sofa too, love it.
Your place looks great.
Beautiful thank you for sharing! I love how you made the best of your space despite many things not being of your preference. I love the creative ways you made things work, like your couch on rollers, I have never seen that before! AND I LOVE the lil box for your remotes that is too perfect
I love this video Phoenix! Thank you so much for sharing. My son and I share a small 2 bed 1 bath apartment and you have given me great ideas for making it a home! ❤
It looks really good❤ no need to be ashamed of it. I think I need your help finishing decorating my house ❤😊
Love 💕 your channel ❤
Love your decor❤....the support column is infuriating...never happy when I see these in condos
Thanks for the tour! About mirrors opposite windows, I would not do this if you have a lot of street noise from the window. The mirror will reflect, not absorb the noise. In that case you could hang a tapestry or heavy fabric opposite the window. I'm always surprised that designers don't consider noise when putting mirrors opposite windows.
I think you’ve done a fantastic job with your space. I love your original art pieces..they are gorgeous ❤
Why were you reluctant, you have a great home & I love the wall art, & the green marble in the kitchen & living room ❤️ great space Phoenix 🔥🇬🇧xxx
How refreshing to see a “designer” home we can all relate to! And re your column … flexible mirror tiles my friend, flexible mirror tiles! Love the light fixture above the bed … but … um … have you or any overnight guests ever been speared in the back? Or anywhere else?? And LOVE the 2 circular art pieces as well as the story of them. This was a great tour, relatable & so many useful tips no matter what your budget! I am going to try to work in the term “seasonal pants” in a conversation at work tomorrow. It has tickled my fancy!
I love our little home, one day we will have a bigger one 🖤
I can’t wait 🤍
I'm a new subscriber, thank you for inviting us into your personal space.
I reside in a rental apartment in Manhattan NY that has an ugly beam in the living room. I share your exact sentiments.
I'm a fur mom so with all due respect, your fur daughter 🐕 is your best "home decor". 😊
God bless you. Elated to see your future home.
Thanks for being down to earth.
Side note; I'm a Virgo so my OCD is to the tenth power. I have a no shoe policy. Fur baby included.😊
I’m an artist. A textured white and cream long painting would like nice over the bed. Bring some needed texture but not too strong. It’s a nice space.
new fan, but just got done watching you in another post dissing the Hermes blankets!!!! AND: you also just 'had to tell us' about your expensive soap dispensers in kitchen!!!! Made me laugh! LOVE your sensibilities !!!
Pheonix...Yes, you have BM Hale Navy, and I love how you've done your space. As far as the kitchen, I don't see gray, grey, or however it's spelled (but the concrete gray) unless my screen is showing something different, but it looks greige to me, and I love greige. How many people don't like Greige here? I have BM Revere Pewter as a transitional color to Hale Navy. I think it's a gorgeous space and well done from one OCD sufferer to another. If a picture is crooked, it drives me absolutely nuts. I have to fix it immediately.!!
👏 👏 👏 Phoenix and thank you so much for sharing.❤ I had to come back to say you're genius.
Very well done ! The colours combination, the art, those cabinets ❤ . I thought that very you in a rental and real life . Nothing to apologise for !
Love your condo definitely would like to get the large blue and gold pice for my new home that is being built.I also have a navy blue couch.Open plan home so enjoy your honesty.No storage in homes here in Florida.Have to be creative with furniture and space.Thank you for the tour,your dog is adorable ❤
JUST THANK YOU! great artistic intellect, you put it in your life. thank you for being so kind sharing your thoughts and ideas. My wishes of the very best for you, all your dreams to come reality. Happy holidays !
Beautifully curated space, light, effortless and containing varied surfaces, textures. Beautiful deep blue and green, and the round reflective artwork is genius- really keeps the space alive..
Wonderful🤩
I'm so glad you shared this. I feel similarly about my tiny apartment but I'm also trying my best to make it work for me. And I also have a pothos hanging in my bathroom hahah.
I've been Inspired, Maybe some day I'll make an apartment tour too.
I really liked seeing how someone with good design sense lives in a realistic place.
You did so much to make a rented space “you” and so tasteful and well done. ABSOLUTELY NO (big ick) to the corny H throw. And the “seen everywhere” Tom Ford coffee table book? Really? 😂🤦♀️-are wooden beads hidden somewhere? 🤪
Love the navy wall and how you hid cords. Your many ideas are so great for small spaces and I’m taking notes!🎉
Thanks…great video! Love your special home🩷
Brilliant! Thank you, this is SO real life! I rent too, so we have to deal with what we can't change. You are so funny and charming! Love from Wisconsin ❤️🧀
You did such a good job with such a limited space! ❤ Thanks for sharing it gives us all insights into making our spaces better too!
Please would love to see your bag collection
Marc Jacobs books rock!
We have a dog crate next to my bed. Vinnie loves his own “bedroom”. Am so glad to see an interior designer has one too!