Almost every piece of art in my home is an original. Your point of buying art that feels personal is absolutely what I do. I do NOT buy art as a trend or an investment. I have bought art from artists who had a show in a cafe, art from artists on Etsy, art from artists at fairs and art markets. My husband and I bought art that could fit in our small suitcases when we traveled. I believe in supporting artists while they support me by bringing me beauty that sparks joy.
I used to paint portraits, landscapes and seascapes, I gave a portrait to a cousin and it wound up in her storage shed, yet she had paid for a few of what I basically call a framed poster and she pointed out that they were numbered. I had a number for the painting I gave her, it was number 1, so I said it looks like there isn’t a place for the painting I gave her, her mom shook her head no, I said that’s ok, I guess she won’t be offended if I take it back, and that’s what I did. I hung it in my living room and it looks great.
Wow. Only Kiva can take 4 basic items and turn it into an interesting, educational, entertaining lesson and not waste a word or a beat! Keep em coming!
I bought a print last year from an artist that I love. I couldn’t afford an original but she released some prints so it was a way of supporting her and getting some of her art in my house. Since then I’ve found quite a few artists do this
As a photographer, all the art that hangs in my home are photos I took that mean something to me. I also try other creative outlets and if I like the results, they hang in my home too.
Most of the art that I have in my home is from my travels. Africa, Cuba, and Brazil are places that I’ve been to 20 to 30 years ago. I get to relive my experience in theses places daily.
Unless you visit more than 4 African countries it’s better to say where you were instead of saying “Africa”. That pertains the idea that Africa is just one big place when in reality each country is different from the other
I lived in Africa for 10 years and have traveled throughout the continent. I understand and respect what you are implying, but I was just trying to make my point brief.
I’m SO GLAD I recovered from excessive decorative pillows on both the bed and the sofa! The floors are getting more clear by the month. I was a serious addict. I just started by donating one or two at a time. I’d get over my separation anxiety and then choose a couple more. This took about a year. Now they’re all gone and it’s soooooo much simpler - and safer.
Other affordable art options if commissioned art is out of range: If you live in a university town, there is often art available for sale in the art department by art students. I have also bought really interesting art at street fairs. Lots of restaurants in my town also do revolving art displays with prices listed on the card next to each piece. I had a friend who is an artist whose work I loved and she let me buy some of the “studies” she’d done in watercolors at much reduced prices. I think textiles make fantastic art. Framing photographs or printing photos on metal, like from travels, is a good option. Finally, I personally love what I call “found art.” I found a slice of tree trunk with a hollowed out core that still had bark around the edges. A coat of tung oil, and it made a piece of art people often comment on. I also found two chargers on the clearance rack at target that I hung up as art. One is made from crushed eggshells and the other from strips of bamboo. There are so many ways to put more interesting things on your wall than mass produced prints.
So glad you mentioned this. My daughter's degree is in Biology. She works in a Lab, but she have always enjoyed the Arts. She just sold 2 painting at a local street fair. Let's support our local artist .
as a former art student i would have been so honored to have my art bought by someone! i think it’s a great way to get an artist their foot out the door in a very competitive market. great idea!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have 7 pillows on my bed, and at night I place the large expensive ones on the bench at the foot of my bed. On the subject of coverlets, I like to use them during the summer, and my heavy down comforter for winter. My entire bed ensemble is white for the exception of 5 pillows which are Cobalt-Blue and the throw and the end of the bed. Honestly, I have taken the tip from all of the expensive hotels I have stayed in and most of them keep everything white while they use color for the pillows and throws. I learned my corner folding during my time in the military believe me when I make a bed one can throw a quarter and it bounces back. On the other hand, like yourself I purchase to many small vases which I have give them away to friends & family. Lately, I been purchasing large old looking vases and they make a great statement. Wishing you & your loved ones to stay Safe & Healthy... Abrazos
Great Ideas! I love your channel. I am starting over, at age 61, with a new home. I have learned so much from your channel to establish my own style and decor. Thank you!!
I personally like even a postcard size original art in a huge frame with a great passepartout. Makes such an impact and highlights the "small" art and elevates it to a statement piece.
I only have one original art piece that I bought at an arts festival. I really love it and the fact that no one else has the same piece makes it special to me. I also have things from my travels. One thing from Thailand is a pretty decorative basket that was used as a rice container. I keep all my travel 'stuff' from there inside. (And paid half the price). I think it looks nice to decorate from your travels. 💜 It keeps those memories alive. 😊
So interesting, in Canada it's custom to take your shoes off when you enter anyone's home! (including your own) It's common to have a mat or bench or something at your entrance for people to leave them. Would love to see this shoe vase
Double plus bonus, you can get felt rug pads that also have non-slip backing on the back (and you can get them in incredibly thick pads for that extra luxe look!). So if you have a person with mobility issues and you want that extra piece of mind, or if you have kids/pets who run around and smush your rugs up even with a pad, this helps solve that. We have 3 dogs that all weigh more than 65 lbs and they have always done such a number on our rugs, but no I spend so much less time resetting the rugs around my house, it’s amazing! Even better: the felt pads add an extra little bit of sound insulation, so if you have an echoey room, it can help make your rooms feel less cavernous (in a bad way)
I keep a little piece of plastic rug pad in my recipe book. I use it all the time to keep my cutting board from sliding around when I'm working with dough. Life hack.
After abt 3 - 4 years of being seriously ill.. my home came last. It was a mess! Now that my chronic disease has been put into *remission* so my home decor has become my new focus again. Your vlog has been extremely helpful. I truly love your design philosophy & focus on practicality. It's so important, but rarely does a designer guide their viewers towards practicality. It matters. When I was very ill, having places to store medical equipment & Rx Meds was necessary for me. I did not want my guests coming over feeling *sorry* for me whenever they saw all the medical stuff I needed to use on a daily basis. I needed real storage!!! Now, almost all the medical stuff is gone. I have one piece of med. eqpt. & I am down to just ONE Rx Medicine. I WAS very ill, but today.. I am so much healthier. It took a lot of commitment, dietary changes & PRACTICALITY. #ThankYou for your integrity, humor & beautiful way of guiding us towards having the *home* we truly do want to live in & share with guests, visitors & our loved ones. A beautiful home to call our own is what most of us R truly trying to achieve & realize. Sending you & your wife lots of good karma & hugs. From #HudsonValley #NewYork 🍎 ✌🏾💜🌹💜
I’ve purchased some Awfully cheap rugs. I’m learning. This year I got a felt pad for the first time. Amazing. You’re right! Coverlets : I’ve always loved them! My husband hates them. Right now i have a beautiful blanket our realtor bought for us, and I use it like a coverlet. The comforter is thin with a very soft and light duvet. It looks great! (I used to be against comforters. Again, marriage arguments.) Pillows: I used to be a linens manager and I used to do the crazy pillow bed. No thanks. Im over it. Sometimes I enjoy a euro sham to support me if I’m sitting up in bed. Otherwise, I keep a regular pillow and have a couple in the home that are specially shaped for back pain and support. Vases: we have one Tiffany vase which is quite tall. It’s classic and we use it often. We have a smaller one trimmed in gold, and 2 medium vase bottles for greenery. I love my current home which has these awesome trees I just clip and add to the vases. My oversized vase is crystal so I don’t use it for storage. Our shoes go in a closet next to the door. Current home doesn’t have a mud room or drop zone. I used to use a pot like you for wooden spoons but since have moved to a drawer. The hourglass ones you’ve showcased are really nice! Original art: this is our jam. I come from a long line of painters and sculptors. I’m also an Etsy creator and love supporting creators and artisans. DIY? Go Pollock. It’s easy and fun. I adore that you found a home to feel like you were ready to invest in it. That’s heartwarming. Thanks for some amazing tips today! I’m glad you’re here!
I just got inspired and ordered a couple of prints on Etsy from an artist whose work I love. Inexpensive, unique, and I’m helping support an artist directly ❤❤❤
Happy Monday, Kiva. I so agree with you regarding original art. My sister has an extensive collection of paintings and sculpture that she has collected over the years. Some are large, some are small and some are in between. She simply bought what she loved and it is all beautiful. When I purchased my first piece of original art almost thirty years ago, she told me that I would be hooked and she was right. I now have an extensive collection of my own. Going to local galleries to see what appeals to you is a great way to start. It is a good way to support local artists and also to see different styles and diverse media.
Last visit to the US I went crazy in Target and Bed & Bath. Next time I am going to see these stores mentioned in the video. I had to buy another suitcase😀
@@KivaBrent I kind of prop myself. I lay on 2 and put one behind or in front of me. I don’t really sleep flat. I’m primarily a side sleeper. The best ones in my Serta pillows from tj maxx. The allergen or the hotel. They keep their shape and sometimes you can catch them in a 2 pack.
Same! I use one for extra back support because I have a recurrent back injury, so it runs behind me under the covers. My husband doesn’t mind because he snuggles up on it at night so it works for both of us
FYI - I love the covertlet. A way to go farther is to use it as your main blanket, oversized by one size to you bed, for example a king size for a queen and king pillows with matching coverlet cases, one set in the matching coverlet design and one set in a contrasting coverlet design. We actually sleep on the pillows and it still fills the space and has a full look that all those tiny pillows have without having anything on the bed that you don’t use. The oversized coverlet means that it covers the untucked top sheet and no one gets stuck without blankets in the middle of the night. It takes me 30 seconds in the morning to make my bed - yay!
Yes! I love hearing you promote buying original art! As an artist and art collector, original art just look so much better than mass manufactured prints. Prints from mass retailers can look so cheap and tacky, imo. Also original art doesn't have to be expensive! Go to local art events and you'll be surprised how affordable art can be. Not to mention, you'll be supporting a small artist who needs the money rather than a mass retailer who wont even notice it.
Yes! Support artists! Both of my parents are/were artists. I didn’t inherit their talent but I love finding unique art and custom furniture on Etsy for my home.
So glad you're on the original art train. Everyone's taste is different, but to me, it's better to leave a wall bare if you can't find something to put up that means something to you. And of course there's always DIY art, plants, a bookshelf, etc., etc. Or beautiful bareness.
I sleep with the pillows I use to dress my bed. I love pillows my husband deals with it lol. He secretly loves them too. When I catch him napping alone he uses all the pillows and lays on my side of the bed.
I do sleep with the decorative pillows on my bed because I'm using my Tempur-Pedic at night, but like the cozy feeling of other pillows around. I'm tall for a woman, and a hot sleeper, and it doesn't bother me. Granted, I have only two oversized pillows as decoration. Love your tips, Kiva!
I absolutely concur on the felt rug pads. They also don't ROT the way that the plastic ones do. If you're going to spend the money on the high end rug, go with the felt rug pad. They also can be CLEANED like high end rugs.
If you are on a budget, you can find art in thrift shops and places like Facebook marketplace as well. It doesn't support the artist, but it is a great place to start. I found a beautiful landscape watercolor on marketplace not long ago. Also consider barter. My husband brought home a block print once for loaning someone his cement mixer.
Since you asked about decorative pillows: Mine have two jobs. One is on my bed in the daytime (I wash the covers regulary) to look good and use them for an occasional nap. Otherwise, I put those pillows behind my back on the sofa while winding down in the evening for meditation and watching feelgood series to get into sleepy mode. I tried pillows in the daytime on my sofa just for decorative reasons, it does not work. The pillows are better on the bed. Also, in a studio apartment, I find it important to give decorative items a practical purpose so that they just do not take up space. And as for throws, mine is big enough to cover me up for naps or in the evening on the sofa and yes, it is a huge conundrum getting them to lay there just right. Thank you for saying that!!!!
I put my decorative throw pillows on my office chair at night. They are wonderfully soft and squishy, but I don't want to drool on them. I don't mind moving them around because it takes a few seconds at most. I literally "throw pillows" in a pile on my chair, lol. I remove the sham on my sleeping pillow every night and put it back on in the morning too. It is a high quality heavy cotton but it has a linen texture that my bushy hair does not appreciate, so the silk pillow case is already underneath the sham ready to go. I also roll up my extra blankets and put them on the chair at night. I don't mind taking a few extra minutes to make my bed every day because it is like a mindfulness ritual for me. I know I am not normal, lol. Most people probably don't enjoy these bed making and deconstructing rituals like I do.
love coverlets. they are nice if you want to take a cat nap on your bed without actually getting under the covers and sheets and messing up the whole bed
I agree with purchasing original artwork. We decided to buy art for each other for birthday gifts, etc. For the frameless pieces, my husband will make the frame. We try to buy from local artists but have been eyeing pieces on Etsy too. Thank you for sharing your advice.
Re pillows - have used coverlet for years BTW, but on to pillows - no don't sleep on them. Makes them dirty and yucky. Put them in a chair in my room. Only use three anyway. Hospital corners are how I learned to make a bed so they are no big deal to me.
My mother was a nurse, so I have always used hospital corners since childhood. I recently bought some fitted sheets, thinking they would be easier to use. No, they are not!
Kiva I love how no nonsense you are, I feel the same. I need beautiful things around me but they need to serve a purpose too. I do fall into the many pillows on the bed trap tho. I'm single so I line up all the pillows on one side of my bed. I've been using cover lets for years for all the reasons you stated plus I love the textures they come in. I prefer solid colored bedding with texture. Great uses for big vases!
My husband is an artist and it drives us crazy when people woukd rather spend $100 on an IKEA poster, than a few more dollars for beautiful original art.
PJG, I have collected many original pieces of original art. Some of the items I purchased directly from the artists and some I found in antique stores. I usually buy items that have a smaller price tag due to my budget. I thought that your reference to the IKEA posters costing $100 was an exaggeration, so I looked them up. The $100 price for the posters is accurate. I would so much rather have what I bought than the IKEA posters, especially for the same money.
It would be great, but original art is not just a few dollars more. Also, if what they bought at Ikea makes them happy, who are we to judge? That said, the work of an artist is worth the money...but not all of us have it to spend. I can't afford myself, so I have bare walls until I can.
Coverlet… I have a coverlet, it is a black SONY special giveaway throw rug which I fold in half and put over the end of our bed. It is used because that is where our little black dog sleeps at night. I cannot see his shed fur. He is a gorgeous, dearly loved, thirteen year old Shih Tzu cross who sheds like a hairy giant.
I bought a specific basket from Pottery Barn to hold my two cushions at night when I sleep ( I researched the heck out of this). Its the beachcomber basket. Looks aesthetic and is large enough to hold the cushions. Its a win
@@raquellambropoulos279 i put the cushions back on my bed during the day so the basket is empty. It hold my cushions at night only. Super functional as well as aesthetic
When me and my husband first moved to TX, I learned coverlets were perfect for us, because comforters were too heavy and hot, but coverlets were lightweight but heavy enough as a blanket. Hard to describe. But they are perfect for Texas weather!!!
I use the majority of my throw pillows when I sleep. Since I’m getting older they help prop my back up & I use only the larger ones for sleeping. The cute small ones are stored in a basket on my box window sill 😁
Also, on the topic of original art, there's tons of art in vintage and antique shops that is affordable. There may also be opportunities to rent artwork as well.
Thanks for your comment about rug pads. I fell on a rug without a pad which was on tile and cracked my head open, bled like crazy, ambulance came. Long story short - 10 stitches in the 'ol noggin OUCH!
Commissioning art (or buying prints of art, especially from your friends!) is a gift you give to both yourself and the artist. Even if that art is signed indie band posters, or the beautiful promotional postcards that came with a handmade accessory you bought, it is "original" in that way. I find that the frame really does make the piece, especially on prints and smaller pieces. Even inexpensive frames from Amazon, with a custom bevel cut mat from the local framers, elevates a free goodie you've had floating in your collection since 2005 into a precious little jewel for your home. ☺️💖
We put our pillows (2 shams) on a chair in the bedroom. We each sleep with 2 pillows. The last decorative pillow sits on the side chair with the pillow in the sham.
You had a video where you showed your pillows stacked instead of sat up and layered. YES!!! This made my life so happy. I started doing this and I actually sleep with the pillows I use on my bed,they all "go" with my bedding...speaking of which. Matelasse. These are the best things ever.
I found a beautiful tall green vase from Goodwill. And when people see it they love it. Now since I like color is filled with Orange and Purple birch I found at home depot. It almost looks like flames coming out of the vase.
Hi Kiva! You mention chochskis (sp?) & I checked to see if you have a video on styling small decorative items like these in a maximalist but classy way! My style is actually very minimalist but these are treasures from my travels that I'd like to see on display! Like as a focal piece. But do I get exposed wall shelves? Those square shelves hung in a group of three? I'd love to hear your thoughts on how to display these chochskis in a luxe maximalist way or any video related to that! 😁 Nobody's got space for those oldschool glass display cases that are the size of a bookshelf 😂 Pls let me know if you have a video on this already 💗
Actually, hospital corners are very quick once you understand the folding pattern and a little practice. The hospital corners were devised by nurses to quickly make beds for patients. It had to be effective and quick. I can make my bed perfectly in less than 4 minutes. Also, coverlets used to have an additional purpose...protecting blankets and sheets that come into contact with our bodies from dirt and dust from the outside (either from lying on the bed with street clothes or setting purses and packages on the bed) as well as reduce the need for frequent washings of bulky blankets and comforters. That is why coverlets are thinner and it used to be customary to fold them and hang them on a blanket stand before bedtime. Today, they are more about adding an extra layer of warmth and dressing the bed.
I love art work. I’ve been blessed to inherit original art work that hung in other family homes, original pencil sketchings from a great uncle and some prints directly from artists so limited production. I found the biggest thing to remember is invest in the frame. A simple sketch or watercolor in a nice thick custom frame gives the piece weight and makes it read as much more expensive. You can also find beautiful paintings at antique stores, just add a new frame to make it less dated. Real art is always much better investment than mass production pieces.
Yes, the frame will make or break an artwork. Professional framers know exactly how to make a small piece of art, even a simple family photo or document, look stunning. Allowing a framer to style your artwork is like having a top makeup artist do your makeup. Also, you only have to spend the money once, for a result that will last decades.I have never regretted what I spent on getting my things properly framed
I like having some decorative pillows on my bed but I would not put my pillows on the floor - just like anything else that may just take a few extra minutes to complete you just do it! I personally just put the extra decorative pillows in a basket that’s located in my closet.
I just stumbled across this channel, idk how but I love it! Not necessarily for the tips etc but because the host is HILARIOUS. Observational comedy not seen since Seinfeld.
I have a ottoman at the end of my queen bed which I can put throw pillows but I sleep alone so I just put them on the side of the bed I don’t sleep on. Seems easy enough 🤷🏼♀️
Kiva…a rug pad is not a luxe hack it’s a requirement for most area rugs. I’ve been using them for years but never seen or purchased the felt ones. I typically buy them at Home Depot, Lowes or Menards by the linear foot. I prefer the type made of a thick sponge about 1” thick and has a water proof side to prevent floors from spills, pet urine, etc. Check out the wall to wall carpet area for these type of pads.
……Coverlets critical for those of us with Dogs- easy to keep clean. My BoyZ think my bed is theirs. Multiple coverlets changed frequently keep my duvets clean and fresher longer. (But never, never white….!). Thanks Monica.
LOVE that you admit when you make up statistics and definitions! I dress the bed with my sleep pillow and put a sham on it during the day. Also use a duvet cover all year, just put a duvet in for winter. They are both made from micro-suede which is Super tough and stands up to the puppies! Thought I was the only one who hid crap in vases! So Glad to Subscribe!!!
I always get excellent ideas from your videos. But beyond the practical and creative, your videos are so full of heart … your passion radiates through your face and your words. It is infectious and lovely. ♥️ 💜 ❤️
I love all the items but the original art was my favorite. When I go to my friend’s house I always see the decor and I used to think they lack of personality or like they don’t seems like my friends, they all seem good and pretty but kind of the same that you will see in some magazines.
My vinyl plank flooring has texture like wood grain and knots. I bought really low pile large area rugs for living room, dining room, and family room. They don’t move and slide at all. The 3x12 runner i did get a felt pad. It slides on top of the pad LOL. I have a 5x7 flat weave rug in my workout room. It was the one I thought would slide around but it never move either regardless what exercise I do.
I put decorative pillows on everyday and I have a leather bench that we use to put on foot wear.. I pile them neatly in the same order they sit on the bed to make putting them back on super easy!! It's a system that works for me..
I only sleep with the extra pillows if I fall asleep before I have had a chance to get ready for bed! I have a chair near my bed where I put the three extra pillows until morning - because I’m nearsighted and would trip on them!
