Yup same for all the “antique” dealers who show up at trade shows in north Texas with furniture made to look antique, but misses the mark completely and instead is just farmhouse deco😑
I like the way you don’t ‘trash’ talk the items you wouldn’t use. Very gracious in your explanations of items. That’s what professionals do. Thank you.
I would love to see you make a video on how to stylize cottagecore or even farmhouse in a way that would look chic? Taking the trend that you don’t particularly like and elevating it in a way :3
Yeah! That would be awesome!!! However, I can't imagine how much work it would take, I would love to see how he could transform cottage core into the stylish japandic, he describes.
I understand not liking fake farmhouse, but I live in a custom built small ranch house in central Texas. I probably would call this a blend of western, turn of the century antique, farmhouse influence. I could use the professional advice with emphasis on comfort.
I actually really like the tasseled pillow, even though I tend to gravitate towards clean and contemporary 😂 Nick, your videos are wonderful and I think a “Buy This, Not That” series will be a hit!
I liked it better than the orange one. The orange one looked like something my mom would have made when she was going through her crochet phase in the 80s.
Zara home has nothing to do with Zara prêt-à-porter in terms of quality, sustainability and design, I bought my bed sheets at Zara home and I can assure you they are really soft and look tte same after endless washes. Their articles are really well executed, they look and feel luxurious, expensive and artistic
Granny chic is top tier when its something you've either made yourself, or something your grandmother made for you. Buying it from Zara... I'm not so sure about LOL!
Yaaass! My great grandma made the blanket that’s on my bed and I crocheted all the throws in my living room. I’m starting to do pillows next! Tbh “granny chic” really means handmade quality soft goods ❤
My grandparents have an actual farmhouse, they were cattle ranchers and homesteaders until recently, since the 60s. People doing farmhouse have no idea how inauthentic they really are.... And I have hated this trend the entire it's been a thing. So glad it's on the way out.
I feel like the 'farmhouse style' folks need to be gently pushed into cottage core, which I think is a more sophisticated, effortless version of farmhouse. Honestly I would love to see you do a video of how to evolve farmhouse into something more elevated.
Yes, or a Scandi mix, bc Scandinavia does have a folklore, country style underneath all the sleek modern blonde colours. More rustic florals, enamels, turned wood than the shaker type farmhouse but there is a Venn diagram there too.
I know some of the things from places like Zara home or H&M home might sound tempting, but this is just a reminder for everyone to please remember these are both very unethical brands that also aren’t environmentally friendly. Fast fashion itself is something we should all be aware about, but now they’re making home items? I know it’s been a thing for awhile but that just seems like one of the worst choices they could’ve ever made in my opinion. It’s impossible to shop 100% ethical, so none of us are perfect, but try not to buy any furniture or home items from these brands! I still love Nick ❤️
Thank you for the reminder, I totally would rather people invest in quality pieces that will stand the test of time. For environment reasons, to support the artists and craftspeople that make the products and also because they are more beautiful in my opinion. I will add on though, that I was surprised to see that a lot of the products at Zara Home were made of quality materials. In fact, I'd definitely argue that some of these furniture pieces made of acacia, teak and ash will hold up longer than a lack table from IKEA. Now in terms of business practices or how it operates as a retailer, that is something I won't defend! Thanks Raegan!
I agree the crochet granny square pillow would work in some homes (I don't care for the colour combo though), but the other one looks like a sensory stimulation toy for infants
The texture toy pillow (perfect description) would work on my sand/neutral couch IF it had half the amount of detailing and no freaking tassels. I have ’ethnic Scandi’ Ikea pillows that would match (for a busy+stripes) in general, but those exact pillows were fugly.
Thank you so very much for your video. I am a vintage/cottage kind of woman and I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU🌷 you do not need all these silly drawings or captions on different objects to get a cosy vibe of a farm house or cottage. Natural, plain, not busy textured, good quality materials are for me the KEY. Thank you for all your hints and excellent pieces of advice 🌷. Best regards from Poland.🙂
Well Zara is a Spanish brand so what they propose are following the trends and taste in spain. The same for their clothing. I live in a European country, Belgium so everyone who wears Zara is either southern European immigrants (Spain, Italy, Portugal etc) or middle Eastern immigrants. Or ppl who are shopping for a few professional looks. As Zara has the office lady chic thing going on, on top of southern trends. Not just one particular style
👋🏼 Meeee. We live on acreage, surrounded by forest and pastures with grazing animals. I don’t have any signs or kitsch. Just authentic textures, a little shiplap, wood fireplaces and one barn door where a hinged or pocket door would not work. Would I do this in the city or suburbs? Nope.
@@merrywalsh2809 I completely agree with farmhouse in actual rural areas looking perfectly fine and natural. It's the inauthentic variety that is tiresome
I actually subscribed after you dragged the commercial farmhouse crap into the mud. I love the rustic elements of farmhouse and love that instead of just trashing farmhouse you give better options to make it classic and not a tired trend. Love this channel!!
Thumbs up if you can’t wait for Homesense/Homegoods to let go of the cheesy Farm House items so the new trendy items can start coming at affordable prices!
I will pay Homesense to never show me another framed sign telling me to love and hug my family or whatever. If my family ever stood a chance that sign ended it for me.
So cheesy i don't like fake modesty, and people pay 2000 for fake modesty "farmhouse look" when those items cost less than 80 in real life, the same with wabi sabi it's about organic but they sell it as luxury price and that's so pretentious.
I 100% + agree with you about ZARA HOME... and I live in Galicia, Spain (the home of ZARA) and I have a couple stores nearby.... you are spot on Mr. Lewis!! keep those pearls of wisdom coming. love your videos!! xxx
I so look forward to these videos on Saturday. They're always informative and refreshingly honest without intentionally being insulting. Your delivery is just the cherry on top. Thanks
The soup mugs 😂 that’s exactly what came to mind just minus the recipes. They infiltrated Australia too! Nothing wrong how you say vase, so nice not hearing ‘vayce’
@@ellasmith6013 I'm in the UK too, I remember seeing the onion soup one knocking around somewhere a few months back. They're a good size for actual soup when you're feeling blah, but I wouldn't have them out on show anywhere!
Nick, I’d love for you to do a video on making inherited family furniture /art/ textiles that is of sentimental value but not necessarily the owners typical style work in a modern space. (I’m thinking reproduction Early American70s Ethan Allen, an art class still life, actual antiques, mid-century furniture with the dark green paint wash etc. can you tell I’ve got a garage full, lol.)
I have a few of those as well. Two rocking chairs in a small house. My sister in law took the Ethan Allen pieces and worked them into her Robinson Caruso vibe. That was ten years ago so I’m sure she’s updated them again.
Nick, I’m a fan. Your style, your enthusiasm and your love for beautiful design. You could however recalibrate your assault on farmhouse and cottage core. Keep in mind that folks are coming to you for ideas. You want them to cultivate a love for design and to fill their homes with beautiful things. It is about encouraging folks to embrace things that they love, even if it’s cottage core.
True Debbie, it is always a challenge to walk the line of education about design, and sharing my own opinions. People seem to love both so I'm always walking a fine line there. This video format was always going to lean more on the opinion side of things, but I do take your point!
Perhaps outside your purview, but I’d like to also know the sustainability / ethical production of these products. Love your channel, Nick. Even when our styles don’t intersect, and even though many items aren’t available in my little corner of Oz, I always learn from or am motivated by your videos
I’m moving out of state to begin medical school in July, and your videos have been helping me figure out what I want my living space to look/feel like. Thanks Nick!
I love the cottage, farmhouse style and I love your channel. When I look at some of my Cottage Journal decor magazines and Jeanne d'arc magazines, even from years past, they show the 'country' style vibe without the cheesy massed produced products and overly jammed packed accessories about. So, all these sustainable natural wood, pottery etc. looks that you talk about, fit right in with all the French cottage, cottagecore, farmhouse etc. designs. So, you might not have lost as much "Farmhouse" lovers as you thought. :) Keep up the wonderful videos. I love watching them.
Thank you so much for your honesty!!!!! I agree with you 100%. Great video!!!! I really enjoy buy this, not that!!!! The picture comparisons are spot on!!!!! Nice job🥰
This is great Nick, I never even thought of Zara Home, but I might check them out now. :) On an unrelated note, the next video you post will be your 50th video on this channel (I believe)! Congratulations on all this success you've been working so hard to give us great content with every video and I personally am here for it! ❤
I would love to see you do a video sometime about interior design books that you like. Even if not a video I would love some recommendations on some of your favorites (Especially on Japanese, Scandinavian, and mid century modern).
I love granny chic! I have a variety of fun pieces (dishes, decor, furnishings) that belonged to my great-grandmother, and they've brought in so much personality to my space. Now I tend to collect older pieces and antiques that reflect her style and it feels really personal. Sometimes I will add a new piece or two, but it ties back to the theme. I do understand your aversion to buying a bunch of new stuff to make your house look old.
I wouldn’t say my style is farmhouse per se; however, I do bend toward that style a bit but the pieces I incorporate are actual vintage farm items like an old rusty steel 3-legged milking stool that I use as a plant stand or my old metal egg basket. These items and others came from our family farm and I love how they work so well with other styles. So I am here and not at all offended. Love your content!
Lol, I’ll never unsubscribe from these vids since your style/personality is very similar to mine. Your videos are #1 for me. 💗So until you stop making them.....
Nick I absolutely love your channel and content. I often blurt out loud what you say before you say it! Makes me feel a little more confident in my own decor choices. BUT - your sense of humour and sarcasm are the BEST!
You're fun to watch even though my decorating style is the home equivalent of a financially disadvantaged teenager with rainbow multicolored hair, I don't take offense because ultimately we have to live in something that makes us happy, but I still like to know about trends. I agree about marshmallow furniture being ugly but I think that doorstop is ugly. It reminds me of a cowbell.
I love your "ideal farmhouse" descriptions it is the best description of my personal style! I like the understated, comfy, rustic/farmhouse look and feel
Love you Nick!! Your suggestions are always on spot. I am in the procedure of putting together my new home. Recently I got married so I’m in the search for timeless quality pieces for my new house and I am actually taking my time…trying to avoid buying the wrong things. I am following you for the past month and I have to admit that your suggestions make it so much easier !! Love your taste ! Kisses from Greece 🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷💋💋💋
I'm a farmhouse person and I think you are hilarious and give great insights. Granted I'm more "modern twist" on farmhouse with less clutter and more clean lines but the point stands!
Thanks for making Zara home video! Loving your channel! However, I don't have access to most of the mentioned stores in America, as I live in East Europe. So it's nice to hear you include such stores as Zara Home :)
Yes! Those soup cups/bowls! The vegetable stoneware reminds me of Botanic Garden by Portmeirion, the latter being better executed :D Everything old is new again.
I've just received my Zara Home online order, I bought two sets of beautiful knobs. Looks and feels way more expensive than it is. Materials: metal and real stone. Extremely happy that I can buy at least some of the brands you guys have in North America!
I feel a lot of these items would fit a high end farm house style. The rustic pottery, the rattan/caning, linen table cloths, ect. If we could get all of the farmhouse people to evolve a bit that would be great 😂
I’m glad I watched this and gave the Zara home review a chance. I’ve never considered looking at them because I find Zara has mostly fast fashion with most of the items not being the greatest quality. I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised by these products you introduced here. I like your honesty Nick so thank you!
I quite agree; now I became I fan of Zara home (I live in Tokyo); this year collection is superb! Great materials; delicacy; soothing colors… just music 😍
I love your videos, Nick. Watching them feels like quality time. Thank you so much for getting to the point asap. And also: You look GREAT in new surroundings!
Yeah, I kind of can do that ugly pillows myself so there's no need to buy them from the store. I wish I could attach a photo from my brown crocheted pillow🙄...but what can you do at home with your time during covid other than ugly handicraft?! I'm so glad I decided to do a totally different colored flip side for the pillow...it's a My Little Pony themed color combo😂
@@Lara-jp4xk oh my, I checked her channel. I'm not quite there yet😳 There is something willful in my personality that I don't want to follow instructions for crochet, but as you said I could definitely take some inspiration to try elevating my techniques and plan my color schemes more carefully.
So spooky - you pretty much had the same response to every item that was in my mind while watching! I was surprised by Zara;s new products too as here in the UK (where we also say varz and not vayz :-), I always saw Zara as selling lots of room fragrances and soap dispensers with overly ornate trinket boxes and brightly patterned crockery! So glad they have advanced to more natural and interesting items. I love your ideas on design and was wondering if you have ever done a video about second-hand finds on eBay? I've been really lucky with designer pieces and vintage decor items but I don't often see RU-vidrs discussing it as a resource.
Please do more of these for future Zara home collections. I love the vibe so much but sometimes there is so much choice its a little overwhelming! So this is a great help. Great work and loving the channel.
I am on the side of what all high end restaurants use as dinnerware-white, white and nothing but white. The food you are serving is the star of your dining experience, and your plate should serve as a back drop, much like the canvas does for a painting. I truly fear that color of pea green will make many foods pretty unappealing. I much prefer to add beautiful napkins and a centerpiece in the colors you love, instead of using colored and patterned dishes. Obviously, my opinion, only- worth what you paid for it!😂💕
I have a Zara Home store near me, and while they don't have any furniture, they do have really good accessories. I love buying vases, photo frames, dishes and knick knacks from them. I also have some throws that are the coziest and softest! We used to fight over them so I had to get one for each of us.
Country lover here (actually I describe my home as rustic coastal cottage style). I love your channel because I love to learn about all the different styles out there. I also love your presentation style, and that your videos are short and succinct.
I love that Diane! I walk a fine line between sharing my own opinions (which people want) and educating the audience about lots of different styles (which people also want.). This one leaned heavier on the opinion side due to the nature of the video. Glad you enjoyed it!
I would be very cautious with woven caning in the budget zone, especially when the caning is on the seat(rather than just the back). Caning is somewhat fragile; bargain caning can sag under weight in the seat, or separate where it is attached to the wooden frame. You’ll hate yourself when it happens to you (and fixing it costs more than the product cost new)
Agreed on those crocheted pillows, but if they were monochromatic i think they would have more of a modern tulum vibe. You should do a video on Tulum style! You should check out some of the hotels ie Be Tulum, Nomade, Radhoo. It’s a mix of warm neutral, mid century and wabi sabi - great inspo for outdoor spaces in Canada
We still have those same 30 year old soup mugs! (I’m sure they were a Christmas gift.) Naturally we never use them! Love your channel, Nick! Getting ready to reno my whole house and you are my go to guy!
Wow on the doorstop and the measuring cups! I don't need them but I want them anyway! Agree with everything you said. Those warped plates that looked handmade also caught my eye. Ordinarily a no, but fit with Japandi
I worked at Zara Home for many years, and the stuff that you consider the "worst" was actually our best seller in the location I worked (London). Zara home is split into 5 major categories; Basics, Classic/Hotel collection, Contemporary, Country and Ethnic. The Country collection (cottage core) was a constant seller, laced edged and mimosa printed bedsheets, country style glassware and toile de jouy printed cushions, customers couldn't get enough. The contemporary stuff looks really nice, but quality can be hit or miss due to materials used, and most don't realise that the majorly of the vases are not water safe, so not suitable for real flowers. Alot of the decretive items you can find similar at H&M home or homesense. But what i think they do well in style and in quality is bedsheets, crockery, glassware and home fragrance.
So here for your videos! I was hooked since day one. I love your honesty in your opinions. You have great taste and am grateful for you sharing them. I always find a nugget or two of great ideas in your vids. Thanks Nick. Have a great day!! Looking forward to future videos. 🤗
I appreciate your commentary, tips, and guidelines (e.g. your recent video on lighting) and the pop-up notes on screen. Those are timeless and universal. Some of your likes coincide with mine (such as the sage green porcelain place settings, and your video criticizing those over-stuffed "pub" style sofas and sectionals), but not much else. I never cared for "Farmhouse" decor - it always looked kind of silly or impractical to me. When I was young, distressed furniture was popular, I didn't care for that either. My style has to be eclectic, because my major furniture pieces are all hand-me-downs, haha; but, since I know what is good quality, I'm hanging on to them so they can be reupholstered, repaired, or refurbished when I can afford it.
