TOP 6 INTERIOR MISTAKES and HOW TO FIX THEM! 

Love your posts. I have dark kitchen counters and oak cabinets. Yes, they're dated, but no $$ to update or replace. Perhaps a COVID-19/I-have-no-money tips and tricks? LOL

1 You're overlooking the fact that everyone has different design tastes. While you might prefer tuscan-modern fusion designs, some other people prefer extravagant castle-like interiors. Plus, more effort usually equates to a better finished product, even in minimalist designs. 2 The matching furniture looks way more organized than interiors you liked around 1:09. The unmatched furniture creates visual clutter and clashing design styles. In all fairness, that is a legit design style, but it's definitely not for everyone. 3 Having a thick rug on a thick carpet is more comfortable on the joints than walking around on hard floors with paper thin cow hides on super hard & scratchyRoomba 4 If your counters have contrast with the rest of the room, then that increases their visibility & reduces the risk of dropping things off the counter. If the counter blends in with the drawers, then you can't easily see where the counter's edge is. The fact it's harder to see dirt and grime on black surfaces is actually a selling point for certain people because it looks better with less work. White surfaces will look dirty with very little use, but you can keep both light & dark surfaces with proper cleaning. Also, white surfaces actually hide grime that's white like hard water deposits, white food crumbs, etc. On black surfaces, white debris (like dust & stuff) is visible. 6 A TV over the fireplace ruins the focal point? The TV draws attention to the fireplace making it the center of attention (the literal definition of a focal point). Obviously, you shouldn't place the TV so high people have to crane their neck to it, but most houses have 8' ceilings and fireplace mantles, not 16' ceilings. So that usually isn't an issue. The TV is usually like 4' in the air and protected from heat damage on the fireplace mantle. Your tertiary details like a TV & fireplace belong near secondary details like the fireplace's accent wall or the mantle. If you start just putting details everywhere, then you make the space cluttered & misaligned. There's nothing wrong with putting a TV on a media cabinet though. @9:13, the example you like, people have to crane their heads to the right to look at the TV, which is one of my biggest pet peeves. The TV belongs centered with the couch, not to the side. In that specific example, the mantle is too high for a TV & I'd examine other locations or rooms to put the TV. The takeaway: All-in-all, I noticed you do have reasons for each point you made, but I have reasons for disagreeing with all of you points. When I give a thumbs down, I like to write why. I just disagree. Have a beautiful day & happy designing!

Omg, RU-vid is scrambling my comment. Sorry about the grammar errors.

Are dark countertops always a mistake? Although I’m not a fan of traditional granite, I have ordered a black mist honed granite, that mimics black soapstone to have installed in our 1949 home. The cabinets will be painted Benjamin Moore Acadia white, with a white vintage look backsplash. Black and white pattern tile floors, brushed gold faucets and pulls. Large white fire clay sink. Pretty much black and white, with pops of fiesta wear and retro look small appliances. Was trying to go for a classic, timeless ,vintage look for an older home.

@@anniek2765 According to her, yes, black countertops are always a mistake because they hide grime. I think they look nice though.

The mirror everything is not well used by people. It is not a trend but rather a design style calle Hollywood Regency/ Glam mid century modern. People just overuse it.

@Joyce B Lol! Really? Surely you couldn't wait to take them all down. Congrats on your new cottage home! May you & yours enjoy it with blessings & tons of love!

@@stephaniemaloney4324 Drives me insane especially when in a store. Aisles full of them!😳🤪

Thank you SO much for your kind comment and thanks for joining my channel!!

I blame Chip and Joanna Gaines for these trends LOL. Kidding 😁

Well either way that is an amazing sweet thing to say and I so appreciate it! I hope you keep on watching, and commenting it makes a huge difference to me👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙌🏻🤣🙂😘👏🏻😘

So true! I have scene area rugs over super low pile carpets do very well, and I’m so glad you guys tried it and really liked the results!👍🏻🙌🏼🥰

Yes, I've done that too. I got the largest size carpet to show the smallest amount of ugly as possible! Lol

LOL Ronica me too! 🙌🏻 I'm ALWAYS getting surprised by what I like, but the tv over the fireplace is definitely one of the tougher looks one to pull off!👏🏻👏🏻 Thanks for being a part of my youtube family, and thanks for watching!! 😁💖

Thank you SO much for your kind comment!!

Yay! Fantastic Kathleen! I’m delighted to hear this… Why don’t you save a few before and after photos, and send them over to me at hello at least aholt.com… We can feature them in the before and after section of the club!

Lol! Funny term 😂

So glad I know I've helped!! Thanks for joining the channel, there's lots more stuff coming!

Thanks! I never advocate to rip out beautiful stone... it’s really for ppl renovating or redoing kitchens and giving some advise on trends there! Thanks for watching 🙂🙂

Great comment! Thanks so much for joining my channel, there's LOTS more coming!

@@LisaHoltDesign I saw a tiny home show where someone had used a wall as a projection screen and ran everything from his phone and an itty bitty piece of tech that sat on a small shelf!!! Amazing what people can do.

Could you send a link for the projection screen that can hide away? 🙏🙏

@@kimberlymann1330 I don't have a link but a search engine would probably provide you with options. Or check with one of your local merchants.

Kimberly Mann i made the order through Amazon, I could send it to you if I have your email, Or Pinterest. Just to let you know I bought a projector that has to go along with the projector screen costing around 3000.00. I have a 4K projector, which is why it’s costly but the projector screen alone is $100.00-$124.00 you can get it all black or all white depending on the color of your ceiling.

OMG Erin that is SO funny!! 🙌🏻 I KNOW that none of my New Jersey youtube fam would do that to their homes! 😘🔥 Thanks for making me laugh, and I'm SO glad you liked my alternative to the castle style a little better! 🤣💕

OMG Adriane...so glad you agree!! 🤣💕 It can totally work -- but just not the style for me! 😂 Happy New Year's!! 🥂

I went to a house party and the house was Tuscan and it just felt like I was in a Home Furnishing store. Nothing personalized at all. I lived in Italy, and what people think is Italian is crazy.

Haha! show him this video!!!;) or buy him a neck brace ;)

@@LisaHoltDesign A new t.v . has emerged that looks like artwork! I'm surprised Lisa didn't mention it although for most of us it is out of our price range.

I like it above the fireplace, I only have one living room and I hate trying to figure out how to center the room around both focal points. If I had a formal and informal living room it would be a different story, but I don’t lol. The height doesn’t bother us at all

mine too ugh

Go to Mantelmount.com. This was my answer. I use this and recommend this product. Plus not everyone has space other than over the fireplace to have the TV. It is just a fact of life for most folks.. hence why the builders put the electrical in place OVER the fireplace! lol

Lol 😂... love it!

NEVER a good solution! :)

It's so easy to do when you buy everything from the same place (IKEA). It takes a lot of discipline not to furnish everything with the "Fjallbo" collection from IKEA.

@J CarverThat was so 70's and 80's. My mother did the same back then.

Thank you!!! We've gotten more stable with our set in my recent videos, but I loved the versatility! 🥰😍💕

HAHA! I wish I could cook more as well!!! 💕 hahah!! So glad you love your space now!! 👏🏻👏🏻

You are so welcome Samantha! I try to keep these video short and sweet:D

I’m so glad you’re joining us, there’s LOTS more coming!

Thank you 🙏🏻 so much Torrey! Keep on watching! 🙂

Good ideas! The height and viewing angle can still be problematic but that solves two issues for sure!

That’s exactly why I started this! To help you guys out as much as possible! Keep watching :)

Hanle!!! This just made my day - THANK YOU!!! 🌟🤩 I love to have a little bit of fun mixed in with design because- why not?! 😝 Thank you so much for this sweet comment and WELCOME to our fun community!!! 🥳👏🏼💙💙

I'm glad you're joining us! Have you joined the list for the Design Club yet? I think you’ll love it, we’ll livestream Q&A’s, deep dive and give lots of pro tips all about design, great for if you've got a project coming up, so send your email to www.lisaholtdesign.com and you'll be in the loop!

Yay! Thanks so much for your kind comments, and thanks for joining my channel

Woohoo! Glad you found it useful! Thanks so much for joining us, there's LOTS more coming!

Thank you so much for watching my video!!

Hey Deborah. So glad you enjoyed it!

Yay!! Haha! I'm glad you're joining us!!

Yay!!! I’m so glad you found me!!!! Welcome to the family 😘😊😉🎉🍾

Such a great point Switzer!!! So glad you’re watching these videos and sharing your input on these tips, I hope they are SO helpful for you!!!! ❤️

😁😁😁

She was just making sure we were paying attention. 😉

But it’s not. It’s a cowhide with a pattern printed on. Real zebras don’t look like that.

@@jjpp2216 That's interesting! Shows I haven't been on any safaris, I guess.

She said faux hide

Thanks so much for joining my channel! There's LOTS more coming!

Thanks Chris! 😘

Totally agree:)

Well... dark kitchens can be so sexy and gorgeous (especially in pictures). But they are a pain to clean:D

@@LisaHoltDesign Yes and no. I created a dark kitchen because I couldn't afford to replace the (dated but still classic) warm oak cabinets. However, I chose a laminate that looked like dark stone. I had it put on the back splash as well as the countertop and swapped out all the switch plates with dark ones. Then I installed black appliances and a black Blanco sink. It was gorgeous. Laminate is super easy to clean without harsh chemicals or products marble and stone require, less expensive and gave me a stone look that ended up stunning. People had to touch it to realize that it wasn't a high end product.

@@lynda.grace.14 I'm thinking of dark countertops and white cabinets...can you share what laminate you chose please. I know Lisa says its a no no...but I'm still considering it.. :-)

@@melaniesimpson6322 The current line may have changed; however, I used Wilson Art Alpine Passage 1844k-45. It had various dark gradients with a green tone in it. (I called it "Pond Scum" as a bit of satire against the pretentiousness that can creep into the design process.) The way it enhanced the oak and worked with the flooring I had decided to keep brilliantly. I used the same material in a cream tone in the bathroom and it was lovely as well as easy to maintain. I'd suggest getting samples from a sales rep from a countertop or kitchen restoration company who will have larger off cuts rather than the 1x2 inch samples in the box stores. That said, a darker tone doesn't have to border on black. Against white, many medium toned colours (so long as they are deeply saturated) can be amazing. I have one I'm considering (again to sui the flooring as well as the white cupboards in my new home). It's a rich, warm brown called Earth Wash 7213-58 by Formica. However, I'm not sure I plan to stay here and am not sure I'd get the value out of replacing something that's "perfectly (boring) fine." Designers recommend all sorts of things. In the end, you live there. It's not photograph in a magazine that looks fabulous as you flip through, but doesn't work for you. I wish you luck and the joy of your choice.

@@lynda.grace.14 Thanks so much for the fast reply Lynda. I'll check out your choices Great idea to check out some larger pieces/off cuts. Good luck with your future projects. :-)

Yay...Deborah! Glad it was helpful:))))

Yay! SO glad you like them Xenia! Thanks for joining the channel!

Thank you SO much for your kind comment and thanks for joining my channel! Be sure to send your email to www.lisaholtdesign.com, and I’ll add you to my Design Club list we’re launching soon, where we’ll livestream Q&A’s, do deep dives, feature B&A’s and give lots of pro tips all about design, you’ll LUV it!

I'm in an apartment with very dark counters. I can't do anything about it, but I definitely keep them clean.

Thank you so much for joining my channel! Have you joined the list for the Design Club yet? We’ll livestream Q&A’s, deep dive and give lots of pro tips all about design, just go to www.lisaholtdesign.com and sign up!

I'm in a small studio and I'm retired so no real renovating. However, I updated my counter tops which are warm tones but not expensive by doing the following: You can buy beautiful 2ft x 2ft shiny ceramic tiles that look like marble in white or light grey for about $12 each. Just sit them right on top and they lighten up the whole space. Very durable and you can use them as cutting boards and they don't scratch. Sounds like you could put several in your space. Just a suggestion.

Your welcome 🙏🏻

Thanks so much for your kind comment Lori, and thanks for joining the channel!

Exactly! Thank you so much for joining my channel!!

I don’t think it’s a mistake if you love it! Remember, opinions are subjective. It’s your home so do what you love with it ❤️

The all white kitchen has had its day already. I think you made a great choice!

Try doing darker base cabinets to ground it. Its a good trend thats taking off here were I live

Thank you so much Kimberly I so appreciate your comments! Keep on watching!🙂🙂😘😘

Thank you Bonnie 😘! I appreciate the kind comment!

LOL! Could be... it always depends upon on how it is executed. Just don't over do the plants!

@@LisaHoltDesign I have extreme FOMO over this. With crisp white walls, jute rugs and a rattan style furni. But I live in Calgary, it's cold and dry most of the time, and it's taken me so much (well spent) time and effort caring for my fiddle leaf fig, that it would be impossible to keep this home humid for more plants!

@@carinaoliveira5850 buy a humidifier 🤷‍♀️

Bella!!! This is so sweet!!! 🥰💙 I have SO much fun making these videos for you guys - I'm always so glad to hear that some of the energy shines through!! 🤩💚 Thank you SO much for watching, and hope you're having a fabulous Sunday night!! 💕🌟

Thank you Marjan 🙂

YES!!!! Rule of thumb, pick 2 you really like, and that's all....everything else will be quiet, and it'll look FAB!

The bright pink countertops with green cabinets killed my eyes in a second XD

We made the mistake of painting an entire room millennial pink (I love blush but this was bubblegum)… My husband and I were both seeing green (the negative) for the next three days, so we changed it

HI Calcedonie! Yes, that's exactly it! 1 or 2 of trends and YOU"RE DONE in the space!;)Thanks so much for watching and being a part of my channel, there’s lot more fun stuff coming!

Glad you enjoyed it!

Bonny!! This is so sweet - I do my best to keep it together but my editor definitely has her work cut out for her sometimes! 😂❤️ This week she added bloopers to the end of the video 🤣 Oops!! Thank you for your kind words, and thank you so much for watching!! 😘🌟

Some of the most beautiful kitchens have dark counter tops! If you love them, that’s all that matters 🙂

So glad, by it’s not an easy fix if you’re no longer loving them!

Lisa Holt Design it is very true that it isn’t cheap to change them! My kitchen is a warm white with an espresso (almost black but really a very dark chocolate brown) coloured Caesar stone. It’s a gentler contrast than black and white.

Shoot, this comes up for so many folks, because the architects/builders don't think about how to live in the space! NEXT home, you can change it! :)

Debdavis50

I have the same problem 😭

OMG Alexsandra!! I promise - I have TONS of great videos coming! 🔥💖 I can't WAIT to share them with you! 😁 Stay tuned for next week - we're talking transitional style!! See you then!! 😘🌟

Woohoo!! SO glad I know I've helped! And we’d always love to see the before/after shots at hello@lisaholt.com, so we can share it with the Club! Thank you so much for joining my channel!!

Thanks so much for your comment and thank you for being a part of my channel!

Yep!

Well there is a very distinct sense of culture, history and design in America. However, Compared with Western Europe, it’s definitely new and lacks the depth, richness and cultures sensibility of cultures thousands of years older. I grew up in Rome and went to design school in London, so I adore the histories, design and culture of Western Europe! My job is to understand and appreciate all design styles so I can educate and provide exactly what you guys want and desire design wise 🙂! Great comment

Not entirely true. I collect antiques, yet still have a pretty modern space that reflects my interests and love of craftsmanship.

maybe we are distancing ourselves from your European snobbery.

Woohoo!! Thank you so much for being a part of my channel!!

Thank you so much for your kind comment, I'm glad you are joining my channel! Have you joined the list for the Design Club yet? I think you’ll love it, we’ll livestream Q&A’s, deep dive and give lots of pro tips all about design, so send your email to www.lisaholtdesign.com and you'll be in the loop!

Eloy!!! What a fabulous approach!! 🤩 I love how your style is changing with you as you move through different stages in your life!!! 💙👏🏻 Have you seen my video on the Transitional Design Style yet? I think you might love it - sounds a little like what you're planning!!! 🌟 Definitely check it out and let me know what you think!! 🥰💚

Hey NMJ! If you're in school, you DEF want to join the club, it's all the info I can't go into in the YT format bc it's too much info! sign up www.lisaholtdesign.com

Thanks 🙏🏻

Thank you Dino!!

Yay! Thank you more your kind comment and thanks for joining us!

Glad you enjoyed the video! 😊

Yay! Thanks so much for your kind comments, and thanks for joining my channel!

You are so welcome Elizabeth:)))

Francesca! YAY so glad you're here and in the RU-vid family!!! 😍💕

Thank you Sharon!! 🙂

I have another great video releasing this Friday with even MORE talk about fireplace and tv design!! Stay tuned for that Q&A video!!! 🥰😍💕

Awww Mary!! You guys are the best - this is just the sweetest comment ever!! 💕👏🏻 I cannot WAIT until everything is back to normal and we can all travel again...counting down the days until I can get back on a plane!!!! ✈️💚 Thank you SO much for your kind words, and thanks for supporting my channel!! 😘💙

Totally 💯% agree!!!

I know!!! It makes me so militant😝 thanks so much for joining the channel

Dolsie!! So happy to help you guys solve your design dilemmas!! 🥰🌟🌟

Thank you so much for your kind comment! That's a great request, I'll add it to the list of videos to come!

🥰💕🌟

Exactly!! Thanks so much for joining my channel!!

Aww thank you Sharon!! 🥰💖 Hope your 2021 is going FABULOUSLY so far!! 💕🥳

WOW! So glad I know I've helped!! And we’d always love to see the before/after shots at hello@lisaholt.com, so we can share it with the Club!

Yay!! So glad you liked the video!! 🤩🤩 Thanks for watching!🙏

As long as you LOVE the space, that's all that matters!!! YAY!!! 😍👏🏼 I am just here to share some general design advice to you all!! 😋💛💛💛

THAT Laura is 100% my intention...to EMPOWER you guys to transform your homes!

Glad you enjoyed them Romy! Please keep watching🙂

Colleen, thanks so much! I've got waaaay too many! :)

Yay! Thanks so much for watching!

Have you joined the list for the Design Club yet? I think you’ll love it, we’ll livestream Q&A’s, deep dive and give lots of pro tips all about design, great for if you've got a project coming up, so send your email to www.lisaholtdesign.com and you'll be in the loop! Thanks so much for joining my channel!

Congrats and good luck on the upcoming move!