A family member had granite in a kitchen that had been 'luxury' renovated 20 years ago. So when they wanted to update, instead of ripping out the expensive countertops, they worked with it for the new design with the cabinet paint, fixtures, drawer pulls, sink choice. It looks great. I wouldn't choose it, but isn't design about working with what you have and making it gorgeous?
I had just purchased my own home when the Tuscan kitchen was all the rage, and I loved the granite countertop that went with it. Countertops are expensive though to switch out and I did the same as your family member. I had my kitchen cabinets painted to October Mist BM sage colour paint, and it looks lovely with the now dated granite. I think a darker green would have worked better but still loving the outcome. So it's best for the budget to work around the expensive objects in your house, and you end up with an eclectic interesting home, in a good way. When homes look too polished I find them cold and uninteresting.
@@kyraleos yes! Thanks for sharing. I’ve moved cities a lot myself and when you are renting-even a nice, new place-same principal applies. I find it can help hone my creativity in interesting ways.
That’s what I did. I have the whole busy granite-honey oak cabinets-beige tile trifecta that was all the rage at the time, and some fresh cabinet pulls and a fresh coat of paint on the walls really makes it a lot less dated. It’s like literally fine.
Nick’s Nightmare Home: polished concrete floors with animal print rugs, matching 3-pc suite in cream bouclé with bouclé accent pillows & a feature wall papered in giant jungle florals. Lovely.
And don't forget some rhinestones in the decorations, maybe in the desk chair cushion or encircling the bottom of a bar glass to give his drinks have extra sparkle.😉
Speaking of sustainability. I used to work for a family that did a HUGE renovation and took out their beautiful 5 year old kitchen with gorgeous granite countertops but wait...this story has a happy ending. They SOLD their kitchen, counters cabinets and all to my dad for a good price (especially as the granite was at high risk for cracking one little peice of a backslash lip thing did) who with help and hard work got a beautiful little kitchen , the other people got their new huge ( double the size) kitchen and both groups saved a whole kitchen from the landfill and did a sustainable design.
Keep your eyes open for sales in really wealthy areas. They are often handled by companies that do estate sales. My dad has gotten furniture and cabinetry from multimillion dollar houses. They redo stuff every 5 or so years and sell the old stuff off before construction starts. For example, his dining room table retails for $20,000! He got it for $150 from a family redoing their interior.
My brother did the same- nothing really wrong with the white farmhouse kitchen itself but it clashed with the prairie style and was visible because of the open plan. They had a custom kitchen made by an Amish carpenter- it was beautiful and more workable layout. They removed all the pieces very carefully
So good to hear while the “property brothers” go in with sledgehammers and could donate to people who need it. Like in Detroit or Pittsburg in run down houses
I see all this TikToks of girls "sacrificing" the -aesthetic- of their place to let their partners put up their decorations (trinkets, action figures, legos, games), and they always give them an ugly black Ikea shelf in a dark corner. It would look so much better to make an effort to make it all work together. As you said, let the room tell a nice story. Not the story of how your partner is a man child without any right to his own space. My current rental has "half" built-in wooden bookshelves in almost every room (they take up most of the wall but don't go all the way to the sides or the top, and the bottom half of the wall is free), I absolutely love it. They have an irregular layout and built-in drawers, and it's the most practical storage solution/decoration I've ever had. The place is small, so wall-to-wall bookcases would sacrifice most of the space, but I can fit a bed or a couch under them, and have hooks and art in the space at the sides, without blocking access to them at all. The fact that they are flush to the wall is also a godsend. When I have my own place is the first thing I'm gonna plan.
When my husband and I got married after college yrs ago while house hunting we looked at a townhouse with those open stairs I tripped and my leg almost went through the gap. I HATE those stairs and it looks so cheap to me. Very dangetous for small children and even small pets.
I totally agree. Isn’t it hard to meet people who say what the mean these days? The number one thing that attracted me to this challenge. I just love nick’s character.
Brass been on and off since the 500 bC just like wood and adobe, people might not LOVE them but I don't think are ever out of fashion, total definition of timeless classic.
Just discovered your channel. As a 67 year old lady who is on her third house and has strong opinions about decor, I love your videos. You know what you're talking about, but your commentary has a little standup to it, too, and you're content is so thought provoking to me.. so glad I've just scratched the surface with your content!!!! Thanks!
Your comment just spoke to me. I’m 63 and this is my fourth home, been here for 23 years and am passionate about my decor. I can’t get enough of NICK! I’m addicted for the very same reasons you stated. What amazing content! And his sarcasm has me laughing and glued week after week!
I’m a month shy of 68. I discovered Nick through James at Paint People (they often do collaborations). Nick is a pleasure to watch. And very knowledgeable as well.
61 here and in a new to me home, town etc. After living in one area my whole life. So I'm taking my time, doing what I want in this place, and LOVE, love the commentary Nick brings to the table, whether it be wood, natural stone, glass, or ... plastic :)
Great video, glad he agrees on granite, I don't care if it's not in style, I'm getting too old to re do my kitchen, it's staying, and I'm ok with it, also Loved Stainless Steel appliances, he makes a lot of sense here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marie-Claude - I agree. Nick delivers his opinions with such subtle humor that I find it hard to believe anyone would be offended by him. The comment about the 9-year old! Priceless!
I’m 100% with you on the granite. I don’t think any natural material can go out of style completely. Natural materials will always have their place and be beautiful to me.
My home (built in 2006) has granite throughout the kitchens and bathrooms. We updated the kitchen 2 years ago, but left the granite. It’s beautiful granite and it seemed so wasteful to redo it. I get sooo many compliments on it. Granite will be back sooner than we know it!
We built our house just 5 short years ago and I love my granite countertops. They have a lovely salt and pepper look which will go with so many neutrals. We have it with white shaker cabinets and warm gray walls and I love it every day.
My kitchen and 4 bathrooms all have the same black granite countertops, shower shelves and benches. It's a beautiful granite, but in the kitchen it's been driving me crazy as it just eats up the light. I would love replacing it for a much lighter colour, but I just cant justify the waste of such a good quality product. So I refinished the cabinetry and added more light.
You are so smart and practical! Even though people say it is “out of style”I don’t agree. And the options they suggest are typically are some sort of engineered stone, and they love it because they want to sell you something. If your granite counters had been damaged that would be one thing. But just to follow a trend? That is no part of my personality. And it is, as you said, wasteful. That granite was extracted from the Earth at great cost in resources, dumping it in a landfill is so disrespectful to the Earth, and every person who worked to cut, finish, and install it. 💕
I love traditional (closed concept) floor plans. The open concept thing is getting so out of hand that I feel like in 5 years houses are gonna start looking like warehouses. I can’t stand houses that are just one room with a kitchen island in the middle. I’ve also noticed that lofts are becoming a big thing in new builds and I think it’s the biggest waste of space. Like you have a living room downstairs and that space could’ve been another bedroom which would increase the resale value.
Yes. They are great for parties, but not good for trying to cook while someone watches TV or having your friends visit while someone watches TV etc. Open plan is not great when your hubby is a sports addict.
I just chose granite countertops for my new home. I agree, the stone isn't the problem. The dated cabinets are the problem. I love marble, too. Granite won for the durability.
Absolutely! I've put granite in two of my houses so far. There are so many more options than the shiny speckled tan stuff that people think of. It's such a great stone. Highly recommend.
Marble is sooooo impractical! You literally cannot clean it or remove stains on it without ruining the finish.. I had two beautiful marble bathrooms and try removing hard water spots or soap scum off of marble even when it has sealant on it.. Never again will I put in marble.
I've done both.. Oh but on purpose, for fun. They're extremely hard to get through, even when little, no way you could fall accidentally. I grew up with them and all the houses in our neighbourhood had them, to save on wood. It's funny to think of them as chic Ours were carpeted though.. Carpet wrapped around each step. The cats loved running up them upside down, holding on with their claws
@@megjillmright probably don't own a bed frame or side tables. I think he is in the middle I am close to being a little cluttered but more paper and family member clutter not my own 😄
Funny to hear about brass being a trend that’s “over” for some people. When I decorated my first apartment back in the ‘70s I remember brass was everywhere. That was 50 years ago!! I still love the occasional piece of brass in my home. Chosen well, it will never go out of style. The obsession people have with what’s in or out is ridiculous. You do you!!!
what is something that you are most surprised to see back or still in style from that time? I'm decorating my first apartment I'm owner of and just so curious to know what will be in or out later on!
@@cfloster Don’t be concerned with what’s in or out - or what will be in the future - when it comes to cocooning your nest. There is no surer way of regretting your choices 5 years from now than going whole-hog on whatever’s trending this moment (good example is the “live, laugh, love” signage cr@p that was everywhere and still makes me cringe when I see it for sale or on someone’s wall). I hope what NEVER comes back are “matching” LR or BR sets … unless you want to advertise you have a complete lack of taste and imagination. Oh, and I’d say always buy original art if you can. Or paint your own canvasses!!
Nick, I absolutely love that you talk about how fast trends for home furnishings is not good for the environment or our budgets. You are so real! I’m not even decorating at the moment but I still watch everyone of your videos.
I have white kitchen appliances and I love them. Bright and clean. The newest trend to black kitchen appliances appalls me. You don't want clinical depression in your kitchen, and by the way, black shows everything - cleaning nightmare!
I love the staircases too !! However, I once stayed at a house with them with my daughter and she was terrified by them , I had to carry her up and down - my daughter btw is a greyhound names Beatrice 😊❤
For me, it’s travertine. It’s natural, beautiful and I love it. It hurts my heart that so many people are ripping out their travertine tile floors because it’s “dated” now.
For me, I feel the same about parquet wooden floors... at least in my country, there was a time everyone was ripping them up, covering them, the works. Then, they came back into style. Now, they're going out of style again. Honestly? I just feel like wooden floors will always be beautiful and warm, and I don't understand why so many people decided to not like certain styles of them.
One thing I don't understand why people started hating whole heartedly is a regular kitchen. Everyone loves the "open concept" and totally believes separate kitchen is like forever in the past. Open concept does work in many situations but throwing away forever the separate kitchen idea seems premature. Love your videos btw, thanks a lot 😊
@@lv2draw1 My kitchen is beside the dining promo but still separate. I wish I lived in a house big enough to worry about caring dishes to the dining table.😂
Actually, when I was 9 we had an open staircase. We kids learned to jump the last 3 steps because our cat would try to reach through from his hiding place to grab our ankles😂
@@DaveNYCbest comment ever 😂. Now I am picturing the cats playing on the dead kids….actually I’m pretty sure the cats pushed the kids and that’s why they fell through the open steps.
I love so many things that other people think are odd, ugly, dated, or obsolete! Federalist style decor in pale butter-lemon yellow and rich royal blue; so-called gallery-white walls in a living room in order to provide a neutral backdrop for all colors of art; striped silk chair pads in saturated colors like blood orange and cobalt blue or tangerine and goldenrod. Brass? Yes. Copper? Even better. My aunt had a collection of copper gelatin/aspic/mousse molds hanging around her kitchen and I still love how they looked.
I lived in a town founded by Quakers in the 1600s in NJ, and furnished my home in Federal period furniture. But in 2014, I moved to Los Angeles, and I now live in the high desert in New Mexico. I had to leave that style behind -- just doesn't work in the West. But I still admire it!
I ❤ cobalt blue and saturated jewel tones! I'm a rare beed though. If I could mash up a Craftsman style home with its clean lines and woodwork pair it with copper and black metal accents and a jewl tones with a bit of 50s aqua appliances kitschy 🍋print on teal and for fall have some subtle 🦇 decore Id be in heaven !
As a geology student I definitely have a bias and I love granite ❤ it's really durable and extremely hard because it's full of quartz! Of course if all the rest of your kitchen looks dated it's not gonna look amazing but I truly believe if you put it in a great design it's gonna look super cool.
My husband is a geologist and LOVES granite too. And you’re right ..ANY counter would look dated if it has dated cabinets and backsplashes along with it.. Granite is here to stay! 😄
I adore my granite countertops 😍 When I was in the store looking through the slabs of granite, I was in awe - so many of them are like works of art! With everything else in my kitchen very understated (white cabinets, stainless steel appliances), the granite takes center stage and looks stunning.
You nailed it about certain granite slabs being like works of art! A relative selected a granite countertop that had wonderful “movement” in it - the most beautiful counter I had ever seen. I still think about that countertop.... I group granite into 2 main categories: Conglomerate and Sedimentary. Of the two, it is only the latter that’s truly unique, captivating and beautiful. Conglomerate has that scattered, commercial look - it’s the stuff they use for office buildings and headstones. Sedimentary is layered, with undulating lines and elegant waves. People going for the Tuscan Look often opted for taupish, golden or caramel Conglomerate - so it’s little wonder they got sick of it: it lacked any artistic element. 🤷🏻♀️
I had a place with an open staircase. My friend's older dog was terrified of it, and rightly so. One paw put wrong and definitely could have fallen through. Plus the visuals were probably disorienting from her line of sight, which made her shaky and and accident even more likely. So I put these staircases in the "for single people who don't have much company" category.
@@dianeyoung8068 you can argue parents are irresponsible if they opt for the open staircases knowing the risks with their kids. Not that they’re not watching kids like a hawk.
@@Nick_Lewis that’s exactly what we got has worked perfectly for three puppy dogs, and two kids and after some training n educating it comes off :) also ur reply just made me totally go fanboy and has made my weekend.
my in-laws had open staircases in their home since my husband was a baby. He's climbed them, his nieces/nephews and any other tiny guests have had no issues with them. Initially I was afraid of them too, but quickly realized that if built correctly (correct height, width, pace- stair engineers know what I mean) the probability that you/your child would fall off those stairs is equal to falling off a flight of regular stairs. Kids aren't made of glass and sugar, and they're smart (or at least are quick learners), they can manage a bit of pain. (and if we're talking about a baby... what are they doing near a stair of any sort lol)
I LOVE that brass became so popular and is still so widely available. It makes it easier to match the midcentury pieces I inherited and are going to last forever!
Growing up my nan had a metal open spiral staircase. Not one person has ever broken a bone and that includes the many times we've run up or down them in stockings haha
This is the power of grandparents. My great aunt had small breakabke porcelain pieces in her front room. Not one ever broke due to a kid. She did not have problems with kids.
I was so confused about the open staircases, because almost everyone had them, when I was a kid and I never heard of a child falling through them. Then I realised: I am german - we have DIN Norms and safety regulations. So, maybe the stairs are not the problem in this scenario.
As german myself, experiencing both open staircases at my grandmothers and carpeted enclosed stairs at my parents... the statistics might be off but I slipped on the round carpeted stairs soo much more. I can't count how often I fell. Zero times with the open staircase. But again, fewer times at grandma than obviously at my parents.
The new alternative to the stainless steel are definitely going to be those cream-colored appliances with brass handles/knobs. They're sort of vintage-looking and I really like them! Stainless steel is always a good choice too, though
I’m with you on minimalism. So calming. I don’t care if my space doesn’t scream my personality to others when they walk in. I’m the one living in it. I like my space to feel like a calm resort.
I don't know how to explain, but I have difficulty visually with open stairs. Maybe my eyes see the open places and get confused, and then I get dizzy. I must have eye-hand-foot coordination problems or an inner ear problem or something. Anyway I hate open stairs. The other things you mentioned I agree with you, as usual!
We just remodeled our kitchen and my favorite countertop material was quartzite, but was out of our budget, I tried to like quartz, but couldn't get into it.. so I found a new river white granite that I just love. I love the veining and its light with grey, white, and I love that it has depth and that it comes from the earth
I am with you Nick on the granite. Why throwing the baby with the bath water? All not granite are created equal and some are absolutely gorgeous. I waited years and worked many many hours to purchased a beautiful natural stone countertop, and what a treat! Two years later, I am still in love with it, not a week goes by where I notice a new 3-D stunning detail in it. I just love wiping it as it is so beautiful. And if you really use it to its true potential, sourdough doesn't even stick to it! I was one of those thinking that a countertop is just a countertop that you no longer see after a month. Well I was so wrong, I see and admire it everyday!
One of the problems with open staircases is that many dogs are frightened of them. Also, all the dust and such falls through them onto what ever is below. Love your videos Nick. Greetings from Victoria!
I was going to say this. My old dog absolutely refused to climb an open staircase. And the dust falling everywhere is a huge deterrent as well. I think they can look nice but I would never choose to have one.
My 18 year old Pomeranian fell thru our open staircase. Top step, to the wooden floor below. He survived, but it was a freak out on my end. I’d never have an open staircase again.
@@Drakencoo How horrible for you. You lived my nightmare. I'm glad your Pom survived. I love the look of an open staircase but having them eliminates a good chunk of the resale market. Apparently seniors don't love them either.
I have a log open staircase in our log home, with a piano underneath it. Nightmare of debris falling down. Slippery open treads have proven a hazard as well.
I absolutely love granite and it comes in subdued and busier patterns for all styles/ tastes. Of course the price points will differ. Gorgeous natural material
@@HeronCoyote1234 Not really. Lowes laminate with install starts at 27/sf granite starts at 50/sf. I work at Lowes in the cabinet/countertop dept. I'm actually watching this on my lunchbreak.
@@LDM805 our Lowe’s (upstate NY) showed they were almost the same cost, once you add in install. For a bit more, especially for only 25 sq ft, we’d rather go with granite (Roaming Mist, I believe, and the cabinets in Cloud).
@@LDM805 There are minimums on laminate though. Last time I priced a laminate countertop, it was $700 (Home Depot's minimum). A black granite remnant in the same space was $660.
Would love to see people come to the realization that when one is a grown up what others think of you hence home decor and in general doesn't matter in the long run. If you love it you love it, thats what being an individual is all about. Claim it, enjoy it and love it if it's you😊
I love, love, love brass. It's a gorgeous metal, and it's an amazing choice for handles and pulls since brass (and all copper alloys) are naturally antimicrobial. Double duty for form and function! When I dream of my future house, it's with beautiful, vintage brass door handles for every room.
I am finally at the point that if I like it, it’s staying. I don’t care if it follows a trend. No way do I want the mess, expense and work of ripping out rooms in my house just so I fit someone else’s idea of a trend. My home is designed for comfort and peace. And that never goes out of style.
Natural stone of any kind is beautiful and any can work with any design style. I hate when people tear out natural stone instead of working with it. You can fit brown granite into a modern design. I can understand people wanting to have the one they were dreaming of though. I got to pick my quartzite countertop. Fortunately I was only tearing out old laminate.
My last kitchen remodel, 2017, I went looking for countertop options. I knew I was done with granite - wanted soapstone but knew my budget would get in my way. Walked into the showroom, explained how I didn’t want granite but loved the look of soapstone. She immediately left and came back with a ‘leathered granite.” WHAT? So here I am with another granite countertop and I LOVE it!
Just googled leather granite, super interesting!!! I definitely dig the textured finish but maybe with a less speckled piece. The more solid colored pieces kinda remind me of slate. I wonder how cleaning the leathered surface is?
My parents have leathered granite and I’m in love with their counters. My mom also found this beautiful antique dresser and had a slab of the same granite custom cut to fit to make their guest bath vanity and it’s honestly stunning.
@@thesender6321 I didn't know the copper pennies weren't copper all the way through, but I should have guessed it. I live in the West and used to have some old copper stuff from Goodwill. Over the years, I guess I got rid of it due to not really having a place where it would look good. Now I have a little office/den and wish I had it - but I don't see copper anywhere. I think you just explained why. 😁
Minimalism is so great for making smaller spaces feel bigger. I’m way too much of a clutter bug/don’t have enough storage to execute, but in a tiny 400 sqft apartment in a city, minimalism can really trick the eye into feeling like a space is massive, especially with the right lighting.
This video is the epitome of why I love your personality. I got a good laugh. "survival of the fittest" 🤣😂 Also, "Sometimes with the metals you can't win" is so true. p.s I've been speaking poorly about my granite because its "too busy with its speckles" but you have made me take a step back and appreciate it again. (Even my house built in 2021 has it)
I love granite. I agree that it does lean traditional and so do I, but I just think your words on natural materials are golden. They eb and flow but never go all the way out as a meterial. How that material is used (colors, shapes, textures...) may change, but the material it self is timeless bc it existed before you and hopefully will exist after you.
It doesn't have to, though. Mine is a very contemporary kitchen and the granite fits in perfectly. Even the cut of the stone plays a part in it (square x round corners, for example).
Ahhh! I love the look of stainless too. However, as someone who actually cooks…a LOT…in my kitchen, those stainless appliances are a pain to keep clean. Every single one of them.
Live in Sweden, some people don't bother to move their furniture from apartment to apartment. Live in an apartment complex with about 120 apartments, there are at least 5 usuable pieces of furniture in the burn bin each week. I haven't had to buy any household plastic items in the time I have lived there.
The original owners of my 1999 home had custom granite installed in the kitchen, bathrooms, some shelving, and around the fireplace, and I love it! I updated the cabinetry, hardware & faucets, and it looks amazing. I thought stainless appliances showed too many fingerprints, so I opted for slate. And, I'm also a fan of the open staircase!
As a neat freak single person, I love the stainless appliances, but hate the fingerprints. I vote “Yes “ on paneled appliances, but they are in the want category, not need. Good video Nick!
Though there are many stainless appliances that don't show fingerprints! My Bosch refrigerator, for example, is stainless with an invisible glass panel (comes that way). Can clean it with Windex and fingerprints are almost nonexistent.
Everything you love here is everything I own & love. Exactly what my house looks like... granite, brass, with a few fluted decors & stainless steel appliances. Thank youuuuu
“Survival of the fittest” 😂 I love you. Agree with all of these honestly. I use a mix of brass and matte black fixtures in our home, and we rent, so I am very grateful for the stainless appliances over ugly white any day. 🥂
In the village, my family had an open staircase. And three children. It's actually really hard to accidentally fall through these spaces unless you do it on purpose 😂 more important is to have the barrier and arm support on the outer side of the stairs.
I too love the stainless. We are replacing appliances now and the new ones will be stainless. Another thing I love (as long as it is an updated modern style) is the ceiling fan. They make a room so comfortable in those in-between seasons.
I just love your channel. I love how down-to-earth you are. I love that you respect other people's styles and tastes. I especially love that you encourage people to work with what they have and what they like. Thanks for the content!
Thanks, Nick, for declaring your loves/likes in design and decor. I really love minimalism, too. Like you, I'm somewhere on the continuum closer to the more minimalist end, but my husband and I have very different tastes, so we meet somewhere that works for both of us. Open, uncluttered spaces make feel happy.
Love My Granite. in the kitchen with the Stainless Steel backsplash it has a kitchy 50's vibe that fits my MCM home. cabinets are all white the stove is stainless the DW and Fridge are white. the Accent Colour is Red. Very 50's diner kitchy and I Love it.
I have a plywood kitchen stained walnut with harvest gold counters and love it. Period dining furniture to match. Love it! Got to learn to work with what you have.
Love the positive spin on this video! I also love my "dated" kitchen featuring black granite countertops, cherry shaker cabinets and slate backsplash (edit: also stainless steel appliances, of course 😆). I hope to god someday someone doesn't come in and rip out the granite or paint that beautiful wood. That's the modern equivalent of installing carpet over hardwood floors.
On the upside solid-wood can always get restained! If I were to purchase your house the first thing I would do is restain the cabinets. And generally the silver lining of carpet over hardwood floors means that the hardwood floors get preserved
@@ah5721 That's true, but I don't think it's as easy or does the wood much good to try to remove paint! I don't know if they could be restained lighter (cherry tends to darken and richen over time) but it's an interesting idea. Maybe going to a dark espresso color? I don't know. It'll be none of my business when we sell the house someday. 🙂
coloured appliances, before the big white fridge took over you could get you appliances in various colours, also bathroom fixtures like bathtubs and sinks.
I love that you love these modern staircases! They are beautiful! And perfect! Many houses don't have kids and we should design that way, for the adults who do live in them! 🙌😀
Agree with you on the Minimalism! I'm a three or a four, too... for me busy spaces create anxiety. As for appliances, I find stainless steel shows ALL the fingerprints. Unpopular opinion: I like white appliances. Another unpopular opinion: I **hate** flat-top stoves.
could be worse, he could have said, "if you have a 9 year old who died from falling through the staircase odds are you still young enough. just go ahead and have a replacement kid"
Loved our open staircase in our first house...3 kids and a menagerie of animals wo incident. Kids can do swirlees on each other in the toilet bowl, but we keep those, lol. Open stairs looked lovely, different, and fun. PS Love my granite. Every house, a different look of granite pattern. Never a problem w the stone and I cook a lot. Thank you, Nick! Fun!
Love everything you said! I would like to see more of these. Love an open staircase, but as one ages, tough or dealing with an injury or surgery. Yikes! Fantastic point about granite. We need to value nature's beauty and not view it as easily disposable. It's the real deal.
A well designed staircase, with a strong sturdy hand rail, is no worse if open than closed. Well, maybe if your feet are so big they bump the stair risers or go past the open stair treads. But I'd call that a poorly designed staircase. I am both older (60s) and had major surgery a month ago. [I'm fine now, surgery fixed the problem.] I learned from a physical therapist the best way to deal with stairs when recovering, and they have not been a problem, open or closed. In fact, if I remember, the stairs I practiced on in the hospital were open. Off topic: for anyone who needs to know, the proper way to manage stairs when you're weak: going up, lead with your strong leg, one step at a time. Going down, lead with your weak leg, one step at a time. And use the handrail, both if there are two you can reach comfortably.
haha!! I enjoyed this video so much! Love your saucy opinions. We chose granite for our new home for the durability and the look. We did a modern, classic style for the bones of our home and get so many compliments from visitors.
@@Nick_Lewis We also have granite for our countertop and kitchen table actually. Black granite combined with white sleeck modern cabinets 🤷🏼♀️ The kitchen table even is completely granite with a big center column that it sits on (don't know how you say it, I'm from Belgium 😊) in the middle that's granite
Totally agree with everything you mentioned other than the modern staircase. We literally just ripped up our carpeted stairs and installed vinyl plank and my poor nine year old has fallen twice on the stairs. I told him to start going up on his hands and feet like a cat. Thankfully that helped. He still has to go up super fast though for some reason. Always in a rush, so I think we will have to avoid those modern stairs with the giant gaps. 😂
@@darkcreatureinadarkroom1617 Yes, there probably is, but I have always held the child's hand, and kept repeating, "slowly". Funny they gain confidence and motor skills and love to show off. I struggled with being a helicopter parent, and learned more than they did.
My next-door neighbor raised 2 young children with an open side on her stairway. I was sure that kids would fall off, but she said her children never did!
@@annbrookens945 I hope children are being taught to stop and look both ways before crossing the street. I have seen children younger than 5 climb up and down ladders.
I started watching your channel a few months ago and I have become a big fan! I’m in my mid 20s and am just starting to focus on making my space feel like a real home. I would love to see more videos about apartments, smaller spaces, or rooms where your ability to make changes are minimal.
I love this video, because I really hat those “what’s out” interior décor videos. I believe that people should use what makes them happy/joyful, regardless of what the current design trends (designed to make us spend money!) it’s great to remind people that you can still love what others don’t ❤
I love firm, fixed-back couches. I hate squishy sinking couches and I hate cushion backs that sag and have to be adjusted all the time. I know the argument: “The cushions are reversible and have a longer lifespan.” BS. I hate them!
I HATE pillow back sofas, too. Give me square, fitted, shaped cushions every time. And on a couch, there should always be 3 seat cushions, otherwise the person in the middle is sinking into the seam.
Surprisingly enough whit is coming back. It’s not like the old textured white but a smooth sleek modern white with brass or copper handles. Very beautiful!
Once again I am totally entertained by you! I agree with you on thes items,and now I like my granite countertops just a teeny bit more. Having a shaker style cabinets does help. Like brass and open staircases as well. Don’t have them, though…You’re the best and I always look forward to your videos. Thank you ❤️
Dear Nick, Thank you for sharing. Oh, how I wish we could modernize our staircase! We added glass railings to help open and modernize its look. Also, went with stainless to brighten up kitchen. Looking forward to your next video. You always inspire!
I have long been a fan of bronze / pewter ceiling light fixtures (mixed with chrome handles faucets, etc. and crystal candle sticks / glass vases) and black accents and black and dark wood furniture. I actually prefer black fridges and such to stainless steel. I know some love light rooms, but I don’t-I feel ungrounded in them. I don’t know where I picked up this love of black and dark woods (particularly since in my early 20s I was in love with oak) and jewel tones, but that has featured in my home for 35 years. I know people say not to purchase art to go with your furniture but I found my inspiration for my furniture and colors in my home from the art I’ve purchased. I noticed the same colors repeating themselves and realised those colors are what I love to have around me.
You and I have a lot in common here. I think where people go wrong is when they chase trends and go overboard...then don't keep what they do like about the trend they are getting rid of. Open staircases keep rooms from getting dark & claustrophobic. Granite with a squared edge doesn't look dated and wears really well in a busy family...or if you happen to be a bit careless/sloppy in the kitchen or bath. Stainless wears very well, cleans easy, and looks great. Brass brings a nice touch to things. The trick is to not go crazy where it looks like the style threw up in your house. That's how you end up getting sick and tired of it. Pick the piece you like and keep it. Then you'll end up having a personalized cultivated home. And I like the middle area between minimalist and maximalist. Most people aren't really comfortable living in either extreme.
Would love to see a whole video on how to do granite counters in a modern way, to break the association from the 'tuscan' vibe from decades past! Would be great inspo for my upcoming renovation. Thanks Nick!
I absolutely love our kitchen granite countertops. We chose Costa Esmeralda, a beautiful green that has a gentle blend of colours. It pairs beautifully with dark wood cabinets and blue/teal walls and backsplash.
Soapstone is my favorite too. You can put a hot pan on it. And it isn’t as reflective. I found granite makes it look like you have twice as much stuff on your counter because of the reflection. I like the look of soapstone and the beauty of the veining. Old New England homes used it a lot and that’s where I’m from.
It’s so funny you give the 9 year old fallling of the open rise staircase example. Our daughter fell down the open rise staircase in our country house when she was nine 😂 She was fine 😊
YES to Granite!! i wanted a black marble dining table forEVER and I ended up picking a granite piece from the stone yeard -- it's a beautiful black slab with looongg white veining that looks exactly like marble, with a bit more interesting texture, and MUCH more affordable. Best of all, looks nothing at all like those Real-Housewives-of-NJ kitchen counters!
I agree with all of Nick’s likes except open staircases. I feel very vulnerable on them, and I hate to think what would happen if I dropped something through the slats. I love my 15 year old granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. They are easy to clean and always look good. I don’t give two hoots if they look dated. Stainless steel does show fingerprints, which I think is one reason why it has fallen out of favour. One favourite feature in my bathrooms that I know Nick hates (!) is the narrow countertop extending over the toilet. In my personal bathroom I use it for my favourite lotions, and in my guest bathroom it is the perfect size for my Click and Grow herb garden.
Great argument for granite! My husband is bound and determined to put granite in our new build. It’s fine. I get the practicality and appreciate it. My kitchen cabinets are fabulous and yeeesss! I’m sure there is a slab that I will love.
Oh I love brass so much! Thrifted some vintage brass curtain rods awhile ago and love them. Though, I don't like the shiny, polished brass. The worn, older brass is gorgeus.
A family member had granite in a kitchen that had been 'luxury' renovated 20 years ago. So when they wanted to update, instead of ripping out the expensive countertops, they worked with it for the new design with the cabinet paint, fixtures, drawer pulls, sink choice. It looks great. I wouldn't choose it, but isn't design about working with what you have and making it gorgeous?
I had just purchased my own home when the Tuscan kitchen was all the rage, and I loved the granite countertop that went with it. Countertops are expensive though to switch out and I did the same as your family member. I had my kitchen cabinets painted to October Mist BM sage colour paint, and it looks lovely with the now dated granite. I think a darker green would have worked better but still loving the outcome. So it's best for the budget to work around the expensive objects in your house, and you end up with an eclectic interesting home, in a good way. When homes look too polished I find them cold and uninteresting.
Exactly what I was thinking! With expensive countertops, you change the cabinet doors, the paint, the accessories to update the kitchen!
@@kyraleos yes! Thanks for sharing. I’ve moved cities a lot myself and when you are renting-even a nice, new place-same principal applies. I find it can help hone my creativity in interesting ways.
Exactly. And that is what I did and many others I know as well. I am a firm believer in being sustainable and working with what you have.
That’s what I did. I have the whole busy granite-honey oak cabinets-beige tile trifecta that was all the rage at the time, and some fresh cabinet pulls and a fresh coat of paint on the walls really makes it a lot less dated. It’s like literally fine.
Nick’s Nightmare Home: polished concrete floors with animal print rugs, matching 3-pc suite in cream bouclé with bouclé accent pillows & a feature wall papered in giant jungle florals. Lovely.
And lots of LIVE LAUGH LOVE signs
😂😂😂
And a big white fridge in the kitchen.😊
And don't forget some rhinestones in the decorations, maybe in the desk chair cushion or encircling the bottom of a bar glass to give his drinks have extra sparkle.😉
🤣🤣🤣
Speaking of sustainability. I used to work for a family that did a HUGE renovation and took out their beautiful 5 year old kitchen with gorgeous granite countertops but wait...this story has a happy ending. They SOLD their kitchen, counters cabinets and all to my dad for a good price (especially as the granite was at high risk for cracking one little peice of a backslash lip thing did) who with help and hard work got a beautiful little kitchen , the other people got their new huge ( double the size) kitchen and both groups saved a whole kitchen from the landfill and did a sustainable design.
Wonderful!
Awesome!
Keep your eyes open for sales in really wealthy areas. They are often handled by companies that do estate sales.
My dad has gotten furniture and cabinetry from multimillion dollar houses. They redo stuff every 5 or so years and sell the old stuff off before construction starts.
For example, his dining room table retails for $20,000! He got it for $150 from a family redoing their interior.
My brother did the same- nothing really wrong with the white farmhouse kitchen itself but it clashed with the prairie style and was visible because of the open plan. They had a custom kitchen made by an Amish carpenter- it was beautiful and more workable layout. They removed all the pieces very carefully
So good to hear while the “property brothers” go in with sledgehammers and could donate to people who need it. Like in Detroit or
Pittsburg in run down houses
My husband and I raised our daughter and a pup with an open staircase home and happy to report that everyone survived 😊
Well.if you look closely at the open staircases they are designed to look open, but no child can fall through the slates or rails.
You are lucky, but maybe question why you are willing to risk your child for design. And speaking as a lawyer, you are asking for it.
@@janicewolk6492 Our house was custom built with all the legal permits that was necessary to meet and go above all building codes.
I love big, full bookcases. It’s like a full hug of stories
So underrated!
bookcases are a neutral :P
Awwwwwwww! I love this!
I see all this TikToks of girls "sacrificing" the -aesthetic- of their place to let their partners put up their decorations (trinkets, action figures, legos, games), and they always give them an ugly black Ikea shelf in a dark corner. It would look so much better to make an effort to make it all work together. As you said, let the room tell a nice story. Not the story of how your partner is a man child without any right to his own space.
My current rental has "half" built-in wooden bookshelves in almost every room (they take up most of the wall but don't go all the way to the sides or the top, and the bottom half of the wall is free), I absolutely love it. They have an irregular layout and built-in drawers, and it's the most practical storage solution/decoration I've ever had. The place is small, so wall-to-wall bookcases would sacrifice most of the space, but I can fit a bed or a couch under them, and have hooks and art in the space at the sides, without blocking access to them at all. The fact that they are flush to the wall is also a godsend. When I have my own place is the first thing I'm gonna plan.
Me too. My family room is wall to wall bookcases and has a big brick wood burning fireplace. It's where I go to find my soul.
The 9 year old comment busted my gut. I laughed way too hard at that one. Im probably going to bad furniture hell
I know 🤣🤣🤣
I’m with you - big laugh!
I wouldn’t worry about a 9 year old, but babies and toddlers, yes. Also, I’m not a very modern decorator but I do love the open staircase look.
When my husband and I got married after college yrs ago while house hunting we looked at a townhouse with those open stairs I tripped and my leg almost went through the gap. I HATE those stairs and it looks so cheap to me. Very dangetous for small children and even small pets.
Hilarious 😂
Nick, you should never be cancelled. One of your best traits, along with your dry humor is your authenticity. Never change!
I totally agree. Isn’t it hard to meet people who say what the mean these days? The number one thing that attracted me to this challenge. I just love nick’s character.
Brass been on and off since the 500 bC just like wood and adobe, people might not LOVE them but I don't think are ever out of fashion, total definition of timeless classic.
Just discovered your channel. As a 67 year old lady who is on her third house and has strong opinions about decor, I love your videos. You know what you're talking about, but your commentary has a little standup to it, too, and you're content is so thought provoking to me.. so glad I've just scratched the surface with your content!!!! Thanks!
Thanks Carol!
I’m right behind you in age & I completely agree with you: Nick is fun, smart, & generous with his opinions-which unlike you, I need.
Your comment just spoke to me. I’m 63 and this is my fourth home, been here for 23 years and am passionate about my decor. I can’t get enough of NICK! I’m addicted for the very same reasons you stated. What amazing content! And his sarcasm has me laughing and glued week after week!
I’m a month shy of 68. I discovered Nick through James at Paint People (they often do collaborations).
Nick is a pleasure to watch. And very knowledgeable as well.
61 here and in a new to me home, town etc. After living in one area my whole life. So I'm taking my time, doing what I want in this place, and LOVE, love the commentary Nick brings to the table, whether it be wood, natural stone, glass, or ... plastic :)
At this point I don’t know if I’m watching your videos for the home decor tips or just to have a good laugh 😂 Love your sense of humour !
Same lmao, I don't have any money to redecorate my house but I watch nicks videos religiously 😂
Great video, glad he agrees on granite, I don't care if it's not in style, I'm getting too old to re do my kitchen, it's staying, and I'm ok with it, also Loved Stainless Steel appliances, he makes a lot of sense here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marie-Claude - I agree. Nick delivers his opinions with such subtle humor that I find it hard to believe anyone would be offended by him. The comment about the 9-year old! Priceless!
yep, me too
Me for both! 😂
I’m 100% with you on the granite. I don’t think any natural material can go out of style completely. Natural materials will always have their place and be beautiful to me.
Agreed!
I'm of Indian heritage and I love brass. It's timeless 😊
Yes, brass works perfectly with my Indian decor!! I'm black and I love it! It just feels so warm and elegant.
My home (built in 2006) has granite throughout the kitchens and bathrooms. We updated the kitchen 2 years ago, but left the granite. It’s beautiful granite and it seemed so wasteful to redo it. I get sooo many compliments on it. Granite will be back sooner than we know it!
Absolutely. I'd love to see your kitchen!
We built our house just 5 short years ago and I love my granite countertops. They have a lovely salt and pepper look which will go with so many neutrals. We have it with white shaker cabinets and warm gray walls and I love it every day.
My kitchen and 4 bathrooms all have the same black granite countertops, shower shelves and benches. It's a beautiful granite, but in the kitchen it's been driving me crazy as it just eats up the light. I would love replacing it for a much lighter colour, but I just cant justify the waste of such a good quality product. So I refinished the cabinetry and added more light.
YES, also granite is a super practical countertop
You are so smart and practical! Even though people say it is “out of style”I don’t agree. And the options they suggest are typically are some sort of engineered stone, and they love it because they want to sell you something. If your granite counters had been damaged that would be one thing. But just to follow a trend? That is no part of my personality. And it is, as you said, wasteful. That granite was extracted from the Earth at great cost in resources, dumping it in a landfill is so disrespectful to the Earth, and every person who worked to cut, finish, and install it. 💕
It's so bizarre to me that a type of stone or metal can be in or out of style. I'm with you on still loving granite and brass.
One of the things I love in your videos is your absolute no BS honesty "I don't care". Love it.
Yes and he does it without being catty. Others could take a lesson...not naming names but if you know, you know.
I love traditional (closed concept) floor plans. The open concept thing is getting so out of hand that I feel like in 5 years houses are gonna start looking like warehouses. I can’t stand houses that are just one room with a kitchen island in the middle.
I’ve also noticed that lofts are becoming a big thing in new builds and I think it’s the biggest waste of space. Like you have a living room downstairs and that space could’ve been another bedroom which would increase the resale value.
Another vote for actual rooms here! 👍🏾
Unless you are having a party every weekend in your house LOL I also enjoy a semi open concept having a wall here and there 😘
Me too! But trying to buy anything that isn't open is nearly impossible
Yes. They are great for parties, but not good for trying to cook while someone watches TV or having your friends visit while someone watches TV etc. Open plan is not great when your hubby is a sports addict.
Open concepts just make a home feel chaotic because you have so many things happening in one giant space.
I just chose granite countertops for my new home. I agree, the stone isn't the problem. The dated cabinets are the problem. I love marble, too. Granite won for the durability.
I love granite
Absolutely! I've put granite in two of my houses so far. There are so many more options than the shiny speckled tan stuff that people think of.
It's such a great stone. Highly recommend.
Same. I chose a very subtle snow white with black specks. I love it.
I love granite too. Ours is a bit dated (bull nose edge) but the grays go very well with the lighter stained shaker cabinets. And so easy to clean!😊
Marble is sooooo impractical! You literally cannot clean it or remove stains on it without ruining the finish.. I had two beautiful marble bathrooms and try removing hard water spots or soap scum off of marble even when it has sealant on it.. Never again will I put in marble.
Dear Marble Man,
As a former 9 year old, going through the stairs isn't a thing. Monkey climbing the back side of the stairs, 100% 😅
I've done both.. Oh but on purpose, for fun. They're extremely hard to get through, even when little, no way you could fall accidentally. I grew up with them and all the houses in our neighbourhood had them, to save on wood. It's funny to think of them as chic
Ours were carpeted though.. Carpet wrapped around each step. The cats loved running up them upside down, holding on with their claws
The faster the trends go in and out, the more thankful I am for my 60s time capsule home 😂
😂
yes, mine's more 1900 but the same thing! Decorate to the period of your home and forget trends.
Extreme minimalists don’t own coffee tables. 😂
@@megjillmright probably don't own a bed frame or side tables. I think he is in the middle I am close to being a little cluttered but more paper and family member clutter not my own 😄
Funny to hear about brass being a trend that’s “over” for some people. When I decorated my first apartment back in the ‘70s I remember brass was everywhere. That was 50 years ago!! I still love the occasional piece of brass in my home. Chosen well, it will never go out of style. The obsession people have with what’s in or out is ridiculous. You do you!!!
I know right. I have antique brass items that I love.
what is something that you are most surprised to see back or still in style from that time? I'm decorating my first apartment I'm owner of and just so curious to know what will be in or out later on!
@@cfloster Don’t be concerned with what’s in or out - or what will be in the future - when it comes to cocooning your nest. There is no surer way of regretting your choices 5 years from now than going whole-hog on whatever’s trending this moment (good example is the “live, laugh, love” signage cr@p that was everywhere and still makes me cringe when I see it for sale or on someone’s wall). I hope what NEVER comes back are “matching” LR or BR sets … unless you want to advertise you have a complete lack of taste and imagination. Oh, and I’d say always buy original art if you can. Or paint your own canvasses!!
Oh god, the ‘70s were 50 years ago?? I was 20 in ‘75. I can’t be that old!!!
@@HeronCoyote1234 lol … I failed math 5 years in a row but I’m pretty sure it was 50 years ago. However, I’m still 17 in my head.
I love sparkly chandeliers, pocket doors, and colorful gypsy jeweltone style. I hate farmhouse, all white or neutral, and barn doors.
Nick, I absolutely love that you talk about how fast trends for home furnishings is not good for the environment or our budgets. You are so real! I’m not even decorating at the moment but I still watch everyone of your videos.
I intentionally purchased a white fridge and stove. I think it looks so retro and I like it.
I have white kitchen appliances and I love them. Bright and clean. The newest trend to black kitchen appliances appalls me. You don't want clinical depression in your kitchen, and by the way, black shows everything - cleaning nightmare!
I love good quality brass. If you go to a museum, you'll find that brass has been popular for millenia.
I love the staircases too !! However, I once stayed at a house with them with my daughter and she was terrified by them , I had to carry her up and down - my daughter btw is a greyhound names Beatrice 😊❤
Yep. My Greyhound (Sadie) wouldn’t go near one. She was brave enough to get used to everything else but.
Horse sense, but in this case greyhound sense.
For me, it’s travertine. It’s natural, beautiful and I love it. It hurts my heart that so many people are ripping out their travertine tile floors because it’s “dated” now.
For me, I feel the same about parquet wooden floors... at least in my country, there was a time everyone was ripping them up, covering them, the works. Then, they came back into style. Now, they're going out of style again. Honestly? I just feel like wooden floors will always be beautiful and warm, and I don't understand why so many people decided to not like certain styles of them.
@@koalaeucalyptus Agreed! I think parquet floors are gorgeous.
One thing I don't understand why people started hating whole heartedly is a regular kitchen. Everyone loves the "open concept" and totally believes separate kitchen is like forever in the past. Open concept does work in many situations but throwing away forever the separate kitchen idea seems premature.
Love your videos btw, thanks a lot 😊
Yes, I don't always want my whole house to smell like garlic or to be able to constantly view my unwashed dishes.
I like having food prep and food eating spots together - saves carrying stuff long distance. But otherwise agree.
@@lv2draw1 My kitchen is beside the dining promo but still separate. I wish I lived in a house big enough to worry about caring dishes to the dining table.😂
Staircases might kill your kids but your cats will love to play on them. So there's that😂
Perfect for me! I hate children anyway 😂
I think a cat could slip through easier than a 9 yo.
Actually, when I was 9 we had an open staircase. We kids learned to jump the last 3 steps because our cat would try to reach through from his hiding place to grab our ankles😂
@@DaveNYCbest comment ever 😂. Now I am picturing the cats playing on the dead kids….actually I’m pretty sure the cats pushed the kids and that’s why they fell through the open steps.
😂
I love so many things that other people think are odd, ugly, dated, or obsolete! Federalist style decor in pale butter-lemon yellow and rich royal blue; so-called gallery-white walls in a living room in order to provide a neutral backdrop for all colors of art; striped silk chair pads in saturated colors like blood orange and cobalt blue or tangerine and goldenrod. Brass? Yes. Copper? Even better. My aunt had a collection of copper gelatin/aspic/mousse molds hanging around her kitchen and I still love how they looked.
Me too. I love many things that are "dated and ugly" in other peoples' eyes but I don't really care. I love what I love.
Literally every style you described!❤ Federal style is my fave💓💓💓
I lived in a town founded by Quakers in the 1600s in NJ, and furnished my home in Federal period furniture. But in 2014, I moved to Los Angeles, and I now live in the high desert in New Mexico. I had to leave that style behind -- just doesn't work in the West. But I still admire it!
I ❤ cobalt blue and saturated jewel tones! I'm a rare beed though. If I could mash up a Craftsman style home with its clean lines and woodwork pair it with copper and black metal accents and a jewl tones with a bit of 50s aqua appliances kitschy 🍋print on teal and for fall have some subtle 🦇 decore Id be in heaven !
Everybody's mom had the copper molds above the kitchen cabinets! Thanks for the memory of that TREND.😂
As a geology student I definitely have a bias and I love granite ❤ it's really durable and extremely hard because it's full of quartz! Of course if all the rest of your kitchen looks dated it's not gonna look amazing but I truly believe if you put it in a great design it's gonna look super cool.
Thank you for sharing!
My husband is a geologist and LOVES granite too. And you’re right ..ANY counter would look dated if it has dated cabinets and backsplashes along with it.. Granite is here to stay! 😄
My parents are earthmovers and run a quarry and the granite in their kitchen is mesmerising!
I love granite!
I adore my granite countertops 😍 When I was in the store looking through the slabs of granite, I was in awe - so many of them are like works of art! With everything else in my kitchen very understated (white cabinets, stainless steel appliances), the granite takes center stage and looks stunning.
You nailed it about certain granite slabs being like works of art! A relative selected a granite countertop that had wonderful “movement” in it - the most beautiful counter I had ever seen. I still think about that countertop....
I group granite into 2 main categories: Conglomerate and Sedimentary. Of the two, it is only the latter that’s truly unique, captivating and beautiful. Conglomerate has that scattered, commercial look - it’s the stuff they use for office buildings and headstones. Sedimentary is layered, with undulating lines and elegant waves. People going for the Tuscan Look often opted for taupish, golden or caramel Conglomerate - so it’s little wonder they got sick of it: it lacked any artistic element. 🤷🏻♀️
I had a place with an open staircase. My friend's older dog was terrified of it, and rightly so. One paw put wrong and definitely could have fallen through. Plus the visuals were probably disorienting from her line of sight, which made her shaky and and accident even more likely. So I put these staircases in the "for single people who don't have much company" category.
How small was the dog? I’m confused how it could have slipped through the steps but maybe I’m imagining it wrong
My large dog never goes in the basement because he's afraid of the open stairs leading there! :)
Yes!!! Just because you’re not being a responsible parent doesn’t mean we should hate on open staircases! ❤😂
Haha exactly. Get a baby gate, I don’t know…
@@dianeyoung8068 you can argue parents are irresponsible if they opt for the open staircases knowing the risks with their kids. Not that they’re not watching kids like a hawk.
@@Nick_Lewis that’s exactly what we got has worked perfectly for three puppy dogs, and two kids and after some training n educating it comes off :) also ur reply just made me totally go fanboy and has made my weekend.
I'm a mom and a cat mom, and I approve Nick's and this message.
my in-laws had open staircases in their home since my husband was a baby. He's climbed them, his nieces/nephews and any other tiny guests have had no issues with them. Initially I was afraid of them too, but quickly realized that if built correctly (correct height, width, pace- stair engineers know what I mean) the probability that you/your child would fall off those stairs is equal to falling off a flight of regular stairs. Kids aren't made of glass and sugar, and they're smart (or at least are quick learners), they can manage a bit of pain. (and if we're talking about a baby... what are they doing near a stair of any sort lol)
I’ll always love a Tuscan kitchen. The colors the warmth the large scale. It’s always will be a staple in my style.
I LOVE that brass became so popular and is still so widely available. It makes it easier to match the midcentury pieces I inherited and are going to last forever!
Growing up my nan had a metal open spiral staircase.
Not one person has ever broken a bone and that includes the many times we've run up or down them in stockings haha
This is the power of grandparents. My great aunt had small breakabke porcelain pieces in her front room. Not one ever broke due to a kid. She did not have problems with kids.
That is my dream staircase.
I was so confused about the open staircases, because almost everyone had them, when I was a kid and I never heard of a child falling through them. Then I realised: I am german - we have DIN Norms and safety regulations. So, maybe the stairs are not the problem in this scenario.
Swede here, we had them too and it has never crossed my mind.
A dutchy here. We still have an open staircase. My children are 13 and 17 years now. Survived this far😅
As german myself, experiencing both open staircases at my grandmothers and carpeted enclosed stairs at my parents... the statistics might be off but I slipped on the round carpeted stairs soo much more. I can't count how often I fell.
Zero times with the open staircase. But again, fewer times at grandma than obviously at my parents.
The Brady bunch kids survived - all of them
Me too. Even some family members of mine had them and I never had an accident on them or my cousins or family friend's kids.
The new alternative to the stainless steel are definitely going to be those cream-colored appliances with brass handles/knobs. They're sort of vintage-looking and I really like them! Stainless steel is always a good choice too, though
I’m with you on minimalism. So calming. I don’t care if my space doesn’t scream my personality to others when they walk in. I’m the one living in it. I like my space to feel like a calm resort.
Minimalism IS my personality. I don’t like a lot of junk around. And it looks clean.
Love this video. I’m not a minimalist, but still believe in ‘a place for everything and everything in its place’.
Yes you don't have to be minimalist to live in an orderly fashion.
I don't know how to explain, but I have difficulty visually with open stairs. Maybe my eyes see the open places and get confused, and then I get dizzy. I must have eye-hand-foot coordination problems or an inner ear problem or something. Anyway I hate open stairs. The other things you mentioned I agree with you, as usual!
We just remodeled our kitchen and my favorite countertop material was quartzite, but was out of our budget, I tried to like quartz, but couldn't get into it.. so I found a new river white granite that I just love. I love the veining and its light with grey, white, and I love that it has depth and that it comes from the earth
Sounds beautiful!
I am with you Nick on the granite. Why throwing the baby with the bath water? All not granite are created equal and some are absolutely gorgeous. I waited years and worked many many hours to purchased a beautiful natural stone countertop, and what a treat! Two years later, I am still in love with it, not a week goes by where I notice a new 3-D stunning detail in it. I just love wiping it as it is so beautiful. And if you really use it to its true potential, sourdough doesn't even stick to it! I was one of those thinking that a countertop is just a countertop that you no longer see after a month. Well I was so wrong, I see and admire it everyday!
One of the problems with open staircases is that many dogs are frightened of them. Also, all the dust and such falls through them onto what ever is below. Love your videos Nick. Greetings from Victoria!
I was going to say this. My old dog absolutely refused to climb an open staircase. And the dust falling everywhere is a huge deterrent as well. I think they can look nice but I would never choose to have one.
For me, the dust falling is a pro side - cleaning the stairs corners is pain 😂
My 18 year old Pomeranian fell thru our open staircase. Top step, to the wooden floor below. He survived, but it was a freak out on my end. I’d never have an open staircase again.
@@Drakencoo How horrible for you. You lived my nightmare. I'm glad your Pom survived. I love the look of an open staircase but having them eliminates a good chunk of the resale market. Apparently seniors don't love them either.
I have a log open staircase in our log home, with a piano underneath it. Nightmare of debris falling down. Slippery open treads have proven a hazard as well.
I absolutely love granite and it comes in subdued and busier patterns for all styles/ tastes. Of course the price points will differ. Gorgeous natural material
Yes there are so many more varieties for every taste and it is such a great material, even better than marble.
Lowe’s includes installation in their granite prices, which makes it comparable price-wise to laminate!
@@HeronCoyote1234 Not really. Lowes laminate with install starts at 27/sf granite starts at 50/sf. I work at Lowes in the cabinet/countertop dept. I'm actually watching this on my lunchbreak.
@@LDM805 our Lowe’s (upstate NY) showed they were almost the same cost, once you add in install. For a bit more, especially for only 25 sq ft, we’d rather go with granite (Roaming Mist, I believe, and the cabinets in Cloud).
@@LDM805 There are minimums on laminate though. Last time I priced a laminate countertop, it was $700 (Home Depot's minimum). A black granite remnant in the same space was $660.
Would love to see people come to the realization that when one is a grown up what others think of you hence home decor and in general doesn't matter in the long run. If you love it you love it, thats what being an individual is all about. Claim it, enjoy it and love it if it's you😊
Colored appliances are where we are returning to and if we can return to the quality construction of the 50's-60's I'm here for it.
I miss porcelain enamel appliances. The finish is so much more durable than stainless.
A few years ago I found a pair of brass and blue and white ceramic candle holders at a thrift store. They're gorgeous.
That sounds gorgeous. I sure wish you could add the picture to this thread.
They sound lovely. I have no luck at thrift stores!
I would love those, too.
I love, love, love brass. It's a gorgeous metal, and it's an amazing choice for handles and pulls since brass (and all copper alloys) are naturally antimicrobial. Double duty for form and function! When I dream of my future house, it's with beautiful, vintage brass door handles for every room.
Excellent point about copper. I knew that fact but hadn't put 2&2 together. You learn something every day.
I am finally at the point that if I like it, it’s staying. I don’t care if it follows a trend. No way do I want the mess, expense and work of ripping out rooms in my house just so I fit someone else’s idea of a trend. My home is designed for comfort and peace. And that never goes out of style.
Natural stone of any kind is beautiful and any can work with any design style. I hate when people tear out natural stone instead of working with it. You can fit brown granite into a modern design. I can understand people wanting to have the one they were dreaming of though. I got to pick my quartzite countertop. Fortunately I was only tearing out old laminate.
My last kitchen remodel, 2017, I went looking for countertop options. I knew I was done with granite - wanted soapstone but knew my budget would get in my way. Walked into the showroom, explained how I didn’t want granite but loved the look of soapstone. She immediately left and came back with a ‘leathered granite.” WHAT? So here I am with another granite countertop and I LOVE it!
Yes, the not super shiny cousin of polished granite. Please yes
Just googled leather granite, super interesting!!! I definitely dig the textured finish but maybe with a less speckled piece. The more solid colored pieces kinda remind me of slate. I wonder how cleaning the leathered surface is?
We installed a leathered granite in our kitchen that has really big swirls that give it more of a marble look. I absolutely love it!
My parents have leathered granite and I’m in love with their counters. My mom also found this beautiful antique dresser and had a slab of the same granite custom cut to fit to make their guest bath vanity and it’s honestly stunning.
One metal that doesn't get enough love is copper. It's more appropropriate in some decors than others, though.
I like copper too. I think one reason it isn’t more popular is cost. Copper is no longer cheap. Heck, even American pennies are now only copper clad.
@@thesender6321 I didn't know the copper pennies weren't copper all the way through, but I should have guessed it. I live in the West and used to have some old copper stuff from Goodwill. Over the years, I guess I got rid of it due to not really having a place where it would look good. Now I have a little office/den and wish I had it - but I don't see copper anywhere. I think you just explained why. 😁
Minimalism is so great for making smaller spaces feel bigger. I’m way too much of a clutter bug/don’t have enough storage to execute, but in a tiny 400 sqft apartment in a city, minimalism can really trick the eye into feeling like a space is massive, especially with the right lighting.
This video is the epitome of why I love your personality. I got a good laugh. "survival of the fittest" 🤣😂 Also, "Sometimes with the metals you can't win" is so true. p.s I've been speaking poorly about my granite because its "too busy with its speckles" but you have made me take a step back and appreciate it again. (Even my house built in 2021 has it)
I love granite. I agree that it does lean traditional and so do I, but I just think your words on natural materials are golden. They eb and flow but never go all the way out as a meterial. How that material is used (colors, shapes, textures...) may change, but the material it self is timeless bc it existed before you and hopefully will exist after you.
It doesn't have to, though. Mine is a very contemporary kitchen and the granite fits in perfectly. Even the cut of the stone plays a part in it (square x round corners, for example).
There are so many more varieties to fit any style but people only think about the traditional ones.
Ahhh! I love the look of stainless too. However, as someone who actually cooks…a LOT…in my kitchen, those stainless appliances are a pain to keep clean. Every single one of them.
Truth.
Live in Sweden, some people don't bother to move their furniture from apartment to apartment. Live in an apartment complex with about 120 apartments, there are at least 5 usuable pieces of furniture in the burn bin each week. I haven't had to buy any household plastic items in the time I have lived there.
The original owners of my 1999 home had custom granite installed in the kitchen, bathrooms, some shelving, and around the fireplace, and I love it! I updated the cabinetry, hardware & faucets, and it looks amazing. I thought stainless appliances showed too many fingerprints, so I opted for slate. And, I'm also a fan of the open staircase!
As a neat freak single person, I love the stainless appliances, but hate the fingerprints. I vote “Yes “ on paneled appliances, but they are in the want category, not need. Good video Nick!
Though there are many stainless appliances that don't show fingerprints! My Bosch refrigerator, for example, is stainless with an invisible glass panel (comes that way). Can clean it with Windex and fingerprints are almost nonexistent.
I still (and probably forever will) love granite, brass and stainless steel appliances! Love your take on 'minimalism"..☺
Everything you love here is everything I own & love. Exactly what my house looks like... granite, brass, with a few fluted decors & stainless steel appliances. Thank youuuuu
“Survival of the fittest” 😂 I love you. Agree with all of these honestly. I use a mix of brass and matte black fixtures in our home, and we rent, so I am very grateful for the stainless appliances over ugly white any day. 🥂
In the village, my family had an open staircase. And three children. It's actually really hard to accidentally fall through these spaces unless you do it on purpose 😂 more important is to have the barrier and arm support on the outer side of the stairs.
I too love the stainless. We are replacing appliances now and the new ones will be stainless. Another thing I love (as long as it is an updated modern style) is the ceiling fan. They make a room so comfortable in those in-between seasons.
Love ceiling fans, esp in the bedroom. A few years ago, TV designers would take them out for chandeliers. 🥵🥵 kill me!
I just love your channel. I love how down-to-earth you are. I love that you respect other people's styles and tastes. I especially love that you encourage people to work with what they have and what they like. Thanks for the content!
Thanks, Nick, for declaring your loves/likes in design and decor. I really love minimalism, too. Like you, I'm somewhere on the continuum closer to the more minimalist end, but my husband and I have very different tastes, so we meet somewhere that works for both of us. Open, uncluttered spaces make feel happy.
Love My Granite. in the kitchen with the Stainless Steel backsplash it has a kitchy 50's vibe that fits my MCM home. cabinets are all white the stove is stainless the DW and Fridge are white. the Accent Colour is Red. Very 50's diner kitchy and I Love it.
I have a plywood kitchen stained walnut with harvest gold counters and love it. Period dining furniture to match. Love it! Got to learn to work with what you have.
I went for MCM and used granite too. It couldn't look more modern! I think it depends on the colour and style chosen.
Love the positive spin on this video! I also love my "dated" kitchen featuring black granite countertops, cherry shaker cabinets and slate backsplash (edit: also stainless steel appliances, of course 😆). I hope to god someday someone doesn't come in and rip out the granite or paint that beautiful wood. That's the modern equivalent of installing carpet over hardwood floors.
On the upside solid-wood can always get restained! If I were to purchase your house the first thing I would do is restain the cabinets. And generally the silver lining of carpet over hardwood floors means that the hardwood floors get preserved
@@ah5721 That's true, but I don't think it's as easy or does the wood much good to try to remove paint! I don't know if they could be restained lighter (cherry tends to darken and richen over time) but it's an interesting idea. Maybe going to a dark espresso color? I don't know. It'll be none of my business when we sell the house someday. 🙂
coloured appliances, before the big white fridge took over you could get you appliances in various colours, also bathroom fixtures like bathtubs and sinks.
I love that you love these modern staircases! They are beautiful! And perfect! Many houses don't have kids and we should design that way, for the adults who do live in them! 🙌😀
Agree with you on the Minimalism! I'm a three or a four, too... for me busy spaces create anxiety. As for appliances, I find stainless steel shows ALL the fingerprints. Unpopular opinion: I like white appliances. Another unpopular opinion: I **hate** flat-top stoves.
🎉first comment!
To the 9 year old children. “Some of you may die (through the staircase) but it is a sacrifice I am willing to make.” 😂
Best comment above😂😂😂
Toddlers 😱
could be worse, he could have said, "if you have a 9 year old who died from falling through the staircase odds are you still young enough. just go ahead and have a replacement kid"
Loving this....LOL!!! I appreciate the humor peppered in with the decor commentary ..."You do you" :)
Omg! You just showed my newly installed tropical storm quartzite ❤ I love it!
Loved our open staircase in our first house...3 kids and a menagerie of animals wo incident. Kids can do swirlees on each other in the toilet bowl, but we keep those, lol. Open stairs looked lovely, different, and fun. PS Love my granite. Every house, a different look of granite pattern. Never a problem w the stone and I cook a lot. Thank you, Nick! Fun!
Love everything you said! I would like to see more of these. Love an open staircase, but as one ages, tough or dealing with an injury or surgery. Yikes! Fantastic point about granite. We need to value nature's beauty and not view it as easily disposable. It's the real deal.
Older or injured, the problem is not that the staircase is open; the problem is: it's a staircase!
It is truly the real deal!
A well designed staircase, with a strong sturdy hand rail, is no worse if open than closed.
Well, maybe if your feet are so big they bump the stair risers or go past the open stair treads. But I'd call that a poorly designed staircase.
I am both older (60s) and had major surgery a month ago. [I'm fine now, surgery fixed the problem.] I learned from a physical therapist the best way to deal with stairs when recovering, and they have not been a problem, open or closed. In fact, if I remember, the stairs I practiced on in the hospital were open.
Off topic: for anyone who needs to know, the proper way to manage stairs when you're weak: going up, lead with your strong leg, one step at a time. Going down, lead with your weak leg, one step at a time. And use the handrail, both if there are two you can reach comfortably.
That's what I thought too. I like them, but remembering how I completely failed to go up those kinds of stairs when I broke my legs.
I just love your voice and I can tell you have an awesome personality! Love watching you and your videos really help me envision what my style is
My cat LOVES our open staircase. Gives her a perch with a commanding view :)
haha!! I enjoyed this video so much! Love your saucy opinions. We chose granite for our new home for the durability and the look. We did a modern, classic style for the bones of our home and get so many compliments from visitors.
Oh good! I think granite deserves more love.
@@Nick_Lewis We also have granite for our countertop and kitchen table actually. Black granite combined with white sleeck modern cabinets 🤷🏼♀️ The kitchen table even is completely granite with a big center column that it sits on (don't know how you say it, I'm from Belgium 😊) in the middle that's granite
Totally agree with everything you mentioned other than the modern staircase. We literally just ripped up our carpeted stairs and installed vinyl plank and my poor nine year old has fallen twice on the stairs. I told him to start going up on his hands and feet like a cat. Thankfully that helped. He still has to go up super fast though for some reason. Always in a rush, so I think we will have to avoid those modern stairs with the giant gaps. 😂
Nothing wrong with teaching a child to be cautious. That is a very good lesson to learn.
Is there some kind of safety net that can be installed behind the steps temporarily until he gains more motor coordination?
@@darkcreatureinadarkroom1617 Yes, there probably is, but I have always held the child's hand, and kept repeating, "slowly". Funny they gain confidence and motor skills and love to show off. I struggled with being a helicopter parent, and learned more than they did.
My next-door neighbor raised 2 young children with an open side on her stairway. I was sure that kids would fall off, but she said her children never did!
@@annbrookens945 I hope children are being taught to stop and look both ways before crossing the street. I have seen children younger than 5 climb up and down ladders.
I started watching your channel a few months ago and I have become a big fan! I’m in my mid 20s and am just starting to focus on making my space feel like a real home. I would love to see more videos about apartments, smaller spaces, or rooms where your ability to make changes are minimal.
I love this video, because I really hat those “what’s out” interior décor videos. I believe that people should use what makes them happy/joyful, regardless of what the current design trends (designed to make us spend money!) it’s great to remind people that you can still love what others don’t ❤
I love firm, fixed-back couches. I hate squishy sinking couches and I hate cushion backs that sag and have to be adjusted all the time. I know the argument: “The cushions are reversible and have a longer lifespan.” BS. I hate them!
Me too! I am currently shopping for a couch and finding a firm one is impossible, unless I spend $4000-$5000.
@@thesender6321 Same! Soft saggy cushions hurt my back.
I HATE pillow back sofas, too. Give me square, fitted, shaped cushions every time. And on a couch, there should always be 3 seat cushions, otherwise the person in the middle is sinking into the seam.
Surprisingly enough whit is coming back. It’s not like the old textured white but a smooth sleek modern white with brass or copper handles. Very beautiful!
Once again I am totally entertained by you! I agree with you on thes items,and now I like my granite countertops just a teeny bit more. Having a shaker style cabinets does help. Like brass and open staircases as well. Don’t have them, though…You’re the best and I always look forward to your videos. Thank you ❤️
Dear Nick, Thank you for sharing. Oh, how I wish we could modernize our staircase! We added glass railings to help open and modernize its look. Also, went with stainless to brighten up kitchen.
Looking forward to your next video. You always inspire!
I have long been a fan of bronze / pewter ceiling light fixtures (mixed with chrome handles faucets, etc. and crystal candle sticks / glass vases) and black accents and black and dark wood furniture. I actually prefer black fridges and such to stainless steel. I know some love light rooms, but I don’t-I feel ungrounded in them. I don’t know where I picked up this love of black and dark woods (particularly since in my early 20s I was in love with oak) and jewel tones, but that has featured in my home for 35 years. I know people say not to purchase art to go with your furniture but I found my inspiration for my furniture and colors in my home from the art I’ve purchased. I noticed the same colors repeating themselves and realised those colors are what I love to have around me.
You and I have a lot in common here. I think where people go wrong is when they chase trends and go overboard...then don't keep what they do like about the trend they are getting rid of. Open staircases keep rooms from getting dark & claustrophobic. Granite with a squared edge doesn't look dated and wears really well in a busy family...or if you happen to be a bit careless/sloppy in the kitchen or bath. Stainless wears very well, cleans easy, and looks great. Brass brings a nice touch to things. The trick is to not go crazy where it looks like the style threw up in your house. That's how you end up getting sick and tired of it. Pick the piece you like and keep it. Then you'll end up having a personalized cultivated home. And I like the middle area between minimalist and maximalist. Most people aren't really comfortable living in either extreme.
Would love to see a whole video on how to do granite counters in a modern way, to break the association from the 'tuscan' vibe from decades past! Would be great inspo for my upcoming renovation. Thanks Nick!
You are right on again. Love how you express your opinion, and try to stop all the haters in the same breath..❤❤
I absolutely love our kitchen granite countertops. We chose Costa Esmeralda, a beautiful green that has a gentle blend of colours. It pairs beautifully with dark wood cabinets and blue/teal walls and backsplash.
You mean you didn’t do all White Grey and Beige?? LOL I too love Color.. I don't want to live in a black and white movie 😀
@@dija5578 don’t think I’ve done white/grey anywhere I’ve lived, once I could paint.
I love natural stone countertops of all kinds! Mine are soapstone, and they're gorgeous!
Soapstone is my favorite too. You can put a hot pan on it. And it isn’t as reflective. I found granite makes it look like you have twice as much stuff on your counter because of the reflection. I like the look of soapstone and the beauty of the veining. Old New England homes used it a lot and that’s where I’m
from.
we just picked out a great granite slab for our new kitchen. It pairs beautifully with our rustic modern design!
It’s so funny you give the 9 year old fallling of the open rise staircase example. Our daughter fell down the open rise staircase in our country house when she was nine 😂 She was fine 😊
YES to Granite!! i wanted a black marble dining table forEVER and I ended up picking a granite piece from the stone yeard -- it's a beautiful black slab with looongg white veining that looks exactly like marble, with a bit more interesting texture, and MUCH more affordable. Best of all, looks nothing at all like those Real-Housewives-of-NJ kitchen counters!
I agree with all of Nick’s likes except open staircases. I feel very vulnerable on them, and I hate to think what would happen if I dropped something through the slats. I love my 15 year old granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. They are easy to clean and always look good. I don’t give two hoots if they look dated. Stainless steel does show fingerprints, which I think is one reason why it has fallen out of favour. One favourite feature in my bathrooms that I know Nick hates (!) is the narrow countertop extending over the toilet. In my personal bathroom I use it for my favourite lotions, and in my guest bathroom it is the perfect size for my Click and Grow herb garden.
Great argument for granite! My husband is bound and determined to put granite in our new build. It’s fine. I get the practicality and appreciate it. My kitchen cabinets are fabulous and yeeesss! I’m sure there is a slab that I will love.
Oh I love brass so much! Thrifted some vintage brass curtain rods awhile ago and love them. Though, I don't like the shiny, polished brass. The worn, older brass is gorgeus.