She Didn’t Hurt My Feelings. She Made Me Angry. Here’s Why…
Well, I had an interesting thing happen last week. I had a person leave a few comments on one of my A2D Facebook posts that really made me angry. And then I made a separate Facebook post about those comments, along with some pictures of our music room, and that post took off, with over 484K views and 2.5K comments as of this morning.
I’d say about 70% of the people who responded understood what I was trying to say. But about 30% responded with things like, “Oh, don’t let mean comments get you down,” and “Why do you post on the internet if you only want positive feedback?” Those people missed the point…or maybe I didn’t make my point clear because you can only say *so much* in a Facebook post before it gets too long and boring and no one reads it. So I’m going to try again in a blog post.
First, let me make it abundantly clear. I don’t care about mean comments. I don’t whine and complain about mean comments. There was a time when mean comments really affected me. One mean comment would stay with me all day long. It would ruin my day. That time ended many years ago. (I wrote about that moment that I stopped caring about my critics here.) And now, after 17 years of blogging and putting my projects and our house online, you better believe I’ve developed a very thick skin by now. If I wanted to whine and complain about mean comments, there would be plenty to whine and complain about.
I average about one idiot a day on my Facebook page, with some of them being real nutjobs, whose only goal is to insult me. And I’m not talking about the people who say, “I don’t like your kitchen cabinet color.” I don’t even put those comments in the “mean” category. That’s just a person expressing their opinion, to which they’re entitled. I “like” their comment (to indicate that I’ve read it) and move on. They don’t hurt my feelings, and I couldn’t care less if some random person on the internet doesn’t like my kitchen.
No, when I talk about mean comments (or comments that are clearly intended to hurt or insult me), I’m talking about comments like this one from this person who left a whole slew of comments like this on several of my posts…
I literally laughed at that. 🤣 There’s absolutely nothing about this tiny little man-child that I would ever take seriously or take to heart. Interestingly, when you hover your cursor over his name and that little info box pops up showing the account info that the person shares PUBLICLY, look what it says…
Yes, that’s right. This idiot was making these comments under a username that very proudly and PUBLICLY advertised his interior design firm. I got curious to see what his interior design work looked like, so I googled and was led to his Houzz account. Then I gave him some free advertising by pasting some of his room designs into my response to him, and that really set him off. 🤣
I’ll even give him more free advertising now! If you’re in the Chicago area, and you’re looking for an interior designer (ASID-certified, even!), and he seems like your type of guy, look him up! (But please don’t seek him out and harass him in any way. Let’s just leave the pathetic, miserable loser to stew in his own misery. He doesn’t need us piling on, so I’m sincerely asking you not to seek him out to harass him in any way. Only contact him if he’s the type of interior designer you’re looking to hire.)
Those are just two of his comments. In all, he left about six or seven comments, all the same tenor and tone, and all calling me a whole slew of creative things and insulting my projects. AND I LAUGHED AT EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. I was highly entertained, because the more I laughed and responded calmly to him, even giving him free advertising in all of my responses, the angrier he got, and the more entertained I was. 🤣 Maybe this is a character flaw in me, but I sometimes enjoy riling up petty people. I find it to be quite fun and entertaining. And I average about three of these types of whackos a week. So if I wanted to whine and complain about mean comments, I’d have PLENTY to work with. I could probably make whining and complaining about meanies a full-time job. But I’d rather laugh at them and poke and them and watch them get angry and unhinged just like good ‘ole Jonathan. That’s much more entertaining. 😀
All of that to say that I do not care about mean comments. I don’t know how to make that any clearer. So none of this has anything to do with mean comments or someone hurting my feelings. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t get angry at some comments, and that’s what happened here. Again, I wasn’t angry because this person hurt my feelings. I was angry for other reasons that I’ll explain.
It all started when a real estate agent from Louisiana commented on one of my posts and said,
“You definitely need to start a series on how to bring the value of houses down doing your own DIY.”
But that wasn’t the only comment she left. She continued to double down, and later said this,
“I didn’t tell you what to do. I just said you should teach the class on how to devalue your property when trying to sell it.”
This one? Oh yeah, this one made me angry. But here’s the deal. She didn’t make me angry because she hurt my feelings. This woman couldn’t hurt my feelings if she tried. I am confident enough in my DIY abilities that there’s absolutely no way that some random real estate agent from Louisiana could make me feel bad no matter how hard she tried. And I’m also confident enough in the fact that everything I’ve done to our house has increased the value of the house. I mean, it would take a real idiot to say otherwise. The post she commented on was my studio, but even if a person doesn’t like my particular decorating style, you’d have to be a complete moron to say that what I did decreased the value of our house.
So why was I so angry at her comments? For one reason…
Because as a DIY and decorating blogger who has made it my mission in life to encourage homeowners to design and decorate their homes for themselves without constantly worrying about what some random, possible, future owner might think, THIS is the very type of person I’ve been railing against for 17 years now. She randomly appeared in several comments on my page and became the very face of that mindset that I hate so much — that mindset that keeps homeowners scared to make their house a home for themselves.
Absolutely nowhere in my post had I mentioned anything about us selling our house. If you’ve been around here for long, you know that we have no intention of selling. We bought this house with the intention of making it our forever home. And yet, what was her immediate go-to mindset? That what I’ve done has “…devalu[ed] your property when trying to sell it.” She had no regard for the fact that WE are living in this house right now. She had no idea how long we’ve been here. She had no idea if we actually plan on selling in the future. She knew none of that, but her go-to was that I’ve devalued it for the NEXT person. In other words, I’m not actually supposed to live in and enjoy my home. I’m not supposed to make decisions that make me happy as the homeowner. I’m only supposed to preserve what I bought, presumably in the state in which I found it, so that the next person will be more enticed to buy it without all my projects mucking up the quick sale.
Again, if this were just some internet rando, it probably wouldn’t have made me so angry. But this is a real estate agent who has profound influence on homeowners. People tend to listen to real estate agents. And while I know for a fact that not all real estate agents are like this (there are some GREAT ones out there, and if you’re in the Waco area, I know one I would highly recommend), what I do know is that this mindset isn’t rare among them. The types like her are like cockroaches. Where there’s one, there will be a thousand more.
These people have been my nemesis for 17 years now. While I’ve been over here in my corner of the internet screaming at the top of my virtual lungs, trying to convince homeowners to make their homes their own, and trying to teach people how to DIY things if you don’t have the budget to hire out things like building bookcases or refinishing hardwood floors, I’m working against thousands of people on the other side of that argument, making homeowners scared to make changes, scared to put their personalities into their own homes, because the next owner might not like it.
How many times have I written about this on my blog? How many years have I been preaching this same message? I looked back to see if I could find the first post I ever wrote about this topic, and the earliest one I could find was from 2012. I’d be shocked if there wasn’t one before that, though, because I’ve had the same message for nearly two decades now. And I’ve known I’ve been fighting other voices with the opposite message, so when this Louisiana real estate agent decided to show her face on my page with her message that was diametrically opposed to mine, I got angry. I didn’t get angry because she hurt my feelings. She doesn’t have the power to do that. But she (and the thousands of real estate agents like her) does have the power to influence thousands of homeowners with her message, and that message makes me angry.
And when you consider that the voices of these real estate agents who always drill into homeowner’s heads about “future buyers” are also mixed in with the voices of shelter magazines continually telling us what’s “in” and what’s “out” for this year, and what trends we need to get rid of, and what new trends we need to adopt to remain current, it’s a wonder that any homeowners can truly find their own style and infuse their home with their own tastes and personalities. I genuinely want all of these people to shut up and go away.
Case in point, as I opened up my laptop computer just this morning, and opened up a new tab on my browser that automatically opens to the MSN home page, the very first article that appeared in the upper left hand corner was this one.
These articles are everywhere. I see at least one a day. I got curious, so I clicked on it, and…well…according to this article, I now need to repaint every surface in my house to remain “current”.
And what even is this next one? “The standard double vanity and bathtub and shower combo are getting tired.” What? Are you kidding me?
And I also need to swap out my gallery walls, even though I absolutely love gallery walls, for large art.
And evidently, I now need to get rid of my pink settee in the music room, my purple chairs in the living room, and my purple benches in the breakfast room and replace them all with neutrals to be “in”.
And this has to be the most tone-deaf thing I’ve ever read. Stop buying the affordable artwork that fits your budget. We all now need commissioned artwork.
To be clear, I am all for supporting artists, and I think if original commissioned artwork fits into your decorating budget, it’s a great way to personalize a home and support artists who should be paid well for their original work, and especially commissioned work (since commissioned work is one-of-a-kind that they can’t make additional money on by selling prints). But to put people down and make them feel bad if original commissioned artwork doesn’t fit their budget, and they happen to find something they like a World Market or Hobby Lobby that they want to hang on their wall, is so tone-deaf to me.
Anyway, I told little miss Louisiana real estate agent that she can go pound sand. And so can every other real estate agent telling homeowners that every decision they make for their home needs to be with the future owner in mind. And on top of that, I’ll also tell these shelter magazines to go pound sand with their stupid “what’s in and out for this year” lists. I despise all of them because every single one of them goes against the message that I’ve been trying to get across to homeowners for nearly two decades now. I have been beating this drum for the last 17 years, and I’ll continue to do so as long as I can.
And the next real estate agent who shows up on my Facebook page or my blog and tells me that I need to be thinking about the future owner will get the same treatment as this one because I will use every opportunity and every example that presents itself to me as an opportunity to continue preaching my message, and that is this…
Homeowners, if you have no plan to sell your home in the very near future, make your home your own. Do not make decisions based on what some faceless, nameless, possible, potential future owner of your home may or may not like, because you have no idea what they will want or like. Make your house your home while you have it.
UPDATE: I just now sat back down at my desk (at 10:20am) after helping Matt do his morning exercises, opened up a new browser tab, and once again, this is the first article that showed up on the MSN homepage.
I didn’t even bother clicking on this one because I simply don’t care about trends. It’s all an effort to keep you continually discontent, and to keep you in the constant “consumer” mindset. Just say no to all of it. Find what you love. Do what you love. Surround yourself with the colors and personal items that you love. Create a home that you love. The end.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
The UK’s very own Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen (look him up) gave a talk I attended (in person, it was excellent) last month in which he said absolutely the same thing.
Absolutely!
Between LLB and Sophie Robinson, there is never a dreary interior in sight.
One life to live : why not make it awash with colour.
If you like neutrals, then that’s exactly what you should do, but if you love colour, then take it to the max!
Great blog! I have received similar comments. I painted my living room a rich, almost royal, blue. I have a white couch with blue and sage green pillows. I LOVE it. It is for me. I am 83. Shouldn’t I be decorating for me rather than the next owner? It’s only paint friends.
Oh my goodness! Now that was a fun read. I’m not on Facebook or any of those sites – they sound quite… interesting 🤔. Your style is not mine, but I LOVE seeing what you do – and how tenacious you are. It gives me energy -so, thanks 😊
Your response exactly echo’s mine. No way could I live in a house with bright coral fixings, cupboards, desks. BUT …… I absolutely LOVE Kristi’s “can do” approach and bravery in attacking scary projects AND doing it extremely successfully. I LOVE YOU KRISTI …. you’re my type of gal. GO YOU !!!
Reading this just about killed me. I do not have the courage (or talent) to what you do. Honestly, you are brave. To me reading these hate filled posts would be like letting the worst kind of people into my head and home. Also, I would never want to do business with the ones you quoted here. Sending you love and thanks for all you do.
YAY, Kristi! You are absolutely right.
Real estate agents make their living when they sell a home. That is their mindset. They apparently don’t have the mental capacity to understand a homeowner who wants to continue to live in their home. So, decorating or remodeling a home to suit the homeowner’s taste rather than decorating it for resale is anathema to them. Your readers are fortunate to have you to set the example of doing what YOU love with your home, rather than for that “faceless future buyer” you mention. Keep up the good work, Kristi. You are a bright light in the darkness of living with bland or impersonal decorating.
Bleh. In this market, I could burn down half my house and still sell it! The only time visuals truly matter is when there’s way more houses than demand, and I don’t see that happening again in….a loooong time. So, I painted my walls purple! Anyway, the real estate agent seems butthurt for no reason (in our current market, homes should be flying out of her hands faster that she can get sellers onboard- so she should NOT be struggling in her personal career). The other guy seems mentally unwell or jealous, or both. Seriously, probably both
I just did a quick search on that Jonathan guy….and he has absolutely no reviews. So, it’s safe to assume he’s angry that he has no customers and is taking it out on innocent people on Facebook.
I checked ASID membership for the greater Chicago area and didn’t find him or Gregory Jordan Interiors listed. The pictures on the Gregory Jordan Interiors website, https://gregoryjordaninteriors.com/ are attractive but they look like every other designers’ for someone who wants their home to look very nice but devoid of personal statements. I think Mr. Wells has some mental health and self-esteem issues so he probably deserves our sympathy.
I’m in Louisiana and would love to know what agent was posting to your Facebook page. I’m looking for a new home and want to be sure I’m not using them. I’d also say that I’ve seen a lot of “professional” flips by contractors that devalued a house because of how shoddy the work is.
Also, I don’t care if you’re staying in your home as a rental for a year or as homeowner forever, everyone should do what they can to make it their own. We come home at the end of the day, we don’t come house/apartment/condo/mobile home.
Her name is Julie Branum of Southern Charm Realty, LLC, in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Steer clear of her! 😀
But did you get a load of the last house she sold?? Her comments were rich.
Where are you seeing the comments?
Kristi, your comments section no longer sends someone an email when you or anyone else replies to someone else’s comment. They’d have to check back later on that day’s post to see it.
I think this “70% renovated” house is the one Kyra was commenting on. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1909-Maryland-Ave-Kenner-LA-70062/73752498_zpid/?mmlb=g,14
You can find a particular agents past and present listings on Zillow by searching under Find an Agent.
I probably should feel some sympathy for for ole Jonathan…….but I don’t! 🤷♀️
Kristi, giving you big hugs and lots of love. There will always be idiots out there, henceforth why I live on a big farm in the middle of nowhere surrounded by nothing. My grandmother drummed it into my head that fashion is nothing, “style” is everything, and she was right. Keep doing what you are doing, because you are REALLY GREAT at it. Thanks for letting all of us come along for the ride, it cheers my heart to see what ideas come out of your head and come to life in your extremely beautiful home.
Cheers to you and Matt!
Bravo!!!
WOW ! I am shocked the professional said those horrible things.
I 100% agree with you making your home for you and your family. My “ Unique” home is beautiful to me and my family and makes us happy. I have learned over the years of selling homes I have lived in, that if you put new paint,carpet , kitchen, bathrooms, it helps sell your home super fast. The minute you sell it, people tear it all out, only to replace new things with what they love. I also learned that a unique home for sale allows people to visualize all the possiblities that they would have never considered. Enjoy your forever home!
100% agree. Too many people have let the ‘experts’ destroy their confidence and the end result is houses that are indistinguishable from one another – boring and with no personality. Keep up the good work!
Amen! Well said.
Love Love Love this post! There is not one room in my house that has not been torn apart and remade to suit MY family…not some mythical future family! I love watching you create..
your posts are a highlight if my day!
Oh just wow I didn’t know “professional “ people talked like that in public. Truly my mouth was just hanging open. I’m a long time reader follower. I’ve been encouraged by some of your posts to try new and different things. Thanks Kristy I’ll keep reading and following you because you are authentic and true to your self
Let it go! Let it go! I’m much more interested in what you got done in your closet or bedroom.
I will ALWAYS share progress when I have progress to share. Feeling like I can only share progress keeps me in a constant state of non-stop working and exhaustion. Even I need a day off sometimes. 🙂
It’s always a treat to read whatever you choose to write. Your bog is the first thing I read every day. Thank you for sharing all of it.
Well done Kristi. Thank you.
👏
Kristi, I love you!! While I won’t be copying every decor choice you have made, that would be boring if we all decorated the same, I can appreciate your hard work and beautiful choices. I love that you no longer let the petty people get to you and laugh them off. I agree with you, those who have influence shouldn’t be bullying you and and shouldn’t tell people that they HAVE to design their home for future homeowners. Make it yours!! Keep it up!
I painted the door to my old house bright, royal purple. It was easy to tell people how to find my house. I’d give them the address and tell them it’s the one with the purple door. When I decided to sell, my realtor told me the purple door had to go if I wanted a quick sale. I needed to paint it brown or black or beige or white!!!! I refused. My house sold in 12 days to a couple that had looked at 98 other homes! The door has remained purple thru them and another owner!!!! It’s STILL purple!!!
I love this!! These so called experts really don’t know.
Yep. My friend’s house was stucco and she had it painted a soft dusty blue. Her front door was screaming pink. It sold just like that – for well over asking price.
Awesome! 😃🤘
I espouse to the same sentiment: Make YOUR house your own!
Honestly, unless a potential buyer has zero interest in what their house looks like, chances are they are going to go in and make changes, regardless of how neutral the seller has kept/made it. You can’t please everybody so I just don’t understand people who live in a house worrying about what the next owner might, or might not, like. Neutral is not universally appealing.
I see the same attitude about painting furniture. The old Rate My Space and HomeTalk were/are filled with people who were horrified if someone painted an old, mass produced piece of “wood” furniture. Old does not equal valuable.
Oh yeah, don’t get me started on the painted wood furniture haters. LOL.
Not every piece of wood furniture is a priceless antique or made of high quality wood and veneers – and a heck of a lot of older furniture was made of several cheaper woods and stained dark to give it a cohesive colour. How is that any different from painting it?
Furniture has been mass produced for a long time to make it accessible to the masses – and if brown isn’t your thing there’s absolutely nothing wrong with painting it.
Oh my goodness, I had completely forgotten about Rate My Space until I read your comment! 😀 I remember being SO proud when one of my rooms would hit that front page. I don’t even remember what it was based on, but I’m guessing by the name, it was by other people rating the room. I think I had two rooms on the front page, and I was SO proud! 😀
But yes, I still see comments to this day where people complain about other people painting their wood furniture. I follow a couple of accounts on Facebook that are just about furniture makeovers, and they’re almost always with paint. The comments are filled with people clutching their pearls over another person painting wood furniture. It seems so silly to me. You’re 100% right. Old does not equal valuable.
When I bought my house I became the future owner and so have decorated my home any damn well way I want. So there LOL!!! Follow your heart not a magazine article or real estate agent…
“Clutching their pearls.” !! Love this comment …. makes me giggle LOL LOL
I actually had one of my rooms highlighted in the RMS newletter. I had painted the walls of my bedroom RED (gasp!) and had white furniture. It was fun and different, a bold departure from my typical decorating style. Most of the feedback was very positive but of course, there were those who were horrified and expressed some not-so-nice thoughts. Some asked, “How can you even relax and sleep at night in a RED room?!?!?!” Maybe because it’s dark and my eyes are closed??? LOL. The room stayed red for a year or two and then I easily changed it … with that magic thing called PAINT.
It seems EVERYTHING is inundated with consumerism and preys on people not accepting themselves. I applaud people who can create content, become influencers, etc…but it has redefined our culture and society and not always in a good way. It makes ugly people very “brave”…and enables mal-behavior…from the sad individual supposedly an interior designer from Chicago, do we really know if that’s who that is?? I see people stealing other’s content (including yours)…for what? They are soo unhappy and discontent this is what they decide to spend their time doing?? The rest have some ulterior motive, namely buy what they are selling…this is how you stay “in”…Often, “articles” are nothing more that big advertisements, which when I took advertising would have been illegal! Anyway, it’s all very sad, and I have unplugged from a lot and subscribed to a very few. For many years I only subscribed an followed you! You seemed to always pop-up when I was researching something I was trying to figure out. Forget Youtube University…I’ve got Kristi University! You are one of the few people I think have true talent, courage, and humility…It gives me hope, thank you!
You keep doing you! We love your Decorating and your Posts!!
Those “Mean” comments – They are Chinese Bots! They’re on every platform, and reply to posts like that all the time. Just plain ole Rage Bait.
The Realtor & News Media? Meh.. Their desperately marketing right now, because home sales are down in many areas of the country. They need to change the trends every year now, just to make a sale. Nothing but Sales & Marketing 101 😉 :0-)
Amen and amen Kristi!!! 👏🏻
Kristi..You have a healthy attitude towards the haters. It’s how they express the discontent in their own lives. Pass them by and move on. You did well!
I never comment, but will today. I love your blog, what you are able to do is miraculous to me. I actually find those mean comments a little bit unhinged and scary. Those people seem off and I would not engage with crazy.
Hi Kristi,
I am not the kinda of person who put comments normally. But this time, I wanted to say that I agree with you all the way. Our home is our little retreat. I never decorate to please others. I think you are amazing. I love what you do and I am happy to see the result. Keep up the good job, you’re the best! I’ve been following you for years. I’m a fan from Canada!
Kristi, I wouldn’t consider you an everyday DIYer. More like a self-taught DIY expert. I almost always like what you do. Your posts are educational.
Neutral is boring! That is why I enjoy your ideas! Very creative! Every room is livable and filled with warmth! Nothing is cookie cutter! You go girl!
Thank you for this post and I agree with you 100%! Our homes should be our happy place and reflect our personality and be a place that we enjoy being. The next homeowner, if we should decide to sell, can it make it there happy place when they buy it!!
I just want you to know I’m even more impressed with you now than I was before. Personally, when I work on my houses, I try to infuse the era of the house back into it, and not just follow trends aimlessly. I love everything you do and stand for. Keep on being amazing. You are an inspiration!❤️
okay about the second point first. I had to stop watching ANY shows on HGTV because they were ALL the same house. Big or small they were identical with identical kitchen countertops and identical wall colours. Identical floors…and on and on. The random stuff I put in my house is for me and my husband. It gives us comfort and we are never moving. We are not on trend…too bad.
For the first point, you have to wonder who damaged that individual so badly that he has to lash out at random strangers. Some serious psychological issues there. Sad to see someone in so much pain. Dunno. Makes you wonder though…
When my husband and I were house hunting, our real estate agent said “Don’t look at wall color or carpet or flooring – those can be easily changed. Look at the basement for water damage, how old is the roof, how old are the windows, the furnace, the A/C…the other things can be cheaply and easily changed, the big ticket items are what you don’t want to worry about!” When we finally settled on a house, the walls were yellow, the carpeting was green, the bathroom was pink. BUT the basement had been waterproofed, the roof was under 5 years old, the furnace and A/C were older but top of the line and in perfect working order. We changed the paint, flooring, etc…a few times over the years and just within the past 7 years or so replaced the big things (roof, windows, furnace and a/c). We’ve been in our house 25+ years and do not plan on selling anytime soon. If we expected a house to reflect our tastes before we bought it, we’d still be renting.
Great advice Susan! It’s the big, expensive stuff that should matter to buyers.
I agree with you, the comments from the interior decorator were over the top to say the least! The old adage….if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all! The personal insults…I can’t believe a person would sign their name to a message like that! Unbelievable!
I decorate my home to my taste, I have had friends tell me about resale value and paint colors…too bad! My home is curated, pieces and furniture I’ve collected, purchased, redone, been given, and found honestly! Perhaps not to everyone’s taste, but I love it!
You go girl. I’ve said the same thing for years myself – unless you are only intending to flip your house in a short period of time you should decorate for yourself. You have to live there and you should enjoy your space. Yes, there are some considerations for eventual resale value – but most of those can be addressed when you actually want to sell your house. Even then – a well put together design and decor choices will always look well put together even when they are not your personal style.
I’ve had HVAC and plumbing technicians (usually youngish men) actually complement me on my kitchen design – I have black cabinetry, white stone counters and one wall is done in white brick wallpaper. My backsplash is actually wallpaper as well – a very expensive pattern of tin ceiling tiles. Are black cabinets everyone’s taste? No, but paint is available and accessible and my cabinets are actually on their third colour iteration.
As for that misogynist cretin Wells – such trolls are best ignored. Feeding them only keeps them going although I certainly get the impulse to respond. I don’t suffer fools gladly either. I can hardly believe a guy with his own business would post crap like that and think it won’t come back to bite him. What a moron.
Obviously the poor man has never experienced the joy of creativity. Yours is the only DIY/decorating blog that I follow, for that very reason. People said I was crazy when I designed and built my straw bale house. Now they want one too! Keep being you, Kristi!
As someone who never purchases trendy things, my advice is stick to the classics. There are classics in every different type of style. Classics stand the test of time. Use colors that you love, and you will not tire of them. Incorporate the accessories and art that say something about your personality, and make you feel good. Strive to buy quality, (and the best value for that is usually purchasing second hand, or if you are lucky- an inherited piece). Make your home a sanctuary that renews your body, mind and spirit. And absolutely never believe that your home needs to “impress” a guest, whoever said that has a really bad complex.
OH MY GOSH!! My thoughts exactly!! We haved moved numerous times in the past few years (for various reasons) and thought each home would be our forever home. We did what we wanted including bright paint colors, dark paint colors, funky, upcycled homemade artwork, very non traditional trim/moulding, and hugely oversized light fixtures to name a few things. But all things we/I loved and most decisions were price driven. We have always had slightly unusual, quirky homes reflecting us. With that said, all of our homes have sold for top dollar in less than 5 days. I think the most important thing when showing a home is that it is clean and doesn’t look cluttered or filled with too many religious or personal items like family pictures.
And, all of the houses we have bought… we’ll we’ve changed paint colors, flooring, lighting fixtures, etc.
My philosophy has been and will continue to be to do what you want in your home!!
I love your sense of style and I’d buy your home in a heartbeat!!
Wow! With that level of hate you are surely doing it right.
Carry on and keep up the good work.
The first commenter’s remarks read to me as bot-like, as if someone hacked the actual decorator’s profile and posted (would a reputable decorator with an actual business really make those sort of remarks to you publicly, using increasingly disgusting personal attacks in doing so? I doubt it.) It’s an attention-seeking troll tactic. The second could be succinctly answered thusly: “Property values and decorating trends are for realtors and marketers to worry about. I’ve always encouraged homeowners to try things and to create living spaces that please them. If you think a class needs to be taught, YOU teach it.”
I did a search for Gregory. They are a chain store with stores in several states owned by somebody named Jonathan. No telling who is behind the posts. I would simply block them in FB. And anyone else trolling me. I can understand the Real Estate agents. Just watch the program Ugliest House in America! Lol Also Zombie House about houses here in FL & Dallas. Agents are the advertising arm of the Home Furnishings Industry. I never read their stuff. I did like one column in HGTV mag. about substituting a reasonable priced item instead of spending money on the high end stuff. It was a great column.
I’ve had trolls challenge me on FB for medical articles. “Good-bye POS” and then block. Much better for my brain. Especially when I can cite articles in medical journals.
I did like the post about semi-gloss paint tho! I guess I am 50 years ahead of the trend. When you have 2 slobbering St Bernards and 2 kids, semi-gloss is a life saver. Nothing sticks for long. And no elbow grease!
I think I can speak for the majority of your fans when I say, just block them! We don’t need you upset or angry! We love your work or we wouldn’t be here! You already have a plateful, we don’t want you letting this stuff live rent-free in your brain! WE LOVE YOU KRISTIE!!!
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! Consider yourself flattered! I fell in love with your window/door trim way back when. My new house is beautiful with all that trim. Not a miter joint in sight! Cancelled the trim guy the contractor hired (KA-CHING! $11k SAVED!) 3 of us, me, daughter & friend finished 10 windows & 17 doors in a week! Maybe $2500-3K spent on wood.
I have found my people! You, Ana White and Shanty2Chic! Thanks to you, I have the courage to build my own Rustic Wood Dresser! Gathering parts & pieces as we speak!
No reason to let this crap into your life or even answer them. Obviously they need some business or they wouldn’t have time to troll you!
It’s funny how regional an approach can be! You mentioned the semi-gloss article referenced, and I have to say where I grew up in Western Colorado, EVERYBODY used semi-gloss interior paint from the 1960s onward. I don’t know if that was because of the climate, the timing of that particular housing boom, or the region of the country many contractors came from, or just what. It was only when I moved to the midwest that I discovered other people used flat paint everywhere. I hadn’t even really known that existed! I was so used to being able to just wet a rag and clean a spot on the wall . . . and then I unthinkingly did that on a flat-painted wall and had to repaint the entire stupid wall!
I, too, like to rile up the freaks. I gleefully imagine their veins bulging and the ole’ ticker struggling to keep pace with their psychosis. That’s the sad and disturbing thing about the internet and “social” media. You realize how many truly psychotic freakzoids there are out there mingling with the general populace. And procreating…it does give one pause. BTW, your home is lovely. My husband was always irked when some real estate toady started talking about resell. They (estates agents) are truly mindless.
When we were buying our first home, everyone I knew believed in the Universal Truth that a formal living room was essential for “resale.” Even in small houses, we all wasted square footage on a room that, when used according to its stated purpose, was unused literally 99% of the time. I’m glad that phase is over.
Also, that one guy is mentally ill or has a vicious ex that stole his log-in info.
No matter what a person does to their home, it will need to be somewhat neutralized before it goes on the market. As long as it has a great layout, is in a good area, and has been well maintained, it will sell. If my IG feed is any indication, everyone wants to paint or redo their house to their taste anyway, so why the fuss over what you like not pleasing someone else? A great real estate agent will help a buyer see beyond decor choices to the really important stuff like function, location, value, quality and condition of more permanent things like tile and countertops (although there also seem to be more and more products and professionals that can update those without ripping anything out).
O.M.G. poor dumb idiots. They think their opinions will sway anyone? 😁😁
I wouldn’t buy from a real estate agent like that. My SIL has been a broker/seller for over 45 years, still selling at 83 yrs of age. I’ve never heard her ever talk like this agent, ever. She’s not as busy now because she can pick and choose what she wants to do, but oh my gosh, her attitude isn’t like this “agents” at all. No wonder my SIL has been a millionaire seller for years.
I also want to stick up a bit for real estate agents since they do get a bad rap in many people’s minds and are portrayed very negatively in most shows and movies. My mom was a real estate agent for over 30 years and helped me buy my house. Good agents pay no attention to decor/paint/carpet/etc. when representing buyers. They try to help buyers look past those choices to see what is most important when purchasing. When representing sellers, they ask them to declutter, clean, depersonalize, neutralize and strategically update if necessary. Sometimes that may mean spending $5k repainting the interior a neutral instead of spending $20k on a new roof because that’s all the seller can do to get the most money out of their property. But the onus is on the buyers and the buyers’ agent to help the buyers see that they will need to spend money on a new roof sooner rather than later. When I bought my house, I did not have the skills or money to update things and went for the cleanest, most updated house in my price range and desired location. It took over a decade to replace flooring that we didn’t like so much, but what was there was fine when the kids were little (maybe even better since we didn’t mind if it got ruined). So real estate agents can actually be very helpful.
I totally agree with you that there are some FANTASTIC agents out there! I know at least one personally. He’s the one that sold our condo for $24,000 more than any condo in that building had ever sold for (and that’s a significant increase considering those condos had been selling for around $50,000). And he sold it as is, with all of my crazy colors and customizations. He didn’t ask me to paint everything neutral because he knew there would be a buyer who loved what I did. Not only was there the right buyer for our condo, but they paid $24,000 more for it than for the others that were the same floor plan and same size that were priced at $50,000!
There’s a right buyer for every home. And a good real estate agent knows that and works hard to pair the two together. If, for some reason, we ever did need to sell our house, he’s the first agent I’d go to. He was amazing to work with! So yes, there are many great real estate agents. I’m just sad for the people who get stuck with the lousy ones because they don’t know there are actually great ones out there.
Personally, I decorate my home with “early Salvation” as in Army or yard sales, thrift shops, etc. Just my bed is new. I’m a firm believer, like you, in making your home work for you. I’ve had compliments on how my home is comfortable. That’s how I like it. Colorful, clean and comfortable. Those real estate people should find some other bush to beat. What snobs. I do think I would have had different choice words for Louisiana and any others. Keep on keeping on.
The majority of your readers/followers love the message you are selling. If you are not a house flipper, anything chosen for the next buyer makes absolutely no sense. It is likley the next owner will change everything you put into the house anyway in an attempt to put their own stamp on it. I agree with you 100%, make it YOUR home, and to heck with resale value or what the next buyer wants. If you are like myself, when I leave my current home, it will be to go to the morgue, and anything my kids garner from the sale of my house is blue sky for them. They have zero investment, so it is 100% profit, even if they get pennies on the dollar for my design choices. Thank you for being the person who does not conform to trends, and for showing us all it is ok to be an individual.
WOW! The smoke is rolling off of this post! I can feel your anger all the way in VA! As for Mr. Wells, I’m so glad you chose to tweak his nose! I too like to “play” with people like that and watch their mercury rise. What a jackass to make such comments to you! He must be a very nasty person or he is just another keyboard cowboy without class.
I’m sorry such humanoids exist in our world.
My last house was very custom to our family and when it came time to sell, it definitely had an impact on selling quickly. That was in 2021 when interest rates were still low and bidding wars were going on. It dampened my joy in decorating to my taste. But we also moved out very quickly and I had no time or support to neutralize the decor. (Hindset: we should have) That experience was a definite hit to my confidence and made me hesitant to do anything to the house itself, like paint the walls a color instead of the miserable (Dis)Agreeable Gray that was here when we bought it. It took over a year before I had the courage to change the wall color. I started small with the powder room when I couldn’t stand all gray walls for another minute!
Kristi, you really helped me have the courage to paint color into my home again. Now every bathroom has been painted, along with two offices, the laundry room, back entryway and the guest bedroom.
You and your home are beautiful!
The only reason I look at design trends is for inspiration. I might see a piece that I really like or an idea I might want to incorporate in my home. I loathe cookie cutter designing.
Every home is as different (or should be) as the people who live in them. They are supposed to be our sanctuaries. I love color. Not everyone does and that’s okay as well.
I love your design AND writing style. I am so glad that realtor made you angry. I would never have seen your posts otherwise.
This is so on point. Homes have become an “investment” first and a home second. The “blank canvas” crowd clearly don’t know that for many, a blank canvas isn’t freedom to start from scratch, it’s paralysis of not knowing where to start. Seeing folks who are afraid to choose something as easy to change as a paint color is just sad.
My husband and I have lived in this house for about 20 years…..we plan to live in it till we die….then it will be up to our children who inherit it to change it if they so choose to….to help them sell it..
To counter her comments, if I was looking for a 5BR/6BA home and walked into yours, I’d be mentally discarding the majority of my belongings and figuring out how to live within the footprint. She’s an idiot.
I couldn’t possibly agree with this message more- the constant pressure to live in a bland space feels like we’re being told that the lives we live in this space is insignificant to the money someone else will pay for our current Joy – no thank you! The life I’m building here is valuable and I don’t give a flip if the next person likes my taste.
Thank you for your message and living fully in the beautiful home you’ve created!
I will never understand people who submit mean and nasty comments like these. Imagine what could be done if this hateful energy was put towards good?
Great post and I love that you have always been encouraging for people to do things themselves. You have inspired and encouraged me (at 68) to retile my kitchen backsplash, redo my pantry and install an accent wall in my bedroom. I also blame you for my desire to own more power tools which I can justify by the savings I get doing it myself.
Thank you for what you do for your followers
FWIW As a retired IT professional I would strongly recommend you block the Jonathons of the world. When a comment crosses the line from hating your content to personal attacks, poking the bear although entertaining carries risk in today’s world where personal information can be found and unhinged people are unpredictable.
Kristi I love your use of color and patterns! Very Dorthy Draper, although I am sure the foul-mouthed “designer” 🙄 does not have a clue about her or her passion for colorful interiors.
I’ve always marveled at the rooms she decorated. So much to look at and so many details to study in each one! And her use of color was so amazing and BOLD.
Preach it, Sister! ❤👍🤸♀️🤩🇺🇸🎆👌
I enjoy your posts when I catch them, and respect your designs and DIY skills. I will admit you are braver than I am with your design choices, but I always enjoy seeing them and certainly respect what you do in your own home. I totally agree about “decorate for future buyers” and “what is in and what is out”. Do what you love!!!
Kristi, I have been following you since your condo days and if I didn’t like your style or I didn’t learn anything, then I wouldn’t be here. Mr Wells (if that’s even a person and not a company) is either a dick or a bot. Tall, short, skinny, fat, who cares? He’s obviously immature and psychotic. To take his comment as low as calling someone a “whore” says a hell of a lot more about him (or the company)- is he an adolescent for goodness sakes- than it does about the person it was directed to, in my opinion!
As far as the realtor goes, some agents/brokers are gems. I happen to be married to a broker of 40 years and he would never act like this person posting such a negative comment. Instead he would hold the buyer’s hands guiding them on what to look for in a home and steering them away from such nonsense. I’d consider reporting her to the Board of Realtors in Louisiana for posting negative comments to someone she’s never met on social media- just to get her attention- but I’m petty that way.
When we bought our dream home five years ago I referred to it as the “dog” house. It wasn’t filled with smelly, peeing dogs but every room was painted like a topping on a HOT DOG! Yes, the kitchen, family room, and entry were bright mustard yellow. The laundry room and guest rooms were green like pickle relish. The primary bedroom and bath were brick red like an overripe tomato- and the bathroom vanity even had faux RED marble countertops. There were only two bedrooms that were neutral beige/off-white and I’m just thankful they weren’t griege and that they used restraint in a couple of the bedrooms to only paint an “accent” wall! We saw beyond the unappetizing color of the walls to the 3 acres of level land that backs to an ecological reserve, the beautiful swimming pool and spa, the 1,000 sq ft out building/shop, the fully paid for solar system, the kitchen island that is the size of a continent and the 60+ cabinets that I swore we’d never fill (we have!). We also pictured what we wanted to do with the property like dig a well, install an outdoor kitchen and pizza oven, a putting green, a greenhouse, and a guest house and we did them all! But first, we completed the easiest task possible- we painted the walls!
That sounds so wonderful, and you were so smart to look past the colors! The house we bought had a mustard exterior. The inside…the ENTIRE house was gold/mustard…every room, every wall, including the ceilings. WOW. Mustard must have been “color of the year,” and the “on trend” that Kristi mentioned earlier during that year! So happy for you.
Thank you! We count our lucky stars every single day. Mustard yellow on every wall and ceilings? WHAT were they thinking?! LOL, I once lived in an apartment that had green shag carpet on one of the kitchen walls. This was in the early 80’s and even then I was astonished at it- like, who could possibly ever think this is a good idea?!
Your house and property sound like a resort! Amazing!
Bravo, very well said Kristi.
I am continually amazed at how awful some people can be. I have followed you for a very long time admiring your talent, style and love of color. It has been a fun ride I’ll never grow weary of. Hats off to remaining true to yourself and spreading such a positive message to all home owners!
Boy people sure are mean. You are my favorite DIY ‘er I have been following you for years. Keep it up and ignore the trash talk You’re the best!!
Do you or any of your fans follow Karen at The Art Of Doing Stuff? Or Kim & Hubs at Yellow Brick Home? I mean, this is literally why you and bloggers are on Facebook: you DO STUFF!! To your home, for your home, and those who live in it. Or rent it. And I couldn’t agree more that trends are fleeting. I think it used to be that they named an era or decade such as MCM/“ the 50s”. But because society now has a penchant for redoing everything fast and furious, as often as the seasons change, it’s no wonder my head spins; I can’t keep up! As to your AISD troll I’m not sure he even exists unless it’s in the mind of some poor chap living in a rooming house basement. I’d definitely block him. You have a tremendous and loyal following, Kristi.
Many of us love your designs , some of us wonder…”what is she thinking…?”
But I’d wager all of us admire and are envious of your talent, hard work, grit and determination to wind up a project. I know I am.
I follow Yellow Brick Home on Instagram! Great account to follow.
Those people are jealous and somewhat bossy. No where have you ever said you are working (mostly alone) to sell. You are making the house suitable for you and Matt to live there a long time. You inspired me and l’m doing the same. So glad you don’t care what they say.
Also, you are very beautiful inside and out!
Amen!
Those two you talked about are pathetic and clueless. And HE is obnoxious and disgusting. BUT, I agree they are BOTH wrong. I know you have no intention of moving or selling your home. It will be so perfect for you…the next owner can do what they want…they will love it for all you have done…colors are easy to change if they have different taste, but they will have an awesome house to work with. They will be some lucky buyers, as things have been done correctly as well. The builders now are very reckless and fast, and unskilled in some instances…especially the ones that build cookie cutter houses in huge neighborhoods. We went with an independent builder = not one that builds in neighborhoods, and had to FIRE him when the footings and base of our house was totally wrong and even inspected by two engineers, and they both said it had to come out. We now know it’s just about the BUCK, and they know they will be long gone when things go bad in all these homes. We watched some of the neighborhoods go up too…despicable work. Thank God my husband was knowledgeable enough to see what was happening. Although we are older and have not dealt with the paperwork to build, we are doing it ourselves, hiring out what we can’t handle, and overseeing every step. NOT what we wanted to be doing…but the current issues made it necessary. I also don’t care what they think about our choices…we made it modern because if felt like a nice change to us…the new owners won’t insult us if they totally change it…but this is our last home as well. We are not moving again. You are wonderful to confront the obnoxious ones, and let the stupid ones slide. Your house is your home for you and Matt…the rest can pound salt…! PS) I would never hire that guy, OR that stupid realtor.
I love your style both in your home and in handling self proclaimed experts. I hate know-it-alls. I am so glad I found your blog. Your home is gorgeous.
Amen! When did people start becoming so fixated on what unknown outsiders may think of their home and making all design and decorating decisions on the basis of the impact they may have on resale value? I wholeheartedly agree with you. If you ARE looking to sell — because you’re pushing 90 and don’t need five bedrooms and three flights of stairs, or you’re relocating for work, upsizing or downsizing, or found another house you like much more — yes, it makes sense to “neutralize” your home a bit and stage it so a wider range of potential buyers could see how they might live in it. But if you aren’t planning on selling anytime soon, create your home in YOUR image, with whatever delights YOUR senses, and draw strength from the peace, comfort and happiness it gives you.
As for the nasty guy, I think others got it right — it’s not your blog that’s troubling him.
Totally agree! I enjoy making my home my own, too!
We built a very large Catio on our back patio and extended along the fence all the way out to the edge of our backyard 9 months ago, for a cat the universe distributed to our household. Last month, we decided to sell our home. Our agent (a 30 year professional) never batted an eye over a structure many lesser agents would have required us to remove before listing or had us lower our price (devalue anyone). Nope, she listed it above market value and we have an all cash contract due to close in a few days. A good realtor who knows what their doing shouldn’t have a problem with selling a house. It’s literally their profession. Lazy and incompetent realtors have all sorts of problems because it makes a job they aren’t qualified to do, a little bit harder.
Please keep shouting your message!! We live in our homes and whether it’s for a month or a lifetime, we deserve to live the best lives we can manage.
In a world where literally anyone can have an opinion, we should go back to an old rule…if you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.
However, if you are brave, bold and inspiring, you should be celebrated. Thank you for being you!
Kudos to you Kristi. Fads come and go. A personalize well styled home will always look beautiful and timeless.
Your blog post has not been removed. I shall advise counsel and proceed accordingly.
June 4, 2025
Kristi Michelle Linauer
213 Mary Avenue
Waco, TX 76701
[email protected]
Ms. Lanauer,
I write to you under the advice of legal counsel to demand the immediate removal of all content, including but not limited to your “blog” post, that makes reference to me, my company, or my business.
Additionally, you are hereby directed to remove any and all defamatory or otherwise disparaging statements published on social media platforms or any other medium that pertain to me or my business. Furthermore, you are instructed to issue clear and unequivocal communication to any individuals who, as a result of your posts, have engaged in harassing behavior toward me, my business, or my business website, demanding that such harassment cease immediately.
Should you fail to comply with the demands outlined herein, please be advised that I reserve all rights to pursue immediate legal action, including but not limited to the initiation of litigation, to protect my reputation and the interests of my business.
This correspondence serves as formal notice of my intent to enforce my rights to the fullest extent permitted by law should noncompliance persist.
Jonathon G. Wells
Founder / Designer
Gregory Jordan Interiors
I have screenshots of every single one of your comments that YOU made to ME on MY very public Facebook page. And now you’re leaving a PUBLIC comment on my very PUBLIC blog post using and linked to your business name. I didn’t tell anyone to harass you, but ALL OF YOUR BEHAVIOR IS PUBLIC and you’ve done so UNDER YOUR BUSINESS NAME and using accounts that are PUBLICLY ATTACHED TO YOUR BUSINESS NAME.
I’ve edited my post all I’m going to, and I will absolutely not take it down since it contains ONLY factual information.
For the record, the first thing a defamation case requires is “proof of a false statement.” Good luck with that. I have screenshots of every single one of your comments on my Facebook page.
FYI, a sincere apology to me for acting like a complete ass would have been a lot more effective.
But since YOU are the one who came to MY very public page with over half a million followers, made disparaging comment after disparaging comment, and did so under a Facebook account which very PUBLICLY displayed your business name…
IF YOU PROCEED with legal action, I will have no other option than to go to every single media outlet I can find in Chicago and see if they are interested in running a story about a man — a Chicago business owner — who thinks it’s okay to go around calling women “fat ugly cows” and “stupid whores” and “cunts” under an account linked to his business name, and then threatens to sue when screenshots of his evil online behavior are shared. In this day of men being cancelled for lesser behavior towards women, do you really want to play this game?
I will also set up a website called “thehorriblemrwells.com” or something to that effect, and I will share every FACTUAL detail of what has transpired, including screenshots of your bullying comments, your legal threat against me that you posted here on my PUBLIC blog, any legal action you try to take, etc. And then I will proceed to purchase Super Chats, Rumble Rants, etc., on every single HUGE live podcast in America, left, right, and center, with the name/link to that website that they will read out LIVE to their huge audiences.
I’m not threatened by you, and you picked a fight with the wrong blogger.
So let me end the way I began. A SINCERE APOLOGY would have gone a lot further (not only to me, but also to my readers — people are generally VERY impressed with sincere apologies) than your legal threats. And now, your apology needs to be PUBLIC, the very same way your harassment, bullying, and disparagement of me was PUBLIC and very clearly intended to bring doubt to my readers (and over half a million FB followers) regarding the quality of MY work.
Let me also add that IF YOU CONTACT ME AGAIN (or if anyone representing you contacts me)…
I, as the victim of your online bullying, will go directly to your Yelp page, your Google reviews, and anywhere else I can find to leave public reviews, and I will post…
EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. of the comments you left on my PUBLIC Facebook page. You and I both know that there were a whole lot more than just the two I posted here. And I have screenshots of ALL of them. I will share them far and wide….ALL of them.
DO NOT CONTACT ME AGAIN.
I’m giving you a standing ovation right now!
Second the standing ovation, and remain standing, with Kristi! Bring it on!
FYI, Because you chose to comment on my PUBLIC blog and leave your entire name and your business name, this blog post is now the #3 result in Google organic search results when someone searches your name and business name. It’s YOUR comment that Google crawled. The third result, right after your website, your Houzz account, and then this blog post.
That’s karma, you idiot.
It is karma and it is delicious! :licks fingers: I can’t wait for tomorrow’s post, what a deluded nut-job he is. Go Kristi, encore! That was an invigorating read! 🤣
https://s3.img-b.com/image/private/t_base,c_lpad,f_auto,dpr_auto,w_1280/content-tool%2Flzw2k9yxfewkjjxv0y3d
Apparently, these critics of your work aren’t aware of what people are really choosing to decorate and enjoy their homes. Just received this in my email. I love color and creativity. I admire and love everything you have accomplished to make your home the vision that you have dreamed of. Wish people would spend their time being supportive and positive. What a pleasant world it would be!
I have been following you since you first started on your kitchen. Your creativity is beyond incredible. There is definitely some mental issues with people who feel the need to insult you. Keep on doing what you do. Love it!
OH THIS POST IS BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings on everything I think we’ve been fighting against for the last decade. I love it. They can all indeed go pound sand.
Also, Jonathan might want to seek therapy. Bless his heart. LOLZ.
not a lawyer, but this is almost laughable (I do know it could be serious)…in that what twisted world does this sad person think they have grounds for a lawsuit? He came to your page, you didn’t seek him out. Responding to his comments is benign. If anything, I think his comments would border on a hate crime, cyber stalking, and harassment. Hopefully, an attorney can simply send a cease and desist letter, making this all go away. Thought…if your faithful followers went to his page and left disparaging comments about him or his business…he could say something about impacting his business, however, that wouldn’t be on you..and more importantly, it was all on a public platform.
Did you look at Target for baskets?
Kristi,
You are my designing hero! That man/child is just a petty human who gets a kick trying to make others feel as small as they do. Now, here is my take on Realtors, Designers, Decorators who think they know everything. We have bought 3 homes in our homeownership life. All three were in need of updating. We slowly did each space ourself and we’re very much perfectionists. We were not a two income household so plans had to be detailed and we had only X amount and could never go over budget. Each home was done with love and to our taste. After 9 years we sold the first weekend ourself. Inspector was very impressed, Realtors as well. We made all our money back and an extra $20k to put down on house 2. Again we took one room at a time except the livingroom/dining/kitchen. We did it again on a very tight budget. Our kitchen was done with second hand cabinets that I bought off craigslist. It took me a year to strip them all down, stain and varathane. I took cabinets I got and designed a kitchen around what I had. My husband made two cabinets that slide between studs to create an awesome pantry. He made a cabinet and used the extra doors I had for a peninsula. When we sold that home through a realtor and we negotiated the percentage the buyer realtor received. Our home sold in a weekend for top dollar. Realtor tours were nice to hear experience as they had positive comments. They even asked who my stager was. Mind you I had no idea what they were talking about. I asked what that was and it was explained to me on a respectful way. I said I do the decorating of my home, this is my house as we live in it. They started asking where I got decor pieces and were amazed at my discount stores/garage sales/ second hand stores and it all went well together. Our home is designed and decorated by me and we love our spaces. We have always been given nice compliments from others and sell as we live. If someone sees your home it has to be how they feel while they are visiting/viewing more than what colors you use. Did we have any Realtors that made negative comments? We had two, we just considered their job was to try and get us to sign with them to sell. It just made us firm on our view.
Do not take those negative mindsets get you thinking you are in trouble. I assure you he is the one in trouble. As a professional he is the worst type possible. A bully and a coward thinking he can come to your page and degrade you, then threaten you as he did is not OK.
Keep being you Kristi, you have the followers for a reason. His type need to crawl back under his rock and stop strong arming a strong talented blogger, artistic creator and design your beautiful home for you and Matt. You have achieved just that with colors you love.
Very well put! I agree.
OMG! Some people are just ignorant. You have more talent and skills in your little finger than most “designers” have. Your home is delightful, and you are the only person you have to please. Your home looks happy and inviting to me!
I’ve followed your blog for years, and your “design the house YOU want, for how you live today” was immensely helpful for me. I live in a historical home, and when I needed to do a gut-job renovation, I panicked. I wanted to preserve the history, but sometimes that was at odds with what I needed, but omg what if the next owner doesn’t love my choices?! I was trying to please myself, future owners, and the house’s past. It was impossible.
I heard your words bouncing around, and eventually was able to let go of my need to please future people. I focused on my current needs and honoring the history of my home, and found solutions that met both needs. And the next owner can just deal with it, they’re free to make changes if they don’t like what I’ve done. But it’s not my job to please them, it’s my job to please ME.