The Most Important Lesson I Hope People Have Learned From Me After 17 Years Of Blogging About DIY & Decorating
I’ve been blogging now for 17 years. That’s amazing to me. At the same time, those 17 years seem to have flown by, but also, our time in our little condo seems like a lifetime ago. But no matter where we’ve lived, or what projects I was working on and blogging about, I’ve always had two main goals with my blog — two major lessons I hoped to drill into people’s heads. The first is that I want to encourage people (but my heart has mainly been for women) to reallize that they are capable. You can use tools. You can build things. You can do it yourself. You don’t have to rely on others to build or repair that thing for you. You are capable and strong, and you can learn how to do hard things. My main goal has been to demonstrate a life of learning, trial and error, growing through failures, and getting things done by myself.
But my second goal has been to encourage people in this…
Make your home yours, regardless of what other people say.
Yesterday, I was scrolling Facebook and came across a reel of a woman painting and wallpapering her half bathroom (i.e., a powder bathroom with a sink and a toilet only). The “before” bathroom was nice, but it was also pretty unremarkable. It had white tile wainscoting, teal walls above the wainscoting, white crown molding, and a white ceiling. She painted the tile wainscoting (yes, you can paint tile!), the crown molding, and the ceiling a dark blue, and then above the tile wainscoting, she put up wallpaper with a floral print in dark blue, pinks, and green.
Did I love the after? I thought it was very nice. It went from generic and builder-grade to looking more like something a designer had envisioned. It definitely looked like more thought and care and attention had gone into the “new” bathroom than had gone into the rather plain and simple “before” bathroom. But no, I didn’t love it. It just wasn’t my style, which is perfectly fine because it’s not my bathroom and it wasn’t decorated for me. She, the owner, loves her “new” bathroom, and that’s the only thing that matters.
But, y’all. The comments. THE COMMENTS were brutal. Some were scathing, and this amount of vitriol was being expressed over a bathroom in a stranger’s home that these commenters will never see in person and that has no impact on their lives at all. I would have been in tears, quite honestly. Over 17 years of blogging, I’ve developed quite a thick skin (definitely much thicker than when I began), but I can only deal with so much negativity before it really affects my mood and mindset. (Which is why I don’t let people run roughshod over me on my blog or my social media. You come at me with rudeness and snark, you’ll either get a heaping dose right back, or your comment will be deleted. People will treat you how you allow them to treat you.)
But the mean and rude comments to her about her bathroom seemed to be innumerable. I read a lot of them, and I found myself getting upset on her behalf. I was reminded of that Mike Tyson quote (I don’t know if it’s real or not because I haven’t cared enough to fact check it, but I see the meme often and it makes me laugh) that goes something like this: “Social media made y’all way too comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the face for it.” 😀 That cracks me up every time I see it, and I also agree 100%. It’s so easy to treat people horribly online, and say things that most of us would never have the guts to say to a flesh-and-blood person standing right in front of us. That’s really a whole different topic, though.
But the comments that drove me the craziest were the ones about how she had “devalued” her home because of how she decorated her bathroom. To me, that’s just such insanity. Creating a room she loved had obviously increased its value in her mind. She would now get so much more enjoyment out of it. She would love showing it off to friends. She would feel a sense of pride each time she walked by it and saw what she had accomplished with her own hands There’s tremendous value in that!
The comment that drove me the craziest was the one where the person said, “Whoever gets the house after you is going to be cursing you to no end.” What? The owner had already said in that comment thread that she wasn’t planning on selling, but all this commenter could think about was what the next owner would think about it. Why? WHY? WHY??? Why are some people so unbelievably obsessed with what some potential unknown future owner may think about the house?
Again, I’ve said this a thousand times, but obviously if you’ve bought a house knowing that your stay in that house is short-term (maybe you have a short-term contract job and then you’re on to the next one in another city or state), then yes, you want to be mindful of the changes you make because you’re going to want to sell the house soon and you want it to appeal to the general market.
But for those of us who have absolutely no intention of selling, it doesn’t make any sense to have to keep in mind some potential future buyer. I will always, always, ALWAYS decorate my house for me. (And only for me, because Matt generally doesn’t care, which makes my life easier. 😀 ) Matt and I are the ones who paid for this house. We’re the ones who own the house. We’re the ones who live in the house. I’m the one who has poured my blood, sweat, and tears into the work to make this house our home.
Anyone who thinks I’m going to give a care in the world what some potential, unknown, future owner thinks about any of my decisions is delusional. And I think that’s how every long-term home owner should feel. When that unknown future owner gets their hands on this house and pays the mortgage for it, they can do what they want with it, but not a moment before. Until that time, this is my house, my home, my refuge from a harsh and chaotic world, my playground, my canvas. I don’t ever expect or require blog readers or real life visitors to my home to love my home like I do, but I do hope that people respect the fact that I love what I’m doing and what I’ve done, and to understand that it perfectly suits me and my personality. I also hope that people can at least be encouraged by my processes and projects, and to see my determination and be motivated to make their home exactly what they want it to be for them, and not for strangers.
Make your house your own. Don’t worry about what others say. I certainly have, and I have no plans to ever stop.
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.
Well said Kristi!!!!!! The world is such a hateful place nowadays. Love your blog, you give us so much valuable information.
It always amazing me the comments on Facebook pages also. It makes me sad that people have become so rude. Maybe they have always been that way but with social media we now see it more. Like you said, it’s your house!
I love your blog, you amaze me with what you can do!
100%!
I just feel like I have to comment on this. I love everything you do. BUT. Some of it I would absolutely have in my house, and some I would not. And that’s because you do your house and I do my house. If I follow a decorator (or decorative style page) and don’t like it, I just stop following. Easy-peasy. Been following you for many years now.
I agree with everything you, and possibly Mike Tyson, said! Also, I love how colorful your house is. If I lived by myself, I would make all my rooms bright and colorful! (I love your purple dresser. And I imagine many people fuming, “she painted over dark wood!”)
“…and possibly Mike Tyson…” 🤣🤣 Oh my, that make me laugh.
Thank you so much for you defense of personal expression. And your calling out rudeness that is uncalled for. We all need to be so unabashed.
You never cease to amaze me with your words and deeds. Yours is the only blog I follow and this last post cemented your creativity and humanity in my mind. I look forward to each post with a smile,though we have completely different taste! You are an inspiration! Thanks for all you do.Im smiling right now!😘
Absolutely I agree. I love Kristi’s blog .. she inspires me to try! I’m reasonably adept; but don’t have much of a clue about tools and which ones to use. Apart from seeing Kristi’s unique style which, although I admire it for its daring) isn’t mine at all), I love the educational aspect and encouraging aspects of her.
Thankyou for all you share Kristi 🩷
Same, ditto!
You’ve done a beautiful job with your home and it’s wonderful that you enjoy both the effort and the result. Thank you for sharing all that you do. I hope you left the same message for the woman on Facebook that you shared here!
I did!
Preach it, Kristi!
Amen Sister. I love the whole creative process, and if it is something that you wouldn’t do in your house, good for you, but what if it sparks that something in someone else that gets them to making a change in their home, well done. I feel so sorry for people that the only thing that makes them feel good is to pull other people down. Life it too short for that kind of BS. Our farm is far from finished, because it is always something…insert the problem here, and I get snide remarks from some, hey, you know what, they just don’t make the cut for the next party or dinner event. Doesn’t hurt my feelings at all. Do what brings you joy; life is just too darn short. Charish it.
Kristi for President!
Cheers!
I seldom read comments on FB anymore. Too much toxicity, too much negativity. I do comment occasionally, especially if I really like what I’ve seen, or if the person has specifically asked for advice or feedback. The thing is, everyone is different. What I may do IN MY OWN HOUSE may be wildly different from what other people would do.
A few years ago, my now-ex and I moved into a house. Huge living room up front, but it was dark, and then he added dark curtains, so it was like a cave. I hated being in that room. Going straight back, the kitchen was next, and it was OK except for the orangey-red on the walls that also made the beige walls looks yellow. And then the dining room. My idea was to swap out the dining room for our living area, and move the dining table to the living room. It didn’t get used much, we didn’t have people over, so it made sense to me to have a seldom-used dining set in the dark area, where we could add lamps and make it cozy. He fought me on that until I just moved into the spare bedroom, not just to sleep but also to watch TV and be online, etc. Then he swapped everything.
There is NOTHING in the “rule book” saying that you have to use a room for some intended purpose. It’s YOUR house, do what you want. Same with decorating. If something makes you happy, then do it. (I personally did not like the orangey-red walls that turned the beige yellow, but M did, so since it was his name on the mortgage, we went with what he wanted. After he reminded me that I had no say-so, no rights, etc., because my name wasn’t on it. Which is part of the reason he’s my Ex.)
Amen!! If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything, sigh…
Absolutely 100%! If you could post the link to the woman’s bathroom post, I’m sure some of us would love to send some encouragement her way too <3 While a lot of what you do in your home isn't something I'd do in mine, it's all hard work and it's perfectly you and I love it from that standpoint – not to mention that I have learned so much and gotten so much inspiration from you!
I blame Simon Cowell. I think we were all nicer before it became popular to say what you think, but should never actually say. Mean people suck.
Don’t blame him. People are responsible for themselves. But yes, people can suck!
I’ve been following you for a long time and eagerly read and enjoy every blog post. But I have to tell you that this is my very favorite post. 100% YES!
I agree totally. Recently had someone compliement me on my house and decor but it really didn’t matter much. It is the way we like it. that is enough for me.
Well said! Even if a room is not “my style” I look for ideas within the picture that can help me. Sometimes not liking a room helps me discover what exactly it is that I don’t like, even that is helpful for me, in my personal space. I love your blogs, especially your encouragement to give it a try. Women like yourself have encouraged me to branch out and learn and get over the fact that I will fail sometimes. Keep on doing what you are doing!
I have followed you for many years and I just get the most enjoyment from watching you create and decorate. I am almost 80 and we’ll past being able to do what you do. The enjoyment you get out of every completed project is delightful to see.
Kristi,
I absolutely love your house and the color choices you’ve made. You have taught me HOW to think about my decisions, and especially that each choice affects the next and to think everything through. Which is ironic, because these online comments seem to have been made so thoughtlessly. Don’t give them the time of day. Just picture someone sitting in a dark room with a bag of chips, hunched over their keyboard, with nothing better to do than to fire off weird, destructive comments.
What a wonderful post. I often think exactly what you have written. My deceased dad always said “If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all. I love that you out it right out there. Your home is for you and Matt and no one else. You go girl.
Amen!
You have many great points in this post. I totally agree with you on the rudeness online. It is so sad that people think it’s ok to be so rude. I respect the fact that people post, while everything I see may not be for me, it’s not up to me. As far as your projects and what you’ve done in your house, I will say as I’ve said before I could move into your house and feel it was decorated for me. I love everything about it. The use of color and your creativity keeps me coming back to see more.
“Make your house your own. Don’t worry about what others say. I certainly have, and I have no plans to ever stop.” And because you have, you are an inspiration to us!
Kristi, I agree with you 100% on what you change, build, or do in your own home is yours ‘to do to your own liking’. When a person puts in their time, money, ideas, blood, sweat, and tears into the projects of their own home it’s a darn good thing to stand back and be proud. If you work on one thing two days and switch to another project for a couple of weeks…it is your time and no other persons to have any say.
If you are showing your home projects on a blog as you do, it’s still your final decision to do all projects to suit yourself. You can expect people to express their opinions on your blog…as to suggest their ideas on your projects, but I think we are just letting you know our thoughts on whatever project you are on at that time. If people say unkind things or cruel remarks then they should not even be on your blog.
That being said, when I myself am saying what I would do if it was me doing whatever project you are blogging about at the time, or, I would choose whatever choices you are considering for a project…I am only expressing what I would do.
Personally I love everything you have done to your home. I really love your before and after photos. Also the in between photos and your specific explanations on how you did it, and giving us links to the products and tools you buy and use on your projects is a special treat you give us.
Don’t know it I’ve mentioned this before. I did a screenshot of your kitchen and printed it out. It is my dream kitchen wish and I keep the photo on my ventahood. Will I ever redo my kitchen to look like yours? No, I’m too old to change my kitchen. I did try and do my she shed floor like your studio floor. Mine is so shameful. Too hard for an old woman 81 years old to get down on all four and do all of the measuring correctly. Feels like a carnival funhouse adventure thing when I open the door to my she shed.
It is terrific that you tried at 81. I’m 72 and tend to use my age as an excuse sometimes. Nothing wrong with a funhouse look in a she shed. It’s awesome that you have a she shed and it can look anyway you want it to look, crooked or not.
I admire you and all your brave undertakings amaze me! Thank you for your efforts to keep the comments kind and constructive. I love your colorful decor!
Right on girlfriend! I so totally agree. I’m paying the mortgage not some random keyboard warrior. So until THEY pay my mortgage my decorating decisions are mine!
Love your work and your decorating taste!
Receiving criticism from an in-law many years ago, I offered my bank account # and said, you make deposits, you get a say. Otherwise be still!
Well said! And thanks for your commitment to this blog. You’ve inspired so many of us 🙂
Completely agree – I own my house, I love my house, I want my house to reflect my tastes. Unless you are planning on being there for a very short time and know you must absolutely recoup all of your investment, I say DO YOU.
Amen.
You be you.
I still learn from you regardless if I like the style or not.
Please check out Chair Whimsy’s cabin redo. She so reminds me of you. Perky, happy designs that she is doing now. I think a fellow Texan. Makes me smile to see people like you so into your craftsmanship and interpretation
So, so spot on! I love the Tyson quote and will be using it often. I read several blogs or Instagram accounts where authors will delete and block anyone who is not kind, and I wholeheartedly agree with them.
I do object when someone takes a classic vintage hose and guts it, removing all the original charm. I feel that if you want a new house, buy one, if you want something to remodel, find something vanilla and poorly finished. There are a lot of them out there. But ultimately it’s YOUR house to make your dream. You should always do it the you want, otherwise you may as well have an apartment with a HOA.
I love your house and your creativity. There’s too much negativity around! What’s wrong with people that they think they should have any say in what you do. I like the saying. You do you and I’ll do me!
Yay! And Amen!
I agree wholeheartedly – and especially as someone who has a somewhat eclectic style of decorating and always has. I do my home for me, not for some future homebuyer. Have I made some choices that might not please some people? No doubt – especially the black cabinetry in my kitchen. But I have also had no less than three tradesmen enter my home to repair various appliances/HVAC components tell me how much they like my home.
I like to think they recognize a cohesive vision and execution – and that’s what makes unusual choices work as they do in your home Kristi.
And let me just add that I share a similar impatience with those who express horror at the idea of painting wood furniture and criticize it in every article about revamping a piece. Not every piece is a priceless antique and not every piece has wood worth showcasing – and in fact a great many pieces of older furniture were mass produced and wear dark stains to mask the different and inexpensive woods they were constructed with. If it makes you happy to paint it chartreuse or eggplant then do it.
This is why I love following you! We all like different things and that’s perfectly normal. I don’t understand the need to criticize others. You wouldn’t visit a person’s home and say such things to their face.
I agree with what you said if you’re not planning on selling your home. I wasn’t but because of my husband health we had to. My house wasn’t selling because of my kitchen wallpaper. Everyone said too much work to remove. I had to remove it & paint in a neutral color. It sold right away for full price. I had lived there 23 years & done a lot of upgrades. Weird one thing held it up selling.
Very well said!
I cannot comprehend how we got to think our job in this world is to crush people! Well said Kristi!
When I found your blog and FB postings this is exactly what drew me to follow. I was the homeowner who always worried about resale and you set me free from that mindset. Thank you! Thank you for the defense of the other poster who received so much hate. I just don’t understand anyone’s need to post hateful comments. If you don’t like something (and your opinion was requested) there are a thousand tactful ways to reply. If people don’t have anything nice to say, they should just keep scrolling. Please keep sharing your creative genius!
Firstly, you have an enviable home – it is gorgeous. Quality work has been done to renovate from your starting point. I am amazed by what you have done.
Secondly, I agree with you regarding rudeness/nastiness online. I think everyone should ask themselves “Is this something I would want someone to say to me?” before they comment/post online.
I believe firmly in living by the Golden Rule:
Do unto others as you would have others do to you – this is the key to being a decent human being. 🙂
We need more decent human beings in the world. Be the change you want to see!
I could not agree with you more about the current blatant meanness of people, not just online but IRL as well. And I agree that we should all surround ourselves with what makes us feel good at home, ignoring the taste and criticisms of others. Our home is our refuge and an opportunity to express our uniqueness.
But, I think there is a sweet spot in what we want to do to personalize our homes and what will seriously and irrevocably degrade the value of our property. It’s not common knowledge, but the average length of homeownership in America is eight years. The median homeowner tenure is 13.2 years. The average American will move 12 times during a lifetime. Of course, some people buy a home and spend the rest of their lives there. But with our more mobile society, the availability of remote work, the growing acceptance of job-hopping for career enhancement, an aging boomer population, and the rise in divorce rates, homes are “turning over” faster than ever.
It’s not impossible to find that sweet spot. It means having the freedom to personalize a home in ways that are not offensive to most people. And in ways that do not reverse the functionality of the structure. So go ahead and paint your walls deep purple if that floats your boat. But major projects like converting a garage to living space, or combining two bedrooms to make one, or eliminating a closet, will lower the value of your home on the market. Some poorly considered changes could lower the selling price and/or increase days on the market while you wait for that buyer who shares your preferences.
With imagination, it’s usually possible to inject your own personality onto a home using more temporary or reversible changes. Renters know how to do this, using removable wallpaper, room dividers, area rugs, paint, unique window treatments, and with your choices in furnishings and artwork.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve done things like painted ceramic bathroom tile, removed a window over a bathtub to make a walk-in shower, tiled over a brick fireplace, and converted a carport to a patio. But I made sure the workmanship was good quality that it would not alienate the majority of buyers.
Even if you plan to never sell your home, your heirs might be selling it. Your health, family status, job, or financial situation could change. A terrible neighbor could move next door. Maybe your aging knees don’t allow you to walk upstairs any longer. The last time I moved it was because didn’t we didn’t want to live in a floodplain any longer, something that was not an issue when we purchansed the home 20 years earlier. “Forever home” is a myth.
My advice to any homeowner is, you do you, but keep an open mind about the future.
I always say that my “forever home” is Woodlawn Cemetery and Columbarium. Everything before that is a creative project I get to play with for awhile!
Amen! Amen! Amen! Very well put! Thank you, Kristi, for voicing this.
I Love your home and wish I was your neighbor so you could give me ideas!! I am clueless!! LOL
I cannot love this post more! You are so inspiring! I am in awe of all you do! And I love your attitude!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I agree. Like our home or not. It’s fine. We live you don’t. My sentiments exactly. You are right!!!
I totally agree! I am amazed at what you have accomplished. It is not always my taste, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate what you have accomplished! Thank you for letting us have a glimpse into your life! You are a great inspiration ❣️
Yes and amen. I, for one, can wholeheartedly say that I think your home is absolutely gorgeous, while at the same time knowing that I wouldn’t decorate my house with the same style and colors that you have used. But I can appreciate beauty wherever I find it. And your house is truly beautiful. I love how it represents who *you* are.
You do amazing things! Thanks for sharing your ideas and process with all of us!
Gracious. If we don’t have something kind or CHARITABLY constructive to say we should keep silent. I guess mamas don’t teach that anymore.
Two separate comments in one (to match the two separate topics): Number one is about TRYING. Couple of days ago my mother and I were commenting on how lucky we are to never need any external help for anything, my dad can deal with everything (he literally built most of our house on his own). She commented that both me and my brother have picked up traits from him, and we can fix/build lots of different things. But the thing is, I am keenly aware that the main reason I can fix things is because I dared try the first time. Having my dad around gave me the confidence and the safety net to try (he had the attitude of “Try, why not? IF you can’t make it, I’ll fix it for you” – and guess what, I usually didn’t need help after all)! Today there is also all sorts of information on the internet, too, and I use that for more modern info (e.g. fixing my freezer). But daring to try (and yes, it wasn’t as much of a “dare” for me because of my father) is what gives you the skills AND the confidence! The problem is getting started: you can’t build skills without having some confidence to at least try, and you can’t build confidence without building your skills; so I love how you encourage women to try things to break this vicious circle!
As for the “future buyer syndrome”, I get the feeling this is an american thing to a great extent. But if I recall correctly (and correct me if I’m wrong), your condo sold easily and above the price of the other condos around it BECAUSE is was so heavily customized. I have trouble believing that people who can’t modify their homes will look at a WELL-designed place and go “OMG, where are the white walls and hospital-like feeling? I’m not buying this place!” (Then again, key word is “well”, lol)!
Amen! You are totally correct!! And hooray!
I agree! People hiding anonymously behind social media and being snarky and judgmental is out of hand. I am not thick-skinned, so that is why I don’t post much on any of the platforms. I am of the opinion that you decorate and renovate based on what you love. I feel the same way about makeup and clothing. Wear what you love and what makes you happy. Everybody just needs to keep “joy” in everything. And what brings me joy won’t work for everyone else. BTW, I also feel this tendency to “pop off” and weigh in on social media is now carrying over into all aspects of life–even the ways they talk to you in person. I am frequently amazed at how people talk to me and what they say. My rant is over now, but I wanted you to know that I understand what you’re talking about!
Thank you Kristi for reminding all of us to first please ourselves in our homes. I am going to remember your Mike Tyson quote but I also remember my Mother saying if you don’t have anything nice to say then DON’T
Your building skills are amazing!
Greetings on a beautiful day in Macas, Ecuador.
This is not the decorating capital of the world, believe me, but that has not deterred me from doing what I always have done — make a house my own with all the color I possibly can incorporate. Your love and use of color got me hooked on your website many years ago. I remember that your kitchen was finished by then but it was soon after that. Room by room I traveled with you. So many favorite projects. Your pantry was such a masterpiece with those gorgeous tiles you made. The addition of the living room drapes in pink was genius. The way Cooper made himself at home as he strolled around the house. The master bath was fun to watch as you solved each challenge that came along. So many creative ideas and touches.
Really, it has been your generosity in sharing exactly what you did and why you chose a certain method that has sparked my own curiosity. I live in a rented apartment full of color and a lot of DIY and if I have to move in the future, I will just start over in a new place and enjoy the process. So, thank you for the pleasant ride you allow us to share nearly every day.
I am impressed with the willing wisdom expressed in the savvy comments that show up here. Often, the same names cheer you on. I learn a lot from them too. There really isn’t any reason to say something like, ‘It’s not my style but…’ because that’s a given for many. As for me, I could move right in and enjoy every room.
Keep on keeping on, Kristi. New adventures are ahead. Regards to Matt. Hugs to you both, as well as your Mom.
Your blog has been such an inspiration! You have an idea, you do it! If you don’t love it, you do it again. When I need inspiration, I turn to you. Keep it up!
I’ve been with you either since condo days, or shortly thereafter. I’ve even changed my email address during that time. Lol
I watch a lot (20-25) ??, youtube channels of homesteaders/farmsteaders/etc, (I’m retired) and they’re ALL having the same issues with nasty comments, unsolicited advise and just general rudeness. I think, sadly, our world has gone haywire. Not sure how it’s going to get fixed. Addressing it doesn’t seem to work for them, neither does ignoring them. The only way they can handle it, is to go in and delete, block them. But they don’t have time to get every comment when they’re doing other jobs as well. It’s just frustrating for them and us.
Yes, all of this. I am amazed how rude people can be. I can admire what people do, think they do a beautiful job but not want it in my house because it’s not my taste. It’s sad how people feel entitled to say whatever they want because it’s a public post. Sad indeed.
I think that most of the people who leave mean comments do not bother to read what others have said. If they did, they might realize that what they want to say has already been said, so there is no point to join the chorus! At least I hope this is the case. But people are quick to hide behind the keyboard. They probably wouldn’t be so bold in person. That’s what the Internet has done to us! And I agree with both of your points — women CAN do these things, it isn’t as hard as you think, and people are RUDE sometimes! Just ignore them!
Is it possible for you to divulge the page about which you are talking so that your readers, including myself, can go and support this woman in what she is endeavouring to do without feeling like she has done something terribly wrong? It can be devastating for someone attempting to improve their home… whether we like her style or not.
I’ve been following you for at least 10 years. While I love your room renovation projects, our taste in color couldn’t be more different (I’m more of a neutral gal). That said, I get so much inspiration to try to be a little bolder in my color choices, which is why I keep following you. I’ll never understand the nasty comments though, people can be just plain mean. If someone has a renovation/decor project that’s not for me, I just move on. Simple as that. Keep on doing what you’re doing Kristi, I’m loving it!
❤️❤️❤️
First of all , you’re so right. You teach people how to treat you.. I have been thinking about that a lot lately..
Secondly.. I think alot about other people.. All the people with the beige colors.. All black and white.. I also love color.. And I’m starting to realize at my age that I should worry about me and my husband.. So you have helped so much with that.. Thank you!
I genuinely try to abide by “If you don’t have something nice to say…” like my Grandma taught me. I am afraid that we live in a far less civil society than we used to. Sigh.
On a much more pleasant subject, it would be hard for me to overstate how much you have inspired me over the years! I remember the 1st time I ever saw your blog — you were transforming your kitchen cabinets in the condo. I was blown away! Who gave this girl permission to paint her cabinets?!? And greenish blue, nonetheless! It seemed like you were breaking the law or something! If I had known about pinterest back then, I would have pinned every one of your posts, as it was, I used to email links to myself! Here’s to many more years of addicted2decorating! Cheers!🍾🍾🍾
Well said! I am a from
Believer that if u have time to be rude and criticize- basically u r an u happy person. It’s their issue not ours. The world would b so bland if everyone liked the same thing. I love your unique colorful decorating style. Would it be for me- yes and no—. But I love your creativity and ur attention to what u like. Anyways- I hope that other blogger saw ur post and felt good about herself. As she should.
AMEN!!!!
“Standing Ovation!!” Part of the reason I love your blog is because how kind and respectful almost every commenter is. (Unless I’m just not seeing them) A lot of times when you ask for people’s opinions I feel that we’re all just sitting around a big table and having a conversation. The other reason I love your blog is because you are amazing!
Well said by you and the commenters, so I don’t need to add my 2 cents as I agree with ya’ll
Amen sister! Well said.
Thank you for this! Yes, rudeness is unacceptable at any time, but as a visitor to someone’s social media page, one should have the manners of a guest. I can’t imagine everyone would like every decorating decision I’ve made in my life (and my taste has evolved over time) but I love when people share what they’ve done. I’m in a white phase now (our walls are all white) but I so appreciate your use of color! It’s like being on vacation look at other people’s decorating styles and I appreciate you sharing with us!
Yes!
I would never have thought to make the design choices you have (I was a professional designer until retirement); but I ADORE the outcome. And you are one of about 3 other people on the planet I’d trust with design choices for my house. Plus you and a local furniture restorer have emboldened me to add more color to my home. Sooooo, THANK YOU!💕
Agree 100%. Well said Kristi.
Also agreed. I’ve been shocked at some of the blog comments I’ve seen where people have been vitriolic about the blogger’s design/decor/color/whatever choices. Even if I personally don’t care for the blogger’s choices, it’s not my home, it’s theirs, and they’re just letting everyone have a look, not a vote.
Sometimes I wonder how the nasty commenters would feel if they posted their home online and had strangers insult it.
I saw that woman’s post on IG, and I saw the comments. There’s something else I think needs to be addressed here, and that is misogynism. The *majority* of negative comments on this woman’s post — and on countless other IG posts I have seen, highlighting work women have done on their homes — are from men. And the evident contempt, and even hate, for women is shockingly manifest. The belittlement. The criticism. The mansplaining. The outright abuse. Taking the opportunity at every turn to tear a woman down. It chills me, really, to understand that all those men probably come across IRL as your basic joe, but reveal what they really think about women when they’re hiding behind a screen. Something to think about, for sure.
You must be new here. The *majority* of negative comments Kristi gets is not from men.
I think she’s talking about the mean comments on the woman’s reel that I talked about in this post. And she’s right. I don’t know percentages, because there were over 7,000 comments and I probably only read…well…a lot, but nowhere near 7,000. 😀 And a big percentage of those negative comments were coming from men. I don’t know why that was. I rarely get a negative comment from a man, although it does happen on occasion. For me, it’s mainly when I do a post on something that is generally considered a “man’s job”, like electrical wiring or something like that. When I write about those topics, the men come out of the woodwork to tell me how I could have done it, should have done it, how they would have done it better, etc. It’s very annoying. But this woman’s reel was about decorating a bathroom, so I have no idea why so many men decided to have an opinion about that.
Well said Kristi! Many years ago my husband and I built a new house and it was so beautiful to me and I was so proud of it! A nosey neighbor stopped by to see it and was very outspoken about some of my choices that I had made. I realized then that people have different styles and everyone’s tastes are different. My home was just as beautiful as hers, we were just two people with two different opinions. It taught me a lesson that I will always remember: every person is unique and never be critical of their design style.
Aaaaamen, sister! I agree 100% with you! I like to “visit” and view many different interior styles; it’s a relaxing and enjoyable form of mental travel.
I hope/believe that there are many more non-commenters who are appreciative of different decor styles. Really, the “haters” are probably upset about something else that they aren’t even aware of yet, some hurt in the past that hasn’t healed. And some modest little post about a bathroom was all it took to set them off. So sad.
Keep up your own “youness” and decorating and trying and doing. You are a model of how to be kind to yourself–and others!
Thank you for commenting on that post. Sounds like she would have needed the voice of reason, and encouragement. I feel like it all comes down to art. People all see the work differently, and some think one piece is wonderful, and the next could say a child spilled their paint tray. It makes the world go around, and keeps it interesting. Not sure why everyone with an opinion HAS to comment, especially when it is all negative. Just move on…Thanks for the reminder.
AMEN & AMEN!
I love your fearlessness in decorating AND to speak the truth…and I loved that Mike T quote…who cares if it’s real or not. People are WAY too comfortable with negativity in general these days. I really don’t know who they think they are!
What happened to “If you don’t have anything nice to say….”? LOL
Bravo! No more needs to be said.