A wonderful book arrived in my mailbox last month that I can't wait another day to tell you about. It's Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating by Lauren Liess. Lauren is a decorator and blogger who lives near Washington D.C. with her husband, three little guys, and sweet baby girl.
I've been following Lauren's work for six years now and she never fails to inspire with her eye, her aesthetic, her business, and her personality. We've chatted a bit over the years via our blogs and social media, so I feel like we're friends (funny how that is!) and I was beyond thrilled last fall when she announced she was writing her first book.
As an interior decorator, I'm passionate about continually developing and honing my skill, and am always studying the work of talented designers and architects both past and present. In all the books I've read, a few have stood out as true gems, overflowing with actual knowledge and insight, not hollow fluff and unattached ideas.
This book is one of those gems.
Written in her approachable voice, Lauren's words are easily understood and her concepts are readily achievable. The premise of her book is to provide a guide to decorating for those who don't have training, but want to achieve tasteful design in their own homes. She breaks down the fundamentals of decorating so that it becomes doable, and even helps readers understand the intangible parts of design, such as mood, aesthetic, and charm.
If you have a penchant for decorating, and want to welcome fresh vision into your space, you couldn't wish for a better guide.
Have you been looking for a tastefully designed, small house plan that lives large? You may just find what you've been seeking in the newly-released Shelter Collection - four small floor plans designed for gracious living in 900-1400 square feet, the first, second, & third have released, the fourth is coming soon. Peruse the collection here.
