Wednesday, January 9, 2013

What's on my Shelf...

Hello fine readers and how are you today? I've been partaking in one my guilty little pleasures, which is sitting by the fireplace, sipping tea with something sinfully sweet and reading home decor books - one after the other. So, I thought I'd share a few of them with you today.

I've always loved to look at pretty pictures for inspiration and a little dreamy getaway, but lately I've found myself wondering, "who are the people being featured in these glossy books??" We are starting to see the personal story trickle into home decor books and it makes for a more interesting read, in my humble opinion!
I love the handwritten style of the text throughout A Perfectly Kept House
One of my favorites is A Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of a Misspent Life: How to live creatively with collections, clutter, work, kids, pets, art, etc... and stop worrying about everything being perfectly in its place by Mary Randolph Carter.  Even the title is unconventional!

I love this book because, in an age where there are whole magazines, books and stores dedicated to organizing, Carter shows us the positive side of the C word. Yep, that's right: Clutter.

Carter shows us how living with a bit of clutter is OK, and can actually make a home feel more cozy and personal. Who wants to walk into a completely sterile home that is so perfect that you are positively sure you'll f@c! it up, some how, some way. You want to feel you can put your feet up, call the dog to the couch and not die of shame (heaven forbid) if you spilled a few cookies crumbs.
Perfectly Kept House Case Study 
In Perfectly Kept, there are also chapters on living with pets, children and unmade beds. So real life! And speaking of real life, the reader gets to meet the owners through the case studies and learn a bit about the homeowner's story and what makes them live the way they do. I love that.

Make sure and check out my other favorite design books such as  Domino: The Book of Decorating by Deborah Needleman and Decorate  & Decorate Workshop by my favorite blogger ever, Holly Becker of Decor8.

Do you purchase Home Decor books? If so, what do you love about them? If not, why not??
Leave your comment below and feel me smile when I read it :)

6 comments:

  1. This book shelf idea is so fun, Desha! I love how you took it, and ran with it, making a whole book review! I'll try that, too. Btw, this book looks amazing.

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    1. Thanks Dede! Yes, I like this one because it's more personal and it feels like you are really stepping into someone's home just as it is, although I loved styled spaces, authentic is also inspiring~

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  2. Hi Desha! Happy New Year! Thanks for your list of decorating books. I kind of go hot and cold with these types of books. Right now I'm not in a place in my life where I have the time, money, or physical space to decorate so I choose not to read them, mainly because I'm one of those people who when I come across a creative idea I want to run with it.... immediately! When I was rennovating my brownstone that's all I read were decorating books and I loved it. Right now I'm into financial planning and investment books. Don't suppose you'll be reviewing any of those soon? :) I love following what you're doing on Facebook. In fact, because of you I bought the Firestarter book. 2013 is looking mighty fine!

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    1. You are a doll Michaela! I need to read someone's review on financial planning and investment, so if you find a good one let me know!

      Glad you got the Fire Starter book, I think you'll like it. Do tell.

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  3. hi Desha .. happy new year! i ordered both Holly's books this week and am excited to get some creative ideas. i always enjoy seeing pics of your home, too, your free thinking and passion really shows.

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  4. Thanks Karla! Let me know what you think about Hollys' books and which one you like best!

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