One of the perks of blogging is being sent new books to introduce. I came home to find blogger and decorator Lauren Liess' new book HABITAT: The Field Guide to Decorating sitting on my kitchen table. Along with her very popular blog Pure Style Home, Lauren and her husband David run their interior design firm and textiles company in Great Falls, Virginia. Her newly released book,Habitat, is currently featured in the November issues of two magazines: Country Living and Family Circle. Leiss' new book is a design reference guide that is broken down into three parts: The Fundamental Elements of Design, with each chapter devoted to a particular element, such as color, lighting, and furniture; The Intangible Elements of Design or the JE NE SAIS QUOI(that certain something), such as aesthetics and creating a mood; and a Room-by-Room Guideto the unique room-specific challenges of a house.
Her design approach is family and pet friendly, with an earthy neutral palette and an eclectic touch. Design is always personal, but no matter your design style, Habitat is a comprehensive guide to her step-by-step design process and decision making. Her hope: that it inspires you to have fun while decorating, to slow down, enjoy the process, and confidently hold fast to your vision...
"Decorating is about so much more than fabrics and furniture; it's about envisioning how people will wake up, perform daily routines... It's about living. "
"The environment, or habitat, we create for ourselves should reflect every detail of our lives"
"Hallways can serve as galleries, displaying interesting pieces of art or photographs... Never think of a corridor as simply a "pass through," but use it as a creative opportunity to add function and interest to the home."
"A central fixture overhead in the foyer helps set the tone for the rest of the home... If the foyer is large enough, a table lamp or sconces (or both!) add a welcoming glow."
"In our living room, we added the main focal point,
the floor-to-ceiling fireplace."
"In the plain Jane dining room of our rustic contemporary 1970's house, we applied cedar planks to the ceiling for character and warmth. The room was instantly transformed, and we benefit from the side effect of the wonderful smell of cedar. "
"I often begin to design a room with a single swatch of fabric. It may be a pattern or a solid, but my goal is to select a fabric that is utterly and completely "my client."
My sincere thanks to ABRAMS - The Art of Books since 1949, for sponsoring this book review. It has truly been a privilege. I would also like to thank Clarie Bamundo, Director of Publicity and Brand Strategy at ABRAMS for her kind consideration.
And my sincere congratulations to Lauren Liess on her very great success; a new book and two magazine spreads, wow! I am sure it's just the beginning. All the best to you and your family.
*All quotes by Lauren Liess
**All photos courtesy ABRAMS Books, except textile photo: courtesy of Pure Style Home Blog