Book Review: Dazzling Design: Amanda Nisbet

Looking for a good book with lots of inspiration?? 

How about Dazzling Design. I got this book in the mail recently from the people over at Abrams - which I am grateful for, thanks so much!!

This book by Designer Amanda Nisbet - is one of my favorites this year! Her work has been featured in many magazines like , Elle Decor, House Beautiful, O Magazine & more! It's full of color & texture, with over 250 pages of photographs of New York City apartments, country houses & Hamptons beach homes! This book is ideal for those of you who live in traditional homes but still want to bring a punch of color to your place!  

I took a few snapshots of my favorite pages - so you could see I'm NOT kidding, this book is on fire!! You can buy a copy here.

-images by jen ramos

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Happy Home - Inspiration for Joy

Happy Home is a new book out by Jennifer Paganelli, creator of Sis Boom Fabrics.  You can't help but smile and feel happy when you see her bright, cheerful designs.

Here is the description from Amazon.com, where you can purchase the book.

Jennifer Paganelli designs one of the most popular fabric lines in the marketplace. In this gorgeous collection, she shows readers how to whip up twenty-one beautiful accessories to transform their space into a sunny, happy home. Each project showcases Jennifer's fresh, whimsical style—from luxe drapery to cheery tablecloths and napkins. Featuring simple step-by-step instructions, a comprehensive glossary of techniques, pattern sheets tucked into a handy front pocket, and lush color photos, this book makes it exceptionally easy to pretty up every room in the house. 


 I was lucky enough to review the book, and answer some questions based on my review (my answers are in italic.

 · Is there anything about the book that inspires you? 
The cheerful colors of the fabric!  It's scary to go bold and bright, and while Jennifer goes all out, she demonstrates ways to also inject it through smaller projects - like pillows, and smaller decorations.

 · Have you used fabric designed by Jennifer Paganelli (SisBoom) in home décor projects? 
I haven't - but after seeing her fabric, will definitely consider them for my next project.

Here are some I have my eye on right now, for either my bedroom curtains or a set of cloth napkins:

From the West Indies collection - this plum would look gorgeous next to the pale gray walls in my bedroom.

I also love chartreuse with light gray - so if I do a single panel roll-up shade this geometric from the Poodle collection would look good.

   

The print above (To St. Croix collection) and the print below (Honey Child collection) would both make for some fun cloth napkins.

 · When you look at the projects in the book, who comes to mind? Who would you like to make them for? 
 Children.  I don't have any children yet, but when and if I'm blessed enough to have them I want them to grow up in a home that with the aesthetic theme of joy and play than perfection.  I would make some of these projects from Happy Home for various people - for example:

The market tote, featured which I LOVE - I would make for my mother.  I also think they would make fantastic bridesmaid's gifts!

The party banner would be beautiful in a baby nursery, or used for children's parties.  I could see this being a great piece to pass down and be used by family through generations.

These pillows would be wonderful for anyone's bed - grown up or child.  In blues and greens for a boy would be great, and in the pinks for a girl would be great.  It would be a wonderful message for a kid to wake up or fall asleep to.

 · Does your experience and expertise as a design and home décor blogger make you look at the book differently?

Yes, because it allows you to create the decor and accessories seen in the book, as opposed to showing you a wonderful space, but when where you have to buy items to achieve the look.  When you handmake something, it automatically has more meaning, and is more likely to be special to you for a longer period of time.

How wonderful would it be to give this adorable pom-pom pillow to your daughter who is leaving home for the first time to go off to college?

These projects can also save you money when organizing.  Stylish organization tools are always pricey - but check out the boxes below:

They are so pretty!

All of the projects in the book come with a list of supplies needed, a pattern layout, and step by step instructions.  Their is also a great section in the back listing resources for sewing and related supplies.

I am in the process of teaching myself how to sew, and I'll share any creations I make out of this book.

A great resource if you'd like to learn to sew is the book:

Sewing Made Simple by Tessa Evelegh  (This book is a work of art in itself, with gorgeous photographs and beautiful projects.)

Do you feel inspired to make anything happy for your home now?


*disclosure: I received "Happy Home" and "Sewing Made Simple" as samples

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Book Review: Vintage Remix

Have you guys heard of Kishani Perera? 

If not, she's the author of a new (favorite) book called, Vintage REMIX. She's also a talented Interior Designer- one who worked with model, Molly Sims, whose home is featured on the cover of the book! Kishani is also the founder of the design company, Fuse ID & you'll see her work in magazines like In Style, People Magazine, Better Homes & Garden & more. 

This girl gets around...in a good way of course!  I love this book because it truly mixes modern & vintage, one things I really need to do more of in my own space, I know! But darn, it's not that easy. You really have to be talented (in my opinion) to get it to looks good & not forced. Know what I mean?!? 

Well, Kishani makes it look amazing....

The book also offers a BUNCH of advice on decorating on any budget, which is ideal for those looking to still have money left over. Each chapter is devoted to a single design element making it easier to follow.  

The 224 page book is published by one of my fave publishing houses, Abrams and can be picked up on here. 

This book is a must-have on every coffee table or bookshelf! You can buy your copy here

-images by jen ramos

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One of the best home decor books I've read in a while: "Books Make A Home"

There are lots of pretty decorating books out there, but it's only every now and then that I get one where I want to scan and show you every single page. This book, "Books Make A Home," is one of those few gems.

"Books Make A Home," by Damian Thompson, is filled to the brim with ideas and imagery of how to store and display the books in your space - large or small...

like in alcoves..

...even bathrooms! (I do love reading in the tub!)

This white bedroom, where color is solely brought in be books and the three potted plants, is one of my new favorite spaces.

Don't store books above your bed if you live in an earthquake prone area.

I'm against covering books so they fit into your decor or color palette.  Books themselves are beautiful to me, and I like people who come into my home to be able to learn a little more about me, where I've been, and what I'm passionate about, by the spines on my shelf.

A cleverly placed book shelf is a classic great idea for breaking up a studio or large space into separate rooms.

So, are the books in your home there haphazardly? Or have you stored and displayed them in a thoughtful way? If so, do you arrange them based on where you need to access them, there importance to you, the beauty of their spines, etc. ? Can't wait to hear how you integrate books into your home!

 The book can be purchased on Amazon.

 all images from "Books Make a Home," I received "Books Make a Home" as a sample.

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A Space of My Own: Inspirational Ideas for Home Offices, Craft Rooms, and Studies

I wanted to share with you today a handful of my favorite images from a book I was recently sent to review, "A Space of My Own." The book is by Caroline Clifton-Mogg, and is a great read for anyone who is thinking of setting up a home office, or who needs to overhaul the one they have now.

Here's the book description: "For some of us it's a small desk in the corner of a kitchen or living room, for others it's a self contained home office, but we all need a space we can call our own - where we can catch up on emails, tackle household admin or enjoy some crafting. In A Space of My Own, Caroline Clifton-Mogg shows you how to make the most of your personal work space. Part 1, explores The Elements that make up a successful work area: from choosing the right Furniture and Lighting, to attractive Storage and Decoration to create an environment that truly brings out the creativity in you. Part 2 is about The Spaces as a whole, showing examples of Home Offices, Shared Work Spaces, Sewing & Craft Rooms and Space for Children & Teens. Featuring innovative case studies, it provides ideas and inspiration which can be easily translated into your own home. Because personal work space should be both practical and inspiring, and, quite simply, the more it is designed around your needs and tastes, the more inspired you will be."

The style of home offices featured in this book vary greatly, from vintage country to sleek modern. So, there is eye candy for everyone.

One of my favorite spaces in the book - I love the table in the middle of the room - great for working on large projects that can be accessed from all sides, and I LOVE the large industrial light on the makeshift pulley system.

A cute little space for note-taking, bill paying, and keeping up with correspondences.

The natural light from the french windows makes for a great work environment.

I might get too distracted is I had a view as pretty as this one right in front of me!

If your work requires a lot of keeping archive of materials or files, get all of your storage in the same color and style to keep things visually tidy.

Love the glass cabinets!


If you work from home a lot, or want inspiration for a home office or craft room, definitely check out "A Space of My Own"

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Handbag Designer 101

Remember in 2010, when I was a finalist for the Independent Handbag Designer Awards?

Well, that gave me the opportunity to be included as one of the design inspirations for Emily Blumenthal's (founder of IHDA and HBD101) book, Handbag Designer 101. 

Yay!

This book pretty much has everything you need to know to start your own bag line.  I mean.  Pretty much.  Everything.

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A great book for all my girly girls out there

The aptly titled "Hers," by Jacqueline deMontravel is a treasure trove of inspiration and ideas to feminize your space, no matter what your style.   The book starts off with the "queen" of all feminine rooms, the bedroom.  The bedroom section was definitely may favorite, and helps you narrow down colors, details, fabrics, and layering.

I love this bedroom, and the balance between masculine and feminine. I'm also crazy about the delicate lace trimmed sheet paired with the chocolate brown coverlet. Perfect.

Like I said before, this book isn't just about glitzy glam rooms.  It doesn't matter what your style, you can still apply the suggested methods.

The bedroom section was my favorite, but the book also covers other rooms in other chapters, like home offices, outside spaces, creating your own personal space, accommodating guests, and accessorizing. 

If this book sounds like just the motivation you've been needing for your home, you can buy it online here.

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