{inspired} Etcetera Etc.

I started off the year with a bold statement. This month (January), I'm taking a journey to get my life and style back in order (read here). So far we're off to a good start here at A Home in the Making. My life feels better when I'm organized, which led to cleaning and organizing the basement, better kitchen labeling and cleaning and organizing the kitchen. Phew!

So now I'm thinking about how to take control of *my style*. Sibella Court's book, Etcetera: Creating Beautiful Interiors with the Things You Love, prompted a lot of this thinking. I devoured the book in the couple days after Christmas.

Have you guys seen and/or read this book? It's the only design book I've picked up that struck a chord of complete authenticity. In most design books I *ooh* and *ahh* over the  pretty pictures,  and while that's fun, I don't look to them for realistic examples of decorating. But this book not only aligned with my personal style outlook, but also had me underlining, circling sections and thoughts, and taking notes about how I can apply this to our home. I know it's a book I will reference for a long time.

The book is organized by color pallettes: Foundations, Indigo Blues, Travellers and Magicians, Paper Whites and Tradewinds. Within each section Sibella offers suggestions about how to use these colors, tips for simply and easy decorating with, .... the best part, in my opinion, ... things you love.

This paragraph, from the books introduction, sums up decorating, for me, in a way that nothing else has:

"Think of all the stuff you own that has emotional or historical significance or comes with a memory or tale of where, when and who. It's just a matter of finding ways to incorporate these things into your surroundings as three-dimensional reminders of your life for you and other to experience. This means you'll end up with a home that's distinctly and beautifully yours and not just a replica of homewares catalogues or generic furniture stores."

Genius.

 

 The book is filled with gorgeous examples of Sibella's own styling work.

Beautiful rooms.

Gorgeous still lifes.

And interesting thoughts on highlighting collections.

This is a book I cannot recommend enough. And, I'm excited to start implementing some of the principles into our home.  

So, my question for you all on this lovely friday is: what's something (book or not) that has really inspired you lately? Let us know, and include a link if you have one!

And, thanks friends for stopping by this week and for all the lovely comments about this organization project! I love hearing all your thoughts and comments ... you guys are the BEST! :)