1.14.2011

{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! :)

11 comments:

  1. This book has been on my Amazon wish list for months! I'm going to have to treat myself now since you gave it such a glowing review. Thank you for being so supportive of my blog and I look forward to following along on your organization and decorating adventure!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh my gosh, even just the cover of that book is inspiring!

    I recently got Frank Fontana's Dirty Little Secrets of Design from my best friend for Christmas and love it:

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1584798556/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0696218496&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1864CMYYVDYQKAA1PPQ2.

    It definitely breaks down a lot of terms and concepts both in decorating and DIY and makes them seem approachable. Now if only I could paint my walls and try out some of his tips--someday! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I totally agree with the quote about stuff having an emotional significance. I'm working on creating a home that is not only attractive to my guests, but evokes warm, loving memories and emotions for myself. My apartment is small so that means the fiancé and I have to keep it tidy in order to stay sane. Its a lot of work, and purging some of those emotional trinkets is going to be a bit of a challenge. We can do it, though, and we'll be happier in the long run!

    *I think I may need to get that book! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've been dying for the Domino Design Book... but now I sorta want this one as well!!!! oh gosh! so much gorgeousness so little monies!

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

    ReplyDelete
  5. I NEED this book! So beautiful.

    Heather @ http://www.REO

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for the tip, I'll have to add it to my list. I agree, many books are more like magazines, and not exactly based in reality.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That book looks wonderful, I'm excited to see you implement some of the principles from it! Way to take control of your style!

    ReplyDelete
  8. KT, I've hadn't heard of that book ... but I'll definitely be checking it out soon!

    Jennifer, the Domino book is pretty darn amazing. I flip through it quite a bit :)

    Brina, I'm quickly learning that small isn't necessarily a bad thing ... it so cozy!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I like the idea of an emotional-guided decorating book. With memories as a huge part of your decorating! That sounds really personal and beautiful, not just a copycat sort of book.

    Thanks Jenn, for the recommendation!

    ReplyDelete
  10. this looks great, gonna check it out. thanks for the tip, Jenn!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Have you seen the website? It's delicious, too...and she shares all the photos there.

    Leigha

    ReplyDelete

Your comments make my day! Thanks for stopping by and sharing! :)