I recieved my copy of the new interiors book, Decorate yesterday and couldnt wait to show you some of my favourite pages, as well as share my review.
Its always a treat to purchase a new interiors book, but this one is that bit extra special, as it's been co-written by a fellow blogger and friend Holly Becker, whom i'm sure you know through her popular blog of the same name Decor8
I must confess I have quite a collection of interior books upon my shelf, the ones with beautiful photos of people's homes.
Decorate is by Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick with photography by Debi Treloar.
The thing that surprised me upon settling down to look through my copy of Decorate for the first time, is how unique it is. Its not at all like other titles I have on my bookshelf already. Its a weighty book, both physically and in the amount of information it imparts. It could so easily be overwhelming, yet the balance is kept and it is interesting, informative, instructional and inspiring, in equal measure.
The rooms are from homes around the world, which gives such a variety of styles from which to choose. The influence of different countries is evident yet the book retains an overall cohesiveness.
The photography is done in such a way that you feel a part of the rooms you are looking at and can almost imagine living in them, curling up on an inviting sofa, washing up a plate or two at the belfast sink....
I must admit to not always finding the text inviting to read in other decor books i own, and I tend to take in more from the photography alone. Yet here in Decorate the writing sections are laid out in such a way that you find yourself drawn into reading them, almost without trying!
I especially like the quotes (both in large type and smaller) dotted through out the pages and inside the front & back cover. I'm a quote loving girl, but as well as simply bring pretty to look at, the words within them are really helpful tips that stick in your mind.
There is a place for online decorating inspiration of course and especially blogs, which bring us so much on a regular basis (the author Holly writes one of the best herself) but then there is still equally, a place for books.
It seems easier to find the spark of an idea for your own decor when you can turn the pages at leisure with a nice cuppa and notebook to hand.
I have only had my copy a day and already I have an idea for a fireplace and a bathroom wall. Two things I had searched online for inspiration for- and not found.
Decorate is an encyclopaedia of knowledge,
that can't fail to inspire whatever your budget or period of home.
There are dream rooms to emulate,
there are little touches to replicate.
There are also practical tips you can use with ease, ways to organise your belongings in a stylish way and recommendations on how to plan your projects to successfully fufill what you envision.
It will help you add colour and life to your home, in however small or large a way you would like.
I guess it's like having an interior designer all to yourself,whenever you need their advice you just need to open the book and turn the page!
Love
What a lovely review!!! It is a beautiful book.
Posted by: leslie | March 22, 2011 at 05:44 PM
It looks lovely, Kat! Next time I'm in the city, I'll look for it! :)
Posted by: Zuzu | March 22, 2011 at 06:02 PM
Thank you Leslie I really appreciate your comment.
And thank you too Zuzu, i forget for certain if you're in Canada, because it is out there, but not out in the States yet.
Love Kat x
Posted by: Kat | March 22, 2011 at 06:39 PM
There are soooo lovely books in english (incl. us and aussie) Some of them are translatet into german... but they loose some... style... I think... Yes they do. So hooray for amazon, and thanks for sharing your impressions.
XOXO Kerstin
Posted by: Kerstin | March 22, 2011 at 06:55 PM
Can't wait to get a copy! Great review, thanks for the look inside.
Posted by: Penelope@thirdroomstudio | March 22, 2011 at 08:11 PM
what a gorgeous book Kat - i love the quote,
"your home should tell the story of who you are"...looks like a great selection of endless inspiration..enjoy. xxx
Posted by: Julie | March 22, 2011 at 09:49 PM
You gave such a good review I went straight over to Amazon to have a peek. I love the way some of the photos have little map layouts of the rooms. It looks so beautifully produced. Not something I'd normally think of buying, but I'm really tempted! x
Posted by: Anna | March 22, 2011 at 09:51 PM
I just got my copy today and I am thrilled, it is even better than I had hoped!!!
Posted by: Iris | March 22, 2011 at 10:10 PM
I'm looking forward to getting a copy of this - thanks for the little sneak peek! :)
xo
Posted by: Natasha | March 22, 2011 at 10:24 PM
What a beautiful written and insightful review, Kat! Thank you so much! And for all the wonderful photos. Copies should be available here at Anthropologie in a couple of days!! love, – g
Posted by: Georgianna | March 22, 2011 at 10:46 PM
What a gorgeous review! I cannot wait to have a copy in my hands, to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and savour it all. There is nothing like curling up with an inspiring interior design book, and Holly's looks like it will be a real treat.
xx
Posted by: Susannah | March 23, 2011 at 02:48 AM
Nice post, this looks interesting, I really want to read it. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: christmas gift basket | March 23, 2011 at 04:33 AM
What a lovely book and charming review!
Thank you, Kat;)
Now I wish I could have my own version.
Lots of love and joy for a springtime!
Posted by: Natalia | March 23, 2011 at 09:39 AM
Thank you everyone for your warm words.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the review and sneak peek at some pages.
It's just a taste of what is a brilliant book.
Im glad so many of you will also be getting a copy. :)
Kat x
Posted by: Kat | March 23, 2011 at 10:34 AM
Thank you Kat for your beautiful review my dear!!
Posted by: decor8 Holly | March 23, 2011 at 03:06 PM
Hi Kathryn,
What a lovely review! I also got my copy the other day and I am still reading it.
I found the link to your blog on Holly's blog. Very glad I did! Your blog is lovely! I will be back!
Love,
Ingrid xx
Posted by: Ingrid - London UK | March 23, 2011 at 03:35 PM
I'm trying hard not to absorb too much from the photos until I get my hands on my very own, but I do love what I'm seeing! =) It's like a love letter to Decor8 readers. I can't wait!
Posted by: Shanon | March 23, 2011 at 04:17 PM
Thank you Holly, your words always mean Alot to me :)
Kat x
Posted by: Kat | March 23, 2011 at 05:43 PM
Ingrid, hi, always nice to hear someone new has found my blog and left having enjoyed it. Hope you visit again and I shall be dropping by your blog too, nice that you're also in the Uk
Kat x
Posted by: Kat | March 23, 2011 at 05:45 PM
Shanon
A love letter to decor8 readers indeed!
You're gona Love it with a capital L honey
Hope all is well with you
Kat x
Posted by: Kat | March 23, 2011 at 05:46 PM
Wow, I'm really jealeous of your beautiful bookshelf with books I want to read!
Your review makes me curious about the book! xx
Posted by: noni | March 23, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Thanks for sharing Kat! I love Holly's blog and will be ordering her book soon.
Posted by: Stephanie Ryan | March 24, 2011 at 01:16 AM