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too many ideas. too little time. (and far too much chai.)
For anyone as obsessed with DIY and all-things design & home improvement as I am, I’ve got a list of uh-mazing reads for you. Each book is either one I’ve read (and read some more, and studied, and took notes in, and highlighted and… you get the picture), or one that’s currently on my to-read-ASAP list.
So if you’re looking for some inspiration, I’ve got plenty here for you:
We all know Emily Henderson. Design Star extraordinaire. But maybe you didn’t know she has a book out. Go get it. Read it. Love it. Enough said. She’s amazing, and I know you’ll love her book as much as I do. Find it here:
Emily Henderson: Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookshelves
These bloggers single-handedly introduced blogging to me. For real. I have ALWAYS, ALWAYS been a DIY’er and avid decorator, furniture rehabber and general trash (to treasure) hoarder, but it never really hit me that I could, and maybe even should, write about my kooky projects. Pretty ironic, given that I also write for a living (my day job). Then these two came along: Sherry & John Petersik of the Young House Love blog. If you don’t know them, they’re a powerhouse husband & wife team, and they DIY like no one’s business. Trust me, you’ll love them, and their books:
Book #1: Young House Love: 243 Ways to Paint, Craft, Update & Show Your Home Some Love
Book #2: Lovable Livable Home: How to Add Beauty, Get Organized, and Make Your House Work for You
This is such a great read for obvious reasons. Number one: We’re all obsessed with these two HGTV stars, and many of us, are also obsessed with their farmhouse style. This book tells the story of how Chip and Joanna became the Chip and Joanna that we all know on tv. It’s super inspiring, and I found Chip’s entrepreneur-spirit to be very motivating. For a short, inspiring read, I highly recommend their book:
The Magnolia Story
Anything by Brené Brown. If you don’t know her, you’re welcome : ) Seriously, she’s super inspiring, and no, her books aren’t directly related to what I do as a blogger, but this one is directly related to being a happy human. And in my mind, that’s a must-read. Find it here:
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
This one I haven’t read, but have been meaning to for, like… ever. I’ve heard so many amazing things about Sophia Amoruso’s story. In a nutshell, she’s a girl who overcame a rough childhood, and went on to found Nasty Gal, a $100-million dollar (yes, you read that right) fashion brand. It’s not particularly related to home design or diy or anything like that, but this chick is legit. She wrote this book for other risk-takin’, rule-breakin’ gals like herself, and it’s on my to-read-immediately-or-bust list, and should be on yours, too:
#GIRLBOSS
This next book should come as no surprise. Written by Grace Bonney, founder of the ever-popular design blog, Design*Sponge (a blog I’ve followed for a long time), her book gives oodles of ideas when you’re in a design slump. Check it out here:
Design*Sponge at Home
She also has a second, more recent, book that I have not read, but intend to soon:
In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs
As I understand it, this book profiles some super incredible women in the hopes to inspire the next generation to “do more and dream bigger,” as Bonney puts it. She had me at Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs, and I’m ’bout to snag myself a copy.
This is one of the first design books I ever read. It’s by Deborah Needleman & Sara Ruffin Costello, and you can find it here:
Domino: The Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Creating a Home That Makes You Happy
There’s also a box set that includes The Book of Decorating, as well as another one: Your Guide to a Stylish Home. In my mind, it’s a great price, so just wanted to make you all aware. You can find the box set here:
The Domino Decorating Books Box Set: The Book of Decorating and Your Guide to a Stylish Home (DOMINO Books)
Last, but certainly not least, is Decorate by Holly Becker (founder of the popular blog, Decor8) and Joanna Copestick. I love this book because it gives tons of great ideas across all styles – not to mention amazing photo inspo – for every room in your home. It does so by including advice from some of the most popular designers out there. Honestly, this book is a dream. Even if you don’t love to read, just look at the pretty pictures and get inspired!!!! Find it now:
Decorate: 1,000 Design Ideas for Every Room in Your Home
I hope you find these great reads as GREAT as I do.
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