Every year I eagerly anticipate the design books that are published in the Fall. It's always exciting to see the inspiring work of other designers and to gain insight into their design process. One book that is a stand out this year is "Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating" by Lauren Liess.
I've loved Lauren's work since I started reading her blog 6 years ago. It has been so much fun following the growth of her career as well as her beautiful family.
This is Lauren... gorgeous and talented!
Over the past six years I've been impressed not just by Lauren's inspiring work but also with her honesty and generosity. On her blog, Lauren not only shares images of her work, she also happily provides resources and behind the scenes details of how she creates her livable, beautiful interiors. Lauren is also straight forward. She lets her readers know about the challenges of the design process as well as the difficulties of juggling the demands of her practice and the needs of her family.
Photo credit: Clifton Man Photography
Lauren, her husband Dave, and their three boys welcomed little Gisele to their family this year...
I'm not sure where Lauren found the time to write Habitat, but I'm certainly glad she did! Habitat is written in the same knowledgeable yet accessible style that makes Lauren's blog so popular. Lauren's book is well organized and easy to understand whether you are an interior designer or a home owner looking for guidance through the design process.
Habitat is divided into three sections. The first section discusses "The Fundamental Elements of Design". Each of the chapters in this section focuses on one of "the tangible elements that go into creating a home". These include architecture, finishes and hardware, floor plan, color, furniture, rugs, fabric and pattern, lighting, window treatments, and finally art and accessories.
Each chapter is filled with photographer Helen Norman's beautiful images of Lauren's refreshing work that provide convincing visual examples of all of Lauren's points, whether she is discussing how to select a sofa or the process of choosing a color palette.
Although there is an incredible amount of information in this section, somehow Lauren is able to present it in a way that is not overwhelming. Her explanations are as relaxed and easy to understand as her interior designs.
In Part 2 of her book, Lauren wonderfully describes "The Intangible Elements of Design". This is the part of design that relies on your intuition and includes aesthetic, style, mood, authenticity, juxtaposition, comfort, luxury, charm, as well as risk and confidence.
Lauren used a calm color palette of sandy neutrals and soft blues as well as furnishings made of jute, sea glass, and driftwood to create a coastal mood in her clients' living room.
Lauren explains that "luxury" can be any design element that is inessential but encourages pleasure and comfort. For Lauren, this includes this awesome outdoor shower that she designed for her own home.
Chapter 19 is all about "Risk & Confidence". There are many unconventional details in this kitchen that Lauren designed for her father's lake house. It is these unexpected elements, including those fantastic pendants lights, that make this space so wonderful.
In "Room by Room Guide", the third and final section of Habitat, Lauren walks us through her design process while she addresses the important functions and requirements for specific types of rooms.
The shiplap walls that Lauren used in this bathroom add so much detail to this bathroom. The curved soaking tub is both functional and sculptural.
Each chapter in this final section includes a checklist of design elements specific to the type of room being discussed. Like all of the rooms in Habitat, Lauren's examples of home office/study spaces prove that even the most functional rooms can be designed beautifully while still being functional.
On page 267 of Habitat, Lauren's "A Final Word" really explains why I love her. She always keeps a proper perspective when decorating a home... You'll have to get the book to see what I mean!
If happen to live near Los Angeles or are visiting in November and you would like to see Lauren's work in person, you are in luck! Lauren is participating in Luxe Magazine's "Mason de Luxe", a design show house at the Doheny Greystone Estate. You can go online for show dates and to purchase tickets.
If you see Lauren and Dave, give them a hug from me!
xo
Brooke
