Decorate Me Happy
Release Date: October 2008
Pages: 272 pages
Amazon | Goodreads
If you like decorating, I'm going to guess you've heard about this book. In fact, you probably own it, love it, and never wish to part from it. But for those of you who aren't immersed in (or obsessed with) the world of decorating - I'd like to introduce you to a little book that packs a pretty big punch.
What made Domino magazine so popular was its approachability, its belief that it was possible to "demystify and democratize decorating." It gained a cult-like following, and people still pay high dollar on Ebay to get old issues. Fortunately, the book is affordable (only $32) and easy to acquire. Almost any major bookstore will have this classic, and you can always order it online.
Separated into nine chapters based on type of room, I love everything about it. The first chapter has great advice for getting started - from finding inspiration to making a decorating schedule. Don't know where to start? Domino will point you in the right direction.
Chapters follow the same basic format. First, a few pages of their favorite rooms (for that category) from the magazine, along with notes on what makes the room work. Then, a few pages dedicated to "the big piece" for that room (like the sofa in the living room). Pages on "how to mix and match" in that room will help you achieve that eclectic and effortless Domino look.
A few "very important tips" are then followed by pages of images that highlight specific "decorating tricks" to help you make the most of that space. "Small-space solutions" are perfect for those of us who have to make the most of what we've got, and the "finishing touches" section focus on the tiny details that can make a difference. Finally, they make "the domino effect" look easy by showing you the elements before you turn the page to see the result.
I LOVE this book. The cover looks gorgeous on display, but I promise this is the kind of book you'll turn to for reference whenever you're decorating. The style is decidedly eclectic - with lots of color and modern touches - but it's helpful no matter what your style.
Be sure to check out Shanyn's blog Chick Loves Lit to learn more about Recommend A. There are topics for every Monday, as well as a cute button you can grab (I just created my own version to fit my blog but included Shanyn's blog info). I love this new feature and am excited to participate!
Ooo nice :) I love that mix and match section!
ReplyDeleteThat's one of my favorite sections, too! It's given me great ideas on how to have that "eclectic" look that seems effortless but actually takes thought haha!
DeleteOh this book looks lovely! I want it for that cover alone! Thanks so much for posting about it, I have never heard of it but I now know that I NEED a copy!
ReplyDeleteOMG I'm so excited for you to get this! It makes me even happier that you'd never heard of it - you're in for some very good reading :) And yes, even if I didn't love the content inside, I'd still adore it for the cover alone.
DeleteEep, this book looks WONDERFUL! The cover is so lovely and the content seems stellar as well. Like Mandee, I haven't heard of it but now want a copy for myself. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's making me so excited that I'm getting to introduce people to this book. It's one of my favorite decorating books, and I love that the cover and content are both awesome! Hope you end up getting it & loving it :)
DeleteHow did I not know about this book yet? I feel like I could throw it at the boyfriend and be like "This is my brain, okay?!"
ReplyDeleteHaha! I'm glad I got to introduce you :) Hope you love it if you end up getting it!
DeleteLOVE this book! And I still have all of my old Domino magazines! Did you see the "new" issue they put out recently... like a one off compilation best-of type thing (which I, of course, bought too).
ReplyDeleteI also love Decorate (from the Decor8 blog), the Apartment Therapy books & the Design Sponge book! If you're a decor-junky like me, you probably know about these, but figured I'd mention them just in case.
I missed Domino while it was out, but I've bought quite a few issues off Ebay. I'm addicted! I wish they 1) hadn't shut down and 2) weren't so expensive to buy after the fact. And yes, I saw the new issue and bought it right away! I haven't gone all the way through it though - I'm trying to take my time and make it last longer.
DeleteI also love the Decorate and Design Sponge books! They're both fantastic!! I have one apartment therapy book (Big Book of Small Spaces) and really like it! Have you read House Beautiful's Home Book or Deborah Needleman's new book The Perfectly Imperfect Home? I like both of those, too. I'll do reviews/peeks inside soon so you can see what I like about them!
Such a cute book. I've been wanting to get something like it for a while.
ReplyDeleteSafari Poet
I love this book! If you've been looking for a decorating book, this is definitely one to buy :)
DeleteThis book sounds great! I'm moving into a new apartment next month and could definitely use some decorating help. ;) Thanks for the recommendation!!
ReplyDeleteYAY! I hope you love it if you end up buying it :) It's got so many good ideas inside! I have a few other favorite decorating books that I'll feature soon. I love introducing people to books they might not know about otherwise. I'm a coffee table book junkie haha!
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