Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating

I have read countless books on decorating over the years. Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating has become one of my all-time favorites. Lauren Liess has written a very thoughtful book filled with a concise strategy to use when decorating your home. She guides you step by step on the things to consider when designing a home that reflects who you are. Some other reviewers have complained that the photos in the book are too bland or they all look too muted and the same. That is because this is Ms. Liess aesthetic. Part of HER style. But she shows you how to arrive at your own style in a very detailed and deliberate way. It does require you to read the content and apply those principles to your own preferences.This book is worth repeated readings. She has so much information that might be missed the first time around. Truly a wonderful read!

This is by far my favorite design book – and I own a fair share. It is a stunning visual feast. Fans of Lauren’s work will not be disappointed, as there are plenty of pictures, including some familiar spaces but mainly new projects. All are perfectly styled and beautifully shot, with the long awaited dad’s lake house and cousin’s mountain retreat leading the way. The content is very well organized. It is a practical guide how to create your own unique and amazing space. Lauren has put a lot of thought and effort into explaining how she approaches design process and how each element of design fits into the big picture. She carefully walks you through the process of designing spaces that work for you and your loved ones, not how to stage perfect rooms that just look good in pictures. All of the spaces she designs are beautiful but are also livable, comfortable and family friendly. This book, just like her blog, demonstrates that she is truly passionate about her work. Even if you are not a fan of her aesthetic, you will find the book to be a great design resource. I read it in one afternoon (it is a great read!) but I will be going back to it as a reference over and over as I begin the process of redesigning my own home.I admire Lauren’s talent and applaud her willingness to share knowledge and experience in such depth with the rest of us. She could have simply thrown a bunch of styled photos together and called it a day – as many designers and decorators seem to do these days. Thank you Lauren!

Lady Liess is an absolute gem. This book is a stunner -- full of great advice for the committed amateur, with super helpful resources and details that really show how Lauren prefers things and achieves a her beautiful aesthetic across every client style and objective.Excellent balance of photos and education. While there is plenty of new-to-readers work showcase (yay!), the "field guide" approach to the nuts and bolts of decorating is no gimmick -- she has put a lot of work into distilling the how-to's of her project organization and aesthetic approach and it really shows.Wonderful personal, conversational tone (as on her excellent blog).You never know if you're getting a ghostwritten photoshoot (some designers just don't want or need to write well), but I am super impressed with Habitat and now even more so with Lauren. Absolutely loving the read and the education.

Nice book. Love the cover. Used it to stack with others for a decorative look on my console table. As appears and did not arrive damaged.

Some design books are for coffee tables: lots of well staged & lit photos, but not much use for the "everyday" person pulling a home together. Not the case for the Lauren Liess & Habitat. She speaks in a quiet & humble voice, and is honest about the mistakes she made earlier with her own home. I could see her eye & taste develop through the book, i.e. over the years. What I liked best & most useful to me was the way she organized Habitat by room, elements, including measurements, "typical" standards, materials & best uses, and finally, the intangibles or "inspirationals". (This is NOT a Decorating For Dummies book! Or a step-by-step guide.) Well worth purchasing & adding to your collection. And the photos are beautiful & inspiring.

The media could not be loaded. love this author&just in the past month hav botten all of her books. one after the other. she does a good balance of comfort, light&bright.. (but earthy. not "cold".)& character. lots of layers&mixed textures. old&new. not minimal, but not eclectic. cozy design. lots of pics &quality book. lots of inspiration. the only reason i took a star, is the front cover pic, is "picture"glossy. rather it be matte like the rest of the book. feel it dates it alil. but very pleased overall! would definitely recommend

Absolutely love this book! It is full of very helpful information such as spacing furniture, height of lighting, timeless materials of fabric, faucets, handles + drawer pulls worth investing in, etc. Great reference for all the renovations we are working on in our home as well as our decor style. Back of book references where to shop for items throughout book. Pictures are gorgeous throughout with muted colors that are earthy and timeless designs. If this is your desired style you will love this book.

I first checked out Habitat at my local library, but loved it so much I wanted to purchase it to have on hand. I love Lauren's style so it is filled with beautiful rooms to look at. It also is somewhat of a "field guide" to decorating as she helps you think through the different elements of decorating. I am currently updating a few rooms in our house and this book has been full of helpful information! Highly recommend!