Country Living A Bit of Velvet & a Dash of Lace: The Fabulous Interiors of Magnolia Pearl

I LOVED this book! Like the author, Robin Brown, I have always been attracted to fabrics (tapestry, lace, velvet...), ribbons, antiques, bits of vintage and bits of glitz (chandeliers, pearls, and shiny silver things!) but I was at a loss at what to do with it all except keep everything in boxes for "someday". Then I read this book and was fascinated with Robin's journey and completely besotted with her decorating and how she incorporates (and up-cycles) her 'treasures'. I am in the process of redecorating my house and feel that Robin has given me 'permission' to pull out my treasures and go for it! As she says, the perfection is in the imperfection! <3!

Love, love, love this book! Clearly, it's either your 'style' (or dream!) or it's not. If you're not into velvet & lace well, it's not for you! You have to love the opulence, decadence, art nouveau, and eclecticism that she inspires. And she really has inspired me! I can't follow as much as I'd love to or my husband will move out! But you can really get a sense of how to embody this look from the book - which is more than I can say about alot of decorating books which tend to be museum-like and frankly out of touch with average household budgets. Not only are the photos very descriptive, but the narrative is very helpful and encouraging. Word to the wise: the looks embodied by Magnolia Pearl decorating will take considerable time to achieve! But I think the author conveys well that you can start slowly and pursue the aspects you like. It is a matter of personal taste so only those who find this style appealing will find the book appealing. I certainly did.

This book is fun to look at, but it’s overall concept is too cluttered and ornate to be of any use to me. “Shabby chic” shouldn’t have layer upon layer of mismatched fabric, lace and velvet. Clean and simple should carry the day.

I have long been a fan of the Magnolia Pearl style, pre-ordered this book months ago (February 2008) and counted the months until it's arrival. No disappointment whatsoever... This is a book filled with luscious photos and beautiful reading for the soul. I have savored each page from the very first photo of Robin and John's home at Twilight to Robin's last words of remembering to be true to yourself in your decorating style (somehow these words set me free - you'll understand after you read the book!). Beautiful antiques, peacock feathers galore, welcoming porches, enchanting lighting, gorgeous windows, lush beds with layer upon layer and even a section for Pets. This book is truly a feast for the eyes and Robin's easy writing style feeds the soul. I did not want this book to end. In other words, I highly recommend this beautiful book and feel you will want to put aside a few minutes each evening to truly take in this book... "Enjoy"!

I originally purchased this book because it looked pretty and I thought it would make a nice addition to my collection of home decor books. When I opened it and thumbed through the first few pages, I was immediately captivated by the Magnolia Pearl style. This is a wonderful book!!! I have many books about vintage decor and shabby chic and flea market style, but I have found what I never knew I was looking for! The layers of wonderful textures and colors and creativity is amazing. Robin has truly mastered her art. Once I realized what I had found, I immediately searched for and found her website and fell even more in love with the Magnolia Pearl clothing line (and the images of her home, her car, herSELF, and her flair for creating amazing displays!) I will most definitely be traveling to Round Top in September to meet her and to visit her booth at the Marburger Farm & Antique Show. I can't wait!!! I highly recommend this book!

What a lovely design book. Designer is a lovely lady and started at an early age collecting, refurbishing and repurposing great pieces of furnishings. Well, buy the book and see for yourself.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to take shabby chic to a new and more sophisticated level. One may not like to go as far in this as Robin Brown does, but certainly a good book for great ideas. I have been a Robin Brown admirer for many years, and the woman behind her ideas and designs has had a fascinating life. Even if you don't like all of her ideas, you will greatly enjoy reading about her life and philosophy. No doubt about it. She is a trailblazer and very difficult to copy!

I just recently learned of Magnolia Pearl and love the whimsy, romanticism and creativity that Robin Brown represents. Although I am, will be, and always have been an urban dweller, I love the drama and lushness of the interiors shared in this book. I live in a turn of the century Victorian row house and I have designed my home to honor the era in which it was built, while reflecting my own style, so there is much in this beautiful book that speaks to me. The Magnolia Pearl concept is truly an inspiration to me.

I saw work by Magnolia Pearl on Pinterest so I bought this book. It’s full of hints and tips on how to create the look. It now lives on my coffee table looking very pretty.

Magnolia pearl style is unique and beautiful. This book distilles it.

Just loved this book. For "dream a while times". Have been back to this time and time again.

A lovely book. This will appeal to fans of Magnolia Pearl clothing and lifestyle and to those who love the romantic, bohemian and gypsy look.

Amazing book and if you are into this decor, a must have - you just don't see this style around and it shows you exactly how to recreate it - an absolute must have for BOHO chic lovers everywhere!