As an avid reader of the blog, Miss Mustard Seed was excited to explore her latest creation, The Home Design Doodle Book. I was not disappointed. The artist in me delighted in the look and design of it. The friend in me delighted in the gift potential, already thinking of several friends who would enjoy this book. The fan of me happily supported a woman who inspires me.
First, this is a book by a creative, crafty artist…and this book is beautiful. It is filled with heart, joy, and inspiration.
Second, this book contains the most sensible, five steps for discovering your style.
- Observe and collect items//swatches/images that speak to you
- Filter what you love vs. what you love for your home
- Recognize patterns in the images/items you love for your home
- Unearth your style based on the patterns observed
- Transition your style: after noting what fits and does not fit your style in your home, gradually transition your home to fit the style you identified.
After this, she encourages a room reset, the creation of mood boards, organized and planned shopping with a budget in mind, and offers her tips. Pages are frequently inserted for your expression/reflections like, “I think that is stupid!” or “seriously need a new stove.”
Third, a warning: this is not a reading book. This is a workbook. As Mrs. Parsons says, it is a conversation. But as any great designer, she offers only prompts and expects you to do the talking and discovering. She can give tips, but it is up to you to seek the information.
I can see how this book could be an excellent guide for those who are a) to intimated to make design choices, b) cannot focus their many projects or desires, or c) feel their home is too far from what they would like it to be. The format is open enough to allow you your own mode of operation, style, and pace, but tight enough to maintain concrete steps in your creation. When a home feelings overwhelming, the latter can be invaluable.
I would highly recommend this book. I plan on keeping a copy in my home to give as a gift whenever the opportunity arises.
Caveat
If you seeking information and guides on how to do in more detail, you will not find it here. It is what it says, a doodle book. This is the tactile version of creating a Pinterest board. It is an advanced form of a bulletin board (well, many bulletin boards). If you want to learn how to do these things, I recommend Mrs. Parson’s video tutorials and her many other digital offerings through missmustardseed.com.
Happy decorating!