design books I love {you’ll love them, too!}

Part of the fun of writing this blog is perusing and falling in love with some of the very best decorating/design books out there. Today, I wanted to share some of my very favorites with you all! Whether you want to spruce up your own home décor, or you need a gift for a design-savvy friend, these books are pretty, practical and worth the investment…
51ApwNIMaCL design books I love {youll love them, too!}

The Perfectly Imperfect Home is a go-to for absolutely gorgeous watercolor illustrations and advice on making your home work for you and your family. The author states, “Decorating improves ones life!” Obviously, I wholeheartedly agree icon smile design books I love {youll love them, too!} This is my current favorite décor book for the inspiration and practical tips it conveys. I especially loved the sections on how to introduce “a bit of quirk” to your home, and how to cozy it up to make it feel comfortable and welcoming….the goal isn’t perfection, it’s creating a unique home that functions for your family.

51hsIXh13+L design books I love {youll love them, too!}

In good bones, great pieces, the authors (a mother-daughter duo), share the seven pieces of furniture that they feel every home should have. These pieces will always be in style, and will work almost anywhere in your home. They share tips on how to buy, where to place, and how to incorporate each piece into your home. The authors also share decorating tidbits such as how to style pillows, how to decorate over the bed and how to create your own gallery wall.

51wux05bpjL design books I love {youll love them, too!}

Even if you’re an avid follower of Sherry and John’s blog, you’ll want to get your hands on a copy of their book, Young House Love.  There are lots and lots of creative ways to gussy up your home, for all skill levels and budgets. With a plethora of photographs, and a fairly low price point, this is a great book to add to any home décor library.

51IzJ72pppL design books I love {youll love them, too!}

Another must have? Inspired You by Marian Parsons.  Marian, or Miss Mustard Seed as her blog readers know her, encourages you to “uncover your God-given creativity. Be encouraged, be willing, and be inspired.” The photography is beautiful and inspiring, and there’s lots of DIY’s and great advice for “breathing new life into your heart and home.”

51uQ8TFBXfL design books I love {youll love them, too!}

Lastly, Happy Home by Jennifer Paganelli is full of sewing and craft projects to add some color and fun to your home. The photos are gorgeous and happy, and the step by step instructions are easy to follow. It’s a beautiful and vibrant book to add to your collection of sewing books-definitely a gem!

So tell me–what did I miss? What home décor/design/sewing book is your favorite?

the perfect fathers day gift idea

Many moons ago, before I had this blog and when my now-four-year-old was a newborn, I came across a brilliant Father’s Day gift that my husband received for his first “Daddy’s Day.” You simply take wooden letters to spell the word “DAD”, and take pictures of your kids holding them and being their naturally cute selves, and frame them. Instant beautiful and meaningful art. Here’s a picture of how it turned out….

DSC 0001 5 copy the perfect fathers day gift idea

I used really big, white letters, and chose my kid’s funniest expressions for the finished product. Needless to say, it turned out mega-cute, and was a huge hit.

Fast forward four years…I’m trying to come up with a kid-inspired gift for my father-in-law’s 60th birthday. I decided to try the same technique, but this time with black and white photos…

DSC 0001 3 copy the perfect fathers day gift idea

Fortunately we call him “Papa”; so all I needed to find was a frame with 4 4×6 openings. The letters I used were a bit smaller, and, if I were to do it again, I’d probably use larger letters as well as allow more time to retake a few of the photos that I’m not 100% happy with. But, as I’m learning as a mom of two Littles, it’s not wise to let perfect be the enemy of good, so I framed up what I had and still think it turned out pretty adorable.

Want to make one of these for someone with a longer name? Grandma or Grandpa, perhaps? Just use 2 letters per picture instead of just one, it turns out just as precious.

So there you have it! An easy, meaningful and personalized Father’s Day gift for the main men in your life. If you create one of these, please send along a pic, I’d love to see it!!

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