Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating Hardcover – Illustrated, October 13, 2015

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!

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.

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!

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.

I have never purchased a book on decorating or design before. Ever. And aside from the odd issue of Real Simple, never even opened a design-oriented magazine. But I read a review about this in the WSJ and was immediately intrigued. This is not something to buy on Kindle - you will want the physical object. I even find myself looking at the pretty pictures before bed. Again - I am a total design neophyte. I've never enjoyed shopping for furniture or other items for the home. But I am really, really glad I came across this book. It has brought me a lot of enjoyment in a short amount of time. I am excited to check out the links to the author's favorite design web sites once I have perused the physical book a few more times.

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 never take the time to leave reviews, but wanted to say I am so impressed with the quality of this book. The beautiful textured cover is unique and the thickness of the pages is something many books are lacking. Often times I felt I had a few page stuck together, they are that substantial.The photography is gorgeous and Lauren's a very talented designer, it was nice to hear an in depth perspective of how she considers every detail. This is not a book to copy, the designs are far to creative and original to each home and its setting, but rather a wonderful guide to achieving your own look for your home.Great job Lauren! I love your blog, and now your book!!