Decorate is a stylish interior design book by Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick that provides inspiration and advice for creating beautiful, well-designed homes. Published in 2021, Decorate takes readers on a tour of chic, contemporary interiors from around the world. With stunning photography and insightful commentary, this coffee table book is perfect for design enthusiasts looking to refresh their decor.
About the Authors
Holly Becker is a Canadian author, designer, and founder of the popular interior design blog Decor8. She has authored several bestselling books on interior design, including Decorate Workshop and Living With Pattern. Her aesthetic focuses on Scandinavian simplicity mixed with handmade accents and vintage finds.
Joanna Copestick is a London-based interior designer known for her elegant, relaxed style. She has worked on residential projects around the world as well as commercial spaces such as hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. Copestick’s work has been featured in numerous design publications.
Together, Becker and Copestick bring their distinct yet complementary perspectives on contemporary interior design in Decorate.
Overview of the Book
Decorate explores current trends in interior design through gorgeous photography and insightful design details. Organized by style – from Natural and Minimal to Glamorous and Eclectic – the book showcases diverse aesthetics from designers around the world.
Readers get a peek inside private homes, boutique hotels, coffee shops, retail stores, and other carefully curated spaces. Becker and Copestick analyze what makes the designs successful and point out ideas that readers can apply in their own homes.
From living rooms and bedrooms to home offices and kitchens, Decorate features spaces both grand and modest. While highlighting high-end designer furnishings, the authors also reveal DIY projects, budget finds, and other accessible ideas.
In addition to the main tour, sidebars give quick tips on displaying collections, arranging bookcases, and other topics. The photography alone is reason to pick up this book.
Key Themes & Takeaways
Some of the key themes and ideas readers will find inside Decorate:
Mix Old and New
Layering antique, vintage, and modern pieces creates depth and character. Becker and Copestick encourage readers to mix different periods and styles.
Texture and Materials
Natural textures like wood, stone, metals, and textiles bring warmth and coziness to a space. The authors showcase the creative use of materials in homes around the world.
Artful Display
Carefully placing and spotlighting beloved objects – from books and photos to collections and mementos – personalizes a home.
Personality and Wit
Whimsical, humorous touches and playful juxtapositions reflect the homeowners’ personalities. The authors encourage readers to express their own style.
Calm, Neutral Palettes
Soothing, minimalist color schemes – especially soft neutrals and earth tones – provide a peaceful backdrop. Pops of color can then stand out.
House Plants
From tiny succulents to dramatic monsteras, indoor plants bring life and freshness to rooms. Used creatively, greenery also divides spaces.
With page after page of beautiful interiors from London to Marrakesh, Decorate overflows with design inspiration. Readers come away with fresh ideas for updating everything from wall colors and artwork to textiles and vintage scores. Both aspirational yet accessible, this tome makes a lovely addition to any design lover’s library.
Decorating Ideas from Decorate
Want to give your home a stylish refresh? Here are some key decorating takeaways from Decorate that you can apply to your own rooms:
Living Room Ideas
- Hang an oversized gallery wall with framed art and photos
- Add a large area rug in a natural fiber like jute or sisal
- Layer rugs on top of each other for visual interest
- Display collections like shells or pottery on open shelves
- Add ceramic garden stools as end tables
Bedroom Ideas
- Use block-printed or embroidered textiles from India or Morocco
- Hang simple linen curtains for an airy, casual vibe
- Float the bed frame to accentuate flooring
- Add a bench at the foot of the bed
- Place a comfy chair in a corner for reading
Home Office Ideas
- Choose a sculptural desk light for visual flair
- Use a large bulletin board to pin up inspiration
- Incorporate greenery by hanging air plants in terrariums
- Add a Moroccan pouf for extra guest seating
- Display favorite books and objects for personalized flair
Kitchen & Dining Ideas
- Use distressed wood dining chairs for casual character
- Hang brass cafe lights over an island or dining table
- Layer antique rugs under the dining table
- Display collections of pottery or ceramics in open shelving
- Add a marble, terrazzo, or concrete dining table for an organic look
Finishing Touches
- Fresh flowers and greenery in vases instantly livens up a room
- Coffee table books add color and texture
- Minimize clutter and carefully style surfaces
- Adjust lighting for ambiance – dimmers, lamps, and candles
- Add throw pillows, throws, and other soft textiles for coziness
The decors featured in Decorate prove that thoughtful details can make all the difference. With some creativity and personal flair, you can craft interiors that feel curated, layered, and collected over time. Decorate your home in a way that reflects your own passions and taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decorate
Here are answers to some common questions about Decorate:
What kinds of spaces are featured in the book?
Decorate focuses mostly on residential interiors – living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, home offices, and more. But it also includes examples of boutique retail stores, cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
What’s the difference between a home “decor” book vs a design book?
Decor books like Decorate focus more on the aesthetics and furnishings that make a space visually appealing. Design books tend to go deeper into layouts, architecture, functionality, building systems, and commercial spaces.
Does the book include practical decorating tips?
Yes, in addition to the beautiful photography, Decorate provides real-world advice on choosing paint colors, arranging furniture, displaying collections, mixing patterns and textures, and more. Sidebars give quick tips.
Is Decorate suited for all styles?
While it focuses on contemporary interiors, the book includes diverse aesthetics from natural and minimal to opulent and eclectic. The authors encourage readers to decorate in a way that suits their own taste.
Where can I buy the book Decorate?
Decorate is available from booksellers worldwide in hardcover and ebook editions. For the lavish photography, the hardcover version is recommended.
Is there an audiobook version of Decorate?
At the time of writing, Decorate does not currently have an audiobook version. The book relies heavily on visuals which makes the printed version more useful.
Who would most appreciate this book?
With its stunning photographs, Decorate will appeal to all design enthusiasts. Homeowners, decorators, interior designers, stylists, and creatives will find it particularly inspiring and educational.
Decorate delivers a world tour of contemporary interior design that both inspires and educates. Let this book guide you toward creating a uniquely personal oasis that aesthetically reflects your dreams. By applying the authors’ tips and ideas, you can craft a beautiful, welcoming home environment.
Conclusion
Decorate takes readers inside chic interiors from a global mix of styles. Through gorgeous photography and insightful commentary, Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick provide inspiration and advice for decorating beautiful, creative homes. This coffee table book overflows with design ideas for refreshing your own rooms – from color palettes and textiles to display tips and unique flourishes. While showcasing aspirational designer spaces, the authors also share accessible DIY ideas tailored for real life. For interior design enthusiasts, Decorate delivers a wealth of visual inspiration coupled with sage decorating guidance.
