September 20, 2019

DOWN TO EARTH

For so long it’s felt so far away, but my new book, Down to Earth: Laid-back Interiors for Modern Living is coming out in about TWO weeks (On October 8th- Which happens to be my/ Dave’s 14th anniversary 🙂 ) and it’s crazy to think it’s almost here!!  Helen Norman shot the photos and I just love her and her work.

 

Books 1 & 2 are the same size

 

I’ve been saving some of these projects for years (I finished the cover project over three years ago!) and I am beyond pumped to finally be able to share them!!  Some of you might remember my cousin’s house in Florida (photo below) that I started working on in 2013.  We finished up a about a year ago and it was a doozy.   The first post I ever wrote about it in 2013 was probably one of the most controversial posts on Pure Style Home that I can think of and the comment section was a crazy read with a lot of insight on both sides of the argument about how ridiculous/gross or not ridiculous and gross the house was for him to live in.  (I’m SO bummed but when I switched blogging platforms, the comments from all of my early posts didn’t transfer- argggg- but you can see remnants of that convo in the link I posted to above.)  We photographed it last fall and it’s one of my favorite projects to date.  {I might love it so much because we get to go and visit?  I’ve got my guest room tricked out in Florida style lol.}

 

“during” but this gives you an idea of the house

 

In the book, I share a bit about my cousin and why I think he wanted to build something like that and how the process has been for him… and there are also a couple peeks at his pets.

The book features six house projects with each chapter delving into the projects and also outlining what I think of as the six main elements of down to earth design and living.  Each of the featured homes has a totally different architectural style and we were so fortunate to be able to work with some truly amazing architects, builders, and clients.  I’m also really thankful to the architects and builders for being so patient and for me to hold the projects for the book… it’s not an easy thing to do and we all wanted to get these photos out into the world as fast as possible so I’m really appreciative of their patience and support for the book.

 

HABITAT

 

Sitting down to write a book after my first one, Habitat, was tough for me at first.  We had just finished filming our show and I was slammed, trying to get back into the swing of these with our clients, and I knew the type of book I wanted to write and I knew what projects I wanted to share, but at first, my mind was still reeling from all that we’d just gone through…  and my first book was such a big one and was more manual-like, that ,at first, I worried I had nothing left to say.  It took me a couple weeks to get into it and to set up the organization of it so that things would start flowing.  I knew that Habitat was generally about decorating, and was more universally-appealing, and that Down to Earth was going to be about achieving a particular aesthetic- so my content was getting much more specific… which felt like a lot of pressure and made me worry a bit.  I appreciate SO MANY different styles and love the frilliest prettiest rooms out there, but I wanted to write a book about how I personally like to decorate – more casual and relaxed and easy-breezy- and what goes into that decision-making process.  But when I was writing, I tried to make sure that there was information and insight that even those who like a style totally different than mine could appreciate and I wanted to be respectful of all styles… and I hope I was able to do that.  (I guess we’ll see when those reviews came in! 😉

 

a bunch of my fabric patterns make an appearance in the book.. Here’s a little peek at “thistle” which we used for the end papers.

 

The other thing that I thought a lot about while I was writing was the phrase, “down to earth.”  I write about nature and how it is calming, grounding, and beautiful all at once… how it invigorates me and how I like to bring it into every home I do.  And how humble, simple objects and materials can be celebrated.  That’s really the essence of the vibe I love so much and so when I was naming the book “down to earth” -as a vibe and aesthetic (and in what I value)- just made the most sense to me, but it isn’t lost on me that the book has lots of houses and things  in it that are expensive.  My cousin’s house (and I say this in the book) is just about as far as you might possibly be able to get from “down to earth” (it’s truly massive) but with every move I was able to make there, I tried to bring in nature, to relax it, to give it soul and make it more casual, easy, and real, more “down to earth” if you will.  But can you ever really bring a house like that “down to earth?” I’m not sure… I only know I tried with every move I had the authority to make.  For me, the title isn’t just a title, it’s really a thesis and I attempted to prove how “down to earth” is a style and way of living that can be applied in any home no matter how big or small- and even in the case of a mansion.  I think for those who read the words instead of just looking at the pictures (which, in a decorating book- I’d guesstimate only 50% of the readers are reading the words 😉 ) the title will make sense and fit (So I pray there are more readers out there!!)  but when I landed on that title, it was a conscious choice that I felt I had to make even though I knew I might get some flack for it.

I wrote it last fall – alternating between the window seat in our attic, the Brogue (our local pub/ coffee house) and, thankfully, once I got going, I was able to really crank it out.  Though the photos and lots of the tips and info I share are about design, it’s also a bit of a philosophy on living, where I write about what’s worked for me and what I feel like has made things easier or better or happier with “home” for me- the reality is that none of it is really the “stuff”- it’s my attitude.  I’ve mentioned it before, but “contentment” to me is such a beautiful thing.  As someone who’s always planning things and making things, I’m often looking towards the meeting of future goals for satisfaction so I have to remind myself to be happy in the present moment and to appreciate what I have.  I try to do the same thing when decorating when I have to- be okay that it’s not finished or instant and just exhale and appreciate.  Anyway, sorry to get so deep on a Friday (yay!!!) but I did want to share a bit about what’s in there and what my thoughts have been on lately.

Gisele approves

 

For anyone thinking about buying it, definitely think about pre-ordering it.  Habitat sold out multiple times when it came out which was kind of a bummer because I know people mentioned wanting to buy it for Christmas gifts and not being able to.  And- the great thing about a pre-order on a lot of websites is that you get it for the lowest price it ever drops down to so if it goes 30% off for a day, you get it at that price, instead of at the cover price, which is where is jumps back to when it gets released.

I’ve got signed copies available here, along with a link list of booksellers carrying it online- Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound etc.

And if you have any friends you think might be interested, please share!! Thank you so much, and I’ve said it before & will definitely say it again, but I know – without a doubt- that I wouldn’t have the business I have today without this blog & its amazing readers.  I am truly thankful for the kindness & support so many of you have shown.

I’ll be sharing a list of book signings and dates soon too!!

xo

Snapped a pic of the book on my messy bed one morning the other week

 

Subscribe
Notify of

210 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Guest
Patti Balhorn
4 years ago

Can’t wait to get your new book. LOVED Habitat – one of my favorite design books and I have about 75 books. Great information, well organized and written. Gave lots of Habitat out as gifts to friends. Congrats on your new book!

Guest
Sheri
4 years ago

So thrilled for you, Lauren, and I can’t wait to receive the book in a couple of weeks. I am so in love with your thoughts on contentment – thank you for the beautiful reminder. Have a wonderful weekend!

Guest
Julie S
4 years ago

This sounds great!!! I will get my hands on it and devour it. Loved Habitat, and so delighted to know you’re going even deeper teaching in another way with your style and how it happens.

Guest
jennibell
4 years ago

Yay!! I *am* a reader so will devour this book 🙂
I’m so happy for you and your success. Glad to see you back to blogging more regularly again….I know it’s hard to squeeze in the time so wanted you to know it’s great to connect this way.

Guest
Susan Hoover
4 years ago

Yippee, just ordered! Can’t wait and congratulations.

Guest
4 years ago

especially user viagra for sale totally response
sale generic viagra online pills ever reserve sale generic viagra
online pills relatively highway [url=http://viacheapusa.com/#]sale generic viagra online pills[/url] easily culture viagra for sale ever camera http://viacheapusa.com/

Guest
4 years ago

widely wait [url=http://www.vagragenericaar.org/#]prescription viagra[/url] automatically priority alone file best
place to buy generic viagra online just path prescription viagra better fall http://www.vagragenericaar.org/

Guest
Genaropah
3 years ago

order viagra pills https://canadianpharmacystorm.com cialis pills for men

Guest
MichealSeals
3 years ago

cialis sale online http://aralenph.com – generic alaren cheap herbal viagra online

Guest
MichealSeals
3 years ago

buy viagra online eu http://tadal24ph.com – cialis 20 mg best price buy cialis at boots

Guest
Jameskix
3 years ago

purchasing cialis on the internet cialis
bestpricemedz.com generic viagra

Guest
Robertsathe
3 years ago

which is better – cialis or viagra: cialis generic

Guest
KevinMuh
3 years ago

http://warrensburgfmc.org – buy cialis online

Guest
Davidtob
3 years ago

http://diflucanfavdr.com/ – diflucan price canada

Guest
DavidRal
3 years ago

http://cbdoilforsalecoupon.com/ cbd for pain relief

Guest
Gregoryclist
3 years ago

cannabis oil for seizures: cbd oil for anxiety

Guest
RobertProlo
3 years ago

buy cbd oil: best cbd sales online

Guest
KevinEdirm
3 years ago

cbd oil for pain at walmart: cbd oil for sale locally

Guest
Jamesswees
3 years ago

cbd oil vs hemp oil: cbd oil for sale – cbd oil for sale near me
omtivacbd.org best cbd capsules

Guest
Jamesswees
3 years ago

cbd products for pain: cbd oil for sale locally – walgreens cbd products
omtivacbd.org hempworx cbd oil

Guest

Very interesting topic, thank you for posting.

Guest
Michaeltox
3 years ago

erectile dysfunction pills – generic ed pills

Guest
Staceydaymn
3 years ago

erectile dysfunction – drugs prices

Guest
Richardzef
3 years ago

viagra without a doctor prescription canada: buy viagra online

Guest
Richardzef
3 years ago

order viagra online: viagra generic

Guest
JamesQuant
3 years ago

neurontin 300 600 mg neurontin sale

Guest
3 years ago

I’m really impressed with your writing abilities as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you modify it yourself? Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it’s uncommon to peer a great weblog like this one today.

Guest
JamesQuant
3 years ago

neurontin 50mg cost neurontin price south africa

Guest

amoxicillin 250mg capsules https://amoxycillin1st.com/

Guest
DonaldsAp
3 years ago

cialis pills for sale: cialis coupon

Guest
Larrytop
3 years ago

generic viagra online for sale buy sildenafil – buy generic viagra

Guest
MichaelGlomy
3 years ago

where to get zithromax over the counter: where can i purchase zithromax online can you buy zithromax online

Guest
Anthonynes
3 years ago

viagra canada buy cheap viagra viagra over the counter usa 2020
online drugs

Guest
JamesTeask
3 years ago

buy generic 100mg viagra online buy viagra viagra cheap

Guest
3 years ago

This is a very interesting article. Please, share more like this!

Guest

That night, many major manufacturers wore beautiful Bvlgari jewelry. Carla Bruni, Sharon Stone, John Travolta, Adrian Brody, Heidi Klin Klin), Jessica Chastan (Jessica Chastan), Lukas Evans (Lukas Evans), Mira Jovovich (Mira Jovovich) and many other celebrities. Attend a variety of events, including fashion shows, dinners and celebrations. Renowned Swiss art contestant Simon Depry is hosting a ‘AIDS Film’ charity. The proceeds will go to the American AIDS Research Foundation (amfAR) for AIDS prevention and control.

Guest
3 years ago

flawless content, i like it

Guest
2 years ago

tadalafil 60 mg for sale https://elitadalafill.com/ order tadalafil

Guest

Wonderful post however , I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject?
I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
Bless you! 0mniartist asmr

Guest
2 years ago

My relatives every time say that I am wasting my time here at
web, except I know I am getting know-how all the time by reading such nice content.
asmr 0mniartist

Guest

vardenafil 10 mg https://vegavardenafil.com/ vardenafil tablets 20 mg best price

Guest

is erectile dysfunction hereditary https://canadaerectiledysfunctionpills.com/ best erectile dysfunction supplement

Guest

do you need prescription for canadian perscribition of cialis in usa https://canadacialisstore.com/ do you need prescription for canadian prescription of cialis in usa

Guest

chloroquine https://chloroquineorigin.com/ chloroquine phosphate cvs

Guest
2 years ago

If you can’t put your wedding gown on your woman, don’t stop your hands to unbutton her clothes! Click:Adult porn.

Guest
guexaro
2 years ago
Guest
2 years ago

buy brimonidine combigan eye drops 2%

Guest
2 years ago

High-end simulation wigs for men, let the real you face everyone.

Guest
guexaro
2 years ago
Guest
2 years ago

I am sure this piece of writing has touched all
the internet people, its really really nice post on building up new
weblog. http://www.deinformedvoters.org/hydroxychloroquine

Join Our Newsletter

Sign up to receive design inspo, exclusive content, shopping guides, and more.