Paloma Contreras' New Interior Design Book, Dream Design Live
I’m going to guess that you know all about Paloma Contreras and her incredible interior design blog, La Dolce Vita. I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember being aware of interior design blogs. Paloma has an amazing eye and an impressive, unique sense of style that I've long admired. When I heard about her new book, Dream Design Live, it immediately went on my must-have list.
I was thrilled to receive an advance copy, and I've been poring through it since. I knew it would contain lots and lots of gorgeous photos illustrating Paloma's stunning interior design work. What I didn't know is that it would be such a well-organized, comprehensive, helpful how-to on designing your own home. She deftly takes us through the entire process of home design in an engaging, relatable, and well-ordered manner. I especially appreciate the emphasis placed on the importance of determining your own personal style. This comes naturally for some, but for others it can be difficult and confusing. In Dream Design Live, Paloma very perceptively and thought-provokingly guides us through identifying what resonates with us most. I heartily agree with Paloma. We're happiest in spaces designed for our own unique style; being able to define that style is invaluable.
"The joy that you will derive from being surrounded by things that you love and that have personal meaning, will extend into other facets of your life."
As I turned the pages enjoying the beautiful photographs, I wasn't surprised to see rooms designed in different styles. This is an aspect of interior design that I've always found interesting. Some designers create only rooms that illustrate their own signature style, while others create spaces that represent the personal tastes of their clients. Successfully implementing another's style isn't something every designer can pull off. Clearly, this comes naturally for Paloma. All of her photos showcase her beautiful, artfully designed rooms.
"It is very important to me that my clients' homes reflect their styles more than mine."
Dream Design Live is one of the best interior design guides I've seen. It's all-encompassing, and will function as my go-to resource as I work through the rest of my home's renovation and design. I have a laundry room, powder room, several bathrooms, an office/studio, and a couple of bedrooms left to go -- this book is going to be quite well-loved.
SOME OF WHAT'S INCLUDED IN DREAM DESIGN LIVE:
YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
CREATING A DESIGN PLAN
SPACE PLANNING
WALLS (COLOR, PAINT, WALLPAPER)
SCALE
RUGS
FABRIC (SOLIDS, PATTERNS, COMBINING)
WINDOW TREATMENTS
LIGHTING
FUNITURE
ACCESSORIES
STYLING
ART
ENTERTAINING
FLORAL DESIGN
CREATING THE PERFECT GUEST BEDROOM
HOSTESS GIFTS
As you can see, the book is incredibly comprehensive, and there's so much to enjoy and learn. As an art enthusiast, I have to mention all of the gorgeous and well-chosen art Paloma incorporates into her spaces. She knows exactly where to use a large scale piece, where to create a gallery wall, or where to hang a grouping in a grid, and she shares all of this very helpful information in her book. It was fun to turn pages and recognize some of my favorite artists' work. The large scale painting that works as the focal point in the fantastic dining area above is by Elise Morris, and in this striking bedroom photo below, I spy two Kaycee Hughes paintings in the gallery.
I'm all in on Dream Design Live. Paloma Contreras has created both a lovely coffee table book and an incredibly helpful resource. Whether you're new to design or you have years of experience, there's so much here to enjoy and appreciate. I'm grateful to have this compilation of both absolutely beautiful interior design images and invaluable design information I'll use for years to come.
