Books
I love books. I love having and looking at books more than I love reading them, according to the length of time they stay by my bedside…but I do appreciate how much they have to offer. Here are some of my favorite books on house and home, organization, minimalism, and more.
The Minimalist Home
Josh Becker
This book was foundational for me when I first began considering what minimalism could look like and how it could benefit my family. It’s one I actually enjoy picking up and reading again on occasion. So if you’ve been wondering what minimalism is about, or terrified to really consider it…start here.
Love The Home You Have
Melissa Michaels
If you don’t love the home you live in right now, please please read this book. It’s such a healthy dose of perspective. It’s a refreshing mix of storytelling and practical steps to take to really truly love the home you’re in. If you can learn this skill and adopt this mindset, it’s amazing how the things that feel like a big deal right now will fade in their importance. It also comes with a fun and practical 31 Day Challenge in the back!
Cozy Minimalist Home
Myquillyn Smith
I was so very encouraged by this book. As someone with a small home decor budget, who doesn’t enjoy thrifting, but wants a cozy home, this book gave me so much clarity and hope! I also love that you don’t read this book and leave feeling like you need more stuff to achieve a home you love! If you are feeling overwhelmed by maintaining your stuff and pillows and decor, do yourself a favor and read this book!
The Nesting Place
Myquillyn Smith
I’m pretty sure I cried a few times while reading this book. It was actually how I first learned about “The Nester”. Such a beautiful and honest retelling of their journey from home to home and how she grew in her ability to love her home and create a space for her people, regardless of where they lived or what her limitations were. While you should definitely read this one, don’t miss her incredibly helpful book, Cozy Minimal Home.
Welcome Home
Myquillyn Smith
As a follow up to Cozy Minimalist Home, Myquillyn offers this book as a guide for keeping things cozy and seasonal even if you are pursuing the path of minimizing your home decor. A great read to consider if lack of seasonal decor is something that prevents you from pursuing a clutter free life.
Young House Love
Sherry & John Petersik
Young House Love was probably my first exposure to home decor and DIY design. And in this moment, I cannot recall how I was introduced to them! So for me, this book is sentimentally associated with learning how to decorate our house, specifically on a small budget. While the styles have changed since it’s over 10 years old, the principles and how to’s are still helpful! A fun and simple book for home DIYers.
Lovable Livable Home
Sherry & John Petersik
I loved the first book so much, I had to have their second book! It’s a fun and practical book that walks you through lots of home design and decor projects and dilemmas. The book provides you with both general advice, and practical tutorials. And there are some very satisfying before and after pictures, something I always really appreciate!
The Turquoise Table
Kristin Schell
I wish I could say I read this book and quickly applied what I learned. I really feel like I’ve yet to have a turquoise table season, but my heart longs for it. And it’s such a good and challenging read about community, connection, and hospitality, so I wanted it to have a place here in hopes that it will challenge and encourage you. I think I need to give this one a reread, honestly.
Homebody
Joanna Gaines
Such a beautiful book! I so appreciate that this book is not just farmhouse design, there’s a little of everything represented in the gorgeous pictures. The critical thinking and problem solving sections are really helpful and insightful! Again, this would be a helpful book if you need help problem solving pain points in your home or just designing your home in general.
The Inspired Room
Melissa Michaels
Another one of my favorites by Melissa Michaels, this book has the same strong message of learning to love the home you’re in, but with beautiful pictures and simple design principles to bring the concept to life. It’s a great book if you just need some help with home design and decor, and it also makes a beautiful coffee table book, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Designed To Last
Ashley & Dino Petrone
This is heavy on Ashley and Dino’s story and lighter on practical advice, but it’s still got some good stuff in there! Ashley of Arrows and Bow is the only “influencer” I’ve faithfully followed over the years, so I really enjoyed this book! It’s a challenging and really encouraging book on all things home and family.