Old Brand New: Colorful Homes for Maximal Living

by Dabito

A deeply personal and compassionate look at home ownership and renter-ship through more than fifty rooms designed by interior designer, photographer, and Instagram star Dabito

Designer, photographer, artist, blogger, and passionate vintage hunter Dabito is beloved on social media for his creative use of color, space, and maximalist design style. Old Brand New offers actionable advice to layer spaces with meaning through refreshing décor and bold hues, whether you’re signing a lease or renovating or buying your first home.

Chapters are supplemented with how-to guides for weekend-friendly projects large and small. He includes advice on everything from hanging a gallery wall to styling bookshelves, repurposing furniture, and designing a vacation-inspired outdoor patio space. Along with easy day-long projects, Dabito also tackles deep renovations, with his down-to-the-studs accessory dwelling unit (ADU) project in Los Angeles, where he changed an awkward laundry and storage room into his dream guest house. The power color alchemist also provides fail-proof color palettes for achieving a cohesive color story in your own space.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Interior Design

272 pages, Hardcover

Published August 29, 2023

Reviews

[Bridgette Guerzon Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful photos and design and love the designer's voice .
What I really loved about this book was that these were rooms in regular homes and apartments. It's hard to relate to some interior design books when the homes are huge, and the kitchens are the size of small gymnasiums. So this book is relatable and therefore inspiring. I love all that color! And all those textiles!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in love when I got to the very first photo. This book is more than a design/photography/art piece. It’s a gentle commentary on trauma response from poverty, shame-free small space design that is not only functional but beautiful, travel, family, love, memories… Not only are the spaces beautiful, but it gives you a glimpse into how the author is also a beautiful human being. More people should surround themselves with colour and items that mean something to them rather than these curated grey and white boxes that are so on trend right now! Don’t make your house look like a flipper’s paradise! Live in the home you are in now, not for the resale!

[Dani (lovesbooksandtea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love maximalism so the aesthetics of this book were always going to work for me. The highlight of this book, and what puts it higher in my estimation than every other design book that I’ve read, is that all the spaces are normal-sized. It’s easy to play with maximalism when you live in a 10,000 square foot house but when you’re working within 1,500 sq ft, it’s very easy to fall into crowded and cluttered. Instead the author/designed creates beautiful, colourful, lived-in spaces. And the paint colours were included!! And they were all brands that I can actually find!!! Love, love, love.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really enjoyed about this book was the realistic and accessible approach to design. I loved the repeated theme in this book that great design is rooted in authenticity and personal stories, which made me reconsider how I thought about designing my own spaces. I also really appreciate the inclusion of rental-friendly transformations to demonstrate how beautiful designs can be tastefully incorporated into these types of spaces. Overall, I felt very inspired after reading this book to challenge myself to explore color more and lean into maximal living.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this book out from my library and it was delightful. It has been awhile since I’ve read a home decorating book and felt motivated. This book is down to earth practical and inspiring. Nothing was over the top. The book and the guidance is for real people not celebrities or extremely wealthy. The author comes across as such a kind and thoughtful designer who truly wants colorful homes for maximum living. This a a book to buy to reference and get inspired. I am going to follow this author!

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my favorite decorating book of all time!

Dabito, a maximalist who loves bright colors, presents a delectable showcase of remade rooms that delight the senses, and tickle my fancies. I love the before and after photos - so inspiring, AND the designer's comments on his work. This was borrowed from the library, but I'll definitely be buying my own copy.

Enjoy!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've followed along with Dabito ever since his one room challenge yellow dining room blew me away. While Dabito's style is not my style, I have such an appreciation for his eye -- color, balance, visual interest. It really is eye candy and flipping through the pages of this book was a pleasure.

The book is also well done -- it's organized, consistent, and full of helpful tips.

Really enjyed this one!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good interior design book. But it’s been a long time since I felt inspired by one. This book is beautiful with spaces that are attainable. (It was so refreshing to see a “real” kitchen that didn’t involve a 8 foot custom island) But the stories in this book are what touched me and made me appreciate the magic of these spaces.

[Lisa Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given that I am not a maximalist, I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. Dabito is a freaking genius with color -not to mention texture and proportion. In a world of reels - I can’t stop staring at all the beautiful details in the stills of these room make-overs. His advice is succinct and helpful.

[Sahara Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mostly a gorgeous "coffee table" book, but with a charming perspective deeply rooted in cultural authenticity. Unlike many popular interior designers that simply list "tips and tricks" or aesthetic "hacks", Dabito thoughtfully lends the reader a nearly comprehensive framework for interior design that speaks to our relationship to self and space.

[Martha Madigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about his process, how he chose colors, and seeing the results. Great book that walks you thru the journey from start to finish. Old Brand New is a unique simple formula to find your inspiration for your space.

[Kathleen Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading and looking at the designer's decorating ideas. Wasn't a fan of some wallpaper usage. However, the designer inspired me to rearrange my accent pieces.

[JV Austen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely entry in the fight against sterile white houses. Pizzazz! The book gives detail on why he makes the design choices and tells you the names of his paint colors. Dabito is proof #itgetsbetter

[Susan Liston · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not remotely my taste, but if this is the sort of thing you like, he does it well. And the book itself is very high quality.

[Jane]

I usually just look at the pictures in home design books, but this time, I read the story. First gen American love.

[Hasini | bibliosini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first proper book on interior design that I've read so far, and I loved it! Dabito's style is so relatable, and I find this book so inspiring!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely in every way! Lots of colors, style and great photos! Lots of inspiration.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As close to a perfect coffee table book as it gets.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs with before and after the glow-ups are inspirational but accessible.

[Cyndy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make a space that means something to you, and for goodness sake, don't make it white/beige like it's up for sale... unless that's what means something to you.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good design book that not only has great photos and inspiration but also engaging text to go along with those photos.

[CynnieRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so inspired by the author's story, color sense, and suggestions. Yellow is my least favorite color but the use in the book makes me realize I was wrong

[Tate (booktimewithtate) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute design book! If anyone can figure out where the blue couch is from on page 128, I’d appreciate it!