House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home, Style, and Budget

by Myquillyn Smith

Finally, a decorating book that transcends trends and applies to every style! You want to create a beautiful, livable home, but you feel stuck. House Rules is your guide to understanding why some rooms look great and other rooms don't look quite right.

From the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Cozy Minimalist Home comes this charming collection of one hundred memorable, universal decorating truths that apply to every house, style, and budget. By guiding you to do what you know, use what you have, and finish what you started, Myquillyn Smith will help you find

· understanding of why you love (or don't love) your spaces
· confidence to make rewarding decisions that feel risky
· satisfaction with small wins that combine to create big changes
· inspiration and motivation resulting in finished, personalized rooms

Learn how to make better decorating decisions with ease. House Rules is packed full of simple, encouraging truths and quick takeaways for you to implement into your home immediately.

Genres: Nonfiction, Design, Interior Design, Audiobook, Self Help, Coffee Table Books, Reference

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 23, 2024

About the author

MYQUILLYN SMITH, also known as “The Nester,” is the New York Times and Wall Street
Journal bestselling author of Welcome Home and Cozy Minimalist Home.

For the past 17 years, she’s been encouraging women to embrace their space—imperfections and all—and make it their own. Her previous homes have been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Ladies’ Home Journal, and Cottages & Bungalows. She recently purchased and redecorated a 1905 Queen Anne Victorian home in Morganton, North Carolina, the inspiration for her new book House Rules.

She’s never met a home she didn’t love. Find her online at TheNester.com and on Instagram @TheNester.

Reviews

[Dee (on Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - This one is not “eye candy” in that it’s NOT packed full of decorating pictures - there’s only one house shown (the author’s) and it’s not the focus at all. Instead it’s a very detailed list of 100 rules for decorating, renovating, organizing & most importantly, getting rid of clutter. Some rules are a bit repetitive but overall, it’s a good approach and a deep dive into the author’s “cozy minimalism” style which resonated with me. I’m already applying a few of the “rules” and working on my HomeGood’s addiction, LOL!

[Rachel B · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book features Smith's home, which is full of neutrals-only and a sparse, modern farmhouse vibe, with more emphasis on the modern than the farmhouse.

The whole reason I "read" home design books like this is for the eye candy. This didn't have any. And I get it, it's her home and it's what she likes but, as a reader, it was so stinking boring. There is no color. There are no photos showcasing how to apply her "rules" in a totally different kind of space.

Even though there are tons of photos, the same spaces (often, using the exact same photos) are shown over and over again.

Her 100 "rules" are really just her saying the same few things 25 different ways.

This felt like it was something that could have been published 10 years ago - not because it's timeless, but because the white-white-white and a smattering of other neutrals was so overwhelmingly popular then.

I was very uninspired by this.

[Mireya B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Myquillan’s decorating advice. It has transformed my home and the way I shop over the last three years. This practical advice is complied in one beautiful book. Anyone can implement her advice! Will be using as a textbook for my daughter’s interior design class for our homeschool.

[Emily (emsalwaysreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up!

I love Myquillyn's style and house rules sooo much! She always breathes such inspiration into me to love what I already have to remember that decorating and designing my home is a gift and something that is constantly changing and evolving. I feel like this is a beautiful house warming gift to give to someone because it not only serves as an amazing book to read but a gorgeous coffee table book or styling piece for your shelves.

If you are not already familiar with her, I recommend following her on instagram and reading her books in The Cozy Minimalism community if you have not already. My fave of her books yet!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most down to earth design book I’ve ever read! I love her method of using what you have, learning to decorate within your limitations, having a beautiful but minimalist home. I’m so excited to try out her ideas! I also feel like I’ve learned a lot. Most of the time I see a room in my house and I don’t like it but I don’t know how to fix it. Her rules are very helpful to figure out what to do! Easy read and not overwhelming

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very tangible, helpful book in decorating. The “rules” are easy to grasp & implement, no matter the budget & Myquillyn’s writing is witty & gracious! I enjoyed it & will reference it for years to come!

[Abigail Rehmert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Myquillyn (the Nester) truly understands the purpose of a home. She's not just a decorator, she has a a heart of hospitality. I quote her probably almost daily. :D This is my favorite book of hers so far. It's so enjoyable and digestible.
I think she's the GOAT, but not because I want a home exactly like hers, but because she teaches the reader how to shape and decide your OWN style, and to do so with confidence. Love her humorous, memorable writing and likable personality! Through all her many written works, workshops, and stories, I feel as if I've been a guest at one of her charming holiday parties. Her influence has inspired my own cider bar, arugula/goat cheese salad, embellished cake, creative "secondary seating," and many other intentional hosting flairs!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Myquillyn's latest book, House Rules, is inspirational, creative, and practical!

House Rules is comprised into 100 spreads of easy-to-digest tips full of relatable wisdom, and instructional photos, and it feels as if you have a big sis for all things design just telling you what she's learned over a cup of tea.

I first discovered Myquillyn Smith on Instagram (aka @TheNester) and have learned many valuable things from following her and receiving her free newsletter!

The author doesn't tell you WHAT to do but gently guides you through concepts to think about, like little nudges, as YOU decide what's best for YOU. She also references other authors and includes quotes, which felt fresh, collaborative, and fun!

[Mary Schiestel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Myquillin Smith has so many good pointers that are applicable no matter what your house looks like or what your style is. She’s also funny and it made me want to be her friend. I feel more confident to try more things with decorating to make my house a home that I absolutely love!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delight, as is Myquillyn. She is gentle, wise, and fun. The layout is approachable and so satisfying. She’s done more to help me learn to decorate than anyone else. Love her and will buy every book she writes.

[Emily Loomis Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a nice permissive book on creating home style. I like that she emphasizes doing your own thing and not taking advice from people who you don’t like their style. My gripes with the book include 1) catchy rule names that don’t actually tell you anything about the rules and 2) the pictures rarely addressed the area of the house she was talking about. Of the 100 house rules, I’ll adopt maybe… 3.

[Linda Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

House Rules
Author: MyQuillyn Smith
Source: Public Library
Date Published: April 2024
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I follow Myquillyn Smith on Instagram, and you might be surprised to know that I DO NOT favor her sparse color palate or her minimalistic-styled home. But here is the thing: I DO LIKE her ideas and concepts for decorating a home. This book contains genius concepts, which I liked (BTW, she styles her bookshelf by COLOR). As you can see, I have highlighted a lot of pages with ideas I find enlightening. I can’t give you all of her 100 Rules, but they are all worthy ideas that anyone who loves home decorating will find educational. She invites people to “Learn the rules to break the rules,” which speaks to my wild heart. There are many great suggestions, and you can adapt them to your decorating style. This would also be a fabulous coffee table book because she feels everything in sight should be “art.” As for art, Myquillyn thinks you should discard any “sad” art. For example, I have been in a home with a beautiful oil painting of a ship breaking up on a storm-tossed shore with sailors falling into the sea. Please don’t do it! Why would you want death and destruction on your walls? As you can tell, I have highlighted many things to save, and I think anyone looking for solid decorating advice can always learn new things. I have been decorating for years; I thought this book was FANTASTIC. #interiordesign #homedecor #interiordecor #decorating #HouseRules @thenester #home #decor #nonfiction @revelloficial
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#book #books #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #reader #booklove #bookreader #reader #reading

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought me joy 😊😊

[Leah Delcamp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found some of her interior design “rules” to be helpful and they could be applied regardless of personal style. However, the images throughout the book are rather bland and the monotone palette was boring and uninspiring. Everyone has different taste and style so the neutrals only repetition may appeal to others, but it felt rather melancholy to me. I would have preferred she showcase her concepts using various styles other than just her own personal home because the colorless uniformity was underwhelming. It was a bit repetitive as well and the cross-referencing of the various rules became a bit much after awhile. I gained a few things from this but overall I’m glad this was only a borrow from the library.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some good rules here that I took note of, but I got sick of seeing the same pictures over and over (and over) again. She didn’t apply the rules to any other house, and so it was difficult imagining some of them in a house that is more my style. Also, her writing is immature and rubbed me the wrong way.

[Karla Osorno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 stars.

Myquillyn Smith came to my attention from multiple podcasts. I bought Cozy Minimalist Home and haven’t read it yet. When she promoted this book House Rules I knew it was time. This book is accessible. I implemented some of the rules as I was reading and have referred back to the beginning rules already too. Mostly, reading this book grew my confidence in taking risks. I found this book inspiring, helpful, and practical. Bonus, I am loving my home more because of the changes prompted by my reading experience.

“Creating an environment on purpose is powerful. And the environment we spend the most time in is our home. It’s a reminder of the truth we already know: our surroundings deeply affect our mood, actions, thoughts, and feelings.“

“Creating an environment of home isn’t about high-end choices and keeping up with trends. It’s not about pursuing one particular style. It’s about creating an atmosphere where we feel seen, loved, and heard.”

As a “beginner” I am grateful for all the rules. Here are some of my favorite rules - things I needed to hear right now.
- Home is a feeling.
- Home exists to serve people, not the other way around
- Inspiration leads to motivation
- Let it be easy
- If it sits out, it’s a decoration
- Round it off, and add curves

[Melisa Blok · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most helpful and realistic design book I've read yet. I appreciate that she advocates for finding things used and that she seems like a normal person, rather than an insanely rich person who has lost touch with reality (as seems to be the case with some other design books I've read recently. She's encouraging and helps you think about how to have a functional home that you enjoy being in.

[Becky Sw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this beautiful book! Have you have ever wandered through Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, or a furniture store looking for the perfect items or sofa to make your home look personal, polished, and pulled together? If so, you will love this book. No decorating experience, massive budget, or excessive time is needed to create a welcoming abode. Myquillyn's steps make a cozy home attainable!

[Aliesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her best book yet! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Everything you need to become a Cozy Minimalist™ in one gorgeous volume! Any decorator, in any home, on any budget, and with any style, can learn from Myquillyn's brilliant new book. It's approachable and aspirational at the same time. I know I'll keep coming back to this again and again!

[Faith Wiechers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatly enjoyed the no-nonsense approach to decorating and creating a home. I’ve read all of Myquillyn’s design books and each one has inspired me to get off the comparison swipes and start decorating.
I’ve been living in my mother-in-law’s childhood home for three years, but after reading this book and making some changes I finally feel like this is my house.

[Tina Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Myquillyn’s book are readable and practical. This one is a visual stunner. It’s inspiring without being overwhelming. It’s written in a personable style as if she is having a one-to-one conversation with me. It’s both loose and structured. Sure, you can find almost everything she says here in her online platforms, but the book has it all in one place at your fingertips.
Totally recommend!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive and practical set of house rules that we can learn and beautifully break! I struggled with the idea of moving decor from one room into another constantly, as shown in the pictures. I understand the concept of shopping the house and finding the best home for decor, but man - so much of the same. An easy, quick read that serves as a handy reference.

[Dava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully simple photos from Myquillyn’s home go along with her 100 super approachable (and doable) home decorating rules. A great resource that will also look great on your coffee table. “Read, learn, and apply these rules. Then go forth and break them beautifully and with purpose.”

[Rebekah Barkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful resource for defining and naming what it looks like to make a beautiful home. It’s my favorite book by Myquillyn so far and I’ll be returning to my highlights as I set up my new house soon!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m someone who needs help with decorating and decluttering. I loved the tips and tricks on decorating my living space. I love the style of decor, which may not be for everyone but I love it. It would make a good housewarming gift.

[Christina Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much! Aesthetically beautiful to read and formatted in 100 easy take-away “rules“ to either embrace or intentionally break as I see fit. The author inspires me to be the bold, playful, intentional, and adaptive designer of MY home. I love this book so much. I will definitely be reading it again whenever I need a dose of joyful and informative inspiration.

[Kayley Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the straightforward and practical tips in this book. It’s timeless. Most interesting rule for me was the pineapple rule.

[Shannon Evanko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy her books & how beautiful they are! Four stars because this book repeats a lot of things I’ve learned in her other books— but it is nice to have them compiled into a fun list. I love all of her suggestions & quips, and I’ll probably add a copy of this to my Christmas list, since this one is going back to the library!

[Natasha V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful! gave me a few good tips I applied to my own home.

[Amber Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to follow book with tips and tricks that don’t leave you feeling overwhelmed.