Style & Simplicity: An A to Z Guide to Living a More Beautiful Life

by Ted Kennedy Watson

Ted Kennedy Watson—acclaimed retailer, blogger, and stylist of the beautiful and unusual—has a passion for the art of display and an understanding of how distinctive touches make a space inviting. Here, in a lush, lavish, A-to-Z guide, he presents dozens of insider secrets and ideas that will empower you to create a serene, harmonious home that delights the five senses.

Genres: Nonfiction, Inspirational

160 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2014

Reviews

[Christy Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short, pretty book to look through like browsing a fun antique or thrift shop. There is a strong sense of elegance, simplicity, tradition with a bit of class and old school charm. It was a chat with a store owner and you could feel the good taste and refined and curated objects that had been grouped. More than anything, it reminded me of thumbing through a Victoria magazine or the pleasure of being invited into an upscale beach getaway on Long Island or Cape Cod. Do a quick browse through this and then make up your own list of favorites with photos or sketches. What makes you smile and feels beautiful to your own sensibility?

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a
sweet,
little,
completely unexpected,
delightful
surprise
I found on the shelf of my public library
in the form of a borrowed book.

I really didn't know what I had found
until I opened it at home
and out popped
inspiration
in the form of
lovely images and inspiring ideas,
presented in a book
that feels more like
perusing someone's scrapbook
than reading a library book.

Style and Simplicity
by Ted Kennedy Watson
inspires through
enticing images
simple recipes
creative vignettes
vintage collections
ted's tips
inspiring quotes.

Fo more see http://thedustycellar.blogspot.com/20...

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dominoes is the only one thing I learned new. Use dominoes as filler decor. Who knew?

[Stephanie Sgouros · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, practical book filled with inspiring words and photos!

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four years ago I walked into Watson Kennedy in Seattle and fell in love - it was everything a store should be. Vintage sheet music, gorgeously bound books, delicate trinkets, letter pressed stationary, etc. Jewels and I were so enamored that we went to both locations of the store every day that we were in town on that trip. I did the same a year later with Katie. And just a couple months ago I revisited Seattle and there was Watson Kennedy in book form - something that I could take home and pour over. I could be inspired by the store owner's vision of what a home could be. It is not a "how to" book, but rather an A to Z collection of things that Ted Watson Kennedy views as details that can make life that much more beautiful. From fresh flowers to ephemera to lit candles, Ted takes us through a world that seems to glow with that perfect light of dusk on a summer night - where you can hear laughter from a dinner party and smell faintly the barbecue coals or bonfire that is being set up for roasting s'mores and telling stories.

I am sure that part of my love for this book has to do with nostalgia and visiting this store with the type of relish that most would say is a bit odd when directed at a store, but I am so happy to have this book...to have talked to Ted Watson Kennedy about it as my parents and I shopped in the Pike Place Watson Kennedy. Either way this book is a perfect addition to my new apartment as I aim to make life that much more beautiful and worth remembering.

Happy reading and happy living!

[Marathon County Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't your typical decorating book. This is a celebration of the beauty in everyday items. Organized alphabetically, the author beautifully displays items and ideas on how to use them to create a wonderful space. A few recipes are included, and every page is gorgeous. A fantastic book to look through for ideas and inspiration.

Sarah M. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.

[Anna Tran · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exciting gift read to disappointment but then ending extremely appreciative. Occasional ideas (ex: italian wrapping paper) were a bit superficial as a college student, but the encouragement to collect what you love is deep and significant when you own so little. An inspiration for those seeking ideas for developing personal style from a lifestyle blogger who simply compiled a book of some of his favorite things.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book with advice on simplicity in style. Glorious photographs and easy, comfortable, useful ideas for making your home a personal sanctuary. Emphasis on collecting things you love and USING them in imaginative ways. I was so relaxed while I read this book. Inspirational too!

[Nannette McNamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and got some fun ideas.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite quote: "Love what you're doing; do it with love."

[lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had its moments of sweetness, but it mostly seemed like a random collection of words and phrases that the writer thought were vintage enough to grace the pages of his book.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting.

[Helen Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, fast, and so motivating.... Beautiful to look at and to read.

[Metalpig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relaxing. I am a sucker for these coffee table aesthetic books. BTW the cover and ISBN match the hardback I have, but the title on here doesn't.

[Marianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for A to Z lists. This one, in book form, is lovely.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of all things I love! Great photos too.