Open Your Eyes: 1,000 Simple Ways To Bring Beauty Into Your Home And Life Each Day

by Alexandra Stoddard

For nearly forty years and in numerous books, Alexandra Stoddard has shared her keen eye for design and sure sense of style. Now this renowned decorator and lifestyle philosopher teaches you hoe to see with the expertise and clarity of professional designers.
First, Alexandra helps you become more attuned to your surroundings-as you set a table, straighten out a linen closet, stroll through a garden, or browse in a thrift shop.  Then, through personal anecdotes; examples from masters; a rich array of ideas, tips, and techniques, she reveals hundreds of ways to see and solve problems or proportion, pattern, color, and composition.  Her simple suggestions-whether it's changing a lampshade, rearranging treasured objects on a table, or moving a chair-will yield dramatic results.  Filled with practical solutions offered with warmth and encouragement , Open Your Eyes helps make each day a visual feats as it deepens your understanding not only of what makes something beautiful but what makes something beautiful to you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Interior Design, Design

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

ALEXANDRA STODDARD is a philosopher of contemporary living and author of many best selling books, including the classic Living a Beautiful Life: 500 Ways to Add Elegance, Order, Beauty and Joy to Every Day of Your Life, Choosing Happiness: Keys to a Joyful Life, Things I Want My Daughters to Know: A Small Book About the Big Issues in Life, and You Are Your Choices: 50 Ways to Live the Good Life. Alexandra's newest book Happiness For Two: 75 Secrets for Finding More Joy Together, published in January 2008, is now in its second printing.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too tedious to finish. I did make a valiant attempt to read it all, but so much of it was ivory tower-ish and just in a world that doesn't exist anymore. There were a couple of interesting ideas I got from browsing it. If it had been edited and not so rambly it could have been more useful.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

disappointed. she spent the entire 1st part of the book taking about spacial distance and angles, etc.
1st of her books that i did not like. Gave away.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned about the author from a book by Faye Morrow Bell (on Scrapbooking). Stoddard, who is an interior designer, goes into basic design principles in this book as well as gives general tips on how to live a more beauty filled life.

Filled with quotes and general tips I found more in the margins with every read. Not really a decorating book and yet not really a motivational book. A combination of thoughts combined on a common theme would be more accurate.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book written for understanding.I have the privilege of having a personalized signed copy by Alexandra Stoddard.I'd made her acquaintance at a Tea Conference where I was a Vendor for my Tea business.I purchased one of her other books at that time_"Tea Celebrations".

Not only are her books informative but visually beautiful as well.

[Ciaobella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased in the late '90s, Alexandra Stoddard's treatise on creating meaningful spaces combines both solid decorating ideas and objects that reflect our life. I reread this book often, and always find it inspiring. Do make this lifestyle/interior design book part of your library... if you can get your hands on a copy.

[Karyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mostly just skimmed through this book. I was pleased with the inexpensive or free decorating suggestions. Lately I have come across a few people who have referred to Stoddard in their writings. I will definitely search out more books (at the library) written by this author.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was helpful. the quotes throughout the book were inspiring. i realized i need to go though my apartment (and life more like it) with a punch list, so i can notice items that need improvement. a different way to improve and decorate a room.

[Bonita Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

lots of hints to create a beautiful life around u.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't get to finish this book. She has nice common sense ideas, which I enjoyed.

[Lisa]

Homemaking

[Linda Strawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love reading this book! Perfect for someone who loves to decorate!