Design by Nature: Creating Layered, Lived-in Spaces Inspired by the Natural World

by Erica Tanov, Ngoc Minh Ngo (Photographer)

The first design book that translates elements of nature--including flora, water, and wood--into elements of decor for beautiful, lived-in, bohemian interiors, from acclaimed designer and tastemaker Erica Tanov.

Inspired by nature's colors, textures, and patterns, design icon Erica Tanov uses her passion for textiles to create beautiful, timeless interiors that connect us to the natural world. Now, in her first book, Design by Nature, Tanov teaches you how to train your eye to the beauty of the natural world, and then bring the outdoors in—incorporating patterns and motifs from nature, as well as actual organic elements, into simple ideas for everyday decorating and design. 

Design by Nature contains new and imaginative decorating ideas for an organic and bohemian style that mixes and layers rugs, pillows, throws, and drapery, and incorporates unique patterns and fabrics such as shibori, ikat, and jamdani, all stunningly photographed by renowned photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo.   

With topics ranging from embracing imperfection in your home, to seeking out flea markets, to displaying your collections, Design by Nature takes an enduring and intuitive approach to design that transcends fleeting trends and encourages you to find your own personal style, source of creativity, and connection to the natural world. You don't need to travel to distant locales to find beauty; it's all around us, from the crackle of fallen leaves to the jagged bark of a tree.

Genres: Nonfiction, Design, Interior Design, Art, Coffee Table Books, Nature

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2018

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I could live inside a book, I’d choose this one.

[Sara Leacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pictures in this book are lovely and I enjoyed reading the author's thoughts on nature and how that informs her decor choices. She says from the beginning that it's not a manual on how to decorate a house, but more of an exploration of her own thoughts on nature and beauty. Her style is a bit more maximalist than mine even, but I love how much texture and color she incorporates and all her vintage and modern mixtures. I understand the appeal of modern, all-white, minimalist decor, but it's just not me, so it was fun to see a colorful, eclectic house well-done.

[Sarah Grider · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh. pretty pictures and a quick read through the artists thought process from inspiration to product. The pictures are pretty, but I was expecting a little more writing. more of a coffee table book if you like the designer.

[Emily Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure this book could be any more beautiful. I now own a copy because it requires several visits to soak up all the aesthetic goodness.

[Lore · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is advertised as an interior design Rosetta stone, it is not. It is mostly a descriptive book of design experiences from the author and other designers, a compendium of the natural sources of inspiration and how to approach them in novel ways.

It is quite entertaining, reading about how a designer views water, dirt, foliage and most interestingly decay. It was not really novel material, but I guess some concepts can be pretty illuminating for a city grown designer that might not be as in touch with nature as, say, someone raised in a more rural area.

There are a few veiled tips about using materials that will evolve through time and age with a space or house, but due to the descriptive title I was hoping for more. The wallpapers shown are beautiful, as are some of the tapestries and colour plays with fabrics and dyes.

Overall, I would recommend it as light reading and inspirational source about how to view elements of nature in a new light for different creative processes/purposes.

[Sheila Garry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book encourages creativity by using elements of Nature to bring the outside in. Using plants, wood, and water she uses their colors, textures, and patterns to decorate textiles in beautiful patterns. Her advice is not to get too‘ perfect’ in your decorating. Try to use some old objects that you hold dear. Let a floral arrangement drop some petals and leave them to appreciate their natural beauty.
I was disappointed that there wasn’t more emphasis on actual decorating with real plants, branches, leaves etc. Hence the 3 stars.

[Tammy K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not one who normally reads design books, but something about this piqued my interest. I was not disappointed! The photography, page layouts and essays were simple yet beautiful and thought-provoking. If I ever develop the desire to redo my living space (ha!), I would definitely follow Tanov's lead in using elements from the natural world for inspiration and decoration.

[Marlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I loved the images. They really resemble what I want my future home to look like, but I would have liked more writing. It's an attractive book but not as informative as it could have been.

[Hadiqa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasant and pretty, if I were to describe it in 2 words. Cool design ideas using nature and a lot of interesting techniques to decorate and create your home and clothing. I like how the author promoted so many creative intelligent people for their work. That was a brilliant idea.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was waiting for me on the New Books shelf and as a photographer, I could not resist taking it home. Beautiful images of nature and of designer Tanov's home and shop spaces.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the pictures and skimmed the text on book about interior design rooted in nature. Pretty muted gentle colors of calming spaces.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a how-to manual but a beautifully photographed exposition of Erica Tanov’s inspiration and background. Very wabi sabi and nature based and fun to look at.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the author’s designs and close look at the shapes and colors of the natural world.

[Sissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures are incredible. The text is empty.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely decor inspiration!

[outdoortype · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed aspects of it. Some beautiful photos and lovely presentation. Ideas for designers. Nothing practical for me.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty photos of nature from a textile designer.

[Juli Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really sure what this book is supposed to be other than vaguely "inspirational"?

[Trevor O'Keefe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very enjoyable reminder to stop and look around. A great exploration of how to take nature and be inspired by it.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adore every bit of this book - the colour- the inspiration, the photography- the inspiration, the simplicity - the inspiration, all bought together through the elements of wood, water, dirt, weed, and decay with various artist spotlights. A truly exciting book, a little boho, but at the same time anything you want to make it. Practical, instructive, but at the same time freeing and as I say truly inspirational!!

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book looks generally good. I got access to excerpt of this book. I wished to have access to the full book to provide a more deep review.

[Beth Tabler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Design by Nature has a whole lot going for it. But, specifically excellent photography, well-written ideas, and great design. It is very wabi-sabi design-wise, so if that is not something you are interested in this book will not be for you. However, if it is, consider this a light primer on interior design utilizing natural elements. It isn't really deep, nor are you going to learn much. But, you will be inspired by the photography. You will want to incorporate some of her ideas into your own spaces. I recommend!