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Mad about the House: The budget how-to guide for smart home decorating with style
The book of the UK's No.1 interiors blog, madaboutthehouse.com.
Expanding on her award-winning blog, Kate Watson-Smyth shares a wealth of experience in home design to help you make the most of your space, be it a house, apartment or single room.
Packed full of ideas and inspiration for every budget, work through your home room by room with Kate’s expert and practical tips that ensure every corner reaches its maximum potential. As well as her top 10 design hacks, Kate reveals the rules of rug layout, explains how to buy a sofa, and shows you how to get the lighting right in every room. Learn how to decorate your home with style and confidence, select colours that work, make the most of small spaces and create the perfect zones for relaxation, entertaining and work.
Expanding on her award-winning blog, Kate Watson-Smyth shares a wealth of experience in home design to help you make the most of your space, be it a house, apartment or single room.
Packed full of ideas and inspiration for every budget, work through your home room by room with Kate’s expert and practical tips that ensure every corner reaches its maximum potential. As well as her top 10 design hacks, Kate reveals the rules of rug layout, explains how to buy a sofa, and shows you how to get the lighting right in every room. Learn how to decorate your home with style and confidence, select colours that work, make the most of small spaces and create the perfect zones for relaxation, entertaining and work.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2018
52 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 27 reviews
October 20, 2018
Interesting journalist's point of view, on decorating a home you may really live and be comfortable in. She has unique approaches to common hang ups, regular folks encounter when trying to make a well put together home.
October 24, 2020
The balanced approach of this book make it ideal for someone dipping their toes into interior design for the first time.
It doesn’t spend too much time on theory and instead focuses on practical illustrations of the theory. Equally, it is not overflowing with pictures devoid of explanation.
I find this to be the perfect balance to guide a reader to find their own style while not imposing a particular aesthetic on them.
One aspect I found particularly beneficial was the authors advice on how to use Instagram as I have found with so many images out there I sometimes have an extremely cluttered and unfocused mood board that, while filled with beautiful inspiration, is wholly useless to me in my current situation!! Learning how to manage this vast collection has been incredibly beneficial and yet simple.
It doesn’t spend too much time on theory and instead focuses on practical illustrations of the theory. Equally, it is not overflowing with pictures devoid of explanation.
I find this to be the perfect balance to guide a reader to find their own style while not imposing a particular aesthetic on them.
One aspect I found particularly beneficial was the authors advice on how to use Instagram as I have found with so many images out there I sometimes have an extremely cluttered and unfocused mood board that, while filled with beautiful inspiration, is wholly useless to me in my current situation!! Learning how to manage this vast collection has been incredibly beneficial and yet simple.
August 24, 2021
On her own blog, Watson-Smyth categorises interior design books as either ‘flickers’ or ‘readers’. Mad About the House is definitely a ‘reader’ – the author has a lot to say about rugs (they should be big) , dimmer switches ( install them) and baths (just a place to hang the towel on the way to the shower). You may not agree with everything she says, but she says it with authority and charm, topped off with useful hints and checklists.
There are very few photos in this book – if you’re looking for inspirational pictures, you won’t find them here. But, I suspect, this book will still earn house room well after the coffee table ‘flickers’ have been sent to the charity shop.
Edited to correct typo in author's name..sorry!
There are very few photos in this book – if you’re looking for inspirational pictures, you won’t find them here. But, I suspect, this book will still earn house room well after the coffee table ‘flickers’ have been sent to the charity shop.
Edited to correct typo in author's name..sorry!
January 5, 2021
Loved this author's style of writing. She's bold in her interior styles, too, and main bit of advice is to just be confident in your decisions. I bought a house this year and have taken on board her advice on choosing colours and finding inspiration.
This line made me laugh out loud. In opining to have fun with it and not pass up things because you're afraid you won't like it, she says "That way lies to magnolia walls and neutral carpets, and the long, slow death of your soul." It's things like that, which make her advice accessible and believable.
She gives lots of detailed advice on so much, from flooring to lighting - honestly, details I didn't need to think about or frankly that I didn't care about. But helpful for those who are trying to buy new light fixtures.
If you're looking for inspiration on where to start with your home, let Watson-Smyth inspire you.
This line made me laugh out loud. In opining to have fun with it and not pass up things because you're afraid you won't like it, she says "That way lies to magnolia walls and neutral carpets, and the long, slow death of your soul." It's things like that, which make her advice accessible and believable.
She gives lots of detailed advice on so much, from flooring to lighting - honestly, details I didn't need to think about or frankly that I didn't care about. But helpful for those who are trying to buy new light fixtures.
If you're looking for inspiration on where to start with your home, let Watson-Smyth inspire you.
April 26, 2023
Interior design is very intimidating to me so I did love the ideas to be BOLD! Which I feel like isn’t very popular right now. I do think this book would be more helpful if I was like building a house or something because there were lots of layout ideas
September 8, 2020
Useful , love the reference photos in the book.
In my opinion, there are several things i took 📝.
Number 1 tip: is to first look at your clothes and be inspired in your choice of coloring your home.
1. Layers of light
2. The more floor you can see the bigger rooms'll become.
3.The progress making of violet is sophisticated and costly so its been considered color of wealth. but it'll be depressing to be use at mainstream color.
4.be bold and warm at the entrance
5.Go for the high kitchen cabinet, makes the space higher.
6.Always go for multifunctional furniture so you have control of everything when needed.
7.Built-in storage( bed,sofa bed,..)
8. Go for the medium-hard bed.
9. Fabric of the sofa can be velvet.
...
In my opinion, there are several things i took 📝.
Number 1 tip: is to first look at your clothes and be inspired in your choice of coloring your home.
1. Layers of light
2. The more floor you can see the bigger rooms'll become.
3.The progress making of violet is sophisticated and costly so its been considered color of wealth. but it'll be depressing to be use at mainstream color.
4.be bold and warm at the entrance
5.Go for the high kitchen cabinet, makes the space higher.
6.Always go for multifunctional furniture so you have control of everything when needed.
7.Built-in storage( bed,sofa bed,..)
8. Go for the medium-hard bed.
9. Fabric of the sofa can be velvet.
...
April 21, 2021
An enjoyable read for someone, who is novice in interior design. The book is beautiful, author’s writing style is easy to ready and her advice is practical and inspiring.
My personal key takeaways from the book, that I would like to keep safe and remember:
1. When choosing colours for painting the rooms, look inside of your wardrobe - chances are that the colours that you like wearing will be the same colours that you will enjoy seeing on the walls 😯
2. Layer the lights - a pendant, a table light and a floor light will will help to create different light settings (e.g. bright and airy breakfast, romantic dinners)
3. The more floor you can see in the room, the bigger the room looks
4. Arrange the items in pairs in the bedroom - this brings a calming effect
5. Arrange the items in odd numbers (3s and 5s best) in the living area - odd numbers challenge us mentally. They are visually more appealing, look more dynamic and natural to human eyes.
6. And last, but definitely not least, remember what William Morris said - “have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful” 🙂
My personal key takeaways from the book, that I would like to keep safe and remember:
1. When choosing colours for painting the rooms, look inside of your wardrobe - chances are that the colours that you like wearing will be the same colours that you will enjoy seeing on the walls 😯
2. Layer the lights - a pendant, a table light and a floor light will will help to create different light settings (e.g. bright and airy breakfast, romantic dinners)
3. The more floor you can see in the room, the bigger the room looks
4. Arrange the items in pairs in the bedroom - this brings a calming effect
5. Arrange the items in odd numbers (3s and 5s best) in the living area - odd numbers challenge us mentally. They are visually more appealing, look more dynamic and natural to human eyes.
6. And last, but definitely not least, remember what William Morris said - “have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful” 🙂
August 10, 2020
Picked this book up at work and read it to pass the time. It’s written by a journalist and has passable insight into home decorating. She has some good points but for the most part it was, “It’s your house. Do what you want.” I did like her idea of basing your home’s color scheme on your clothing’s color scheme. If you like to wear it, you’ll like the look of your house.
December 31, 2020
Kate-Watson Smyth is a new favourite person and I would follow her everywhere. Her writing, tips and knowledge has led to a world of interiors education that I never knew I needed and couldn’t live without.
The perfect book to aid in making your house your home.
The perfect book to aid in making your house your home.
April 3, 2023
This is a good introduction and practical guide to how to decorate your home in your style (on the whole) in a way that is aesthetically pleasing. Watson-Smyth introduces the pros and cons of different colours and general principles before going into each room or area of the house bit by bit, looking at furniture, lighting, flooring, etc. Each of these provides different things to think about given the use of the room and the options for creating style without breaking the bank. I would say it is more of a starting point to be adapted to your own style (as KWS says, look at your wardrobe to see what you like) but it did certainly include various tips and options that can be picked out as needed.
November 27, 2024
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Nếu quý khách hàng quan tâm hoặc có nhu cầu mua cây chuối giả, hãy liên hệ với ATZ DECOR qua các hình thức sau:
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Email: info.atzdecor.vn@gmail.com
#cay_chuoi_gia
#cay_gia
#atz_decor
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https://atzdecor.vn/tu-khoa-san-pham/cay-chuoi-gia/
Nếu quý khách hàng quan tâm hoặc có nhu cầu mua cây chuối giả, hãy liên hệ với ATZ DECOR qua các hình thức sau:
Hotline: 0915.178.091
Email: info.atzdecor.vn@gmail.com
#cay_chuoi_gia
#cay_gia
#atz_decor
#cay_gia_dep_nhu_that
February 6, 2020
An enjoyable read,really informative and gave me some direction when I was planning home improvements. Interesting section on colours and I liked reading about considerations when choosing and positioning lighting. Beautiful book.
July 6, 2020
Very interesting book and easy to read, I love Kate's writing style! She lists many basic principles to remember/apply and good ideas, I just wish there would be a bit more pictures. I'm now starting her second book "Mad about the House: 101 interior design answers".
March 16, 2021
I borrowed this from the library because I liked her style on the blog. Unless you're a complete novice to interior design, frankly this book should have just been an article. Good advice, with nice illustrations and a handful of historical photos, but honestly, an entire book?....
December 30, 2021
A really interesting intro into interior design and what to think about when redecorating. Not all this was relevant right now but would definitely revisit when I get my own place! Wish there were more pictures with examples.
November 15, 2022
Lots of useful advice written in an engaging, relatable and amusing style. Don’t expect lots of glamorous photos though, this is practical advice and putting together a home that is strictly in your style.
July 16, 2019
Beautiful book, great ideas, easy reading!
January 4, 2020
Loved this - super easy to read and really helpful. There are loads of handy checklists that I'll be using when it comes to refurbishing, too.
January 13, 2020
Very interesting book full of useful tips & treaks. Very well written in engaging and sassy way! Can't wait to grab the newest book by Kate. Thanks!
September 1, 2020
Brb just going to try and implement all the tips from this book!!
Really useful as a starter for trying to unravel the maze of furnishing a new home. Will be looking to her blog too!
Really useful as a starter for trying to unravel the maze of furnishing a new home. Will be looking to her blog too!
February 8, 2021
Your home, your story
This is the main idea of the book. I guess I hoped to find more theory about interior design and decorating. Nicely put for a beginner in this field.
This is the main idea of the book. I guess I hoped to find more theory about interior design and decorating. Nicely put for a beginner in this field.
March 28, 2021
2.5 stars
January 14, 2022
Lots of advice and ideas on how to refresh the decor in my home - raring to go!
August 9, 2023
3.5 stars. Helpful, but not earth shaking. Would be good to refer to when planning a remodel or homebuild.
June 28, 2020
Excellent content and really helpful without pushing ideas into your head. Resulted in lots of discussion on the power of room decor and what colours mean to different people
August 11, 2024
Very informative. Really useful for anyone looking to carry out a residential interior design project.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 27 reviews