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She Made Herself a Home: A Practical Guide to Design, Organize, and Give Purpose to Your Space
Learn how to create a home that's inviting, beautiful, and uniquely you--all while staying on a budget. Whether you're decorating your first home, planning for renovations, or simply looking for an affordable refresh, She Made Herself a Home is the ideal home décor planner to help you tap into your creative side and instill the confidence you need to get started on those DIY projects.
Popular blogger Rachel Van Kluyve of Crate & Cottage, along with a community of other successful home décor bloggers, offers up simple design tips for those who want to create lovely, budget-friendly, intentional spaces for themselves and their families.
In She Made Herself a Home, Rachel
Walk readers through a style quiz to determine if their style is modern, traditional, rustic, or eclecticGuide readers through selecting a color schemeProvide the best tips for choosing the right item(s) for your spaceGive insight on how to find great dealsOffer easy-to-follow organization tips for every roomWith ideas adaptable to any décor style, readers will
Must-have items for each roomEasy steps to determine a layout that works for each individual's homeHow to determine the unique purpose of each spaceSimple DIY tactics to customize each spaceYou don't have to break the bank to bring new life and purpose into your home. With design expertise from Rachel and others, you can confidently take action to create the beautiful, peaceful home you've dreamed of.
Popular blogger Rachel Van Kluyve of Crate & Cottage, along with a community of other successful home décor bloggers, offers up simple design tips for those who want to create lovely, budget-friendly, intentional spaces for themselves and their families.
In She Made Herself a Home, Rachel
Walk readers through a style quiz to determine if their style is modern, traditional, rustic, or eclecticGuide readers through selecting a color schemeProvide the best tips for choosing the right item(s) for your spaceGive insight on how to find great dealsOffer easy-to-follow organization tips for every roomWith ideas adaptable to any décor style, readers will
Must-have items for each roomEasy steps to determine a layout that works for each individual's homeHow to determine the unique purpose of each spaceSimple DIY tactics to customize each spaceYou don't have to break the bank to bring new life and purpose into your home. With design expertise from Rachel and others, you can confidently take action to create the beautiful, peaceful home you've dreamed of.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2020
167 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 20, 2022
I was surprised (and, frankly, disappointed) in how feminine- and Christian-focused this decorating book is. The author looks fairly young but, WHOA!, does she own a ton of stuff already!!! Way too many inspirational words on walls, pillows, bags, crates... Farmhouse seems to be the dominant style shown with so many tchotchkes to dust, fake plants to not water, useful-looking things that don't actually work, and layered rugs upon which to trip. This book strikes me as decorating to impress others. Page 189 shows a fireplace filled with books (spines to the inside so you don't know which book is which) and right beside it is a ceramic crock filled with logs. I'm assuming the logs are real, but the greenery to the immediate left is fake. Page 145 shows a hallway with four identical sets of kids shoes, lunch boxes, and totes arranged to impossible perfection. Are these really homes? So, two stars because there are, thank goodness, lots of photos to look at as I mostly skimmed—quickly—through the text. Nothing new in the "Keep It Tidy" and "Where to Shop" (Target, Amazon, Hobby Lobby... really?) sidebars. Glad there was one designer of color included.
March 28, 2021
Little inspiration and no variety w/ lots of clutter/random room accessories.
Call it rustic or traditional or barnyard or shabby chic or farmhouse or whatever you want. But. All of these places looked the same. Lots of stenciling, words and quotes on walls, random teapots, zany potted plants, things hanging from hooks, and so much visual clutter. Look, if you are a stay at homer, have a big family with kids and grandkids, live in a large white house with loads of bedrooms, bathrooms, pantries, nooks, and a wrap-around porch, on loads of acreage- this is the book for you. The rest of us will be here frowning at the almost identical styles highlighted on page after page. And I am a spiritual/liberal christian- and the random scriptures quoted constantly (nevermind the misuse of scriptural application when taking the context of most of said scriptures into account) were a bit much.
Like a lot much lol
But hey, at least I got an idea to maybe paint my ceiling beams white in my basement to open it up. Or maybe order some black brick wallpaper for a wall or two? In the meantime I'll keep downloading IKEA catalogues for my modern, functional, and chill inspo.
Call it rustic or traditional or barnyard or shabby chic or farmhouse or whatever you want. But. All of these places looked the same. Lots of stenciling, words and quotes on walls, random teapots, zany potted plants, things hanging from hooks, and so much visual clutter. Look, if you are a stay at homer, have a big family with kids and grandkids, live in a large white house with loads of bedrooms, bathrooms, pantries, nooks, and a wrap-around porch, on loads of acreage- this is the book for you. The rest of us will be here frowning at the almost identical styles highlighted on page after page. And I am a spiritual/liberal christian- and the random scriptures quoted constantly (nevermind the misuse of scriptural application when taking the context of most of said scriptures into account) were a bit much.
Like a lot much lol
But hey, at least I got an idea to maybe paint my ceiling beams white in my basement to open it up. Or maybe order some black brick wallpaper for a wall or two? In the meantime I'll keep downloading IKEA catalogues for my modern, functional, and chill inspo.
April 29, 2021
I saw this book in a display at the library and checked it out. I had not heard of the author or any of the other contributors. It's kind of fun to look at all the photos, but I didn't find any useful information within.
November 12, 2021
This book was unintentionally hilarious. It was pretty much page after page of bland black and white and grey and sometimes taupe decor. I'm sure it was broken up here and there by a succulent or two along the way -- I took it back to the library so I don't have it to refer to. What cracked me up was how many of the people in the book talked about how much they loved color. I literally exclaimed "HUH!?" because everything was taupe and black and white and grey. Also, many religious signs, sometimes more than once. You would think after sharing one photo of a particular sign we wouldn't have to look at it again, but turn the page and... Ooop! There it is again! Okay, we get it. Listen, that's cool. But once is enough. I feel like constant beating over the head with religious signs in a book and one begins to wonder... is the point of this book to give advice on neutral decorating, or is something else afoot?
I think my personal favorite was the girl who says "don't be afraid of color in your decor" in a paragraph beneath a photo of a neutral colored living room. Okay, there was a tiny bit of dark red or dark orange or something in the pattern on the rug, but my first reaction was, "Whoa there, sister! Take it easy, don't get too heavy handed with the color!" No, just kidding. My first reaction was to roll my eyes and mutter whatever.
Multiple people in the book encourage readers to use their own personal style, but it's astonishing how similar their styles are to each other. There's a place for white walls and taupe couches and camel throw pillows, but geez mix it up a bit. Take your own advice. Go nuts and use more than one non-neutral color if you don't think it will make your head explode.
But hey, if you're looking for a safe scheme for your waiting room, go for it. Swap out the "thou shalt not" sign for a "please silence your cell phone" and you're all set.
I think my personal favorite was the girl who says "don't be afraid of color in your decor" in a paragraph beneath a photo of a neutral colored living room. Okay, there was a tiny bit of dark red or dark orange or something in the pattern on the rug, but my first reaction was, "Whoa there, sister! Take it easy, don't get too heavy handed with the color!" No, just kidding. My first reaction was to roll my eyes and mutter whatever.
Multiple people in the book encourage readers to use their own personal style, but it's astonishing how similar their styles are to each other. There's a place for white walls and taupe couches and camel throw pillows, but geez mix it up a bit. Take your own advice. Go nuts and use more than one non-neutral color if you don't think it will make your head explode.
But hey, if you're looking for a safe scheme for your waiting room, go for it. Swap out the "thou shalt not" sign for a "please silence your cell phone" and you're all set.
October 7, 2020
Beautiful photos and Christian focus.
April 25, 2020
This book includes stunning photos that spark inspiration through a unique presentation, in which author Rachel Van Kluyve utilizes the words/photos of other like-minded designers to deliver an inspiring message. I truly enjoyed taking my time with this book & even took notes off my favorite tips/photos! I recommend this book for lovers of Home Body, Elements of Family Style, Domino, Lovable Livable Home, Remodelista, or Design Sponge.
Personally, Rachel's message is what resonated with me most—that the home is a cherished gathering place and we should keep our "why" in mind when decorating it. I also thoroughly enjoyed the designers' favorite quotes sprinkled throughout the book, and after seeing Bible verses and Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes included in the book, I think I'd be great friends with Rachel & her collaborators.
I sincerely hope more people read and review this piece. It is well-written, informative, and engaging.
Personally, Rachel's message is what resonated with me most—that the home is a cherished gathering place and we should keep our "why" in mind when decorating it. I also thoroughly enjoyed the designers' favorite quotes sprinkled throughout the book, and after seeing Bible verses and Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes included in the book, I think I'd be great friends with Rachel & her collaborators.
I sincerely hope more people read and review this piece. It is well-written, informative, and engaging.
August 29, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Her tone of voice is so warm and calming. I love how she implements other creative women and their beautiful homes. I’m so inspired by both the designs as well as the organization tips. We are actively searching for our first home, and this book has given me so much hope and a clear idea for the kind of features I’m looking for in a home or at least the space to add certain things. Her small reminders throughout the book of her faith in Christ and her gratefulness bring so much peace.
January 27, 2021
What I gleaned:
"A wise woman builds her home" Proverbs 14:1
"What purpose do you want this place to serve?"
"My kitchen is for dancing."
"The kitchen can be more than a place to feed our bodies; it can be a place to feed our souls."
"Live with love; walk in grace."
"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
" A place for everything and everything in its place."
"A penny saved is a penny earned."
"The most beautiful home is the one decorated with love."
"A wise woman builds her home" Proverbs 14:1
"What purpose do you want this place to serve?"
"My kitchen is for dancing."
"The kitchen can be more than a place to feed our bodies; it can be a place to feed our souls."
"Live with love; walk in grace."
"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
" A place for everything and everything in its place."
"A penny saved is a penny earned."
"The most beautiful home is the one decorated with love."
August 12, 2021
This was a lovely read, however I found it to be a bit redundant. At times it felt as if I was reading the same tidbits of advice over again. The book had nice pictures and some great little inspirations throughout.
April 13, 2022
Beautiful pictures, but nothing more than what you’d see from some Pinterest articles.
September 27, 2022
There's something happening in the home design business that I don't quite understand. Every home is a copy of every other home. This is why I never really bought into the whole Joanna Gaines thing. After watching a few episodes it seemed every home looked the same. I like the farmhouse look. It's calming and homey but not every home needs to look the same. Honestly this book would have been better if there was a chapter dedicated to different styles. A boho chapter, a chapter on using color ( so much white) a chapter on incorporating person touches ( personality) into a space...Home should be a place that expresses who lives there not a pinterest page.
November 20, 2021
I’m over the farmhouse “thing.” I don’t live on a farm, and I’m willing to bet none of these other folks do, either. I’ll be so glad when we can finally move past barn doors and apron sinks, not to mention signs that tell you what to do in each room (why must every kitchen have some sort of “art” that says “EAT”?). Also, this book was very Christian-centric, which I somehow didn’t see coming.
The two stars are for a few of the bloggers I was familiar with (the reason I bought the book): Toni Hammersley (of A Bowl Full of Lemons) and Melonie Graves (of The Mellionaire House).
The two stars are for a few of the bloggers I was familiar with (the reason I bought the book): Toni Hammersley (of A Bowl Full of Lemons) and Melonie Graves (of The Mellionaire House).
March 19, 2021
Good Advice
Good advice, but I recommend starting with the last chapter first (this is becoming common in books I'm reading). I live in an area where much of the generic advice doesn't work well (I have one store within 150 miles), but there's tons of bits and bobs that are useful for anyone. I wouldn't recommend skimming the book because of this, you'd miss some really good stuff.
Good advice, but I recommend starting with the last chapter first (this is becoming common in books I'm reading). I live in an area where much of the generic advice doesn't work well (I have one store within 150 miles), but there's tons of bits and bobs that are useful for anyone. I wouldn't recommend skimming the book because of this, you'd miss some really good stuff.
May 20, 2024
As I'm excitedly looking forward to designing a new home of my own, I found this book to be so helpful! I learned a lot about how to keep the house designed cohesively and beautifully while not sacrificing functionality or organization.
I also really like the emphasis on using what you already have and only supplementing with what you really need to buy, which is a big help in curbing those impulse purchases.
I also really like the emphasis on using what you already have and only supplementing with what you really need to buy, which is a big help in curbing those impulse purchases.
December 22, 2020
Not my favourite home decor book, a bit too country with way too many of those overdone scripted motivational signs..ugh seriously, if I never see one of those “grateful” or “welcome” signs again it will be too soon 😂 just not my jam as it feels a bit more target home aisle than beautiful vintage finds.
November 11, 2021
Soooo good and so many good tips. With some of her tips and tricks, I immediately redecorated my kitchen area by swapping out area rugs from different rooms and the chairs from my dining room into my kitchen. And my usually critical family was full of praise (and mostly because I didn't have to spend any money 😀) Highly recommend. And such a pretty coffee table book!
January 8, 2022
I enjoyed a lot of what was talked about in this book. The pictures were really beautiful. I wasn't expecting that there would be so many other designers and influencers' work in the book, but I actually ended up appreciating the opportunity to find their pages on social to follow what they are currently still doing with design. Moving into a new home soon, I'm thinking of re-reading in 2022.
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March 28, 2021Farmhouse/shabby chic inspirational design for beginner decorators with a Christian focus. If those descriptors do not speak to you, move on. The author features other bloggers like her with a family-focus. Nothing new here. Very nicely packaged, photographed and organized.
August 1, 2022
a very fun book with lots of ideas!
I enjoyed mostly getting ideas from the excellent photos and highlighted text areas. Author includes lots of others styles and creations in addition to her own.
I enjoyed mostly getting ideas from the excellent photos and highlighted text areas. Author includes lots of others styles and creations in addition to her own.
May 26, 2025
Too sterile for me and none of the storage ideas I was hoping for. One photo in particular of books in a fireplace, pages out purely for decoration was like looking at chalk being screeched across a blackboard.
April 14, 2020
2
The pictures are very uninspiring.
The pictures are very uninspiring. There's nothing wrong with them, but they just aren't conducive to promoting
creativity.
The pictures are very uninspiring.
The pictures are very uninspiring. There's nothing wrong with them, but they just aren't conducive to promoting
creativity.
September 27, 2020
A book about how to decorate your home with purpose. I liked how it was broken down into sections for each room of a house.
October 12, 2020
The author has some helpful tips.
January 31, 2021
Inspirational home decor book. Loved the contribution from the other bloggers as well.
January 31, 2021
Some good ideas & great photos of decorating schemes but the 3-star rating reflects the "other" stuff in the book that was a turn-off.
March 11, 2021
Lovely book
Great ideas to make your house a home. My favorite was the outdoor retreat a
Idea. Lovely photographs throughout the book.
Great ideas to make your house a home. My favorite was the outdoor retreat a
Idea. Lovely photographs throughout the book.
April 24, 2021
Nice book about decorating, organizing, and shopping. Lovely photos and helpful tips.
June 23, 2021
Super cute book. I really enjoyed her thoughts on home.
December 1, 2021
Redundant, very little new information here.
November 30, 2022
This came off very Christian mommy blogger - good on feelings but light on substance. If that is a genre you enjoy, definitely pick up this book. It fits the niche perfectly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews