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Beata Heuman: Every Room Should Sing
The highly anticipated debut monograph from one of today's leading designers championing playful, original interiors infused with Scandinavian flair.
Swedish-born, London-based interior designer Beata Heuman founded her eponymous studio in 2013 after working for Nicky Haslam for nine years. In a short amount of time her lively interiors and custom furnishings have made her one of today's most in-demand creatives. Heuman's rooms, colorful spaces enlivened by exuberant elements and poetic inspirations, capture her signature quirkiness and Scandinavian attention to detail while staying rooted in practicality. Lauded for international residential and commercial projects, Heuman has also garnered praise for her growing collection of bespoke fabrics, wallpaper, lighting, homewares, and furniture.
This beautifully crafted volume presents Heuman's innovative approach in book form for the very first time. Organized according to design principle, each chapter offers fresh ways to think about decorating a home, finding your voice, making ordinary details extraordinary, and forging a truly unique space. Vibrant photographs showcase standout properties--including several London town houses and a Nantucket vacation residence--that are brought to life by cheerful color palettes, unexpected contrasts, and a dégagé use of bold patterns and texture. With original drawings and whimsical graphic details, this new tome is a dynamic look into the ethos and work of one of the most exciting names in interior design today.
Swedish-born, London-based interior designer Beata Heuman founded her eponymous studio in 2013 after working for Nicky Haslam for nine years. In a short amount of time her lively interiors and custom furnishings have made her one of today's most in-demand creatives. Heuman's rooms, colorful spaces enlivened by exuberant elements and poetic inspirations, capture her signature quirkiness and Scandinavian attention to detail while staying rooted in practicality. Lauded for international residential and commercial projects, Heuman has also garnered praise for her growing collection of bespoke fabrics, wallpaper, lighting, homewares, and furniture.
This beautifully crafted volume presents Heuman's innovative approach in book form for the very first time. Organized according to design principle, each chapter offers fresh ways to think about decorating a home, finding your voice, making ordinary details extraordinary, and forging a truly unique space. Vibrant photographs showcase standout properties--including several London town houses and a Nantucket vacation residence--that are brought to life by cheerful color palettes, unexpected contrasts, and a dégagé use of bold patterns and texture. With original drawings and whimsical graphic details, this new tome is a dynamic look into the ethos and work of one of the most exciting names in interior design today.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published March 9, 2021
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462 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 26, 2021
There are many great interior designers there but a few with such a distinctive style as Beata Heuman. When I think of her (studio's) work I think of circuses, Victorian-era novels, winter and Christmas magic, endless summers, hopefulness, laughter and so many more things but most of all I think of childhood.
Her style, how she approaches rooms and her take of what it means to decorate and furnish a home is so down to earth, intimate and personal and most of all - fun. There is no room for grand show-offy things or too grown-up brown-beige-neutrals shade schemes. Instead, there are colours, fluid shapes, quirky details, old and new mixed together but in a much much more interesting way than your regular "throw in a thrift store find to spice things up".
I love the way she talks about what makes a room personal, what makes it yours; where she finds inspiration and what is behind the choices she has made when working on her client's homes. Her voice is friendly, intelligent and she encourages you not to take things too seriously - it's no fun!
This book is a treasure trove for inspiration and it will wake your inner child like nothing else. Absolutely recommended for everyone who loves all things beautiful.
Her style, how she approaches rooms and her take of what it means to decorate and furnish a home is so down to earth, intimate and personal and most of all - fun. There is no room for grand show-offy things or too grown-up brown-beige-neutrals shade schemes. Instead, there are colours, fluid shapes, quirky details, old and new mixed together but in a much much more interesting way than your regular "throw in a thrift store find to spice things up".
I love the way she talks about what makes a room personal, what makes it yours; where she finds inspiration and what is behind the choices she has made when working on her client's homes. Her voice is friendly, intelligent and she encourages you not to take things too seriously - it's no fun!
This book is a treasure trove for inspiration and it will wake your inner child like nothing else. Absolutely recommended for everyone who loves all things beautiful.
November 18, 2021
Bold, eclectic rooms from one of the “it” designers of the moment. Swedish designer Beata Heuman has taken English interior design by the reins and firmly established herself as one who can speak the Kingdom’s aesthetic language, albeit with some Scandinavian playfulness and whimsy. Most of these rooms are not ones that I would dare to attempt myself, but I loved reading about her design philosophy and poring over her notes as we contemplate our own choices for our home. (I’m also pleased that I bought this handsome book at our local bookshop. I think it’s time that I started investing in Heavy Coffee Table Books, now that I am getting older...)
February 21, 2022
3.5 stars. Oozes wealth. If you can’t afford to have your furniture custom built, you’re screwed!
But I’m finding myself inspired despite my annoyance. I enjoyed the bits about accessing memories of important spaces and drawing inspiration from the things that made impressions. And the photographs are beautiful!
But I’m finding myself inspired despite my annoyance. I enjoyed the bits about accessing memories of important spaces and drawing inspiration from the things that made impressions. And the photographs are beautiful!
July 11, 2021
This book was a gift from a thoughtful friend as we try to design our little house and she couldn’t have chosen better.
I’m soooo drawn to Beata’s sense of color and flair for the whimsical - and she included plenty of advice here that will be easy enough to personalize. Let the enchanting begin!
I’m soooo drawn to Beata’s sense of color and flair for the whimsical - and she included plenty of advice here that will be easy enough to personalize. Let the enchanting begin!
April 17, 2025
A beautiful book with little passages for inspiration. Since this comes from a professional interior designer, some of the changes seem unapproachable but actually are practical if you get your creative juices flowing.
April 21, 2021
Finn and I read this
one when no one was looking:
Inspirational!!!!!!!!!!!!
one when no one was looking:
Inspirational!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 8, 2021
Ok idk if this counts but I did read it
October 31, 2023
Not my favorite design book, but there were some interesting photos and design elements that I liked or gave me ideas.
March 6, 2024
I want a Beats aesthetic in every space in my home. Definitely felt a little impractical at times for the average gal (everything’s bespoke, it seems) but I love her vision and playfulness.
May 31, 2024
Finally a design book with book shelves full of books!
July 16, 2022
Beata Heuman: starts off "you will not always agree with me, and I wouldn't expect you to...this book is about individuality and striking a chord."
A neglected space without a heartbeat – is our dining room only used at Christmas?
Create spaces that help us live comfortably in a way that is possible for us to maintain. Is our home loved and used to its full potential?
All rooms ought to look as if they were lived in, and to have so to say, a friendly welcome ready for the incomer (William Morris)
Encourage contrast, all design that moves those who experience it lies in contrasts. Lights will only be light when seen against dark. Rich will only seem truly rich in the context of the plain. You need tension and release.. Contrasting elements make each appear more vibrant. Aim for a subtle balance. Small feels cozy whereas large offers more energized and emboldened feeling. Having the right balance will help you experience each element better.
I do like how Beata has had the wisdom such as “all the tabletops are rounded for a more welcoming feel and to avoid hard edges. The gray tables are very simple, and I really like how they almost look basic, which grounds the overall scheme.” (p. 116)
‘I journey all the time in my imagination.” Madeleine Castaing
“One should never be the oldest thing in one’s house.” Patsy Stone, Absolutely Fabulous.
“Making the most of the space available gave me a sense of gratification and even self-assurance. Rather than letting a lack of space deflate, rejoice in what you can do. It is a lot cheaper to make a small space look fabulous, as you don’t need as much.” (p. 141)
“Finally, having an orderly home is, to me, the key aspect of making a small space work. You want it to feel as relaxing and roomy as it possibly can be, and keep unnecessary clutter to a minimum. Having a plan for where everything goes is therefore even more important when space is at a premium….There is nothing fun about not having anywhere to put your stuff.” (pp142-143)
“What we remember about rooms is the atmosphere, the mood. Unless rooms are personal, they have none of this.” (Billy Baldwin) (p. 156)
“adding details is really a way to connect with others,...it doesn’t have to cost anything, and it doesn’t have to be difficult; it’s about being thoughtful and free in your expression. It’s about giving specific attention to ordinary things. It’s about being inspirational, not aspirational.” (p. 161)
“All the colors sing together; their strength is determined by the needs of the chorus. It’s like a musical chord.” (Henri Matisse) (p. 218) Beata not only quotes Matisse but has incorporated several Matisse-style shapes and prints in her patterns – pp.80, 131, 199, , 237
“Almost everyone believes that there is something deep and mysterious about [interior decoration] or that you have to know all sorts of complicated details about periods before you can lift a finger. Well, you don’t…decorating is just sheer fun: a delight in color, an awareness of balance, a feeling for lighting, a sense of style, a zest for life, and an amused enjoyment of the smart accessories of the moment.” (Dorothy Draper) (p. 236).
I love her hidden embroidered eyelashes ( pp. 88, 115).
A neglected space without a heartbeat – is our dining room only used at Christmas?
Create spaces that help us live comfortably in a way that is possible for us to maintain. Is our home loved and used to its full potential?
All rooms ought to look as if they were lived in, and to have so to say, a friendly welcome ready for the incomer (William Morris)
Encourage contrast, all design that moves those who experience it lies in contrasts. Lights will only be light when seen against dark. Rich will only seem truly rich in the context of the plain. You need tension and release.. Contrasting elements make each appear more vibrant. Aim for a subtle balance. Small feels cozy whereas large offers more energized and emboldened feeling. Having the right balance will help you experience each element better.
I do like how Beata has had the wisdom such as “all the tabletops are rounded for a more welcoming feel and to avoid hard edges. The gray tables are very simple, and I really like how they almost look basic, which grounds the overall scheme.” (p. 116)
‘I journey all the time in my imagination.” Madeleine Castaing
“One should never be the oldest thing in one’s house.” Patsy Stone, Absolutely Fabulous.
“Making the most of the space available gave me a sense of gratification and even self-assurance. Rather than letting a lack of space deflate, rejoice in what you can do. It is a lot cheaper to make a small space look fabulous, as you don’t need as much.” (p. 141)
“Finally, having an orderly home is, to me, the key aspect of making a small space work. You want it to feel as relaxing and roomy as it possibly can be, and keep unnecessary clutter to a minimum. Having a plan for where everything goes is therefore even more important when space is at a premium….There is nothing fun about not having anywhere to put your stuff.” (pp142-143)
“What we remember about rooms is the atmosphere, the mood. Unless rooms are personal, they have none of this.” (Billy Baldwin) (p. 156)
“adding details is really a way to connect with others,...it doesn’t have to cost anything, and it doesn’t have to be difficult; it’s about being thoughtful and free in your expression. It’s about giving specific attention to ordinary things. It’s about being inspirational, not aspirational.” (p. 161)
“All the colors sing together; their strength is determined by the needs of the chorus. It’s like a musical chord.” (Henri Matisse) (p. 218) Beata not only quotes Matisse but has incorporated several Matisse-style shapes and prints in her patterns – pp.80, 131, 199, , 237
“Almost everyone believes that there is something deep and mysterious about [interior decoration] or that you have to know all sorts of complicated details about periods before you can lift a finger. Well, you don’t…decorating is just sheer fun: a delight in color, an awareness of balance, a feeling for lighting, a sense of style, a zest for life, and an amused enjoyment of the smart accessories of the moment.” (Dorothy Draper) (p. 236).
I love her hidden embroidered eyelashes ( pp. 88, 115).
December 10, 2021
3.5, rounded up because I'm painfully conflicted. ;-) Is Beata Heuman a genius? Every room screamed Beata Heuman, yet some I absolutely loved (and could move right into and never redecorate ever again) and some I loathed. How is that even possible? I'm assuming that's because these rooms really reflected the personalities of the owners more than it seems at first glance. The rooms I loved were probably the ones of the owners who has similar tastes to mine.
Then, if I try to analyze her design style, it's really just: take a bunch of things that don't match, throw them in a room together, add a few things for scale and balance, make sure something has a scalloped edge, and the room is done. So is it genius to do this? It makes for comfortable rooms that reflect the owners, or is this something we've all just been doing all along and somehow Heuman put a new spin on it and made it trendy?
And do the rooms really reflect the owners? In a sense, they definitely do. In another sense, they scream Heuman so much that I personally wouldn't hire her because I would want my rooms to scream "me."
And then, many of the "bespoke" pieces just looked like what DIYers have been popularizing on social media for ages now -- paint a vintage piece, add some trim to plain curtains, build a headboard. Charge a fortune, LOL! I'm just not sure, but is it then easy to get the look for less?
Again, conflicted, and I certainly don't want to take anything away from Heuman. I liked being challenged to think about design in a different way, if nothing else.
Then, if I try to analyze her design style, it's really just: take a bunch of things that don't match, throw them in a room together, add a few things for scale and balance, make sure something has a scalloped edge, and the room is done. So is it genius to do this? It makes for comfortable rooms that reflect the owners, or is this something we've all just been doing all along and somehow Heuman put a new spin on it and made it trendy?
And do the rooms really reflect the owners? In a sense, they definitely do. In another sense, they scream Heuman so much that I personally wouldn't hire her because I would want my rooms to scream "me."
And then, many of the "bespoke" pieces just looked like what DIYers have been popularizing on social media for ages now -- paint a vintage piece, add some trim to plain curtains, build a headboard. Charge a fortune, LOL! I'm just not sure, but is it then easy to get the look for less?
Again, conflicted, and I certainly don't want to take anything away from Heuman. I liked being challenged to think about design in a different way, if nothing else.
May 29, 2023
I love my home. I love pretty. I love good design. I love personal style.
Of course, I love shelter books; books on interior design, architecture, and related subjects. Love them. I had to get this book from Kansas City using our amazing interlibrary loan system because I read about it and was intrigued by the title. Every room should sing- truth.
Another truth? I hate Beata Heuman's actual style. I found her interiors to be cluttered, not cohesive, and full of really ugly animal art and clashing patterns. No thanks. But her words? Her attitude toward design. Her generous writing that shares her thoughts and skills - loved that. Loved it. In fact, I found myself reading passages aloud to my husband. I loved her thoughts on home.
Of course, I love shelter books; books on interior design, architecture, and related subjects. Love them. I had to get this book from Kansas City using our amazing interlibrary loan system because I read about it and was intrigued by the title. Every room should sing- truth.
Another truth? I hate Beata Heuman's actual style. I found her interiors to be cluttered, not cohesive, and full of really ugly animal art and clashing patterns. No thanks. But her words? Her attitude toward design. Her generous writing that shares her thoughts and skills - loved that. Loved it. In fact, I found myself reading passages aloud to my husband. I loved her thoughts on home.
July 20, 2021
I love design books. This one surpasses ALL that I have attempted to read (though many are just intended to be picture books). Beata Heuman presents the heart of a space with visuals that are heartrendingly descriptive and descriptions of how to align spaces with your heart inspirational. LOVED every page.
January 7, 2023
Is this technically a coffee table book? Yes. Is it 50-70% pictures? Also yes. But I did read it cover to cover over the course of a few days and delighted in heuman’s wisdom, humor, and sense of style. A pleasure to read as well as look at, i will be sure to rifle through this one many times more.
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” -Anton Chekhov
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” -Anton Chekhov
January 5, 2026
This book was such a pleasant surprise! I read it as I was moving into my first proper home, and it helped me so much with the overwhelming task of decorating. Even if Beata's style isn't exactly what you personally like, she gives you the tools and knowledge to help you how to decorate in YOUR style. And most importantly, it's really fun!
July 7, 2021
Beata heuman nails the whimsy in interior design. Not sure I learned a lot from her actual writing about interior design, it's a bit predictable on that front, but I've been very inspired by her actual work and get insane combination of colours and materials.
May 14, 2022
It’s the first time I’ve read an interior design book, so I’m not very qualified to judge, but I thought this was a great peek into the author’s mind. I loved most of the spreads and felt inspired to shake things up, with a couple small takeaways.
June 23, 2021
Heuman’s writing style is good and I actually wanted to read it all (not the case with every design book). Some of her designs are beautiful, some are wacky, but all in all, I enjoyed every page.
August 11, 2021
This book… wow…. I love almost everything she is thinking about here. I found her ideas inspiring and creative, appealing and clever. I kept coming back to this book.
January 6, 2022
Christmas present from my best friend and I absolutely enjoyed her thought process and eclectic style. Super fun with helpful tips!!
January 10, 2022
I loved this book. Beata is very forthright and direct in her opinions and she has so many insights into how to make your home uniquely yours. I love her style and I really enjoyed this one.
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May 9, 2022I don't know how much I got from this in terms of actual ideas for my own house, but it was a fun book to read and look through. The Designs were a unique and cool blend of old and new.
June 21, 2022
Really enjoyed this interior design book. So many styles in it that were not "my thing" but were lovely and remarkable nonetheless.
July 12, 2022
Creative, colourful and a refreshing change from the usual.
August 30, 2022
The design is enrapturing, and the accompanying words so insightful and beautifully shared. I came away from this very enriched.
September 17, 2022
1.5 stars
Meh. The rooms just seem to be missing something. There's a fair amount of nude art. It's all so tired.
Meh. The rooms just seem to be missing something. There's a fair amount of nude art. It's all so tired.
March 17, 2023
Her interiors are not necessarily my style but I love her attitude on what makes a home cozy and inviting.
February 1, 2025
The decor and story didn't resonate with me.
October 5, 2025
Really didn’t get the beauty of her room.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews