Hill House Living: The Art of Creating a Joyful Life

by Paula Sutton

A gorgeous guide to the simple pleasures of cottage living—antique hunting, gardening, and enjoying the seasons—from a beloved British design and fashion influencer.

A happy home is everything. No one knows this better than stylist and blogger Paula Sutton, who is behind the beloved Instagram account Hill House Vintage. Like many people, Paula gave years of her life to the busyness of the city until she traded catwalks for dog walks and couture for manure after leaving office life a decade ago.

Beautifully illustrated with hundreds of photographs and drawings, this book gives you a full glimpse into life at Hill House. Inspired by Paula's love of all things vintage, and filled with simple, stylish, and thrifty tips and tricks for every area of the house, this book will bring the best of country life into your home, wherever you are.

In a world that often moves too fast, Hill House Living is an invitation to take a moment to style, make or cook something nice for its own sake—and yours. Slow down, cozy up, and join the quest to making each day more intentionally joyful.

Genres: Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Design, Interior Design, Adult, Nature, Gardening

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 2021

Reviews

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generally, these types of books are a joy to look at, but without much substance beyond the photos.

Hill House Living, however, I read every word of, marking practical passages and twists on common recipes. This will live on my shelf, but most importantly mark my life with loveliness.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the author - she shines through the pages.
But I found the actual information contained in the book to be a bit dull. Also would have liked many more pictures, especially for a decor/lifestyle book.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paula Sutton's work caught my eye in a British home magazine and this book did not disappoint. Beautifully photographed and laid out, it is full of her own story and ideas, recipes for each season, seasonal diy projects, and philosophy about "creating a joyful life." While one might envy her home's setting in the Norfolk countryside, her practices in seeking out vintage things and refurbishing, her joy in what she does, and her practical tips (how to upholster a chair, how to bid on e-bay, how to take social media as inspirational moments rather than trying to copy them into a whole life, "slow living"), set this book apart. It is homey and cozy without pretension or too much money. While she mentions her family of origin, there is not overly much about her own family, but the fact that most of the pictures were taken by her husband and noting how happy she looks in those pictures speaks volumes.

[Dilliemillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Paula's Instagram and was hoping for it in book form. This book is not that.
If you're prepared for fewer pictures and more writing that isn't particularly revolutionary, then you'll probably love Hill House Living.
It is a lovely book after all - my expectations are at fault.

[Marcy Graybill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted more decorating pictures, less food pictures.

[Mila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book to tap into for year round seasonal inspiration from the lovely stylist, writer, and creator of the Hill House Living blog, Paula Sutton.


“Remember that whoever you are, wherever you are and whatever you look like, you have every right to be a joyseeker. Enjoy your joyful living.”

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photos of her are adorable - she's literally jumping for joy in them. Her book is full of ideas for creating a joyful life at home and can be used whether you live in a tiny studio apartment or a grand country home (or somewhere in between.) An enjoyable read with lovely photos.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. Another one of those books where the author says “you, too, can have it all” while she dances around for the photographer and her minions keep up with the cleaning. I skimmed through it and yes indeed the house is lovely, but seriously, people! I’ve been cleaning my house for Passover for the last few weeks and there is no way I could “live my best life” and keep up with all the piles of absolutely essential things around here. Books like this seem to encourage me to burn it down and start over.

[Emma Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book - both the words and photos are so inspirational. It's a guide to country house living, with practical, applicable tips to transform your home and style. My favourite part was the seasonal guide, with recipes for each season. She says at the end that she hopes this is a book we can turn to whenever we need a boost of loveliness in our lives and I can see myself doing just that.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Paula and her IG account so much, and the same joy that pervades there leaps out of the pages of her book. I agree with the reviewers that would have enjoyed more pictures. However, Paula and the life she has created for herself and her family are so charming. I just want cake and picnics all the time now! :-)

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really can't judge this book as I knew little about the author before picking it up. I believe most readers know her from social media already. If you follow her you already know you are a fan. I was not drawn to her style at all but admire her work.

[Arianna Boettger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good information

But a little too much “influencer” influence for my taste. I don’t use Instagram nor do I care about other peoples Instagram handles. Cute cottage ideas and some okay recipes, too many pictures of the author smiling excitedly. Felt a little self grandiose.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely, but not inexpensive or particularly easy

[Alexandria Blaelock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of more about the author than the life. Some nice pictures, a few recipes and tips for vintage shopping.

[Ainee Beland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea, intent behind Hill House Living is to share examples of how Ms. Sutton has chosen to fill her life with as much beauty and positivity as she is able to, providing some thought-provoking ideas and simple changes that may help readers to consider the way they choose to live their lives.

I particularly like her creating mood-board imagery for the garden that she wanted to have someday. She created a mood-board that depicted myriads of pretty raised-bed gardens because it was a project that she knew would take time to achieve—gardening is a long-haul pastime, and it was a pleasure to think about over an extended period of time before delving-in; whenever she came across an inspiring image or idea—whether it was a picture of somebody else’s garden, or a plant or product that she could imagine being included in her own plot, she would cut out the picture and paste it into a scrapbook.

She is not only a slow decorator but a slow gardener, yet the joy Ms. Sutton felt in watching her vision gradually take shape has been immeasurable…as this was in the beginning, creating Hill House; similarly is the stately interiors of Hill House; being both Cottagecore and Country House—both aesthetic encompasses the desire enjoy the simpler things in life and find enjoyment in the time-worn and everything from upcycling, reusing, gardening and baking, to mending clothes and furniture so that they can be worn and used for years.

I purchased this book last year and began perusing it last July, and more so because I had been reading several cozy mysteries written by Marty Wingate, one of her titles is The Garden Plot, and Ms. Sutton's second book is of a similar title:
Anyhow, this prompted me to open the package and to take out this book and start to read it, and I have been enjoying it immensely. The pages-chapters are written in different colors as I have never seen a book done that way, and it is uniquely Paula’s stylish way; her decorum, since she is larger than life but very down to earth. She has quite a following among the up-and-coming young newbies in London and beyond; they all have very positive things to say about her. She is generous and kind in offering to share her ideas and stylishness, but not shoving it at you, since she prefers for you to decide.

This is one of those books to have year-round because it offers ideas for seasonal living within each season; styling, cooking, and making…which is to learn the beauty of living with the seasons.
Learning to adapt and change should be a part of everyone’s well-being story, which is what Ms. Sutton wants everyone to know. I highly recommend this book, and I am happy to have finally purchased and, more importantly, to have opened the package and enjoyed it over and over again.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy Paula Sutton's Instagram so thought I'd check out her book. The book itself is a nice hardcover, but the content felt like a really long magazine article. I guess that stands to reason, as she worked for a magazine when she was younger. I was hoping the book would give a little more behind the scenes info, more about her, but it didn't go in depth on her life. There are chapters on how to furnish your home with vintage pieces and a season-by-season guide on crafts and recipes. The overall tone is pleasant. She reminds readers that what you see is a snapshot, and that there is a real messy life behind the pretty pictures.

[Arjaye-Rose Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has beautiful cozy illustrations and photographs throughout. It starts out with a few chapters on moodboards, your personal style, country homes and cottagecore, vintage hunting.

Then it moves into part 2 with living with the seasons and subsections of styling, cooking and making.

Each season is embraces and reflects that season, making the most of each season. Slow living and making the changes in the season is important in this book, which I love.

This book is so cozy to sit down with a cuppa and enjoy reading. While I got this book from the library I want to get myself a copy of it to refer back to each season.

[Keisha Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cottagecore by a British WOC. Nice to see a bit more diversity and acknowledgement with vintage things and the idea that everything was better back then.

I'm personally not an antique and clutter type of person (picked this up to try and understand the new trend) but for those that it resonates with, they will enjoy the descriptions of slow living and enjoying the simple pleasures. Lots of emphasis on seasonal decor/food/plants and building your aesthetic over time.

Has pictures, though not as many as I'd like for this type of book.

[pepper · Rating 3 out of 5]

ehh, it's alright. thick paper, large font, wasted pages, an abundance of staged photos of the author... just a lot of fluff making this book physically larger than it needs to be, and truthfully the content just wasn't very inspiring.

a generous 3 stars since this book was purchased at my local bookstore on their opening day, and I happened to be the first customer to walk through the door. also took almost a year to read it since I committed to reading each season in the book as they actually occurred. basically, those experiences made the book better than it actually is.

[brightredglow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I have no chance at having a home like Ms Sutton, the ideas and attitude in the book were so refreshing. I'm not even much of an 'antiques' person, but the attitude of making of a home and joyful living resonated with me. The recipes, at least those that I have tried, were surprisingly well received. I'm really glad that I decided to get this book as it worked more for me than I had expected..

[Kamryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn’t exactly what I expected, but I did like it overall. I found myself wishing there would be more photographs, but those are probably available on her social media and blog, so it makes sense that this is more text. Some ideas weren’t my speed, but lots are cute, and I appreciated the unexpected sidebars about her thoughts as a Black woman who values vintage aesthetics (“vintage style, not vintage values!”).

[Craig Hagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full of joy! Her radiance was so evident! I absolutely loved the pictures of her. Vintage isn’t even my preferred decorating style- but I do enjoy reading anything from someone who is living out his or her authentic life so fully! She embraces that which she loves, unabashedly. That is the true gift of this book.

[Joelle Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is delightful and is not your run of the mill coffee table decor book. The author dives into how decor, seasonal rituals, and creating a little domestic joy every day can elevate your life. I found her initially on Instagram and then stumbled across her book in a random store, and I'm so glad I did!

[Angie Leonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

CottageCore, a whimsical trend that reeks of Englishness that I actually adore. If you loved the series Bridgeton and any historical 'Shire' decore, this is a book that embodies the full lifestyle in British Blackness which makes me joyful to no end.

Laura Mvula "Green Garden"

[Mary Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Anglophiles and those who enjoy seasonal “lifestyle” books. Nothing earth shattering but lovely photos of the author wearing adorable outfits as well as some simple but interesting recipes. I also enjoyed that her POV is that of a person of color.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and Lovely

This was so lovely to read. Paula’s personality clearly came across along with lots of usable tips and delicious recipes. I read this through my library me instantly knew I’d need a hard copy to keep coming back to.

[Caro D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visually appealing and relaxing to skim through. Loved the emphasis on appreciating the simple things and making the most of living through the change of seasons, especially as we move into the darker part of the year.

[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are familiar with Paula Sutton and Hill House Vintage, you are going to love this book. If you love the idea of beautiful country living, you are going to love this book. It's a primer for Paula Sutton style.