Establishing Home: Creating Space for a Beautiful Life with Family, Faith, and Friends

by Jean Stoffer, September Vaudrey (Primary Contributor)

What is your unique path to a more beautiful and fulfilling life? Walk alongside award-winning designer Jean Stoffer as she chronicles her own surprising, unhurried journey and be encouraged that there’s plenty of time to discover yours.

When Jean Stoffer’s husband announced he was quitting his extremely stressful job to look for another career, she suddenly needed to bring in a lot more of the family income. The problem was, while she had a degree in business, her part-time job paid very little and she had few obvious options for earning more anytime soon. In Establishing Home , Jean tells how necessity sparked her journey from part-time receptionist to founder of an award-winning home design company and star of the Magnolia Network’s show, The Established Home . Along the way, she shares what’s she learned about design, business, parenting, and relationships. In Establishing Home Jean

Any home―and life―can become even more beautiful with a little bit of heart.

Genres: Nonfiction, Design, Interior Design, Biography Memoir, Memoir, Biography, Christian

240 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2022

Reviews

[Alisha Linehan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars but rounding up. I pre-ordered this book by one of my favorite designers thinking it was a design book (you’d think being published by Tyndale would have tipped me off). Instead it is a simple and a bit clumsily written memoir, heavy on the faith and family. The most difficult things that have happened to Jean, if this book is to be believed, were coming to terms with her son choosing a state school over a Christian college and *almost* losing money on a flip right before the housing bubble burst. As Andy Bernard would say, she hasn’t had a very hard life.

Still a physically beautiful book with lots of juicy design photos. I’ll hold out for a real design book and not hold it against Jean that I thought I was her target audience.

[Lauralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly devoured this book! I actually came across it by accident - searching for home decor books on NetGalley. I can’t believe I had never heard of Jean Stoffer before today but I know she’s someone I’ll follow for the rest of her career and I was so inspired by Establishing Home that I think I’ll take away so much from it and remain inspired forever. I wish there had been more photos, but I loved all the stories and I appreciate how much faith and Christianity played into it each step of the way. I will be preordering myself a physical copy so I can return to it for all of the great tips, and I’ll also be following along when the show premieres on Magnolia Network.

Thank you NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy in exchange for a review. Opinions are my own!

[Meredith Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5/5) One of the friends in my small group whose design aesthetic I really love recommended Jean Stoffer's Instagram account to me as we're preparing to finally move into a new house that we own (and can make our own). I have since enjoyed following and scrolling through to find design inspiration, so when I saw that Jean Stoffer was also releasing a book, I immediately requested it on NetGalley. I enjoyed this quick read, which details Jean's journey as a designer and the homes she's created. It was mostly biographical, but also included design tips and business-building tips. I wish there were more pictures, but I suppose I always have Instagram for that!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing new here

I’m disappointed, to say the very least, by this book. Jean Stoffer has quickly become one of my favorite designers, so I eagerly pre-ordered this book as soon as I saw it announced. But, alas, it is not actually a book about design. It’s a very God-heavy memoir of her family life and progression with the design business. The limited number of photographs that were included were all ones I had seen before. I had hoped for how-to’s and just got a lot of Jesus taking the wheel, which is fantastic, but not as helpful as some actual drawings might have been for my own renovation plans. Next time, hopefully the book will be about design and will feature new projects along with the older ones we all know and love.

[Taylor Lent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently watched her series called “An Established Home” and loved her traditional, European style. Her book was a joy to read. I especially loved seeing how she included her grown children in her design business. She saw their unique talents and helped them pursue them, ie photography, design, managing, etc. I also loved hearing her story and seeing an older, mature woman in design. A wonderful read!

[Shanna]

Very light and breezy read. Perfect when you just want to hear someone's story and look at pretty house pictures. The Stoffers are a rare and fascinating family. There's a lot to admire here.

[Cassie Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already respected Jean Stoffer and look up to her designs. But I’m so grateful for the way that she exemplified how to design while not sacrificing her family. Her patience to be grateful for each season and go a slow pace is admirable. Thankful for this book!

[Natalie Kjellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And give Him the glory; great things He has done.
“How many times had God guided situations in my life? How often had he mitigated mistakes I’d made, circumvented parenting failures, or blessed my feeble attempts to be faithful?”

Jean, thank you for this book and sharing your story. It touched me to my soul and brought me to tears time and again. I’m so encouraged by her recounting of God’s faithfulness in circumstance year after year. The priorities she shares as a mother and businesswoman were such helpful wisdom to me in a stage with small kids as a working mom. I aspire to the kind of relationships she has with her adult kids. Jean also takes time to share practical advice on rental properties, home ownership, design etc. Such a great read!

[Kelsey Maloof · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cozy, beautiful read. I didn’t know the author beforehand and was enthralled with her family business and story. Now on to watch her show!

[Jordyn Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a favorite for me. I related so much to Jean not as a designer but as a young creative, an entrepreneur, mother, and Believer. Reading her priorities as a young mom and designer we’re so refreshing, she built her business slowly, trusting God each step of the way and always putting her family and her faith foremost. I felt so affirmed that the approach I’m taking to business and motherhood is good and honoring and slow growth is okay. Her story validated that it’s right to say no when you need to say yes to your family, and everything comes in seasons. This book is beautiful and genuine. I learned a lot about the design process as well while reading but it was the story that kept me. Bonus points that she’s now based in Grand Rapids. A pleasure read for anyone but a must read for Christian mothers who are also creative entrepreneurs.

[Katherine H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sort of a memoir type book? Mostly about her life, a little devotional, a little about raising a family and running a small business, with the occasional side notes about design. It was interesting but I'm not really sure who the intended audience is or if it's meant to be a companion to the TV show (which I have not seen). Maybe the physical book has pictures? Idk. It was good but not spectacular in any way.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a big fan of Jean’s design sense & kitchens, but I didn’t know I’d also be such a fan of how she’s gotten where she is in life. This isn’t a coffee table design book. It’s more of a memoir full of practical advice and the occasional beautiful photo (I wanted MORE photos!!) She is just lovely.

[Alan Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful picture of a woman who managed family and career with integrity and grace. I’m pretty sure I would enjoy hanging out with the Stouffer family.

[Caroline Weatherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the insight and loved how much she shared about her faith!

[Kayla Wright]

I really enjoyed reading about Jean’s journey to becoming the incredible, well known designer she is today. It was such a cozy comfort read, and now I’m even more inspired by her.

[Jessica Akemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone very interested in getting into the design world, I really enjoyed the unexpected interior design and business tips that were intertwined throughout Jean’s sweet biography.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

A memoir with beautiful design photos and a few helpful insights into interior design. How refreshing to read about a woman slowly pursuing her interests+talents, alongside the primary work of raising her children. This is a light read, but a nice one nonetheless.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew nothing about the author, her design work or her tv show when I stumbled across this audiobook. It was an extremely engaging listen for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Jean Stoffer included just enough information in this book - I never became bored or wished to fast forward. Compared to many popular books, this one seemed very well edited and composed. I did go to the bookstore after I finished the audiobook because I wished to see pictures of Stoffer Interiors' completed rooms, and I am likely to purchase this book on a subsequent visit, as it is attractive and interesting. I did enjoy reading about Mrs. Stoffer's faith life and how that informed her decision-making process in business and in general. Recommended for those who enjoy memoirs, starting your own business while raising a family, interior design and/or building a business over a lifetime.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had never heard of this woman, but a friend recommended it. It was short and I listened to it while I cleaned my house and took down Christmas decor.

It was surprisingly good! It had useful tips for a bunch of different topics, real estate, money management, team building, building a slow business, values based decisions, interior design, etc. If you're into reading books about home, interior design and such, I would definitely add it to your list. I'll just give it a 3 because I didn't have personal connection to the author and I thought it was full of good, basic, info.

It was refreshing to hear her boldly share her Christian values and how she approached her life choices, putting faith and her family first. Good Job, Jean!

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because of the bad reviews! I started to watch Established Home on the Magnolia Network and felt there was something compelling about Jean Stoffer and her family. So when the bad reviews talked about this book sharing her faith, I knew I had to read it.

I am not a designer but I love home and design shows. Watching how a house is transformed into a thing of beauty parallels how God can transform our lives. This book weaves Jean Stoffer’s faith through her family and career journey. It’s refreshing to read the boldness of a woman give priority to her relationship to God and family, and read how her career has flourished from those ordered steps. This book will encourage anyone stepping out in new career paths but with a unique, faith-forward perspective.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed every bit of this book. I tried to squeeze out as much as I could because I love design, I loved watching "The Established Home" TV show on the Magnolia Network, and I really enjoyed hearing all about Jean Stoffer's life, how she got into design, and how her life has progressed while she raised her four children (and how she prioritized her family).

She shared a lot about her life story and lessons learned (each chapter has tidbits of advice ranging from business skills to personal philosophy). She talks a little bit about her faith as well, especially when she was having struggles figuring out some things in her life.

There are a few photos, but this book is primarily a story about her life as related to her design business, and not specifically one about how to design her famous kitchens.

I would recommend to anyone interested in design, someone interested in seeing how a woman of faith figured out her life path, and especially to anyone who is a fan of her show or even of the show "Fixer Upper" as she was picked by Joanna Gaines to have her own show on their network.

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've enjoyed Jean Stoffer's show on Magnolia network, and was excited about this book.

I excitedly starting reading, and then set it aside after a few chapters. And tried picking it up again a few weeks later, only making it through a single chapter.

I finally completed it with a sense of relief.

She's a lovely woman with a lovely family, and this is a peek into her life. She doesn't share much about her struggles, beyond a few sentences about being frustrated or concerned... One of her biggest struggles was when her son announced he wanted to take a gap year and then go to a state university rather than a Christian college? Or she and her husband had no idea how they were going to cover the cost on a project, but they borrowed money from her father and then her husband got a bonus at work. Or her bafflement that a store needs space for excess inventory.

I feel this would have been a much better book had it (A) focused on design, and provided a lot more details and photographs or (B) focused on role of wife/mother and shared more about the challenges. Trying to mash up the two just left me frustrated that I'd tried swimming in a pool that was only 18 inches deep

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested this book from the library along with a bunch of other home and garden coffee table books. I find those fun to page through on a Saturday morning...especially in the winter.

This, however, is not a coffee table book. In fact, I would have loved for it to have more photos of Jean Stoffer's work. This is the story of Jean Stoffer's work and how she slowly built a design business while primarily prioritzing her role as a mother.

I've seen a few reviews speaking negatively about how the book is too "God heavy." I actually think religion and faith is handled very well. Jean didn't come off as preachy, and I didn't get the sense that she's one of those "everyone else if going to hell" Christians. She talked openly and unashamedly about the role that faith has played in her own life and that of her family because that's part of who she is.

I found this to be an easy and enjoyable read. Normally I don't read the text in design books, but this story had such a likable and approachable tone that I spent an entire afternoon reading it in one sitting.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Establishing Home, Creating Space for a Beautiful Life with Family, Faith, and Friends is an unexpected surprise but for this reader a great gift. I selected this book hoping to get more insight into Jean Stoffer’s design process, tips, and guidance from her years of experience. To my surprise it was an exploration her life, a very strong testimony of her faith, a wonderful honest chat one mom to another from her experience. I felt so comforted by her sage advice having raised 4 successful adults, being honest that it wasn’t always perfect but they faced those challenges with a lot of prayer and at times learning to let go.

But from the design side it was fascinating to see the phases of her career and how God opened and closed opportunities for her. Especially as she tried to run her business and balance family life. I really did wish for more design details and more photos (fresh ones not seen on the show). However I’m not disappointed with this book and could not put it down, loved reading it and hope her next one is more design oriented.

[Lauren Hountras · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I’m a tiny bit biased/extra interested, because I also live in the Grand Rapids area and went to college near Chicago, so I’m familiar with much of where the Stoffer family story takes place.

But I was surprised and delighted to feel mentored throughout the reading of this book. I’ve admired and noticed the interactions between the Stoffer family while watching their show, The Established Home, and have had the privilege to interact with Jean and Grace in real life… and this family is the real deal.

What I appreciated most in this book was what I learned about faith, business, and parenting. The design elements were great, but the overall story of Jean’s life, maturing, and family/business growth was told in such compelling words that this book was hard to put down and easy to keep reading. I absolutely loved it. Thank you, Jean, for sharing your heart and life lessons with the world.
This book was a true gift to read.

[Louise Foerster · Rating 5 out of 5]

With ESTABLISHING HOME, Jean Stoffer shares her life story and how she arrived where she is today -- an eminent and highly respected designer with the accomplishments, connections, and proof in photographs. From the quiet walk on the beach that turned her life inside out until the current day, her upbeat and enjoyable prose entertain, inspire, and motivate. The pictures are beautiful -- the entire book is a gorgeous keeper of a book. What you see and what you read is what you get -- and what you get is a genuine pleasure that cuts through the clutter and noise of this fashion and that one to get to the heart of what you want in your life and your home. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jean Stoffer is a new name to me, and I'm intrigued enough after reading _Establishing Home_ to now look her up on social media.

Memoir-meets-design books can be challenging to hit just the right balance between interest and too much informatoin. I felt like this sometimes erred on the TMI side--maybe because I hadn't been familiar with Stoffer before this, I had a hard time getting into, nor a prior vested interest in, her story. I'm still a little stuck on the "why."

BUT, I did enjoy the pictures (oh, how fashions and trends of all kinds vary over the years!) and the good-living, -business, and -design tips and tricks.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Kim Casane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently discovered The Established Home on Max.
Once I started following Stoffer Home, I discovered Jean had written this book.
First, I must say that I fell in love with her and her family. Her calm, authentic self and voice hooked me.
I share her mature spirit, love of English design, love of God and family.
This book chronicles her metamorphosis as a designer, mother, child of God and business woman.
She has a positive attitude and ability to put her priorities in order. Jean is the real deal.
This book encouraged me to take a look at my home with fresh eyes and give it a face lift to reflect how my tastes have changed and matured. How exciting!
I only wish I could be adopted by her family!

[Ginger Hudock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not familiar with Jean Stoffer, but like reading both memoirs and design books, so was interested to read this. It is a fantastic account of the start and growth of her business designing kitchens and other spaces and ending with her TV show on the Magnolia Network. This was an interesting story and the author credits her Christian faith with much of her success. Each chapter ends with a suggested application for the reader. I would have appreciated more photos of her designs, but this is a recommended book for anyone who enjoys design or memoirs.
I received a complementary advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Lacy Sanvictores · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I found Jean’s story to be so inspiring. As a mom in my early-40s, I struggle balancing my role as a mother and working. I work from home and could relate to so many of the challenges she experienced making choices between time with her kids and business opportunities. I think it really encouraged me that picking time with my kids over work opportunities doesn’t mean I won’t have more or better opportunities in the future. I always assumed that she had a big design business before Magnolia Network selected her for the show, and it was interesting to see that her business was very small and she only really began hiring and growing it in recent years. Definitely worth the read.