Right at Home: How Good Design Is Good for the Mind: An Interior Design Book

by Bobby Berk

The design expert and Emmy-nominated TV host of Netflix’s Queer Eye shows you how to set up your space so that it takes care of you. Learn how to follow your happiness to find your style, optimize the function of every room, organize your space, and so much more.

The way your home makes you feel matters . After all, it’s your ultimate safe space and needs to be able to host your most intimate conversations and memorable celebrations. So setting it up for comfort, style, and authenticity is essential to your self-care. In Right at Home , Bobby shows you how designing your space, no matter what size home you have, has an impact that’s immediate, visceral, and undeniable. Learn how

• Articulate what makes you happy so you can land on a design that reflects your truest style
• Prioritize function and comfort so your space works for you (and not the other way around)
• Know what to let go of and what to repurpose so that every room stays organized
• Engage all your senses with texture, contrast, scent, and sound so you can stay in the present
• Understand the emotional impact of color and confidently pick patterns, palettes, and color pops
• Maximize lighting (both natural and artificial) to support a positive mental state
• Boost your mood by bringing plants and nature into your design
 
Right at Home demonstrates that good design can aid mental wellness and helps us achieve a new sense of happiness within the home. With gorgeous photographs of beautifully styled rooms and Bobby’s tried-and-true tips, this is the definitive guide to designing a modern home.

Genres: Nonfiction, Interior Design, Design, Psychology, Unfinished, Coffee Table Books, Reference

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2023

About the author

Bobby James Berk is an American interior designer and reality television personality. He currently stars in the Netflix series Queer Eye as the interior design expert.

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice!
This year I made a goal to look at home decorating books and, to be honest, most of them I don't include on my GoodReads list because I flip through them and just do not connect. Sure, they all have nice photos of beautiful homes...but...they leave me wanting.

So this book was a nice surprise. Berk keeps it playful, nonjudgmental, practical. He gives bulleted lists, diagrams, simple explanations, and wonderful photos throughout. Even at the beginning he says it is okay to jump to the sections of the book that you need/want - no shame in skimming! His quote, "The way your home makes you feel matters" is backed up by advice on arranging and decorating in ways that make you feel happy and safe. He also includes info about colors and plants.

Well done!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for years for a Bobby Berk home decorating book. It did not disappoint! I loved how it included a section on organization and houseplants and focused on improving mental health through design. Very inspirational!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun to flip through with the pictures, bolded emphasis key phrases, and spot on inspiration/design tips with Bobby’s voice shining throughout. Design spaces that bring YOU joy? Done! :)

[E G Melby · Rating 1 out of 5]

He was doing well and then a photo and suggestion for storing spices out in the open ? In clear jars!?!? By the oven!?!? Dead to me Bobby #kitchendesignfail

[Georgie Wescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE Bobby, obviously I had to read his design book! It’s stunning and I really love how he incorporated mental wellness into design! It’s not just a “do this or don’t do that” design book. He really makes you think about yourself and helps build design around that. And MANY THANKS for the how to take care of plants section because currently it feels like I run a house plant hospice!

[Izabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who’s always liked interior design, specifically in creating a functional and relaxing environment, this book felt like a need to have.

Many of the things throughout the book were not new to me, but I still enjoyed it quite a lot. In particular the structure and explanation of things, as I’ve previously gone mostly on intuition and feelings.

The one thing I missed was more concrete recommendations and steps as it was mostly quite general information and recommendations.

To sum it all up, I really enjoyed reading through the book, and looking at the different examples and pictures. But I also look forward to having this in my bookshelf to reference back to when I’m planning and looking for inspiration for my new projects.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t pick this book up because I felt like it applied to my life in any way right now. I picked it up entirely because I love QE and think Bobby is an incredibly talented and wonderful human being.
But I still managed to learn some things that felt applicable to my life.

He mentioned something about how grief can affect our homes more than we realize. Grief can lead to clutter building up really easily and that’s happening in my life and I didn’t make the connection.
He talked about just tackling any project of any size.
And I actually set the book down and cleaned a spot in the kitchen where a lot of clutter had built up and then tidied up the living room a bit too. And it actually did feel good. They were just little projects but I felt proud of myself for tackling them and I’m enjoying the fact that the house looks a bit nicer now.

So, don’t feel like this book isn’t for you just because you’re not redecorating. I feel like it offers valuable information to everyone and the book is out together in a nice format too. Lots of nice photographs.

[Wendelle]

This is probably the best interior design book I have the pleasure to browse, rather than the typical glossy showroom sets that populate other interior design books that serves best as Pinterest-inspiration tear strips, Bobby Berk's great book zeroes in on pragmatic and specific principles that undergird a harmonious home design, focusing particularly on spaces that support mental well-being, such as the incorporation of plants, good lighting, decluttering, sensory-rich and stimulating environment, purposeful use of color, a focus on the function of furniture, and inclusion of design elements that trigger a feeling of coziness, comfort, and feeling of home.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of us that struggle with house design, Bobby Berk is here to save the day. He encourages the reader to jump around the book and read whatever speaks to them. I highly recommend giving this book a read, I found it very helpful!

[Lillian Harkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it’s super cool how he relates mental health to how you design your home. Very helpful while we try to decorate our house!!:)

[Beki Eikum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did not read every word but overall really liked this design book

[Melisa Blok · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine. Not as much practical advice as I was hoping for, and what is with decorating with all these wooden chains? Whose personality is wooden chains?!

[Sonali Dabade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right at Home is Bobby’s first book and in here, he talks about home design in the most Bobby, fun way ever. He has simple yet sophisticated tips and tricks, told in his typical witty manner, and every turn of the page will make you gasp at how chic everything looks.

He talks about colors, textures, contrasts, and the effect all of this has on your mental health and how, as he has stressed multiple times in this book, disorganization is both a symptom and a cause of mental unwellness.
It makes me question my own life, but that’s the whole point.
To question, to make changes to your life, to your surroundings so that your life is easier.

He doesn’t force you to start deep cleaning immediately. He just very lovingly, with his characteristic banter, tells you that you can start off small. And that lifted me up so much, I can’t even begin to tell you.

The biggest thing I love about this book is the humor. There are quite a few things that I cannot apply to my life but when humor accompanies them, I lost it. Towards the end, he said, “Plants are snowflakes,” and the way I snorted with laughter, reread it, and roared with laughter remains unparalleled.

This is one book that I will get a physical copy of for myself. Actually, every one of the books written by the Queer Eye cast will find a way onto my bookshelves. Right at Home might just be among the first.

If you’re looking for home design inspiration, then this is a book you should pick up.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book comforting and goodhearted, and I love the focus on how home design can affect your mental health. I also like Bobby's suggestion that your home can be like an assistant or a sous chef for you, facilitating the activities you care about. Cool idea!

Another thing that seems obvious in retrospect but that really hit home for me is that people often hang onto objects they don't use because they don't want to let go of the idea that they might one day be the kind of person who WOULD [finish that project/fit into those jeans/read that book]. I am certainly familiar with this phenomenon, but hadn't thought of it in terms of having to reconcile the person you are with the person you believed you might be when you got that object.

The only thing I have to strongly disagree with here: bookshelves are NOT "overrated," Bobby. Stacking books may look pretty, but if you're stacking more than a couple of volumes - especially big coffee table books, as we see in at least one photo here - you're making it a lot harder to get at the books on the bottom. If you're looking to store more than half a dozen books, bookshelves are the way to go.

[Connie]

After finishing Season 8 of Queer Eye, I went digging on the internet a little bit. Given that I love Bobby's segments and that my home is a mess, I thought I'd pick up Bobby's book to see if I could learn anything. Right at Home doesn't really cover any additional content that's not covered in the eight seasons of Queer Eye and I didn't feel like I learned anything specific from it. I think it would be a great reference book or confidence boost for someone who had literally no idea what they were doing with their space. Personally, I got stuck on the organization chapter as I can think of several places in my house in desperate need of organization, but I haven't had the time to actually fix any of my problems. Implementing anything in the rest of book required more energy, effort, and time than I had available at the moment.

[Sarah Gilhula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the premise of this book - my #1 goal with my home environment is to make it a relaxing, warm sanctuary to come home to, but I've always struggled with how to achieve that. I've considered the role of color, but Bobby brings in several other important factors I hadn't thought of. This is a great introductory design book for people like myself, who are novices at designing home interiors and often don't even know where to start. I'm not sure if those more experienced would get a lot out of it, but it's definitely given me new ways to think about my living spaces. I'm often overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices, and when I move in several months I can see this book being very helpful in figuring out what exactly I like and how to build a design around that.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has watched the last eight seasons of Queer Eye knows how skilled Bobby Berk is at creating dwellings that are beautiful, functional, and tailored to their inhabitants. While most of us may never be able to hire Bobby for a design consultation, this book is the next best thing. In seven well-organized chapters, he lays out the fundamentals of happy, healthy home. This information is presented in a relaxed and accessible manner, alongside attractive photographs of his work. Readers will find plenty of useful tips that they can implement quickly with items they already own, a refreshing change from most interior design books. For those who are in the market for something new, Bobby has also provided a list of sources for everything from lighting to furniture.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never seen "Queer Eye," so the author's name meant nothing to me, but I can't resist a good home decor book. And, this one is pretty good: more of a workbook than just pictures of rooms you want to live in. Berk provides insightful questions to consider before tackling a decorating project, and ideas that should help you discover what you're truly looking for when creating a room that's uniquely you. There's nothing particularly innovative or mind-blowing here, but it's a nice book for browsing and dreaming.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of the best design books I've ever read for us beginners and those without a talent for design. No "what is your design style," or pictures of perfect, giant rooms that all look the same. These are real homes that feel lived in with real advice on how to make things that make you happy work in your home in harmony and with intention.

I never understood before how to set up a "Mood Board," but with the easy questions and forms in the book, I was able to create one for myself in Pinterest. It helped me gain a sense of what I want to do in my own bedroom (my current project), and how I want things to feel when I'm there.

[Hayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first actually helpful home design/decluttering book I’ve ever read! Bobby’s tips are great and I’m so glad I read this while moving in to our new place.
I especially found the part about living in the present personally helpful when deciding what to keep and what to highlight as I go through things.
And while the photo examples are not to my personal taste, they’re absolutely perfect for illustrating the concepts Bobby talks about. He even has a section where he helps the reader discover their design taste (aka what makes them happy) for the reader who doesn’t fit into an aesthetic box.

If you buy one home design book, make it this one. You won’t regret it.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this at a friend's house and borrowed it right away as it looked very engaging. And it's a very nice design book! Felt motivational and not overwhelming (very focused on a you-do-you thing, and doing things slow and piece-by-piece). Good photos of some styles that would fit me too.

I did find it a bit weird how the sections on focusing on figuring out what YOU like didn't take into account that more than one person usually lives in a house (I did some activities with my partner and found us at odds on some of the likes - ha!).

But overall, nice design book and I'd recommend it for a look!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book at Christmastime (2023) and it is such a fun book to peruse that I never returned it, until the library threatened to charge me for it! (I finally returned it in June 2024.)

Besides the fun ideas for home decorating (look in your own closet to discover what textures and colors you might employ--oh! stripes and knits!), it's also a strong dose of how design influences mental health, and that the whole point of a happy environment is to support a healthy mental attitude. I'd never thought of that before, and was warmed to see it on nearly every page.

[Cathleen Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved Queer Eye when I watched it a few years ago. I'm wanting to do a more design focused interior and thought this would be a good resource. Bobby's TV persona works for me but the book...It's not my vibe. Some interesting info but funny things were off. In colours, purple was described as a cool colour but that page had a warm purple (soooo yellow). He also said that research shows green helps Parkinson's patients recover. Please cite sources. I didn't know that this was a curable disease. Pardon the sarcasm. Yes colours impact mood but dial that back, dude.

[Maurynne Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving the stars for the design advice. My wife asked me why I wanted to read the book when I dislike Bobby's style.
It's because I agree with his design philosophy, which is about how your home needs to work for YOU, above any "rules of style".
So whereas mostly I've come to agree that a picture is worth a thousand words, in this case you can rely on the words and NOT come out with rooms that all look the same because of the style that appeals to the designer.

[Sean Vaughn McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was just lovely and my favorite by far of those written by the Queer Eye Cast. Bobby’s voice and design taste are evident throughout this book and while I admire ALL of it, it doesn’t fit my style at all—but that’s okay. The style guides direct the reader to what he or she will need to decorate their own space. My husband and I hope to need a nursery in the not-so-distant future and I will be turning to this book again then for inspiration. Beautiful coffee table book!

[Anna Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so pretty, when I wasn't reading it, I just left it in our living room, open to the page I left off on. I'm a fan of Bobby (who isn't?!), and I enjoyed his take on this side of mental health. As someone who's very familiar with organization and design books, I was pleasantly surprised to find some tips and inspiration here that will impact my home -and health- in a really positive way. The book itself is designed akin to a well-designed space. It is airy, motivating, and inspiring.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great design book. I borrowed this from the library, but I definitely will be buying one so I can use it as a reference again.

He gives great tips for all areas of the home. He helps you discover what your personal style could potentially be. It’s interactive with quizzes and questions.

I think this is a great design book for beginners as well as people who have already designed their house. There are still great tips.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this! I love Bobby on QE. It’s a nice book full of pretty pictures. It’s definitely high quality paper and binding, which is great. I liked Bobby’s unique focus on mental health and wellness- that makes this book different from other design books. However, personally, I would have enjoyed a few more details on design and decor.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to Bobby Berk interviewed on a podcast, and he intrigued me so much I decided to read his new book. His whole take on how our home can influence our mental health was so right on! I loved all his simple design tips and tricks. He already has me organizing like crazy, and gave me lots of great ideas to update my space.

[Nissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't be more excited to get a look inside the process that creates those jaw dropping home makeovers on queer eye - and reading this book feels like Bobby is your best designer friend telling you how to make it happen on your own. It has absolutely given me inspiration, and this is one I will keep in my physical library so I can keep referencing it in the future.