Cheap Chic by Emily Chalmers
Ready for a book review? I've been dying to share this one because I'm guessing anyone who pairs old with new and who has a thing for feminine bohemian style must have a crush on Emily Chalmers. Right? Emily is a London-based author, stylist and the shop owner of Caravan who has a brand new book set to release on February 28th that you simply must get your hands on. It is called Cheap Chic published by Ryland Peters & Small. Here are a few views of my personal copy from the publisher. Want to take a peek?
If you loved Flea Market Style then I highly suggest Cheap Chic. It is soft bound, so it's easy to toss in your work bag and flip through during your commute or in a cafe during lunch. It is also accessible in that it gives you tons of inexpensive advice on how to create a distinctively stylish home by explaining how to mix things that you already own with flea market treasures and chain store finds.
My dream kitchen shown above.
The first part of the book, The Elements, discusses pattern, color, fabrics, window coverings and furniture. There are also sections on storage, display, lighting, flooring, accessories and materials used indoors. Then you begin the next part, The Spaces, which features chapters on cooking, eating, relaxing, sleeping and bathing areas and home work spaces. A lot is covered but thankfully it doesn't feel overwhelming because there is a equal mix of imagery and words to keep it flowing from page to page without moments of zone out or the feeling of giving up and moving on to the next decorating book.
In fact, this is one of the few recent titles that I want to finish reading because the author seemed to "get" that most people who love decorating books do not want to read detailed explanations and long-winded personal opinions in every single paragraph. It's uncomplicated, straight forward, no-frills, and not a dose of smugness. Emily shows that money does not buy style and that budget interiors are nothing to be ashamed of - in fact, it is a badge of honor when you use intuitive and style to create a budget-conscious home that is also style-conscious.
Cheap Chic was photographed by one of my favorite interiors photographers, Debi Treloar, so each of the 200 photos are light-filled and composed expertly. It's important to note that I've not already seen the homes featured in other books or magazines already. My biggest complaint with decorating books is that some tend to recycle what has already been published, almost relying solely on stock photos, so the result is too often a book that you open and instantly feel like you'd seen it already -- and it feels about as fresh as last week's headlines. Cheap Chic, at least in my opinion, seems to have paid attention to ensuring photography and homes were fresh and interesting.
So that's my little review of my new favorite book. But I'm not finished yet as there is a terrific quote I must share. When the author opened with words from Andree Putman I knew I was a fish in her net, "[To have] style is to see beauty in modest things". Amen.
Disclaimer: I'm an Amazon affiliate and earn 4% on the sale of this book if purchased through this link.
(images: holly becker for decor8)