Book Review: Simple Style by Julia Bird

I think you should sit down for this. Honestly, these images from 'Simple Style: Relaxed Interiors for the Contempory Home' by Julia Bird are so stunning--I don't want anyone to faint from the breathtaking beauty of it all.

These shots are a perfect example of a style that I have dubbed 'Glamorganic'--that blend of feminine vintage and weathered modern pieces so characteristic of many British interiors. Not surprising really, as author Julia Bird was an editor at Homes and Gardens magazine and has worked as a stylist for such venerable English institutions as Laura Ashley and Marks and Spencer.

The images in this book are like a warm hug from your mom. I really want to burrow down into them, bask in the dreamy lighting and layered textures. They're full of all our favourite details: bleached plank floors, clean, spare furniture arrangements, gentle pops of color against neutral foundations.

Would you believe me if I told you this wrought iron bed is nearly identical to the one in my parents' bedroom? When I was little we lived in Georgia, and I remember my mom dragging me through the countryside to every hole-in-the-wall antique store in search of pieces like this. As a kid I hated it, but what I wouldn't give to be able to do that with her now!

I had to include these two shots for my girls out there who love a punch of red. Whether your scene is stripes, florals, or all of the above, there's no denying the power of this color!

And speaking of power, can we talk about this leopard print sofa? I dream of having a little study just like this one--the walls lined with books, the sun streaming through tall windows, and a decadent couch for lounging and eating bonbons. Purr...

This table setting practically begs for a generous spread of waffles, cinnamon buns, and freshly squeezed O.J. The soft citrus color palette, from the striped curtains in the background to the dahlias in the pitcher, makes this such a cheerful and invigorating breakfast nook!

I've explored the merits of chalkboards as decor before, but this one takes it to a whole other level! I love the oversized scale of it, especially in contrast to those teeny weeny chairs. And the rustic wood frame is the icing on the cake.

My inner clean freak (the one who laments my pigsty of a house but can't quite summon the energy to do anything about it) is having heart palpitations at the sight of this tidy column of linens. Of course maybe if I had such a charming collection of vintage sheets and bedspreads, I'd keep them this neatly folded too!

I haven't even scratched the surface of all the shockingly gorgeous images from this book. So get thee to Amazon post haste and snap up a copy of 'Simple Style: Relaxed Interiors for the Contempory Home' by Julia Bird. And when you flip through it for the first time, keep a paper bag handy in case you start to hyperventilate.

All images courtesy of 'Simple Style: Relaxed Interiors for the Contempory Home' by Julia Bird.

Comments

[Trina]

Ooh this looks like pure gorgeousness. My kind of style. I love the big chalkboard and little chairs too...magical.
Thanks for the tip on the paint. I don't have Farrow and Ball around here :( I was going to try a Restoration Hardware color which I thought might give off that same kind of look. Although I have to say I think I like the F&B one better from what I can tell.
xx Trina

[callie grayson]

swooning!
The first image is perfect! I would love to curl up and read on that bed. the 3rd image is how I want my living room to look!! *sigh*
am really loving her styling

[{this is glamorous}]

What a stunning, stunning book! If these are just a small sample of what's inside, shall have to pick it up immediately.

[vee]

ack, totally love that chalkboard!!!!!!!!

[travesti]

thnk you for sharing

[Nikk]

I love her style and own the book. One day it will inspire me in my home!

[erin]

her book floral house is also amazing. love this designer so so much