More Beautiful: All-American Decoration

Description

The author of Beautiful is back with a new book of his interiors, filled with blue-and-white vignettes, wicker, saturated color, and pretty patterns. Interior designer Mark D. Sikes burst onto the publishing scene with his New York Times best-selling first book, Beautiful . His new book, aptly titled More Beautiful , picks up where the first left off, in a celebration of classic, all-American decorating. The rooms featured in More Beautiful are divided into five distinct styles, all of which exude the happiness that comes with surrounding oneself with things you love. "Traditional" is chockablock with vibrant color, antique furniture, and heady doses of trim and pattern. "Country" is a new take on the style, where distressed finishes and modern silhouettes mingle for a warm welcome. "Coastal" is streamlined, with natural woven fibers, sun-faded linen and neutrals, and blues and whites galore. "Mediterranean" evokes faraway lands, with a saturated palette, ornate tiles and ikats, and iron details. Finally, there's "Beautiful": a peek inside Mark's own Hollywood Hills home, which nods to all of his favorite design signatures--including Italian wicker, blue and white, Anglo-Indian antiques, and more. With all-new photography by Amy Neunsinger, the book will inspire with rooms that are light-filled and crisply patterned, chic yet comfortable, and just the way people want to live today. Review: Stunning! - What an awesome treat. Received James Farmer's new book on August 20, followed up by this on September 1. Both such fantastic examples of beautiful, traditional, and very layered design. More Beautiful is even better than Sikes first book, Beautiful, although it follows the same familiar layout. More Beautiful has 6 chapters. Although only specifically mentioned in one chapter, I think each chapter with exception of the last features two different homes. Beautiful was organized by color combinations, and More Beautiful focuses on specific decorating styles. The chapters are: Introduction: features blue and white in the first portion, and neutrals in the second half. Traditional (bright colors and southern charm): more blue and white to be sure, but also yellows, green, and a touch of coral. Coastal: blue & white (of course), and neutrals. Country:: more rustic than the previous chapters, with blue, white, green, black, warm browns, green, and just a hint of lilac. Mediterranean: more bright colors than the previous chapters, adding red, terracotta, and coral into the mix. Beautiful: The designers own home! There are two pages of text in each chapter and a mix of full-page photos and collages. There is a mix of small-print captions describing the specific photos, and larger cursive-style captions that are more like a decorating tip. There are also quotes from famous people mixed throughout. I found something to relate to in every chapter and I love all the detailed layers. So much inspiration! There is a lot of blue and white, but still enough of other colors as well. Review: Beauty is Everywhere - The introduction says it all. Beauty is everywhere in this book. No detail was left undone. I especially liked the blue and white vignettes on the inside cover. More Beautiful welcomes you with an image of an open arched door with a view of a beautiful staircase featuring blue and white tiled risers. As you turn the pages, amazing interiors are showcased with my favorite being on pages 12 & 13. Every aspect of this room is amazing - the trio of pillows with a triangular embroidered design mirroring the border on the draperies, the gorgeous geometric rug, the complimentary fabrics on the wicker chairs, the floral blue and white tablecloth, and the built-in cabinet next to the fireplace with blue and white ginger jars and vases. It is extraordinary. Of course, the beauty doesn't end there. It is just the beginning of an inspirational design book which I will reference often and share with friends. There is something to be said about surrounding yourself with beauty everyday to bring you peace and joy. Thanks for sharing your creativity Mark and I look forward to your next book.