Creating a home that feels personal, welcoming, and effortlessly stylish can be surprisingly hard. Pinterest-perfect rooms often look great on screen but fall flat in real life. That’s exactly the problem Habitat: The Field Guide To Decorating aims to solve. Written by interior design expert Lauren Liess, this book has become a favorite among homeowners, renters, and design enthusiasts who want beautiful spaces without rigid rules.
Rather than pushing trends or expensive makeovers, the book focuses on creating a home that reflects who you are and how you live. Its practical, thoughtful approach has earned praise from both professionals and everyday readers. If you’re curious whether this decorating guide is worth your time and money, keep reading for a clear summary, honest review, and buying details.
Table of Contents
About the Book
Habitat: The Field Guide To Decorating falls under the home décor and interior design genre, but it reads more like a friendly mentor than a technical manual. First published in 2015, the book encourages readers to move away from rigid decorating formulas and instead design spaces that evolve naturally over time.
The core theme is simple: your home should support your life, not impress strangers. Lauren Liess introduces the concept of “habitat”—a living, breathing space shaped by people, memories, and function. The book is aimed at:
- Homeowners and renters
- DIY decorators
- Interior design beginners
- Anyone tired of trend-driven décor
With real-life examples and timeless advice, it’s a guide that stays relevant long after trends change.
About the Author
Lauren Liess is a well-known interior designer, author, and television personality. She gained widespread recognition through HGTV’s Best House on the Block and her design firm, Lauren Liess Interiors.
In addition to Habitat, she has authored other popular books such as Down to Earth and Feels Like Home, all centered on intentional, soulful design.
Summary / Key Takeaways
Here are the main ideas readers take away from Habitat: The Field Guide To Decorating, without giving anything away:
- Your home should evolve naturally, not be “finished” overnight
- Function and comfort matter more than trends
- Mixing old, new, and personal items creates authentic spaces
- Decorating is about storytelling, not perfection
- Rules can be bent—or ignored—when they don’t serve you
The book emphasizes intuition and confidence, helping readers trust their own design instincts.
What Readers Liked
Many readers praise this book for its refreshing honesty and usability. Some of the most appreciated elements include:
- Timeless decorating advice that doesn’t go out of style
- A calm, reassuring tone that removes decorating anxiety
- Real-life examples instead of showroom-perfect rooms
- Encouragement to use what you already own
- Beautiful photography that feels lived-in and relatable
Unlike many décor books, this one feels achievable, not intimidating.
What Could Be Better
While the book is widely loved, a few readers noted minor drawbacks:
- It’s more philosophy-driven than step-by-step
- Advanced designers may find some concepts familiar
- Less focus on budget breakdowns or DIY tutorials
That said, these points don’t take away from its overall value, especially for those seeking guidance rather than rigid instructions.
Why You Should Read It
If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to make your home look “right,” this book is for you. Habitat teaches you to stop chasing trends and start designing with intention. Its biggest strength is helping readers feel confident in their choices.
This book is especially useful if you:
- Want a home that feels warm and personal
- Are overwhelmed by décor rules and trends
- Prefer timeless style over fast design fads
- Enjoy thoughtful, reflective reads
Buy This Book
Ready to transform how you think about decorating?
About the Author
