Live Beautiful

Creating a home that truly reflects who you are can feel overwhelming in a world full of trends, Pinterest boards, and Instagram-perfect interiors.

Live Beautiful steps into this space with a refreshing promise: beauty isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. Written by Athena Calderone, founder of the popular lifestyle platform EyeSwoon, this book has quickly become a favorite among design lovers, creatives, and anyone craving a more soulful approach to living spaces.

Rather than pushing rigid rules, Live Beautiful invites readers to slow down, observe, and curate homes that tell real stories. In this review, you’ll find a clear summary, key takeaways, pros and cons, and where to buy the book online—so you can decide if it deserves a spot on your coffee table (and in your life).

About the Book

Live Beautiful falls under the interior design, lifestyle, and creative inspiration genre. But it’s not just another design book filled with glossy photos—it’s a philosophy of living well.

At its core, the book explores how thoughtful design choices, craftsmanship, and personal storytelling can transform a house into a home. Athena Calderone blends stunning visuals with reflective essays, highlighting homes from around the world and the creative minds behind them.

Key themes include:

Intentional living over trend-chasing
The emotional power of spaces
Art, texture, and craftsmanship
Personal expression through design

This book is ideal for homeowners, renters, designers, creatives, and lifestyle enthusiasts who value meaning as much as aesthetics. First published by Abrams, it’s beautifully produced with high-quality photography, making it both a practical read and a visual keepsake.

About the Author

Athena Calderone is a renowned lifestyle expert, interior designer, and the founder of EyeSwoon, a globally recognized platform focused on interiors, fashion, food, and art.

She has collaborated with top designers, architects, and brands, earning a reputation for her refined yet deeply personal aesthetic. Athena is also the author of Cook Beautiful, another well-loved book that blends creativity with everyday living.

Her credibility comes not only from her professional success but from her authentic voice—she writes as someone who truly lives the values she shares.

Summary / Key Takeaways

Without giving away spoilers, here are the main ideas readers walk away with:

Design is personal: The most beautiful homes reflect the people who live in them.
Intention matters more than trends: Thoughtful choices outlast fleeting styles.
Craftsmanship adds soul: Handmade, aged, and imperfect elements bring warmth.
Spaces should evolve: A home grows and changes along with its owner.
Beauty is emotional: How a space makes you feel matters more than how it looks online.

What Readers Liked

Readers consistently praise Live Beautiful for several standout qualities:

Stunning photography that feels artistic rather than staged
Inspiring yet approachable writing that avoids rigid design rules
A strong focus on authenticity and individuality
Real-life interiors that feel lived-in and meaningful
A calming, reflective tone that encourages slow living

Many readers describe it as a book they return to—not just for ideas, but for inspiration and mindset shifts.

What Could Be Better

While highly regarded, a few readers note minor limitations:

It’s more inspirational than instructional, with fewer step-by-step design tips
Some homes featured may feel aspirational or high-budget
Readers seeking quick DIY solutions might want more practical guidance

These aren’t deal-breakers, but worth noting depending on your expectations.

Why You Should Read It

If you’re tired of copy-paste interiors and trend overload, Live Beautiful offers a much-needed reset. This book doesn’t tell you what to buy—it teaches you how to see.

You should read it if: