I know this is a little later than expected, but I wanted to share with you all a bit about the Design*Sponge & Terrain event that I attended last Friday evening. The event marked the release of the Design*Sponge at Home book, which I'm sure many of you already own!
I was a total dunce and forgot my camera. Alas, there are no pictures of the event.
However, I did manage to get my copy of the book signed by Grace:
Like the blog itself, Design*Sponge at Home features some of the most popular, eye-catching house tours (called "Sneak Peaks" in D*S lingo), including the former digs of Lonny EiC Michelle Adams (Lonny fans know she's since moved to another space, complete with a video house tour!)
and Amy Merrick's Brooklyn abode, which seems to be a perfect extension of herself.
Most, if not all, of the house tours included in the book should look familiar. If the tours aren't, you at least recognize the characters, including D*S team members Amy Azzarito and Grace Bonney herself. I enjoyed revisiting much of the content I was familiar with, but I think I prefer visiting the D*S site daily for new features, especially new "Sneak Peaks".
The next section of the book should also look familiar to regular D*S readers: "DIY Projects". I really enjoyed flipping through and celebrating the creativity of others, even if I won't be tackling many of these DIYs on my own. Two of my favorite DIYs featured: applique pillows and Grace's oft-copied upholstered Otomi headboard.
One of the most refreshing elements of this book was the section dedicated to never-before-seen floral arrangements. This section, surprisingly, was my favorite of the whole book. Nothing here was a rehash of the blog's content, and each arrangement felt like a natural extension of the homes that came pages earlier.
Now I just wish I could get my hands on some of these unique flowers!
The final section of the book focuses on my favorite weekly feature from the blog, "Before and After," which appears every Thursday. Many of these are new, and that was very exciting to see.
All in all, I think Design*Sponge at Home is a quality read with lots of ideas and inspiration (390 in all!); however, I think it will never replace the medium that was its basis: the blog. The book does a good job at encapsulating the D*S world, but will never replace the original and always inspiring Design*Sponge.
For those that already purchased the book, what did you think?
I haven't gotten it yet, but I was intrigued to read that there was a section on upholstery projects. Did you see that? How did the explanations look? That's something I'd love to be able to tackle (on a small scale) soon.
ReplyDeleteI got the book too (sans autograph) and I love the house tour section. Of course, you always want to see more pics that is why the blog is good. I thought the DIY section was interesting - it got my creative juices flowing.
ReplyDeleteIt's been added to my wish list for some time now. So cool that you got your copy autographed.
ReplyDeleteOh, I will add it to my Christmas list!! Great review! Take care, Caroline
ReplyDeleteI'm def going to add it to my wish list. Looks really good.
ReplyDeleteJulie-I actually thought the tutorial on upholstery left me wanting. I've heard this book is really good: http://www.amazon.com/Upholstery-Basics-Singer-Reference-Library/dp/B001NXDRN0/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316781847&sr=1-7
ReplyDeleteas is D*S's own series on upholstery basics: http://www.designsponge.com/category/upholstery-basics
Can't wait to see what you're planning on upholstering!
So you went to the event? A couple of my friends did. I, however, totally missed it. Maybe I'll go to the December one.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about this book! It is now on my Birthday list! Thanks Ashley!
ReplyDeleteThis book is on my wish list. It is nice getting your take on it. Blogs are hard to replace aren't they?
ReplyDeleteI just got the book about a week ago and have not even had time to open!
ReplyDelete