Sage-Living-Book-Review-1Anne and I spent several years reading one another’s blogs and interacting purely online before we worked together on Rue magazine back in 2010/11. Long before we worked together, I had admired Anne’s ability to capture the reader so instantly and eloquently with her writing. In fact, her knack for the written word is really what makes her first book, Sage Living: Decorate for the Life You Want such a knockout title. Click through after the jump to see a peek inside the book and discover its unique concept.

Sage-Living-Book-Review-2It’s no surprise that Josef Harris and Liz Gardner’s Minneapolis home office space in a converted 19th Century factory building caught my eye. After all, the industrial feel of their space is akin to the main office space set design in Nancy Meyers’ latest movie, The Intern, which I have been working on for the past few months. In the Create with Contrast chapter, Anne explains how the design of Liz and Josef’s light and airy loft reflects the contrasting yet complimentary strengths the fuel the creative couple’s relationship. I was inspired to read about how the duo have kept the space as fluid and flexible as possible. Whether they need to use the floor area for a photoshoot or conference room, they have the ability to switch up their furniture edit to make it work, quickly. I’m familiar with having to get creative with my own small space living and working environment, so this sentiment and approach to decorating 100% rings true.Sage-Living-Book-Review-3In fact, the concept of Anne’s book ticks both emotional and practicality boxes throughout. Written from the perspective that our spaces shape the kind of lives we have, Anne shows us via 28 spaces how our homes can help us achieve a personal lifestyle goal. Authentic from cover to cover, this book in Anne’s own words is “for the interiors junkie, the reader, anyone in transition, the object enthusiast, and the personal growth devotee.” I urge you to grab a copy and take time to contemplate your own space as a result. Happy reading and congratulations, Anne!Sage-Living-Book-Review-4 // Photography by Emily Johnston; used with permission.

Author

Will Taylor

Will lives in NYC and is an interior design author and content creator. He's been blogging about his love of design, style and travel since 2009. His #MakeYouSmileStyle approach to decorating and dressing has inspired over one million Instagram uploads to the hashtag from followers across the world.

16 Comments

  1. I didn’t realise Anne had a book out. Thanks for letting me know!!

  2. Hello Will it’s always a pleasure when I get to read a new post of yours. Thank you for the introduction to Anne’s book. Best, Mary Jane

  3. Ooh I l be the idea of designing for the life you love. Currently updating my humble abode and will think about looking to this book for some ideas.

  4. Love the layering of the books and frames on the ground in the first photo! So inspirational, can’t wait to have my own place to start damaging my bank account for some decoration, haha! Ricardo

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Hey, I'm Will

Welcome to Bright.Bazaar, my make-you-smile style corner of the internet. I’ve been sharing my love of beautiful design, feel-good homes, everyday style, inspiring travel and, pretty much everything in between, since 2009. As well as working as a content creator, I write interior design books and edit a bi-weekly e-newsletter called Smile Mail. I live in New York City with my heartmate and can often be found listening to Madonna’s Confessions album and dreaming up my next home renovation project.