I really like Creating the Peaceful Home by Ann Rooney Heauer.

Here is a link that might be useful: book

The only book I have from your list is the Undecorate book. Usually, I just look at the pictures and read the captions of photos in decorating books, but I actually read this one! I really liked it. The book "visits" several different homes and shows pictures and explains in the text what decisions they made and why. But I'm not sure if I'd call it a "how to" book. I wonder if you might like Sarah Susanka's books? Many are about architecture and building or renovating, but "Inside The Not So Big House" is maybe the closest to a how-to deco book.

Frankly, I have a lot of deco books but these days I find the Internet to be at least as useful as the books. Probably more so, because I'm more likely to just google what I'm searching for than to go looking for the right book. Lazy...

BTW, you might like the Design Skool blog. Check it out. I don't really know the blogger, but she is married to one of DH's coworkers and I met her at the office holiday party last year.

I've seen the Undecorate Book at my library. Very nice. I asked my library to order both of Robyn Griggs Lawrence's Wabi Sabi books. I think you would enjoy anything written about that. Here are some thoughs from Japanese architect Tadao Ando, about the essence of Wabi Sabi:

"Wabi-sabi is not a decorating "style" but rather a mind-set. There's no list of rules; we can't hang crystals or move our beds and wait for peace to befall us. Creating a wabi-sabi home is the direct result of developing our wabigokoro, or wabi mind and heart: living modestly, learning to be satisfied with life as it can be once we strip away the unnecessary, living in the moment. You see? Simple as that.

This is tough in any culture, of course, but darned near impossible in our own. In America we're plied daily with sales pitches that will help us improve ourselves, our circumstances, our homes. We can have the whitest teeth, the cleanest carpets, and the biggest SUV money can buy. All of this flies in the face of wabigokoro, as described in Rikyu's sacred tea text, Nanporoku. "A luxurious house and the taste of delicacies are only pleasures of the mundane world," he wrote. "It is enough if the house does not leak and the food keeps hunger away. This is the teaching of the Buddha-the true meaning of chado."

This is un-American. Or is it? I believe there exists in all of us a longing for something deeper than the whitest teeth, sparkling floors, and eight cylinders. What if we could learn to be content with our lives, exactly as they are today? It's a lofty thought...but one that's certainly worth entertaining."

Sue: I have looked at the Susanka books at my library and enjoyed them but that was some years ago.Thank you for the blog suggestion Sue..i will check it out too. And revisit the books.

cozy that book looks very nice. I will look for it and see if my libraries have it. Thank you !

stinky..exactly which is why deep down I doubt I will end up doing much other than editing out some things. I am very content with my life and my house colors etc and as the years go by I get better at it. I am loath to be wasteful , getting rid of things that are still perfect. Also really...I don't care enough about "stuff" to make any changes other than superficial. The inner part of me gets a major part of my time and family gets the rest.

I may get a couple of the books just because I find the spare spaces so restful to look at. And I may try some of the ideas in one of them in my garden as I am still seeking a more Zen space there. Thank you all for your suggestions !

trail, I just borrowed the "Undecorate" book from my local library this afternoon! I haven't gone through the whole thing yet, but it seems quite good.

I almost borrowed the Wabi-sabi book, but put it back at the last minute. Perhaps I should re-think that.

See if you can find "Hand Made Home: Living with Art and Craft." The images and stories definitely have that natural, organic feel to them. I think you'd like it.

Here are two quotes from reviews about the book: "Mark and Sally Bailey are masters of "Undecorating" - what they call their 'find something old, strip it down, give it a new life" decorating style.'

"The Baileys understand better than anyone that anything made with care, skill and respect enriches the maker and the user equally. They love and celebrate all that is quirky, personal and recycled. "

Trail, you are the epitome of the wabi sabi approach to things. I so admire your loving, receptive stance toward life. (I am waiting for *your* book!)

Your house is nothing short of gorgeous, so I can understand you not feeling a need to do a "makeover!" Sounds like you are wanting to just "refresh" a bit.

I enjoyed reading your book list & see some titles I want to peruse.

Btw, in spite of Ando's remark about "taste of delicacies," I think that food & cooking can be a portal into the present moment, as not only the tastes, but the smells, tactile elements, & even sounds of cooking, can engage us with the now, with what is real & true.

You & your son impress as being very in touch with the beauty & blessing of food. Your gratitude & appreciation shines forth, & even in the midst of plenty, I believe you both can still savor a simple snack of bread & jam!

Sochi, I think you would like the wabi sabi books. You seem to enjoy reading about & exploring a variety of approaches to living.

sochi: yes the "handmade" book is on my list and sounded like something that I would enjoy , just to look at , for sure. Much of my home is decorated with handmade , it appeals to me especially when I have met the artisan.

Stinky, you are very generous in your comments and as usual quite insightful. We do appreciate something as simple as bread and jam...homemade of course. There is something very sensual and moving in taking part in any form of meal making and dining with those you love and care about. Also the simple act of preparing food can be mindful in the extreme. My wild yeast baking requires a particular sensitivity to the fragrance of the yeast as it grows and then the tactile sense of stretch and fold to prepare the dough for a long cold ferment...then the ultimate in creation the final shaping and baking ...a feast for all the senses. Never was there more truth to behold..as you say.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I will share what I find and if I make changes will come back with some ideas and photos . c

Sorry, trailrunner, I missed it on your list. I've had it for over a year now and go back to it repeatedly. It is really lovely. Please do let us know if you find some new gems.

Stinky - I will check out the Wabi-sabi book next time I'm in the library, thank you.