Botanical Style - Book Review
I spotted this book on a recent foray in to Note To Self in Epping, and knew instantly that this was a piece of gorgeousness that would have me swooning at every page. Firstly the gorgeous green on the cover is the colour of my bedroom walls. The pictured botanical prints and gleaming glassware could have been taken from my mantlepiece - only there's less clutter. Most of us have some elements of botanical style in our homes, maybe without even realising it. Once you start to notice, flowers, plants and nature are the inspiration for beautiful things everywhere, and that is what Selina Lake showcases in this lovely tome.
Botanical Style will appeal to any one who has ever stuck a bunch of flowers in a vase, admired fallen leaves on the ground or lovingly tended to a house plant or two. And whether you have a favourite floral tablecloth, a ferny wallpaper, or a shiny vase of something on a windowsill - it's all about bringing a touch of the outside indoors. The benefits, Lake enthuses, include creating calming effects, healthy vibes and goodness for the soul.
QUICK!!
GRAB YOUR SECATEURS AND GET CUTTING!!!
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The book is divided in to five themed sections: Vintage, Boho, Industrial, Tropical and Natural - Lake's styling prowess make every decorating theme pop with inspiration and beauty. You might be more minimalist than shabby chic, or more modern than vintage, but Lake shows the benefits of introducing the richness and freshness of foliage, florals and nature in to every setting. There's lots of paint-flecked surfaces and rustic textures for the more gritty gardening types. Lake also layers romantic looks without too much chintz or formality. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Simple touches like berries on a mottled green plate, through to bolder moves like wallpapering or stencilling leaf prints onto walls can help you channel your inner flower fairy/garden gnome. There's plenty of ideas for those who don't want to make big changes (or who rent) and still add a botanical twist to their interiors. Lake advises keeping it simple - for example, garden cuttings displayed in gleaming glass or oversized pots can be pretty and striking.
While I particularly loved her chapters on Vintage, Industrial and Natural Botanicals, the rich visual imagery - courtesy of the wonderful photography of Rachel Whiting - makes choosing favourites extremely difficult!
Actually impossible!
Lake's advice is practical and imaginative. She offers numerous style tips that make achieving her looks happily possible. For those with a crafty bent, there are DIY techniques that will have you reaching for your hot glue gun. Fancy sewing a silk cushion cover? Whipping up a Botanical Pinboard? Or making a hanging light-bulb vase?
Yes. You can.
So if you've ever expressed love for lupins (I have!), or coveted your neighbour's camellia (okay, also me), Botanical Style will have you throwing open the windows, fanning yourself with a palm frond, stroking a succulent and humming your favourite flower song (yes there's a list!) in no time. You may even find yourself painting a wall in a rich deep hue or filling that empty corner with an amazing aspidistra!
This book along with many other things too beautiful and numerous to mention can be found in one of my all-time favourite stores: NOTE TO SELF at Epping in Sydney. They know how to rock Botanical Style better than anyone I know. Do drop in or check them out on Facebook.
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| Note to Self Epping |
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| Note to Self Epping |
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