This was a unique view point on decorating that I've never seen before. I appreciated that the designs and tips were useful to all people and not just the rich or professional. I can see myself using this book as a resource for future decorating.

Annie Guest does something fresh in this design work which is both an easy approach to making a home that's welcoming and liveable and some useful research about what makes a rewarding and nurturing home . She renovates her parents' home after their deaths, which followed a prolonged period of care at home. I loved how open she was about their situation and how she felt about moving into their home and making it her own. Her design choices are detailed and she doesn't ignore even the smallest decisions which will have an effect on the way that a space feels. The style is classic and uncluttered, with choices that are both personal and soothing.

The best and the worst things about this book are the same things. I am so used to looking at design pictures that are beautiful - styled and filtered to be not just informative in their content, but also beautiful as images – that I found the home-style photography jarring. I can understand the 'before' photos being amateur but I admit that having the 'after' photos also be taken without professional lighting or styling detracted from my experience. Yes, the images are truthful, but I think they let down the work the author has done, and don't make this lovely home shine as much as it could for the reader.

That said, this got me thinking about my own spaces, what's welcoming and nurturing, and what I can improve.

Thank you Annie Guest and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book. There were design suggestion and tips for everyone, despite how big or small your house is. My gripe about these kind of books are that they can be targeted more towards people with bigger homes or higher incomes, and even though the example home was a bigger or higher income home, if you read, there are suggestions, tips, and information for everyone. I liked how the book went room by room, from the front of the house, then entrance, living rooms, all the way to the bedrooms...including how to set up or design a guest room, kids room, etc. It covered most types of common rooms, while staying relatable for most people. Plenty of pictures were included and it wasn't light on the information or tips. Sometimes, it gotten a bit text heavy and I wished more for bullet lists and such. Other than that, I'd recommend the book.

Design For Your Mind is a soothing and well arranged design guide by Annie Guest aimed at helping readers make simple (relatively budget friendly) choices to reduce stress and make their homes more relaxing and serene. Released 4th Feb 2025, it's 186 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

The author relates her personal experiences as a caregiver for her aging parents and their own healthcare struggles as an introduction to the logic and necessity of transforming home spaces into something restful and restorative. She provides examples of projects by room/area. They range from very small spare time do-able to more comprehensive makeovers.

The chapters are arranged logically and include both the philosophy of planning and arrangement to specific areas (exterior, interior, other spaces (a guesthouse or annex). Although the book is quite personal and reflects the author's own remake and house redesign, there are some good takeaways to find for most readers.

Four stars. It would be a good and engaging read for fans of design and handy house projects; there are lots of instagram worthy pictures throughout. She has a very relaxed, light formal/classic sensibility, and the interiors would suite most lovers of traditional spaces and design.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes