How to Decorate

The Best of Martha Stewart Living

by Martha Stewart, Celia Barbour (Text)

"The best decorating ideas from the pages of Martha Stewart Living including the elements of decorating: COLOR, WINDOWS, LIGHT, WALLS, FLOORS and the spaces we create for: GATHERING, COMFORT, WORKING, RELAXING

Genres: Interior Design, Nonfiction, Design, Lifestyle, Reference, How To

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1996

About the author

Martha Helen Stewart is an American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality. As the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, focusing on home and hospitality, she gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing publishing, broadcasting, merchandising and e-commerce. She has written numerous bestselling books, was the publisher of Martha Stewart Living magazine and hosted two syndicated television programs: Martha Stewart Living, which ran from 1993 to 2004, and The Martha Stewart Show, which ran from 2005 to 2012.
In 2004, Stewart was convicted of felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case; she served five months in federal prison for fraud and was released in March 2005. There was speculation that the incident would effectively end her media empire, but in 2005 Stewart began a comeback campaign and her company returned to profitability in 2006. Stewart rejoined the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in 2011 and became chairwoman of her namesake company again in 2012. The company was acquired by Sequential Brands in 2015. Sequential Brands Group agreed in April 2019 to sell Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, including the Emeril brand, to Marquee Brands for $175 million with benchmarked additional payments.

Reviews

[Shereese Maynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I refer to to this book often when I'm trying to "fix" a room. Its a good reference for everyday decorating

[Groovy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confirmed that I was NOT crazy to paint my walls Sage Green and the ceilings Robins Egg Blue. ---- Thanks Mar

[Leighann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too basic for Martha caliber.

[Kelly Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been on a Martha Stewart book kick and this was one of my favorite books so far. I have been struggling to find the right colors for our walls in our new house, so I truly enjoyed her chapter on choosing paint colors. And while this book is over two decades old, it still has timeless decorating tips and photographs.

In case you’re considering reading this book, please note that this book was written to address the decorating that takes place in a home where you are starting from scratch or maybe you just moved and you’ll be remodeling. It discusses the colors, textures, shades, shapes, etc. that are important in designing a room. If you are looking for information on hanging pictures and curtains than you should read Martha’s follow up book, “Decorating Details”

[Valerie Wyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book in general for that time period but not relevant for today or what I was looking for.

[Laura Woodyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An original and quite a great vintage read

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dated, but there's still some solid advice here.

[Alix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love vintage 90s martha stewart aesthetic

[Marjorie Elwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few good tips but, overall, just a rehashing of Martha's signature style.

[Sylvia Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is short but thorough as it carries us through the home room by room. The true purpose of each room is considered as we think about what a home can and should do for us. Martha Stewart's philosophy rings loud and clear in her aesthetic. We even learn a little about Martha herself.

So much is said with the gorgeous images throughout. How-tos are generously shared and illustrated.

I recommend this book to anyone trying to create a beautiful, orderly, and livable, home.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I'm pretty confident in my own style of decorating, it's always good to browse to find ideas. This book is a basic for those not as confident. I enjoyed the text. Didn't really learn much that I didn't already know but still worth the time it took to read. I'm glad the library has a plethora of books in this genre.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only gave it 4 stars as it was a little skimpy on new info to me. There were some great ideas. A lot of basic info on color palettes. Would have liked more in depth info. I really liked the book and own it but wish there was more to it. Photos are great-mostly in Martha's own homes.

[SmarterLilac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't believe it, but this proves, I think, despite my protestations to the contrary, that my decorating style really is 'Martha Stewart.' Who knew? I thought I was a stately Victorian, or a stylish midcentury. But the classic simplicity of Stewart's style can last for decades.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was surprisingly good. There were even several projects that I sketched out in a notebook for future reference!

[Kymberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing that I didn't like about this book. Is that I like a simpler country ustic style.

[Nurbani Wahab · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of my treasured collection fr Martha.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

She does color so well