India Hicks: Island Style

by India Hicks, Charles III (Foreword)

From India Hicks, a beautifully illustrated guide to achieving her famously undone, gloriously bohemian decorating style. Born from British and design royalty, India Hicks has forged a design empire from her family’s enclave in the Bahamas. In India Island Style, she invites readers into her world, offering never-before-seen imagery and irresistible behind-the-scenes stories. Beginning with an uproarious reflection on India’s own design odyssey, the heart of the book is an in-depth exploration of her style. Timeless and under-decorated, her rooms combine carefree Caribbean culture with British colonial form and formality. In ten chapters, India walks the reader through the basics of capturing the the subtle palette of island life; the miracle of tablescaping; the warm anarchy of a family kitchen; the pleasure of porches; the drama of entertaining; bedrooms as places of self-expression; the "more is more" style of living with collections; the importance of repurposing; and creating spaces of sanctuary. Witty, richly prescriptive, beautifully photographed, this book will enchant readers with a glimpse of decorating in paradise.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Interior Design, Coffee Table Books, Architecture

224 pages, Hardcover

First published March 24, 2015

Reviews

[Terry ~ Huntress of Erudition · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty pictures - good coffee table book.
India Hicks has led an interesting & charmed life. I expected a little more design information and background on Bahamas way of life & furnishing than just her personal style.

[Minna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, and I appreciate that the home is definitely lived in, by kids and pets alike, which is a rarity for decorating books. Decorating books that outlay decor for empty houses that no one can sit in or use (let alone invite a couple of large dogs and unruly toddlers into) are just not helpful. Her property is gorgeous and I liked her color palettes very much. She's decorating for the same latitude I am, so it's a pleasant change not to see a book full of styles and pieces that look too heavy or formal for our climate.

However, it's quite clear that Ms. Hicks has piles of money, which is always, uh, very helpful in decorating. [I mean: who "accidentally" orders two sofas? LOL. I know if I saw the total price on that order I'd probably take a significant pause.]

Anyways. I know it's frequently said that yes! you can achieve the same look with less money! but, in all brutal honesty: YOU CAN'T. The materials look cheaper, the furniture looks less solid, the trim and accessories and little details always look less plush. Really. And even the antique chairs that Ms. Hicks describes as "really not very good" are most likely well out of my price range. Therefore, this book is joining many of its fellows in what I like to call the "aspirational decorating" pile. I.E.: it's reeeeeeal pretty and all, but until I come into some serious money, it's just a day dream.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hey, people actually live in this house and it doesn't look like it's completely stripped of possessions! That's a change from, what, 99% of design books that are either a) full of artfully staged items, no indication people live there; b) people live there but design is aggressively minimalist.

[Denise Haughian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much liked the casual low key approach to decorating which Ms. Hicks promotes despite her impeccable pedigree. The photos were beautiful and carefully chosen and the writing was good. She uses a self deprecating tone which connects well with readers. She reveals parts of her personal life but the reader never feels overburdened. Though the photos are carefully placed and there are themes to her design, there’s also quite a bit of whimsy. There are good chapters about a local festival and about the tragedy of her grandfather’s death and how both have informed her decorating ethos. Also, her family is important but she doesn’t bother with putting motherhood on a pedestal.

[Alexsaray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice coffee table book with lovely pictures. It was also quite a relaxing read. I liked that there wasn't much fuss to her decorating. Though she is a woman of wealth, she didn't come off snooty or bragging of what possessions she owned (at least not to me). Reading her story and seeing the images of her home, it was like I was there being led around on a personal tour. It all felt rather personal which was a nice change from a lot of the interior design books that are currently out there. I'm giving this five stars because I can see myself picking this book up again.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really surprised! Not by the pretty photos but by the story of her heritage. Wealth just keeps going along in this land.

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the quality of the images was great. However I had hoped for more images. It was interesting learning about her and her family.

[IE · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really wanted to like this book but found it difficult to relate to, purchased but sadly unable to finish it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

love island life!

[Mary Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Escapism for a winter day. Lovely photos but not many ideas for design. Enjoyable if you are interested.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Mark Latchford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have often thought India Hicks would be a wonderful addition to any 'fantasy' dinner party (ie if you could choose guests from anywhere (who happen to be still alive). This book confirms my view. Hicks as curated a beautiful journey through her Bahamas island home, with extensive, witty and relevant commentary all the way through. As you meander through the rooms, you can all but feel the sand between your toes; feel the sun on your skin and the sea breeze through the open windows. She does not pile onto her extraordinary family's history but touches upon it and its influence on her, her style and her home. I now want to get on a plane and visit!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the journey into Indias childhood and where she gets her influence of style from :)

A great coffee table book and certainly gave me some inspiration.