Alexandra Stoddard: from Perfectionism to Balance and Freedom

Alexandra Stoddard is one of my favourite authors/interior designers. Her books are full of zest for life and inspiration found in the most simple and authentic life experiences.

"Open Your Eyes: 1,000 Simple Ways to Bring Beauty into Your Home" was the first book I read by her, and from there I looked for all the books authored by Alexandra Stoddard. She encourages the reader to train the eye in order to see beauty all around us, to see beauty in simple things. To understand proportion, perspective, design, balance, scale, and design, which will gradually lead to a more discriminating view of home and decor.

A well decorated home is a home full of beauty and meaning, a home that nurtures and relaxes. To me, Alexandra Stoddard's decorating style is well summed up in the subtitle of her book "The Art of Possible": the path from perfectionism to balance and freedom. She is more than an interior decorator; she truly is a contemporary philosopher of living.

If you are not familiar with Alexandra Stoddard, I highly encourage you to read her books. She is a must-read for any aspiring interior decorator. Her books will inspire you, as well as give you a good understanding of the basics of interior design. Read more

• Top 10 Books by Alexandra Stoddard