More Beautiful: All-American Decoration

What an awesome treat. Received James Farmer's new book on August 20, followed up by this on September 1. Both such fantastic examples of beautiful, traditional, and very layered design.More Beautiful is even better than Sikes first book, Beautiful, although it follows the same familiar layout. More Beautiful has 6 chapters. Although only specifically mentioned in one chapter, I think each chapter with exception of the last features two different homes. Beautiful was organized by color combinations, and More Beautiful focuses on specific decorating styles. The chapters are:Introduction: features blue and white in the first portion, and neutrals in the second half.Traditional (bright colors and southern charm): more blue and white to be sure, but also yellows, green, and a touch of coral.Coastal: blue & white (of course), and neutrals.Country:: more rustic than the previous chapters, with blue, white, green, black, warm browns, green, and just a hint of lilac.Mediterranean: more bright colors than the previous chapters, adding red, terracotta, and coral into the mix.Beautiful: The designers own home!There are two pages of text in each chapter and a mix of full-page photos and collages. There is a mix of small-print captions describing the specific photos, and larger cursive-style captions that are more like a decorating tip. There are also quotes from famous people mixed throughout.I found something to relate to in every chapter and I love all the detailed layers. So much inspiration! There is a lot of blue and white, but still enough of other colors as well.

The introduction says it all. Beauty is everywhere in this book. No detail was left undone. I especially liked the blue and white vignettes on the inside cover. More Beautiful welcomes you with an image of an open arched door with a view of a beautiful staircase featuring blue and white tiled risers. As you turn the pages, amazing interiors are showcased with my favorite being on pages 12 & 13. Every aspect of this room is amazing - the trio of pillows with a triangular embroidered design mirroring the border on the draperies, the gorgeous geometric rug, the complimentary fabrics on the wicker chairs, the floral blue and white tablecloth, and the built-in cabinet next to the fireplace with blue and white ginger jars and vases. It is extraordinary. Of course, the beauty doesn't end there. It is just the beginning of an inspirational design book which I will reference often and share with friends. There is something to be said about surrounding yourself with beauty everyday to bring you peace and joy. Thanks for sharing your creativity Mark and I look forward to your next book.

I couldn’t be happier. My home is done in blues. It’s so timeless. This book is full of eye candy. I’m super pleased.

Very good follow up book to his first book Beautiful. I love this designer’s use of color and pattern, especially the greens and blues. I loved that the book was mostly photos with only a little text and pertinent quotes from various famous influencers. That’s always best in my book for interior coffee table books. My favorite quote is by William Morris:“Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”Those are great words to live by.

It is beautifully made and the pictures are gorgeous nice to feel a book instead of looking at a screen

Great photography! Enjoyed reading and looking on every page. I love the same traditional furniture that is continually featured in this book. Beautiful interesting way to mix different styles.

Mark Sikes is a design genius! One of my favorite interior decorators, he is absolutely brilliant. Tons of inspiration for the lover of traditional classic decor done in a perfectly timeless way.

I absolutely love Mark Sikes and his first book Beautiful was amazing. I received More Beautiful today and love it as well. More of a Mediterranean/bohemian flair in this book vs the first book. I personally loved his first book a little more (speaking from a personal decorating standpoint) but this is well worth the money!

A must for anyone who appreciates decorating.

Estou apaixonada pelo livro! Tão lindo quanto o primeiro!

Such a stylish book on my coffee table.

I was very disappointed in the quality of most of the photos. The lighting is very flat and many photos aren’t in focus. Also, there is a lot of repetition in decor styles. I have a large selection of design books, several ordered and sold by Amazon that are of far greater quality and style interest. I usually get very inspired by design books and after making a fresh cup of coffee start looking around my home to see what ideas, big or small, I can incorporate in my rooms. Before I wrote this review I took up the book again to make sure I wasn’t too hasty in my negative opinions. I didn’t like the book any better after several additional tries, and am quite sure I would not be referring to it again. I will try to return.

This book is so similar to the first book Beautiful , there should have been a point if difference, if there is to be a Third book ,perhaps an injection of color , other than Beige , might be more pleasing .