Natural Living by Design

The author of the acclaimed Living Well by Design now harnesses the power of design to create a healthy home that not only looks beautiful but also contributes to our quality of life

In her new book, internationally renowned design and style authority Melissa Penfold turns her attention from the basics of interior decorating to demonstrating what a powerful force design can be in boosting our physical and emotional well-being. Each chapter is devoted to an aspect of healthy, life-enhancing design, including “Ease,” “Flow,” “Light,” “Nature,” “Timelessness,” and “Awe.” All underscore the importance of introducing lots of natural light; using natural, non-toxic materials (clay plaster, timber, stone); incorporating nature into our homes, whether through views of the outside world or by filling our interior with plants; creating lots of storage (mess is stress); and recognizing the power that color has on our state of mind. Illustrating each chapter are photographs of beautiful rooms in homes around the world that embody the salutary properties of Natural Living by Design.

Review

"Natural Living by Design, a new interior design book by Australian style authority Melissa Penfold, explores six key aspects of natural living: ease, flow, light, nature, timelessness, and awe. In the final section, which Penfold uses to illustrate that the best way to create awe in our interiors is to personalize them, the author emphasizes the power that color has on our state of mind."--Becca Abramson, Maine Home + Design

"Australian designer Melissa Penfold has enjoyed a storied career as a writer and interiors editor for top shelter publications. . . . this spring sees the launch of her second book, Natural Living by Design, which showcases healthy, life-enhancing interiors by designers from around the world."--Wendy Jacob, House & Home

About the Author

A longtime design columnist for the Sydney Morning Herald and contributor to all of Australia’s major publications, including Vogue Living, Belle, House & Garden, Marie Claire, and Harper’s Bazaar, Melissa Penfold has been crowned “Queen of Style” by the country’s media. Her main focus now is her digital platform: her website (melissapenfold.com), newsletter, and Instagram. Her first book, Vendome’s Living Well by Design, has been widely acclaimed. She lives in Sydney, Australia.