Book Review: Mark D. Sikes Beautiful

I had the pleasure of receiving a review copy of Mark Sikes new book “Beautiful.” I anticipated the book to be just like it’s name. Mark’s work is typically very classic, lightly colored interiors full of blue & white. What surprised me was the range of his work all of which holds his signature style that blends southern hospitality with California cool. It is truly a classic with a wide variety of projects that feature many of my favorite ethnic textiles, ikats, amazing art and beautiful porcelain. The layers and contrasts are the key great design. 

I suggest you order ASAP as this is a must for any design library.

Beautiful: All-American Decorating and Timeless Style 

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The first book from interior designer Mark D. Sikes is a celebration of American style today, showcasing chic and accessible ideas for every home. Modern and unfussy, Mark D. Sikes’s interiors are classic takes on California indoor/outdoor living, with natural fibers and crisp coloration, informed and influenced by the fashion world where he began his career.

In eight chapters, he explores approachable, stylish looks, from “Blue and White Forever, ” which features indigos, stripes, batiks, and wicker in casual rooms such as porches and pool houses; to “Timeless Neutrals, ” presenting semiformal rooms filled with chinoiserie, gilt, glass, mirrors, banquettes, and French chairs; to “Garden Greens, ” featuring happy, casual family rooms and kitchens inspired by the garden with treillage woodwork, rattan, and cotton. There are also “Beautiful Brights, ” colorful rooms that are eclectic, layered, and fun, with chintz, florals, and Middle Eastern influences; and “Sun Faded Hues, ” rustic coastal rooms with weathered fabrics and furniture.

Each chapter presents light-filled images of the designer’s looks and offers the reader inspiration and advice.

As famed film director Nancy Meyers writes in the book’s foreword, this is a book that shows design lovers “how classic can look fresh, how style and comfort go hand-in-hand.”

Mark D. Sikes began his career in visual merchandising at Banana Republic/GAP. After two successful decades, he launched his interior design business and immediately attracted national publicity in publications from Veranda to Architectural Digest. His lifestyle blog—Chic People, Glamorous Places, Stylish Things—has become an inspiration and resource for design lovers all over the world.

I am a fan of his MDS Stripes fashion line too.

What can’t Mark D. Sikes do?  

That remains to be seen…

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