Time for a little book review of a most glorious decorating book that would do any coffee table proud: Perfect English Cottage by best selling author Ros Byam Shaw with photos by one of England's most sought-after photographers, Jan Baldwin. Ros Byam Shaw is a freelance journalist and writes for design magazines in addition to being the author of a bestseller. A former Features Editor at The World of Interiors and Deputy Editor of the British edition of W magazine, she lives in a restored Elizabethan manor in Devon, England where she penned this inviting and informative book. Care to sit next to me on the sofa and flip through with me today? Oh good! Because you have no choice. :)

The publisher of this title, Ryland Peters & Small sent me a copy and not only did I fall in love instantly, I was so hungry for English that I read most of it too! I don't review all the books sent in because I will not review just any title -- if something doesn't fit my taste or interest (no matter if it is free or not), I don't bother. But this one -- well it's special -- I had to share because it's quintessential Britain. Whenever I've visited England, I always enjoyed strolling around the charming villages mostly for the ambiance -- stone homes and pathways, rolling hills, traditional thatched roofs, and wooden floors... Along with the cozy, inviting rooms and rustic fireplaces. The perfect vacation spot in the Autumn is to break free from the modern conveniences of city life (or inconveniences, however you see it) and head to a cottage of any kind really, but an English one is like a big, warm hug. It's where you go for a few weeks to roll out dough, bake apple pies and curl up under plaid woolen blankets with a mug of cocoa or hot mulled wine. No diets. No laptop. No television. That is what Perfect English Cottage feels like in book format - a big cozy vacation space meant for dreaming.

So, what do I like about this book? Nothing. I was so disappointed! Ha ha! No seriously, it is fabulous and I won't at all be surprised if it becomes the authors next bestseller. For one, it's huge and the photographs are inviting and vivid. For $22 (at least at Amazon), it's a steal because I think it's worth $50 due to book size and the amount of photographs inside. I love a good coffee table book. Photos are not used over and over again on different pages throughout the book, either. Each page is different from the last, each photo new and beautifully shot - the mood of the space reaches out from the pages and pulls you in like cookies beckoning you from the oven. And it was published, in my opinion, during the perfect time of the year (it just released) because it fits the weather and how I imagine England as I've only been there in the Autumn months.

I also like it because it  features real homes, 18 of them, and all categorized so you have rustic, whimsical, historical and cottages by the sea to name a few, all styled with absolute perfection. It is divided, by style, into five key chapters: Character, Holiday, Romance, Simplicity and Elegance. It reminds me so much of some of the homes I've either lived in or visited when I lived in New England back in the states, which is another reason why I love this book so much -- it's a reminder of a bit of where I've been and experiences I've had. The medley of patterns, prints, colors and textures in each room lures you in and holds your attention -- and one theme I see through the photographs is simplicity, creating a retreat, layering experiences and years into the home decor, and infusing rooms with character while still using careful restraint so as to not overwhelm the space or yourself with too much clutter. These rooms are edited beautifully.

Bottom line: If you love a good English cottage, take it from me -- this is a great addition to your decorating library.  This book won't disappoint!

Please note: As most of you know but I'll say it again... all book links to the title are associated with my Amazon store and will link to Amazon where you can purchase it. If you purchase the book, I earn 6% of the book total ($3.85 USD before tax).

(images: holly becker for decor8)