Over the weekend, I read 'Live Beautiful' by Athena Calderone cover to cover. I set the book down feeling absolutely inspired, whereas recently, I have longed for ways to elevate my design and have felt like I have neglected my own home. 'Live Beautiful' takes you on a journey through Athena's homes and the homes of other esteemed designers, artists, and creatives. Each home tells a story of how the designer incorporates their unique design philosophies and artistic visions into their living space. I'm excited to share key points that resonate with my design lifestyle and inspire me.

Athena Calderone is a prominent figure in design. Her creative process is driven by a profound desire to evoke emotion and explore new boundaries. Her impressive portfolio includes designing collections for well-known brands like Beni Rugs and Crate & Barrel and features in many publications, including Vogue. Most recently, she launched the podcast "More Than One Thing" and ranked on the New York Times Best Seller list for "Live Beautiful, “selling over 250,000 copies.
Athena emphasizes incorporating personal stories and inspirations into her home design, and I couldn't agree more! It's not just about furniture or decor; it's about weaving aspects like travel experiences, art objects, and photographs into the basis of your home. This approach elevates spaces to go beyond mere aesthetics. It builds a home that is very meaningful and reflective of you and your family's uniqueness. Seeing Athena seamlessly incorporate her multifaceted life - encompassing roles as a mother, wife, chef, homemaker, and creator - into her design style is so encouraging. It mirrors my own commitment to supporting and guiding clients in crafting spaces that truly embody the essence of living a beautiful life through design.

One of the recurring themes in the book is the concept of "designing as you evolve.” Like our lives, homes are not static; they evolve with our families and lifestyles. I believe design should be adaptive, growing alongside us, room by room, and reflecting our changing needs and preferences.

“The house is still moving around. We created spaces based on moments that we imagined and then we moved in here and realized we're not having the moments in that space.” - Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent

I encourage you to create spaces that support your ongoing journey as an individual and for your family to embrace change as an integral part of the design process. Don't be afraid to change your mind! You can move things around, sell items, and buy new ones! You're not stuck. It's essential to lean on your designer for long-term support and guidance because it makes the design journey and decision-making process much more manageable. 

The book explored the art of preserving the old while seamlessly incorporating it with the new. "Live Beautiful" showcased how vintage pieces can be integrated into modern design by adding depth and character to the space. Seeing the book challenge the conventional notion that homes must adhere strictly to one style and instead encourage daring combinations that reflect individual tastes and preferences was refreshing. I loved that of all the homes featured, not one of the designers was afraid to mix genres. This has always been a complex feat, but seeing others take that step leaves me with more strategies. I was inspired by the creative juxtaposition of vintage elements with contemporary designs that complement each other to create timeless and modern spaces.

I adored this book. My clients often show me Athena's projects as inspiration, so picking up this book and delving into her style felt like a natural step. Athena's influence as a tastemaker is evident throughout the pages, and her high-quality artistry approach to design profoundly resonates with me. It's refreshing to see how each home featured is so diverse, breaking down myths surrounding the size and cost of designer homes. I was introduced to new artists and designers, reinforcing my passion for design. 'Live Beautiful' provides a unique glimpse into the world of various designers, making it an essential addition for anyone curating their family home and a staple for your coffee table collection. Get inspired and explore the world of design through Athena's lens. Purchase your copy HERE at our new online Boutique by ADL.