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How to Live with Objects: A Guide to More Meaningful Interiors
From the editors of Sight Unseen, an anti-decorating book that champions a new approach to interiors—simply surrounding yourself with objects you love.
“A refreshing, and necessary, counternarrative to shop-this-look consumerism and the aesthetic sameness that afflicts so many interiors.� � Vulture
In the modern home, it matters less whether your interior is perfectly appointed and more if it’s authentically personal, unique, and filled with the objects you feel a connection to. Through inspiring home tours and practical advice on how and what to collect, Sight Unseen editors Monica Khemsurov and Jill Singer take you on an educational and highly visual journey through the questions at the core of their design
Ìý
� What makes an object worth having?
� How do our objects impact our lives?
Ìý
Khemsurov and Singer guide collectors, design lovers, and novices alike toward a more intentional and skilled mindset in acquiring and living with objects. The book acts as a detailed primer on how to maximize the visual and emotional impact of your space, regardless of your Ìýspace limitations, style preferences, or budget. From a deep dive into the world of vintage-hunting to anecdotes about favorite objects from creatives like Misha Kahn and Lykke Li to expert styling tips, How to Live with Objects is an indispensable tool for anyone who wants to make their house a home.
“A refreshing, and necessary, counternarrative to shop-this-look consumerism and the aesthetic sameness that afflicts so many interiors.� � Vulture
In the modern home, it matters less whether your interior is perfectly appointed and more if it’s authentically personal, unique, and filled with the objects you feel a connection to. Through inspiring home tours and practical advice on how and what to collect, Sight Unseen editors Monica Khemsurov and Jill Singer take you on an educational and highly visual journey through the questions at the core of their design
Ìý
� What makes an object worth having?
� How do our objects impact our lives?
Ìý
Khemsurov and Singer guide collectors, design lovers, and novices alike toward a more intentional and skilled mindset in acquiring and living with objects. The book acts as a detailed primer on how to maximize the visual and emotional impact of your space, regardless of your Ìýspace limitations, style preferences, or budget. From a deep dive into the world of vintage-hunting to anecdotes about favorite objects from creatives like Misha Kahn and Lykke Li to expert styling tips, How to Live with Objects is an indispensable tool for anyone who wants to make their house a home.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2022
42 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 20, 2023
Loved this book because they didn’t give you too many “rules� to live by, but they offered a bunch of different methods and ways to live with different objects. Felt super jazzed when they mentioned names that I know and worked with from my Philly. I also appreciated all of the different perspectives in the book, the contrast with each other to demonstrate that choosing objects to live with is a deeply personal choice with no right or wrong way.
I have always been obsessed with the objects I live with, so this book was both deeply validating for me and also provided insight to *why* I love the objects that I do. This books sits on my coffee table with a few other prized books I love and I page thru it from time to time.
I have always been obsessed with the objects I live with, so this book was both deeply validating for me and also provided insight to *why* I love the objects that I do. This books sits on my coffee table with a few other prized books I love and I page thru it from time to time.
December 31, 2023
As a design newbie, I knew none of the names of the people profiled in this book. They were all so different in their aesthetic but thoughtful in how they described their approach to design in their own homes. The term Memphis movement came up over and over again so I did some research to educate myself. Seems to resonate with many of the designers here.
Very high-end rooms are shown but it’s not unreachable. I loved the encouragement to stalk Ebay, FB marketplace and Etsy for the best scores. It also encouraged me to try the knife edge pleated lampshade DIY that has, til now, intimidated me.
Very high-end rooms are shown but it’s not unreachable. I loved the encouragement to stalk Ebay, FB marketplace and Etsy for the best scores. It also encouraged me to try the knife edge pleated lampshade DIY that has, til now, intimidated me.
July 7, 2023
Incisively written and beautifully illustrated � achieves the very delicate balance between gorgeous coffee table book and engrossing, first-hand account of *why* we choose to live with the objects that surround us. 10/10 for anyone aesthetically minded and interested in unpacking just why we seem to love "stuff" so much.
January 1, 2024
Gorgeous book on aesthetics and living well.
Inspiring design.
Inspiring design.
May 12, 2023
What a refreshingly thorough and well-reported design manual in an era where 'aesthetics' have been flattened into photo carousels on social media. Honestly, this book makes me so happy and optimistic about what interiors can do to improve our everyday lives—and it's true for everyone, not just the extremely wealthy.
July 29, 2023
3 stars, finished
really interesting layout and ultimately a very educational take on the topics of interior design and self expression, i just didn't find myself enjoying or feeling particularly inspired by many of the styles presented. it did make me want to go thrifting like right this second though.
really interesting layout and ultimately a very educational take on the topics of interior design and self expression, i just didn't find myself enjoying or feeling particularly inspired by many of the styles presented. it did make me want to go thrifting like right this second though.
November 10, 2024
This book is so much more than I expected. I’m savoring every page, filled with inspiring interiors, unique objects, and meaningful stories. It’s packed with styling tips, DIYs, and thrifting advice for creating spaces with real soul—a rare find in today’s design world.
January 27, 2023
Too many words - not enough photos for a design book.
July 7, 2023
One of the best interiors books of the last five years, and one of the most original. I’ve bought a ton of them, and I keep reaching for this one. Beautifully curated.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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