Customer Reviews

A Home for the Soul: A Guide for Dwelling wtih Spirit and Imagination

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

If you are looking for lots of ideas for floor plans, design or decorating ideas, this is not the book you want. If you are looking for a book that will help you create a space that feels like "home," this book will help you think about what that means in terms of your space.

Lawlor takes an unusual approach to his subject by first examining each living area with respect to the Greek gods typically responsible for that space. Before one dismisses this as a New Age thing, study the ideas behind the activities represented by that god. It's simply his "hook" to get the reader to continue on, to think about what this space is intended to do in the routine of life. As a storyteller, I was thrilled to read of his ideas for planning one's living area, which should be a space for stories, music and social interaction. He does not ignore the ever-present television, but he does suggest planning for lively, involved social interaction, which we all crave but often lack in our busy lives.

He does give general suggestions for room layouts if you are in the planning stages of construction, and closes each chapter with his vision of the ideal layout for that living area. He suggests materials, colors, furnishings and accents for each specific area, so that if you are looking to change existing space, you'll find that, too. Anyone who places a priority on books as a major furnishing component will win me over every time, but his vision of planning for a home, not a house, has appeal as well.

Unless you've lived under a rock for the past decade & have read NOTHING in design periodicals (or even the newspaper!) about trends in decorating & design; you've already seen most of what is in this book. The author's suggestions are topics covered in entire books elsewhere. On a new garden "use plants native to your microclimate. Install bird feeders". Could you have guessed? Most pictures are antique-y and have an East coast derivative feel: hardly inspiratioin to those in other regions. Softening sunlight using rattan shades has been done in Calif. for at least 20 years!On the toilet: author's exhalted importance here will be left to your imagination unless you buy the book anyway. The curve of stairways "inviting the soul to flow....upward"...I expected an expose on the supernatural. On dining: use runners & placemats, a cluster of candles...this is new? "Breath 3 times, look at each person, look at food.". .this book has an air of total meloncholy; damp & moldy. He tells us to "observe", "think of ways", "think of materials"...things we are looking to HIM for. "Wood panel doors offer grainy texture.... "Place a desk by a window..." these are not unique either. What a downer. Save your money & peruse your Pottery Barn catalog instead. I wish I had.

Light a few candles. Put on the tea kettle. Find the most comfortable spot in your home and settle in. This book will transport you to the essence of your soul room-by-room. There are many ideas on how to turn your space into a nurturing nest, and not all fluff--many practical ideas that make a huge impact. I highly recommend this book.

This book goes beyond a catalog of design ideas. It encouraged me to think for myself and discover how I really want to live. A HOME FOR THE SOUL changed the way I see my home by showing me how each room can be an inspiring place for finding and expressing the richness and meaning of my soul. If you have a home and a soul, buy this book.

This book is not for anyone who is looking for an interior design book. This book is strictly for the soul. We live in a world where we are in a rush to do everything. We rush to clean our homes, eat, bathe, etc. This book explains in detail what each room represents and how it aids in healing us within. Being in the moment of cleaning, cooking, cleansing, enjoying that cup of coffee in the morning, that sunset we take for granted. The joy of putting different elements in our homes and how it makes us feel within. Our home is a place for healing us within, rejuvenating us, that place to go for tranquility and get away from the madness. We have to stop regretting the past or worrying about the future and be in the moment. Doesn't matter how much money you have you can still create a place that you can truly enjoy and call a home. Get it "a home for the soul", not the body.

This book is a must have. As a result, I actually enjoy cleaning my home and no longer refer to it as a chore.

I have owned several homes,never feeling quite at home.We bought our 100 year old 22 room farm house 7 years ago.This home was not feeling like home either.After reading this book I knew why.I had to make it our home.I recomend reading this book before buying or remodeling a home.It will save you so much time and money.If your soul feels at home,you are happy in that home.

I was anxious to get this book and disappointed with it once I opened it. Not very usable. My "favorite" photo: a sudsy foot next to a dangerous pile of rocks/shells in a shower stall. Ouch! Imagination is one thing, silliness another. Unfortunately, ideas executed in a ridiculous way give the book an unreal, phony quality. Love the topic but not the book.

Beautifully and intelligently written, this book is not another "how to hang a picture" or "the feng shui of sofa." Rather, it advises simple, practical ways of enjoying our surroundings and transforming home processes into meditations. It's not menial and tedious to do your dishes or dust once you've been enlightened. Chores become soul-satisfying ritual and enjoyable exercises in mindfulness. Lawlor helps you transcend mundane materialism and to thoroughly appreciate every minute you spend in your home. Aside from the beautifully written text and wonderful photography, YOU SHOULD BY THIS BOOK IF... you're deadly tired of housework drudgery and wish you could just be delighted by sunlight on your newly swept wood floors-- you no longer appreciate the fragrance and texture of freshly laundered terry towels-- your house is just a Mortgage Albatross around your neck-- you feel engulfed in belongings and are contemplating Great Grandpa's arrowhead collection for Goodwill-- you don't have time or energy for church or yoga--- REJOICE! This is YOUR book.

More than a typical design "how-to", this book is a must have for anyone who wants their living space to nourish them and be a haven. In our day and age & obsession with high tech, this is a voice of sanity and an advocate for beauty that is not purely store bought.

It gave me great pleasure to read this book. The deeper I went into it the more absorbed I became. My view of the world changed. I am in the process of building a house myself and it was a great inspiration to me in my planning. I am inspired to incorporate as many of Mr. Lawlor's principles as I can. I think everyone should read this book.