Very rarely do I ever purchase what I call “feel good” books. They are often expensive and the content is mostly glitz. Holistic Home, however, described on the front cover as a book for “creating an environment for physical and spiritual well-being” delivers just that and is my exception in the purchasing books department. This 1998 Sterling publication (New York) has long been a book I can’t bear to part with.
Author Joanna Trevelyan is without an author’s biography in the book but according to one web site, she ” has worked as a health journalist and writer for 17 years. She has been deputy editor of Nursing Times and editor of The Midwives’ Journal. She has written eight health books, including Care of the Mother and Newborn for the midwifery profession” [1].
There are many thing that I like about this book..
First, I like the well-planned and well-shot photographs. Nothing is more annoying to me than an overly crisp and phony appearance to a photo when I’m thinking about my home. I don’t feel comfortable with a home that doesn’t say, “mellow”, or “warm.” What’s the point if you are looking at a place you don’t want to relax in?
In most of the photos the main source of light appears to be natural sunlight. That may be a clever photographer’s trick, but it works. The photos also reflect a number of design styles, not just one or two. When I see many books on the home they appear to follow one approach, for instance, “contemporary.” I like looking at the rustic, the Oriental, the contemporary and the different feelings they evoke. One day when I pick up the book I like to spend most of my time with rustic, another I am drawn to the Oriental. I appreciate the options. Happily, at every flip of the page there is at least one photo.
Second, there are many practical tips for how to make your home smell and look good, inside and out. Natural scents are discussed. Garden ideas are explored. The full scope of the home is looked at.
Third, “natural” seems to be the focus. There is a huge selection of photos with natural materials. In a day and age when we are seeing more and more warnings about common building materials like formaldehyde, I really respect the use of wood, tile and natural cottons. Each picture looks cozy. This continues with the theme of the natural use of light. This shows a well-planned approach on how to handle the content!
Last, you are included in the home. The home is never a home without people. Naturopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy and neck and shoulder massage are lightly discussed. Baths and the different ways to enjoy a bath are shown. In a world of break-neck pace to get through a day it’s really quite nice to see someone lauding baths. I always love a good soak. Unfortunately, I talk to so many people who only shower! How do they unwind? Now that I think about it these shower people appear to be endlessly on the go.
For those of you interested in Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement, you will enjoy getting a look at the book. The content focuses on the ancient art with suggestions for good bed positions and proper colors for every room.
Holistic Home really comes over as a book that packs in so much information. A nice treat when our student dollar is so precious.
When I get bummed out or lost for inspiration I pick up this lovely book and star to thumb through the pages.
If you’ll excuse me, all this talk about how lovely the book is reminds me I haven’t had a good thumb through this in ages. I’m going to run a hot bath and use natural candlelight to look at the pictures and :mellow out.
[1] Source of Author information: http://www.creativepub.com/prBabyPlan.cfm
Laura Seymour first published herself, at age 8. She has since gone on to publish a cookbook for the medical condition Candida. She is working toward her B.A. (Psyc).
