House Proud: Unique Home Design, Louisiana

I knew when I pre-ordered Valorie Hart's beautiful decor book "house proud" back in July that I would love her book, because i am a devout follower of her blog, 'The Visual Vamp' (I highly recommend that you become one too) because she has an uncanny ability to capture the New Orleans vibe in all of her work. Her book does not disappoint...au contraire.....this book reveals real homes, for real people and hepful hints from all of them. which you can apply to your own home....Valorie puts them all together and it's a feast for those of us that love our homes.....she features so many beautiful examples of Louisiana home style, some of which she herself has done, and some of which other designers have worked on....but they all come together courtesy of Valorie's keen designing eye and Sara Essex Bradley's gorgeous photography. I am fortunate enough to live in NOLA, but if you truly want to capture the magic of our Crescent City for your own home, then purchase this book and fully understand how to be "house proud"...(you already are or you wouldn't be reading this)....but the Visual Vamp will guide you even further....she's the real deal!!

Nothing here to see.Sadly, yet another book that I wouldn't have bought had I actually seen it in a store. There are a lot of close-cropped photos that give very little sense of how the entire room is decorated, and although the author has given us an admirable cross-section of upscale and just like us houses, there are so many houses included that each one gets only cursory attention. The one exception is the several pages devoted to Belle Alliance, a large renovated house with stories about the ballroom and Tiffany transom. This seems to be the only house [including her own house and those that she decorated] that really inspired her prose descriptions.

House Proud by Valorie Hart is stuffed with welcoming inspiration. I'm a Californian who knows Louisiana only through films and literature. . . and The Visual Vamp blog since 2009! I've always wanted to visit though, to explore that mysterious state that seems like another country to me, so I was delighted to see a book dedicated solely to its homes. The photographs are indeed beautiful, generous and full of detail for those of us who want to see every little thing. And if you keep turning pages to the very end like I did, you will be rewarded with additional images in unexpected places.Valorie's writing is informed, but friendly and real. I gladly read every word. Part of the satisfaction in viewing these delicious interiors is learning about the home owners, their histories and motivations, and of course their connections to the State of Louisiana. The sense of place is so strong, and understanding how and why people express that in their homes is always interesting.Also, don't miss Valorie's Introduction! It stands on its own as an honest, absorbing and even entertaining essay. I've never met her in person but have followed her blog for four years, and on that authority have an opinion. My favorite college art professor said that art is about solving problems. And as I developed my own creativity, I began to understand what he meant by that. Valorie is a problem solver. She's a keen observer, a tireless worker, a fount of creative resourcefulness, a multi-faceted woman of many layers and experiences. Watch this one, she could become a legend in her own time. I hope more books are in her future and that one of them will be an autobiography.

I admit that I am a shameless voyeur and this book is perfect for someone like me. Not only are the photos so beautifully styled, but Valorie's writing is tremendous also. Her stories (and the including of the names of the owner's pets- LOVE that!), gives such great insight into each household that I feel like I know these folks and am welcome to visit. Besides, any insight into the minds of Louisianians is priceless.The best part is the take away notes. As a person who is always looking to "steal" other people's ideas I just loved this.My pages are tagged with notes to revisit. This is a great book for anyone looking for real and practical ideas for their home- or just be nosey like me.

House Proud is one of the best interior books I have read in a long time. The book is super chic, and so full of style. I loved the homes, and the stories of those who live in them. I really enjoyed seeing Valorie Hart's home, as wll as the others she decorated; "impeccable taste". She has a true gift of knowing how to incorporate high - low end furnishings (including what you have). I think very few designers really have the ability to bring all of these characteristics together. Valorie Hart's style/talent elevates the interior design industry, and she manages to do so in the most non intimidating way. Reading House Proud will motivate you to take a renewed interest in your own home. I truly loved this book, and so will you!!!!

From the first page to the last, this book gives you the feeling you are visiting New Orleans and seeing the makeup of an incredible and unique array of decorating styles. It felt as though there was a personality within the book sharing the love of home and expression of feelings through various tastes. While the book charges the visual inspiration of the mind, it gives a sense of humble love to the heart. Well done Valorie Hart!

Love this book by Valorie Hart. Every room is an adventure and New Orleans is certainly home to a lot of creativity.

I pre-ordered this book so when I received the e-mail that it was on the way I couldn't have been more excited. When it finally arrived I was NOT disappointed. A collection of lovely homes of all varieties and beautiful pictures along with detailed descriptions and "Take Aways" for each space. I love Valorie Hart's perspective. This book is a wonderful addition to my collection and I would highly recommend it to anyone.