Roxanne Hughs Parkham, Hannah Parkman and Mark Lohman's Inspired Design ~ Reviewed

Inspired Design
By Roxanne Hughs Parkham and Hannah Parkham
Mark Lohman Photographer
Publisher Inspired Design Publications, Inc.
ISBN# 978-0984456307
150 Pages


Book Blurb: Drawing from the highly-published designs she's created for hundreds of clients, Packham will inspire you to create a home that touches the souls of those within. Amid Stunning photography, stories of treasured family traditions and poignant observations by 16 year old daughter Hannah, she shares ideas that will help you create beauty, warmth and passion in your home, and make it an inspired design


Written by Grand daughter of Allan Adler, noted American silversmith, and Great Granddaughter of Porter George Blanchard, also known as "silversmith to the stars", Packham's history and knowledge of silver and flair for table settings prove to be a winning combo.


Ideas for Sentimental Parties, and occasions’ for teenage girls, and mothers & others, Celebrating friends & friendship. Inspirational for incorporating family history, talents, and passions into the design of the family home.


REVIEW:


Decorating! So many things come to mind when you say that word. Overwhelming is the word that hits me most when I hear it mention. I’m very thankful to have received a review copy of Inspired Design, a book that breaks down the process of decorating a house to make it a home, stress free and creatively.


Roxanne Packham is an acclaimed interior designer whose classic designs grace 100’s of California homes from San Francisco to San Diego. Roxanne and her daughter Hannah have blended their talents together to create a book that will inspire you to create “a feeling of warmth and love that touches the soul of those within, as well as all who walk through your doors….Beautiful heart-beautiful home.”


Roxanne shares her family traditions and how they have been in the design business for generations. Hannah shares her feelings about how setting a table for special events has meant so much to her and many guests they’ve entertained.


Mark Lohman does an amazing job of illustrating and taking pictures of houses and tables Roxanne has designed. The book is filled with ideas to create beauty, warmth and passion in your home. She also goes into detail about how to have your home fit your personality, radiate who you are and make it uniquely yours.


Both Hannah and Roxanne have said, “ Do not underestimate the power of your home, nor the ability to change lives…A welcoming smile, a cup of hot tea and a hour in a cozy nook spent listening to a friend can be life altering.” So, true.


I liked how they view life, “when you find what you love in life, it’s more enjoyable.” You can tell these ladies love design, family and creating.


This book is about design and so much more. Roxanne takes the time to explain the value of things we can’t buy that make people feel welcome and loved. This is so important. We are in an age where it seems everyone is plugged into a computer, ipad, Iphone or some other electronic devise playing in their virtual world not noticing the beautify around them. People have lost the art of face to face interaction or never new it in the first place.


Roxanne hits on something very simple and powerful when she says, “Touching all of the 5 senses sends the message that you have eagerly awaited your guest’s arrival and that they are truly welcome in your home.” She describes some basic things everyone can do and it doesn’t cost a lot of money. Her motto is “Keep it Simple.”


This helped me not feel overwhelmed with the topic of decorating when Hannah said, “Designing and decorating a home is not an overnight project. Textured layering is the process.”


Ralph Waldo Emerson puts it so well, “The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it!”


While creating this book together this mother/daughter team started a ministry called Inspired 31. This ministry inspires teenage girls and their mom’s to find and follow God’s path for their life.


Not only is this book beautiful to look at its very inspirational for the mind and the soul. We live life on high speed and don’t often take the time to enjoy the little things. Roxanne and Hannah show you how to create a gorgeous home, keep it simple and how to cherish time with family and friends. I’m inspired to create a home that is beautiful and a home filled with warmth and beauty I can’t buy.


I highly recommend this book as an inspiring gift book and also to someone who wants ideas for decorating. ALL the proceeds of this book go to an organization near and dear to the authors’ hearts! The ministry is in Romania, and it’s called Heart of Hope Ministry. This group helps orphans and the area food pantries in Romania. This is a book you’ll be sharing with friends and family. I’m sure. I know I will!


Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network