Interior designer Kate Marker shares the inspiration behind her first book, The Love of Home.
In her debut book, Kate Marker aims to inspire readers to express their personal style and creativity within their homes.
After 20-plus years in design, Barrington resident Kate Marker (@katemarkerinteriors) debuts her first book, The Love of Home: Interiors for Beauty, Balance, and Belonging (gibbs-smith.com), on Sept 17. Here, she shares the inspo behind the project.
What inspired this book?
A deep sense of nostalgia and a longing to explore the concept of what makes a place feel like home. It has always been a dream to have my own design coffee table book.
What can readers expect?
The book delves into the emotional and physical aspects that define our sense of belonging and comfort. Readers can expect a journey through various personal and shared experiences, highlighting the importance of home in shaping our identities and relationships.
What are the book’s essential themes?
In the book, I dive into several essential themes and principles centered around beauty, balance, and belonging. I discuss how thoughtful design and aesthetics enhance our living spaces, creating a visually pleasing and nurturing environment. It’s crucial to strike a balance between functionality and style to create a harmonious home that supports our lifestyle and well-being. Our emotional connection to our homes influences how they reflect and shape our identities, values, and traditions. Throughout the book, I offer practical advice on personalizing and enhancing any space to foster a sense of comfort and belonging. Together, these themes provide readers with a holistic understanding of what makes a house a home.
How did you translate your design career into written form for the book?
When writing the book, I reflected on my career to identify key experiences and insights that shaped my understanding of design. I shared compelling stories from my projects to illustrate design principles and the challenges faced along the way. I included photographs and illustrations from past projects to demonstrate concepts visually and added historical and cultural references to provide a broader context. Moreover, I included actionable tips for readers to apply in their own homes and sought feedback from peers and editors to refine the content.
What’s next for you?
I plan to continue exploring new avenues in design and writing. I have several projects in mind: I’m considering writing more books, possibly focusing on specific design aspects or delving deeper into themes of mindful living. Additionally, I want to develop workshops and online courses to share my expertise with a broader audience, helping more people create beautiful and functional living spaces. I’m also excited about potential collaborations with other designers, artists, and brands to bring innovative design concepts to life. I also plan to participate in more speaking engagements and design conferences to share my insights and connect with others in the industry. Furthermore, I look forward to taking on new interior design projects that challenge and inspire me. I’m eager to continue growing as a designer and author while sharing my passion for creating beautiful, balanced, and meaningful spaces.
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF KATE MARKER
