A house is a feeling. That is the conceit behind designer Lauren Liess’s third book, which explores the emotional connection between the way we decorate our homes and our daily lives.

She advises readers to think beyond just the objects in their homes and explore how design informs an intentional, happy and authentic life. The book includes practical design information with never-before-seen case studies on a variety of homes including a beach cottage, a farmhouse, a home in the woods, a Spanish colonial and other more traditional homes.

Each case study explores a hardworking design aspect (such as proportion, scale and color), while also focusing on the emotional aspect of the home. The chapters are inspired by the following themes: comfort, calm, excitement, belonging, carefree, love and contentment.