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Soul of the Home: Designing with Antiques Kindle Edition

by Tara Shaw (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 out of 5 stars 707 ratings

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Past meets present in this stylish guide to decorating modern homes with heirlooms and antiques.

 

Designer and antiques dealer Tara Shaw is a respected supplier of French and European antiques for a host of AD100 and Elle Decor A-listers, including Bobby McAlpine, Mary McDonald, and Bunny Williams. In her first book, she helps readers understand how to select the best antiques and how to use them in a variety of decor schemes. The book presents never-before-published spaces from Shaw’s portfolio and reveals her favorite antique-hunting spots throughout Europe.

Anecdotes from years of treasure hunting are accompanied by images of rare and precious finds, with text that decodes just how to choose the right pieces and display them in a contemporary interior. Readers will be able to look at each space and take away ideas they can apply to their own homes, to create personalized rooms full of provenance and beauty.
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  1. Print length
    272 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    ABRAMS
  4. Publication date
    April 21, 2020
  5. File size
    206.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Not Enabled
  7. Word Wise
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From the Publisher

The Importance of Antiques

The Importance of Antiques

Something that’s withstood the centuries is necessarily made extremely well. Their flaws, scrapes, and bumps are hard-earned and make interiors more forgiving.

Antiques in a Modern World

Antiques in a Modern World

How do you combine disparate eras and styles so they feel cohesive? Look for patterns and themes that they have in common and try to connect the dots.

Cultivating a Home with Heart

Cultivating a Home with Heart

Always feather your nest with things that are meaningful to you. You should be able to “read” a great house just like a biography.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tara Shaw’s design principles stem from 20 years of success as an antiques wholesaler. In addition to her thriving import business, she has a custom furniture line, Maison, and a licensed product line with Restoration Hardware. She lives in New Orleans.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07WJ5DZ47
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ ABRAMS (April 21, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 21, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 206.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 707 ratings

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Tara Shaw

Tara Shaw

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
707 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this design book beautifully written and informative, showing how to style homes with antiques and incorporating them with modern furnishings. The book receives praise for its lovely taste and value for money, with customers appreciating its sensible mix of traditional and contemporary elements. The narrative quality receives mixed reactions, with some finding it monotonous and repetitive. Customers consider it a wonderful gift idea.

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71 customers mention "Design"67 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the book's design approach, showing how to style homes with antiques and transform spaces into beautiful collections.

"...Not only is it beautifully photographed, it showed a wide variety of interiors and gave me lots of ideas for moving from the Southwest to the..." Read more

"...this book you will be quick to realize this book is more than just a show piece. The detail, e information, and the pictures are simply captivating...." Read more

"Tara Shaw is the epitome of fabulous. Her style is just so awe-inspiring. No designer has inspired me more...." Read more

"...The photos are beautiful, the designs gorgeous & the text reveals Tara's tremendous passion for her work...." Read more

45 customers mention "Information value"45 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and inspirational, describing it as a teaching resource about antiques.

"...photographed, it showed a wide variety of interiors and gave me lots of ideas for moving from the Southwest to the Southeast of the U.S." Read more

"...The detail, e information, and the pictures are simply captivating. I picked this book up and could not put it back down until i reaches the end!..." Read more

"...recommend this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a friendly, encouraging course in recognizing what to look for in selecting antiques, how to..." Read more

"...& tips on types & styles of antiques, periods and "the hunt" are easy to understand & very insightful...." Read more

32 customers mention "Value for money"32 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to incorporating antiques with modern furnishings, describing it as a great guide for those who love antiques.

"...Tara Shaw has a gift for designing that is truly timeless and needed in a culture where so many are following the latest trend...." Read more

"...What a perfect delight! Not only does Tara Shaw have an incredible eye for selecting antiques, but the absolute best part about this book is that..." Read more

"...Tara's advice & tips on types & styles of antiques, periods and "the hunt" are easy to understand & very insightful...." Read more

"...Tara shows how mixing Antiques and Modern Furnishings leads to a Perfect outcome...." Read more

12 customers mention "Taste"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's taste, describing it as lovely and inviting, with one customer noting the designer's impeccable style.

"Tara Shaw is the epitome of fabulous. Her style is just so awe-inspiring. No designer has inspired me more...." Read more

"...And her “teaching” style is so friendly, approachable, and inviting...." Read more

"...She has a lovely taste but I can’t afford European antiques. There is some good advice for designing with any antique but nothing I thought unique." Read more

"...It’s obvious the designer has impeccable taste...." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing style"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as beautifully written, with one customer noting its lyrical lines.

"...The photos are fresh, crisp and I never wanted it to end. It’s obvious the designer has impeccable taste...." Read more

"...This book is beautifully shot and well written, each photo is exquisite...." Read more

"...pieces that set a scene like a characters in a great film .Lyrical lines and bold gestures taking classical elements and updating them to the 21st..." Read more

"...Beautifully written and photographed. A must for anyone looking to learn more about incorporating antiques into their homes." Read more

7 customers mention "Gift value"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful gift idea, with one customer noting that it extends to teaching what to look for in antiques.

"...Tara Shaw has a gift for designing that is truly timeless and needed in a culture where so many are following the latest trend...." Read more

"...the absolute best part about this book is that her gift extends to teaching what to look for, and how to recognize different periods and styles...." Read more

"...It’s an amazing gift. Simple words can’t truly explain how much I adore this book and of course Tara as well for sharing such a true gift." Read more

"...It is the perfect coffee table book and a wonderful gift idea for anyone that loves a modern take on decorating with antiques...." Read more

9 customers mention "Narrative quality"6 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the narrative quality of the book, with several finding it monotonous and repetitive, while one customer appreciates how it tells the story of where items originated.

"...and has a resume too long to mention here, I found her to be so relatable even to a small town southern girl like me...." Read more

"...Use a few ornate pieces. It just felt so stark and repetitive. Nice coffee table book for aesthetic value upon first read...." Read more

"...Knowing each lovely piece, tells a story from where it originated, to the homes it has been in, and then to appear in Soul of the Home...." Read more

"...illustrations, but she educates the reader about antiques, their history and how to incorporate them into your home design." Read more

In this case, you can judge a book by it’s cover! Beautiful inside and out
5 out of 5 stars
In this case, you can judge a book by it’s cover! Beautiful inside and out
If you are interested in antiques or beautiful homes, this book is the one to purchase. I usually buy decor books to sit on my coffee table as lifts to different pieces, after I quickly flip through the pages, but that was far from the case with this book...although the cover of this books is beyond stunning and makes for a perfect addition to my collection, after cracking open the first page of this book you will be quick to realize this book is more than just a show piece. The detail, e information, and the pictures are simply captivating. I picked this book up and could not put it back down until i reaches the end! Tara Shaw inspires you to create a beautifully collected home that includes interesting and unique pieces. Tara takes you on an adventure and shows how every style can incorporate beautiful antiques into their design. This book is a must purchase and must read. I don’t tend to leave reviews but this book has become one of my New favorites and With all the beautiful decor books out there, this is one that’s stands out from the rest!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • A. Meer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh and beautiful
    Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I LOVED this book! Not only is it beautifully photographed, it showed a wide variety of interiors and gave me lots of ideas for moving from the Southwest to the Southeast of the U.S.
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  • Donna M. McGrath
    5.0 out of 5 stars The last book on design you’ll ever need!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This book is probably the last design book that I will ever buy! Tara Shaw has a gift for designing that is truly timeless and needed in a culture where so many are following the latest trend. She has travelled the world to find one of a kind pieces for her home and the homes of her clients. She believes in quality over quantity and teaches you to do the same, even if that means just buying one antique a year or in my case once every 5-10 years! I learned a lot about period pieces and the art of mixing your antiques with modern furniture and art. She offers her readers a wealth of information on buying and negotiating and even shares her resources! What designer will do that?! Even though she has designed the homes of many famous people, has travelled the world, has designed furniture with Restoration Hardware and has a resume too long to mention here, I found her to be so relatable even to a small town southern girl like me. I devoured every page of this glorious compilation of her work. I’m so grateful she has shared her giftedness with the world. I plan on buying copies as gifts when more are available.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Bisby
    5.0 out of 5 stars In this case, you can judge a book by it’s cover! Beautiful inside and out
    Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    If you are interested in antiques or beautiful homes, this book is the one to purchase. I usually buy decor books to sit on my coffee table as lifts to different pieces, after I quickly flip through the pages, but that was far from the case with this book...although the cover of this books is beyond stunning and makes for a perfect addition to my collection, after cracking open the first page of this book you will be quick to realize this book is more than just a show piece. The detail, e information, and the pictures are simply captivating. I picked this book up and could not put it back down until i reaches the end! Tara Shaw inspires you to create a beautifully collected home that includes interesting and unique pieces. Tara takes you on an adventure and shows how every style can incorporate beautiful antiques into their design.
    This book is a must purchase and must read. I don’t tend to leave reviews but this book has become one of my New favorites and With all the beautiful decor books out there, this is one that’s stands out from the rest!
    Customer image
    Bisby
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    In this case, you can judge a book by it’s cover! Beautiful inside and out

    Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2020
    If you are interested in antiques or beautiful homes, this book is the one to purchase. I usually buy decor books to sit on my coffee table as lifts to different pieces, after I quickly flip through the pages, but that was far from the case with this book...although the cover of this books is beyond stunning and makes for a perfect addition to my collection, after cracking open the first page of this book you will be quick to realize this book is more than just a show piece. The detail, e information, and the pictures are simply captivating. I picked this book up and could not put it back down until i reaches the end! Tara Shaw inspires you to create a beautifully collected home that includes interesting and unique pieces. Tara takes you on an adventure and shows how every style can incorporate beautiful antiques into their design.
    This book is a must purchase and must read. I don’t tend to leave reviews but this book has become one of my New favorites and With all the beautiful decor books out there, this is one that’s stands out from the rest!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    28 people found this helpful
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  • LCBG
    5.0 out of 5 stars omg, so BEAUTIFUL!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Tara Shaw is the epitome of fabulous. Her style is just so awe-inspiring. No designer has inspired me more. This book is gorgeous and everything I’d hoped for. I first read the kindle version. I’m purchasing a hard copy now. It’s a keeper and will have a place alongside my other books of Louisiana design. Love this book so much!
    One person found this helpful
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  • student
    5.0 out of 5 stars What an inspiring book. And what a wealth of information!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I. Love. This. Book. What a perfect delight! Not only does Tara Shaw have an incredible eye for selecting antiques, but the absolute best part about this book is that her gift extends to teaching what to look for, and how to recognize different periods and styles. A course to sharpen your own eye! And her “teaching” style is so friendly, approachable, and inviting. I love that she shares some of her own personal background, as well as the things that nudged her talents in this direction. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a friendly, encouraging course in recognizing what to look for in selecting antiques, how to identify them, as well as ways to make the best use of said antiques in your own home or decorating projects. This will be a book I refer to through the years, and one which I recommend without reservation! Hope this is only the first of many books by Tara Shaw! So glad I bought it!
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Debra
    5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE Design Book to get Excited About
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I have been so excited waiting for Tara Shaw's The Soul of the Home to be released. I've followed her designs in magazines, etc so I was already familiar with her beautiful & inspirational aesthetic..The book arrived today & needless to say it does not disapppoint. The photos are beautiful, the designs gorgeous & the text reveals Tara's tremendous passion for her work. Successful designs encompass an intangible element by provoking our emotions & pulling us in. Tara is a Master at making this happen....I can imagine stepping into any of these rooms & not wanting to leave. The gorgeous Antiques in these designs are intriguing & help bring these exquisite rooms to life. ...Tara's advice & tips on types & styles of antiques, periods and "the hunt" are easy to understand & very insightful. I LOVE this book & know I will go over and over and over its fabulous pages
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Chyanne
    5.0 out of 5 stars My #1 Choice as A Designer to Suggest Everyone to Purchase.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This was absolutely the Best Book I have ever purchased on Interior Design ! Tara shows how mixing Antiques and Modern Furnishings leads to a
    Perfect outcome.
    Tara Shaw is an Amazing Designer, Antique Dealer who also has a furniture line of fine Reproduction
    Pieces for the home.
    This Book is A Tribute to her talent and experience and full of information and advice on making your home your favorite destination.
    I have purchased copies for my friends who are Antique Dealers and Designers like me because it is so full of good information to make us all better at what we do!
    It is definitely going to be part of my gifts to all my clients this year a perfect reference for them
    Full of fabulous photos and an excellent read!
    Do not miss the opportunity to purchase Soul of the Home you will be thrilled with it!
    15 people found this helpful
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  • JG
    4.0 out of 5 stars Doesn’t even list Victorian or Early American as types of antiques
    Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Pretty much as other reviewers say that this is a picture book reflecting only the author’s taste. She has a lovely taste but I can’t afford European antiques. There is some good advice for designing with any antique but nothing I thought unique.
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • costas
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Germany on March 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent book ! I love it !A classic you will never get bored of it !
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  • FGHM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful but don’t try at home
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Would have given 4.5 stars if I could.

    4 stars: Bought this hoping to learn how to select and incorporate modest budget antiques, but most of the antiques used in the book are those one would see prominently displayed in top end antique shops. They have been highly curated according to contemporary tastes and therefore would quite easily and naturally fit in many homes. I don’t think I’d struggle too much to use these antiques if I had the budget to buy them in the first place.

    5 stars: Overall the interiors in the book are uniquely beautiful. The author obviously has very good taste to be so successful in her profession. I also appreciated that she explained “why” on many occasions, which is strangely not that common with interior design books in my experience.
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  • Susan
    5.0 out of 5 stars True it's content, this is a winner!
    Reviewed in Canada on April 22, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Insightful and informative. Great photo and content. I will keep in my library for many years to come. Excellent book.
    Report
  • Annette Gomez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book I Have Ever Invested In
    Reviewed in Australia on February 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I just absolutely love this book. Quality photos with Tara Shaw's passion for her love of furniture showing through so much..
    It is the perfect coffee table book, however unfortunately once I pick it up I find it hard to put down again. It has really helped me focus on the items I will personally be looking very carefully for in my home.
    Report
  • Djaja
    5.0 out of 5 stars Elegant, timeless & beautiful designs
    Reviewed in Australia on December 31, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of the best interior design book I have ever bought for sure. I love Tara’s designs and antiquities. Very inspirational , easy to read , beautiful photos. Highly recommended 👍
    Customer image
    Djaja
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Elegant, timeless & beautiful designs

    Reviewed in Australia on December 31, 2020
    This is one of the best interior design book I have ever bought for sure. I love Tara’s designs and antiquities. Very inspirational , easy to read , beautiful photos. Highly recommended 👍
    Images in this review
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