With a name like, SoulSpace: Transform Your Home, Transform Your Life, written by a Los Angeles based interior designer. I naturally assumed this text was “new age” babble. I was wrong. Nor is it your typical photo filled portfolio showcasing the latest, soon to be forgotten, trends. Don’t expect a single image, not one. When opening this cover, you’ll find a refreshing alternative to the consumer oriented interior design industry. A book that’s as much self-help guide as design manual.
The Good: Instead of revealing juicy insider tips for conspicuous consumption. The author has the audacity to list flea markets, second-hand stores, Craig’s List and even the Salvation Army among legitimate sources for acquiring household objects.
Ultimately, the author explains it’s not the cost or where something is bought that matters. Life’s real goal is creating a partnership with the material world. Our souls crave emotional connections and meaning from the built environment. Through a step-by-step process and copious real world examples, the reader is taught how to create and nurture an emotionally healthy place called home. A place the homebuilding industry has forsaken in pursuit of trophy houses and ever rising construction budgets. In fact, the author’s advice applies equally for renters, condo dwellers and homeowners of all zip codes.
The Bad: Not much is bad about this book. On one or two occasions the author digresses into pseudo science. But these brief passages are easily suffered for the good stuff.
The Bottom Line: Buildwise highly recommends SoulSpace for both homeowners and pros. Everyone should read this book. It’s time we wrestle the building industry away from Wall Street and build nurturing homes instead of cold investment properties!
Full Citation: Balbes, Xorin.
SoulSpace: Transform Your Home, Transform Your Life.
Novato, CA: New World Library, 2011. Paperback
198 pages, 5.5″ x 8.5″ size, text only.
Soul Space: Transform Your Home, Transform Your Life.
Pros
- A Must Read
- Well Written
- Great Examples
- Step-By-Step Process
Cons
- No Images