Joanna Plant : A Decorator's Reflections on Making a Home

The art of breathing new life into an old house, creating a home that feels layered, welcoming, and rooted in both history and the present moment.

Celebrated for her soulful, character-rich interiors, Plant invites readers inside her own home, sharing the thoughtful transformation of a house shaped by time—plaster roses, creaking staircases, and all—into a layered, lived-in sanctuary for today.

Room by room, she reveals her intuitive approach to color, texture, and patina. From the enveloping comfort of the drawing room to the perfectly imperfect kitchen and up to the quiet refuge of the bedroom, each space unfolds as a reflection of feeling as much as design. The reader is present for each decision as it happens, sensing how mood, memory, and practicality guide the evolution of the home.

Plant offers practical insight into the realities of renovation: honoring original architectural details, sourcing vintage pieces with stories to tell, and adding personal touches that give a home its soul. Rich photography captures the nuance of light, materials, and moments, making the book both a visual pleasure and a meditation on creating a home with heart.

Filled with approachable wisdom, lessons learned, and thoughtful ideas gathered over time, this book is a love letter to the art of creating spaces that feel deeply, unmistakably alive.