About Amber Lewis
Amber Lewis stands out as one of the leading voices in contemporary American interior design. As the principal and founder of Amber Interiors, Lewis has built her career on a foundation of authenticity, creativity, and a distinctive design philosophy known as “California cool.” Her signature style blends the relaxed elegance of West Coast living with skilled craftsmanship and an eye for personalized, approachable interiors. Lewis’s journey in design is both inspiring and relatable; largely self-taught, she has climbed the ranks from design assistant to the helm of a multifaceted design studio, blog, and retail store.
With years of experience overseeing both residential and commercial projects, Amber Lewis has cultivated an impressive portfolio that resonates with both everyday homeowners and seasoned design professionals. She is celebrated for her ability to layer textures, patterns, and vintage finds, creating spaces that feel effortless yet highly curated. Her influence reaches far beyond her client list—her blog and social media presence have earned her a devoted following, and her retail shop showcases her commitment to accessible, lived-in style. “Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles” is the culmination of her experience and ethos. For anyone interested in interior design, understanding Lewis’s perspective is key to appreciating what makes this book a national best seller and a source of inspiration across the design community.
Book Overview
“Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles” is more than just a coffee table book—it’s an accessible, visually stunning exploration of how to make a house truly feel like home. As a national best seller and the #1 Best Seller in Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement on Amazon, the book has captured the attention of over 4,000 reviewers, boasting a remarkable 4.8 out of 5 stars rating. Amber Lewis crafts a compelling narrative for readers eager to transform or refine their living spaces, regardless of their level of design expertise.
The book’s primary audience includes homeowners seeking inspiration, interior design enthusiasts, and anyone with an appreciation for beautiful, livable spaces. Lewis’s message is clear: livability, personality, and layering are at the heart of memorable interiors. She draws on her signature approach to guide readers through the art of mixing old and new, embracing imperfection, and cultivating a look that feels uniquely theirs. “Made for Living” excels at breaking down daunting design concepts into actionable, relatable advice, making it as useful for novices as it is for seasoned decorators looking for fresh perspective. Themes of functional beauty, comfort, and authentic self-expression are woven through every chapter, fully living up to the book’s promise to help readers create homes that are both current and enduring.
Design and Presentation
From the very first glance, “Made for Living” impresses as a premium, tactile object. Boasting a substantial 288 pages and measuring 8.25 x 1.16 x 10.25 inches, it strikes the ideal balance between weighty presence and manageable size—perfect for display on a coffee table, bookshelf, or dresser. Weighing in at just over three pounds, the book feels luxurious in hand, with an understated, neutral-toned cover that complements a wide array of decorating styles.
The production quality is exceptional, reflecting the attention to detail for which Amber Lewis is known. The pages are thick and glossy, ensuring that each of the more than 250 high-quality photographs is rendered in vivid color and detail. Flipping through the book provides a satisfying sensory experience; the smooth paper, crisp printing, and carefully curated layouts evoke the very sense of comfort and refinement that Lewis’s interiors convey. Whether stacked with other design books or left open to a favorite spread, “Made for Living” functions as both a practical guide and a decor accent in its own right—an observation echoed by countless reviewers who display it in their living rooms, entryways, or offices for instant visual impact.
The overall aesthetic of the book mirrors Lewis’s “California cool” philosophy. The photography by Tessa Neustadt and others captures natural light, earthy textures, and serene color palettes that transport readers into inviting, real-life spaces. The visual pacing avoids monotony; each project and vignette is presented with clarity, allowing readers to discover new layers and details with every revisit. In short, the design of “Made for Living” is not only beautiful but also highly functional, inviting engagement and repeat perusal.
Content Structure
Amber Lewis organizes “Made for Living” in a way that demystifies the design process, welcoming readers to explore foundational concepts before guiding them through practical application. The chapters progress logically from big-picture philosophies to granular advice, mirroring the way a real-life design project might unfold. This scaffolding makes the book approachable for beginners, while still offering depth for those well-versed in the world of interiors.
Each chapter opens with Lewis’s reflections on core design principles, often accompanied by personal anecdotes and lessons gleaned from her own career and home. From there, the book transitions to practical tips and in-depth case studies, featuring featured homes and projects that span different styles and settings. Topics like “Layering for Livability,” “Mixing Old and New,” and “Embracing Imperfection” are explored both through narrative and visual examples.
What sets “Made for Living” apart is the actionable nature of its advice. Lewis doesn’t just showcase beautiful rooms—she breaks down the reasoning behind her choices, offering readers clear explanations of how to achieve similar results in their own homes. The text is friendly and conversational, striking a balance between inspiration and instruction. For experienced designers, the book offers a toolkit for honing taste and experimenting with new ideas; for novices, it provides a reassuring roadmap for making design decisions with confidence.
Key Design Principles
At the heart of “Made for Living” are Amber Lewis’s core philosophies: livability, layering, and authenticity. She advocates for homes that feel genuinely lived-in, where materials are selected for their ability to age gracefully and interiors evolve with the people who inhabit them. Lewis’s famous refrain—“Livability is my true north”—appears throughout the book, shaping her approach to everything from furniture selection to finishing touches.
Layering emerges as a central theme, not only in terms of textiles and color, but in the interplay of old and new, high and low, smooth and textured. Lewis encourages readers to combine vintage elements with contemporary pieces, trust their instincts, and resist the urge for perfection. In doing so, she celebrates patina, wear, and the distinct stories that objects can tell. The book’s case studies illustrate this beautifully, featuring spaces that pair antique rugs with modern sofas or weathered woods with crisp linen drapes.
Lewis’s advice is practical and empowering: choose materials you love, embrace imperfection, and don’t be afraid to “break the rules” in pursuit of personal expression. She demystifies the process of mixing patterns, choosing paint colors, and layering lighting, giving concrete examples of how different elements contribute to a room’s overall feel. Readers are encouraged to curate their own style, drawing inspiration from—but never simply replicating—the polished spaces on the page. This focus on individuality resonates strongly with today’s design-minded audiences, who seek homes as unique as the people who live in them.
Practical Tips and Insights
One of the most valuable aspects of “Made for Living” is the abundance of actionable tips scattered throughout its pages. Amber Lewis shares her favorite “rules” (and her rationale for breaking them), offering readers guidance that is both authoritative and refreshingly down-to-earth. She covers an impressive range of practical topics, from selecting the perfect white paint to achieving balance when mixing patterns or sourcing the ideal vintage accessory.
For example, Lewis provides specific advice on layering throw pillows, combining different textures, and creating vignettes with found objects—all illustrated with detailed photography and step-by-step explanations. She also addresses common challenges, such as how to make open spaces feel cohesive or how to incorporate personal memorabilia without sacrificing style. Real-life anecdotes enliven the advice, making even complex concepts feel achievable; Lewis’s stories about sourcing flea market treasures or troubleshooting design dilemmas offer a candid glimpse behind the curtain of professional practice.
The book is as much about empowering readers to trust their instincts as it is about providing instructions. By emphasizing the value of trial and error, Lewis encourages experimentation and assures readers that “perfect” is not the goal—livability is. This philosophy is particularly resonant for those embarking on their first design project, but even seasoned decorators will find nuggets of wisdom that prompt them to revisit their own spaces with fresh eyes. Friendly, relatable, and highly actionable, the tips within “Made for Living” distinguish it from many other design titles that focus solely on aspiration rather than execution.
User Experience
The reception for “Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles” is overwhelmingly positive, with verified reviewers consistently praising its beauty, usefulness, and lasting appeal. Many users report keeping the book on prominent display, not only for its aesthetics but for the inspiration it provides during moments of creative block or when tackling home projects. One reviewer notes, “It’s one of those design books you actually want to flip through again and again,” while another highlights its versatility as both a design resource and a decorative accent: “I was purely looking for a book to use as decor… It’s perfect. And a nice neutral color.”
Readers are quick to celebrate the quality of the images, the clarity of the writing, and the relatability of Amber Lewis’s advice. The abundance of photos is frequently cited as a standout feature, with many users mentioning that the imagery alone justifies the purchase—one reviewer affectionately calls it “stunning… interior design inspo inside is next-level.” The book is also popular as a gift, with several reviewers noting its suitability for new homeowners, design enthusiasts, or anyone starting a decor journey.
Constructive criticism is limited, but some users express a desire for even more variety in styles or bolder use of color—a reflection of Lewis’s affinity for neutral and earthy palettes. A few reviewers seeking deeply technical guidance may find the book’s focus on intuition and feel to be less detailed than some manual-style resources. Nonetheless, the overwhelming consensus is that “Made for Living” achieves its goals: demystifying design, empowering readers, and offering endless visual and practical inspiration.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning, high-quality photography—over 250 images capturing a wide range of real-life interiors.
- Accessible, friendly writing style that appeals to both beginners and advanced decorators.
- Abundance of actionable tips, personal anecdotes, and demystifying advice on design challenges.
- Substantial, attractive physical design makes it a perfect coffee table piece or thoughtful gift.
- Strong emphasis on livability, authenticity, and layering—principles relevant to a broad audience.
- Enduring popularity and critical acclaim, reflected by a 4.8-star average and 4,000+ reviews.
Cons:
- Focuses mostly on neutral, layered aesthetics; those seeking bold colors or ultra-modern looks may desire more variety.
- Less emphasis on technical, how-to instructions for renovations or advanced DIY tasks.
- Some readers note the desire for even more depth or expanded case studies, though this is a minor critique.
- Large format may not be ideal for small bookshelves or frequent on-the-go reference.
Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons, especially for readers aligned with Amber Lewis’s design sensibility or those looking to cultivate a timeless, livable interior style.
Value for Money
With a retail price of $21.82 (down from the original $40 list price), “Made for Living” represents excellent value for anyone interested in home decor or interior design. Considering its length (288 pages), the quality of its binding and materials, and the sheer volume of professional photography, the book rivals or surpasses similar titles often priced much higher.
Buyers consistently remark on the “quality feel” of the book, noting that it feels luxurious and well-made for the price. The versatility of “Made for Living” adds to its value: it serves as inspiration, a practical manual, and a decorative piece—often all at once. Its appeal as a gift is another point in its favor, especially for new homeowners, design students, or anyone embarking on a renovation journey.
Prime shipping and multiple delivery options further enhance the purchase experience, allowing for last-minute gifting or quick home delivery. In comparison to other design books in the market, “Made for Living” proves itself a worthy investment—not only for the coffee table, but for ongoing reference and creative exploration.
Final Recommendations
“Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles” earns its reputation as a national best seller and a staple among design enthusiasts for good reason. Amber Lewis’s blend of approachable wisdom, stunning visuals, and actionable tips makes this book an invaluable resource for homeowners, aspiring decorators, and anyone eager to infuse their spaces with comfort and personality.
The book’s greatest strengths lie in its visual richness, friendly narrative, and ability to make professional design concepts accessible to all. Whether you’re staging a home for resale, renovating a single room, or seeking inspiration to refresh your personal style, “Made for Living” delivers on its promise of livability and timeless appeal. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate layered, natural aesthetics or who want a guide that encourages experimentation rather than rigid rules.
While those seeking step-by-step renovation instructions or boldly colorful styles may find the focus a bit narrow, the overwhelming majority of readers—judging by both customer reviews and industry acclaim—find the book not only useful, but genuinely enjoyable and inspiring. For interior designers, design students, coffee table book collectors, and anyone with a love of beautiful, practical spaces, “Made for Living” is a worthwhile addition to the library.
In summary: If you want a design book that is as inspiring as it is useful, and as decorative as it is insightful, “Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles” is an outstanding choice. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to make their home truly their own.
