About Bre Doucette
Bre Doucette is a prominent name in the home décor and lifestyle space, best known for her warm, inviting approach to making any house feel like a cherished home. As the creator of the “Rooms for Rent” blog, she has inspired thousands of followers to transform their spaces with intention, beauty, and authenticity. Her expertise is rooted in personal experience—Bre lives and decorates in an 1846 New England farmhouse, which she shares with her family (and, charmingly, a menagerie including a dog and twelve chickens). This unique setting serves as a living laboratory for her decorating philosophy: that a home should be more than just visually appealing—it should be purposeful, welcoming, and a true reflection of those who live there.
Bre’s philosophy centers around creating spaces that feel like a gift, blending beauty with function and emotion. Through her blog and her books, she encourages readers to embrace their homes “as they are,” guiding them to see the potential amidst imperfections and to enjoy the journey of making each space special. Her approach is accessible and relatable, combining professional design principles with real-world practicality. As a result, Bre’s influence has grown well beyond her blog, making her a trusted voice in the home décor community, particularly for those interested in New England charm, farmhouse style, and attainable, heartfelt design.
Book Overview
“The Gift of Home: Beauty and Inspiration to Make Every Space a Special Place” is Bre Doucette’s signature contribution to the home decorating and interior design genre. Published by Ten Peaks Press on January 4, 2022, and spanning 224 pages, this hardcover book is designed as a comprehensive yet approachable guide for anyone looking to infuse their home with warmth and intention. Unlike many decorating books that focus solely on aesthetics, this product aims to transform the way readers view and engage with their living spaces, emphasizing not just style but also functionality, comfort, and emotional resonance.
The book is ideal for homeowners, renters, and design enthusiasts alike—especially those who may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of decorating or disillusioned with their current spaces. By blending design fundamentals, room-by-room advice, and hands-on projects, Bre offers both inspiration and actionable steps. “The Gift of Home” stands out by inviting readers into a real, lived-in farmhouse, providing an authentic and personal backdrop to the guidance she offers. Its holistic approach makes it both a source of creative ideas and a supportive companion for anyone striving to love where they live right now.
Visual Presentation and Design
One of the striking aspects of this product is its visual presentation, which is consistently praised by readers and reviewers. The hardcover edition is substantial and beautifully designed, measuring 8.1 by 9.1 inches and weighing approximately 1.8 pounds. This size provides ample space for high-quality photographs while being comfortable to browse or display on a coffee table. The cover itself is elegant and inviting, with soft, neutral tones and refined typography that reflect the calming aesthetic Bre is known for.
Inside, the book features a thoughtfully arranged layout with generous white space, large full-color photographs, and well-organized sections for easy navigation. The print quality is excellent—images are crisp, colors are true-to-life, and the paper has a pleasing weight and finish. Many buyers have noted that the book serves a dual purpose: not only is it a practical resource, but it is also stylish enough to use as décor. Several customer reviews mention displaying it on coffee tables, shelves, or consoles, where it adds a touch of beauty and sophistication to the room.
Key Content and Features
The true value of this product lies in the depth and practicality of its content. Bre Doucette structures the book around seven foundational design elements, explaining how each contributes to a harmonious, welcoming home. Her explanations are clear and approachable, demystifying key concepts like scale, color, balance, and texture for readers of all experience levels.
A standout feature is the book’s room-by-room approach, which guides readers through the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, dining areas, and entryways. This organizational structure makes it easy to find specific advice for any area of the home. In each room, Bre provides “Top Ten Essentials” lists—concise, actionable recommendations for achieving function and beauty. These lists act as quick-reference guides, perfect for readers who want an immediate starting point.
The book also includes a variety of DIY projects, designed to be accessible and impactful. These projects range from simple decorative accents to small-scale furniture updates and can be customized to different budgets and skill levels. Throughout, Bre weaves in her philosophy of creating not just attractive spaces, but spaces that evoke comfort, purpose, and joy. The result is a book that empowers readers to see their homes as dynamic, evolving gifts—rather than static “showpieces.”
Photography and Illustrations
High-quality photography is one of the defining strengths of this product. Each page is filled with images that both inspire and instruct, offering real-life examples of the ideas discussed. The majority of photos are taken in Bre’s own farmhouse, providing an authentic backdrop and a sense of continuity. Themes of warmth, simplicity, and lived-in elegance are evident throughout the imagery.
Readers frequently praise the visual content, noting that the photography “makes this a cherished volume” and “provides fresh ideas and cozy looks.” The images serve not just as inspiration but as step-by-step guides to decorating, illustrating everything from furniture arrangements to DIY project outcomes. For visual learners or those who find traditional decorating books overwhelming, the approachable, narrative-driven photo spreads make the concepts accessible and easy to implement.
The book’s illustrations are well-integrated with the text, breaking up long sections and providing visual clarity for more abstract concepts. The result is a seamless, visually engaging reading experience that feels as stylish as it is useful.
Room-by-Room Approach
One of the book’s most helpful organizational strategies is its systematic, room-by-room format. Rather than offering generic advice, Bre Doucette leads readers on a guided “tour” of a home, dedicating chapters or sections to each major area. This structure is particularly valuable for readers looking for targeted, actionable solutions. Whether you’re frustrated by a cluttered entryway or looking to make your guest room more welcoming, you’ll find tailored advice and examples relevant to your needs.
For beginners, this breakdown demystifies the decorating process and prevents overwhelm by allowing readers to tackle one space at a time. For more experienced decorators, it acts as a checklist to ensure every room receives attention and intention. The inclusion of “Top Ten Essentials” for each space streamlines the planning process and provides a practical roadmap for making changes, big or small.
Several reviewers mention that this method made the book more approachable and actionable compared to others in the genre. It enables readers to use the book as both a comprehensive guide and a quick-reference manual.
DIY Projects and Practical Tips
Unlike many home decorating books that focus solely on high-level design principles, this product emphasizes practical, hands-on projects and tips that can be implemented by readers with varying skill levels. The included DIY projects are intentionally designed to be accessible, requiring basic materials and tools. From creating personalized wall art to updating cabinetry hardware, these projects bridge the gap between inspiration and action.
Customer reviews frequently highlight the simplicity and relevance of the DIY ideas. One reviewer noted, “Other books I’ve obtained have complicated DIY plans: power tools required or lack of photos, monotonous content etc. This book is inviting, yet not overdone nor cluttered—simple and peaceful theme.” The range of projects caters to a broad audience, whether you’re a novice looking for your first weekend project or a seasoned DIY-er seeking fresh ideas for seasonal updates.
In addition to projects, Bre offers numerous practical tips throughout the book—ranging from small styling tweaks to advice on overcoming common decorating challenges. The result is a book grounded in real-world usability, not just aspirational imagery.
User Experience and Readability
The overall reading experience provided by this product is engaging, encouraging, and highly readable. Bre Doucette’s writing style is clear, conversational, and supportive, making the subject matter accessible without “talking down” to the reader. The tone is that of a trusted friend or mentor, gently guiding you through the decision-making process rather than prescribing rigid rules.
Reader feedback often mentions how enjoyable the book is to browse as well as to study in depth. For instance, one reviewer wrote, “So many of this type of book I just look at photos but this is different! Had to buy my own copy! I’m reading for the second time and it continues to inspire new ideas.” The book’s layout and organization facilitate both quick inspiration and deeper dives—making it suitable for readers who want to flip through for ideas, as well as those seeking structured, step-by-step guidance.
The narrative is punctuated with personal anecdotes from Bre’s own journey, which adds authenticity and relatability. The overall effect is motivating, leaving readers eager to try new things and reassured that mistakes and experimentation are part of the process.
Audience and Use Cases
This product is crafted for a broad and inclusive audience. Homeowners and renters seeking to refresh or personalize their spaces will find actionable value, while design enthusiasts will appreciate the blend of inspiration and practicality. Even those new to decorating will benefit from the approachable explanations and beginner-friendly projects. Notably, the book’s real-life examples and accessible tone make it especially helpful for those who may feel intimidated by highly stylized or “perfect” homes found in other design books.
Many readers use the book as a coffee table display—its aesthetic presentation invites guests to browse, and its content sparks conversation. Its appeal as a gift is also frequently mentioned in reviews, especially for new homeowners, recent graduates, or anyone embarking on a decorating journey. Real estate agents have even noted gifting the book to clients as a thoughtful and practical housewarming present.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, a practical step-by-step guide, or a beautiful decorative object, this book is versatile enough to fit all those needs.
Comparison with Similar Books
In the crowded field of home decorating literature, this product distinguishes itself through its personal, authentic approach. Unlike Pottery Barn’s curated volumes, which showcase a variety of design styles and homes, “The Gift of Home” focuses on one real, lived-in farmhouse. While some reviewers wish for a broader range of interiors, many appreciate the depth and intimacy this provides—allowing readers to see how design choices play out in a cohesive, evolving space.
What sets this book apart is the balance between inspiration and practicality. Whereas some lifestyle authors emphasize aspirational, magazine-perfect imagery, Bre’s book demonstrates realistic, attainable strategies that feel achievable, even for those on a budget. The inclusion of DIY projects and “Top Ten Essentials” lists is particularly helpful, bridging the sometimes-daunting gap between idea and execution. A noted limitation is the focus on a single aesthetic (New England farmhouse), which may not appeal to readers seeking more stylistic diversity. However, the design principles and project ideas are broadly applicable across many home styles.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
This product enjoys a strong reputation with Amazon buyers, earning an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 340 reviews. A remarkable 81% of reviewers awarded five stars, and 11% gave four stars, reflecting widespread satisfaction. Customers consistently praise the book’s beautiful photography, clear writing, and practical advice. One buyer called it “a cherished volume” and another wrote, “It’s now my fav and plan to do the same to my home.”
Positive feedback centers on the book’s approachable tone, inspiring imagery, and actionable tips. Many readers mention using it for décor purposes as well as a source of ideas. Several point out that the book’s DIY projects are refreshingly simple and do not require advanced skills or tools. Critiques are relatively minor—some wish for a greater variety of homes and design styles, comparing it to the Pottery Barn books that feature multiple aesthetics. Others have mentioned delivery or packaging issues, but these do not reflect the content itself.
The overall review profile confirms that this product delivers on its promises—providing both inspiration and practical guidance in an attractive, user-friendly package.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Beautiful, high-quality photography and design
- Accessible, encouraging writing style
- Room-by-room format with “Top Ten Essentials” lists
- Range of simple, practical DIY projects
- Applicable advice for a variety of homes and budgets
- Suitable for both inspiration and reference
- Serves as both a resource and decorative object
Cons:
- Focuses on a single home/aesthetic (may limit style variety)
- Some readers may desire more diverse examples, as in Pottery Barn books
- Occasional packaging/shipping complaints (not content-related)
Value for Money
At a retail price of $18.92 (down from an original $34.99), this product offers excellent value relative to its quality and utility. The substantial hardcover format, premium photography, and depth of content make it competitive with other leading home decorating books. Readers seeking a resource that inspires and guides—while also serving as a decorative accent—will find the investment well justified.
Considering its durability and versatility (usable as a reference, coffee table book, or gift), the price is more than reasonable. Occasional discounts or Amazon Prime delivery further enhance its value proposition. Ultimately, for the depth and usability provided, this book is a worthwhile addition to any home décor library.
Final Recommendations
In summary, “The Gift of Home: Beauty and Inspiration to Make Every Space a Special Place” by Bre Doucette is a standout choice for anyone seeking to transform their living spaces with warmth, purpose, and practical style. It is particularly recommended for readers who appreciate approachable advice, thoughtful photography, and actionable tips, whether they are decorating for the first time or looking to refresh well-loved rooms.
This product is well-suited as a personal reference, a source of fresh inspiration, or a thoughtful gift for housewarmings, weddings, or holidays. While those seeking a wider range of styles and homes may want to supplement their library, the book’s focus on attainable, heartfelt design ensures its broad appeal and enduring value. Based on its high ratings, positive feedback, and expert execution, this book comes highly recommended for anyone eager to create a home that truly feels like a gift.
