About the Author
Emily Henderson is a household name in contemporary interior design, recognized for her compelling blend of accessible style and design expertise. As the creator of “The New Design Rules: How to Decorate and Renovate, from Start to Finish,” Henderson brings a multifaceted career to her readers. She began her rise to prominence as the winner of HGTV’s “Design Star,” subsequently launching her career as an interior designer, stylist, and sought-after TV host. Through her highly influential blog and as the founder of Emily Henderson Design, she has shaped how everyday people approach decorating and renovating their homes.
Henderson’s previous book, “Styled,” became a New York Times bestseller, further cementing her as a leading voice for approachable, personality-driven design. Her expertise as a Target Home Style Expert and her frequent features in The New York Times, House Beautiful, domino, and other leading publications highlight her broad impact across both professional and popular design circles. What distinguishes Henderson is her focus on making great design accessible: she demystifies the process, encourages readers to embrace their individuality, and leverages her own experience—both successes and mistakes—to inspire confidence. Her influence is especially felt among those seeking stylish, livable homes without the intimidation factor often found in high-end interior design.
Book Overview
“The New Design Rules” is positioned as a comprehensive and approachable masterclass in interior design, intended for anyone seeking to decorate or renovate their home with confidence. This product stands out for its visually rich presentation, filled with real home photography that grounds its guidance in practical, achievable examples. Henderson structures the book as a step-by-step journey from initial inspiration to final touches, making it both an educational resource and a source of inspiration for readers at every stage of their design journey.
The book’s format is particularly user-friendly, combining clear, insightful text with an abundance of beautiful images, diagrams, and checklists. Readers will find detailed breakdowns of essential topics: choosing materials, arranging furniture, selecting paint colors, understanding lighting, and determining when to call in the professionals. Whether you are a homeowner tackling a full renovation, a renter looking to refresh your space, or even a design professional seeking a structured reference, “The New Design Rules” tailors its instructions and encouragement to a wide audience. The content’s depth makes it suitable for beginners and enthusiastic DIYers, while its visual appeal and trade secrets offer plenty for more experienced design fans.
Key Features
This product’s key features reflect Henderson’s thorough, practical approach. Among its standout elements are:
- In-Depth Guides: Each core design topic receives a detailed treatment. Readers are walked through the logic of furniture arrangement, the pros and cons of various materials, tips for selecting the perfect paint finish, and the nuances of lighting design.
- Checklists and Glossaries: The inclusion of glossaries helps demystify design jargon, making technical terms accessible to non-professionals. Measurement guides and “by the numbers” breakdowns offer practical reference points—such as standard countertop heights, suggested rug sizes, and spacing rules for lighting.
- Step-by-Step Process: The book lays out a logical, room-by-room framework, including guidance on when it’s best to tackle projects yourself and when professional help is warranted. This structure supports readers from planning and budgeting through execution.
- Visual Inspiration: Hundreds of full-color photographs, many from real homes (including Henderson’s own projects), illustrate principles and spark creative ideas. Illustrations clarify complex points, ensuring visual learners are well-supported.
- Personality-Driven Approach: Henderson insists that good design is personal. She teaches the “rules” but also when and how to break them, empowering readers to build spaces that reflect their unique lifestyles and tastes.
- High-Quality Layout: The writing is clear, approachable, and often witty. The book’s organization is logical and easy to follow, making it an effective reference for both casual browsing and deep study.
Compared to other design books, the balanced mix of how-to guidance, real-life examples, and encouragement to express individuality gives “The New Design Rules” broad and lasting appeal.
Visuals and Design Quality
The visual quality of “The New Design Rules” is exceptional, rivaling the best in the home improvement genre. Henderson’s team has curated a stunning array of color-rich photographs that showcase a diverse range of real homes, styles, and design solutions. Unlike many design books that focus solely on high-end, unattainable spaces, this product includes relatable examples—spaces that feel both aspirational and achievable for the average reader.
Illustrations and diagrams are thoughtfully integrated, clarifying key concepts like furniture layout, scale, and the interplay of color and light. Reviewers frequently praise the photography’s dual role: not only does it provide eye candy for those who love beautiful interiors, but it also demonstrates the practical effects of design choices described in the text. The quality of the print—thick pages, crisp images, and a sturdy binding—mean that this product also serves as an excellent coffee table book, often sparking conversation with guests and providing ongoing inspiration. For anyone who values both aesthetics and substance, “The New Design Rules” delivers on both fronts.
Content Depth and Usability
One of the most consistent strengths of this product is its actionable, real-world utility. Henderson doesn’t stop at high-level theory: she provides clear, step-by-step instructions, checklists, and real-life examples that make it possible to move confidently from inspiration to implementation. Foundational design concepts are explained in plain English, with an emphasis on empowering the reader to make informed decisions—whether that means choosing the right tile for a bathroom or understanding what separates a contractor from a handyperson during a renovation.
For DIYers, the book is a goldmine of tips, trade secrets, and troubleshooting advice. “By the numbers” breakdowns and measurement guides help demystify common design challenges, such as hanging artwork at the correct height or ensuring adequate circulation space in a living area. The organization is notably intuitive: content flows logically from general principles to specific room-by-room guidance, making it easy to jump in wherever your project happens to be. The encouragement to bend or break the “rules” is particularly welcome, as Henderson recognizes that personal preference and creativity are as important as professional standards.
While the book’s primary audience is likely beginners and those in the early stages of their design journeys, even more experienced readers will appreciate the comprehensive checklists and trade insights. The only caveat is for those already deeply versed in architectural design or seeking advanced, niche solutions—some may find the content leans toward the foundational, as some user reviews attest.
User Experience
The user experience of “The New Design Rules” is widely celebrated in verified Amazon reviews and design forums alike. Multiple users highlight how the book’s clear layout, beautiful photography, and actionable advice made it their go-to resource while planning or executing their renovation projects. For instance, one reviewer noted using the book as a working reference—highlighter in hand—just before starting their own bathroom remodel, praising its blend of helpful tips and freeing advice about breaking traditional rules.
Another common theme is the book’s accessibility for those new to design. Readers repeatedly mention feeling more confident, less overwhelmed, and better equipped to converse with contractors or make key decisions. The tone is noted as “approachable and friendly” rather than intimidating or overly prescriptive, making the subject matter welcoming even for self-proclaimed novices. As a real-life example, a new homeowner described giving this product as a housewarming gift to friends, citing its comprehensive coverage and motivational style as invaluable for anyone embarking on a home transformation.
Feedback for more advanced users is mixed: while many appreciate the reference-style definitions and clarity of terms, a few note that the book stops short of providing pro-level, in-depth solutions to complex layout challenges. Others mention wishing for more direct opinion from Henderson on specific style dilemmas, though most agree that the encouragement of personal expression is a refreshing change from the “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Clear, organized, and accessible writing
- Hundreds of high-quality photographs and visual examples
- Step-by-step guides, glossaries, and practical checklists
- Encourages individuality and creative risk-taking
- Useful for homeowners, renters, and design enthusiasts alike
- Sturdy, attractive book—ideal for display as a coffee table piece
- Empowers readers to communicate confidently with design professionals
Cons:
- Content may feel basic for advanced or professional designers
- Some readers desire more prescriptive, opinionated advice
- Focuses more on foundational knowledge than on niche or highly technical design challenges
- Occasional overlap with information available on the author’s blog
Value for Money
At a listed price of $16.99 (down from the original price of $32.50), “The New Design Rules” offers outstanding value for both its content and presentation quality. The book spans 336 pages and features a wealth of full-color photographs, thick pages, and a durable binding, ensuring longevity whether used as a reference or as a display piece. Compared to other publications in the home improvement and design space, this product delivers a rare balance: practical, step-by-step guidance and genuine visual inspiration in one beautifully produced package.
Given its wide accessibility, thoughtful organization, and breadth of topics, the investment is well justified for a broad audience. Beginners and homeowners seeking to build confidence will find it invaluable, but even those further along in their design journey may find the reference guides and motivational tone worth the price. As a coffee table book, it stands out for its blend of substance and style, making it a smart choice for gifting as well. In a market where many design books cost considerably more and deliver far less actionable content, this product distinguishes itself as a worthwhile buy.
Final Recommendation
After a thorough and expert review, “The New Design Rules: How to Decorate and Renovate, from Start to Finish” emerges as an indispensable guide for anyone looking to create a home that is both stylish and deeply personal. Emily Henderson’s unique combination of clear instruction, gorgeous visuals, and empowering philosophy ensures the book is as practical as it is inspiring. It is especially suited to new homeowners, first-time renovators, design enthusiasts craving confidence, and anyone intimidated by the thought of tackling home improvement projects alone.
While professionals or advanced users may wish for more advanced coverage of specific design dilemmas, the foundational knowledge, checklists, and real-world examples offer significant utility for most readers. As both a learning tool and a source of daily inspiration, this product solidifies its position among the top-tier books in the interior design and home improvement genre.
If you are ready to approach your next decorating or renovation project with clarity, creativity, and confidence, “The New Design Rules” is an excellent investment.
