When I found out that blog pioneer, Design Sponge founder, and Virginia native, Grace Bonney (pictured below) was compiling years and years of work into her first book, I couldn't wait to dive in. 

Credit: Johnny Miller

This weekend I finally had a chance to sit down and enjoy it. Leafing through all the photography of houses and decorating projects wasn't a bad way to spend an afternoon. I think I dog-eared about 25 pages.

I was excited to see quite a few Southerners in the mix and I was particularly taken with Allyson Fox and Derek Dollahite's house in Austin, Texas, (pictured below).  The space is quirky and modern and rustic at once, and I love all those contrasts thrown in together.

Credit: Amanda Elmore

But I have to say my favorite part of the book is the section is devoted to DIY projects. I am definitely going to try the succulent brick wall project (pictured below) once the weather cools down here. It looks like a giant living painting. 

Credit: Bela Thee

To learn more about Bonney, click here.