Create: Creativity before Consumption

Create: Creativity before consumption is about reinvention and sustainability for the sake of the planet, and also for the joy and satisfaction of creating a home that is truly unique.

In the first part of the book, Discovery, stylist and set designer Emily shows how to create a home with style, dash and personality aplenty without relying on acquiring yet more disposable ‘stuff’. The Power of Paint reveals how nifty work with a paintbrush can have transformative effects and The Beauty of the Basics shows how an inventive approach can elevate simple materials, while Creative Contrast of textures, materials and colours is the key to bringing a home to life. Reuse/reclaim/reinvent sings the praises of repurposing objects to create your own unique style while, last but not least, Make your Own suggests easy yet creative home updates. The second part of the book, Stories, visits real-life creative homes of all shapes, sizes and locations that display incredible creativity and reflect their owners’ needs, tastes and style.

Emily Henson is an art director and designer known for her creative and approachable style and her belief in putting creativity before consumption. She began her career with her own line of children's clothing and worked as a visual merchandiser for Anthropologie before venturing into interior styling for photography and film. After 20 years in the US, Emily returned home to the UK where she oversees styling and shoot creative direction for a variety of brands including Habitat, IKEA, Depop, eBay, Versace, and Anthropologie. She writes a popular blog, Life Unstyled, and hosts talks and workshops on styling and interiors in the UK and overseas. Emily is the author of four previous books, Modern Rustic, Bohemian Modern, Life Unstyled, and Be Bold. She lives in Margate, UK.