Book Review: House Proud by Valorie Hart

House Proud: Unique Home Design, Louisiana is like a tour of some of the state's coolest, chicest homes.

A more articulate summary can be found at Amazon, where you can purchase the book:

"Experience the joy of decor and design, restoration and rebirth, color and comfort - all in the enchanting locale of Louisiana. A New Orleans-based interior designer, Valorie Hart expertly leads a private tour of the most fashionable homes in the state. Sara Essex Bradley's photographs document the personality of Louisiana's homes, from the formal Greek revival house to the warm Creole cottage, the pre-Civil war beauty to the kitschy 50s-style ranch, the grand Victorian to the modern urban loft. This is not simply a design inspiration book, but rather a thoughtful compilation of homeowners' personal stories of restoring and redesigning their dream houses - the stories of the "house-proud."

Here are some of my favorite photos, by Sara Essex Bradley.  I think her photography style was a perfect match for this project.

I LOVE this living room. The ceiling to floor hallway/art gallery, the fawn inspired rug, and the picture hung over the bookcase. I don't know why - I'm just a sucker for that.

The cypress ceilings are original to this home.  And check out the checkered floors.  Drool.

All in all, this book is a glamorous tribute to Louisiana homes, and even if you've never been, there's plenty of eye candy to be appreciated!