Relaxed Elegance: Rooms for Living Well - Design Book

In this review of Relaxed Elegance: Rooms for Living Well, the first book by interior designer Brittany Bromley, the bottom line is simple: this is a styling and photo-driven resource for anyone who wants practical inspiration rooted in classic taste with a modern twist. The book is best for readers seeking clear visual examples of how to combine pattern, color and history-sensitive design. Its most compelling attribute is the photography and curated rooms that show how Bromley makes casual spaces feel polished without losing livability.

Key Features

• Beautiful photography: Large, well-composed images capture room layouts and material pairings so readers can study color and pattern relationships.
• Regional variety: Interiors from New York, St. Louis, Palm Beach, the Hamptons and Connecticut demonstrate how the same sensibility adapts to different settings.
• Pattern-forward approach: Frequent mixing of prints and textures gives concrete examples for readers looking to introduce bold palettes into traditional rooms.
• Grounded in history: Design choices reference classic architecture and antiques, helping readers understand how to layer old and new elements.
• Practical inspiration: Rooms feel lived-in yet polished, offering ideas that can be adapted for real homes rather than purely aspirational showrooms.

Who It's For

This book is ideal for homeowners, decorators, and design students who appreciate a blend of traditional and contemporary approaches and who want pictorial guidance on mixing pattern and color. It is especially valuable for readers who favor a Palm Beach meets Park Avenue aesthetic and who want examples that respect a house's history while updating it for modern living.

It is less appropriate for readers seeking step-by-step DIY instructions, materials lists, or floorplan-focused technical manuals; those needing measured plans or construction detail should consult trade-focused titles instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Striking photography provides immediate visual inspiration for color palettes and furnishings.
• Shows how a consistent design sensibility works across urban and country homes, useful for adaptable ideas.
• Focus on pattern mixing and layered textiles gives practical styling cues readers can reproduce.

Cons

• The book emphasizes imagery and aesthetic narrative over technical specifications or sourcing details, which limits step-by-step implementation.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Relaxed Elegance is a smart purchase for anyone seeking inspirational, photograph-led ideas that show how to make traditional rooms feel fresh and livable. While it does not function as a technical manual, its curated imagery and consistent design voice deliver strong value for readers who want creative direction and confident examples of pattern, color and historical sensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book show projects from multiple regions?
Yes, it features interiors from New York, St. Louis, Palm Beach, the Hamptons and Connecticut to illustrate adaptable approaches.

Is the book primarily photographic or instructional?
The book is primarily photographic and inspirational, focusing on styled rooms and design narratives rather than step-by-step instructions.

Who is the designer behind the book?
Brittany Bromley is the interior designer whose work and signature mix of pattern and color are showcased throughout the book.