The author of the acclaimed Living Well by Design now harnesses the power of design to create a healthy home that not only looks beautiful but also contributes to our quality of life
In her new book, internationally renowned design and style authority Melissa Penfold turns her attention from the basics of interior decorating to demonstrating what a powerful force design can be in boosting our physical and emotional well-being.
Each chapter is devoted to an aspect of healthy, life-enhancing design, including “Ease,” “Flow,” “Light,” “Nature,” “Timelessness,” and “Awe.” All underscore the importance of introducing lots of natural light; using natural, non-toxic materials (clay plaster, timber, stone); incorporating nature into our homes, whether through views of the outside world or by filling our interior with plants; creating lots of storage (mess is stress); and recognizing the power that color has on our state of mind.
Illustrating each chapter are photographs of beautiful rooms in homes around the world by top creatives like Steven Gambrel, Veere Grenney, Victoria Hagan, Peter Marino, Daniel Romualdez, Bunny Williams, and many more that embody the salutory properties of Natural Living By Design.
Penfold's first book, Living Well by Design, was widely acclaimed. Elle Decor declared, "Australian interior designer Melissa Penfold uses her 30 years of expertise to walk readers through the elements of a successful interior, which you can use to upgrade your own space.”
Sustainability is integral to Vendome's publishing process. All materials used in our books are 100% FSC-certified and we are proud to be a brand partner of Trees for the Future (https://trees.org), supporting global communities through sustainable land use. By planting trees, we help create thriving regional economies, robust food systems, and a healthier planet.
Praise
“One of the best new design books to buy in 2025. . . . Illustrated by rooms from the worlds' most celebrated designers (think: Bunny Williams, Veere Grenney, and Steven Gambrel), each chapter delves into different life-enhancing techniques, from introducing natural light and color in a room to utilizing non-toxic materials. You’ll want to add the recent release to your cart ASAP. ”
—Veranda, Sarah DiMarco
“Australian designer Melissa Penfold has enjoyed a storied career as a writer and interiors editor for top shelter publications. . . . this spring sees the launch of her second book, Natural Living by Design, which showcases healthy, life-enhancing interiors by designers from around the world.”
—House & Home, Wendy Jacob
“In her new book, interior designer Melissa Penfold shows us how to create a home that rejuvenates your spirit through natural materials, thoughtful design and a deep connection to place.”
—Marie Claire
"For more than 30 years, Melissa Penfold has been an authority on styling and decorating homes, both in Australia and overseas and is known as the ‘Queen of Style’. In Melissa’s new book, Natural Living by Design, she makes the link between interior design and quality of life, showcasing healthy, eco-friendly homes. It’s a powerful message but one that doesn’t skimp on beauty and inspiration."
—Country Style Magazine
“Natural Living by Design, a new interior design book by Australian style authority Melissa Penfold, explores six key aspects of natural living: ease, flow, light, nature, timelessness, and awe. In the final section, which Penfold uses to illustrate that the best way to create awe in our interiors is to personalize them, the author emphasizes the power that color has on our state of mind.”
—Maine Home + Design, Becca Abramson
“Welcome to MelissaLand . . . earthy, rich spaces that are layered in tone and texture. Her rules are Ease, Flow, Light, Nature, Timelessness, and Awe, which translates to practical things like bringing in lots of daylight, sticking to natural materials, bringing nature and greenery into our homes, creating lots of storage (because mess is stress) and using colour meaningfully. And realising you can have enough.”
—House & Garden
“The suggestions in this inspiring book are simple-but-so-rewarding."
—Belle Magazine
“Take a leaf out of Melissa Penfold’s stunning new book and surround yourself with the power of nature.”
—Home Beautiful
“208 pages that promise to boost your mood and wellbeing. Expect lots of plant-filled spaces, antique French tables, taupes and green galore. Poring over the pictures will have you planning pergolas, parterre gardens and hand-finished plaster walls come the warmer months."
—Australian Financial Review
"For her new book, renowned Australian style authority, Melissa Penfold has collated not just visually stunning images but ideas that give you a physical and emotional boost. Her new book is full of luxurious looks that are broken into different aspects of a healthy life. Absolutely beautiful."
—Larry Edmur + Kylie Gillies, The Morning Show (Australia)
"Breathtaking rooms from some of the world’s top designers (and favorites of ours), in locales from Madrid to Mykonos to a treehouse in Kenya are warm, inviting and yes, natural. Take a peek, and you’ll be adding this latest masterpiece from Penfold to your own library."
—Design Chic
"A visual paean to interiors and architecture that elevate our physical and emotional wellbeing. The book prioritises design that embraces quality of life. Helps both enhance the liveability of a home as well as its residents’ health and happiness, with a particular focus on sustainability."
—The Local Project (Australia)
