Romantic Prairie Style by Fifi O'Neil

This month I'm reviewing Romantic Prairie Style by Fifi O'Neil from illustrated lifestyle publishers, Ryland Peters & Small and CICO Books. Fifi O'Neil grew up in Paris, France before moving to Canada where she lived for fifteen years before settling in the great plains of the United States of America. She is, and has been for the past twenty years, a freelance writer and photo stylist. Her romantic style and love of quaint cottages can be seen in national publications such as Coastal Living, Creative Home, Quick & Easy Decorating, Windows & Walls, Home Companion, Style, Romantic Country, Cottage Style and Country Living.

I chose to review this book as I loved the title and was intrigued to find out more about Prairie style in the home. Romantic Prairie Style, as explained in the foreword, is not just about how your home looks; it is a mindset. In the age of turmoil and unrest this style is about building a real home that is both relaxed and comfortable yet also sophisticated. Taking a cue from the long cherished ideals of natural beauty it is about the juxtaposition of rugged and rustic versus delicate and elegant. It is an enduring, welcoming style with an aura of romance and nostalgia, inspired by traditional American country life.

Fifi has spanned thousand of miles to bring us the very best examples of Prairie style, something that she obviously has a real affinity and love for. Each example of the varying styles and nuances of Prairie Style is beautifully photographed by acclaimed Los Angeles interior photographer, Mark Lohman.

The book is split into three chapters, Traditional Prairie, Romantic Prairie and Vintage Prairie with a foreword by Christina Strutt of Cabbages and Roses. The first chapter, Traditional Prairie, showcases five homes ranging from the Pioneer Spirit of Anne Marie's Na-Da Farm, with an apple orchard at the back where candlelit suppers are taken sitting on fabric draped hay stacks, to the Illinois-based Angela Reed's Elegant Prairie home with its bright turquoise walls and glass cloche displays.

The second chapter, Romantic Prairie, features my favourite house belonging to Christian McCord and her husband, Bryan. Based in a California beach town, the cottage is full of beautiful treasures from the pretty floral cushions atop chipped and worn whitewashed chairs to the delicate chandelier and vintage jugs full of the prettiest blooms. Oh, and how I love the the vintage picnic blanket laid on the lawn in the delightful pictures from the Nebraska-based Dickerson's family home.

The last chapter focuses on Vintage Prairie from the urban Los Angeles home of Jennifer and Adam Grey to the sweet, light filled prairie home of Lisa and Richard Adkins. I love the pops of bright turquoise scattered around their home from the fabulous shiny 1954 Chevy pickup truck to the battered old stools.

At a recommended price of £19.99, I think this hardback book is one you will cherish not only for the beautiful images, tips and advice but for how it makes you feel. With lines like "The narrow road meanders for miles through lush corn fields and picturesque pastures where cattle and horses graze peacefully under a cloudless sky", you get to sit back, relax and fill your head with dreamy thoughts of a more relaxed, cherished life.

Some of my favourite interior eye candy shots:

Pretty bird cages and candles on the potting table

I am loving the bright turquoise 1954 Chevy pickup!

This kitchen reminded me of our new kitchen, with its wooden worktops, brick tiles and highlights of duck egg blue.

The gorgeous details in the house belonging to Christian McCord and her husband

To summarize, Romantic Prairie Style is a wonderful book full of inspiring homes and great tips and advice.

Please note that my opinions are my own and I am not paid for these reviews (apart from receiving a free book, of course!).

Have a sweet day!