Many of you who follow the happenings of this blog already know that recently I quit my job without a backup for that income. The stress I was feeling was affecting all parts of me, mentally, physically and emotionally. So my husband and I agreed to have me quit and we'd figure it out day by day. So far, it's been the biggest blessing I've ever experienced. Without getting too emotionally and making this awkward for anyone else to read, I'll leave at I did it, I'm happy and I'm not nearly as stressed out as I was before.

So what do I do to fill my days? Besides being more present my son, friends, family and husband, my house is cleaner, more projects are finished, I garden more successfully, pray more deeply and I cook. I'm not more present here on the blog, but I am enjoying refining and growing my interior design style during this time, too.

Between practice and reading I feel like I'm learning a lot. I've found a way to have fun with this passion and destress at the same time are interior design coloring books. It's something I can do to keep busy and off of facebook while my son plays with his friends and it's therapeutic and fun. And since it's related to the realm of decorating and design, I thought I'd pull together some of my favorite coloring books and others I'm personally wanting to try here on the blog to share with you.

I'm a huge fan of the blog and book author, Melissa Michaels. She writes at The Inspired Room and even though our styles differ quite a bit, her ideals and practical approach to decorating is one I admire. I've been part of the book launch promotion group for her past 3 books and I'm in the group again for her coloring book release. I'm not obligated in any way to share the coloring book here today but I have been luh-ving it so I wanted to mention it just in case you're in the market, I do think you should check it out.

The Inspired Room Coloring Book: Creative Spaces to Decorate as You Dream

The ones I'm most excited about trying next are these next two. The subject matter of the first is right up my alley and I think if you're into the boho/eclectic style, you'll find yourself drawn to this one, too. And the other just looks hilariously reassuring because that cover- it's actually messier than most of my house (this shocks me ;))

Sanctuary: Living Spaces Coloring Book

Color Me Cluttered: A Coloring Book to Transform Everyday Chaos into Art

If you're into lots of little details, these two below are ones I really liked the concept behind. The pages show clear scenes but give you lots of options for making the details as different as you want.

The World of Debbie Macomber: Come Home to Color: An Adult Coloring Book

Color At Home: A Young House Love Coloring Book

Granted, a lot of the books cater to a specific style. But I still find it fun taking those bones and transforming them with color. It's like a challenge. Probably one designers on tight budgets feel often since the ideal piece doesn't always magically appear for a good price.

Home Away from Home: A Hand-Crafted Adult Coloring Book

Home is Where the Heart Is: A Hand-Crafted Adult Coloring Book

There are even series of books dedicated to the stress relief properties of this hobby. Pretty cool, eh?

Interior Design Coloring Book: A Stress Management Coloring Book For Adults

Architectural Art: A Stress Management Coloring Book For Adults

Some things I've been looking for in coloring books that may help you, too:

• Clear lines. Not enough definition of the subjects on the page and they become fustratingly difficult to color.


• A variety of designs to color. Some rooms, some pillows, etc.


• Removeable pages.


• Designs on only 1 side of the page so the colors don't get muddles.


• Thicker than printer paper pages so the pages don't ripple.

So there you go! I hope you give book coloring a try. It may not be for everyone, but they're pretty inexpensive to pick up and try so I think the investment is worth it. Do you have any favorites? I'll be honest, I really like the ones with mandalas, too!