11/13/08

Thom Filicia has style—clearly. He was the “Design Doctor” on Bravo’s Emmy-winning Queer Eye for five years and the spokesman for Pier 1 Imports; he now leads the Style network’s newest show, Dress My Nest, and the self-described “democratic design snob” is anything but snobbish in his newest book, Thom Filicia Style: Inspired Ideas for Creating Rooms You’ll Love.

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“Accessible” is actually the first word that comes to mind when you read Thom Filicia’s newest addition to the shelf of interior style guides. From the fun font that mimics handwriting used in the call-outs to the 10 spreads featuring Filicia’s personal SoHo pad, the book is a refreshing change from the usual stark layouts customary to most decorating books.
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Filicia’s self-deprecating humor also lends a welcome tone to the book. For instance, he’s the first to point out that [he] “can hardly spell,” and he admits his clothing style (back in the day) hit a “few bumps in the road.” There’s also a cute timeline of Filicia’s life and career and a dedication (Filicia mentions his favorite [and very fitting] book as a child, Dr. Seuss’s Come over to My House given to him by his mom) that makes you realize the book isn’t a ploy for more press.

The book is divided into two parts: “Process” and “Case Studies.” The first part features “Thom’s Ten Tips,” “Thom’s Ten Moods,” and “Pulling It All Together;” the “Case Studies” feature a spectrum of different spaces and personalities that range from an eco-chic Manhattan residential building to a hip young couple’s urban loft (our favorite of course!) that makes room for a “baby on board.”

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Gorgeous and clear-cut examples, a thorough index of go-to vendors, and a little humor that goes a long way makes Thom Filicia Style a book worth purchasing even in these troubled financial times. Check out our next issue for a full Q&A with Filicia, and if there’s anything you want to ask him comment below or write to us at letters@loftlifemag.com.

Posted by Kyra Shapurji