Book Nook - The Functional Home

The Functional Home delivers expert-level insight made approachable and easy to follow, without the high price tag of hiring a home design specialist. Professional designer and social media star Julie Jones (@juliejones_designs) spills all her secrets and hands you the tools to rethink your rooms, plan smart layouts, and create a home that feels both functional and inviting - no matter its size, shape, or style.

I had a chance to review this book, which really breaks down the fundamentals of interior planning. It's more about the placement and how people move through space, so that you can make every inch of your space work smarter for whoever lives in your home. It's appropriate for those who are planning full remodels, but also those who are just looking at a refresh and change of furniture placement.

The guide is beautiful, too, with lots of pictures and easy-to-read diagrams. Particular attention is paid to kitchens and baths, which are quite complicated, and measurements are in metric and imperial units. Homes can be both beautiful and useful, and this book does a great job of helping people figure out just how to make that happen.

Julie Jones (@juliejones_designs) is a CID (Certified Interior Designer in the state of CA) with 18 years of experience in residential design. Julie attended two different CIDA-accredited colleges to attain her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design in 2008. She then worked as a residential interior designer, primarily designing kitchens, bathrooms, and new construction. As a result of sharing her work on social media in 2021, Julie started a new career path in 2022. Taking her real-world experience with her, Julie Jones® Designs was born as a virtual interior design service. Since then, she has been able to hire talented space planners, designers, drafters, and assistants for her rapidly expanding business. As Julie continues to gain popularity on social media by providing interior design and space planning advice, she strives to challenge the norms of the interior design industry by making it more accessible and affordable without compromising on quality. Discover more about Julie on her website juliejonesdesigns.com and @juliejones_designs on Instagram.