We’ve been hinting about our second book for months and promising to share more details soon. Here’s an update with the essentials: how the deal came about, what the new book will cover, how you can be involved, and our current timeline.
How did you get a second book deal?
Our initial contract with Artisan Books was for two books, so a follow-up was always part of the plan. We signed with Artisan in 2011 and published our first book in November 2012. Because the publisher already intended a second volume, the new project felt like a natural next step that allowed us to build on what we learned from the first book.
When will this one come out?
We are currently aiming for a fall 2015 release, though that timeline depends on many moving parts and isn’t guaranteed. Artisan has been supportive and encouraged us to take the time needed to develop the second book thoughtfully instead of rushing back into it immediately after the first release. Having gone through the entire publishing process once, we have a clearer sense of how time-consuming each phase is—proofreading alone can take ages—so we’re pacing ourselves while keeping that fall target in mind.
Will it be more of the same as Book #1?
Not exactly. While each chapter will still include practical projects and actionable tips, the overall format and concept will be different. We thought Artisan might ask us to duplicate the format of Book #1, but they encouraged us to create a standalone book with its own identity. That freedom led us to spend nearly a year exploring different directions, drafting outlines, and brainstorming with the publisher. Last winter we landed on a concept that excited everyone and gave the project momentum.
So… what will it be about?
Our goal is to offer realistic decorating and organizing ideas that fit the way families actually live. Inspirational magazine rooms are beautiful, but they often omit the practical elements of daily life—where the TV remotes go, where mail gets dropped, whether kids and pets truly belong in those photos. We want to present solutions that solve common family challenges, balancing form, function, and emotional meaning so every family member feels at home.
Unlike our first book, which was photographed mostly in our own house, this one will include tours of other real family homes. Featuring a wider range of families, layouts, and decorating styles helps us show more varied and relatable solutions. Alongside our own projects, these home tours will illustrate how different households adapt design principles to meet their daily needs.
Are you looking for homes to feature?
Yes—we’re already shooting some homes but we still have space and would love to consider yours, a friend’s, a neighbor’s, or even a more unconventional household. If you’re interested, here’s what we’re looking for:
- Homes that feel personal and lived-in: We want spaces that clearly reflect the tastes and needs of the people who live there. You don’t need a perfect whole house; single rooms like a standout kitchen, playroom, or staircase can be great features.
- Unique circumstances welcomed: We’re keeping the definition of “family” broad—parents with kids, empty nesters, couples with pets, shared households, multi-generational living, small-space families, or creative adaptations like repurposed rooms. The more variety, the better.
- How to submit: Send photos and a brief description or story about your space to [email protected] with “BOOK TWO” in the subject line. Tell us what makes the space special and how it works for your household.
What if I don’t have a home to submit? Can I still be a part of it?
Absolutely. We’re planning additional ways to include readers so the book can represent a wide range of families and living situations. We’ll share details about those opportunities as the project progresses.
Are you going to have those intense weeks of photoshoots in your house again?
We’re trying to make this process much less hectic. This time we’re spacing out photography since we’re coordinating shoots in multiple homes as well as juggling a newborn. We initially hoped to complete all photography before the baby arrived, but realized that wasn’t realistic. Artisan has been flexible, letting us pace the shoots so we can enjoy the process and our growing family. We finalized the outline recently, have started writing chapter introductions and tutorials, and are targeting completion of photography by the end of the summer so we can finish the manuscript in the following months.
Will you do a book tour again? Will you visit my city?
We haven’t discussed tour plans with Artisan yet—right now the focus is on finishing the book. It’s likely there will be some events, but details like the number of cities and locations won’t be decided for some time. Much will depend on interest from local hosts and timing. For now, we’re relieved we don’t have to plan long-distance travel away from our kids for at least another year while we complete the work.