Beige Is Not a Color: The Full-Spectrum World of Carlos Mota

This book sat for quite awhile in my cart before I decided to purchase this. No matter how appealing I found the title of “Beige Is Not a Color”, I tend to avoid pricy, aspirational books, of both the 'How-To' and eye candy varieties; they feel intentionally out of reach for the average human. The sort of human like me who doesn’t have an interior designer or 30K to spend for a sofa. And the flaunting of wealth feels especially misplaced considering what’s happening in the world right now. Most fancy design books seem like they’re made as much for space fillers and to impress guests rather than be cherished or frequently referenced. So I end up buying more accessible titles that lure with ‘no rules’ decorating or ones that embrace clutter and aggressive eccentricities. But nope, turns out that’s not necessarily the antidote; I wonder how one dusts and tidies all this stuff or if putting up oddball collections conjuring a flower power fever dream, just to freak out the squares, is really my thing either? Plus, I don’t live anywhere near a good flea market. Ah, turns out affordable chic is still quite a bit of an effort. So I almost didn’t buy this because I figured it would let me down like all these books usually do. I was very wrong. Good grief it’s good. Mr. Mota has managed to curate hundreds of photographs that genuinely inspire—a word that’s so often overused but actually applies here. I’m nearly moved to tears from flashes of true audacity, but ones beautifully tempered with humbleness and simplicity too. Yes, while most of the images are from homes of the privileged, it’s presented in a way that makes color, color itself, the savior. So while I drool over the Parisian attic library with its spiral stairs and rare books, I’m not merely left with a sense of the unobtainable but with hope: a particularly perfect hue of red exists in the world and I found here in this library. And if that all seems a bit melodramatic, let this cynic assure you that it really is just this sublime. It makes you want to rush out and fill a fruit bowl to the brim with seasonal delights or go clip some wildflowers. Regardless of budget, there’s just no excuse to not add some color! Wallowing in neutral depresses me and while I don’t need permission from tastemakers to go for it—that bold takes many shapes, both big and small—this little nudge from Mr. Mota is exceptionally refreshing. Would I love to have soaring ceilings, ornate archways, and an area rug that costs more than a 4-year Ivy League education? Sure. And that’s all here. But the simple shots of a floral arrangement or some ancient flaking cyan paint more than balance out the in-your-face luxury. I swoon. I especially appreciate that many of the scenes in BINAC are livable. Livable! Grand, but generally unfussy. Really, how can you argue with his philosophy? You can try but it would be a losing battle. So whether you just want a pretty picture book or need some ideas, virtually every page is revelatory. As for the quality of the book itself, um, so yummy. Super thick paper. (Good thing because I plan to dog-ear the heck out of this). The ‘all edge gilt’ is a touch you rarely see on books these days and the fact it’s in a wine red shade? Oh my. I am so happy I didn’t leave this to wither in my cart. So if you’ve ever had to stifle a frustrated scream when visiting the in-laws (or the average business class hotel room) because you’ve sat for hours in a space the color of boiled potatoes, this book is for you. If you’re not allergic to bland and your jaw doesn’t clench, even just a little, at the thought someone gets paid to give cutesy names to hundreds of nearly indistinguishable shades of off-white paint, I enthusiastically recommend you gift this book to a color-obsessed person in your life. It’s worth every cent if you’re not remotely down the with a real estate stager’s golden rule: Offend no one. Beige exists for that purpose.

Ladies & Gentlemen, This book will remind you that bringing color into your surroundings is not only joyful but will remind you how beautiful the world can be. In this book Mr. Mota delivers his world to you, by composing images of people, places, and things that have used color in magnificent ways. Some are simple, some are extravagant, but all evoke awe and inspiration. When I opened the book and realized it was not yet another collection of a designer's work decorating homes, I was thrilled. I have gone through the book 3x since it arrived and see new things, new ideas, every time. I don't believe I have seen some of these hues of blue, red or yellow applied to home objects in such compelling ways. It is a perfect gift for friends with taste or those who simply love beautiful imagery. I have bought 3 so far!!!! This is Mr Mota's third book, and a great follow up to the first two. A must have. I promise you will start tagging #beigeisnotacolor once you see it!!!

The photography is amazing and so is the story!

Absolutely stunning enormous book! Sparkling red page edges, inspiring photos with lots of adorable ideas for colors and patterns! I received this as a gift and turned around immediately and bought this for another gal who loved it as well! Magical book for those who are not into plain grey decor!

This book doesn't disappoint. It's filled with gorgeous shots of interiors, exteriors, gardens, textiles and people that take you away for a moment, until you move on to examine the next. Each photo leaves you anxious to turn the page to see what's next, and there's a lot of "next" in this oversized beauty with red-edged pages aplenty. The quality is sublime, and most especially for a coffee table book of this pricepoint. Honestly, I would have expected to pay double after seeing it in-person. And you won't find the same overplayed photos from social media... these are definitely much more original than you will find amongst those of major designers' work. You have likely not seen the vast majority of the shots in this book. That's not to say most of the work showcased is über original, but nevertheless, it's a pleasure to see new material. My only complaint- and my reason for 4 stars rather than 5- is that there is no text to expound upon the picture painted, which leaves me wanting an explanation, a place, a description... of SOMETHING. That is left up to the reader's imagination, much like a piece of art. But a piece of art this is, at one heckuva deal. And I do wish this book had a glorious, colorful exterior that screamed "PICK ME UP!" to everyone who came into my house, but the metallic cranberry page edges subtly allude to the charm within. Afterall, I suppose, one really should not judge a book by its cover. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

It's just an inspiring book. Super huge heavy glossy prints in a bound book. It's a collection of lovely places, themes, and colors; all of which are meant to inspire creativity I would think. It has inspired me to get back into creating with acrylic paint and other mixed mediums. Let your mind go and just "experience" this book. Look at it often to distract yourself from your worries and pains. Yoga for the brain.

This book is beautiful inside and out! It's great design and I loved looking at every page. It's taking a prominent place on my coffee table. I smile every time I see it.

This book is about color first and foremost. This book is a great source for painters, textile designers, interior designers and photographers. There is almost zero text. Gorgeous coffee table book.

Consegna fulminea e libro bellissimo

this just what i need

Impresión de muy buena calidad. Me encantó.

Great photos. Absolutely colourful and it takes you on a nice journey.

Libro de decoración muy interesante. Maravilloso gusto y estupendas ilustraciones