The book is divided by what homeowners need to know to design a home that's functional, beautiful and one-of-a-kind. Chapters on color and pattern, function and flair, and craft and soul encourage homeowners to take risks but also stay true to what they love. At the end, Lau includes a list of her design muses and mentors — design ingenues from the past and present who have influenced her stunning work. This is a shot from Lau's room in the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse in 2007. Lau customized almost every piece in this room. The bold and abstract palette was inspired by the sea, sand and sky, and a painting by Josef Albers.