Where to begin with all the superlatives I could give to Life on Mar's… Aside from the debonair good looks of Mar himself, the photography is the first thing that you notice. It's exquisite. The images bring your attention to the nuance and the delicate beauty omnipresent in Mar's design philosophy. You can flip through the pages of the book without reading a word (although you should read every sentence!) and still come away with a sense of Mar's style, his advice and his aesthetic… the images and the vignettes can almost speak for themselves. But don't be fooled into thinking the text is an afterthought. Mar's design principles are clear and easy. Mar's gardens make you want to set up camp to experience his roses and succulents and planters in the morning with a mug of coffee, in the afternoon with a cup of tea, and before bed with a cocktail (or MARtini). Life on Mar's is a work of art to leave on your finest coffee table, but it's also a textbook to study before bed and scribble in the margins in order to elevate your own interiors and design point of view.Since it was a design book, there were very few pictures. More examples of his design style and explanations would have helped develop his topic.This book is much more than a beautiful, well designed organization of words. You are a personal guest into Mar's home. You will learn the secrets to casual luxury, sMARt tips, and much more. The cohesiveness of the book and the Amazon series: "Life on Mar's: The Home Makeover Show" is magical. Grab a cup of coffee, absorb the beauty of each room, and learn the enthusiasm of creating "Casual Luxury".I just received this book and have to tell you that it is one of the most high end books I have ever purchased.This book not only has the best information but the photos and the quality of this book are just amazing. I highly recommend this book as a coffee table addition to your collection and it would make a very classy gift to anyone. This is my first time reviewing anything like this on Amazon and I felt the need to let Amazon customers know what a great investment this book would be.Mar Jennings' "Life on Mar's: Creating Casual Luxury" is such a gorgeous book to have, and being a first-time home owner, I am so proud to be able to have it displayed on our new coffee table so friends and family can view as well. His thoughtful 6 core design principles are easy to follow and my mind is definitely eased as my husband and I think and plan out how we want to change the house into our dream home. A must read!!!This book so clearly executed steps as to how to achieve what Mar calls "casual luxury" in my home. His design ideas were excellent because I really could find ways to apply it while still using my own ideas. Also, the book itself is beautifully done. Amazing, clear pictures and a great layout.It made a person who knew nothing about interior design feel like a pro in no time. The design principles are user friendly and can be utilized in no time. Not to mention that the general layout of the book is phenomenal.This is a must for those of us who need inspiration and great ideas on casual lifestyles. Mar gets it right and I cannot wait to put some of his great ideas in place in my home and the home of others.I will be purchasing more books for my friends and family. Great Holiday and Birthday gift!!!