I am a total bookworm…everything from non-fiction to historical fiction to (obviously) interior design “coffee table” books. William Stout in San Francisco is a seriously bad habit for me because I can easily drop some cash on books with pretty covers and beautiful images inside. That being said, they can also be a great resource for designers and homeowners alike because we all need inspiration. If you’re looking to stock up on inspired reads, here are some of my go-to design books…
“A Passion for Blue & White” by Carolyne Roehm provides fabulous inspiration for beautiful table settings and flower arrangements. I had the opportunity a few years ago to hear Carolyne speak at the SF Fall Antiques Show and she was so amazing!
“Designers Here and There: Inside the City and Country Homes of America’s Top Decorators” by Michele Keith…who doesn’t want an inside sneak peak into designers’ own homes? Enough said.
“Thom Felicia Style: Inspired Ideas for Creating Rooms You’ll Love”. I love the way Thom pulls out the individual components from a room and showcases them in a beautifully photographed palette. If only I had the time!
“Domino: The Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Creating a Home That Makes You Happy”.
Even though Domino mag went under a couple years ago, this book is still my go-to guide for eclectic style accomplished in a practical way. For those who are not starting from scratch, this book shows you how to edit your existing furniture and still achieve the overall look you’re after.
A colleague loaned me her copy of “Dazzling Design” by Amanda Nisbet last week and I was in awe of the colorful images and custom furniture on display. Definitely worth a look-see!
Of course there are now so many online resources for style inspiration, but to me, a good old, hardcover book never goes out of style. Happy reading!
