Past Due


After I mentioned Suzanne loaning me some of her vintage design books, I received an email from a reader asking me which design books I would recommend.  This is a little tricky, but let's start with Suzanne's stack.  I adored The Power of Style, though it is not really a design book.  Billy Baldwin - most definitely and it is a delight to read.  (Yes, read.)  Vogue, how could I have doubted you and your astronomical price tag?  I'm not sure I can say it's worth every penny, but it is very, very good.  World of Interiors, yes.  Hicks?  Actually, I prefer the newer one for all the reasons his son mentions in the forward.  I know it's sacrilege, but I would pass on this.

Now, mine.  The thing is, to me, a design book doesn't have to be a home run to win me over.  A few good images can keep it near and dear to my heart.

Home - a fabulous read I wish I'd thought of myself.  Browning's book, de Wolfe, Hampton (mine is a signed first edition - I'm showing off) and the Van Day Truex bio all have amazing content.  Tarlow has some of the best decorating advice ever.  Ever.  Well Lived Life I refer to often.  So Chic allowed me to clear out most of my Elle Decor tear sheets; it's all in there.

Any of the vintage House and Garden books should be snapped up, but the 1960 is my favorite.  Inspirational Interiors I would clutch to my bosom as I fled my burning house assuming my family was safe.  Gomez, absolutely wonderful.  Again, Baldwin, this time "Remembers" is a delight - more to read than to look at, though there are knock-out rooms as well.

Adore Southern Accent's Color.  Adore.  Hoppen's Perfect Neutrals is a new favorite and I love the way she has compiled so many designers' work.  Influential Interiors is essential.  The aforementioned Hicks is a must have as is Smith's Elements of Style and Rooms to Inspire does just that.

A few are too large for the under-the-window-seat shelf (which is just to the left of my desk - handy) and are on the bookshelf just behind.  von Kersting's book is a complete delight and I almost feel like I have to wear white cotton gloves when I look at it.  The paperback binding will surely not withstand my constant pawing.  Farrow & Ball is gorgeous.

These I had on my desk for a while, but, as I am so messy, they kept taking up space I need to pile, well, stuff.

Albert Hadley I go back to again and again and the new Vogue Living keeps offering up surprises every time I am on the hunt.  I have so many on my wish list, the first being the Parish Hadley.  As you can see, I need it.

I did not link to all of these books because the post would have looked like it was hit with buckshot and I couldn't stand it.  I believe if you click on the photos you can see each spine clearly.

Labels: ,