Coffee Table Books
As you can see, I have a slight addiction to collecting books! It’s always been a love of mine, but it’s become even stronger since I interned at an interior design firm and explored their library. With everything being so digital these days, I really enjoy flipping through books and finding inspiration in new ways.
I don’t subscribe to buying random books just for decor—it’s much better to buy books that you’re really interested in and will actually read and cherish. I love buying old books just as much as new ones and will always pop into an antique bookstore when presented with the opportunity (much to Grant’s dismay!). I’m nearly always on the lookout for a certain title—trolling eBay, Etsy and antique stores to find. One of my favorite online resources is Book/Shop, which is based in Oakland. They always find the coolest vintage books and update with new finds frequently.
With us all spending so much time inside right now, I wanted to share some of my favorite design & coffee table books, in case you are also looking for some inspiration and pretty pictures to distract.
in my library…
FARM FROM HOME
I bought Farm From Home as soon as it came out and devoured it immediately. It was one of the first coffee table books that I actually read every word. Amanda used to be the fashion director at Barney’s before deciding to move to the English countryside with her family. This book chronicles her journey and a year on the farm through stories, recipes and beautiful imagery. It’s got such a calming tone to it—I’m thinking of re-reading it myself during this time. She has recently opened an incredible shop in the Cotswolds, called Cutter Brooks, which I am dying to visit one day! Highly recommend following her on instagram for a glimpse into her idyllic home & life.
THE PRIVATE HOUSE
I fell in love with Rose Tarlow’s designs and textiles during my interior design internship and was so excited to get her book, The Private House.
the gardens of bunny mellon
I find it so relaxing to look at images of gardens and outdoor spaces! The shades of green and flowers instantly calm my mind. I frequently save images of gardens that I love for the ‘someday’ garden we’ll have. Bunny Mellon was an incredible gardener and horticulturalist, designing many notable gardens for the Kennedy family, including redesigning the White House Rose Garden. This book chronicles the gardens she designed for herself as well as for her famous friends.
live beautiful
I recently got Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone and although I have only just started to flip through, I can tell it’s going to be a favorite. She profiles the homes of designers and creatives such as Jenna Lyons, Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, Robin and Stephen from Roman & Williams, in addition to featuring two of her own homes. The photography, by Nicole Franzen, is so gorgeous. P.S. if you are looking for podcast recommendations, Athena has a new one called ‘More Than One Thing’ which I highly recommend!
TIME AND PLACE
Steven Gambrel is an interior designer based in New York. I really love his collected approach to design and how timeless his interiors feel. Time and Place showcases a number of his projects.
ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST: CELEBRITY HOMES
This book is one of my favorites that I scored at a vintage book store. It was published in 1977 and is truly an incredible time capsule. The homes featured are amazing, especially if you like that era of design—so much goodness here! You can find this title used on Amazon from a number of sellers.
ON MY WISHLIST…
