“The design world in Paris is dazzling. For centuries France has been considered the pinnacle of refinement in fashion, food, and design. This is in large part because the French have always revered and supported artisans who are the best at what they do, whether they are employing ancient techniques or new technology.” -David Jimenez
Modern English
One of my favorite design books EVER, Modern English by Emily Todhunter and Katie Earl is a book to revisit often. The talented design duo share a diverse selection of projects that include contemporary townhomes, boutique hotels, restaurants, ski chalets, super yachts, country homes, grand heritage houses, private banks, contemporary new builds, and their own homes. Their projects are numerous and varied- and because discretion is an integral part of their business, quite a few have never been photographed or published. Modern English is divided into three sections: country, town, and abroad.
Todhunter and Earle are known for unpretentious discreet interiors (where budget does not appear to be an issue). Their style exemplifies a hard to quantify Englishness to its very core. I am not referring to what one might consider typical English, with chintzy florals, their bar is waaaay higher. Their laser focus is on [Read more…] about Modern English
Designing Paradise, by Juan Montoya
This book focuses on residences owned by a handful of Juan Montoya’s storied clientele that occupy breathtaking sites in Cap Cana, Miami Beach, Punta Mita, and other idyllic oceanfront settings. His portfolio is stunning and this book offers a virtual vacation to upscale tropical luxury homes he has designed. Montoya has a keen sense for incorporating the exteriors with his interiors. His aesthetic is precise, refined, uncluttered, and seductive. [Read more…] about Designing Paradise, by Juan Montoya
New York Interiors
New York Interiors, by Simon Upton and Karen Howes
I love everything about this book. Simon Upton, one of the foremost names in interiors photography, created this book as a thank you to the people he has worked with and befriended throughout his career. If you know Upton’s work, which appears regularly in The World of Interiors, Architectural Digest, Vogue, and Elle Decor, you most definitely know how visually appealing this compilation is. Not only that, but the layout and typography are vibrant and striking. Each chapter invites us into a high end home in New York that Upton has photographed. The range of styles represented propels the reader into a diverse journey of design styles. Added bonus is that we get to hear about the homes from the owner’s point of view, which is unusual for a design book. [Read more…] about New York Interiors
Linens For Every Room and Occasion
LINENS: For Every Room and Occasion
“Once you see all the ways embellishment can make linens distinctive and unique, piece to piece, you’ll understand why they’re fast-moving to the forefront of decorative decisions in home decor-” -Jane Scott Hodges
One of the places I always tell my design savvy friends to shop in New Orleans is Leontine Linens. If you have ever been to the (flagship & only) store, you will know first hand what I speak of when I say it is linen heaven on earth. You can always shop on-line or with your local rep, but first you should pick up a copy of founder Jane Scott Hodges’ FANTASTIC book: Rizzoli’s LINENS: For Every Room and Occasion. The New Orleans girl in me is JUMPING UP and DOWN over how great this book is. This image-rich book is a gorgeous treasure trove of linens back story, advice, pointers, and visuals of design POSSIBILITY with Leontine Linens. Two words come to mind: [Read more…] about Linens For Every Room and Occasion
