‘Tis the season to elevate your coffee table game, and what better place to start than with a festive Amazon haul? Get ready to unwind in style during the holiday downtime, whether you’re flying solo or hosting a gathering. To make your selection a breeze, I’ve curated a non-affiliate top 10 list of the hottest design books – a stylish lineup that includes some of the brilliant minds who graced Texas Design Week in Dallas. Happy reading, holiday shopping and decorating!
London Living
Renowned interior design photographer Simon Upton invites readers into the private sanctuaries of London’s creative minds in his latest work, “London Living.” Divided into two captivating sections—”Town” and “Country”—this book delves into the homes of influential figures who call London their residence or split their time between the city and the British countryside. With insightful interviews and a foreword by iconic decorator Nicky Haslam, Upton’s lens captures the essence of each unique location, creating a visually stunning and personally revealing exploration of the true meaning of “home.”
Mamma Milano
Step into the colorful world of J.J. Martin, the visionary founder of Milanese lifestyle brand La DoubleJ, as she shares her captivating insider’s guide to Italy’s magic. From her initial reluctance to embrace the slow-paced Italian lifestyle to discovering boundless joy and success, J.J. invites readers on an uplifting journey through life, love, creativity, and the irresistible allure of “Milano.” This feel-good celebration, infused with LaDoubleJ vintage chic and Italian style, is not just a brand story but a tale of empowerment—the Italian way. Each copy, bound in one of three LaDoubleJ fabrics, adds a touch of elegance and surprise to the reader’s experience.
Behind the Blue Door
Entrepreneur John Demsey’s Upper East Side townhouse, captured in the vibrant pages of Douglas Friedman’s lens, unveils a rich tapestry of color, pattern, and artistry. Every floor, adorned with a David Hicks-inspired flair, presents a visual feast—saturated color schemes, geometric rugs, and an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings. With journalist Alina Cho as our guide, this luminous volume offers an immersive journey through Demsey’s maximalist masterpiece, where every element, from curated artworks to carefully positioned decor, reflects the vivid inspiration drawn from a pair of multicolored Louboutin boots.
James Boyd Niven: Interior Design
British-Argentinian interior designer James Boyd Niven makes his literary debut with a captivating monograph that intertwines South American cultural nuances to forge vibrant and youthful design narratives. Divided into five chapters, the book elegantly showcases Niven’s boutique firm, James Boyd Niven Design, spanning from urban sophistication in Buenos Aires to the picturesque landscapes of Patagonia and beyond. Through evocative aromas, flavorful narratives, and timeless photographs, Niven’s chic and contemporary design philosophy comes to life, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity across residences, farmhouses, and luxury hotels. This book, adorned with artistic vistas, seamlessly positions each project within the rich tapestry of historical and cultural landscapes.
Laura Gonzalez: Interiors
In a much-anticipated debut, Paris’s sought-after interior designer Laura Gonzalez unveils a captivating monograph showcasing her signature mix-and-match style. Renowned for her inventive use of patterns and textures, Gonzalez’s interiors exude vibrant boldness with a touch of elegant romanticism, drawing inspiration from classical and diverse cultural influences. This beautifully printed volume, adorned with a luxurious cloth cover, presents a curated selection of Gonzalez’s standout projects, from the sumptuous Cartier mansion in New York to the Saint James hotel in Paris, offering readers a glimpse into the audacious and exuberant world of one of the French capital’s most popular designers.
Classical Shindig
Step into the vibrant world of Michael and Quinn, esteemed hosts and concert pianists of New Orleans, in their delightful book “Classical Shindig: Amateur Artistry from the Simple to the Sublime.” From seasonal festivities to iconic book clubs, their lush Garden District home becomes the backdrop for an array of uniquely curated events. With hundreds of captivating photographs by twelve Southern photographers, the book not only offers a visual feast of their home but also provides invaluable hosting and entertaining tips, accompanied by thirty recipes, QR codes for recorded concertos, and charming stories that traverse from Mississippi County, Arkansas, to the enchanting streets of New Orleans.
Beauty and Mischief
Join art and culture journalist Stacie Stukin as she unveils the captivating universe of renowned interior designers Adam Blackman and David Cruz in “Beauty & Mischief.” With a foreword by Emmy Award-winner Ryan Murphy, this book offers a curated glimpse into the duo’s three-decade journey, celebrating their audacious style that has captivated celebrities and tastemakers worldwide. From rare Al Capone chairs to creations by iconic designers, the pages come alive with the allure of unique design, encouraging readers to indulge their senses and curate their own spaces. The best way to describe their aesthetic is out-of-the-box eccentric, fun design.
McAlpine: Romantic Modernism
Explore the refined works of renowned firm McALPINE, where the language of architecture weaves a narrative that encompasses Elizabethan, Dutch, colonial Caribbean, and agrarian American influences. Bobby McAlpine’s own newly designed house sets the stage, presenting spaces that seamlessly blend modern expression with classical order. This curated collection, ranging from a neoclassical pavilion in the Bahamas to a minimalistic American farmhouse in Tennessee, reflects the complexity of the human experience, offering a familiar yet bold and surprising journey through architectural treasures. Written by Susan Sully and photographed by Simon Upton.
Home: The Residential Architecture of D. Stanley Dixon
In his debut book, D. Stanley Dixon presents a curated collection of thirteen projects that showcase his artful fusion of classical and modern design elements. From a whimsical coastal retreat on Jupiter Island to an elegant English-manor-inspired dwelling in South Carolina, each residence captures Dixon’s risk-taking spirit, resulting in authentically crafted spaces of enduring beauty and originality. Featuring the work of talented designers such as Suzanne Kasler and Carolyn Malone, “HOME: The Residential Architecture of D. Stanley Dixon” is an engaging exploration of architecture, offering readers a glimpse into the balance of historical influence and contemporary creativity. Photographs by Eric Piasecki, Foreword by Charlotte Moss.
Sawyer / Berson: Houses and Landscape
In their inaugural book, SawyerBerson showcases their award-winning fusion of modernism and classicism across seaside retreats, urban residences, and enchanting garden havens. Pioneering a holistic approach to architecture, landscape, and interior design, Brian Sawyer and John Berson’s eponymous firm has been a vanguard in the design world since its inception in 1999. Melding traditional and modern elements with meticulous attention to detail, SawyerBerson’s versatile portfolio, including a sun-soaked modernist abode in the Hamptons and a Colonial Revival cedar-shingled house by the sea, demonstrates their unparalleled ability to transcend styles and create spaces of enduring distinction.
Explore these gorgeous books further:
James Boyd Niven: Interior Design
Home: The Residential Architecture of D. Stanley Dixon
Sawyer / Berson: Houses and Landscape
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