No doubt about it, the coronavirus has made all homebodies. Four months in, we’re hankering for an upgrade. Why not start with inspiration from some of the world’s top designers? Here, our pick of the most noteworthy new design books.
For those cooking at home more: The Perfect Kitchen
Barbara Sallick, cofounder of high-end bath and kitchen designer Waterworks, has penned the ultimate guide to creating the kitchen of your dreams. This comprehensive guide is a must-read for those wanting design advice and visual inspiration. Topics range from surfaces and paint colors to storage, cabinetry, and hardware. Rounding out the mix: images by renowned designers and essays by top food icons.
For those wanting a low-key lifestyle: Down to Earth: Laid-back Interiors for Modern Living
Author/designer Lauren Liess focuses on the key components of her familiar design aesthetic: nature, easy living, and approachability. (The Wall Street Journal calls it “a guide to low-key living with a barefoot vibe.”) Readers are invited into six unique homes: a new farmhouse, a classic American historical home, a lakeside contemporary house, a modern villa, a turn- of-the-century American Foursquare, and a cedar and glass house on a bluff.
For those wanting to bring the outdoors, in: Wild Interiors: Beautiful Plants in Beautiful Places
Houseplants are enjoying quite a moment in interiors. According to home and design website Apartment Therapy, plant stylist Hilton Carter teaches you how to get plants to thrive (not to mention how to bond with them). The book showcases 12 beautiful homes—from Venice to New York City, Berlin to Barcelona.
For those wanting a living space that encourages self-reflection and happiness: Alex Vervoordt: Portraits of Interiors
With an A-list client list including Bill Gates, Kim Kardashian, and Calvin Klein, designer Axel Vervoordt is known for his minimalist, Zen-inspired interiors. The books showcases 18 homes, ranging in style from an urban New York City penthouse to a Japanese farmhouse. Compelling portraits offer a look into both the interiors and surrounding landscapes.
For the recent divorcee or friend with unpacked boxes: My Bedroom Is An Office & Other Design Dilemmas
U.K.-based interior stylist Joanna Thornhill takes a walk-before-you-run approach to real-life challenges (think “My pet’s paraphernalia is so ugly,” or “How can I ensure my TV doesn’t dominate my space.”). Packed with practical and inspirational advice, this book will guide you through a myriad of design dilemmas–even if your office is at the end of your bed.
For Instagram aficionados wanting to up their game: #shelfie: How to Style and Display Your Collections
With over two million Instagram posts tagged with #shelfie, this book by Geraldine James offers tips and techniques for using what you own in stylish and unexpected ways. Swoon-worthy photography provides a wealth of ideas for sharing a snapshot of your home.
For those wanting to bring the tranquility of nature into their home: Relaxed Rustic
Nature is the inspiration for author/designer Niki Brantmark. Her beautiful interiors embrace a laid-back, country-inspired lifestyle. Results range from whitewashed ceilings and rugged stone surfaces to striking black features, softened by cozy soft furnishings and fresh plants and flowers.
For those wanting to garden with purpose: The Gardens of Eden: New Residential Garden Concepts and Architecture for a Greener Planet
Wander through an assortment of gardens that are imaginative, diverse, and sustainable. This book shows how to grow food in the city; get creative with native plants; and design for city, suburban, and countryside environments. Innovative examples show what you can do for nature, while revealing what green space can do for you.
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