FR Picks: Our Fave Design Books
Here’s a list of our current fave design books we love to style with AND read.
Like most designers, we are admittedly guilty of purchasing design books for the pretty pictures on the inside, and the pretty covers on the outside to style into our interiors. And even though we’d still put these books anywhere and everywhere we can, we really do love them for the oodles of visual inspiration and the design thinking behind them that enrich our own creative process. Here are a few my team and I have had our eyes on lately.
JEN’S PICKS:
The House Pinterest Built by DianE Keaton
Jen’s in the middle of renovating her own barn on a beautiful property in the Carneros area of Sonoma. She’s been eating up inspiration from Diane Keaton’s book on her own houses and decorating process. The actresses’ signature style provides a go-to reference for those seeking to spur their own creativity as they embark on the curation of their own home.
Leanne and Steve Ford- Work in Progress
We love Leanne’s style so we were excited to dig into this! Known for their HGTV show, Leanne and Steve Ford share the details of their journey including the beliefs that have inspired them and the experiences that have challenged them along the way. (And btw, did you catch Leanne’s collaboration with Crate & Barrel? Swoon.)
EMILY’S PICKS:
ABODE - Thoughtful Living with Less
Serena Mitnik-Miller and Mason St. Peter —the husband-and-wife owners of General Store, one of California’s most talked about shops — make a graceful case for living better no matter your budget or abilities, guiding you to create a space that is simple and true.
The Nature of Home: Creating Timeless Houses
Southern Architect Jeffrey Duggan designs new traditional “forever” houses for today—houses with clean lines, made with stone and wood, that carry an air of lasting beauty and that are made to be handed on to future generations.
Pacific Natural
Big Jenni Kayne fans here. This seasonally-organized book beautifully illustrates Jenni's conscious way of living through personal anecdotes, tabletop ideas, simple crafts, tips for keeping a stocked kitchen and pantry, what to plant in your garden, and healthy, delicious recipes. All with that California style as a backdrop.
Interiors Atelier | AM
Where do I begin? THIS is the book my design dreams are made of. Alexandra and Michael Misczynski, the husband-and-wife team behind the Los Angeles–based firm Atelier AM, have garnered a keen reputation for creating environments that are sensory experiences—visually sublime interiors enhanced with subtle, textural palettes. Classical proportions, varied finishes, and exquisite furnishings are masterfully combined, resulting in bold yet tranquil environments, both rough-hewn and luxurious, antique and modern. (IOW, obsessed.)
Down to Earth
If you don’t know about Lauren Liess’ easy living lifestyle, I’m telling you now, check her out! She is genuine, fun and stylish, and her social and books are chock full of creative ideas. Her second book invites readers to incorporate the main components of her familiar design aesthetic: nature, easy living, and approachability. With evocative photos and substantive design advice, Down to Earth focuses on creating a lifestyle that inspires creativity and functionality.
What are some of your favorite design books? (And no judgement here if you just like them for the pretty pictures. We get it.)
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