Every fall, I always research the latest and greatest book offerings in the décor, landscape, and art world and think about which ones I would like to add to my personal library. Some of these books are well known; others are obscure. I do not own any of the books on this list, but am very excited about the breadth and depth of the design, landscape, art and architecture books that have been released this year – it has been a banner year for books! I would love your insight if you have read them, or if you have recommendations for any additional books that I might have missed (in a week or so, I will also post a list of books that I have read and enjoyed over the past year).
I saw this book when I was visiting Monticello, and it looks like is full of fascinating architectural research on the building techniques and design of houses and landscape of the Chesapeake region. In the description: “The essays describe how building design, hardware, wall coverings, furniture, and even paint colors telegraphed social signals about the status of builders and owners and choreographed social interactions”. Click here to see The Chesapeake House on Amazon.
◊
◊
The Paris Sketchbook by Jason Brooks
I just stumbled upon this charming book as I was writing the post, and I have already decided it will be a gift for some of my friends and family. Go to the Amazon page and take a look inside – the author and illustrator captures the essence of Paris in sketches, including the doorways of Paris (always an architectural feature that inspires me) and some of the unique day to day vignettes that makes Paris such a wonderful place. Click here to see on Amazon.
◊
I always love books on landscape. I realize more and more every year how important the landscape is to the overall design of a house and its environs. This book looks intriguing, and I would love to know if anyone has read it. From the book description: “The past ten to fifteen years has been an exceptionally rich period in English garden design, and for this book Tim Richardson has selected twenty-five gardens which have gone through an intense phase of creativity and innovation during this time span”. Click here to see The New English Garden on Amazon.
◊
I have been a long time fan of Alexa Hampton, but do not have her new book (yet!). One of my favorite mirrors is on the cover – a great enticement. Click here to see on Amazon.
◊
An art teacher introduced me to the work of Anders Zorn (1860-1920) and his luminous oil paintings. This new retrospective of Zorn’s work is high on my list and looks wonderful. I am always looking for good books on art, so let me know if you have any other recommendations in this genre. Anders Zorn: Sweden’s Master Painter can be found on Amazon here.
◊
This new book on John Singer Sargent watercolors came out in the spring, and has stellar reviews. I have always been such a fan of watercolors – and have such an appreciation for this medium in the hands of one of my favorite artists. John Singer Sargent Watercolors can be found on Amazon here.
◊
I am very curious about this book; I have not seen it yet, but have such respect for this interiors photographer who has photographed some of the most beautiful architecture and design in the world. I would love to know if you have read it – please let me know what you think. Francois Halard can be found on Amazon here.
◊
I have always had a love and fascination with English architecture and design, and this book looks intriguing to me. The book description notes “the most versatile British designer of the 18th century, William Kent (1685–1748) created a style for a new nation and monarchy”. William Kent: Designing Georgian Britain can be found on Amazon here.
◊
From the book description: “A library is not just a collection of books, but also the buildings that house them. As varied and inventive as the volumes they hold, such buildings can be much more than the dusty, dark wooden shelves found in mystery stories or the catacombs of stacks in the basements of academia”. This looks like my kind of book. Has anyone read it? The Library: a World History can be found on Amazon here.
◊
From the book description: “The essential purpose of a staircase is utilitarian: to facilitate ascent and descent. Yet the design of even the simplest stair is complex, requiring great knowledge, skill, and ingenuity. This volume showcases the astonishing diversity of staircases over the centuries, from the stepped pyramids of the Maya to the exquisitely proportioned stairs of the Renaissance, to the elaborate balustraded confections of the Baroque period, to the virtuosic, computer-aided designs of today”. Staircases: the Architecture of Ascent can be found on Amazon here.
◊
This new book, written by Elizabeth Meredith Dowling (who has authored many wonderful books on classical architecture) - takes a historical perspective on the history of classical architecture. In the description: “A fresh perspective on the work of the most important figures of classical design from the seventeenth century to the present”. Classical Interiors: Historical and Contemporary can be found on Amazon here.
◊
I have thoroughly enjoyed Michael Smith’s previous books, and would love to know your thoughts on this one if you have read it. Building Beauty can be found on Amazon here.
◊
I am a fan of Vervoordt’s work and his minimalist style. I have not purchased this book yet – any thoughts? Axel Vervoordt Living with Light can be found on Amazon here.
◊
I have read many wonderful reviews of this book. Some people are calling it their favorite design book of the year. I would love to hear what you think if you have read this book. It looks like a winner! Tom Scheerer Decorates can be found on Amazon here.
◊
I saw this book in a décor store, and briefly looked through it. This is a substantial book – large in scale, full of beautiful photos and the personal insight of the designer, it looks like a great addition to any design library. From the book description: “Acclaimed worldwide for his eclectic and highly personal interiors that mix style and comfort with adventure and art, Lars Bolander showcases a stunning selection of his compelling interiors, sharing his unique inspirations and giving us privileged glimpses into how his intriguing creative process evolves. Each room truly does tell a fascinating story”. Lars Bolander: Interior Design and Inspiration can be found on Amazon here.
◊
The press has been wonderful for the new book by Atlanta based author of the blog The Peak of Chic and House Beautiful contributing editor Jennifer Boles. I’m definitely intrigued! In with the Old can be found on Amazon here.
◊
As a life long Anglophile and a frequent visitor of London, John Nash’s name is very familiar to me. This is the first major book on John Nash in over 30 years. From the book description: “John Nash is universally recognized as one of the most important architects of late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century Britain. As the man responsible for the creation of Regent Street and Regent's Park, he left an indelible mark on the West End of London, and his two most famous buildings - the Brighton Pavilion and Buckingham Palace - are crucial to any understanding of the monarchy in the age of the Prince Regent (later George IV). Yet, even before he became involved in these ambitious projects, he made a major contribution to domestic architecture through the design of a series of stylistically varied villas, country houses and cottages in which he applied the doctrines of the Picturesque with an inventiveness and panache that has rarely been surpassed”. John Nash: Architect of the Picturesque can be found on Amazon here.
◊
This book came out last year, but somehow escaped my attention. I would love to know if anyone owns this or has read it. The Edwardian Country House can be found on Amazon here.
◊
This book was on my list last year, but with a price tag of $156, it is an investment. However, it looks fantastic and has strong reviews. Click here to see on Amazon.
◊
Last year I reviewed The Scottish Country House, and this year The English Country House has been published, which covers 10 extraordinary and architecturally distinct English Country houses. For the Downton Abbey fan, this would be a wonderful gift. The English Country House can be found on Amazon here.
◊
I always love receiving books for Christmas – after the excitement of Christmas morning, one of my favorite things is to curl up and read some of the books I have received as gifts. I am very enthusiastic about the books that have come out this year, and would love to know if you have read any of the books on my list, or have a recommendation for books to put on my list.
◊
Favorite design and architecture books of 2013: http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/2013/12/books-from-2013.html
2013 books on my Christmas list: http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/2013/11/books-for-my-christmas-list-2013.html
2012 books on my Christmas list: http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/2012/11/books-for-my-christmas-list.html
2011 books on my Christmas list: http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/2011/12/my-book-list-christmas-2011.html
To subscribe to my blog by email, click here.
To follow my blog on Facebook, click here.
Twitter: @TTIBlog
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ttiblog
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ttiblog/
Visit my online store, Quatrefoil Design: www.quatrefoildesign.bigcartel.com
To see design, architecture, art, and decorative books that I recommend, please visit the Things That Inspire Amazon store.
For advertising and sponsorship opportunities on Things That Inspire, please click here. We carefully select the sponsors that are featured on Things That Inspire, and only partner with those whose aesthetic and product is a good fit with the interests of our readers. Posts on Things That Inspire may contain links to sponsor sites.
