Aged and Gilded (Palazzo-Interiors & Gardens)

Summers in France

I just got my latest book acquisition in the mail today, Summers in France by famed interior and textile designer, Kathryn Ireland. (Oh, how I love packages!) It is a journal of sorts with lots of family photos and her account of searching for and falling in love with a rambling farmhouse (La Castellane) in a medieval hilltop town in France. Summers appear to include a riotous, never ending gathering of family and friends, trips to the markets and lots of rustic home-cooked meals (recipes included). I adore Ms. Ireland. Have you seen her on the program Million Dollar Decorators? Aside from talented, she is cheeky, exuberant and has a most amusing propensity for finding the perfect bra! I imagine her to be a delightful friend and the woman with whom you would want to share chocolate and gossip with over a glass of wine.

 

Keep Calm and Carry On

Words to remember having survived tax season. Even more calming is a flip through Atlanta Bartlett's latest book, Pale & Interesting. I love Ms. Bartlett's work and her books are a part of my cherished collection. Her rooms are always easy, soothing and never look overly done. In fact, they never look done at all and I mean that in the very best way. She happens to be featured in this month's UK edition of Elle Decoration along with a glimpse of her lovely new book.

(3 Images/Elle Decoration/Photos Polly Wreford)

Five Interior Decor Books I Want Right Now

 

The Family Home/Joanna Copestick

There is nothing better than having a quiet corner and the time to dive into a stack of gorgeous books. Right now, I am completely loathe to go to the book store for fear that I will bring my family to the brink of financial ruin. As an artist myself, I'm so curious about how creative types translate their talents for their own personal spaces. These are five such design books that are currently on my very long, long wish list.

1. New London Style

A peek into the homes of some of the best and brightest from Britain.

 

2. Elle Decor So Chic-Glamorous Lives, Stylish Spaces

The personal spaces of Ralph Lauren and Roberto Cavalli among others...need I say more?

 

3.  Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People

Various homes and interiors that have been featured in the issues of Vogue magazine. Besides, I love the author, Hamish Bowles.

4. Famous Interiors-The Originals

The homes of several celebrities scattered throughout the world.

5. Dressing the Home:  The Private Spaces of Top Fashion Designers

Christian Louboutin, Diane Von Furstenburg...you get the picture.

Essentially French

I just purchased Essentially French--Homes with Classic French Style by Josephine Ryan. I have Ms. Ryan's other French decor books as part of my library. I especially like that this book delves into the homes of antique dealers and allows us to get a glimpse of their personal environments. Naturally, it is full of beautiful photographs but it is the stories of each home that make this book so personal.  I think you'll enjoy it.

 

Rachel Ashwell's New Book

I just got Rachel Ashwell's new book Shabby Chic Interiors. Surprisingly, I had to order it because it wasn't stocked at my local bookstore. It very much follows the idea of her first book--lots of photos of her own home as well as celebrity friends. How fitting that she has come full circle. The past year has been a rocky one for her with the death of a parent and most of her stores closing. However, the original location has reopened as Shabby Chic Couture and the design theme that made her famous continues. You'll want to purchase this book full of scrumptious eye candy. I would expect nothing less from Ms. Ashwell.

Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Interiors/Rachel Ashwell/Photos Amy Neunsinger

I'm not sure I believe in coincidence. Interesting thing--I wrote yesterday's post before I got this book. As I looked through it the next day, I came upon the very same quote by Hans Hoffman. Hmmm....

French Style

I'm currently enjoying Sebastien Siraudeau's French Style at Home. I'm reading it, but mostly devouring the photographs as I so love to do. I considered buying his other book, Vintage: French Interiors but didn't find it to be quite as appealing as this one.

   

I love the background information given on each of the sixty-nine houses and their owners.

 

France is calling me, I just can't answer at the moment.