Favorite interior design books
I love, love design books, so of course I always have a ‘favorite interior design books’ list. Today I’m sharing what’s on my WISH LIST. Yes I love blogs, Pinterest, Instagram and the internet at large for inspiration, but there’s nothing like holding a book in your hand that you can reference any time you like, that you can hold in your hands, and enjoy turning the pages.
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LA VIE EST BELLE: THE ELEGANT ART OF LIVING IN THE FRENCH STYLE CLICK HERE
Firstly I just bought this book, and it’s gorgeous. The photos were taken of French homes, and when I say ‘French homes’ I mean homes in France. The style in France is definitely different from ‘French style’ homes in the USA. I love the French take on decorating as well as the American take on French decor. So it’s always worthwhile to have books on both. I have this book and have been enjoying thumbing through the pages.
Don’t miss today’s brand new episode of the podcast.
EPISODE 85 TRANSITIONING YOUR HOME FROM SUMMER TO FALL
FRENCH STYLE WITH VINTAGE FINDS CLICK HERE
The cover got to me! Look at that table and the view…. I don’t have this book yet, but it’s on my wish list. I read the description and the reviews and it sounds very much like my kind of book, French and rustic. Based on the reviews, expect simple rustic French decor, not high end Parisian flats.
FRENCH ACCENTS, FARMHOUSE FRENCH STYLE FOR TODAY’S HOME CLICK HERE
If you have been here before, then you know this is my book. But, did you know that it’s one of my publisher’s top selling books? If you are new here, and you like this blog, then you’ll enjoy the book. My focus is always on the ‘how to’, not just pretty pictures. I think it’s good to include not just the ‘beauty shot’s but what it looks like when it’s not quite right. I also include several charming homes never seen on my blog.
CREATING THE FRENCH LOOK CLICK HERE
Annie Sloan never disappoints and I think you’ll be quite thrilled to own this book. It’s full of projects with a French look. I’ve got this book, and am very happy I have it. Annie always has loads of ‘how to’ photos for her paint techniques.
SUZANNE KASLER: TIMELESS STYLE CLICK HERE
I wasn’t so crazy about the cover of this book. If it wasn’t Suzaanne’s, I would have kept on scrolling, but the photos inside are stunning. The styling, the furniture and the bones of the home are equally breathtaking. It has a ‘see inside’ feature, so click on the link to see what I’m talking about. It’s already given me some ideas for what I want to do with our mountain house, and I haven’t even bought the book yet.
FRENCH BY DESIGN CLICK HERE
This book looks amazing to me. It has loads of gorgeous inspiration photos and the photos I saw were very exquisite. If you are looking for amazing interiors for inspiration, you’ll love this. If you are looking for photos of a ‘normal’ home with French things, this isn’t for you. Some people complained the homes shown were too grand. I love seeing these types of homes, so I can think of how I can do similar things on a much smaller scale. Click on the link, and check out the ‘look inside’ feature and you can decide for yourself.
ONE MAN’S FOLLY CLICK HERE
I’ve seen many photos of Furlow’s folly over the years, and this book is sure to be packed with very amazing photos of his entire estate. A folly is a small building on the grounds of a typically extensive estate and it’s basically a very elegant building just for lounging, sitting, entertaining, reading and what-not. The dictionary meaning for the word is ‘a costly ornamental building with no practical purpose, especially a tower or mock-Gothic ruin built in a large garden or park.’ Can you see why it’s called a ‘folly’? It has no practical purpose. But a man who would build such a thing, has got to be a character, and I want to see his interior decor. The book has 165 reviews, all of which are 5 star, so yes, it’s got to be worth it.
Listen to the podcast episode about our favorite decorating books below.
You can see the previous post I did on favorite interior decorating books, HERE.
You can find all of my favorite books and other products on Amazon HERE.
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I am leery of buying books without a “see inside” presentation format. Too many times I have been disappointed and they can be expensive. The ones you suggested with “see inside” seem good. Some (the first titles) have poor reviews. I didn’t check out all the reviews. I, too, love decorating books and winter months I peruse them all for ideas and projects. I have so many now. I have not bought YOUR book…I see your ideas and home on the blog. Would you suggest I would find some different info in the book? I love to decorate for the seasons. I am lucky to have the storage room to do so. It keeps things fresh…not constant and stale.
Sherry, my book has a ‘see inside’ format. As for poor reviews, I read all the reviews and listen to the actual complaint. Yes one of the books had some bad reviews. One book reviewer said she didn’t like it because it was too rustic. So I mentioned that in my post that if you don’t like rustic, you won’t like that book. But if you like rustic, I suspect you will like that book. I don’t discount a book because it has a few bad reviews. Sometimes the reviewer just bought a book that isn’t a good match for her. I got a bad review because (wait for it) the book arrived with a bent corner. Okay that’s not a reflection on my book, it’s a reflection on Amazon, and I hope she asked for a new one. Now onto my book. Yes I have different content in my book than on the blog although there is crossover. The blog has snippets of information, while my book shows you the approach I take with a room from beginning to end. It goes over the whole house, has online resources, and lots of checklists.
I have many beautiful beautiful French design books, but yours has been my go to for inspiration that fits my style exactly. But I love perusing the over the top types to the rustic. I’m ready for YOUR next publication, Anita. So let’s get working on that instead of taunting me with beautiful fabrics, pillows, and slipcovers that you whip up overnight! ?
Ginger
I’ve been so disappointed in buying books!! You get all this hype and only to be let down! Thank you for sharing them I will have to check them out at a bookstore before buying. Love your book though I have referenced a lot! God bless and have a blessed week
My DiL gave me La Vie est Belle a couple of years ago for my birthday. I have to agree it’s beautifully photographed. For anyone who loves France, and beautiful photographs,this book is a must have.
There is nothing like holding an actual book in your hands and studying the pictures thoroughly, reading some sentences over again and smelling the paper and book –hope that doesn’t sound weird! I don’t think books and magazines will ever be obsolete despite the wonder of internet and tech–they are just another total experience and I so enjoy them–always have. (Just like I loved new school supplies or office supplies, notebooks and journals. Something about those clean, fresh blank pages!) It’s the little things that thrill me so…..
Hey Anita, Thanks for sharing a list of such amazing books it was very helpful for me as I’m in the same field and always searching for new things.
Creating the French Look is one of my favorites as well! I’ll have to check out some of these other ones since it seems our tastes might be similar 🙂
Hello, Anita, I love reading books with beautiful covers and inserts inside! desires even more appears!