Design Book Wish List; An enriching start to the New Year - Part 1
Happy New Year to you and yours! I wondered whether it was appropriate to say this phrase, that we say to each other at the start of each year, but I think that amidst the unrelenting news, we’re trying to hang on to the happy elements of life, in one way or another. After the slightly ‘different’ Christmas we’ve experienced this year, I hope you’re a little more rested and rejuvenated, and managed to enjoy some time for yourself over the festive period.
I relished in some much needed needed R&R, and in some ways, I appreciated the quieter Christmas holiday that 2020 yielded. The quiet provided the time and space to count my blessings and focus on the things that I’m grateful for, and it was just the right tempo to enjoy some restful me-time, doing the things that I love and rarely dedicate much time to. Cooking was one of them.
But one of the most satisfying and lovely things I treasured over the Christmas holiday was reading. Being able to pick up some of my favourite design books as well as some newbies that I’d not, until then, had chance to start, was truly divine.
My stack included this beauty, ‘Wonderful Things’, the book that was released alongside the Tim Walker exhibition at the V&A of the same name, at the start of 2020… the time when we sashayed through galleries and dined amongst a crowd, mask free.
Wonderful Things book by Tim Walker with the V&A
I realised that reading really is one of my favourite pastimes. Not only is it soothing and luxurious, but so enriching; actually being able to gain knowledge, insight and inspiration all at the same time. Spending time surrounded by my books, hot drinks, snacks, a blanket and, in our case, a log fire bought to us by Now TV, really is my happy place, and for this reason I love to invest in beautiful books that will continue to bring me endless joy over the years.
It’s my birthday in a couple of weeks and I’m putting together a bit of a Design Book Wish List. I thought I may as well share it with you, as there may be a few that inspire you. The complete list is fourteen titles strong, so I’ve split the post into two parts, for the fear of you veering off half way through! This, is part 1, for the first seven books.
My 2021 Design Book Wish List
Interiors (Orange Edition) The Greatest Rooms of the Country
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, when it comes to design books I often judge by the cover, and this book is case in point. This new Orange Edition of this book is in fact, orange velvet, and it’s sure to look as fabulous as it reads.
Here’s what the bio says: ‘This book is the ultimate global celebration of residential interior design and decorating. With 400 rooms organised by designer from A- Z, the book goes beyond decorators, designers, and architects to highlight interiors designed by fashion designers, artists, style icons, and film stars who have made a unique contribution to the world of interior design. Covering work from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day, the book features everything from châteaux, town houses, and penthouses - to desert ranches, beach houses, and tiny apartments in more than 25 countries. This is the essential inspirational source book for everyone who cares about the spaces in which they live.’
I love to see the homes of artists of diverse specialisms, not just those of well-known designers, and I always find that even if I’ve never heard of the individual, I’ll always find something interesting about their story.
You can read more about the book here.
Interiors (Orange Edition) The Greatest Rooms of the Century
The World of Anna Sui
I’m a lover of fashion that’s based on history, and I love love love Anna Sui. Anna is one of New York’s most beloved and accomplished fashion designers, known for creating contemporary, original clothing inspired by huge amounts of research into culture, fashion, photography, art, music and design.
Celebrated for her eclecticism, this book observes many of Anna’s depictions of ‘fashion’, including mod, punk, the rocker, goth and bohemian. I love books that includes initial sketches, moodboards and photographs, revealing how a piece came to be and its process. You can have a look at a selection of pages from the book here.
World of Anna Sui
de Gournay Art on the Walls Hand-Painted Interiors
I often daydream of luxury items, how I can find ways to afford them, or try to emulate the look in my home and de Gournay wallpaper is often a commodity that finds its way into these interior fantasies. The older I become, the more I appreciate the historic and elegant look of chinoiserie, and de Gournay creates the most exceptional designs in the style.
The brand’s creative excellence, artisan skill, bespoke designs, hand painted nature, colour palette and team of experts appeals to the part of me that knows that you can’t beat products with provenance, created with true artistry and craftsmanship.
This is the first book from de Gournay, and is a collection of some of the brand’s most inspiring interiors over the decades, as well as recognisable collaborations. Take a look at their Instagram for daily moments of pure beauty and find out more about the book here.
de Gournay Art on the Walls Hand-Painted Interiors
The Bloomsbury Look
I’m making a conscious effort this year to read some of the ‘classics’, as my reading past in this category is quite dissatisfying, and embarrassing. I think I’ve felt a little overwhelmed and afraid of where to start with such a vast group of intellects and have been forewarned of its often elitist framework, but I want to learn more about the writers and artists of our past.
’The Bloomsbury Look’ book is described as ‘a loose collective of forward-thinking writers, artists, and intellectuals in London, with Virginia Woolf, John Maynard Keynes, and E. M. Forster among its esteemed members. The group's works and radical beliefs, spanning literature, economics, politics, and non-normative relationships, changed the course of 20th-century culture and society. Although its members resisted definition, their art and dress imparted a coherent, distinctive group identity.’
I feel like a design book might be the best way to start for a good introduction to this world, covering the diverse artists, poets and authors of the by-gone era. Read more about this book here.
The Bloomsbury Look
A Day at Versailles
I don’t know if you know but I’m Marie Antionette’s biggest fan, and Versailles is up there as one of my favourite places in the world. I believe I would be very happy living there. I came across this book whilst searching for the BBC ‘Versailles’ boxset that I bought for my partner (and me!) for Christmas this year, and this gorgeous book stood out for its value (compared to some of the other books of the same subject matter), as well as its look and reviews.
Don’t you just love a book that comes in a slipcase? It makes it feel extra special for me, and this volume is said to exhibit hidden and closed off areas in the château, gardens and Petit Trianon; created for the pleasure of Marie-Antoinette.
‘Concise, informative, and evocative texts describe the practical, social, and aesthetic considerations that informed the creation of the home to three kings, while newlycommissioned photography features the château’s architecture, gardens, paintings, drawings, and decorative arts that bring to life the beauty and the daily routines of this golden age of French culture’
Although I’ve visited the palace of Versailles, I’m in great need of stimulating armchair travel right now and I think this will do just the trick. Take a look at the reviews and the all important image of the slip case here.
A Day at Versailles
Liberty: The History: Treasures from the archives of the luxury department store
There’s a theme throughout this post isn’t there, luxury maybe?! I think that after a year of lockdown and tiers (and tears) has definitely had us yearning for some sort of beauty, however or wherever we may find it.
This beautifully illustrated book presents the heritage and background of one of the most jaw droopingly beautiful stores I have ever visited, standing the test of time since 1875 - WOW!
I’m curious to find out more about the historic brand and spectacular store, and I’m counting the days until I can visit again. Find out more about the book here.
Liberty The History Treasures from the Archives of the Luxury Department Store
Little Book of Gucci
The Italian (well Sicilian) in me wants to learn more about this major luxury label, about the brand's beginnings as a luxury luggage and equestrian outfitter. It talks about how the family overcame rifts and wartime hardship, to be reborn as a giant of 1990s haute couture with its sex appeal and achingly cool products.
There’s a few books in this series, which also include Prada and Dior amongst others, there a perfect size to move around with you, from living room, to kitchen, to bedroom. Have a read of more information here.
Little Book of Gucci
We’ve come to the end of part 1 and I’d love to know if any of these capture your interest? Stay tuned for part 2 with another seven tres-cool design books on my wish list, that may just be the treat you need right now.
