Wish Listed-Book Edition

Do you like making lists? I'm an avid list maker, and I have a special notebook where I jot down books, music, and films to check out, in addition to my regular "to do" list for the week. I also really enjoy crossing off items on my list as I am able to check them out. Although I always have a novel by my bedside, a few years ago I also began collecting design books. Design books are a feast for the eyes, truly. I love the beautiful photography and I really enjoy gathering new ideas and inspiration to apply in my own home or even at the shop. Filling your home with books also creates a sense of warmth, at least for me. When I visit friends and family at their houses, I'm always curious to see what they are reading or have on their shelves, and books are always a topic I can spend hours talking about.

That said, my wish list of design books is getting out of hand in a major way, so I'm going to have to cross some off the list soon. I thought I would share what I'm craving with you. Do you have any of these or are there other books not on my radar worth checking out? Let me know!

I'm sad to report that I don't own a single David Hicks book, and my collection is truly lacking without them. The first six books, to be exact. Not only are they a testament to the importance of David Hicks and his contributions to decor and design, but the graphic design admirer in me also enjoys the covers. When I say feast for the eyes, this is what I mean.

Interiors showcases photographer Martyn Thompson's collection of photographs taken in the homes of famous figures like Calvin Klein and Anna Sui. I was drawn to this book because of the effortless look on the cover and after a recent trip to Anthropologie, where I was able to browse through it briefly, I was really taken with how intimately Thompson has captured the homes featured in this book.

Even if this book was about the chemical bonds formed between atoms, I would probably still buy it. I'm totally drawn to its vibrant color, not to mention its fantastic subject matter. Living In A Modern Way: California Design 1930-1965 accompanies an exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and since I'm probably not visiting L.A. anytime soon, I will gladly grab a copy of this book instead. Although it details aspects of mid-century design that are characteristic to California, it is a great source for anyone who can appreciate examples of beautiful ceramics, furniture, jewelry, architecture, etc. that were created during the MCM boom. Just talking about it reminds me I need to go ahead and place an order!

I've been coveting this book for ages. If there is one aspect of design that 100% makes me weak in the knees, it's textile design and Sonia Delaunay made a huge impact with her art and textiles. Color Moves spans the length of Delaunay's career, from her time in Paris to Amsterdam and back again. Her choice of color and shape provide some of the best examples of what makes a pattern truly great.

 

The title of this book says it all. A Perfectly Kept House Is The Sign Of A Misspent Life by Mary Randolph Carter is a breath of fresh air. The book explores the beauty in an unkempt house, and how life's little imperfections collide into a warm and passionate living space. And let's face it...as much as we would all love to have a maid to keep our homes looking like the pages of a design magazine, that just isn't life. And anyway, it further justifies the stack of laundry piled up on my dining table right now.

Quiet Living: Unique Country Interiors  is a recent addition to my book wish list. This book explores the interiors of several country estates throughout Europe and looks absolutely charming. Although my home right now is more mid-century than country, I have always admired the simplicity of country homes and even the lifestyle that often comes with it. In another life, or maybe when I turn 40, I will have my own homestead with lots of chickens, lambs, and llamas running about. 

Be sure to check out these books, and remember to let me know in the comment section below if I should add others to my list!