Design books are one of those indulgences that I always want but never buy. Whenever a new one comes out, I always bookmark it and think I'll splurge one day, especially if it's by one of my favorite designers. But somehow, I can never hit send.
Maybe it's because I know I won't really "use" it, other than to glance through it once? Or maybe it's just hard to commit $40+ to a book when so much information is free or less than $10 thanks to Amazon. Either way, here's my list of Design Books I'll Never Buy, But Will Always Want.
Black and White (and a Bit in Between): Timeless Interiors, Dramatic Accents, and Stylish Collections
by Celerie Kemble
Besides having the coolest name in the business, Celerie Kemble does some really great design. Plus, I am ALL about some neutrals, and black walls!
by Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, and Dara Caponigro of Domino Magazine
Full disclosure: I actually do own this book. I bought it right after Domino magazine stopped making new issues, in a moment of panic that I couldn't get my design needs met by anything else. I read it front-to-back, and tabbed like crazy!
Elements of Style: Designing a Home & a Life
by Erin Gates of the Elements of Style blog
This just came out, and I would LOVE to have this as a Christmas present! She has great style, including outfits that I'm constantly pinning.
by Heather Clawson of the Habitually Chic blog
I sometimes love her blog and sometimes find it a little
pretentious. But I'm sure her book is full of great inspiration! I
have to say I was pretty surprised when she revealed the cover, though.
For such a gorgeous blog and great style, the cover design and photo
really fall flat (in my opinion, it looks like a '90's sewing instruction
book).
by Christiane Lemieux and Rumaan Alam
Christiane Lemieux is the genius creative director of
DwellStudio. I love just about everything they do, and I'm sure this book is
FULL of great ideas! Of all the books on this list, I'd be most likely to
splurge on this one.
For a review of her book, click here.
LA designer and owner of Rummage store, Kishani Perera "shows how to create style with livability and luxe", to borrow the words of an Amazon reviewer. From what I've seen of her work, she has mastered the art of creating a lived-in but gorgeous room by constructing a room with layers. Her rooms remind me of the incredible set designs from a Nancy Myers' movie (think Something's Gotta Give, The Holiday or It's Complicated). No wonder Molly Simms and other celebrities love her!
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These last two needed their own category of Design Books
Design*Sponge at Home
by Grace Bonney of the Design*Sponge blog
I used to search this site nearly exclusively for DIY projects and inspiration. It's been a while since I've been over there, but I'm sure the book is a lot of fun. Plus, my used copy was only $5.50!
by
Julie Carson
I found this one for a steal, too! She has a great, classic,
well-edited style that I love. And the website is a wonderful resource for
all kinds of products spanning a wide price point.
Lastly, the free resource that almost satisfies my urge for design
books are the uber-inspirational monthly editions of Lonny Magazine. Really, my only
complaint is that I can't hold it in my hands and rip out my favorite pages.
But then, the benefit is that it's free!
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