COTE DE TEXAS: MY ALL TIME FAVORITE DESIGN BOOKS & A LIBRARY UPDATE:

MY ALL TIME FAVORITE DESIGN BOOKS & A LIBRARY UPDATE:

 

Last week I wrote about cleaning out my office and turning it into a room full of bookshelves, now forever pretentiously known as “The Library.”  Even Ben is going around calling it “The Library” with a fake English accent.  The room is so small, such a nothing of a space, that I can’t imagine it ever looking like anything other than the too-small bedroom that it is.  And, if it ever gets completed in this century, I’ll be thrilled.  My carpenter is hard of hearing and slower than molasses and why I hired him, I will never know.  But he has built all the bookcases for a client – including this one below – and I think he did a great job here – but this was ten years ago and several hearing aids before:

 

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Client’s bookcase in bedroom – built by the same carpenter. I hope mine turn out this nice looking.

 

The Library story had a million comments, well 201 comments, which might as well be a million and there were so many great ideas, really great decorating ideas for the space.  One in particular was fabulous (I’ll let you decide which one that was – but, think painted ceiling….)  I have made a few décor decisions.  I am going to go with light gray walls and probably a bit darker gray on the shelves.  I probably will replace my door with a paned French door or a bifold one.  I’m going to look for an old door for the closet, but I might just do portieres.   I would drape the closet and the small alcove that leads to the chest and bathroom with silk taffeta in either mauve, light blue, or lavender silk taffeta:

 

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Portieres to the bathroom area and closet.

 

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Lavender taffeta

 

 

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And one final decision has been made: I bought this small vintage chandelier on 1st Dibs for the room.  I’ll have to replace the candle sleeves to ivory though.  The chandelier is small – only 20x21 inches so hopefully it will be the perfect size.  But, it has macaroni beads which I am so into these days.  This is my only firm decision so far. 

 

As for the comments on the library story, someone asked that I post my favorite design books.  Over the past five years, I have talked a lot about the books that I love, but here is my list.  I’m positive I am leaving a few out, it’s hard to remember all your favorites – but the following do spring to mind immediately.

 

If you want to order any of these books - there is an easy-to-use link to purchase them from Amazon,  at the very end of the story.  If you read the blog from email – you might need to switch over to the actual blog site if you want to order them:  www.cotedetexas.blogspot.com

AND, if you DO read the blog directly from email – don’t!  You miss out on so much if you do read it that way.  When you get your email notice – just double click on it and it will take your directly to the blog site.  Much better to read it that way!

 

 

 

FAVORITE DESIGN BOOKS:

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All time favorite has to be Style by John Saladino.  Reading this book should get you college credits. Saladino is an amazing designer and he possesses a brilliant mind.  A must read for anyone studying interior design or architecture and a must have for any design library.  The book is filled with photographs by Barbara and Rene Stoeltie of his former houses.

 

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A former country estate of Saladino’s.  Notice the Zuber screen at the back – it shows up at his new estate in Santa Barbara!

 

 

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I am a huge fan of design books that are written about just one house. These books deal with what the house looked like before it was renovated and then, through pictures and words, they describe the journey to the finish.  It’s always great when before & after photographs are included.   Saladino’s monumental book on his estate near Santa Barbara, California is a lush and atmospheric chronicle of that house’s renovation.  Another must have.

 

 

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Saladino’s bedroom at his home.  To the left is his desk.  To the right is the bathroom.

 

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The desk – in front of a Zuber covered screen  - gorgeous!  Here, the screen is shown put together instead as before when it was split into two. 

 

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And a view from the outside looking in – you can see the screen on the right.  The house was for sale, I wonder who bought it?  Lucky them.

 

This book is no longer published but you can find it for cheap on EBay.  Again, it’s a story about one house – John Stefanidis’ country home in Dorset.  I think I obsessed over this book for about a month.  I had to figure out where all the outbuildings connected to form the U shaped house that Stefanidis created out of rubble.  The gardens were incredible too.  The house very much reminds me of the English country house that Princess Lee Radziwell once lived in.  The estate was sold long ago and the interiors are somewhat dated.  But if you love English country homes and putting together floorplans, this is a great one. 

 

 

 

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The living area – decorated in pink slipcovers and ticking. 

 

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All the flower and shrubs throughout the house came from Stefanidis’ prolific garden.  Love his use of two colorways of blue and white ticking.

 

 

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One of the most popular design books ever – Bunny Williams chronicles her farmhouse, from its first days until now.   I’ve always thought that Bunny used Stefanidis’ book as an guide when writing her own.   I’m sure you already own this book if you read this blog!

 

 

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The incredible restored barn at Bunny’s country house taken from An Affair with a House.

 

 

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Designer Rose Tarlow’s book is part biography, part textbook.   A good portion is taken up with her own house in Los Angeles – which I love because the house is so unique.   The remainder is a collection of photographs from her portfolio.  The ideas and tips that Tarlow writes about are worth the price of the book.  A must have for any serious interior design student. 

 

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Rose Tarlow’s paneled bedroom.

 

 

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Architect and designer Bobby McAlpine’s book is thought provoking and stimulating.  A quick wit, be sure you are alert and wide awake when reading – you don’t want to miss a detail.  The book shows his  former beautiful house in Birmingham and it also concentrates on a collection of projects from his portfolio.   McAlpine reminds me of Saladino – those two should go head to head in a design discussion forum – I wonder who the winner would be.   Beautiful photographs of some of his best work.  Another must have for a serious design library.

 

 

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One of my all time favorites is this short book by Charlotte Moss.  Again, it’s all about one house – her former house in Aspen.   The décor is beautiful – naturally - since it’s by Charlotte.  A fun book, but not a necessity unless you want to study blue and green French design ala Colorado. 

 

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Charlotte in her former blue and green Aspen living room – I love this picture of her!!!

 

 

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I love Rachel Ashwell’s casual, cozy, slipcover style.  But this one book was a favorite for years and still is!  Of course, it’s a book about one house – how Rachel rescued this run down Malibu wreck and turned it into a darling, small house.  Why she ever sold it, I’ll never know!   I love the books about one house – especially when they include the history of the house and before and after pictures.  Kathryn Ireland’s book about the Libbey Ranch now owned by Reese Witherspoon should probably be on my top list too.

 

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A before picture of the house and pool at Ashwell’s then Malibu home.

 

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And after – I love that color of blue for a pool.  If I ever had a pool, I would give them this picture and say – copy it.  It looks like Blue Opaline!

 

 

 

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An old book from Mary Emmerling, but, this is one that I still look at.  Mary and Houstonian Carol Glasser decorate a house in Santa Fe.  Yes.  Love it.  Carol’s influence is seen all over this wonderful house.  If you love Glasser, this is a must book.  The house, though decorated years ago, still looks current for today.  The rest of the book is just OK, but the Santa Fe house makes the book.

 

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The porch of the Santa Fe house – this house was also featured as a Veranda cover story where this picture came from!

 

 

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Mary’s friendship with Carol Glasser led to her meeting other Houstonians whose houses started popping up in her books.  This is probably my favorite book by Mary.  The houses featured are pretty and like the title says romantic.  If you like Carol Glasser’s style you’ll like this book.

 

 

 

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Photographer and designer Peter Vitale wrote and photographed this beautiful book, heavy on crosses and santos.  Naturally I loved it – it showcased Carol Glasser’s former house – redecorated.  Anything with Glasser’s name on it, I will love.  Can’t help it.

 

 

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Carol Glasser’s former house – shown redecorated.

 

 

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There are SO many new books that I love – every designer has put them out now, it’s hard to pick  just a few favorites.  But this particular one stands out for me.  Heavy on pictures from her L.A. house and various projects around the United States for one of her favorite clients, this book remains one I look at over and over again. 

 

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The book features photographs of Rheinstein’s recently redecorated upstairs in her L.A. house.  That fur! That chandelier!

 

 

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Another brand new book that will be a favorite for years to come is Segreto – by sweet Leslie Sinclair.  The book is HUGE – it probably should have been two or three volumes.  And it’s filled with page after page of some of the prettiest houses in Houston.  It’s definitely a Houston Look book – so if you love that décor, this should be in your library.  And, if you are interested in the how-to of faux painting, this is a great one to have. 

 

 

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Segreto is filled with images like this kitchen by Kara Childress.  Nobody does finishes like Leslie.   She is the best in the business.  Not available on Amazon – buy it HERE.

 

 

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There have been a few books from Southern Accents over the years – and I have loved them all.  But in picking one of those or this one from Veranda, I will go with Veranda’s since Southern Accents left us high and dry!   In fact, I’m surprised someone hasn’t put out a book like this from Southern Accents.  Such a waste.  Well, never mind.  The Veranda book is simply gorgeous.  Amazingly, almost all the houses they chose to highlight are ones that have been personal favorites over the years, like the cover story house in Belgium.  I hear there might be a second book in the works by Newsom – I hope so.  Until then, this is “IT” for me. 

 

 

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One of the houses shown in Veranda’s book is the castle where Axel Vervoordt lives and work in Belgium.

 

 

So, there you have it.  There are really so many books I love that I didn’t name.  I adore all the books by Charles Faudree and there was a day when I would go crazy when a new Betty Phillips book came out.  I love all the Beta-Plus books and collect them – they are like precious gems in my library and are one of the reasons why I wanted to build the shelves in the first place.  Of the many newer books, I feel awful for not including them because I adore them – like Alessandra Branca, Phoebe Howard, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Jeffrey Bilhuber, Kathryn Ireland, and on and on!   I love all of Diane Dorrans Saeks books – especially Santa Barbara Living.  For years my bible was Colefax and Fowler’s The Best in Interior Decoration and Interior Inspirations.  I could pull my hair out right now!  I have a million titles floating around  my mind that I should have named and instead I put down two Mary Emmerling’s???????  I mean, really!!! 

  Well yes, like I said, at the time Emmerling was the only person who was showing Houston houses, along with other houses decorated in that cozy, warm, slipcovered and seagrass kind of look. 

 

Even if I named it above – what would be the ONE book you would save if there was a fire?   Hmmm.  I would say Style by Saladino.  Or maybe Villa.  No, probably Veranda.   Or Segreto – that would keep me busy for months.

 

COMING UP NEXT:   A repeat of a fabulous giveaway!   The last time I ran this giveaway – I think everyone entered to win it.  So,  your chance to win again is coming next!! 

69 comments :

  1. I just finished reading Patina Style by the Gianettis....loved it.

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  2. So glad you mentioned you favorite reads! I have been wanting to find some beautiful books for winter reading.

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  3. Joni,
    Thank you for sharing you list of favorite design books. Villas by Saladini, Segreto by Leslie, The Home Within Us and The Houses of Veranda are on my coffee table. I have to catch up with the rest of your list!
    Have a great week Joni!
    Warm hugs from Belgium!
    xx
    Greet

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  4. fantastic all of them! Thanks for sharing your inspiration, it doesnt take much to make a home into something special with some know how! I just need some more of that know how!!

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  5. Favorite designers, all of them . I love a list. Rose Tarlow's book is hard to find.
    Karen

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  6. Thanks for including our book "The Home Within Us" on you favorite list. A bit of designer trivia:

    We did a house together with Saladino in the late 80s. It appeared in House & Garden magazine

    The murals that slightly show up in the niche in Saladinp's CT country estate living room picture were done by artist David Braly and me. We had the pleasure of staying with John at this beautiful estate and painted the two niches over the weekend.

    Greg

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  7. Thanks! I have always liked Mary Emmerling and have all of Rachel Ashwell's books and was happy to see their books on your list. I will be anxiously waiting to see your library so I can get ideas for my little room and once I have some more bookshelves will add using this list. I have gotten so I read novels on my nook but when it comes to magazines and design books I could never go digital. Have a great week.

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    1. I still take my magazines in print, because I love to refer back to them. But you might take a look on your nook - sometimes details show up better electronically. The last Southern Living Idea Home had an under-the-staircase study that was pretty - but when I saw it on the iPad, it was really beautiful because I could see the detail in the featured painting. Gorgeous!

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  8. I have Mary's book too and still read it! That one's been around for years. Another oldie but goodie is "A Home for all Seasons". I'm currently hot for Steven Gambrel's book so Amazon here I come! Have a great day Joni! xoxo

    jennifer

    p.s. How jealous are all of us to read about Greg and Bobby staying with Saladino?! MY GAWD! All that talent under one roof! Birds of a feather...

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  9. Thanks, Joni. My all time favorite is John Saladino, but I also agree about Leslie's book and McAlpine's. Some of the others I do not own, so I thank you for the endorsements. Those lavender taffeta curtains, by the way, are luscious, as is your new chandelier.
    Best...Victoria

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  10. I do own some of these books, but there are a few I had not seen before. I will need to have a closer look at them. I love books, but seem to also be acquiring quite a collection. Maybe a library room will need to be in my future as well.

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  11. It would definitely be my all time favorite design book: "An Affair With A House" by Bunny Williams. I love her design concept that a house must be liveable in order to be a 'home'. I have that book in my hands every single week. It is my design bible.
    You didn't ask, but my absolute favorite blog? Cote de Texas. Can't wait to see how the library turns out when you are done with it. Beautiful, of that I am sure.
    Thank you so much for all the time and effort that you devote to your readers!

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  12. I have a question about the shelves in your bookcases. Will they be adjustable ? I like having that flexibility but do not like seeing the holes along the sides.
    Thanks,
    B

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    1. Sawtoothed shelf supports cost much more than holes and pins, but definately look much better.

      Check out http://www.woodcraft.com/PRODUCT/2083922/35934/SAWTOOTH-SHELF-SUPPORT-CHERRY-3FT.ASPX?refcode=10INGOPB&gclid=CLKwmJ7M9rECFcZxQgodQCoALA

      Van Dyke's Restorers also sell components.parately.

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    2. They take up more space than the shelf pins and look busy if you have a lot of shelves. Maybe it would work to just decide what books belong where and drill only the holes you need with the idea that you can always add more. With the proper outside molding the holes are barely visible anyway once the shelves are filled.

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    3. Yes, it is true, the sawtoothed shelf supports are 7/16" thick. That means you would lose 1-1/8" of shelf space per shelf - enough for one of the design books Joni mentioned plus a copy of Veranda. So, it's really a combination of your budget plus your design preference. Do you want a traditional look or a cleaner, more contemporary look?

      Isn't it wonderful to live in this time and place? We have so many resources available to help fulfill our dreams for our personal spaces.

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  13. What a nice surprise to see Mary Emmerling and Rachel Ashwell on your list. I've always liked them too and have their books. I have a "library" too, said in an English accent, but it's very much an informal space. So excited to see what yours will look like when it's done. I enjoy your posts about your home the best!

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  14. Your design scheme sounds great. What are the two gray paint colors that you are using. Portieres will definitely soften the effect of all the shelves and books - please no mauve. Mauve is just not you. Actually it's just not anybody. Chandy is really cute - not too small for a small room. Can't wait to see. How many books have you donated so far?

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  15. Hi,
    First let me begin by saying that I think you blog is the best! I subscribe to and read about 20 design blogs each day and there is no doubt that yours is at the top. But.....there is one little problem that I only point out because it prevents me from enjoying your blog on a daily basis. I have debated for months whether or not to email about the problem thinking someone else would point it out.
    I rarely read it because the pictures take forever and a day to load and they are far too big for my extra wide screen laptop. I don't have this problem with any other blog and I have a pretty powerful computer so I don't think it's my computer. I'm guessing that you lose may readers as the result of your blogs performance and just thought I would pass this on so you could correct the problem so we all can enjoy you wonderful blog.
    Delane

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    1. I read from a lap top and have no trouble viewing. Occasionally, it takes longer to load and I can't explain why, but most of the time it's fast and I can see the pictures perfectly. I have to admit I am spoiled by these large images. That is what sets this blog apart from so many others where you practically need a magnifying glass to see any detail in the pictures. It will be interesting to see if others respond that have the same problem. As stated above, do not try to read from your email subscription, but go directly to the blog. That may be the problem.

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    2. "AND, if you DO read the blog directly from email – don’t! You miss out on so much if you do read it that way. When you get your email notice – just double click on it and it will take your directly to the blog site. Much better to read it that way!" I should have added this quote to the above reply. Hope this helps.

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    3. Your blog takes a long time to load for me, also. And then even when I think it is all loaded, it doesn't scroll at the normal speed. It takes SOOO long to scroll through. Maybe that's just because the bottom isn't loaded yet; I don't know. I won't ever stop reading cause your blog is great, but why, oh why, does it take so very long for it to scroll???? (This isn't my computer, I don't think, because it doesn't happen with any other blog.)
      Sheila

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    4. There are so many issues other than your computer and Joni's photos that cause speed and loading problems. It can be your ISP: if you log on at a busy time of day, your server speed will be compromised (frequently from 4-6 pm). Your browser could be the issue - Chrome has gotten so bad in the past month that I've stopped using it because it takes forever to do anything. It used to be a speed demon, but not now. You might need to empty your cache, or close some other programs if you don't have a lot of memory. Joni's photos are sized perfectly on my 14" laptop, if yours are too big, try hitting control-and the minus sign at the same time to reduce your screen size.

      However, Joni, I have noticed a few random times when your blog has some issues loading that it didn't used to have. You might contact your host provider and have them do a speed check on your account.

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    5. I have the same issues. It takes forever for me to comment that I rarely even try...It takes way too long to load, doesn't scroll right ect. Love the Blog, wish you would change back to the old format or user or whatever it used to be.

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  16. Love the large format photos on this site! Delane - the speed of your internet connection is much more important than your hardware, so I'd start by looking there.
    MJ

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  17. Thanks for this list!! I will definitely be adding a couple of them to my collection. Another one I love- Suzanne Kasler's. I just love that you are giving us details as you go with you library! Love the chandelier. THANK YOU, Joni!!

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  18. I love your new library chandelier! I hadn't heard of macaroni beads, until today! I also love design books, almost as much as I love a beautiful, comfy chair. Unfortunately, both sit in my home, unattended to. There are not enough hours in a day!
    Cheers!,
    Barbara

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  19. Can't wait to see the finished library! Tears running down my fee I was laughing so hard about the deaf worker. I hire an older gentleman with the same problem, but he does superior work.
    I received my necklace from Karen. Gorgeous! Thank you post to follow at some point this week.
    Happy Monday, Joni.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  20. Definitely stick with your carpenter, those bookshelves are FAB! I too adored the Colefax & Fowler books in years gone by :-) Two little books I know you would love Joni are "WHITE ON WHITE" and "BLUE & WHITE LIVING" by STEPHANIE HOPPEN (mother of Kelly). I am still trying to save up for the Saladino books but I know they will be worth the wait! Mr Slipper Socks will have to get himself a Meesham for the library!! At least he will have the "right" dog by his side :-)

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    1. I do believe I meant to type "Meerschaum"!!

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  21. The "covers" (jackets) alone on these books should be framed paintings. franki

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  22. FYI Saladino sold his home here in Montecito several months ago...

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  23. Love the idea of silk taffeta portiers to soften the rigid angularity of the books and bookcases. Personally, I would use lavender because it is more feminine than blue. However, since you love your transferware plates (you mentioned a few months back that you had packed them up when you re-did your livingroom), my guess is that you may go with blue. The plates would further personalize the space and give you the opportunity to introduce blue into the bookcases.

    As with many other, my #1 favorite book is Saladino. His interiors are luscious, warm and rich as butter on a brioche.

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  24. Joni, I adore portieres + lavender taffeta/silk. "Great minds" or something like that-have all the design books but Saladino is my favorite. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  25. Joni I think you are going to be thrilled with your Library. I am thrilled with you book choices, and ones not on my list are being added right now!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena
    2012 Artists Series Featuring Harrison Howard

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  26. I have a slipcover man who is 93 and a survivor of the Holocaust. When Archie walks in, he is all of his 93 years, until he sets to work, and then he is a spry 18 year old filled with enthusiasm and enough energy to tire one out just from watching; he wrestles large sofas and wing chairs around like they were made of paper. Once he is done with his measuring and has placed the furniture back in position (he scorns assistance), he settles back into being an elderly gentleman who needs his grandson to swing by to pick him up; a truly remarkable character...

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  27. Hi Joni - Love your blog - I haven't commented in a while though! I have most of the books you mentioned. At the end of the day though, I most enjoy reading about the old school designers - The House In Good Taste -Elsie de Wolfe, Decorating is Fun! - Dorothy Draper, In The Pink (about Dorothy Draper), The World of Madeleine Castaing - these women were so interesting and innovative. Some books are what I call my "comfort" books - all Rachel Ashwell - eye candy! I really enjoyed her latest 2 books - Shabby Chic Interiors and Shabby Chic Inspirations(yes, I loved it!). All the Caroline Clifton-Mogg books are great, too. OK..I love books - I better stop! Thanks!

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  28. This is completely unrelated to your post, however, I was wondering if there was a white/gray paint color that looks good with a tuscan/french decor style? My family room is more blues (pottery barn blue) decor and my living and dining are more brown sofas and wood brown dining table and I wanted a neutral palate but I love the white/gray wall colors and wanted to see if there was any specific ones that you would recommend. thank you and I love your blog

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  29. Oh also..about the Caroline Clifton-Mogg books - in designing, I have no problem with the big stuff - floor plans, walls, floors, lights, fabrics, furniture,etc.. But, for a long time, if a client wanted me to "accessorize", you know, all the extras, I was "da...". I just did not feel confident. Her books really helped me so much in this area.

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  30. I spotted a few of my favourite design books amongst yours: An Affair With a House, Shabby Chic (my favourite is the first one though), The Houses of Veranda, I also love the two Michael S Smith books which I have. Also, I need to get the large square Saladino book - need to order it online because it's too expensive where I live.

    How long do you think it will take for the Library to be finished - we can't wait to see it!!

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  31. Arrgghhh! I forgot. Kathryn Ireland's "Creating a Home" - did you hear that Reese Witherspoon??

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  32. Oh boy do we think alike! I don't have the Stefanidis book or the one Mary Emmerling book but your favorites are mine....I was surprised to see Divine Home. That is one of my all time favorites as well! Great list! P.S love that the first big decision you made was an accessory...now that is right up my alley!

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  33. One of my favorites is "A Place for Everything" by Peri Wolfman - such stylish storage.

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  34. I love the new chandelier, and I can't wait to see it in place.
    My sister and her husband just retired to a wonderful old house in Santa Fe, and she used Emmerling's Quick Decorating as her inspiration and guide for getting things set up. They have lived all over the world and she said the book has been very helpful for many of their 12 moves in 7 different countries during their 38 years of marriage. She goes measures everything ahead of time, packs by room, has the house painted, floors and built ins are ready with military precision.

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  35. One of my earliest design books was written by Mark Hampton. After listening to the SRT interview with Alexia, I was prompted to dig it up and revisit. There was so much information and his hand drawings so wonderful to see. So much that was written in stone at the time of his writing is now much more fluid in design and that's a good thing. It is good, however, to have enough of the old classics in your library so that you know what the influence has been over the decades in design. Hampton's rooms still speak to me although those with the abundance of chintz do give me a bit of pause. I love the cleaner look his daughter has adopted. Bunny's book will always be an inspiration for its acquired relaxed look of elegant comfort - nothing trendy nor over stylized, but a decor to love and emulate. At least in her own home, she surrounds herself with only things she truly loves. She is not looking to establish the next trend. What a team she and John have become in the design world.

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  36. Thanks so much for sharing your favorite books (which I am sure will now be sold out at Amazon : ) Love the chandelier (as well as your amazing blog) and can't wait to see the finished library. Take care, Amal @ sybariticspaces.blogspot.com.

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  37. I was -- and wasn't -- surprised by your Favorite Book choices. I am a big fan of the work of John Saladino; he has so much respect for good architecture. And for those who like a bit of a contemporary twist on the classic interior (as I do), no one does it better than Bunny Williams; I think her book AN AFFAIR WITH A HOUSE is the best of its kind. Some might be interested to know that John and Bunny spent some social time time together in the late 70s and early 80s before career demands, etc., intervened. His country house in Lime Rock was just a few minutes away from her's in Falls Village, CT.

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    1. Bunny must have been very young and very naive.

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    2. Thank you, John. I, for one, really like to hear the back stories about design issues we discuss here. Back stories and side stories provide a social, historic and geographic context for these discussions. So much better than the simple recitation of what color of gray was used on the walls.

      Don't know either person, but thirty to forty years ago, Mr. Saldino and Ms. Williams were both younger and probably more naive. Hmmm... always wondered about the title of that book!

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  38. I think, between my mother and I, we have almost every one of the books checked off the list! Another one we have really enjoyed is Barbra Streisand's My Passion for Design. Her attention to detail is extraordinary.

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  39. I only have about half the books your recommend...and I frequently look at them...so I KNOW I will love your other recommendations. Thanks, Joni.
    I am excited about your "LIEbrrrairry" (attempt at Ben's accent).

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  40. Like many above, I have most of these books. My problems is that I collect cookbooks and garden books as well to say nothing of fiction and nonfiction. One of my retirement goals is to read/reread all of the Pulitzer and Nobel prize winners. May not live long enough for that one.

    Love the new chandelier. In a room I call the little library (a little less than 8' x10') which had three doors opening into it, I put portieres on the doors and upholstered the walls. Could not make the room bigger, might as well make it snuggy! I also put in a chandelier and round table. We sometimes use the little library for dinners for two. Currently it is packed to the gills with the boxes of books that will go on new shelves when the dust clears around here.

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  41. Thanks for the recommendations!!! Always on the lookout for more design inspiration. :)

    I also love the chandelier you chose!

    Can't wait to see the results (and the progress it takes to get there).

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  42. I have every single one of these books thanks to you, you told me about The Divine Home a few months ago and I absolutely love it. In case of fire I'll have to go down with my books since I have so many I want to save let alone all my antique books for my business. I can't wait to see more of your library!

    XX
    Debra~

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  43. So many great recommendations ! yet-Oh my -Love, love, love Winter House! As fall winds down and I begin to plan for family and friends visiting for the winter holiday I pull out a (favorite book too) Charlotte Moss- Winter House. Love, love, love the book! I am not certain what I am drawn to most- the beautiful rooms or the manner in which Charlotte Moss has describes how the home is designed for her guests ultimate comfort. No matter how many times I look at the book I find something new and appealing and ultimately I end up closing the book and wishing to be a guest at her Winter House!! Thank you for the list of good reads- very helpful as there are soooo many to choose from. So smart of you to create a library from an existing room! Now we need to somehow create more hours in the day to enable us to read more!

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  44. Woop woop! That chandelier. Oh Joni! It is GORGEOUS!!!! I cannot wait to see it in the space. Everything will be so beautiful! But with that chancy - so much more beautiful! Fantastic choice!

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  45. Rose Tarlow's been on the TOP of my hitlist ever since I discovered her textiles while working for Kelly Wearstler. I'd visit her West Hollywood showroom just to sit amongst all the sumptuous silks, run my hand along the highly decorative trims and tassels and swore that one day I'd be back to specify things for my very own home. Alas, that day has YET to come but at least I have the inspiration to know I'll get there one day ;D Amazing picks, I'll definitely have to shop your suggestions!

    Would love to get your thoughts on my most recent hotel renovation when you get a chance! Hope to see you soon!

    xo-Julie
    Peace. Love. LOL!

    Haute Khuuture Blog

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  46. I loved your suggestions on design books! You hit several of my favorites on your list, like The homes of Veranda.. Gorgeous! I just actually wrote about designing a library for your home, so its good to know that I am not alone in my love of books and home libraries.

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  47. I was so inspired by your post that -- even though I live in a one-bedroom apartment -- I, too, had to have a library. Since I have one large room that serves many purposes -- there's my office -- a desk by the windows -- and my dining room -- a table with two chairs -- the solution for a library was to multi-purpose the dining room table as my "library." And I've even perfected a fake English accent to go along with it! Thanks for a wonderful journey!

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  48. I'm so glad that I'm not the only design book addict. I just brought out one of my old Mary Emmerling books for a refresher on some summery looks for my home. The Bunny Williams book is one of my favorites for timeless style. Do you think it is timeless or do all the patterns and English country things look dated? Thanks for suggestions for some new ones.

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  49. good & nice picture

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  50. Hmmm... Which ONE book would I save in a fire? I don't have nearly as many design books as you, but the one book I couldn't do without is Jackie Von Tobel's Window Treatments book. Her sketches make it easier for clients to visualize things versus photographs, where they often have difficulty blocking out the fabrics and just seeing the design, and this book always helps me get out of a rut or sparks ideas for challenging situations.

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  53. Joni... you did it again:

    "My carpenter is hard of hearing and slower than molasses and why I hired him, I will never know."

    LOL!

    Okay, which book? Probably Bunny Williams book, AN AFFAIR WITH A HOUSE. It has loads of eye candy, and I adore that little guest house they bought that belonged to her friend and fellow designer. I love the Zuber paper in the DR and the decor there. I could look at that room forever. And I love her barn room and her outdoor loggia and her kitchen with the cute dogs curled up, etc. That one for sure.

    Now, if you had one, I would say yours, of course!

    XO,

    Sheila

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  55. I spent fifteen years of my library career in Baltimore County Public Library. There was a heavy emphasis on merchandising the collection. When I became a library director in Texas, I trained my staff to display books in the stacks, to feature books near the check out area, and to keep our many display racks filled with fresh looking material.hvac schools in delaware

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