Holiday Book Gift Guide

Anyone who steps foot in my home understands my obsession with books. One of the first projects in my home was to put built-in bookshelves to hold my collection of books- which also reside in my office, more in a box in my garage and some in the attic. I am a book-hoarder so it is very natural for me to put together a gift guide of the books I have on my Christmas list!

My first collection of books for the gift guide are from one of my all-time favorite designers, Kathryn Ireland. I am so inspired by her ability to mix patterns, color and texture and I think she is just so much fun to watch on Million Dollar Decorators. I had a little encounter with her which I blogged about here. I love that her rooms are gorgeous but so live-able and functional which I think is so important in design...no one lives in a magazine! Here are three books by Kathryn Ireland which I think would be amazing additions to any collection!

Kathryn Ireland Timeless Interiors

Creating A Home

Classic Country (pb)

I have also been loving this book for a while but haven't added it to my collection yet. This mother/daughter duo inspire me to endlessly beg my daughter to be an interior designer....I don't think I'll be as lucky as these two who share the passion for design....although my daughter would relish the idea of being my boss one day!

Good Bones, Great Pieces: The Seven Essential Pieces That Will Carry You Through a Lifetime 

I am a daily reader of the design blog decor8 by Holly Becker so I just have to include her beautiful book here...

Decorate: 1,000 Design Ideas for Every Room in Your Home

Or how about this from an iconic designer of our time, Barbara Barry...

Barbara Barry: Around Beauty

Why don't I own this one already??


The Perfectly Imperfect Home: How to Decorate and Live Well

And truth be told, I need my Nate fix now that his show has been retired....boo hoo!

The Things That Matter

Did I miss any? Let me know what some of your "must have" design books are as I'd love to add them to my wish list! Hopefully Santa is listening!



Also, today I am heading over to one of my favorite stores, C Wonder- I think they have some amazingly stylish stuff at pretty good prices! I hope to pick up lots of last minute gifts for some people on my list (aka me) Also, if you head over to C.Wonder and shop today through the 13th they are having an amazing sale: 40% off sale items and free shipping over $100! Use code SALE40. I'll share some pictures of what I find there tomorrow!

Monday Morning Book Review: Good Bones, Great Pieces

Good morning! It has been a crazy week/weekend so I was a little light with the bloggin' I also missed a few Monday Morning Book Reviews because with the start of the school year- I think I lost track of my days! Anyway, today that biz is back on! The book I chose today I don't own but intend on buying very soon for my design library:
Good Bones, Great Pieces: The Seven Essential Pieces That Will Carry You Through a Lifetime 

"Good Bones, Great Pieces" is written by a mother/daughter duo from my home county of Westchester, NY. What I love about the book is that they give a list of the seven pieces they feel are the most versatile and useable pieces for a home. (I just knew the dresser would be on there! I have used dressers in every room!)

This helps the decorating process whatever stage you are in....first apartment, first home, downsizing, re-decorating, etc. Besides giving the list of essential "great pieces" (you know how I love lists!) the book is also visually inspiring including spaces they have decorated along with other celebrated designers. And for less than $20 on Amazon I will probably be making this purchase real soon! If anyone already has Good Bones, Great Pieces: The Seven Essential Pieces That Will Carry You Through a Lifetime let me know your favorite tidbit!