We know that a person doesn't have to be a professional interior designer to have an eye for design. In fact, some people are just born with the ability to visualize, create, and appreciate design. People with passion for design are our kind of people and so today we are sharing our curated list of favorite design-focused coffee table books, all of which make great gifts for the design lover.
The Great American House by Gil Schaffer III
This book is for the classic architecture and design lover. Gil Shafer has a very traditional style that we love. He is known for renovation historic homes and bringing those old world details to new homes. "His work takes the best of American historic and classical architecture—its detailed moldings and harmonious proportions—and updates it, retaining its character and detail while simultaneously reworking it to be more in tune with the way we live now—comfortable, practical, family-oriented. "
A Tale of Interiors Pierce and Ward
We describe this book in one word, "chic". Pierce & Ward home is known for marble, velvets, textures, and beautiful interiors that still surprisingly feel livable. "Emily and Louisa believe that there is a beauty in the unfolding of a room that takes the eye dancing from one piece to the next, swirling over velvets of peach and gold, gliding over glass and marble, and stopping to take in the homeowner's precious sentimental favorites."
Patina Homes by Steve and Brooke GIannetti
Talk about a power couple! Steve, an architect, and his wife Brooke, a designer, paired up to create this book full of classic beauty. Steve's architectural design is described as "a place where modern, classical and industrial elements merge to create a unique style with a modern sense of space and emotion drawn from history."
S is for Style: The Shumacher Book of Decoration
If you've followed us for any amount of time, you probably know about our obsession with Schumacher. Our most recent meeting with our Schumacher rep lead to us ordering probably an additional hundred samples. So it's not a surprise that we love this book. We especially love that each chapter begins with a questionnaire to help the reader better understand their style.
Perspective by Steven Gambrel
It's all about perspective. We love that this book highlights Steven Gambrel's projects that are high-end, classic and yet contemporary. "Rooms range in style from elegant country to high-gloss urban. A confident colorist, his daring palette includes bright pinks, emerald-greens, deep grays, and cerulean blues. His tactile surfaces--from shiny lacquer to rugged matte--provide an exciting textural contrast to the elegant antiques and vintage furnishings mixed seamlessly with his upholstered creations."
The Finer Things by Christiane Lemieux
First can we just talk about this cover! This cover just exudes, "the finer things" and is filled with timeless and opulent interiors. "Weaving together the insights and guidance of dozens of wallpaper and paint specialists, textile fabricators, accessories artisans, and interior designers, Lemieux has curated an unparalleled education in recognizing the hallmarks of timeless, heirloom-quality pieces. Hundreds of elegant home interiors—both iconic examples from the past and stunning residences today--represent the range of luxurious and customized environments that can be created with fine décor."
Classic Greenwich Houses by Charles Hilton Architects
This book makes us want to take a trip to Greenwich, Connecticut and take a tour of all 9 of the homes featured in this book. All of the homes are spectacular in design but also sit on gorgeous properties in the beautiful north east. From Charles Hilton, ""Our clients rely on our creativity and ingenuity to create houses that honor tradition, while seamlessly integrating modern amenities essential for contemporary living."
Which book speaks to you the most? Which one do you think the design lover in your life would like the most?