Thursday, June 12, 2014

Design Book Library ~ Betty Lou Phillips

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I probably have an average-sized collection of interior design books on my bookshelves.  I started buying them many years ago, because I couldn’t get enough of the pictures of the beautiful homes in magazines.  The best design books are those that you come back to again and again. 

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Buying one of these books was a luxury; saving for college, retirement, being a stay-at-home Mom for 14 years, and raising two children, design books were on the bottom of the totem pole of things to buy.  Even today, I usually won’t buy one unless it has gotten some rave reviews {these days from fellow bloggers}.

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When we moved, I went through them and got rid of some.  Those that just didn’t work for me were given away or donated.  I have kept those that I really enjoyed and have added a few since then.  I thought I might share some of the design books I have.

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One of the first design books I ever bought was a Betty Lou Phillips.  I had seen her home featured in a magazine {Romantic Homes, I think} and just fell in love with it.  I have two of her books ~ French by Design and The French Connection.

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Her bedroom designs are always a favorite for me.

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I love the full bed skirts and that is something I always want on our beds. 

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It is through her influence that balloon shades, painted furniture, and lovely trims became a part of my decorating.

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Beautiful ornate mirrors.

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Dining spots, whether inside or out have beautifully set tables and lovely linens.

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And even though I am not a cook, I love a beautiful kitchen!

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Even though we have blogs and Pinterest to drool over now with inspiration pictures, I always love to come back to my books!

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27 comments:

Stacey said...

I love a good decorating book too, Kathy. I know what you mean about putting them at the bottom of the totem pole for years. Several times they were given to me as birthday gifts because that's just something I enjoy so much. The funny thing is that the really good books stay relevant to you for a long time - don't you think?

Lin from A {tiny} Cottage In The Woods said...

I let all of my decorating books & magazines go when I moved into our tiny cottage. No room!

I LOVE everything you shared today, Kathy! French style is my absolute favorite.

Have a beautiful day,
Lin

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

I love looking through my decorating books...that first bedroom is STUNNING!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love my design books too, so wonderful to sit and drool through all the beautiful rooms. These look like great books.

White Lace and Promises said...

I love design books and wish I had more. I have 4 that I look at over and over again. Two by Rachel Ashwell , a cottage style and beach style. Not nearly enough. I'd like to just have one of your shelves:)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love decorating books too. I don't think I have either one of those and the pictures you showed make me want to go buy them!

Miss Rhea said...

Gorgeous pictures! Love that couch :)

Anonymous said...

I love her books too, Kathy. Recently, I ordered her book, The French Room. It's a lovely book. The two books you shared are equally as lovely. I see her influence in your decorating.

Okio B Designs said...

I steal Mommy's home decor books. =)

Jeanine

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I buy most of my books for my Kindle now, but design books I like to have hardcover and hands on...so I can read them over and over again! Beautiful photos, Kathy!

Ivy and Elephants said...

I have a love for design books as well. I don't have hers, but now you've made me want to go hunting.
LOL Beautiful!
Hugs,
Patti

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

This is one book I do not have and need to get...I know that Betty Lou has collaborated with Charles Faudree and I have all of his books but never got around to getting hers...I love all the the inspiration you posted!...sighing all the way through!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Kathy,
I'm right there with you when it comes to collecting decorating books. There is nothing like having them in your hands and looking at the pics over and over again.
Love her style too. I can see how she has influenced you.

hugs
Sissie

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Kathy, Love your pics from the books. Betty Lou Phillips is one of my very favorites too and I have her books also. I can never get enough of my design books, but like you, I don't buy them unless they are getting some good reviews. I see several on your shelf that I also enjoy. I refer back to them again and again too.
Beautiful pics.
Have a nice evening.
Hugs

Our Hopeful Home said...

I know what you mean about not being able to get enough of pictures of great rooms. It's always nice to daydream while getting inspiration! I love how you have them displayed. I have collected a few over the years (even Martha Stewart from WAY back!) but nowhere near as many as you.
xo Kathleen

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Kathy, I'm also a long-time admirer of Betty Lou Phillips. You picked some wonderful photos to share. You made me want to go pull out one of my BLP books to sigh over. laurie

Nancy said...

Kathy, I Love my Books too. There is just something about a Book that overrides Pinterest for me. Thanks for sharing your favorites with us today, Love those Full Bedskirts!!
Huggs, Nancy

Junkchiccottage said...

Hi Kathy,
I love decorating books too. I love my collection and love to go back through them. I know with pinterest everyone goes there for inspiration but I still love to pick up a good decor book and look through it.
You have a great collection.
Kris

Debbiedoos said...

LOVE all the images, however, the kitchen is my favorite! Have a great weekend Kathy.

Art and Sand said...

I am not familiar with either of the books you showed, but I see a lot of books on your shelves that I too love.

Thanks for the intro to some different decorating books that I will hunt down.

Little Miss Maggie said...

I have some of her books as well. I love her timeless decorating style. It's always in fashion.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Kathy, I love decorating books and have those too. All of my books were in storage for two years so I am enjoying browsing through each one again.
xx,
Sherry

DIYbyDesign said...

I still love looking through my old decorating books. There's something about flipping through the pages that is so nice...better sometimes than the internet.

Amy Chalmers said...

I have a bunch of Betty Anns books too. I love her beautiful images~she has great taste!

The Polka Dot Closet said...

What great pictures!! I still have design books too, I love to get them at the thrift stores..With the internet and Pinterest I am sure they will eventually become distinct...Keep them, they will probably be worth a ton some day lol!

Carol

farmhouse-story said...

i love finding design books at our 1/2 price book store--such a treat:)

Natalia said...

All pictures in this post is unbelievable! Love all of the ideas!

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