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.
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}.
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.
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.
Her bedroom designs are always a favorite for me.
I love the full bed skirts and that is something I always want on our beds.
It is through her influence that balloon shades, painted furniture, and lovely trims became a part of my decorating.
Beautiful ornate mirrors.
Dining spots, whether inside or out have beautifully set tables and lovely linens.
And even though I am not a cook, I love a beautiful kitchen!
Even though we have blogs and Pinterest to drool over now with inspiration pictures, I always love to come back to my books!
27 comments:
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?
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
I love looking through my decorating books...that first bedroom is STUNNING!!
I love my design books too, so wonderful to sit and drool through all the beautiful rooms. These look like great books.
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:)
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!
Gorgeous pictures! Love that couch :)
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.
I steal Mommy's home decor books. =)
Jeanine
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!
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
LOVE all the images, however, the kitchen is my favorite! Have a great weekend Kathy.
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.
I have some of her books as well. I love her timeless decorating style. It's always in fashion.
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
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.
I have a bunch of Betty Anns books too. I love her beautiful images~she has great taste!
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
i love finding design books at our 1/2 price book store--such a treat:)
All pictures in this post is unbelievable! Love all of the ideas!
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