DECORATING FEARLESSLY susanna salk

Collecting design books has been a passion of mine for close to thirty years. And I’ve saved them all. The pages of these books are well worn and many of the images emblazoned in my memory. I can look back and see exactly why I loved a space and what made it a stand out.

Many of the rooms still look good to my eye, and the reason is they were timeless designs to begin with. Timeless to me means evolved. Personal. Slightly off. And most importantly, an evolution, a mix of eras.

Here is a look at a few current design books that look intriguing. They are available on Amazon.

Decorating Fearlessly by Susanna Salk has over 150 pages of beautifully photographed designers’ homes. The book looks at a variety of design principles such as color, pattern, and mixing and matching while encouraging the reader to take chances with their own homes. Salk also provides tips and philosophies from the designers themselves.

LINENS FOR EVERY ROOM AND OCCASION jane scott hodges 

This book is the ultimate guide to living and entertaining with fine linens. As the founding owner of fine linens company Leontine Linens, Jane has spent the past two decades studying, collecting, and innovating the lifetime enjoyment of fine linens. In an engaging Southern way, she introduces us to the art of beautifully made linens and shows how easy it is to use them to personalize your home and change looks and moods without redecorating.

Throughout, the book also offers liberal doses of the author’s expert advice and savvy insight on use and care, as well as contributions from leading decorators and home stylists. Beautifully photographed linen-filled rooms detail applique, embroidery, and monograms-and their myriad weaves and colors.

COLLECTED COOL jay Jeffers



In his first book, talented and prolific designer Jay Jeffers displays the sophisticated yet playful spirit of his work. Jay is known for his fearless and inventive use of art and eclectic furnishings including antique, vintage, and modern styles. An inspiring, organized and witty book filled with details on Jay’s design process, use of color, furniture, and accessories.

ONE MAN’S FOLLY, THE EXCEPTIONAL HOUSES OF FURLOW GATEWOOD Julia reed

When it comes to interiors style, antiques, and Southern vernacular architecture, Furlow Gatewood is a one-of-a-kind classic. This book features his highly personal property in bucolic Americus, Georgia, where he has meticulously restored his family’s carriage house and added intimate dwellings and outbuildings, several rescued from demolition. To accompany the book’s atmospheric images, close friend Bunny Williams writes about the lessons she has learned from him. I am looking forward to exploring Gatewood’s intriguing and hospitable residence via this new book by Julia Reed.

George Stacey and the Creation of American Chic by Maureen Footer

From the 30’s to the the late 60’s, Mr. Stacey created colorful, sophisticated interiors that embraced French design in a classic yet slightly irreverent way. A must-have book for design aficionado’s.

TWENTY YEARS OF PASSION Jacques Garcia

Interior designer Jacques Garcia obtained Chateau du Champ de Bataille twenty years ago in a state of virtual ruin and lovingly restored it to its former splendor.

The chateau is filled with 17th and 18th century architecture and antiques, priceless collections of paintings, books, sculptures, porcelain, and silver. An inspiring book for anyone interested in interior decoration, French art and restoration.

TIMELESS INTERIORS axel vervoordt

Axel Vervoordt was in his teens when he began his amazingly successful career in antiques. In addition to his interior design work he is renowned for exhibitions at various major antique fairs, including the New York Design Fair and TEFAF Maastricht. He combines antiques from many countries and uses little color or pattern yet his homes are incredibly rich in texture, scale, history and shadowed nuance.

This book features over twenty homes in Europe and the United States designed by Vervoordt and photographed by Christian Sarramon. From the rustic charm of a Swiss chalet to the classic style of a Bordeaux château to the modern appeal of a Miami mansion, Vervoordt’s creations are always in sync each space and it’s inhabitants.

THE INSPIRED HOME, NESTS OF CREATIVES kim ficaro

Featuring the homes of creative types from musicians, writers and producers to stylists, designers, and tastemakers. Featured styles include themes such as bohemian modern beach chic. Each space artfully reflects how to live well among one’s passions and personal histories.

Homes from Italy, Los Angeles, New York, Copenhagen, and beyond leave the reader thoroughly inspired to live with what they love– creatively. Beautifully photographed, it is a must-have for those who love artful, sophisticated living.

For a peek at inspiringly “bookish” spaces click on Living With Books on Pinterest.