Coffee tables are my guilty pleasure; I admit they can be expensive, and these types of books aren’t the first thing I gravitate to when I want to read something. They’re one of those purchases that I love to invest in for the photography, content, and subject matter. Below are some of my favorites and a few I hope to get my hands on one of these days. You have to admit, they’re fun to look at. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase something
Capri Dolce Vita
Capri, a resort island dating back to the height of the Roman Empire, has long been an extraordinary destination full of ancient charm. Cherished by everyone from physician Axel Munthe, who recommended its clean air to his patients as a cure for bronchitis; to film director Jean-Luc Godard as the setting for his 1963 film Contempt; to literary icons, celebrities, poets, and the jet set, Capri boasts a rich Mediterranean spirit and style that encompasses a wealth of beauty, from gardens to villas to caves to the people walking in the lively Piazzetta, where cars are prohibited and the island’s playful attitude runs rampant.
Cheval Blanc
Created in the spirit of family photo album, Cheval Blanc brings to life one of the world’s most exclusive and exceptional hospitality endeavors in intimate, poignant detail – a lasting souvenir to the brand’s properties. Always referred to as “Maisons” and designed as a family home, each hotel has its own identity with absolute privacy and bespoke service to create endless memories.
Patchwork: A World Tour
This volume follows Catherine Legrand as she sews together an ethnographic patchwork map. Legrand has spent many years traveling and researching textiles and has a deep knowledge of the techniques and traditions that characterize patchwork, enabling her to create an engaging fabric-inspired travelogue.
The Principles of Pretty Rooms
In Principles of Pretty Rooms, beloved interior designer Phoebe Howard shares her style secrets for creating truly pretty rooms filled with grace and charm. The design world’s favorite Mrs. is back, with tried and true décor “rules” and classic strategies for creating pretty, charming, and timeless interiors.
Chanel Collections and Creations
Here the House of Chanel opens its private archives, revealing a galaxy of brilliant designs created by Coco Chanel from the 1920s onwards, and now reinterpreted to become the motifs for brand new garments, accessories and beauty products.
Forever Beautiful
In this third book of the Beautiful trilogy, Sikes celebrates a full year of beautiful interiors inspired by nature. Colors, patterns, and textures, including his favorite blue and white, chinoiserie, rattan, gingham, stripes, and more, came from the world outside these rooms.
The Travel Book
In this fourth edition of The Travel Book each country features an all-new profile that includes details of when to visit, what to see and do, and how to learn more about the country’s culture from its film, music, food and drink.
Joie
The French are known for their joie de vivre—celebrating the simple things—a philosophy that tastemaker Ajiri Aki embraced all of her American life. As a child, she frequently tried to convince her Nigerian-Jamaican mother to pull out the fine china for everyday meals or when hosting friends. Her mother always said she was waiting for a special occasion, which sadly never came before she passed away when Ajiri was only twelve.
The Finer Things: Timeless Furniture, Textiles, and Details
Quality matters. Just as a home’s foundation should be built to stand the test of time, so, too, should the furniture, objects, and elements of our rooms speak to an enduring sense of beauty and comfort. They should outlast trends and our loving day-to-day use. But how does one recognize quality and judge whether something is well made?
Redouté: The Book of Flowers
This elegant catalogue brings together all engravings from Redouté’s illustrations of Roses and Choix des plus belles fleurs (Selection of the Most Beautiful Flowers) and the most astounding images from The Lilies. Offering a vibrant overview of Redouté’s admixture of accuracy and beauty, it is also a privileged glimpse into the magnificent gardens and greenhouses of a bygone Paris.
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