if you’ve seen my floor to ceiling built-in bookcase, it’s probably no secret i have a thing for collecting and reading books. the real thing, that is. i do love my kindle for nighttime novel reading (my eyesight is horrid), but for the pure love of books, bookbinding and ink on paper there’s just nothing like the real thing, is there? i love a beautifully designed book, and if it’s helpful and insightful well that’s the dream come true, although i’ve been known to be guilty of buying a book just for its cover, but i can live with that. this roundup of good reads includes a few of my favorites, as well as a few new books i’m curious about.
Radiant: The Cookbook, written by Mafalda Pinto Leite, is an encyclopedic guide to the world’s most nutrient-dense foods. The mostly raw, vegan recipes are designed to boost energy and brainpower, balance hormones, brighten skin, elevate moods and restore digestion. i’ve been juicing a lot and eating healthier lately, so i’d like to check this book out and see if i’m doing the best i can to get the right balance of nutrients.
Remodelista: The Organized Home: Simple, Stylish Storage Ideas for All Over the House— Julie Carlson’s motto is one i can truly get behind: Buy fewer (and better) things. Store like with like. Get rid of the plastic. Display—don’t stash—your belongings. Let go of your inner perfectionist and remember that rooms are for living. These are a few of the central principles behind this classic how-to book from the team behind the inspirational design site Remodelista.
Surf Shack: Laid-Back Living by the Water by Nina Freudenberger is without a doubt, one of my very favorite interior design books. Peek inside the homes of longtime surfing enthusiasts and dedicated newcomers that reflect not just a sport or passion, but also a way of life. this pretty book includes stunning photographs by Brittany Ambridge of beachy design details and bright beaches—from Malibu to the Rockaways, from Japan to Australia — this book beautifully captures the soulful surf lifestyle.
one of my favorite blogs Freunde von Freunden’s book of the same name Friends of Friends featured 57 creatives before the backdrops of the cities where they live and work. Intimate shots of interiors are complemented by breathtaking glimpses of, say, the skylines of New York, berlin or Beirut. The collaboration between photographers, editors, and networkers all over the world directed by FvF has produced authentic insights into the international creative scene.
The Alchemy of Things: Interiors shaped by curious minds by karen McCartney represents the swing of the decorating pendulum away from the instant gratification of popular culture through the interior design and shares the style of 18 fascinating homes from around the world. showcasing incredible homes that come from a truly creative place, transcending conventional notions of collection and display. This book taps into a craving for a more personal space with a little bit of oddity and an irrepressible joie de vivre. A mix of artists, interior designers, architects, collectors, gallerists, stylists, furniture designers, and vintage retailers open the doors to their own homes – many for the first time.
The 500 Hidden Secrets of New York Written by none other than actual residents of The Big Apple, is handy book covering 500 must-know addresses relating to food and drink, accommodation, shopping, and culture. as someone who is sometimes intimidated by the streets of new york, i’m pretty curious about this book. From corner bistros to little-known scenic lookouts, this guide is a must-have for any traveler looking to discover and enjoy the real NYC. i love a good insider point of view.
More With Less by jodi moreno — Think of recipes as simple equations: using a few ingredients, easy preparations, and homemade condiments, the author gives you the tools you need to create complex flavors with little effort. just the way i like to cook! Perfect for a busy day but sophisticated enough to share, the book includes foolproof recipes like Salmon + Broccoli + Spicy Ginger Sesame Mustard, and Honey-Roasted Nectarines + Kale + Pine Nuts + Oat Croutons. Elegant, delicious, and nourishing, this volume elevates everyday fare into something extraordinary.
Home: The Best of The New York Times Home Section: The Way We Live Now edited by Noel Millea features inspiring and innovative houses that showcase creativity, ingenuity, and design savvy for all homeowners looking for a style resource. With stunning photographs and compelling stories from the NY Times‘ vast home-design archive, the editors of their beloved Home section offer a look at how contemporary homeowners make the most of their living spaces —- whether small or stately, rural or urban, historic or cutting-edge—and do it with style.
The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking is a must have for your bookshelves. Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is the sensation you get when you’re cuddled up on a sofa, in cozy socks under a soft throw, during a storm. it may just be that you’ll become happier with this guide to the Danish philosophy of comfort, togetherness, and well-being. Why are Danes the happiest people in the world, after all? The answer, says Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, is Hygge. Loosely translated, Hygge is a sense of comfort, togetherness, and well-being. “Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience,” Wiking explains. “It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe.” sold!