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If you’re anything like me, books are one of the best presents you can receive at Christmas. I love having a selection of interior design books at my disposal and I’m starting to build up quite a collection. I’m looking forward to creating a lovely way to display them once my youngest daughter manages to stop ripping and eating book pages. So if you know a book lover who is also interested in interior design you might want to consider gifting them one of these great interior design books this Christmas.
1. *Ikea Hackers.net by Jules Yap, published by Century*
This is a great gift for lovers of the Scandinavian super store or for fans of the IKEA Hackers site which shows you how to take affordable IKEA pieces and turn them into creative new furniture. Written by Jules Yap, who founded the website in 2006, this book features 25 hacking projects, some that have previously been published on the site and some never before seen hacks created by Yap herself. There are projects for every room in the home and for all levels of DIY prowess. Each project comes complete with step-by-step instructions as well as full-colour illustrations and photographs. You can have a go at creating a modernist tea trolley, a hexagon shelving unit, a kitchen Island or a string-sided cabinet. So this book is the perfect gift for crafty, creative, DIY types!
2. *My Warehouse Home by Sophie Bush, published by Thames & Hudson*
My Warehouse Home started out as a source of inspiration for those living in a loft apartment or warehouse conversion or who want to add touches of industrial and reclaimed style to their home. The blog soon became a magazine and then in Spring of 2017, founder Sophie Bush launched the book, which is packed full of pure interior design inspiration. From live-work spaces to family friendly lofts, single family dwellings to substantial developments, Warehouse Home showcases remarkable residences in historic granaries, former textile factories, tanneries, old printworks and, of course, warehouses. All the homes featured have a genuine industrial or manufacturing past.
3. *The Scandinavian Home by Niki Brantmark, published by CICO Books*
Niki Brantmark is the author of multiple books as well as the popular blog My Scandinavian Home. This particular book presents a collection of beautiful Scandinavian homes in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland and explores how the Scandinavian lifestyle is reflected in them all. The book is divided into three distinct chapters. The first looks at City Living and presents a variety of styles from minimalist to bohemian, and pale palettes to dramatic dark colours. The second chapter focuses on Country Homes and a slower pace of life. The final chapter looks at Seasonal Retreats and features a mountain cabin, beach house and rustic summer cottage. If you know someone who is a fan of Scandinavian design this is probably the book for them.
4. *Urban Potters: Makers in the City by Katie Treggiden, published by Ludion*
Urban Potters is the third book published by design journalist Katie Treggiden. The book explores how the age-old craft of ceramics is being embraced by a new generation of urban makers and collectors. Katie focuses on more than 30 young and passionate ceramicists in six inspiring cities – New York, London, Tokyo, Copenhagen, Sydney and Sao Paulo. She introduce us to their work, their studios and their inspiration. Urban Potters will appeal to anyone who practices pottery themselves, but also anyone who is interested in the handmade. As a lovely extra, the book also includes a practical source list of places to buy handmade ceramics in the six cities featured.
5. *Shades of Grey by Kate Watson-Smyth, published by Ryland, Peters and Small*
Kate Watson-Smyth is an established Journalist having written about interiors for the Financial Times, The Independent and the Daily Mail. She is also the author of the UK’s top interior design blog Mad About The House and she runs an interiors consultancy called Mad About Your House. Shades of Grey is her first book and looks at how to choose the perfect shade of one of the most popular colours in interior design right now. It is full of fascinating facts, expert advice, and a wealth of essential information to help you navigate that grey paint chart.
6. *Scandinavian Style at Home by Allan Torp, published by Thames & Hudson*
Scandinavian Style at Home is written by Allan Torp, a Danish writer and blogger who runs the international blog Bungalow5.dk. This publication is basically a handbook that teaches us how to create a tailor-made home inspired by Scandinavian design and that uses everyday objects that are beautiful, practical, affordable and accessible. Allan works through the home one room at a time giving us in-depth case studies to provide inspiration and to demonstrate the essential elements he talks about. He also highlights classic items of furniture and signature accessories. Again, the perfect gift for lovers of the Scandinavian design philosophy.
7. *Real Nordic Living by Dorothea Gundtoft, published by Thames and Hudson*
Real Nordic Living by Danish stylist and author Dorothea Gundtoft is another book that celebrates the impact of Scandinavian culture. Rather than just interiors, it also explores art, design, fashion, food and travel and it presents the creatives and taste-makers who are bringing scandi lifestyle into the mainstream.The book features interviews with designers, artisans, restaurateurs, and bloggers, who share their insider knowledge on the best products, brands, trends, and locations that embrace the Nordic lifestyle. It also including profiles of more than 100 designers. This is a must-have for anyone who aspires to live the Nordic way.
8. *Mid-Century Modern at Home by DC Hillier, published by Thames & Hudson*
Mid Century Modern at Home gives the reader a comprehensive depiction of mid-century modern as a design movement influenced by people such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Florence Knoll and Euro Saarinen. It is written by interior designer DC Hillier who is collector with a passion for mid-century modern and international modernist design. The book provides specific case studies, colour combinations and key furniture pieces and also includes a room-by-room guide for this look, specifically focusing on areas and rooms designated to: entering, relaxing, cooking, eating, cleansing and resting.
9. *Door Couture by Elizabeth Assaf, Published by Urban Front*
This book is slightly more aimed towards the professionals but will appeal to architects, interior designers, building surveyors, students, renovators, home owners and door enthusiasts. Written by Elizabeth Assaf, co-founder of Urban Front, a company that designs and manufactures contemporary steel reinforced doors, Door Couture takes you on an inspirational journey into the art and science of beautiful contemporary door design. It is full of stunning photography and packed with key facts and fascinating case studies for those with a deeper interest in architecture. This one is for the design geek in your life!
10. *At Home with Plants by Ian Drummond and Kara O’Reilly, published by Mitchell Beazley*
One for the green fingered friends and the urban botanists. House plants have been a massive trend for the past few years, and it shows no sign of abating any time soon. Indoor plants have become somewhat of a style statement and you only have to look at Instagram to see just how trendy the urban jungle is becoming. Plants are becoming the focal point of many rooms as people start to use them more as accessories to be styled. In this book Ian and Kara show you how to transform your home with plants and tells you which plants will work best where and how to care for them.