Coffee table books reveal much about our personalities. They reflect our values, interests, and aspirations. My own collection features titles on interior design, self-care, and a bit of Taylor Swift. Quite the mix, right?
If you're passionate about design, curating a selection of coffee table books can inspire creativity and showcase your tastes. These volumes offer ideas for future design updates or serene moments of relaxation. When not being read, they also serve as chic decor pieces. Here are 11 coffee table books you should consider, categorized by genre, ensuring variety for everyone.
Mediterranean Design
If you adore the refreshing vibes of coastal living, then Camille's pick of The Mediterranean Home is a must. This book beautifully captures Mediterranean design, characterized by airy spaces and the essence of seaside towns. It explores homes in stunning locations like Greece, Portugal, and Italy, highlighting a lifestyle that embraces indoor-outdoor harmony. Note that since it's published in Europe, the spine title will appear upside-down when placed flat.
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Serena and Lily
$75 at Serena and LilyTaschen
$60 at Bloomingdale'sGestalten
$60 at Karen Kane
Surf Shacks
Embodying a laid-back lifestyle, Surf Shacks captures eclectic homes across beach towns, cabins in Hawaii, and even urban apartments. This book showcases how surfers live with the ocean in mind, appealing to anyone, whether they surf or simply love the coastal aesthetic. Stack these books next to seashells or a vintage leather chair for a relaxed vibe.
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Gestalten
$75 at Kate Marker HomeWest Elm
$35 at West ElmAssouline
$105 at Neiman Marcus
Modern Desert
For those captivated by arid landscapes, Oasis: Modern Desert Homes Around The World is a fantastic choice. It showcases stunning architecture in sun-kissed homes across New Mexico, Chile, Texas, and Peru. This style emphasizes warm tones, natural light, and a connection to the landscape.
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Oasis: Modern Desert Homes Around the World
$40 at West Elm
Countryside Style
There's something undeniably charming about an English countryside home. Their cozy character and lived-in details make them inviting. Camille recommends Rural Retreats, which, while currently out of print, showcases the craftsmanship of country homes, from overstuffed chairs to vintage accents. If you're drawn to warmth and comfort, this style is for you.
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Serena and Lily
English Country House Style: Traditions, Secrets, and Unwritten Rules
$55 at Serena and LilySerena and Lily
$39.99 at Serena and Lily
California Casual
Jake Arnold, an LA interior designer, infuses California cool with classic European flair in his book, Redefining Comfort. It features nine projects that exemplify his relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic, complete with mood boards and sketches—perfect for fans of California style.
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$60 at Crate and Barrel
Environment-Based Design
Interiors that reflect their surroundings often carry a unique charm. Be it a lakeside retreat or a city loft, Camille recommends Sense of Place: Design Inspired By Where We Live. Authors Caitlin Flemming and Julie Goebel illustrate 20 examples, each drawing inspiration from its environment, helping you incorporate your own locality into your design.
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Sense of Place: Design Inspired By Where We Live
$50 at Crate and Barrel30 Simple Delights to Add to Your June Calendar
