Designing and Living with Books

I am an avid reader and typically have at least three books going at any given time. Also, I try to read no less than five shelter magazine publications monthly to stay current with what is going on in the world of interior design. This love of books began one summer when my Mother gifted me her leather-bound collection of Nancy Drew books that had once been my Grandmother’s! These books took me on all sorts of adventures.

As I grew up, books such as Dr. Laura’s: Ten Stupid Things Women do to Screw Up Their Life, had an enormous impact on me and making changes in how I lived my life. This book also lead me down the path of reading to continue to work on myself mentally, emotionally, spiritually and professionally. I still love a good novel on occasion!

Books not only grow your world as a person, but they work beautifully into a home’s decor. I can tell a lot about who my clients are just based off of the books they own. I have even been known to recommend leather-bound books that are sold by the foot in color combinations to add richness to book cases! Books also make a fantastic gift for readers on your list. If you missed our “Designing and Living with Books” series, fear not! We took the liberty of creating a custom playlist so you can follow along with ease!

In the spirit of the holiday season, I share with confidence my favorite books of 2019:

• Choosing Colors by Kevin McCloud is the perfect coffee table book! Written by internationally renowned interior designer, Kevin McCloud, puts together over 1,000 color chips arranged in over eighty palettes. If you are considering adding color to your home, or now someone who is, give the gift of color!

• The Conscious Parent and the sequel, The Awakened Family, are great if you are raising a teenager. After reading both books and taking them to heart you will likely become more engaged daily. Not only with your children, but with everyone you meet.

• Carolyne Roehm’s book, Design & Style: A Constant Trend, is the perfect fit for those who have a passion for fashion! Not only is this book a great read it also makes a gorgeous coffee table book. This book is an inspiration for those of us to think big and know in our hearts that anything is possible.

• My son, Shelton, talked my husband and I into going to a conference in Miami to see business guru Grant Cardone. His book, The 10X Rule, makes you take a hard look at what you are or what you are not creating. His theory is that if you put in 10 times more action into something than you think is required you will be successful every time. And hey, the author had me as soon as he parachuted into the arena for the conference!

• Southern Living Magazine is my favorite shelter magazine of all time. Their Christmas Book will not disappoint! This book is a great pick for decorating, entertaining and gift ideas.

• I am known for my love of mixing texture and pattern. Most people are afraid of it, but kind of like the idea of it. If you are one of those people, this book is perfect for you! Rebecca Atwood’s Living with Pattern: Color, Texture, and Print at Home, is like taking a college level course on pattern and texture. An added bonus is she also dives a little into color palettes too!

• Along with business and design books, I also try to read several spiritual books a year. The Battle Plan for Prayer was inspired by the film, War Room, and is a book that takes you through the basics of prayer all the way through to prayer strategies. If you want to dive deeper with your prayer life in 2020, this is the book for you.

As we wrap up this whirlwind year of 2019 and look to 2020, we want to thank you all for following along. We also want to wish you all a very exciting, happy and prosperous New Year! Here’s to 2020!

Designing spaces you love to live in,