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Coffee table treasures

September 8, 2011 in Arts, Designing by Darcie Dyer | 7 comments

Sure, some people say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but no one ever said you can’t judge a person by their coffee-table books. Maybe “judge” isn’t the best word, but I certainly think you can learn a lot about a person just based on the literature sitting on the centerpiece of their living space. And to me, the idea of not having a great book (or 10) on a coffee table is just unnatural. These books are more than just an easy design accent, they’re a conversation piece and a form of entertainment. And, if you pick books that really speak to you, their pages will forever supply a pleasurable escape any time you choose to flip through them.

Below are a few of my favorites. All different, but equally true  in their reflections of life’s beauties that I find must enchanting and endearing.


“Once Upon A Time,” by Slim Aarons. The photographs in this book provide a spectacular glimpse into the glamorous lifestyles of the elite and famous during the 50s, 60s and 70s. Absolutely magical in every way.


“Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair With Jewelry,” by Elizabeth Taylor. Known and celebrated for having love affairs with many things throughout her life—particularly her seven husbands and her stunning jewels—in this book, Taylor showcases her unmatched jewelry collection with beautiful photography and her own rich anecdotes.


“Gone: A Photographic Plea for Preservation,” by Nell Dickerson. Anyone who knows me, knows my deep passion for old homes, a passion I clearly share with the author of this book. Dickerson captures some of the greatest forgotten buildings and antebellum homesteads throughout the Southern landscape in an artistic and moving plea for preservation.


“Key West: A Tropical Lifestyle,” by Leslie Linsley. I took a trip to Key West a few years ago and fell in love with the beauty found in this Southernmost  point of the U.S. This book reflects the colorful and unique character of this little island, and brings alive all its hidden charm through breathtaking photography of 22 Key West homes.


“The Oprah Winfrey Show: Reflections on an American Legacy,” by Deborah Davis. Available starting November 15,  this will be the next addition to my collection. From when I can first remember, I’ve sat alongside my mother and watched the Oprah Winfrey Show. She’s certainly an inspiration to me and a celebrated icon in almost every American household. Absolutely deserving of a place on my coffee table!

What are your favorite coffee-table books?

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Christmas House Giveaway!

January 25, 2011 in contest by admin | 15 comments

Our February issue, which arrived in mailboxes and on newsstands late last week, is dedicated, in its entirety, to our recent Christmas House at The Mansion on Peachtree. For those who want to get the “showhouse look” in their own homes, select participating designers were kind enough to continue the spirit of the season and treat our readers to special accessories used in their showhouse rooms, or similar items that inspired them in the design of their spaces.

We’ve got 10 days worth of prizes—and, on certain days, two prizes! Entering is simple. The easiest way is to send an email with your name, telephone number, address and email address to showhousecontest@gmail.com. The deadline to enter is January 30, 2011. Beginning daily on January 31, 2011 – February 4, 2011, and again on February 7, 2011 – February 11, 2011, we will draw one name per day (and, in some instances, two). Below is the list of prizes. Good luck! Here’s a link to complete details and contest rules, including other ways to enter.

PRIZES TO BE AWARDED:

Week 1
Monday, January 31, 2011: 9″ x 12″ acrylic and gold leaf work on paper by artist Tom Swanston. Framing by Myott Studio. Donated by Bill Peace of Peace Design, Tom Swanston and Myott Studio

Tuesday, February 1, 2011: Two velvet orange pillows from Amy Morris of Amy D. Morris Interiors (both pillows will go to one winner)

Wednesday, February 2, 2011: Ceramic garden seat from Phoebe Howard of Mrs. Howard

Thursday, February 3, 2011: A Rare Bird of Fashion book from Mark Williams and Niki Papadopolous of Mark Williams Design Associates

Friday, February 4, 2011: Purple rock quartz votive holder from Harmonious Living by Tish Mills

Week 2
Monday, February 7, 2011: (two drawings)
• Two hand-woven Tunisian hand towels from Capella Kincheloe‘s master bath. Donated by The Mercantile (both hand towels will go to one winner)

• Collection of three white porcelain bud vases from Barbara Howard‘s master bath (all three vases go to one winner). Donated by Gramercy Home (will have two drawings on one day for these two prizes, in the order listed)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011: Two books, The Architecture of Thailand and Jim Thompson: The Thai Silk Sketchbook, the latter of which is in a silk case. From Hutton Wilkinson and Jim Thompson Silk (both books will go to one winner)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011: Low Country Luxe candle from Kathryn Leach of Kathryn Leach Home

Thursday, February 10, 2011: (two drawings)
• A signed copy of Bobby McAlpine’s book, The Home Within Us, from Susan Ferrier of McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors
• A signed copy of Bobby McAlpine’s book, The Home Within Us, from Susan Ferrier of McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors
(will have two drawings on one day for these two prizes, in the order listed)

Friday, February 11, 2011: (two drawings)
• A certificate for a Sommelier’s Selection massage compliments of 29 Spa at The Mansion on Peachtree, A Roswewood Hotel & Residence

• A certificate for a 1-night stay at The Mansion on Peachtree, A Rosewood Hotel & Residence including valet parking (will have two drawings on one day for these two prizes, in the order listed)




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Shopping for Inspiration

April 28, 2010 in Editor Picks, shopping by Kate | No comments

Stylish moms and bookish kids have long converged on their mutual admiration for the tomes of Maira Kalman, an illustrator, artist, designer, author and New York Times blogger who’s probably best known for the internationally beloved children’s books she’s penned since 1985.

I was already a fan of Kalman for transforming the grammarian’s Bible, Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style, in 2005 with her lovely illustrations. Then in 2007 with the blog-turned-book, The Principles of Uncertainty (a cult classic for the indie aesthete), she brilliantly illustrated a year in her life, focusing each day on a familiar image and accompanying it with inspirational commentary. One of the most memorable of these examples is her affectionate rendering of the now-infamous Keep Calm and Carry On poster.

For a brief history lesson: 800,000 of these positive propaganda posters were printed to boost morale and encourage loyalty to the crown during World War II if the Nazis did invade Britain, as expected. However, they were never posted as had been the plan in 1939. In 2000 a copy of the poster was rediscovered in Northumberland, England, and reproductions—as well as parody pieces—have made the rounds on the design circuit for the past 10 years. In any event, it’s nice that the sentiment still rings true. I think there’s something really special about the design’s clean graphics but traditional imagery and historically rooted message.

Today, these are so ubiquitous in contemporary design schemes that the logo has found its way onto a few unexpected home decor items, like these rugs at Anthropologie and CB2. For those who want the real deal, a number of Etsy shops, like Print Spot, carry vintage-look prints of the original posters, and sfgirlbybay is perhaps the most prolific source for silk-screened archival prints in a variety of colors.

Google has otherwise led me to the Keep Calm Gallery online for even more graphic goodies. If you like the typographically clean style and inspirational message of the “Keep Calm and Carry On” posters, but desire a more original motif, you’re bound to love the Keep Calm Gallery as much as me. Here are a few of my picks:

You can discover the rest at keepcalmgallery.com.

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Inspiring Ideas: Creative ways to display books

February 4, 2010 in Designing by Sejal Bhima | No comments

Books

If I was ever to be granted one wish, I would wish to be the owner of a quaint (and successful) bookstore. I would have no problem filling it, as the floor of my tiny bedroom currently acts as storage space for a plethora of novels, cookbooks, design books and treasured story books from my childhood. I love reading, but I love collecting books even more. Unfortunately, I always seem to have to step over (and usually bump over) a stack of books as I make my way through my room. But this summer, I’ll be moving into a new home with a much larger bedroom, so I’ve been researching creative ways to display my lovely treasures. Here’s what I’ve found:

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I love how this example treats books like artwork. How poetic!

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Here’s an inspiring use of ordinary crates. Like the first example, this is a great way to display random knick-knacks along with books.

Bookcase
I love the fun and bold look of this wooden bookcase. And it has room for hundreds of books!

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Lastly, perhaps when I move into my own 12,000 square-foot mansion in the far, far distant future, I’ll reproduce this gem of library designed by Stan Topol  for the 2009 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Christmas House. I could spend every hour of the day in this library, surrounded by my precious books. That indeed would be an ideal life.

What are some inspiring ways you’ve seen books displayed?

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An Omelet into the Garbage

August 11, 2009 in Food & Recipes, Marcia Sherrill by MarciaSherrill | No comments

Picture 17

A portrait of author, chef and television personality Julia Child taken for our 1998 book

When my cousin Nora Feller and I were writing and shooting the photography for our breast cancer book, Portraits of Hope: Conquering Breast Cancer: 52 Inspirational Stories of Strength, we of course used every contact at our disposal to get to Mrs. Julia Child. We landed a contact at Food & Wine magazine who did the necessaries and we were soon booked to land in Boston. Grabbing an assistant almost on arrival, we made for the Child residence and, once there—despite the slow march into late afternoon—Julia (as we must call her) insisted that she cook for us at once—as we must be “starving from our journey.” As she chopped and whisked she talked candidly about her cancer and her great love for her husband, whose presence could be felt in the homey, traditional home she still presided over. Every room was utterly unpretentious and strewn with family photos, books and the detritus of two long and happy lives. Julia continued to cook away while charming me (alone while cousin Nora set up the photo shoot in the living room) and regaled me with her self-deprecation and down-home wit.

A far cry from her Junior League beginnings, she had amazed herself (and me) with the voyage of her life and the tap, tap of fame that came unexpectedly and without seeking. As she finished preparing my meal she set the dishes upon the table and turned away. But some sixth sense told her not to march off from the kitchen to where the cameraman was waiting. She turned and said, “Marcia, you aren’t eating?” And I replied, “Oh, I am so sorry; I don’t eat eggs. I have about a zillion food aversions.” She turned in mock imperiousness and said, “Marcia, I don’t think anyone has turned down food in my kitchen… I’ll make you bacon.” The eggs slid into the garbage. We laughed as her assistant raced in and said, “They just called from a magazine and need a new head shot,” to which she responded gleefully, “Tell them we have a world-class photographer here and that she will shoot me.” Nora, it seemed, would be getting that payment and it was sorely needed as we had poured much of our own money into the project. With that, Julia turned to go to the living room and winked.

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