I don’t know about you, but I need an escape occasionally from all the news and stress we’re surrounded with. One of my favorite ways to decompress is looking at stunning and inspirational design books, and I need them now more than ever. Lucky me - there are a LOT of fabulous books just about to be published. Here are the ones I have on my pre-order list!

More Beautiful

I love the work of designer Mark D. Sikes, and I’ve been waiting impatiently for his second book. Available Sept. 1, this book is divided into 5 parts that showcase different design styles: Traditional, Coastal, Country, Mediterranean, and Beautiful. That last one showcases Mark’s own home, and it’s a beauty!

Designing History

Michael S. Smith was already a well-known and iconic designer when he was tapped to recreate the interiors for the Obama White House. This is not just a design book, though, because it also charts centuries of design in the White House through dozens of presidents. I’m fascinated by how each president is able to select art from the archives, so I can’t wait to get my hands on this book, which will be out on Sept. 1.

The Beauty of Home

Not only does Marie Flanigan live in my own hometown of Houston, but I was lucky enough to get to work with her on a Brother vs. Brother episode on HGTV. Although we were on opposite sides of the design competition, she was as kind and gracious as she always is! She’s an amazing designer and I can’t wait to get my hands on this book that details her design process and nine elements that define her work. The Beauty of Home will be available on Sept. 8!

Through a Designer’s Eye

Matthew Patrick Smyth creates stunning interiors that showcase inventive details and references to travel. This book will feature some of his most incredible homes, and will detail how his background in theater and photography inspire his design work today. Available on Sept. 15.

More Rooms

Exuberant color and detailed surfaces are central to Katie Ridder’s interiors and this book is full of stunning photos of both. If you’ve seen my own work, you know I love to create faux finishes, so I’m especially looking forward to seeing Ridder’s techniques with silver leaf and custom stenciling! This book will be available on Sept. 22.

Glamorous Living

I have to wait all the way until Sept. 29 for this fabulous new book by the queen of interiors, Jan Showers. Based in Dallas, Jan has been an incredible influence on the world of design for decades. And as the new homes in this book prove, she is unbelievably talented.

Are you reading more these days? Which books are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments section below!

Warmly,

Beth