The New Year not only brings great promise and hope-filled resolutions, but these first weeks of January give us a chance to catch our breath after the festive holidays.
Whether you’re on a Caribbean island, at a ski chalet or still chez vous, down time is an elegant commodity. And what better way to enjoy your time than book in hand, snuggled up by a warm fire.
For me, coffee table books are the ultimate luxury (and not just because I write them.) Once read and perused, and creative juices primed – “ what fun to try the new recipe in Ze Kitchen cookbook;” “ let me make a note re. that garden design idea in “Private Gardens of the Fashion World” – I can then put them to work to serve their very vital second purpose…a decorative accessory to freshen up many spots around the house that would benefit from the fabulous covers.
Here are some ideas. Have fun with them and may you be inspired to create your own.
A book shelf, nestled into the corner of a generously-sized second floor landing, provides many examples for decorating with books that bring a welcome visual to the setting:
A good first step is to alternate the height of the shelves and the orientation of the books ( flat or standing)
Create individual vignettes with objects and treasures interspersed amongst the books.
Group books by the color of their spine ( ie. blue or black.)
And be sure to consider all the possibilities “BB” ( beyond bookshelves.) Sometimes necessity is the mother of invention. New display ideas present themselves when you need to move books for one reason or another… to suit your mood, your interest of the moment, your decorating objectives.
Keep in mind…they aren’t called “coffee table books” for nothing!
In an often-used room, treat yourself to a rotating series of favorite topics assembled from your collection of books. This is a much-anticipated winter treat in my home; in this new year, a Christmas gift, Lanvin, prompted a selection of European subjects with a focus on France.
And closing with a touch of humor…
What divine visual treats, as usual. Books are not only my favorite tools, but such wonderful accessories!
Is that a painting of St. Columba’s Chapel on your bookshelf?!
Love your site, Bettie!