9 unique coffee table books, to love…
…& adorn your home
It’s funny, there was a time when the black Tom Ford book was prevalent everywhere. I’m going to be honest, when I would come across people who openly displayed this in their home…I would cringe a little.
Fast forward some time ahead, and now Assouline’s travel collection has replaced Tom Ford as the hallmark of a stylish and affluent home. I love Assouline (gorgeous candles to suit) and I’m more in favour of these books than the Tom Ford (no hard feelings, I love the overall brand). However, the issue still remains; popular coffee table books reflect you can afford to keep up with trends with little to no insight into what’s good taste.
The truth is, it takes a life well lived to build a home that has the perfect balance between style and substance. And contrary to some misconceptions, ‘a life well lived’ doesn’t require money. Money helps, for sure. But ultimately it’s about actively pursuing, investing and celebrating in things that excite you.
Whilst it’s said people buy things and build homes according to how they want to be perceived, book collections alike, I most certainly have read all my coffee table books and buy things according to who I am and what I love. If I’ve bought it, it's not (just) because it looks good, it’s because I have some genuine affinity towards the subject matter.
So, in no particular order, here are 10 of my favourite unique coffee table books, which look beautiful but also have a story to tell…
De Gournay: Hand Painted Interiors
In a previous post, I considered De Gournay’s showroom as part of my list of unique art galleries in London because showrooms can sometimes truly surpass Art galleries given the combination of Art & craftsmanship. This book tells their story and captures a truly stunning visual on how print and colour can transform a place, particularly within a modern society where minimal monochrome is being favoured.
2. Marchesi
Marchesi is one of my favourite patisserie’s in London. Admittedly, I wasn’t the biggest fan of their chocolates (as beautiful as they are), but everything else from pastries, cakes to coffee are simply divine. Like all family run businesses which stood the test of time, this Milanese patisserie channels History, heritage and culinary magic.
3. The Last Swan
Ah. Marella Agnelli. Where do we start? Italian socialite. Noblewoman. Art Collector… you get the idea. Married to Gianni Agnelli, principal shareholder of Fiat (and the man who had much influence over Italy’s economy). Like most socialites, her life is nothing short of glamorous. However, the difference between the kind of socialite she was in comparison to most, her story is rooted in culture, tradition and substance. Which makes her life one worth being inspired from.
4. Mama Milano: Lessons from the Motherland
From the creator and founder of the eclectic lifestyle brand, La Double J, comes a vibrant guide to Italy and all things that bring pleasure. There are a few brands like La Double J, which bring so much colour and joy in your life (Farm Rio is another fabulous brand like so) and with these wholesome fashion companies, it’s just as much about the essence behind the designs than it is about owning a piece per se.
5. Ardmore: We are because of others
This is one of the lesser known brands but with so much influence in the design world… for those with elevated taste. Its origins start from South Africa, with a focus on ceramics, but have since unfolded to become a lifestyle brand representing the native beauty and roots of Africa through the realm of aesthetics.
6. Passion by Design
A whirlwind of an artist and often seen to be the mother of Art Deco, Tamara de Lempicka’s life and work are shared by her daughter in this biography. I’m a huge fan of her Art and am positively mesmerised by life. She’s quite the character.
7. The Queen of enchantment: Leila Menchari
Whilst everyone would know of Hermès (one will think) few know of the pioneers behind the couture house to have made it what it was. The Queen of Enchantment dives into one of Hermes most famous window designers, responsible for creating and pulling people into the world of Hermès.
8. Erté - at Ninety / ninety-five
Following nicely from de Lempicka, the Russian-French artist, Erté, was said to be the father of Art Deco. Whilst commonly known for his fashion illustrations, in particular for Vogue, his work expanded all realms of Art such as costumes, movies, jewellery and theatre. This book may be hard to get hold of, but is reminiscent of a by-gone era.
9. Liberty, The History
There are a few places in London Town which capture the true essence of the city. Liberty, one of the oldest department stores, is one of the best places to visit in London. They’re renowned for their fabrics and prints, and this beautiful keepsake book delves into the brand story; a real little piece of History on your coffee table.
Publishers to fall in love with…
They say publishing is dying. But… in a digital world, having something to hold and behold has become the ultimate luxury. And… I absolutely *love* a book and magazine (hence this post about coffee table books). As such, despite pushing ahead in an increasingly digital world there are more and more publishers elevating books aesthetically, be it through content or design.
Here are a few which are publishing beautiful books, for you and I to curate a beautiful bookshelf…
An edited perspective…
