Designing By the Book

The bleak, frigid days of winter keep most of us sheltered inside our homes more often than not, which allows us the extra time to cast a critical eye on our décor (or lack thereof). While waiting for springtime to spark the desire to reinvent your space, why not gather together some inspirational reading to craft a plan of attack? Design books are an ideal way to expand your thinking and help define your style. We asked some of the most knowledgeable members of the Boston design community to share their current favorite design tomes in an effort to create the ultimate design library (my pick is Style and Substance: The Best of Elle Décor by Margaret Russell). Flipping through the pages of these idea-stirring books should elicit some extraordinary concepts for you to implement when we've all thawed out.

KATY ELLIOTT — DESIGN BLOGGER AND FORMER EDITOR AT DOMINO MAGAZINE
Her Pick: Restoring a House in the City by Ingrid Abramovitch
“The glossy pages full of glam interiors will seduce you. The book also offers helpful information on architecture styles, renovation tips, and salvage resources.”

JULIEANN COVINO — DESIGNER/BLOGGER, JACE INTERIORS
Her Pick: Downtown Chic by Robert and Cortney Novogratz
This enchanting visual and verbal collage highlights home renovations done by a dynamic husband-and-wife design team.

MICHAEL FERZOCO — DESIGNER, ELEVEN INTERIORS
His Pick: Glamour: Making It Modern by Michael Lassell
This book showcases statement-making spaces that were featured in Metropolitan Home magazine.

MICHELLE ALPERT — SHOWROOM MANAGER, F. SCHUMACHER & CO.
Her Pick: Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style by Kelly Wearstler
“Kelly is so elegant; she infuses modern glamour with old Hollywood charm, and she adds a hint of the exotic.”

KRISTINE MULLANEY — DESIGNER, KRISTINE MULLANEY DESIGN
Her Pick: The Private House by Rose Tarlow
“All of her interiors are sharp, layered perfectly, and still have a soul.”

JULIE RICHARD — DESIGNER/BLOGGER, SHELTER INTERIOR DESIGN
Her Pick: Domino: The Book of Decorating by Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, and Dara Caponigro
“This well-organized, gorgeous source guide is the perfect reference for anyone that wishes to beautify, organize, and restyle their home!”

DUNCAN HUGHES — DESIGNER, DUNCAN HUGHES INTERIORS
His Pick: Rooms to Inspire: Decorating with America’s Best Designers by Annie Kelly
”This book is a wonderful conversation-starter with new clients. It highlights a broad spectrum of designers and styles.”

GRADON TRIPP — BLOGGER, DESIGNBOSTON
His Pick: Apartment Therapy
Presents: Real Homes, Real People, Hundreds of Design Solutions by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan
“I love how, like his blog network, he shows how regular people can create stunning, comfortable, healthy homes.”