Merritt Norris
Some books inspire, some transport, and others completely transform the way we see the world around us. Take a look at this carefully curated collection of books from Rizzoli USA, Thames & Hudson USA, and an extra special edition from Cassell. From the art of interiors to explorations of culture and craftsmanship, these decorative table books are just waiting to be explored. They will fill your spaces with the most elevated touch of elegance, according to our literary aficionado Merritt Norris.
Hollywood Blackout
In Hollywood Blackout: The Battle for Inclusion at the Oscars, Ben Arogundade deconstructs lasting perceptions about Hollywood and its involvement in diversity. The stories and struggles of black artists within the movie industry are thoughtfully expressed through chronologically structured chapters. Hollywood Blackout takes a more critical look into how the industry has shaped and influenced society’s attitudes on race while promoting the ongoing fight for true inclusion in the industry. $26.99 at Cassell.com.
Sam McKinniss
Sam McKinniss’s debut monograph is a dazzling tribute to pop culture’s most iconic figures. With lush, color-saturated paintings, he reimagines familiar images through vibrant painting. Iconic figures such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, and more inspire the featured works, infused with drama, nostalgia, and ambiguity. Blurring the line between celebrity culture and artistry, the striking Rizzoli volume Same McKinnis captures the depth of fame and fortune in a new light. $75 at RizzoliUSA.com.
In Flower Couture: From My Garden To My House
In Flower Couture: From My Garden to My House, artistic director of Dior Home and Dior Baby, Cordelia de Castellane, invites readers into the enchanting garden of her private French countryside estate. With effortless elegance, she shares her artistry in floral arrangements, tablescaping, and more, offering inspired recipes to bring beauty, charm, and a touch of joie de vivre into everyday life. $50 at RizzoliUSA.com.
Vanessa Bell: Modern Living
Vanessa Bell: Modern Living offers a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s radical approach to both art and life. A central figure in the Bloomsbury Group, Vanessa Bell beautifully integrates bold colors and stylized forms of the Parisian avant-garde to British modernism. Celebrating her collaborative spirit, this extensive collection features more than 100 striking images that highlight Bell’s distinctive style, recurring motifs, and the cultural influences that shaped her work throughout different periods of her life. $21.95 at Thames&HudsonUSA.com.
Defining Elegance
Honoring the unique character of historic structures and furnishings while embracing contemporary design, Marshall Watson’s second book showcases how his design principles adapt to diverse cultures and climates. Discover how he seamlessly integrates each home’s architecture, the owner’s lifestyle, and the essence of its surroundings into a cohesive and elegant vision. With breathtaking photography and thoughtful narration, Watson invites readers to intimate moments in a world of refined design, including a rare glimpse inside his own beautifully curated homes. $57.50 at RizzoliUSA.com.
Assemblage: The Art Of The Room
Every object, color, and texture holds the power to tell a story. This Thames & Hudson release celebrates breathtaking interiors, the visionaries who made them so exceptional, and the art of intentional living. Assemblage delves into some of the most interesting spaces photographer Shannon McGrath has captured. Each and every aspect of these interiors shapes a home’s unique character, truly bringing it to life. With insightful text by design writer Annie Reid, Assemblage is an invitation to view interiors as more than just rooms but as reflections of life, memory, and creative expression. $55 at Thames&HudsonUSA.com.
The Chateau Marmont Hollywood Handbook
Available for the first time since the late 1990s, The Chateau Marmont Hollywood Handbook is a captivating exploration of one of Hollywood’s most iconic landmarks. This volume offers a fascinating look at the creative talents who have passed through its doors over nearly a century, blending fact and fiction to reveal how the Chateau has shaped Hollywood’s film, music, and literary legacy. Through its storied history, the book captures the evolving ethos of a neighborhood feel and the cultural perspective that has defined the heart of Hollywood’s bohemian spirit. $39.95 at RizzoliUSA.com.
Greuberl Forsey: The Art Of Invention
Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey’s journey, from mastering the art of watchmaking to establishing one of the most astonishingly beautiful watch brands, unfolds in Greurberl Forsey: The Art of Invention. Through thirty unique and original calibers, they have brought watchmaking to new heights, refusing to accept that everything in watchmaking had already been done. By blending daring innovation with the most intricate hand-finishing techniques, Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention highlights a level of craftsmanship that rivals even the greatest designs of past centuries. $150 at Thames&HudsonUSA.com.
Oui!: Parisian Secrets For A Dream Wedding
This charming, keepsake Rizzoli volume is an indispensable resource for every bride-to-be. In Oui!: Parisian Secrets for a Dream Wedding, Delphine Manivet, a highly coveted and trusted wedding expert, shares invaluable advice and ideas on how to make the most meaningful memories when it comes to the big day. From curating the perfect theme to navigating seating charts, selecting accessories, and more, Manivet’s witty guidance ensures you make every decision with ease and style. Complete with helpful checklists, timelines, and plenty of Parisian flair, this book is the perfect companion for creating the wedding of your dreams. $30 at RizzoliUSA.com.
Versailles From The Sky
Through 200 full-color aerial photos of the iconic place, Versailles from the Sky unveils panoramic views of this legendary estate in all its prestige. The meticulously designed gardens, ornate fountains, winding paths, and parterres come to life in a whole perspective. The palace’s most celebrated interiors, including the “Hall of Mirrors” and the majestic Royal Opera, are captured from the same birds-eye-view point of view, inviting readers on an extraordinary journey through the architecture and design that define the enduring legacy of French elegance. $60 at Thames&HudsonUSA.com.
We tried to keep this list to just 10 books, but there were too many stunning, inspiring, and downright irresistible titles! So consider these next two a little bonus, because when it comes to books this good, the more, the merrier.
Do It In Paris: An Insider’s Guide To 450 Places To Visit, Sites To See, And Things To Do
Do It In Paris: An Insider’s Guide to 450 Places to Visit, Sites to See, and Things to Do is a whimsical and captivating exploration of the City of Love. This Rizzoli volume offers a curated collection of the best and most unexpected experiences Paris has to offer. With 450 handpicked sites, attractions, and hidden gems, this guide goes beyond the iconic landmarks to reveal the lesser-known treasures that give Paris its unparalleled charm. From quiet courtyards to secret cafes, each entry captures the true essence of “Only in Paris.” Whether you’re planning your first visit or you just can’t get enough of the city, this book transforms your journey into a scrapbook of unforgettable moments, filled with special suggestions that invite you to experience Paris to the absolute fullest. $19.95 at RizzoliUSA.com.
Live With The Things You Love: And You’ll Live Happily Ever After
In Live With the Things You Love: And You’ll Live Happily Ever After, Mary Randolph Carter, longtime creative director for Ralph Lauren, brings her boundless inspiration and expert eye for styling into the heart of our homes. Through a collection of beautifully curated interiors, Carter showcases how our most cherished possessions, those items with timeless appeal and personal significance, can be artfully woven into our decor. With her signature creative approach, she reveals how the things we hold dear can transform our spaces, offering a fresh perspective on living with the objects that bring us joy. $55 at RizzoliUSA.com.
