Top 10, Pt. 3: Summer Books We Recommend That Go Far Beyond The Shelf, Deserving a Spot in Your Space Year-Round

August 6, 2025
4 mins read

Couldn’t get enough after Part 1 and Part 2 of this spring and summer’s coffee table books series? No need to fret, because we’re back with decorative summer books that can effortlessly elevate your shelves, coffee tables, consoles, and more. This next set of titles continues to celebrate the art of a well-styled stack. Whether your taste leans toward contemporary cool, classic elegance, or a globally inspired style, these thoughtfully chosen volumes promise to add fresh personality and polish to your home. Handpicked from RizzoliUSA.com and Thames&HudsonUSA.com, each of these titles offers that little extra something your space has been waiting for, according to our literary connoisseur Merritt Norris.

OASIS: Trying to Find a Way Out of Nowhere

OASIS: Trying to Find a Way Out of Nowhere

OASIS: Trying to Find a Way Out of Nowhere is a visual love letter to the highs, the lows, and everything in between, from worldwide performances to recording sessions, for the iconic band Oasis. Spanning over 500 photographs, contact sheets, and sequenced film strips of the band on stage, backstage, on the road, in the studio, and behind the scenes, photographer Jill Furmanovsky captures the unfiltered bond between Noel and Liam Gallagher up until their split. Paired with Noel’s personal reflections and rare commentary, this striking volume is a time capsule of 30 years of the electrifying instances and in-between moments that will keep readers captivated. $65 at Thames&HudsonUSA.com.

Paolo Roversi

Paolo Roversi

Through the use of a large-format Polaroid camera and a unique studio setting, renowned fashion photographer Paola Roversi, in the eponymous book, captures timeless, mysterious portraits that reveal the true essence of some of the most exquisite fashion designers and models. This volume serves as an archive of 150 photographs, including original prints and some never-before-seen images. Complemented by essays from leading fashion curators and photography historians, as well as interviews with the models themselves, Paolo Roversi is an absolute dream for anyone passionate about fashion photography. $65 at Thames&Hudson.com.

John Walker: Touch

John Walker: Touch

Spanning over 60 years of John Walker’s influential career, John Walker: Touch brings together 200 of his most significant works in a richly curated volume. Offering a long overdue exploration of the connections within his evolving practice, the book sheds new light on the artist’s bold use of form, color, and presence. With insightful commentary from author Catherine Lampert and art historian Alex Bacon, it traces Walker’s historical influences and creative shifts, offering fresh perspectives on this contemporary painter’s distinctive voice. $65 at Thames&Hudson.com.

BLOW UP! The Explosion of Contemporary Art

BLOW UP! The Explosion of Contemporary Art

As some of the most creative artists meet and inspire each other across continents, generations, and decades, BLOW UP! The Explosion of Contemporary Art recounts the stories behind some of the most groundbreaking works of our time. Author and art writer Robert Shore, alongside illustrator Eva Rosetti, charts the evolution of contemporary art against the backdrop of everything from world wars to cultural revolutions and rapid societal shifts. Whether it’s a can of soup or a banana taped to a wall, this vibrant volume reminds us that contemporary art has always challenged expectations, disrupted conventions, and sparked fresh ways of seeing the world. $24.95 at Thames&Hudson.com.

Screenprints: A History

Screenprints: A History

This notable volume from Thames & Hudson celebrates the bold, symbolic power of screen printing and its pivotal role in shaping contemporary art, beginning in the 1960s. Screenprints: A History traces the evolution of this powerful medium through iconic works by Roy Lichtenstein, Eduardo Paolozzi, and Andy Warhol, exploring its diverse role in contemporary art, its vibrantly rich color palettes, and its striking visual impact within protest movements. $50 at Thames&Hudson.com.

MODERN FLORAL: Timeless Interiors Inspired by Nature

MODERN FLORAL: Timeless Interiors Inspired by Nature

Ranging from chintz to Chinoiserie, renowned Australian interior designer Charlotte Coote brings botanical-inspired interiors to life in MODERN FLORAL: Timeless Interiors Inspired by Nature. Overflowing with inspiration, this beautifully illustrated volume showcases bold uses of color, pattern, and texture, weaving the elegance of the natural world into unforgettable living spaces. Featuring mood boards, hand-drawn illustrations, case studies, creative interviews, and step-by-step guides, the book offers both visual delight and practical insight, proving that nature’s beauty belongs just as much indoors as it does outside. $45 at Thames&Hudson.com.

The Book of Garden Flowers

The Book of Garden Flowers

A celebration of nature’s most captivating blooms, The Book of Garden Flowers beautifully coordinates horticultural history, botanical wisdom, and the timeless allure of the natural world. Profiling nineteen of the most exquisite and unusual flowers found in gardens today, artist Angie Lewin and writer Christopher Stocks pair each bloom with personal stories and fascinating tales collected from their journeys around the globe. Filled with charm, insight, and stunning illustrations, this volume is a perfect companion for gardeners, flower lovers, and anyone drawn to the quiet beauty of the outdoors. $24.95 at Thames&Hudson.com.

Casa Mexicana

Casa Mexicana

Showcasing the finest new homes in Mexico, the epicenter of today’s most exciting architectural scene, Casa Mexicana presents a captivating collection of magnificent, cutting-edge designs carefully crafted to suit the country’s diverse landscapes. This beautifully crafted volume dissects twenty-six lavish residences that reflect the innovation, creativity, and cultural richness of modern Mexican architecture. Organized into four thematic chapters, “Creative Spaces,” “Experimental Structures,” “Architectural Retreats,” and “Family Houses,” it offers an inspiring look at how visionary architects are redefining home design while honoring Mexico’s culture and heritage. $65 at Thames&Hudson.com.

Baglietto: The Art of Yachting Since 1854

Baglietto: The Art of Yachting Since 1854

For 170 years Italian shipyard Baglietto has fused craftsmanship with bold, game changing design. Baglietto: The Art of Yachting Since 1854 retraces the brand’s evolution and production process that have long upheld its legendary status. With dreamy photography of ships on the open sea and rich storytelling, this Rizzoli volume is a tribute to Baglietto’s commitment to the quality and beauty of fashioning luxury ships. $80 at RizzoliUSA.com.

Dolce & Gabbana La Sicilia in Cucina

Dolce & Gabbana La Sicilia in Cucina

Sicily and its world-renowned cuisine take new life through the lens of Dolce & Gabbana La Sicilia in Cucina. This extraordinary Rizzoli volume invites readers to discover the unparalleled cuisine that ranges in a vast stratification of colors, scents, and flavors. Complete with recipes and eyecatching imagery, readers have the opportunity to recreate select Sicilian dishes while celebrating the people and culture that have brought the essence of Italian cuisine to life. $200 at RizzoliUSA.com.

Daniel Johnston

Daniel Johnston

From his humble beginnings in Austin to his lasting influence on musicians and fans worldwide, Daniel Johnston left an enduring mark on both the music and art industries. This nearly 400-page volume showcases the legendary artist and musician’s drawings, spanning four decades, making it the most comprehensive collection of Johnston’s work to date. The book not only features beloved illustrations, such as “Jeremiah the Innocent Frog,” but also includes personal reflections from prominent members of the music and art worlds, including Jack Antonoff, Lana Del Rey, Phoebe Bridgers, Dev Hynes, and more. More than just a celebration of Johnston’s boundless creativity, the book is a testament to his enduring spirit, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Hi, How Are You Project. $55 at RizzoliUSA.com.


Merritt Norris

Curated Texan Editorial Assistant Merritt Norris is a student at The University of Texas at Austin expected to graduate May 2025. She is majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Business and a part of the Texas Media & Analytics program, as well as a member of the Texas Advertising Group. With a passion for writing and an eye for detail, her background and experience span social media management, digital marketing, strategy, public relations, photography and videography related roles.

Don't Miss