Books to help make change work
If your plans for 2018 include changes for your house, Janis Wallace shares some new publications that may help you achieve your goals. From practical strategies for household organization to expert advice on putting a personalized stamp on your space, there’s something here to inspire everyone. So pull up a chair, and find the confidence to ‘create your own story.’ Remodelista: The Organized Home: Simple, Stylish Storage for All Over the House By Julie Carlson and Margot Guralnick
Who will like it: To avoid going stir-crazy in winter, many people are motivated to rearrange and organize their homes. If you are looking for inspiration and practical tips, this almost pocket-sized book provides the straight goods.
Big-picture strategies for tackling problem areas (utility closet), and highly used spaces ( bathrooms), complement simple tricks for every room. The authors interviewed a range of experts from hoteliers to kindergarten teachers. They are guided by a quote from Benjamin Franklin: “For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.” What’s to like: Simple layout with lots of white space exemplifies the clean, uncluttered mantra. Straightforward instructions are easy to follow. For example, 12 universal storage tips include hang it, label it, tray it, shelve it, stack it, door it, wrangle it and re-purpose it. Each is accompanied by a photograph and descriptive paragraph. Seven spaces are given an in-depth look: Entryway, kitchen, bathroom, clothes closet, workstation, laundry and utility closet. Preparedness kit ideas address one of the universal storage tips. A favourite is the good-etiquette drawer with a list of essentials (cards, envelopes, pens, stamps, etc.). There are tips to corral cords. Another is the frequent flyer carry-on pack.
Lists organize all the advice in easy-to-find modules.
New Nordic Colour: Decorating with a vibrant modern palette By Antonia af Petersens
Who will like it: Anyone who is tired of omnipresent grey will love the judicious use of colour shown in this book. This is not about tropical colours that can look out of place by the time February rolls around. So if you’ve been reticent to add bold colour, this book is a good guide. If you are looking for light, brightness and warmth, there are plenty of examples. What’s to like: The new part of the title refers to dramatic, darker shades replacing the pale, cooler palette we associate with Scandinavian design. Here’s a summary of the chapters: What is this new Nordic colour?: A history of Nordic colour. The Nordic way with colour: How to get the look. Dark eclectic: A reaction to pared-down interiors by using intense hues, natural materials and eclectic details. Bold accents: Striking details to add character. Majestic pastels: Strong, sophisticated and fresh rather than wishy-washy pastels.
Rockett St. George Extraordinary Interiors: Show-stopping looks for beautiful rooms By Jane Rockett and Lucy St. George
Who will like it: From the blurb on the back cover: “creating a magical, inviting and imaginative home” — and who doesn’t want to do that? From novice homeowners to HGTV aficionados, this book has something for everyone. It’s chock-ablock with advice and ideas on how to stamp your personality on your space. The authors’ advice is summed up as: “Make it personal, be brave, style one step at a time, and enjoy every minute.” If that sounds appealing, this book is for you.
What’s to like: The layout is well organized into eight chapters with stunning photographs to illustrate points. It’s All About You addresses the “make it personal” aspect, starting with decisions about style and personality. In Take Inspiration, the authors share their top sources. They use the chapter Walls and Floors as a starting point once you’ve determined your style and have been inspired. A black ceiling and wood-clad walls are just a couple of the examples. Rockett and St. George bring it together in Styling Your Space, advising readers to take one step at a time to build confidence and experiment.
Their top 10 tips for arranging are easy to follow. Lighten Up (create a mood), Collect, Curate and Display, Make a Statement, and Work in Progress also contain concise tips and examples.
William Yeoward: Blue & White and Other Stories: A personal journey through colour By William Yeoward
Who will like it: Downton Abbey fans will be drawn to the sumptuous British interiors. English designer William Yeoward presents his take on the classic combination of blue and white before going off in other colour directions. His comments and the photographs offer a how-to for texture and form in quintessential British settings. It’s a book you will return to repeatedly, just to savour the photographs.
What’s to like: Yeoward shares what inspires him — and is likely to inspire readers to find a new perspective. He considers blue and white his neutrals. He also shows how rooms reflect their owners. “The message, if there is one, is to use these inspirations to create your own story,” he says.
From arranging furniture, to combining a tabletop setting, there are ample inspirations. How-to tips run the gamut from mixing patterns, living with art, the art of toss pillows, and entertaining — including Yeoward’s advice on the perfect dry martini.