One of the best ways to simplify gift giving is by choosing an annual theme. You and family or friends can agree on a theme, or you can stick to one for those on your list. Either way, the task becomes a bit more manageable. For example, this year could be about books, puzzles, games, or luxurious socks. For today’s unplugged gifts, we’ll peek at books for folks who love design, flowers, or comfort food. (You can always choose just one of these titles and gift it to everyone on your list!) Holiday Shopping for Design Freaks: 7 Lovely Unplugged Gifts is comin’ at ya.
Holiday Shopping for Design Freaks: 7 Lovely Unplugged Gifts
The Residential Architecture of D. Stanley Dixon
For the timeless design admirers in our midst, do not overlook this triumph of a first book from Atlanta-based architect Stan Dixon!
Classical architecture, understated style, and modern sensibilities unite in a collection of 13 projects that range from a coastal retreat to an English manor home.
You are likely to recognize the work of the interior designers featured in the book. Carolyn Malone, Suzanne Kasler, Jackye Lanham, Beth Webb and Tammy Connor are among them.
What I love about the architect’s approach is how he manages to lean into authentic architecture while creating new and original designs for modern times.
These are homes crafted for lifetimes, and you’ll want to study each moment captured so beautifully by photographer Eric Piasecki.
The images here of a “humble-Regency” style home take my breath away with their understated elegance. Traditional, yes, but lightened up and tailored to the whims of the homeowners.
There’s something utterly inspiring about building something that authentically appears to have been around for more than a hundred years.
As far as the interior design, in this Atlanta home, there are all these very personal moments that keep the home feeling down to earth and humble. The dining chairs above are a collection of mismatched chairs from the wife’s grandmother.
HOME: The Residential Architecture of D. Stanley Dixon (Rizzoli, 2023) makes a treasure of a gift for those of us who dream and scheme about home.
The Flowers of Provence
If you missed my interview with author Jamie Beck about THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE, make sure to check it out here.
This is the perfect gift for Francophiles, flower enthusiasts, photography fans, and hopeless romantics.
The photography inside is so enchanting, you will find yourself lost in a wonderland of impossible beauty. I placed it on a board with lighthearted whimsy fare, but make no mistake, it’s a book brimming with fine art from an American in Provence committed to honoring beauty.
Beata Heuman: Every Room Should Sing
Even though this book is not a new release (who knows what renovation project that year had me completely out of the loop?), it’s a must own for sophisticated design freaks who have no time for design rules.
We looked at inspiring glimpses of Beata Heuman’s work in this.
Oh the wonder and playful spirit in her designs! I was inspired to gather objects in the same spirit:
Shades of White: Serene Spaces for Effortless Living
Fifi O’Neill burst on the scene when I had just started blogging, and her creativity continues to bloom in a treasury of books including Shades of White (Cico Books, 2021).
You may be surprised to see the number of creative ways to approach an airy, bright and light interior.
(CICO Books, 2021)
If you love a mostly-white or all-white look, you likely rely on texture, and here’s a splendid way to add some:
Classic Shindig: Amateur Artistry From the Simple to the Sublime
At first blush, you may imagine this next suggestion would appeal most to your socialite-prone peeps. But I’m personally more of an introvert and still love this volume of entertaining wonder. Just because my parties tend to be dance parties of 10 where I make homemade pizza doesn’t mean I don’t love peeking at fancier fetes.
A pair of concert pianists in New Orleans show us how to stylishly gather for celebrations fit for royalty…yet they are enjoying their rich lives far too much to take any of it too seriously. You’ll love the sense of humor, stories, and surprises in this eclectic romp.
This book is going to especially resonate with Anglophiles – so put it on your list of British gifts for Americans…
Unplugged for the Life of the Party
For a less formal party animal, these gifts (only one of them is not unplugged!) may appeal:
And should you be buying a gift for more of a “dance party with 10 and homemade pizza” kind of cat, you could peek inside:
This clever book is full of delicious recipes for crowd pleasing appetizers to main dishes that you will want to make and serve at your next HOME ALONE viewing shindig!
Melissa Penfold Living Well By Design
READ the more comprehensive REVIEW in this.
There’s a wealth of advice and inspiration shared in Living Well By Design, and while the images are beautiful, I still read every one of the author’s words.
Penfold identifies basic decorating principles—light and space, composition and balance, and pattern and texture—and offers realistic tips for applying them at home.
The goal is always to arrive at a scheme that is comfortable, lovely, and an authentic expression of your personal aesthetic.
Above: African tribal cushions, Chinese ceramic lamps, Indian metal lanterns, Indonesian seating, American bamboo side tables and built-ins.
Inside you’ll find images of her own home along with inspirational homes around the world.
Who Will Love This Book?
The book is truly a most useful resource for everyone ready to create interiors where decorating basics harmonize with personal style.
And should your personal style be high end and Gothic, I bet you’ll dig this Bunny Williams kitchen with terrazzo floor (above) in a 1920s Gothic Revival apartment in New York. Psst. Don’t you dare slide into my DM to inquire about the paint color of those cabinets…custom Donald Kaufmann hue, darling.
We pause for an amazing redesign of a 538 square feet apartment in a building from 1893. You are bound to LOSE YOUR MIND at the brilliant space-saving genius.
One of the best pieces of advice from the author pertains to trends…
“Following the latest fashions will not necessarily bring you happiness in your home, but embracing its setting certainly will.” – MELISSA PENFOLD
AMEN?
Love a timeless design journey with stunning interiors from around the globe as well as secrets demystifying the process? You’re in for a divine trip!
Can’t Wait for the Holidays for These Titles?
Who can blame you!?!
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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