I have a serious love of books. Now, take one part “love of books” and stir in a heaping cup of “love of decorating”, and you have yourself one large decorating book souffle…uh, I mean…one large collection of decorating books.
And if you tip-toed into my study and peeked into my Someday Notebook…you know…the one that held the dream of the front porch for so long, you would find another dream…that of a home library. The seldom used “formal” living room in my home has been begging me to install built-in book shelves down one long wall and on either side of it’s fireplace. Someday…I say, someday. ~~~SIGH~~~
But for now, I must be content to tuck my books into whatever nook and cranny I can find. I thought today I’d share some of my favorites books with you. However, I feel it my solemn duty to warn you, once this book fetish/addiction thing takes hold, it will have you in its grip for an undetermined amount of time. But seriously, can you think of a better addiction?
If you love classic, traditional style, you will love any of Mary Carol Garrity’s books. Since the photo above was taken, I’ve purchased three more of her books: Nell Hill’s Christmas at Home, Nell Hill’s Decorating Secrets and Nell Hill’s Feather You Nest. If you live anywhere near Atchison, Kansas, you have probably already been inside her wonderful home furnishings store, called Nell Hill’s…and if so, I am officially green with envy! If not, what are you waiting for?
I love antiques and the books below are pure eye candy for this girl’s sweet tooth.
Bringing Tuscany Home is by Frances Mayes, the same author who wrote Under the Tuscan Sun. You may remember the movie, bearing the same title.
Bunny Williams is one of my very favorite authors…it’s simple…she writes a book…me wants it! 
An Affair with a House is a delight to read…I love the way Mrs. Williams describes her long and involved love affair with her home. And you thought you were the only one!
Winter House by Charlotte Moss is the equivalent of comfort food in the book world…or at least it is for me. The picture of her home on page 19 showing her garland draped front door, surrounded by glowing lanterns and candlelight, always makes my heart skip a few beats. With fall upon us and winter waiting in the wings, this would be an excellent choice for one of those long, chilly nights ahead.
Amazon begins it’s description of Hunt Country Style this way, “Wood-paneled libraries, sumptuously appointed interiors, mudrooms, paddocks, and stables… ” Yep, that about covers it! Gorgeous book, loaded with lots of interesting history covering the tradition of the hunt country and it’s gorgeous homes.
Have you ever wondered what the homes of authors, William Faulkner, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and Herman Melville looked like…and not just on the outside, but inside, too? Well, it’s all in American Writers at Home, as well as photos of the homes of seventeen more famous authors.
And in Writers’ Houses, you can view the homes of Mark Twain, Virginia Woolf, William Butler Yeats, Ernest Hemingway, and Dylan Thomas, as well as the homes of an additional sixteen well-loved writers. It positively gave me chills, seeing the actual desk where William Faulkner sat, when he wrote so many of his most famous works.
If you love English Country style, you will love anything written about or by the English design firm of Colefax and Fowler. ‘Nuf said!
In Adventures with Old Houses, the author, Richard Jenrette, who also happens to be a former executive of a well-known Wall Street investment firm, details his life’s dedication to collecting and restoring six magnificent, historic U.S. homes. Interestingly, the forward is written by Prince Charles.
More great English Country design books:
Here’s one for all you Blue and White fans…I know my hand is in the air!
Hope you enjoyed a peek into my decorating library. And I’d love it if you would leave a comment with the names of some of your favorite decorating/design books!
Your book essay was most interesting. I have many of the same books here in my study. Looking forward to Part II.
Nell Hill’s books sound just perfect for me! I’ll have to check into those.
I love Victoria’s Decorating with White.
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
Hi Susan,
I really appreciate the award! Thanks so much for thinking of me!
I will have to be on the lookout for these decorating books. Thanks for all the information.
diane
This is a wonderful and varied collection. Like Carrie above, I look forward to Part II.
Morning girl!!!! Congrats on the award! Gosh girl you know more info than the local librarian! lol lol The way you describe those books you make a body want to go out and get them right away! lol I love how you have them displayed…great post & great info. I hope all is well with you sweetie & that you are having a fantastic week!
After I saw "Blue & White In Your Home" in one of your RMS photos, I bought it because I needed some inspiration for a blue & white bedroom I was planning. It is just full of amazingly beautiful photos. Thanks again for the recommendation!
Susan.. did I enjoy this peak?? Are you kidding??? You know what a fanatic I am about decorating books.. If I listed all the great books that I have and that have inspired me..girl you would be here for quite sometime..lol.. But just to highlight a few are any by Charles Faudree..and I have a new one New French Decor..Living with Timeless Objects by Michele Lalande that is wonderful… The books by Mary Carol Garrity..the Nell Hill series are also wonderful for inspiration.. She is a scream to visit with..just one of the most down to earth people you’ll ever meet..She has now opened her second shop in our area… I can’t wait for part 2 of this series…I’ll try to keep myself contained from ordering any more books….for the time being..lol…hugs ~lynne~
Congrats on your award,there will be many more I’m sure.As always this was bright,informative,funny,and interesting.Can’t wait for more….Ann
Love your blog, love your home. I remember the sunroom from RMS-unforgetable!
I have a few books from Mary Carol Garrity. I’d love to visit her store. One person that has is Pat from Back Porch Mushings. You HAVE to visit her blog. Her home is soooo yummy!! She just changed the color of her dining room to like a robins egg blue and it is beautiful. The trouble is I also loved it when it was a golden yellow and don’t know what I like better. You will be inspired by her knack for decorating. Go take a peek.
Thank you so much for my award! I had to chuckle when I read “Where I learn something new everyday!” Funny thing – when I started my blog, I did not want it to be about the horses, but with so many requests – I realized that I do something that is very different to others and with a horse breed that is not too common…so I will try from now on to post a bit more on the horse world I am so involved in! Soon I will be doing on on the fashions of Saddleseat…but may not get to it until after Emily has her baby!
Oh, oh, oh…I'm jumping with joy! An award from YOU to me..WOW! Now, the novice that I am, I'm having a teeny-tiny or big (perhaps) problem.
Bo
Gosh I feel so foolish bothering you about this, but one is only ignorant if he fails to ask, right?
I don't know how to apply it…duh…I did click the award and it gave me a URL ? (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x908CSKJhI4/SL3Lxkt7uSI/AAAAAAAAAj4/5nvgHLNA4TY/s1600-h/Awards.jpg) now what do I do with it…I have stumbled around and can't figure it out…I hope you can help me in the SIMPLEST terms possible…remember I'm OLD (haha)…my email address is: bon-jo@charter.net
I am thanking you in advance whether or not you have the time (I know you are one busy lady) to give me blogging lesson 101..I have also put a S.O.S. out to BJ & Rhoda…
P.S. Absolutely loved your subject matter and photos today!
Susan – do great minds think alike, or what? Before I saw THIS post, I’d been planning my award thank-you post highlighting YOU and comparing you to CHARLOTTE MOSS, whose book, A Passion for Detail, is always displayed in my living room. So congrats on another award, and stop by when you have a moment! http://www.ratemyfavoritespaces.com
Susan, I love your blog on your decorating library, wish mine contained some that you have! I’m going to Half.com and see if I can find the one on English Country and Hunt Country Decorating, You are the one who told me about Half.com, where you can find books for half off. Thanks so much! connie/puddin07
Morning, Susan! Oh, I have just loved your post today! Love all the books and the way you’ve displayed them. You’re an amazing gal!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
Susan, dear friend Congrats on your one of many awards still to come..I also love decorating books but looking at my home you would never know it haha!! I love Laura Ashley’s decorating books all of her’s. American Traditional by Ethan Allen…Emilie Barnes if tea cups could talk..Victorian the charms of tea..which have alot of great table setting in it..and of course Chintz china my all time favorite china…Susan I turned my RMS light on again…Please come by when you can girl..I have nothing elegant like you do as I am just a mountain woman haha!! Hugs and smiles dear friend..Happytobe
My books aren’t as classy as yours…they’re all murder mysteries or thrillers of some sort. But Like you I have them stacked on every surface and nothing just sits on a table or shelf..it’s always sitting on a book. One day my dream is to fill our library with bookshelves…but for now they are props!
Loved this post! I have been to Nell Hill’s in Kansas, and it is wonderful – three different stores all in a small town. I would love to go to her new store in Kansas City. You have a great selection of books – I must find the one on hunt country decor. Sally
Susan,
As usual, you’re blog NEVER disappoints!! Congrats on the blog award…truly deserved Susan! Love hearing good recommendations on GOOD books! I’m particularly interested on the one about the authors’ homes! Great descriptions of each one! Just loooooove coming here between naps!
Tomarie
Susan, You have taken decorating with beautiful books to a new level. Gorgeous and classy. Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas.
I just read on Sheila’s post about your dog. I have been there and share your sadness today. Thinking of you love with sympathy.
Hugs, Jeanne
Thank you! So sweet of you to think of me! I love, love, love books. Can’t ever have too many books!
Brenda
What beautiful displays of books and treasures! I can look through my favorite decorating books over and over and over and…..! So, I do feel like I get my money’s worth out of them! Laurie (bargainhunr)
You’re at it again, I loved the postings on RMS! I am a book lover, too. I especially love gardening books. I scour through them all winter long. I am a magazine nut. I have a hard time parting with them. I may want to try that technique or make that recipe or ha-ha, try that diet or exercise routine. ~ Robyn
Hi Susan,
My name is Gretchen and I am a bookaholic. WOW! Now I am going to have to peruse each of these pictures to see what books I don’t have and what books I need to buy. You even have them displayed beautifully.
Thanks for all the inspiration.
Gretchen
birdnestcottage.typepad.com
GM Sweet Susan, I was on amazon last night looking for books..now see what you started??? just another way for me to spend money..Girl I am retired living off of Uncle now!! and still spending like I am Gloria Vanderbilt haha!! Love your blog and thanks so much for coming by my RMS space it really did mean the world to me girl..Hugs and smiles
My, my, my, my, my! I have just “discovered” you in blogland but you are no stranger to me as I’ve stalked you on RMS. And how alike we are….I have a lot of the books you featured but I must say my favorites are Mary Carol Garrity and Charles Faudree. I have never bought any of Charlotte Moss or Bunny Williams books but now I see that I must!
I am adding you to my blogroll and will be checking you out frequently!
XOXO
Judy