reading & viewing recommendations

I truly love books and magazines - the feel and smell of paper, dog-earing pages, marking passages and images that inspire a design idea. I confess to being a hoarder in this department.

May I suggest following these authors on instagram for some great visual feeds.

My 2023 Picks

A Modern Way to Live

Matt Gibberd

This is less a picture book, though there are numerous inspiring images - it’s an intensive guide on finding happiness at home with five guiding principles - from the cultural British phenomenon (& real estate guru) with The Modern House, his newsletter is worth subscribing to also, which covers many facets of the home beyond just bricks and mortar.

Rethink the Way You Live

Amanda Talbot

I have had this book for years and often refer back to her philosophy - Rethink, Reflect, Review, and Reconsider the ways in which we choose to live. It is never too late to step back and realign our homes/life/work/play environment to authentically connect with our own nature as well as that of Mother Nature.

Happy Inside

Michelle Ogundehin

Once the editor-in-chief of my beloved magazine ELLE Decor UK - Michelle has cast her pearls of wisdom, wit, and observations in defining the true meaning of home. A must read and she can be found on several Podcasts also, mentoring the design world.

Minimalista

Shira Gill 

A Step by Step guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Lifestyle. This is a manageable, well narrated guide to doing all of the above with a refreshing motivational system - for a healthier, personally curated and less cluttered abode.



Unreasonable Hospitality

Will Guidara

This bestseller promotes numerous captivating lessons in how to transform ordinary business transactions into extraordinary experiences. Though it is oriented around the restaurant industry, the concept remains the same and can be transferred to any business, (or home life), arena for a more magical and memorable experience.

Golden Light

Nickey Kehoe

Whenever I am in Los Angeles - the Nickey Kehoe store is an absolute must to revisit. This husband and wife team have such a great eye and comb the country for artisan craftsmen to introduce delightful furniture, lighting, and much much more. This inspiring book is a wonderful descriptive that follows their life’s work and passion for design.

Current Favourite Magazines

Homes & Garden

Magazine

I think I have a lifetime subscription set up! This British magazine holds inspiring imagery and for those of us who actually read magazines articles, they are well crafted and insightful.

Hiut

Magazine

Yes, this is a fantastic denim jean company in the UK. However, each year David Hieatt (co-founder) writes this most incredible magazine. A broad selection of images, philosophies, and who knows what else… Each year brings something new and invigorating to ponder on. P.S. I have an extra copy this year if anyone wants one - please email me :)

Garden & Gun

Magazine

This magazine is so much more than “garden and gun”. Home style, personal style, cooking, sporting activities, shopping, travel, dogs, and so much more. A great well-rounded magazine that I love reading on a Saturday morning during my coffee time.

Good Viewing

Grand Designs

Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV

Beautiful views, design, and style following others as they build their dream homes. A large focus on modern design, energy efficiency, maximizing space, and views.

World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

Netflix

For a winter’s evening, why not curl up and watch: This series presents a bubbly and adventurous insight into numerous rentals of every calibre, shown across the globe. I especially love Luis D Ortiz’s narration, (who is a pretty savvy realtor from Million Dollar Listing), though the full cast which includes Megan Batoon (design) and Jo Franco (travel) , all offer something that makes one want to get on line and book time away. Three shows to each episode - it’s easy to binge watch.

The Chef

Netflix

A follow-up to the heartwarming movie Chef (also recommended), this series explores food with chefs and celebrities around the country. Expect to laugh and feel like you are hanging out in the kitchen with great friends.

Past Recommendations

Living Well By Design by Melissa Penfold

Down to Earth by Lauren Liess

Bloom Wild by Bari J. Ackerman

Bold British Design by Emilio Pimentel-Reid

Live Beautiful by Athena Caderone

Everything by Abigail Ahem

At Home by James Huniford

This is Home: The Art of Simple Living by Natalie Walton

Home is Where the Heart Is by Ilse Crawford

Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On it by Kamal Ravikant