coffee table books Archives

House Tour: Southern Estate Designed by James Farmer

We know. We know. We want to step inside this Alabama Southern Estate designed by the one and only James Farmer RIGHT NOW too!

The columns… The balcony… The trees… The setting… This is a quintessential Southern estate in every sense of the word.

And, y’all, the inside is just as dreamy as the outside. Beautiful antiques set the scene right off the bat,

And stunning textiles and accessories complement one-of-a-kind architectural details.

We miss grand dinner parties, don’t you?

This dining room is made for hosting them!

Perfect paneling and handmade brick blend with cozy furnishings to create a stylish sitting room we’d want to curl up in all winter long,

While a mix of color and texture add up to a homey yet very refined feel.

In the best designs, one room flows seamlessly into the next.

That is certainly the case in this beautiful home.

We love how every, single space feels connected.

Bright hues…

And bold patterns combine effortlessly in Farmer’s practiced hand,

Beautiful blues,

And cozy fabrics,

Combine with an enviable bath,

To add up to the perfect retreat.

We’d certainly love to be guests in this well-appointed room!

But, really, lemonade on the porch swing might be even better!

There are simply no words to convey the charm!!

This is the absolute perfect poolhouse and blends beautifully with the setting and main home around it. This is one we’re going to want to tour again and again!

(Three cheers for one of our faves, Emily Followill Photography! This is certainly a case where a picture is worth a thousand words.)

Want more? We know we do! Check out James’ lastest book ARRIVING HOME : A Gracious Southern Welcome

Photography: Jeff Herr

This Southern Estate reminds me so much of Dogwood, the rambling pre-revolutionary home in Under the Southern Sky! I am over-the-moon about my first starred review from Publishers Weekly! Can’t wait for all of you to read Under the Southern Sky on April 20! It’s available for preorder now wherever books are sold.

From PW: Harvey (Feels Like Falling) delivers a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss in this tearjerker…Harvey brings her characters to life, including Greer, whose heartbreaking journal entries reflect on scans of the embryos and imagine the family she and Parker would have. These passages are particularly wrenching, making the book’s happy ending all the more moving. Fans of women’s fiction will devour this. (Apr.)

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VISIT OUR INSTAGRAMAND PINTEREST AND OUR TOP TEN BLOG POSTS OF 2020

10 Favorite Images from Houses | Robert A.M. Stern

Robert A.M. Stern house tour — *Eric Piasecki Photography*

When it comes to inspired architecture, Robert A.M. Stern Architects are in a class all their own.

And their new coffee table book, Houses, is absolutely brimming with 425 pages of breathtaking work that is sure to leave every reader inspired.

From an East Hampton dream house,

To a Virginia residence that positively oozes charm,

To a sprawling Kiawah Island escape perfect for family,

Robert A.M. Stern house tour kitchen — *Eric Piasecki Photography*

Houses is filled with perfect examples of this standout firm’s peerless style.

A stunning, sweeping home in Singapore–in the traditional “Black-and-White” style–was one of our favorite examples of the firm’s range.

It bears Robert A.M. Stern’s fingerprints while adapting to the very specific Singaporean way of life.

And, well, no showcase would be complete without a breathtaking Park Avenue Penthouse.

In short, Houses is a fast favorite in our vast collection of coffee table books. We can’t wait to return to it again and again! It’s available now from Monicelli Press and wherever books are sold.

Robert A.M.Stern

All Photography courtesy of Monicelli Press

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Speaking of books… My seventh novel, UNDER THE SOUTHERN SKY, releases April 20!

“I’ve always been a Kristy Woodson Harvey fan, but she has taken things to a whole new level with Under the Southern Sky, her best novel yet. I laughed, sobbed, and gasped at the story’s clever twists and turns; I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough to see how Amelia’s and Parker’s story turned out. You’ll need plenty of tissues—and maybe some of Cape Carolina’s beloved bourbon-spiked sweet tea—to make it to the end. Deliciously plotted, intricately constructed, gorgeously written, and brimming with hope, Under the Southern Sky will steal your heart and make you think about first loves, second chances, and the unforeseeable twists of fate that guide us all.”—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names

It’s never too early to preorder! UNDER THE SOUTHERN SKY is available from your local independent bookstore, Bookshop.org, Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and everywhere books are sold!

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Things We Love: Notes on Decorating

Markham Roberts Notes on Decorating — Nelson Hancock Photograhy – @nelson.hancock

There’s no denying that Markham Roberts is one of the most notable designers of our time.

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Vogue has called him “a master of timeless American style.”

And Architectural Digest declared Roberts a designer, “known for savvy, erudite interpretations that make old-school, all-American decorating fresh again.”

And, now, he is sharing some of his latest (and greatest!) work with us in a stunning new book, Markham Roberts Notes on Decorating.

From designing to take advantage of a view,

To charming kitchen style,

Making the grand feel warm and welcoming,

To traditional bedroom decor with a twist,

This stunning book–Roberts’ second–is a study in style.

We savored every page, and know this is a book we will go back to for inspiration time and time again. If you’re looking to add some pizazz to your coffee table (or library shelves!), Notes on Decorating is a must!

We had the best time last week partnering with our friends at MyDoma and SOURCC to bring you some special backstage interviews and tours from High Point Market! Check out my fun tours with Worlds Away and Kravet.

Just a reminder about UNDER THE SOUTHERN SKY preorder freebies!

EVERYONE who preorders and fills out the form will receive a 5×7 card of the Maren Devine Art cover painting, two quote cards by @mesweens_writes and a signed book plate!

I am so grateful for my readers and cannot WAIT to share UNDER THE SOUTHERN SKY with all of you!!

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DON’T MISS the Serena & Lily 20% OFF EVERYTHING SALE

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10 Favorites from Entertaining Beautifully with Aerin Lauder

An icon of style from a family name synonymous with beauty, Aerin Lauder knows–in addition to many, many other things–how to throw a party.

Aerin Lauder Entertaining Beautifully in blue and white — *Lindsay Stall Photography*

From setting the table for an intimate dinner,

To prepping for an outdoor brunch for a crowd,

This tastemaker has an eye for what makes a space and a party come to life.

Her latest book, Entertaining Beautifully, is a must-have for any avid entertainer–even if you’re simply dreaming of the time until you can throw parties again!

From tips every hostess should know,

To embracing every square inch of the holidays,

Entertaining Beautifully is full of inspiration for every occasion.

The perfect holiday gift, or addition to an already full library, this is a book that you will want to return to again and again! Check out Entertaining Beautifully–and let us know what you think!

All Photography Simon Upton Photography unless otherwise noted

Photography courtesy of Rizzoli New York

We had the best time last week partnering with our friends at MyDoma and SOURCC to bring you some special backstage interviews and tours from High Point Market! Check out my fun tours with Worlds Away and Kravet.

Just a reminder about UNDER THE SOUTHERN SKY preorder freebies!

EVERYONE who preorders and fills out the form will receive a 5×7 card of the Maren Devine Art cover painting, two quote cards by @mesweens_writes and a signed book plate!

I am so grateful for my readers and cannot WAIT to share UNDER THE SOUTHERN SKY with all of you!!

CLICK Each Image to Learn More:

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Things We Love: Beautiful Coffee Table Decor

COFFEE TABLE DECOR COLLINS INTERIORS — *Collins Interiors | Nathan Schroder Photography*

It’s the center of most rooms, a focal point.

coffee table decor Jenkins Interiors — *Jenkins Interiors*

Conversations happen around it,

coffee table decor Kara Miller Design | Brantley Photography — *Kara Miller Design | Brantley Photography*

Feet prop up on it,

coffee table decor Geoff Chick — *Geoff Chick*

And, maybe best of all, treasures are displayed in style.

coffee table decor — *Park & Oak Design*

We absolutely love decorating the coffee table, and redo ours often.

coffee table design Amber Interiors — *Amber Interiors | Tess Neustadt Photography*

From favorite stacks of books we want to have at arm’s length,

Beach house Beth Webb Interiors — *Beth Webb Interiors | Erica George Dines Photography*

To beautiful pieces collected from favorite artists,

coffee table decor Heather Chadduck Interiors — *Heather Chadduck Interiors | Laurey W Glenn Photography*

Indoors or out,

coffee table decor Mark D Sikes — *Mark D. Sikes*

We adore the look of a layered, collected coffee table,

Where favorite memories live and collections gather,

coffee table styling — *Amber Interiors | Tess Neustadt Photography*

A coffee table that evolves over time,

coffee table design Beth Webb Interiors — *Beth Webb Interiors | Emily Followill Photography*

But is always the ultimate in style. What do you have on your coffee table? What is your favorite coffee table decor.

More home decor inspiration HERE

Thanks so much for spending your fall with Design Chic! We love having you here!

I am so excited to share the cover of my seventh novel, UNDER THE SOUTHERN SKY, which releases April 20, 2021.

Do you want to win an advance copy?! Simply:

*Share on Facebook or Instagram (You can grab photos from here or share directly from my Facebook or Instagram!)

*Use the hashtag #underthesouthernsky. I’d love it if you’d tag me too!

*I’ll pick THREE winners on Monday, September 28!

Preorder Under the Southern Sky and fill out this form to receive a signed bookplate, 5×7 cards of Under the Southern Sky Quotes and gorgeous 5×7 card of the Maren Devine painting of the Under the Southern Sky cover–and be automatically entered in allll the giveaways!

Under the Southern Sky Giveaways:

September: 3 Winners Will Receive a Copy of Feels Like Falling and a Feels Like Falling Candle

October: 25 Winners Will Receive a Pair of Under the Southern Sky Sunnies

November: 1 Winner Will Receive a Fabulous Box of Sea Oats Candle CompanyGoodies including Candles, Soap, and Room Spray

December: 25 Winners Will Receive an I Read KWH Tote Bag

January: 2 Winners Will Receive a Set of SIX Books from Gallery Books (A mix of advance copies and new releases) including an advance copy of Under the Southern Sky

February: 25 Winners Will Receive and I Read KWH Tote Bag AND a Pair of Southern Sky Sunnies

March: Laura Park Tote Bag and Beach Towel

April: Surprise Grand Prize!

*And lots of other fun surprises along the way!*

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Things We Love: Entertaining in Every Season

INDia Hicks An Entertaining Story — *Brittan Goetz Photography*

If summer is all about savoring every outdoor moment, and fall is about drawing closer to home, preparing for winter, we think now is the perfect time to stock up on one of our favorite winter entertainments: coffee table books! If you were here yesterday, I mentioned that we were planning a trip to one of India Hicks’s gorgeous rental homes last year for Mom’s birthday when Hurricane Dorian changed our plans. But, this year, we can all take a page from the India Hicks masterpiece, An Entertaining Story–and plan the perfect celebration for any occasion, in any season.

INDia Hicks An Entertaining Story dining alfresco — *Brittan Goetz Photography*

INDia Hicks An Entertaining Story dining — *Brittan Goetz Photography*

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A Home for All Seasons - Danielle Rollins — Matthew Mead Photography

Speaking of seasons, designer Danielle Rollins is embracing all of them in her new book, A Home for All Seasons. Gorgeous color palettes, luxe layers and plenty of texture characterize these stunning spaces that we will want to curl up and look at again and again as we stay close to home this winter, making our own updates for what’s to come.

A Home for All Seasons - Danielle Rollins dining room — *Leslie Unruh Photography*

A Home for All Seasons - Danielle Rollins sunroom with trellis — *Sarah Dorio Photography*

A Home for All Seasons - Danielle Rollins living room — *Leslie Unruh Photography*

A Home for All Seasons - Danielle Rollins garden — *Sarah Dorio Photography*

If you’re a fan of coffee table books like we are, don’t miss either of these lovely volumes!

Thanks so much for spending your summer with Design Chic! We always love it when you stop by!

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If you’re a fan of books in general, have you picked up my sixth bestseller, Feels Like Falling? It has been featured everywhere from Today.com to Travel + Leisure and is the perfect escape in any season!

“Kristy Woodson Harvey has the voice of a best friend; a storyteller of the finest sort. Feels Like Falling takes us on a page-turning journey with two very different women who must somehow find their way together. Harvey asks the important question — how do we let go of the preconceived notions of our life ? And she answers that question with lyrical prose, an uncommon wisdom and a sharp wit. This is more than a novel about friendship, it is also a story for friendship: you will find yourself sharing it with everyone you love. Dive in; the storytelling is delicious!” —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times Bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis

The Nature of Home: Creating Timeless Houses

William Abranowicz Photography

My 92-year-old grandmother started aerobics yesterday. Yes. Started. In the thirty-three years I’ve known her, she hasn’t been much for exercise, but September is a really good time to start something new if you’re going to. And there’s no time like the present.

One of our Design Chic favorites, architect Jeffrey Dungan, decided to start something new too–and we couldn’t be more excited!

His new book, The Nature of Home: Creating Timeless Houses, released on September 4, and, in our opinion, it’s one of the best of the year so far!

A little more about the book: Architect Jeffrey Dungan is recognized for his clean and modern approach to traditional homes. His fresh take on architecture is rooted in the beauty of materials rendered in their natural state. Dungan’s projects poetically embrace clean lines and natural elements, to reveal a timeless home that can be enjoyed by future generations to come. Layered in between are thematic essays and more than 240 images that showcase Dungan’s approach to architecture and the importance of elements and materials that honors THE NATURE OF HOME.

When it comes to home, this timeless approach couldn’t be more important. Because while, sure, home is a canvas that is always evolving, it’s the basis of it, the roots, the things that stay the same in the meantime that create those true and lasting memories, that feeling when you pull in the driveway, when you walk in the front door.

No one does home quite as well as Jeffrey Dungan.

The Nature of Home, in 240 captivating photos, and a series of fascinating, well written essays, proves that once and for all!

Make sure to pick up your copy of The Nature of Home from your local bookstore, Amazon or wherever books are sold!

William Abranowicz Photography

Thanks so much for making Design Chic a part of your day. We always love seeing you here!

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Things We Love! Segreto Vignettes!

We are excited every morning to wake up with all of your, our fabulous readers, and share something amazing. But today we are especially excited because our lovely, wonderful, insanely talented friend, Leslie Sinclair, has done it again! You savored Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors, you devoured Segreto Style, and now you are going to be positively drooling over Segreto Vignettes!

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