Bedside Table Books

“A place for everything and everything in it’s place” is a mantra I chant in my most optimistic housekeeping moments … in reality, “chaos reigns”  or even “man the torpedos!” is better suited to the state of domestic affairs chez moi. I therefore wholeheartedly embrace a recent trend in home decor, one that  celebrates a more rumpled, lived-in look. Turns out I may be ahead of my time.

Deborah Needleman, known for founding the shelter magazine, Domino, which has achieved cult status among home decorators, is the author of this terrific book. Her sense of humour, apparent in the magazine, is clearly present in this book too. Chapter titles include: “Cozification” and “A Bit of Quirk”.  The Perfectly Imperfect Home – How to Decorate and Live Well is a “perfect” home decor item unto itself – the illustrations inside by Canadian artist Virginia Johnson (about whom I’ve blogged before, here) are so pretty. Here’s her version of the bedside table, complete with books.

“A Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of a Misspent LIfe” also embraces a good sense of humour and a good sense of relaxed style. Mary Randolph Carter is Creative Director at Ralph Lauren and has written some eight books on design and has been an editor of even more – all with the same forgiving, eclectic, family-oriented and personality revealing style. In this particular book you will find a number of essays about the concept of “home” and practical tips for achieving a comfortable haven. Gorgeous photos are throughout.

Ahhh … the Queen of relaxed, romantic style is Rachel Ashwell. She established her brand in 1989 and calls the style “deliciously comfortable”, blending English elegance and California casual. Her story is entrepreneurially (apparently that isn’t a word – my spell-check just had a fit) inspiring. One little Malibu boutique has become a multi-faceted global enterprise. She has along the way produced an impressive number of her own books, all with beautiful photos and guidance.

So consider permission granted to embrace disorderly conduct –  these three very accomplished style mavens have declared it a most legitimate pursuit.