7 Home Books to Inspire You

The unmistakable charm of fall—feeling the chill in the air, pulling out sweaters, lighting candles—has us embracing the comforts of home. Which makes it the per- fect time of year to transform your living space into a sanctuary of style and warmth. To help, we scouted a fabulous crop of new books from some of the design industry’s biggest talents that are brimming with interior advice and visual escapism.

1. David Netto by David Netto

There is a well-known phrase that good decorating is good storytelling, and no one does that better than LA-based interior designer David Netto. In his debut design book, Netto peppers in charming stories, (several written by his adoring clients), and honest commentary about the journey of turning houses into homes. As he writes, “My first project was filled with good antiques, mistakes, great advice and terror.” You’ll be in love with his words as much as his beautiful, elegant interiors

2. Peter Pennoyer Architects: City, Country by Peter Pennoyer and Annie Walker, with photography from Eric Piasecki

If you really want to dream and drool, then crack open this new book about Peter Pennoyer Architects and start taking notes— including those on how to merge two fabulous NYC townhouses into one. From penthouses to duplexes to triplexes, his “City” projects are out of this world. And the “Country” section gives us a peek into some truly extraordinary estates, including a Kentucky horse farm, an island estate in Maine and a stunning Long Island beachfront property.

3. Country Life: Homes of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley by William Abranowicz and Zander Abranowicz

The Catskills and the Hudson Valley are having a moment, and who better to capture an area near and dear to his heart than famed photographer William Abranowicz? The 20 featured homes—both simple and grand—encapsulate life and living upstate. Included are several restored 18th-century homes (George Washington even visited one!) as well as modern-day beauties, like the warehouse studio of two art legends.

4. Defining Chic: Carrier and Company Interiors by Jessie Carrier and Mara Miller

Hudson Valley-based husband-and-wife interior design couple, beloved by fashion insiders and celebrities (Hello, Jessica Chastain and Anna Wintour!), have a knack for balancing tradition with a sprinkling of modernity. Their homes are timeless yet fresh, and their new book gives the reader a peek into a series of the glamorous and livable homes—from California to Connecticut—that they’ve designed.

5. Alexa Hampton: Design, Style, and Influence by Alexa Hampton

Alexa Hampton, the daughter of legendary interior designer Mark Hampton, is an established interiors superstar in her own right. In fact, she has been named one of Architectural Digest’s top interior designers every year since 2002. In her long-awaited third book, Hampton invites readers into her New York City apartment and shares the inspirations (travel, churches, meals, maps) that shape her decorative process. Right from the start readers will learn an Alexa Hampton design secret: that personal collections and artwork are the key ingredients to making a room sing.

6. Ralph Lauren A Way of Living: Home, Lifestyles, Inspiration by Ralph Lauren

Who doesn’t want to live in a Ralph Lauren store? The genius designer is known for his sophisticated, classic interiors almost as much as his iconic clothing. In this gorgeous new tome commemorating 40 years of his home collection, Lauren invites us into his jaw-dropping residences in Montauk, NY, Jamaica, New York City, Colorado, and Bedford, NY—and the visuals are both beautiful and inspiring.

7. Jake Arnold: Redefining Comfort by Jake Arnold

If you haven’t seen British interior designer Jake Arnold’s work—which includes his recent collab with Crate & Barrel—then you’re in for a real treat. In this stunning book, (his first!) Arnold brings readers into nine home projects that embody his elegant mix of California cool with a drop of old- world British style. The result is a visual feast for the eyes that is pure delight.