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7 Design Books to Put on Your Radar

These design books cover everything from interiors to exteriors—and are sure to motivate, teach and (most of all) inspire.


VICTORIA HAGAN: LIVE NOW
By Victoria Hagan

Spending time at home took on a whole new meaning last year—and that was a big motivator behind why designer Victoria Hagan decided to put together this book (her third), which debuted at the end of October. Described as “a creative manifesto and a life-affirming look at the nature of home, and how it connects and calms us, comforts and nourishes us,” the tome highlights a dozen of her gorgeous projects, including homes in the Hamptons, Greenwich, Nantucket, and more.


NEW YORK INTERIORS
By Simon Upton

Celebrate the beauty, creativity and utter uniqueness of New York’s homes in this debut by interiors photographer Simon Upon. In this book, you’ll get a peek into the homes of everyone from Aerin Lauder to Hamish Bowles, with each property offering a different vibe and aesthetic. And along with urban homes—featured in the aptly- named “City” section—there are also a host from NYC-adjacent hotspots like the Hudson Valley.



TAKE IT OUTSIDE: A GUIDE TO DESIGNING BEAUTIFUL SPACES JUST BEYOND YOUR DOOR 
By Mel Brasier, Garrett Magee, and James DeSantis

Start planning for outdoor living season now with this new book by the stars of Bravo’s Backyard Envy, out in early December. Whether you’re looking to switch things up in your backyard or just want some new, creative ideas, the trio offer just that. Expect lots of tips and tricks for how to transform your space, including gardens, dining areas and more, with their signature use of traditional interior design rules.


BEACHSIDE: WINDSOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
By Hadley Keller

Winter might be around the corner, but this book by Hadley Keller—the digital director at House Beautiful—will have you wishing for warm weather and beach days. Centering on Windsor, a village in Vero Beach, FL, the 272-page book takes you inside its homes, many of which were designed by the likes of Steven Gambrel and Alessandra Branca. Sections are organized by room, including “Living Rooms,” “Dining Rooms and Kitchens,” and (of course) an entire chapter dedicated to pools, terraces and the like, offering one gorgeous shot after another.


HOME: A CELEBRATION
Edited By Charlotte Moss

This new book from interior designer and philanthropist Charlotte Moss offers the chance to not only page through inspirational photos, essays and artwork, but also give back: A portion of the proceeds support No Kid Hungry, a nonprofit that helps provide meals and more for children. The 224-page book includes contributions from famous names, including Alice Waters, Gloria Steinem, Bette Midler and designers Nina Campbell and Martyn Lawrence Bullard, among others.


INDIA MAHDAVI
By India Mahdavi

If you love color and the magical and sometimes surreal way it can transform a space, than add this self-titled debut by Paris-based, Tehran-born designer India Mahdavi to your list. Just released this October, the 360-page coffee table book features a variety of Mahdavi’s projects— from The Gallery at the Sketch in London, to restaurants, residential homes, and even retail items like furniture and lighting. Plus, you’ll find a book-within-a-book of the authors own photographs.


THE WELL-LOVED HOUSE: CREATING HOMES WITH COLOR, COMFORT, AND DRAMA
By Ashley Whittaker

With her signature use of color and penchant for creating rooms that stand out, designer Ashley Whittaker introduces readers to an array of her work in her debut book, The Well-Loved House, which came out in September. She features her own home—a first for her—plus others in Connecticut and Florida that will leave you inspired and reaching for a paintbrush.

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