If you’ve been following Café Design for some time then you may have noticed that I often share with you old design books that I come across in my travels. Like many of you, I love design books both old and new, but the old ones offer something that the new ones cannot – they let us see which design elements stand test of time and which ones do not. So whenever I visit an old antiques store or charity shop, the book aisle is one of the first ones I scour, with often rewarding results. Buying (hunting, really) out-of-print design books can be a thrilling and economically-rewarding endeavor. For instance, last year I found John Stefanidis’ book Island Sanctuary for pennies. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn a commission on all qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Long story short, during our trip to the Bay Area a couple of weeks ago I found a great new (to me) design book that I’d love to share with you. I found this one at Half Price Books in Downtown Berkeley and it has been my travel companion on the long flight back home. Country Living – The Peaceful Home is such a beautiful read, packed with great tips and chapters that cover everything from the basics of decorating to the more subtle elements that make homes truly personal, and calming. A discussion on the senses and Feng Shui turned an otherwise charming book into an awesome read for me. All things considered, the ratio of inspiration and useful information vs cost makes this book a great find. Here’s a peek at some of the lovely spaces featured, which are only the cherry on top:
If you enjoyed this peek into Country Living – The Peaceful Home, you may be happy to hear that used copies can be found on Amazon, link below.
Country Living – The Peaceful Home
For more design book reviews, make sure to check out the following Café Design stories:
Book Review | Michael S. Smith – Houses
Book Review | Inspirational Interiors by Roger Banks-Pye
Book Review | Sketchbooks, by George Saumarez Smith
Book Review | British Designers at Home, by Jenny Rose-Innes
Take care!
I love that you share these wonderful pictures of warm, inviting homes showing many styles. I am getting bored with a few other Blogs I follow- neutral, neutral and just more neutral- oh so boring and starting to look too staged and not like a real home. I enjoy the book ideas you share, especially today’s post. I just ordered my own used copy of Country Living.
Many thanks, keep sharing and hope you have a great day.
Author
Thank you so much, Lynn! You’re kind to leave such a sweet comment – hope you love the book!
xo, Eva
Lovely book…and a nice one to peruse on your way home. Glad you were able to enjoy our NorCal weather. We just wish we could get more rain before summer.
Author
Thank you, Rebecca! Praying for some much-needed rain on the Golden Coast!
Nice to see some new images as the same photos keep circling and circling through instagram
Author
Thanks, Kris!!