Short days and a lack of sunlight make us dream about beautiful architecture and interiors.
IRMA selected her favourite books to get her going in redesigning her apartment. Why don’t you join her? Let these books inspire you, whether it’s for a small decorating project or for a major redecorating effort.
KITCHEN KULTURE
By Gestalten
Not so long ago the kitchen had a single purpose: the preparation of food. These days, the kitchen is a multi-functional hub, often the most favorite part of the home with many extra roles—as a dining room, a gathering place for family and friends, a work space. This book showcases the latest interiors and kitchen concepts. Picking up on current social and aesthetic trends, the beautiful modern kitchens presented in this inspiring volume are from all over Europe and range from a tiny kitchenette in a small studio apartment to a vast open-plan kitchen.
IRMA LOVES to pick up on ideas such as a rolling kitchen island, a floating counter, a kitchenette that can be hidden behind folding doors or cabinets and shelves that move freely along a rail for flexible storage.
CHIC STAYS
By Assouline
The editorial team of Condé Nast Traveller has put together their first travel coffee table book, and it is truly a feast for the eyes. In fact, they asked an inspiring group of globetrotting actors, musicians, models and more to share their favorite places across the world, enlisting stars like Kate Winslet, Sofia Coppola and Guy Ritchie to share their top venues to unwind in, and asking their top photographers to provide stunning picture to go along with the stories.
IRMA LOVES to discover celebrity hotel picks and has completely fallen in love with Allesandra Ambrosio’s rustic beach hideaway, UXUA Casa Hotel and Spa in Trancoso, Brazil. For sleek sophistication, sugary sand beaches and a luxurious spa, you can’t go wrong with Eva Longoria’s favorite, One&Only Palmilla in Cabo.
SCANDINAVIA DREAMING
By Gestalten
The trend of Nordic living that has been so popular over the last years is not going anywhere soon, and this book is the best proof of why we all love it so much. Nordic design can be both light and friendly as well as sleek and sophisticated. The contemporary spaces presented in this lavish volume couldn’t be more different, showcasing the beauty and variety of Nordic design. The book also profiles a mix of emerging talent and renowned brands that have influenced the Nordic design industry, such as Ferm Living and Frama.
IRMA LOVES the fact that the projects presented in this book look like they translate well into other four walls. It feels easy to pick up on design ideas and elements to incorporate in your own home, even if it’s otherwise not in a Nordic style. A warm sheepskin looks great on any chair, for example.
LIVING UNDER THE SUN
By Gestalten
Wouldn’t we all like to live like this? This beautifully illustrated book showcases the best examples of modern houses between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. With their lush gardens, stunning swimming pools, huge sliding doors and windows that open onto terraces and outdoor rooms they fulfill our longing for easy living that effortlessly blends indoor and outdoor and let a breeze in.
IRMA LOVES to leaf through this stunningly photographed volume of modern tropical interiors and architecture during this time of year — the next best thing to escaping to the tropics.
ROOFTOPS: ISLANDS IN THE SKY
By Taschen
Architects and designers are discovering the tops of buildings in major cities as new playgrounds, from decks and rooftop gardens to expansions of living space. This new book by Taschen showcases the best rooftops around the world and explores how architects and designers are looking to the top of the skyline to expand the landscapes of dense cities. From Milan to New York to Hong Kong, these hidden havens are beautiful escapes from the bustling city life below.
IRMA LOVES planning her next holiday when it’s cold and grey outside, and this book provides plenty of inspiration for new travel destinations. How about the spectacular Skypark at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore or Jean Nouvel’s One Central Park in Sydney? Copycat the interior of these holiday-style havens for your own house.