A Stylist's Guide to NYC by Sibella Court

Murdoch | Large images © Sibella Court | others via

Given Sibella Court worked in New York City for ten years as an interior stylist for leading American magazines and brand, it is no surprise that her second book, A Stylist's Guide to NYC, is a visual treat. As well as featuring her own photography, the book shares Sibella's favourite spots in the city, told through a series of walks and journeys across NYC that focus on 'loops' of interest, such as 'Jewellery and Hardware', 'Haberdashers and Handmade' and 'Furniture and Interiors'. There's also a handy pull-out map of Manhattan, which is accompanied by lists of recommended stores, galleries and markets to visit. Next time I am lucky enough to visit this wonderful city, I'll be taking A Stylist's Guide to NYC with me to direct me towards the intriguing and inspiring places she has highlighted within the book's beautifully designed pages. Have you read the book, or used it on a recent trip to the city? What did you think of it?

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Jonathan Adler: Accessorising and Colour Ideas

If you're looking for a couple of inspiring decorating reads for the Easter break, then Jonathan Adler's Happy Chic Colours and Happy Chic Accessorising are your must buys. I've been nosing through them on my Tube commutes for the past week and have on several occasions I've been so engrossed in his upbeat and exciting ideas that I've nearly missed my stop! Expect to find inspired colour themes inside 'Colours', with Benjamin Moore shades picked out for many of the colour themes so you can literally shop the looks you like. You'll also find product 'inspiration boards' that give plenty of shopping ideas whether you're looking to makeover a whole room, or just a standalone statement piece. 'Accessorising' is equally as inspiring: the collection of divine vases (seen below) made me rethink the ability to make an impact by grouping multiple vases of varying shapes. Plus, throughout the book Jonathan shares his tips and reasoning behind why he accessorised his home the way he did, giving the title an informal and accessible tone. Here are some of my favourite pages from the issue...

Book images are courtesy of Jessica Antola | Jonathan Adler | Sterling Innovation | Review layouts by Bright.Bazaar

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Decorate Book Party and Review

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of joining an small group of fellow journalists, writers and bloggers for an intimate private talk with Holly Becker, founder of the decor8 blog, to discuss her and Joanna Copestick's new book, Decorate. Holly spent the first thirty minutes talking candidly about her life experiences and how they had ultimately taken her full circle to the publishing of her first book. Questions from the room prompted more inspiring (and amusing!) tales from Holly, before we moved into Liberty's new Dining Room for a table demonstration. Joined by the ever-inspiring Leslie Shewring (who I was beyond excited to finally meet in person) from A Creative Mint, and Sania Pell, Holly talked to a packed out room about the creative and crafty ways they had created an original tabletop.

As for the book, well, it really is as good as you've no doubt been reading. No surprise given the calibure of talent involved in Decorate: Debi Treloar delivers inspired and original photography, whilst Holly and Joanna Copestick - author of more than ten books - provide relaxed, engaging and accessible copy. Plus, peppered throughout the book are quotes and ideas from designers and bloggers alike - it sure is fun to see names you recognise throughout the book! Split into four sections - Space Matters, Setting Your Style, Room By Room, Attention To Detail - Decorate chooses to focus on providing ideas, rather than focusing on a particular design aesthetic, making it exciting to read as eclectic styles await with every page turn. Published by Jacqui Small, Decorate is by far my favourite decorating book of the year. Have you read Decorate? What was your favourite feature of the book? Mine is the cosy and colourful dining space that I've shared below - I could move in right away!

Press event images, Bright.Bazaar | Table demo images are courtesy of Liberty | Book images are courtesy of Anna-Malin | Decor8 | Jacqui Small

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Casual Living

If you're like me you'll probably think of your home as a sanctuary from the world; a place where you can shut off and relax. Casual Living is the latest offering from best-selling author and interiors expert Judith Wilson, and provides ideas for two key looks around this idea - Country Casual and City Casual. The books details the different ingredients you need to create a relaxed and comfortable look for your home, before going onto show you how they translate into rooms throughout the house. I've picked out some of my favourite looks and spaces from the book - which space calls out the most to you?

Casual Living by Judith Wilson | Ryland Peters & Small | Photography by Polly Wreford

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Details, Lili Diallo

I've been excited to read Lili Diallo's book, Details, since I heard about the project late last year - now I've had the chance the leaf through the pages of Clarkson Potter's latest offering, I know it doesn't disappoint. You will find yourself lost for hours in amongst the streams of inspirational photography by Annie Schlechter, who so perfectly captures Diallo's work. Split into five sections - Texture, Colour, Objects, Mood, Dash of Style - it's easy to dip in to quickly to find specific ideas, or take time to leisurely read the book. Given Diallo's passion for the details, it was no surprise that I found myself drawn to the close up vignettes she had created: Delicate blooms soften a navy tablescape; Espresso bowls, and vintage tea cups in brightly coloured hues, offset a white crockery set; and Polaroids add personality to a mantle. Diallo's tone is friendly, upbeat and personable throughout, which, for me, is the book's strongest USP. That said, I was never not going to love a book with a section titled, 'Staging a Bright Intervention', was I?!

Details by Lili Diallo (Text written with Zoe Wolff) | Photography by Annie Schlechter | Published by Clarkson Potter

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Book Review: Romantic Style

After reading this wonderful interview with Selina Lake I couldn't wait to delve into her new book, Romantic Style, and immerse myself in a world of all things delicate and vintage. Written by Sara Norrman and photographed by Debi Treloar, it's no surprise that Ryland, Peters & Small's latest offering is a visual treat. Although, in all honesty, I was taken by surprise. Not due to a lack of talent by all those involved, far from it, but because I didn't think I would relate to the decorating style. How wrong I was! 

Split into three sections - Romantic Inspirations, Styling and Rooms - the book won me over with every page turn. Selina's relaxed styling and Sara's inspiring copy had me engrossed from the outset, not to mention Debi's spot-on photography. I think what appealed most was the abundant use of colour throughout; I had expected it to be shot mainly in white-washed rooms but, pleasingly, I found myself inspired to work the look into modern, colourful schemes. It will come as no surprise then, that my favourite section was Romantic Modern, where Selina makes it easy to see how a romantic style can soften a modern space. It's also worth mentioning that the details chapters on creating a romantic look with flowers, fabrics and lighting is hugely insightful. Romantic Style is a smashing book that inspires well beyond the turn of the final page.

Romantic Style by Selina Lake & Sara Norrman | Book photography by Debi Treloar | Published by Ryland, Peters & Small to whom all copyright belongs

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{Book Review: American Modern}

Can I tell you a little secret? There's a bit of a man crush going on over here on Bright.Bazaar today and it's all because of one super sophisticated book. American Modern from Abrams books is the charming product of Thomas O'Brien. With it's chic grey cover this book is a delight from the outset and inside we are treated to inspiration from many of O'Brien's projects: a downtown New York City loft, a traditional Connecticut estate, and a converted schoolhouse in eastern Long Island. With each project, the reader is given advice on how to make the best of colour relationships, along with perfecting the art of scale. Beautifully photographed by Laura Resen and split into seven main sections from Traditional Modern to Urban Modern and Elegant Modern to Vintage Modern the 240 pages are almost certain to inspire and, if I'm honest, charm your socks off! This is a considered book of true elegance and style - bravo, Thomas.

Book by Thomas O'Brien | Images within book by Laura Resen | Styling and layouts for review by Bright.Bazaar

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