In general, I’m one who likes to check out books from the library as it saves money and space in your house, but design books are different. They are reference books used for inspiration or tutorials to have on hand when you’re making. For this reason, in addition to our monthly book club, I decided I would share some of my favorite design and craft books with you in a new feature called Lars Library. Every season I’ll share my favorite books, generally new releases, so you can be in the know on the latest and greatest books on the market right now, books that you should definitely add to your design library. Check in every so often for the best of the best. You can find them all on one page here.
Lars’ Favorite Reads for Spring 2017
1. Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein. We are big fans of Floret Farms and they’re beautiful gardens up in Washington State. They sell seeds you can buy for your own garden AND they just came out with this gorgeous book on how to create your own cut flower garden. I’m taking notes for my future garden. PS–See their tutorial on how to create a spring floral arrangement here
2. In the Mood for Colour by Hans Blomquist. Somehow I only discovered Blomquist’s work rather recently and I promptly ordered all of his books. He’s master stylist and I could die happy in every single room he creates. This book is one part instructional with tips on how to use color and one part inspirational.
3. Botanicum by Kathy Willis and Katie Scott. A must have for every plant and flower lover. It’s gorgeously illustrated and an informational reference book for botanicals. I bought mine from Costco a couple of weeks ago for a great price.
4.In Detail by Hans Blomquist. This is not a new book, but it’s a new to me book and like I mentioned, I ordered all of his books. It’s a must have for every interiors lover.
5. Hello Tokyo by Ebony Bizys. A super rad DIY book from one of my favorite bloggers in Tokyo!
6. Old Home Love by Andy and Candis Meredith. Andy and Candis of HGTV’s Old Home Love just came out with a book shot here in Utah and photographed by Chaunte Vaughn (the photographer of our upcoming book!) and styled by my good friend, Meta Coleman, assisted by my sister, Caitlin Watson Boyes, and so many others. You’ll even spot some of my own furniture and props throughout 😉 I’ll be doing a feature on it soon. Stay tuned! It’s a beautiful look at historic homes complete with tips and inspiration.
7. Happy Home Outside by Charlotte Gueniau. One of my favorite brands, Rice DK, came out with this lovely celebratory ode to outside spaces and parties. It’s part DIY and part lifestyle.
8. Make It Yours by Christine Schmidt. We featured a project from this book back in March, but wanted to show it here to. Christine is a master creative in so many ways.
9. The Exquisite Book of Paper Flower Transformations by Livia Cetti. A follow up to her first book on paper flowers, this one is so so so gorgeous. Buy it if only for the photos.
10. Handpicked: Simple, Sustainable, and Seasonal Formal Arrangements by Ingrid Carozzi. A truly beautiful book about floral arranging.
11. Bold Blooms by Kaffe Fasset. Quilt and textile designer, Fasset, takes us through where he gets his inspiration. Any flower lover will love looking at the process of how he designs his quilts.
12. The Modern Natural Dyer by Kristine Vejar. The bible for natural dying.
13. In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney. Design*Sponge’s Bonney presents a wonderful view on women in the design world right now. It’s a must have for any maker wanting to feel connected to the creative community.
Are there any that I’m missing? I’d love to hear what’s inspiring YOU this season! Let me know and I’ll take a look.