Can you tell I’m on holiday?  Seriously, I’m spoiling you people with all these posts.

Anyway, I had to tell you about another gift I received from W for Christmas (thank you, baby!) that I’ve dived into headfirst.  It’s a book that’s been on my Must Have list for probably over year and a half…  Indeed, it’s been in print for over 2 years.  What do you mean this is old news and you already have it?  Ok, ok, humour me anyway…

So yeah, I’m entirely aware that I’m way late in the game on this one, what with the magazine long out of print already.  See, this is one wee problem I have with being an American living in the UK – sensations such as Domino magazine practically came and went without my knowledge.  Indeed, I actually picked up on the Domino sensation when everyone was crying that it was closing down.  When we went to Reykjavik, Iceland in January 2010, I saw a back issue left on a table in a small bistro and immediately grabbed it to page through – wondering what all the fuss was about that I kept reading about on American blogs.  It’s the only time I’ve ever had a physical copy of the magazine in my scrubby mitts.

Domino – The Book of Decorating immediately went on my Wish List on Amazon but I never actually pushed the ‘purchase’ button, I’m not even entirely sure why.  In the last few days, I have absolutely devoured the pages – there’s so much inspiration and I’ve got renewed enthusiasm for all the work we have ahead.

Just a tiny example of some of the ideas it’s given me, providing some renewed oomph to get off my arse and start going for it in my own home…

Lately, we’ve been considering upgrading to a 4 poster king-sized bed. This is because it’s been cold at night and so we find ourselves sharing our bed with kitties, who despite SEEMINGLY small, take up an inordinate amount of space on our small double bed.

Exhibit A and B

Now, this is a fabulous DIY alternative to a 4 poster that takes advantage of the high ceilings.  Also, I’m loving the combination of soft metallics with grey, white and cream.

The picture below has given me some ideas for the make-shift ‘drinks cart‘ I’m intending to have in the dining room.  Who needs a trolley when a table will work just as well?  This looks so elegant and I love pop of colour in the flowers.

 

I could go on but you get the idea.  In fact, I’m not even going to do a proper review on this book because it’s been done, many times over on a hundred different blogs over the last couple of years but the beautiful, timeless style speaks to me in so many ways.  It’s eclectic and classic and fresh all at the same time.  Some commenters warned the images are mostly from previous issues of Domino magazine.  Well, as someone who was never able to see back issues due to being overseas, it’s much like a ‘best of’, which suits me perfectly.

I’ve been a blog girl for a good few years now, picking up on design trends and attempting to hone my style from the numerous beautiful blogs I read on a daily basis.  Before blogs, it was always magazines which I used to buy every single month without fail… but this has started me thinking that I’m missing a trick with books.

As such, I must turn to my readers… What books are a ‘must read’ from your point of view?  Any you would recommend?  Do tell in the comments.  I’m all ears.  Erm, eyes.  Yeah, you know what I mean.