The FLOWER magazine 2023 reading list collects the new home, garden, entertaining, and floral books selected and reviewed by our editors in the past year. It’s a great place to browse for any titles you missed or a friend may need for their collection.
Defining Chic: Carrier and Company Interiors
by Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller (Rizzoli, September 2023), $60
Sit back and enjoy this armchair tour of inspired interiors designed by Carrier and Company. For almost 20 years, firm principals Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller have been creating timeless, uniquely customized homes for their clients. As the talented duo explains, “We care deeply that the spaces we create are comfortable, that they function effortlessly for the lives they support, and that they are never under-decorated or over-designed.” Readers will delight in the designers’ firsthand accounts of their individualized process for a variety of projects, including a historic, art-filled New York duplex; a refreshed Mediterranean-style California home; and an updated Connecticut lakeside retreat replete with glass expanses to capture the views.
The New Classic Home
by Paloma Contreras (Abrams, October 2023), $45
Successfully combining traditional and modern elements in a space is a design task that many people—both amateurs and professionals—find challenging. In her newest book, award-winning designer Paloma Contreras o ers tips for creating classic yet fresh interiors using her four main techniques—color, scale and proportion, texture and pattern, and tension. She demonstrates how to incorporate timeless pieces while also mixing in a bit of glamour. According to Contreras, this book is “a tangible representation of my evolution as a designer and features some of my best and favorite work to date.” Her text is accompanied by stunning images of her projects in locations ranging from Houston to Palm Beach and New York to Cashiers, North Carolina.
City Parks
by Christopher Beanland (Batsford, May 2023), $35
Public parks in cities around the world have long been favorite gathering places for those seeking a bit of nature within the confines of concrete jungles. And the pandemic only emphasized the fact that these parks are an essential part of modern life. Journalist and author Christopher Beanland explores famous spots such as London’s Hyde Park and New York’s Central Park while also treating readers to the beauty of lesser-known nature escapes like Tempelhof in Berlin (formerly an airport) and Freeway Park in Seattle, situated over a motorway. With 50 featured parks, this book showcases every genre from the iconic and historic to the newest and most cutting-edge—each one with its own unique take on combining nature and architecture.
Charm School
by Emma Bazilian and Stephanie Diaz (The Monacelli Press, 2023), $55
Everyone loves a good comeback story, and there’s one happening right now in the decorating world. Schumacher Books, a division of FSCO Media, has teamed up with Monacelli to explore the old-school techniques that are showing up in fresh ways. Discover how to execute traditional design for the next generation while exploring timeless rooms by talents such as Celerie Kemble, Markham Roberts, and Ashley Whittaker.
Designing Rooms with Joie de Vivre
by Amanda Reynal (Abrams, October 2023), $40
In her first book, designer Amanda Reynal offers an in-depth look at her style philosophy that favors comfort over formality. Known for her stunning interiors, the designer has a knack for balancing beauty with practicality in a manner that welcomes family, friends, and even pets. She deftly incorporates bold color in a modern way while also layering spaces for livability and ease. Throughout the book, Reynal guides readers through her rules of interior design and pairs those lessons with beautiful images of her projects. The designer’s artful blending of sophistication with functionality resonates with today’s homeowners as she celebrates interiors dedicated to busy families who love to entertain.
French Blooms: Floral Arrangements Inspired by Paris and Beyond
By Sandra Sigman (Rizzoli, 2023), $40
While living in Paris in her twenties, award-winning floral designer Sandra Sigman discovered that the French view each floral arrangement as a work of art. Here, she shares the design principles she learned and offers tutorials for creating French-inspired arrangements. Topics include how to choose the right containers, the correct way to care for various flowers, and the tools needed to each project. Stunning photographs, many taken in Paris, Provence, and Normandy, add authenticity and inspiration throughout the book.
Think Like a Decorator: To Create a Comfortable, Original, and Stylish Home
By Leslie Banker (Rizzoli, 2023), $45
Leslie Banker, daughter of legendary designer Pamela Banker, has been surrounded by decorating experts her whole life. Her mother taught her that in order to think like a decorator, you have to focus on developing the story of the space and of those who live in it. Now Leslie is showing readers how to use that advice to give a room style, depth, and a personalized look. She also includes Q&As from celebrated designers such as Amanda Nisbet, Christopher Spitzmiller, and Alexa Hampton.
The Artistry of Flowers: Floral Design by La Musa de las Flores
by María Gabriela Salazar (Rizzoli, March 2023), $50
Floral designer Gabriela Salazar appreciates florals in the same way she appreciates art—and she wants her readers to do the same. As she explains, “Colors, textures, movement, shape—it all seems an artist’s work, with everything needing to strike a fine balance, like a composition.” The designer draws from her painting background as she shares her methods for creating arrangements that range from simple and sculptural to intricate and colorful. Celebrated photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo joins Salazar in this journey with her stunning images that bring the floral designer’s words to life.
An Entertaining Life: Designing Town and Country
By Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen (Vendome Press, 2023), $60
After 30 years together, both professionally and personally, design virtuosos Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen have created countless projects around the world. In this book, they feature their own houses in London and Sussex, as well as many client projects, such as a Balinese-style home in the Caribbean and a luxurious villa in Sicily. Readers are treated to several chapters focused on the design duo’s collections, home office, and formal gardens that they use for entertaining. In addition, the two talents share personal anecdotes, tips about their design philosophy, and delicious recipes from their favorite dinners.
Connecticut Gardens: A Celebration of the State’s Historic, Public, and Private Gardens
By Caryn B. Davis and Chris Lawrie (Globe Pequot 2023) $31.49
Photographer Caryn B. Davis takes readers on a visual tour of some of the state’s most breathtaking historic, public, and private gardens. From simple cottage gardens to stunning botanical achievements and sumptuous formal landscapes, this book introduces readers to the glorious gardens created by passionate amateurs, professional designers, and notable luminaries such as Frederick Law Olmsted, Gertrude Jekyll, and Beatrix Farrand. …With lush photography and entertaining yet informative text, Connecticut Gardens is a delight to the senses and serves as a useful guide for discovering new gardens to behold.
French Country Cottage Christmas
By Courtney Allison (Gibbs Smith 2023), $30.99
In her newest book, photographer and lifestyle authority Courtney Allison helps the reader celebrate the season in cozy French Country Cottage style with luscious photography and a plethora of inspiration and ideas for trees in themes from baubles to flowers; décor indoors and outdoors; flowers, garlands, and wreaths; tables, dining, and entertaining; entryways, stairways, and every room of the house; outbuildings; pretty packages; and twinkle lights galore. Plus, she includes a little bit of Christmas magic from a snowy mountain cabin, a vintage travel trailer at the lake, and a Paris apartment with a balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
The Book of Marble
(Taschen, 2023), $125
Earlier this year, FLOWER style editors highlighted the popularity of marble—both faux and real—in decor and accessories. If you can’t get enough marble, don’t miss Taschen’s new The Book of Marble ($125), a facsimile edition of Jan Christiaan Sepp’s 1776 work, Marmor Soorten. The beautifully bound and slipcased book includes more than 500 marble types illustrated in 100 hand-colored plates.
Suzanne Rheinstein: A Welcoming Elegance
Suzanne Rheinstein, Michael Boodro (Rizzoli, 2023), $34.50
This is Rheinstein’s 3rd and, sadly, final book. My copy arrived on the day I learned of her passing. Such a talented woman who always embraced her Southern roots and whose style was the epitome of gracious living. My favorite advice in the book—something I heard her repeat many times through the years—“Go Rolex or go Timex. Both offer excellent value. Going down the middle is the kiss of death.”—Karen Carroll, FLOWER Editor-at-Large
Mario Buatta: Anatomy of a Decorator
By Emily Evans Eerdmans (Rizzoli, 2023), $50.29
Written by Buatta’s friend and protégé Emily Evans Eerdmans, this volume is a fascinating look into the life, style, and inspiration of one of America’s most famous interior decorators. Through archival material including presentation boards, scrapbooks, and correspondence with clients and fellow designers, it explores and formalizes Buatta’s design vocabulary and how-tos.
The Land Gardeners: Soil to Table
By Bridget Elworthy & Henrietta Courtauld with recipes from Chef Lulu Cox and paintings from Nancy Cadogan (Thames & Hudson, 2023) $48.97
The Land Gardeners’ third book speaks to the power of good food, which is only made possible from good soil. The book is complete with teachings on the importance of good soil, tips for the attaining the best soil, personal anecdotes, mouthwatering recipes, and a feast for the eyes photography. Healthy land produces healthy, flavorful food, and The Land Gardeners seek to reestablish that understanding and aide anyone looking for a better relationship with food.
Jon Carloftis Fine Gardens
By Jon Carloftis (West High LLC), $59.95
With over 30 years of garden design, Jon Carloftis gives his audience a peek behind the curtain in his eponymous book, with a look inside several private and public gardens from across his career. Photographer Abby Laub captures Jon’s creative genius in her breathtaking photography. The book is full of inspired images of stunning landscapes in every season, as it celebrates Jon’s beautiful vision.
The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young Collectors
By Michael Diaz-Griffith (The Monacelli Press, 2023) $48.24
The antique market is alive and well thanks to a new generation of designers. The New Antiquarians celebrates young designers who value living with history. They know how to mix old and new to create a fresh and sustainable style. Designer Michael Diaz-Griffith expertly examines the new trend and helps readers understand how they can tag along!
The Gardening Book
By Monty Don (Penguin Random House, 2023) $32.50
Beloved gardener Monty Don released his 32nd book, The Gardening Book. It serves as a simple and approachable guide to gardeners with a plethora of different ambitions. Whether you want a small vegetable garden or breathtaking landscape, Monty offers tips and plans for how to make your dream garden a reality. Complete with charming personal anecdotes and pictures from his home garden, The Gardening Book is sure to please any gardener, wannabe gardener, or avid Monty Don fan.
The Encyclopedia of Cut Flowers
by Calvert Crary (Black Dog & Leventhal, 2023)
Executive Director of FlowerSchool NY, Calvert Crary packages his comprehensive knowledge of cut flowers into a simple book, accessible to anyone with any level of flower skills. In this guide, he includes over two hundred photos of flowers with his top tried and true tips. The book focuses on where to buy the flowers you love and how to keep them alive longer. Both the flower expert or the flower novice would find this book to be a helpful companion on their cultivation and designing journey.
By Julie Gillis and Carrie Clay