Amanda Nisbet Archives

Fine Print: 25 Best Design Books of 2012

The constant stream of books into my home may be the best perk of being a blogger. While I’ve been aiming to pare down my possessions, I still revel in the glossy pages of beautifully photographed rooms. It helps that I have a rather grand set of built in bookshelves in my living room, which looks best when full. Then of course there’s the console table behind the sofa that needs a stack, and the coffee table (a Heywood-Wakefield with a top that turns, inherited from my husband’s grandparents). A couple of these don’t squarely fall in the design category, and I don’t actually own every one, but I did browse and love them all.

b e s t d e s i g n b o o k s 2 0 1 2

Steven Gambrel Time & Space, Abrams 2012

Playful Home, Rizzoli 2012

Kelly Wearstler Rhapsody, Rizzoli 2012

Diane Keaton House, Rizzoli 2012

Classical Chinese Furniture, Vendome Press 2012

Brooklyn Makers, Princeton Architectural Press 2012

Susanna Salk Be Your Own Decorator, Rizzoli 2012

Jennifer Post Pure Space, Rizzoli 2012

Cupcakes and Cashmere, Abrams 2012

Home by Novogratz, Artisan 2012

Young House Love, Artisan 2012

Amanda Nisbet Dazzling Design, Stewart, Tabori & Chang 2012

The Art Book, Phaidon 2012

This Old House The Best Homes, Abrams 2012

Alvar Aalto Houses, Princeton Architectural Press 2012

Thom Filicia American Beauty, Clarkson Potter 2012

Roman and Williams Things We Made, Rizzoli 2012

Interiors | Atelier AM, Rizzoli 2012

The Iconic Interior, Abrams 2012

200 Small Apartment Ideas, Firefly Books 2012

Ann Getty Interior Style, Rizzoli 2012

Lars Bolander Interior Design and Inspiration, TeNeues 2012

Eric Cohler Cohler on Design, The Monacelli Press 2012

Darryl Carter The Collected Home, Clarkson Potter 2012

French Flair Modern Vintage Interiors, Flammarion 2012

Giveaway: Win Amanda Nisbet’s New Book

I often feature rooms designed by Amanda Nisbet, so was excited to learn she has her first book coming out. (Stewart, Tabori and Chang, September 15, 2012.). In celebration of “What’s New What’s Next“ at the New York Design Center this Thursday, I am giving away a signed copy. Just leave a comment on this post about a new interior design look you love, or one you’d wish would go away.

Stop by the NYDC for “What’s New What’s Next”

Designers, editors, and topics include:
Thom Filicia & Elle Decor editor, Michael Boodro
Charlotte Moss & House Beautiful editor, Newell Turner
Simon Doonan on Jonathan Adler’s new collection for Kravet
Celerie Kemble on her new book Black & White
and Amanda Nisbet on her new book Dazzling Designs

WHAT: What’s New, What’s Next
WHERE: New York Design Center, 200 Lexington Ave., NYC
WHEN: September 13, 2012 – 3-9pm
RSVP: Click here.

A M A N D A N I S B E T
I love the colors and patterns she infuses into her classic designs, which lighten the mood.

To enter to win a signed copy of Amanda Nisbet’s Dazzling Designs, leave a comment on this post about a new look you love or a look you are totally over already. Be sure it posts with your email address so I can contact you if you win. Deadline to enter is Monday, Sept. 17 at midnight E.S.T.

Site Spotlight: Decorator Tag Sale

Ever wonder what designers do with the stuff that clients just can’t stomach? Or extra fabric? Or what if the designer just ordered wrong? (Hey, it happens.) Decorator Tag Sale lets designers put the goods up for sale, at a discount of course, rather than let it sit taking up space in their showroom or some warehouse.

A search of the site turned up pretty decent pieces from some of my favorite designers, including Amanda Nisbet, Sara Gilbane, and Tori Golub. Other participating designers include John Loecke, Foley & Cox, Timothy Whealon, and Philip Gorrivan. Take a look at my finds:

Chartreuse tufted chair with navy blue trim and gray stained legs, originally $1,800, now $1,000 from Amanda Nisbet.

French birdcage in original pale green paint with zinc tray, originally $1,750, now $1,400 from Tori Golub.

Fontana Arte crystal chandelier with clear and smoked glass, circa 1960, originally $8,750, now $7,000.

Double brass lamp with perforated cone shades, originally $1,188, now $950 from Tori Golub.

Pair of French leather armchairs with dark palissandre frames, originally $875, now $700 from Tori Golub.

1970’s painted metal hanging light, probably from Northern Europe, originally $500, now $300.

Custom laminated black and white acrylic side table with black pull out tray, originally $1,800, now $950 from Christopher Coleman.

Porcelain double gourd vase by Two’s Company in imperial yellow, originally $63, now $44 from Sara Gilbane.

Orange and pink striped cushions, originally $125, now $90 from Amanda Nisbet.

Nautilus pillow in blue and brown cut velvet on linen, originally $200, now $100 from Amanda Nisbet.

Real tree trunk side table, originally $950, now $675 from Sandra Oster.

One yard of embroidered Osborne and Little “Bahia” fabric from Liberty’s “Pampas” collection, originally $167, now $143 from Sara Gilbane.

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ARTmonday: Polly Apfelbaum

I learned of Polly Apfelbaum when I saw her work hanging in interior designer Amanda Nisbet‘s daughter’s pink bedroom. I promptly Googled (thankfully the mag supplied the credit) and was rewarded. I LOVE Polly Apfelbaum. Her work reminds me a bit of another favorite of mine, Beatriz Milhazes. Turns out that fine art publisher Durham Press creates prints of both women’s work. Seeing how MOMA owns Apfelbaum’s work, a print is about as close as I’ll get to ever owning one.

• • •

Blossom, 2000
Dye, Synthetic Velvet
Collection, MOMA, NYC