it wasn't even my birthday, but she surprised me with a present--this beautiful book, etcetera: creating beautiful interiors with things you love by sibella court.
as a design resource, the message is pretty simple:
embrace the things you love
treasure the things you have
don't be afraid of change
it encourages the practice of collecting (anything that inspires you, from shells to ceramics, or fabrics or prints or paintbrushes) and displaying your obsessions--even as they evolve. they will come to define your style and make your home more inviting because, ideally, they will reflect you...
my two favorite things about the book:
the emphasis on pre-loved things...
(what percentage am i sentimental? 85 % 98%? i don't know, but it's high--which perhaps explains why i'm not driven to shop and am mostly uninterested in "collectibles" but manage to have a lot of STUFF. my favorite things are books, art, photos, jewelry--some were gifts or items i've picked up on a trip, though these days photos are my souvenirs. i am working on doing a little recycling and re-gifting, you know, to let go a little bit, but as ms. court notes in the book--there are some things that should be treasured. i like the idea of vintage, but don't need many more things, especially other people's things. pre-loved sounds more personal--i like that idea very much.)
and: the photographs, taken by the author's brother, chris court (it's officially one of my dreams to collaborate on a book project like this). as you'll see below--the light and focus are soft and beautiful. his shots are 1000% inspiring...
all photos in this post by chris court...
this book will remain one of my personal treasures in part because it's gorgeous, in idea and execution...
but mostly because i will remember that on a monday, my sister came over to my apartment for coffee and snacks and some good relaxing sister time.
it wasn't even my birthday, but she surprised me with a present...
