This book is a celebration of Smith’s design aesthetic, a flawless blend of European classicism and American modernism. The projects range from a contemporary beach house in East Hampton to a Moroccan-influenced Mallorca escape, as well as two of Michael’s own homes, including his extraordinary apartment in a nineteenth-century palace in Madrid. Smith shares his inspirations and design process, and explores what makes a room truly comfortable: Can people relax on the seating? Is the furniture arranged to encourage conversation? Is there enough light, and is it flattering?
Classic by Design by Michael S. Smith, published by Rizzoli, is a book full of delicious spaces that will inspire you. His designs are so unique and really picture perfect, which makes wonderful content for a coffee table book! A must-add to your collection.

Next up is Nicole Hollis: Artistry of Home with photographs by Douglas Friedman and also published by Rizzoli. I’ve been a fan of Nicole Hollis’ work for years so this one is also a must-have in my ‘book’ ;). Speaking of creativity, hers is off the charts and seeing some of these spaces in print (that I have featured here on the blog in the past) makes them even more magical. Put this one on your Christmas list for sure!
Celebrated for her “delightfully elegant, understated interiors” (House Beautiful), and her fusing of artisanal elements into a contemporary approach to spaces, Nicole Hollis’s second book presents an inspirational look at the role of art and craft in interior design. Focusing on the profound effect that art, craft, and color can play in any interior, this book presents Hollis’s masterful new residential projects, in which the curation of art, objects, and custom furnishings are key to the character of the spaces. Spanning homes in New York, California, and Hawaii, each interior reveals a new lesson in the creative and playful juxtaposition of artistic elements.

And lastly I received Holly Hunt: Fearless in the World of Design. The cover is gorgeous, and if you are a fan of her high-end furniture and interior designs pick this one up. If you aren’t already a fan maybe skip this one. It’s a bit bland otherwise.
An influential figure on the design scene since the 1980s, Hunt is recognized for being the first to design gallerylike showrooms with a mix of high-end furnishings and art. Hunt’s signature design line, with its focus on craftsmanship, exacting proportions, and impeccable materials, is credited with elevating standards across the design world. This momentous volume showcases Hunt’s nearly forty years of collections of furniture, lighting, and textiles, as well as her partnerships with the designers she championed, such as the French minimalist Christian Liaigre, whom she introduced to an American audience. Also included are Hunt’s homes—from her Chicago apartment overlooking Lake Michigan to her never-before-published modernist masterpiece in Aspen—as well as her acclaimed renovation of The Little Nell boutique hotel in Aspen.

Let me start with the strange story because it is the sole reason for this post and me learning who Carlo Mollino is.
So the other day luxury British interiors, fashion and lifestyle brand House of Hackney posted the following beautiful space on Instagram:

And I fell in love so I then shared it in my stories. An Instagram friend and fellow Italian and design fiend/stylist Marianne de Ley spotted it and let me know that this space appeared to be almost an exact replica of Carlo Mollino’s bedroom (an Italian architect, designer, photographer and educator who died in 1973). She sent me some photos to vouch for her theory and I too was in shock. She left a comment on the IG post and within minutes House of Hackney had hidden her comment.

We laughed, thought that was awfully disrespectful, also to not have initially mentioned that Carlo was the inspiration. Though oddly enough I left a similar comment as Marianne’s after that fiasco which appears to still be visible to all.
Anyhoo Marianne admitted to being a Carlo Mollino nerd so I knew he had to be fabulous and this sent me down a rabbit hole of scouring the interwebs for photos of his bedroom in question, Casa Mollino – a secret apartment none of his friends knew he had in Turin that he never actually spent a night in (he built it for his afterlife…and only used it to photograph Italian prostitutes LOL) which is apparently now a museum. So here are a plethora of photos I found in my hunt I thought you would all enjoy, starting with ‘that bedroom’.

Photo 1: via designboom (photo: Enzo Isaia via casa mollino)
Photo 2, 6, 17: via gestalten (photo: Matej Cincera, Inside Utopia)
Photo 3 & 11: via Italics Art and Landscape (photo: Valentina Ortaggi)
Photo 4: Adam Bartos
Photo 5, 12, 23, 24, 27: designboom
Photo 7, 8, 14, 19: via Mia Felce Interiors
Photo 9, 10, 21, 25, 26: via Cereal (photo: Marina Denisova)
Photo 13: via Carlo Mollino (photo: Brigitte Schindler)
Photo 15 & 20: via Artsy (photo: Alberto Zanetti)
Photo 16, 28: via Carlo Mollino
Photo 18 & 22: via Italy Segreta (photo: Fulvio Rosso)

This grand, six bedroom semi-detached Edwardian home by the sea in Margate, Kent is perfect for a family. Lots of cozy spaces to hang out all together, so many bold and bright colours used throughout, pretty patterns, lots of artwork. 100% lived in and loved. Northdown Avenue designed by Appreciation Project. Photos: Chris Snook.

A home built within an old granite quarry. I cannot think of anything more beautiful. Porto and Paris based architect François Leite created a modern and minimalist dwelling here in Porto’s Lapa neighbourhood that embraces wholeheartedly the surroundings. I could not love this more. Photos: Lucile Casanova

Dark tones and rich hues….just what the fall season calls for. It’s cozy and warm and calls for the fire to be lit, a tea to be brewing and a blanket ready to snuggle under. Designed by Susannah Holmberg. Photos: Ryan McDonald.