This beautiful terraced home in Fulham, London, is an energetic, colourful (in mostly small doses) space for an artist and art collector. Most of the walls were left muted to highlight the art, and the top floor was opened up to create a master suite and studio space. A wonderful project by Katie Glaister and Henry Miller-Robinson of K&H Design. (Photos: Simon Brown)

Several new books have popped up in my mailbox lately from Rizzoli. I have since devoured them and let me tell you, they are all eye candy at its finest. I adored these books and they are definitively keepers for the coffee table.

First up is The French Royal Wardrobe: The Hôtel de la Marine Restored by author Jérôme Hanover and Gabriel Bauret, with photographs by Ambroise Tézenas. This volume goes behind the scenes to reveal the history and metamorphosis of the Hôtel de la Marine, a treasure of Parisian heritage. An extensive four-year restoration was completed in 2021; the building reopened to the public and features a museum, conserved apartments that highlight the tastes of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, an exhibition hall, a bookshop, and three restaurants. Previously unpublished photography captures the splendor and majesty of the monument. What made this book really special were all of the photos of what went on during the renovations. Typically books would feature the end result of the renovation, not photos during the work being done. It make for some really hauntingly beautiful captures that are quite magical.

The next book was packed with delicious spaces I could not get enough of. At Home with Designers and Tastemakers: Creating Beautiful and Personal Interiors by author Susanna Salk, with photographs by Stacey Bewkes. This one features some gorgeous homes I absolutely fell in love with, and included one of my favourites – Stony Ford, the Hudson Valley home of Susan and Will Brinson of @houseofbrinson. Susanna Salk visits incredible homes of designers and other creatives, experiencing how they live and how they decorate when it’s for themselves, not for a client. Whether it’s the Connecticut weekend retreat of textile designer John Robshaw, or photographer Pieter Estersohn’s restored Hudson Valley home full of his work and inspiration, or the cozy garden retreat of chef Lulu Powers in West Hollywood, Salk has gathered decorating tips and secrets from some of the most stylish and savvy people.

And lastly, Presidential Residences in France by author Adrien Goetz, with photographs by Ambroise Tézenas. This volume offers a visit to the presidential residences of France: the Élysée Palace and its neighboring Hôtel de Marigny, the Lantern Pavilion hidden away in the park of Versailles, and the Brégançon Fort. These are the places where one can discover the excellence of French artisans, its art conservators and restaurateurs, and its famed gardeners. These sites of political theater and residences of the French president showcase France’s exceptional artistic heri­tage and present the great treasures of “French taste,” in perpetual reinvention from the eighteenth century through today, to diplomatic visitors from all over the world. I really loved this book because it really took me by surprise how much modern elements had been added in the past and how spectacular they look against exceptionally elegant and ornate architecture.

Timeless design combines comfort, convenience and elegance in historic Hudson. Our This Old Hudson Maison is a fully furnished vacation rental available for short term and seasonal stays. Book this unique French inspired space via Airbnb. Designed by the bespoke creative firm Zio and Sons. This home could not be more beautiful. I love seeing designers embrace the history of a home. For example, discovering that antique wallpaper in the living room and leaving it as a focal point, whilst filling in bits with venetian plaster. Gorgeous!!!

It can sometimes be a bit jarring to see such a modern extension on a centuries old home but given I often say I’ll need at least 4 homes to get in all the styles I really like, in this case you get the best of both worlds in ONE home! Here the 18th century Georgian farmhouse in Gloucestershire has been transformed into a double height art gallery and an office. The addition comprises the living spaces. An exquisite juxtaposition of old and new. By Alison Brooks Architect. Photos: Paul Riddle.

Historic estate with elegant Georgian house only 18 miles from central London. The property provides complete privacy, is walled on all sides with a stone balustrade facing east allowing wonderful views over paddocks and horses, trees and over 3 acres of immaculate lawns and woods. The main house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an exceptional, marble-floored entrance hall with octagonal drawing room (original mid 1700’s marble fireplace and cornice) dining room and library leading from it. There is a south-facing terrace with doors from the dining room and library. A bright picture-hung corridor leads to the kitchen and back entrance. There is a stunning indoor swimming pool. There are three flats in the adjacent outbuildings available for a variety of purposes including crew accommodation (6 people, two twin, 1 double, 1 single).
Marigold Manor – an absolute stunner available as a location home via JJ Media.