I had the absolute pleasure of getting my hands on copies of several books recently launched by Vendome Press. And let me warn you that each one is a must-have for your coffee table or strategically placed pile on a shelf or table somewhere. I’ll start with Beige Is Not A Color by designer Carlos Mota. I love that title and think he may have something there, which was then solidified once I got to the end of his book. It really shows how much impact and drama colour can have in a space. Bland is anathema to Carlos Mota. As he travels the world—from Lisbon to Tangier, India to Santo Domingo, New York to Paris—producing feature stories and ad campaigns for countless publications and companies, he exults in every spark of originality and creativity he sees. Fortunately for us, he not only documents his sightings with his camera but also collects images by a Who’s Who of interiors and architectural photographers. And in this volume, he has culled some 280 of his favorite images, all wholly different but all sharing one quality: the beauty of color, both literally and figuratively. There are interiors, table settings, fabric swatches, tiles, floral arrangements, sculptures, architectural ornamentation—whatever captures his discriminating eye. 

Next up is Inside Tangier by Italian interior designer Nicolò Castellini Baldissera (Photos: Guido Taroni). Honestly I really knew nothing about Tangier before reading this book, but WHOA these spaces really captivate and make you want to book a flight to this Moroccan city. Absolutely stunning homes featured in this must-have book. A white-walled city perched between Morocco and Europe, Tangier was long a haven for the literary and artistic avant-garde—and black sheep—of Europe and America. Now a new generation of residents are blending color, pattern, and taste to create an interior aesthetic all their own. Inside Tangier explores a selection of these exceptional properties and their eccentric inhabitants—from antiques dealer and collector Gordon Watson and interior designer Frank de Biasi to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and antiques dealer Christopher Gibbs—providing rare insights into the sometimes bohemian, sometimes extravagant, but always stylish “Tangerine” lifestyle.

And the last book of this round (more to share soon) is Near & Far by textile designer Lisa Fine with photos by Miguel Flores-Vianna. It is a treasure trove of homes where colour and pattern and textures are abundant and make you rethink your need to de-clutter or paint your walls greige. Lisa Fine invites us into her homes in Dallas, New York, and Paris and takes us along as she visits the places and people who have been her greatest sources of inspiration. Among her favored treasures are the Mughal palaces and gardens of India, the 18th-century home of Carl Linnaeus in Sweden; the whitewashed retreat of interior designer John Stefanidis on Patmos, the idyllic country house and garden of London-based designer Penny Morrison, and the storied house in the Tangier Casbah belonging to collectors Jamie Creel and Marco Scarani.

Colourful modern maximalism with an eclectic vintage mash-up. Hubert Zandberg – one of my biggest design crushes. Located in London’s Notting Hill, Hubert Zandberg’s 850 square foot rental apartment was a temporary solution whilst he was between homes. Whilst no architectural works were undertaken, bold paint choices and the use of curtains to divide the space up created an atmosphere in which to showcase a curated selection of art, curiosities and furniture from Hubert’s extensive collection…a mix of curiosities from around the world including Paris, London, Berlin and Cape Town along with a mix of Brazilian, mid-century and Brutalist furniture all found a place and resulted in a harmonious space with a modernist maximalist aesthetic.

What do you get when you unite some glorious marble, brass accents, retro-vibe lighting, herringbone hardwood floors and lots of molding detail? The most beautiful classic kitchen you ever did see! Designed by Joanna Lavén.

I had to share another spot-on project (located in Oxfordshire, England) by the incredible talented firm of hám interiors. From a 1950s property with limited architectural character, we undertook this full design, build and interior design project to create a modern country home. Open-plan living spaces with pitched ceilings are given warmth with an eclectic collection of antiques and specially commissioned large-scale artworks, while reclaimed sinks and fireplaces were sourced on buying trips to Belgium. Our signature shiplap boarded ceilings, textural flooring, bold pops of colour and handcrafted furniture give this country home an established elegance.

If you would like to participate in the Monday’s pets on furniture series please send photos, your name, location and a brief description to kim[at]desiretoinspire[dot]net, or hashtag your photos on Instagram with #dtipetsonfurniture. Thanks!

Pepper getting ready for an afternoon nap on the bed – such a princess!
– Valerie (Culpeper VA)

Some from me. Lucky hanging out in the she-shed with me one day while I was working from home. The ferals completely mauling Felix since they have zero concept of personal space. Another bed shot, this time feral-free (the OG’s). And because Mimin must be near me at all times, this is her snoozing on my desk while I work.