Linda Merrill: Fall 2012 Design Book Releases

Among the many design books released this fall, these are my favorites, due to the inspirational words and images found in each.

The Scottish County House by James Knox, photographs by James Fennell, published by The Vendome Press.

Photo courtesy of Vendome Press

A trophy room.

A traditional bath.

This gorgeous book features ten Scottish houses, all but one of which have generations to centuries of single family ownership. The sole exception is Dumfries House which is now run by a charitable trust headed by Prince Charles, and was recently featured in Architectural Digest. These Scottish estates speak to a hardy nation of people who are as passionate about the out-of-doors as much as they are about what goes on indoors. Impeccably landscaped gardens flow into vistas of untamed wilderness and overseen by historic homes whose outer fortress-like strength belies the gentility within.

Contemporary Classical: The Architecture of Andrew Skurman, written by Andrew Skurman, published by Princeton Architectural Press.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Skurman

San Francisco and Paris-based architect Andrew Skurman’s work is inspired by French chateaux, Mediterranean villas and Georgian country homes. His classical aesthetic is the DNA of his work as illustrated in the more than twenty homes shown in this book. The projects are detailed by showing their historical inspirations, architectural plans and beautiful water color renderings. While this book is mainly about the architecture of the homes, the interiors are quite beautiful as well and really show how one can live a comfortable, modern life within a traditional envelope. Right up my alley!

Interiors | Atelier AM by Alexandra & Michael Misczynski, photos by François Halard, published by Rizzoli

Photos courtesy of Rizzoli

A home in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

A laquered red wall in the Rancho Santa Fe home.

The stark simplicity of the cover followed by brilliant orange end papers merely hint to the eclectic style of this husband/wife duo. The photography is lush and captures the mix of modern and rustic elements along with modern and classical architectural styles. Some rooms are stark and simple, but never cold, while others are traditional in every manner. Their use of scale to make a statement is spectacular and something for any interior designer or homeowner to study.

Barbara Barry: Around Beauty by Barbara Barry, photos by David Meredith, published by Rizzoli with an introduction by Dominique Browning

Photos courtesy of Rizzoli

A grand exterior, one of many in the book.

The book is not just focused on interior design, but things that Barry finds to be beautiful.

Barbara Barry is a designer who needs little introduction. Her interior design embodies her feminine charm and her furniture for Baker has reach iconic status. Beginning with the words “When I think about what moves me most in my life, IT IS BEAUTY†the book is a lesson in living life well, surrounded by beautiful and meaningful things (every day or priceless) and being in the moment with them. Ms. Barry shares her design principles of simplicity, proportion and harmony as found in the natural world. The book is filled with beautiful images of her work, wonderful detail shots and rooms you just want to live in.

-Linda Merrill

Linda Merrill www.lindamerrill.com  is a New England based award-winning interior designer whose interiors capture the ethos of the region while always being comfortable and durable.   Linda’s blog, ::Surroundings::, has been named to numerous top design blog lists over the last seven years, including places on Architectural Digest and Elle Decor’s favorite blogs listings. She is also founder and moderator of The Skirted Roundtable, a popular podcast series that focuses on interior design and interviews with legends of the design world.