1. Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats

By Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan (Figure 1 Publishing)

Relax and dream of a getaway with design guides McAllister and Ryan. Exploring the relationship between architecture and nature, the featured retreats are beautifully photographed in majestic surroundings, from rustic lake cottages, to mountain lodges, to a magical tree house. ($35)

2. Dior in Bloom

By Alain Stella, Justine Picardie, Naomi Sachs (Flammarion)

This volume blooms with color, celebrating Christian Dior’s love affair with flowers. A portfolio of rose portraits by acclaimed fashion photographer Nick Knight and testimonies by the five artistic directors of the House of Dior illustrate the inextricable link between florals and the brand’s fashion and fragrance creations. ($100)

3. Classic Greenwich Houses

By Charles Hilton (The Monacelli Press)

Architect Charles Hilton has practiced for more than 30 years in Greenwich and the surrounding areas. This book presents nine of his inspirational projects—from Georgian Colonials to shingle- style architecture—highlighting the creativity and ingenuity necessary to design homes that honor tradition while integrating modern amenities. ($55)

4. Southport Cooks

This anthology includes more than 160 recipes from community chefs and past Rooms with a View designers, plus photography of scenic Southport. The foreword is by none other than Ina Garten, and the proceeds benefit the good works of Rooms with a View. ($40) Shop Now

5. Vintage Rolex

By David Silver (Pavilion)

Celebrating the collection of the Vintage Watch Company in London, this book is packed with larger- than-life photographs of Rolex timepieces, showcasing circa 1910–1990 wrist watches, pocket watches, Submariners, Daytonas and jewel-encrusted Crown collections. ($100)

6. S is for Style: The Schumacher Book of Decoration

By Dara Caponigro (Rizzoli New York)

This compendium from legendary design house Schumacher presents beloved patterns brought to life through the gorgeous interiors of design luminaires such as Miles Redd, Tom Scheerer, Amanda Lindroth, Celerie Kemble, Veere Greeney and Mark D. Sikes. This book is a great resource, chock full of inspiring ideas and information to fine-tune your own design style. ($65)

7. De Gournay: Hand-Painted Interiors

By Claud Cecil Gurney (Rizzoli New York)

A must-have book for anyone interested in the history of decorative arts. De Gournay founder Claud Cecil Gurney offers a glimpse into the origins of his family-owned company and its exquisite hand-painted designs. The artisanal wallpapers have graced magazine-worthy rooms by prominent designers, many of which he shares in this book, including Michael S. Smith, Alessandra Branca and Kelly Wearstler. ($75)

8. Through a Designer’s Eye: A Focus on Interiors

By Matthew Patrick Smyth (The Monacelli Press)

In his second book, acclaimed interior designer Matthew Patrick Smyth shares his design vision and process through lush photographs and beautifully decorated interiors, including his own Salisbury, Connecticut home. ($60)

9. Garden Design Master Class

Edited by Carl Dellatore (Rizzoli New York)

This follow- up to Dellatore’s best-selling Interior Design Master Class is a compilation of 100 essays by top garden designers, including local notables Janice Parker, Charlotte Moss, Page Dickey and Christopher Spitzmiller. Garden principles are broken down into six thematic sections: theory, process, style, structure, elements and inspiration. ($60)

10. Houses: Robert A.M. Stern Architects

By Gary L. Brewer, Randy M. Correll, Grant F. Marani and Roger H. Seifter (The Monacelli Press)

RAMSA residential partners offer an intimate look at 17 homes from the last 10 years that showcase a mastery of diverse styles. ($85)

11. Inside Marrakesh

By Meryanne Loum-Martin (Rizzoli New York)

If you are craving travel—and who isn’t—visit the exotic interiors, dramatic architecture and lush gardens photographed in this book. Author and proprietor of the award-winning Jnane Tamsna boutique hotel, Loum- Martin sums up the appeal of Marrakesh in three words: sensuousness, refinement and mystery. ($60)

12. A Home for All Seasons: Gracious Living and Stylish Entertaining

By Danielle Rollins (Rizzoli New York)

Decorator, fashion designer and hostess extraordinaire Danielle Rollins shares her secrets for entertaining at home with tablescapes and party-planning tips. ($50)

13. Uprooted: A Gardener Reflects on Beginning Again

By Page Dickey (Timber Press)

This book follows celebrated garden writer Page Dickey’s journey to establish a new home and garden. After 34 years of tending to her beloved Duck Hill garden, she starts over, discovering the joy and challenges of an unfamiliar landscape in Falls Village. ($28)

14. Designing History: The Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House

By Michael Smith with Margaret Russell (Rizzoli New York)

Through photography, archival materials and behind-the-scenes stories, this book documents the history of the White House and designer Michael Smith’s collaboration with the Obamas to decorate and update the residence to reflect the First Family’s youthful spirit. ($60)

15. More Beautiful: All American Decoration

By Mark D. Sikes (Rizzoli New York)

Following up on his first book, Beautiful, designer Mark D. Sikes shares more of his captivating interiors, including his own Hollywood Hill’s home. His latest tome focuses on mixing design sensibilities: American and European, traditional and modern, contemporary and classic. ($45)

16. Make Life Beautiful

By Syd & Shea McGee (Harper Horizon)

With more than one million Instagram followers, Studio McGee is making its mark on the design world. In their first book, the McGee’s chronicle their rise to success, doling out personal anecdotes, business advice and design pointers. ($27)

17. An Entertaining Story

By India Hicks (Rizzoli New York)

Author, model and entrepreneur India Hicks gives advice on entertaining, incorporating her casual style with royal flair. Input on flower arrangements, table design, recipes and personal anecdotes are included. ($50)

The print version of this article appeared with the headline: Season’s Readings. 
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