Book indulgence!

Before I begin, let me just say that I'm trying to update my blog with an 11-month-old squirming on my lap. So this update is going to be short and simple.

I've always been rather frugal in my spending, but when it comes to books on decorating, I am a sucker.

What's great about working in KLCC is that Kinokuniya is nearby, and you can find design books that you would not find anywhere else in the country.

Just in case you don't know where KLCC is. It's the best place to work. So they say. Source unknown.

Two weeks ago, I had been scouring the shelves of Kinokuniya for a book titled The Business of Design by Keith Granet, a book that was recommended by my favourite blogger, Brooke Giannetti,  in her blog Velvet & Linen. 

As I was searching, I literally gasped when my sight fell on Patina Style! The book that I had sought and thought would never reach our shores! The book written by Brooke Giannetti and her equally-talented husband, Steve Giannetti!

Note: People who know me well would know that it is not easy to get me excited over anything.

I grabbed the book over to the counter and asked them to open the plastic cover for me. They told me there was only one copy in the store, and I believe the only... one... copy... in the entire NATION. And it would take a few weeks to replenish if this one was sold out.



With no cash in hand, I walked out, and several days later, I made a beeline to the store again and bought not one, not two, but three different books.

My bedtime books.

Patina Style, The Business of Design and Design Sponge at Home. Okay, the third book was on a 30% discount with another purchase. And who knew when I would be buying a book again, right?

Design Sponge at Home is also a spin-off from the Design Sponge blog which is a hit, too.

I literally devoured Patina Style in just one night. It is truly a feast for the eyes. As they say, a picture speaks a thousand words. I love the cover.

Finished in one night!

I am not sure if non-readers of the Velvet & Linen blog would enjoy it as much, but it makes a great coffee-table book with generously large, beautiful pictures and simple text. There are a few tips here and there for those who would like to emulate their design aesthetic of decorating with aged and antique pieces.

One of my favourite pictures in the book.

The authors also talk about decorating your bathroom as you would any other room in the house. Like this one for example. You would never know it was a bathroom from this shot.

What I also love about it is that they celebrate the beauty of imperfections - linens that look better over time, unfinished wood revealing a facade of its history. It's a wonderful liberation from being fussy over scratches and dents and faded fabrics.

So now I'm a quarter through The Business of Design. And I've not started Design Sponge at Home yet. I'll tell you if they're good with a review in my future post. Promise!

Salam Maal Hijrah and happy holidays!