My reading in the time of corona has taken inspiration from some leading designers’ tried and true favorite books as well as their current bedside material.
The sitting room of Ain Kassimou. (Photo: Eric Boman)
Many creative people are taking this time to get inspired through books. Live Instagram stories have profiled some of my best-loved creatives. During the one hour conversations there is typically mention of books. Some new titles have been added to my library as a result. Below are some wonderful books that you may find interesting.
Nathalie Farman-Farma had a few preferences that she returns to time and time again.
One is, no surprise, Russian Houses.
Another book she said that she has poured through repeatedly is Marella Agnelli The Last Swan. For some reason, I did not buy this book when it was released. Mistake. The book provides a peek into her many incredible houses. They are all spectacular, but Ain Kassimou in Marrakech is my favorite.
The living room at Ain Kassimou. (Photo: Eric Boman)
Ms. Agnelli has beautiful taste, adeptly mixing simple pieces with those of a higher pedigree. Wicker is a favorite. She seems to use it in all of her homes.
Another view of the living room. (Photo: Eric Boman)
Garden path to the side entrance of the main villa. (Photo: Eric Boman)
Garden books always intrigue.
My friend, an enthusiastic gardener, lent me his copy of Mediterranean Gardens Jean Mus. His gardens are wonderful, often set in fabulous places such as Cap d’Antibes, Cap Ferrat or Evora, Portugal.
A Portuguese garden with a glimpse of the quinta beyond. (Photo: Vincent Motte)
Steps of carefully laid river pebbles leading to the sea in Cap d’Antibes. (Photo: Vincent Motte)
This image reminds me of my daily walk down to the beautiful turquoise Mediterranean last summer in Praiano.
A sinuous wrought iron rail leads to the swimming pool. (Photo: Vincent Motte)
Fashion is another wonderful source of inspiration.
After languishing on my wish list for some time, I decided to purchase From Russia With Love Costumes for the Ballets Russes 1909-1933. This book is a treasure trove of ideas.
Costume for the Blue God in Le Dieu bleu by Léon Bakst. (Photo: National Gallery of Australia)
Aleksandr Golovin costume for L’Oiseau de feu. (Photo: St Petersburg State Museum of Theatre and Music)
Other titles that were mentioned throughout the week were:
William Dalrymple’s The Anarchy and In Xanadu
Sybille Bedford’s A Visit to Don Otavio, Legacy, Jigsaw, and Quicksands
Nicky Haslam’s The Impatient Pen, Redeeming Features, and Folly de Grandeur
Should I ever finish Middlemarch, I will read this book about Ganna Walska’s life. She is the owner and creator of Lotusland in Santa Barbara. I have yet to visit but have longed to for some time now. The next best thing to visiting the gardens would be to read her book. So grateful for a second printing of this book. The only other copy I could find previously was on Amazon. The price was $941.
Hope you are enjoying your reading in the time of corona.
Casa V is using this time to learn and refresh.