Cachet: On the Bookshelf MAY/JUNE 2012

Katie Ridder Rooms by Heather Smith MacIsaac showcases designer Katie Ridder’s colorful, eclectic approach to stylish, livable home décor. Living areas such as entrances, living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms are grouped together, and the book devotes a chapter to Ridder’s signature looks, ranging from embroidered trim to brightly hued and patterned wallpaper. An extensive list of sources recommended by Ridder is included to help with the design process. The Vendome Press, New York, NY, 2011. $50.

Interior designer Matthew Patrick Smyth’s classic style and attention to detail are among his hallmarks. In Living Traditions: Interiors by Matthew Patrick Smyth, the designer demonstrates how to incorporate antique and contemporary pieces in projects ranging from an Aspen vacation home to a London flat. The book showcases Smyth’s design style with more than 200 full-color photographs, and features design tips for meeting the challenges of uniquely shaped spaces. Monacelli Press, New York, NY, 2011. $50. 

Rachel Ashwell’s seventh book, Shabby Chic: Inspirations and Beautiful Spaces, takes the reader on a tour of 12 homes that includes the designer’s own Malibu beach house and her newly acquired ranch, situated on a Texas prairie. Ashwell originated the shabby chic brand back in 1989 when she opened a shop full of vintage finds in Santa Monica. Today, her trademark style is part of the design vernacular. The homes featured here are scattered from London to the Catskills; descriptions include personal stories and details. CICO Books, New York, NY, 2011. $35.

**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs.  Wonderful visuals of inspired décor and lush landscapes are combined with expert advice to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing amazing home interior design ideas to life.