In the past few years, many home decorating books have showcased homes decorated in black, gray and white with a minimal amount of décor. This year–in both decorating books and magazines–designers and decorators are using more color, wallpaper, and décor. Cole Library has purchased several titles that reflect these new trends. These titles are:

House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home, Style, and Budget by Myquillyn Smith

In her new book, Smith writes for a person in a real house, in a real room, with a real budget. She gives her tips and strategies to help you make a home you love by following her three mantras: do what you know; use what you have; finish what you started. She talks about the rules of decorating – lighting, scale, the rule of thirds, etc. She wants you to know the rules so that if you break them, you are doing it because you understand them, but are choosing an alternative–a way to make your house uniquely yours.

Vignettes by Sean Scherer

Scherer begins his book by explaining the term vignette and its history–grouping objects using symmetry, asymmetry, and harmony. There is an art to putting the treasures you have acquired out so that you and the people you invite into your home can enjoy them. This book is filled with a lot of photos to showcase vignettes and personal collections.

Small Spaces, Big Appeal: The Luxury of Less in under 1,200 Square Feet by Fifi O’Neill

O’Neill shares beautifully decorated small homes and the stories that go with them. Many of the occupants were downsizing for various reasons. O’Neill shares strategies for making a big impact with lighting, paint, mirrors, and clever storage.

Outside In: A Year of Growing and Displaying by Sean Pritchard

Pritchard’s book gives the reader a timetable to celebrate the magic of their garden by displaying their flowers inside. He focuses on individual plants and the seasons.