Book Review: Old & New by Katherine Sorrell

Happy Monday! I hope you had a lovely weekend. I spent plenty of time doing projects around the house, but I still found a moment to enjoy the copy of Old & New: Combining Past and Present In Contemporary Homes that just arrived in my mailbox. This slim little volume is chock full of gorgeous images and simple tips for creating stylish, lived-in interiors.

The aesthetic of the book has that understated 'found' quality that makes me want to drop everything and rush to my nearest architectural salvage center. The elements are all here, from quirky pendant lamps to regal cast iron tubs.

A strategically installed mirror not only renders an opulent armoire even more glamorous, it opens out the space. The result? An otherwise imposing piece of furniture makes the room seem bigger.

The swirly, playful legs of this coffee table would steal the show if not for the vibrant blue slipcover of the sofa. I really love the combination of aqua and tarnished brass in this seating area.

In spite of all the lovely living rooms and bathrooms in this book, my favourite is the chapter on sleeping spaces. These indigo and violet bed linens contrast so beautifully with the crisp, clean white of the bed.

A four poster bed made from pipes? I wonder if the huz could build this with a trip to Home Depot and the promise of some yummy cookies when the project was complete...

Another ingenious DIY bed idea: a breezy blue curtain behind a wrought iron headboard adds yet another layer of cozy to an already sumptuous retreat.

Although this bed frame is quite intricately carved, because it is placed in a simple setting it doesn't feel over the top. The airy, organic feel of the cane insets complement the quiet tone.

And finally, how wonderful to snooze beneath a patchwork quilt and a primitive painting. I'd happily snuggle under these covers for a Monday morning sleep-in!

Long story short? Old & New: Combining Past and Present In Contemporary Homes is a charming book and the perfect start to a new week!

All images copyright of Ryland, Peters & Small.

Comments

[Mary Jo]

So pretty & cozy!

[Shell Sherree]

I think I'd still love the curly-legged coffee table regardless of how many bruises my shins had on its behalf. Very gorgeous!

[Clarity]

That armoire actually appeals to me as does the whole selection (my style is "rustic revival"). I like the use of the photographic lights as home lighting, subtle and sweet.

[Vicki Archer]

Great book by the looks of your post Anne - I can't wait to have a closer look myself, xv.

[Jen]

i'm stuck on the four-poster pipe bed. that is incredible.

[TheBeautyFile]

That poster bed is so pretty & I love the mirrors on the furniture! I saw on your twitter that your baking came out orangey- I was going to ask if you had made something in your bowl previously with citrus- the smell/taste really lingers!

[eco-stylista]

Definitely a great, inspirational read. Btw: your blog is beautiful!

[Julia]

What a treat this must have been to flip through. I'm enthralled with the decadent bedrooms!

[Leigh Pennebaker]

I am in love with that mirrored armoire!

[blair]

I am loving all of your book review's lately!! What lovely images and that bed in the second to last image is just beautiful. Reminds me of the one I had one when I was younger. Hope you had a wonderful weekend Anne!xx

[vicki]

Anne, these are beautiful rooms! I literally "oohed and ahhed" with every new photo I looked at. ;)

[georgia]

looks like a great resources! i just spent saturday de-cluttering my house and getting ready for a garage sale. sadly, i had to put many interior design magazines, and even some books into the "sell" pile. i did not want to, but i just can't hold on to so much stuff any more.

but that is okay. i always have the internet and fab sites like yours to go to for inspiration. maybe if my dream of being an interior designer is ever realized, i can build my library back up again.

have you ever thought of pursing a career as an interior designer? it seems like you should, dear.

[robin pulsifer]

oooh, i have been thinking about how badly i need to update my design library. i need to be surrounded by design books, they make me happy :)

[FROM THE RIGHT BANK]

I've been trying to cut down on my book purchases but you make it so hard! Every photo here makes me swoon. (The last few are from Atlanta Bartlett, right?)

[please sir]

I'm finally catching up in blogland - I'm sorry to be MIA! I love this post - oh what a dreamy book!

[g]

Sounds so great. Love the first image!!!

[Down and Out Chic]

another book to add to my list! oh, and i adore the dress painting being used as a headboard.

[Daniella]

Hello! Just wanted to let you know I really like your blog, lol. So i'm passing on a little blogger award to you!

http://dressdesigndecor.blogspot.com/2009/06/many-thanks.html

You don't have to pass it on, but I thought i'd let you know. Al your posts are so great!

[caroline @ patagonia gifts]

oooohhh I LOVE so much the old and new combo! lovely post!

[Paula Grace]

I came across your blog via dress, design, & decor. I love your blog. This post is wonderful. I really like the beds and the glass and metal coffee table. I am adding you t my bloglist on my site.

[Bri]

I love the pipe bed too! Bet you'd need some welding gear though.

[nkp]

These are absolutely, positively, hands down spectacular! SPECTACULAR, I tell ya. :0)

[The Deco Detective]

I love photo no. 2! And the four-poster bed made from pipes is really cool! I've actually used broomsticks on the sides of my bed to stop us from falling out - the bed is 30 inches tall... (sounds a bit maniac but I needed the storage space under the bed)

[Kristina Guilbeau]

really beautiful. those beds look heavenly. your blog is really amazing and thank you so much for sharing!

[ambika]

Wow, love these interiors. Especially the wardrobe shot with those 3 framed pieces at the edge of the wall, highlighting the corner. It wouldn't occur to me to place pictures in such a way but it really works.