News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

 To follow is a selection of some of our most recent design themed books with a strong emphasis on home spaces and living solutions.

So far / David Trubridge.
“David Trubridge’s first major international breakthrough came at the 2001 Milan Furniture Fair when his now famous Body Raft was picked up for manufacture by Cappellini, the hugely influential Italian furniture company. Since then he has gone on to produce and sell furniture and lighting throughout the world, and his work has become a staple of design magazines and publications everywhere.  He believes that his life and work are one and the same, and consequently this very personal book is a fascinating and insightful look at the progress of his career, his thoughts on the creative process, and crucially his passionate interest in attempting to develop a work practice that is as environmentally sustainable as possible. Beautifully produced, and full of photographs, this book will be essential reading for anyone interested in art, design, architecture and creativity.” (Adapted Syndetics Summary)

The design book : 1000 new designs for the home and where to find them / Jennifer Hudson.
“The Design Book brings together the best in contemporary design for the home, presenting a huge range of striking new products: tables and chairs, sofas and beds, storage, kitchens and bathrooms, tableware, textiles and surfaces, lighting, electronics and more.  In-depth interviews with twelve key designers explore pivotal projects and approaches to design. Web addresses of designers and manufacturers are given for every object, along with full captions and colour illustrations, making every design easy to source.” ( Adapted Syndetics Summary)

Creating shade : design, construction, technology / Chris van Uffelen.
“Protection has always been the most genuine function of architecture.  This necessity has led to an impressive creative outburst of amazing technological developments for all kinds of roofs without walls. These come in all forms and sizes, in a wide variety of materials concrete, fabrics, fiberglass, wood or plants, to name a few. These shadow-providing devices range from elegant sun blinds and canopies, to fancy pergolas and luxury tents as well as small pavilions in public parks, wide covered piazzas, and even entire buildings shielded by independent overlapping roofs. With texts, facts, drawings and photos the presentation of the projects focusses on the design as well as on the constructive aspects and technical features.” (Adapted Syndetics Summary)

Playing with color : 50 graphic experiments for exploring color design principles / Richard Mehl.
“Playing with Color is a highly accessible, fun approach to learning color application and principles. This hands-on book begins with an introduction to the philosophy of learning through the process of play. It then leads to a series of experimental design projects with an emphasis on color, providing the reader with a “toolkit” of ideas and skills. The awareness and sensitivity to form, color, material and craft gained through these visual experiments will increase the designer’s confidence in their personal and professional design work. This book can be used in the classroom or independently, and readers can go directly to exercises that appeal to them”. (Syndetics Summary)

Design cookbook: recipes for a stylish home
“Through stunning photographs and step-by-step instructions, designer and lifestyle expert Kelly Edwards brings a myriad of looks, tastes, and approaches to chic home design in this guidebook. From the kitchen and the bedroom to the home office and the out-of-doors, Kelly illustrates how to achieve the best colour, texture, proportion, and overall design aesthetic and passes along decorating tips from amazing designers and taste-makers.” (Adapted Syndetics Summary)

White space is not your enemy : a beginner’s guide to communicating visually through graphic, web & multimedia design / Rebecca Hagen & Kim Golombisky. 
“Designing a brochure or web site without an art background? Step away from the computer and read this breezy introduction to visual communications first. Written for non-designers, White Space is Not Your Enemy is a practical graphic design and layout text introducing the concepts and practices necessary for producing effective visual communications across a variety of formats, from print to Web.” (Adapted Syndetics Summary)

Elegant rooms that work : fantasy and function in interior design / Stephanie Stokes ; with Jorge S. Arango ; foreword by Xavier Guerrand-Hermès ; principal photography by Michel Arnaud.
 ”New York-based interior designer Stephanie Stokes has dealt with demanding spaces in apartments and houses worldwide.  Her ingenious solutions to the challenges of creating a livable environment—from clever and attractive storage units to libraries that convert gracefully to guest rooms and home offices—are inspirational to all homeowners.  ” (Adapted Syndetics Summary)

Favorite design challenges / Candice Olson ; photographs by Brandon Barré. 
“Candice Olson Favorite Design Challenges focuses on the tricky situations that Candice expertly handles for her clients’the same challenges that many homeowners face. Featuring 25-30 of Candice’s stunning room makeovers-described in her approachable and authoritative voice-Candice Olson Favorite Design Challenges provides gorgeous sketches and design boards that show you how each design took shape, while more than 200 full-color before-and-after photos offer a wealth of visual inspiration.Redecorating-or even just dreaming about decorating-can transform one’s outlook on life, and Candice Olson Favorite Design Challenges is just what you need to dream, plan, and execute up a redo in your own home.” (Adapted Syndetics Summary)

Decorating with style : speedy tips, savvy tricks & cool ideas to transform your home / Abigail Ahern ; photography by Graham Atkins-Hughes.
“According to the internationally renowned interior designer, the most successful homes always have an element of the unexpected. Proving that style has nothing to do with money and everything to do with confidence, Abigail goes back to basics to help you determine your own style, then demonstrates how to take interiors to the next level by mixing and layering different styles and eras; injecting intrigue into a room with some maximalist lighting or a decorative rug; playing around with scale, colour and texture to create an enchanting, idiosyncratic vibe. Packed with original ideas, beautiful photography, speedy updates and easy DIY projects – that transform affordable furniture and accessories into something you’d see in a designer showroom – this hip, hands-on guide offers all the tips, tricks and inspiration you need to create a stylish home.” (Adapted Syndetics Summary)

We have selected for you an ecclectic array of design books that we hope you will enjoy!

Professor Jonathan T. Buck’s mysterious airship notebook : the lost step-by-step dirigible drawings from the pioneer of steampunk design / by Keith Riegert & Samuel Kaplan ; illustrated by Jonathan Buck.
“Gives both the beginning and more experienced artists hundreds of step-by-step instructions to help them develop their own steampunk future filled with moving gears, brass knobs, steam boilers and other cool devices.
Part step-by-step how-to-draw guide, part thrilling steampunk adventure story. At the end of the 19th century, a brilliant inventor, Professor Jonathan T. Buck, crafted a beautiful steam-powered airship for an expedition to South America’s Amazon River Basin in search of a magnificent lost city — hidden from terrestrial explorers for centuries by its surrounding dense forests. But something mysterious happened in the heart of the jungle — Buck, his crew and the Air Paddle Steamer Claire vanished. More than a century later, an expedition sent to look for any trace of the Claire vanished and its crew discovered a single, discarded trunk lodged high in the forest canopy. Inside was this notebook: a riveting — firsthand account that reveals not only just how Buck drew up the plans for his airship, but what fate befell the expedition. Professor Jonathan T. Buck’s Mysterious Airship Notebook is unlike any adventure story before. Part drawing guide, part historical saga, this book will transport readers to a world before modern technology, when steam power, gadgets, gases and gizmos took us into the skies”. (Syndetics summary)

The beautiful edible garden : design a stylish outdoor space using vegetables, fruits, and herbs / Leslie Bennett and Stefani Bittner ; photography by David Fenton and Jill Rizzo ; floral arrangements by Studio Choo.
“Have you ever noticed that just when the weather is perfect for inviting friends over for a barbecue, the tomato plants start looking like hell? While many people would love to have a vegetable garden at home, not everyone has the space or desire to replace their backyard with unsightly raised beds and rows of corn. They want a balance: the ability to grow organic fruits and vegetables, but also have their garden be a place of year-round beauty that is appealing and enjoyable. Written by a landscape design team that specialises in blending edibles and ornamentals in the garden, The Beautiful Edible Garden proves that it’s possible for gardeners of all levels to reap the best of both worlds. With a fresh approach to garden design and glorious colour photographs, it’s perfect for readers who want a garden space that is both attractive and productive”. (Syndetics summary)

Brooklyn makers : food, design, craft, and other scenes from the tactile life / Jennifer Causey ; foreword by Eric Demby.
“A creative renaissance blooms in Brooklyn. At its heart is a thriving community of artisans producing a remarkable variety of handmade goods. In Brooklyn Makers, photographer Jennifer Causey captures the spirit of this homegrown movement by documenting thirty of the borough’s most celebrated craftsmen. This eclectic mix of established and up-and-coming makers includes bakers, ceramic artists, clothing designers, florists, distillers, and more. With an eye for small details, Causey’s charming photographs reveal each artisan at work in their own space. Her lively interviews reveal what inspires them, keeps them motivated, and their thoughts on the city where they live and work”– Provided by publisher. (courtesy of Syndetics)

Family spaces / Candice Olson ; photographs by Brandon Barré.
“Popular TV star Candice Olson shows you how to create your dream family room Everybody wants their home′s main living space to meet the needs of the whole family-and look great doing it. HGTV star Candice Olson is an expert in showing clients how a room can have many functions while still looking pulled-together and polished, and this book showcases a collection of her family room redos that is sure to inspire. Chock full of tips and ideas, Candice Olson Family Spaces features hundreds of full-color, before-and-after photos of Candice′s stunning family room makeovers. Plus, you′ll get access to her artful room sketches and design boards and insight into how each design took shape, giving you unprecedented guidance for planning your own family room renovation. Explains how good design accommodates all members of the family and their daily activities Designs offer functionality, durability, and comfort without sacrificing style As a busy mother of two, Candice brings valuable insight to what a family really needs from the spaces they share Redecorating-or even just dreaming about decorating-can transform one′s outlook on life, and Candice Olson Family Spaces is the catalyst to get readers off the couch and down to the upholstery store”. (Syndetics summary)

Bazaar style : decorating with market and vintage finds / Selina Lake with words by Joanna Simmons ; photography by Debi Treloar.
“If you love rummaging through markets, or can’t pass an antique shop without popping in, Bazaar Style is for you. Discover an exciting world of creative decorating that will make you feel comfortably at home in every room. Stylist Selina Lake and interiors writer Joanna Simmons show you real homes furnished with intriguing pieces from different eras and cultures, which mix and match colours, patterns and designs. The look is so achievable because anything goes! Simply take the things you love and create a home that is truly yours. You’ll discover an inspiring mix of vintage and retro influences, flea-market finds, and pieces inspired by a French brocante or Moroccan bazaar, which you can use to customize basic high-street buys. The book begins by showing you how to combine the Elements of the style to put the look together: Furniture & Storage, Textiles, Colour & Pattern, Lighting, Wall Art & Collectibles and Display are all considered. In the second half of the book, Rooms, find out how the style works brilliantly in Cooking & Eating Spaces, Living Spaces, Bathing Spaces, Sleeping Spaces and Outdoor Living.” (amazon.co.uk summary)

These recent picks focus on the design that literally surrounds us every day. Several of these titles examine the ways architecture has adapted to the current economic and environmentally aware times and show how these restrictions can result in great design.

Groundwork : between landscape and architecture / Diana Balmori and Joel Sanders.
“The current environmental crisis calls for a unified practice of landscape and architecture that would allow buildings and landscapes to perform symbiotically to heal the environment. Over the past ten years, a diverse group of architects, landscape architects, and artists have undertaken groundbreaking projects that propose an integration of landscape and architecture, dissolving traditional distinctions between building and environment. Groundwork: Between Landscape and Architecture examines twenty-five projects, on an international scale, that consider landscape and architecture as true reciprocal entities.” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

New York dozen : gen X architects / Michael J. Crosbie.
“This book profiles the work of 12 firms making a name in the city that never sleeps- the latest of a new generation of practitioners that are being challenge by the new economy.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Handmade houses : a century of earth-friendly home design / Richard Olsen.
“The first study of the handmade-homes phenomenon since its inception in the late 1960s, Handmade Houses revisits the subject’s roots and history, exploring how these homes and their owners paved the way for the architectural-salvage business and the reclaimed, industrial look ever-popular today. As fascinating as the structures are themselves, their owners—professionals and amateurs who personally designed and built each residence—offer their inspirations and stories behind the convention-defying homes. Design lessons are gleaned from each home—some examples of environmentally aware construction with applicable tips for use in more mainstream scenarios. Handmade Houses is an important and relevant volume to be appreciated by anyone interested in environmentally friendly design, craft, and the expression of personal style in the home. ” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

Nano house : innovations for small dwellings / Phyllis Richardson.
“This wonderful compilation of photos accompanied by brief, informative essays presents a definitive review of micro-habitations, or “nano houses.” A variety of shapes and designs from around the globe are presented to exhibit how one can downsize and still live luxuriously. Though some homes are intricate and ornate-like the sophisticated, complex “Moon Dazzler” in Guanacaste, Costa Rica with bamboo screens for walls-others, like the Czech Republic’s “Villa Hermina,” display a cozy minimalism. The appropriately-named and barrel-esque German model, “Roll-It,” along with the egg-shaped Belgian “Blob” demonstrate how small can still be both innovative and surprisingly comfortable. Design and architecture enthusiasts as well as readers concerned with environmental issues and alternative housing will find this book informative and inspiring. Photos. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.” – (adapted from Publisher Weekly summary)

Triumphs of change : architecture reconsidered / Russell Walden.Triumphs of Change: Architecture Reconsidered
“This book is born out of a sense of scepticism with self-indulgence in architecture. It seeks a new prescription for readdressing architecture as an expression of human need. Sense, Sagacity and the Sublime define the architectural realities of its organizing principle, while Gods and Goddesses; Princes and Prelates; Corporate Clients and Citizens identify strategic shifts in Western Civilization. The book carries the judgment of democracy derived from Greek Goddess Athena. This is followed by the measured building world of Le Thoronet which advances unswervingly towards the Paris Opera – the greatest processional triumph of the 19th Century. The finale deals with Frank Lloyd Wright at Falling Water, Le Corbusier at Ronchamp, Renzo Piano at Kansai Airport, Japan, and Santiago Calatrava’s winged vehemence at Milwaukee, USA. The book concludes with a thoughtful reminder – emphasizing the values of human engagement while providing philosophical support for the social contract in architecture.” – (adapted from Publisher’s description)

We have a diverse range of books on offer this month –  from the quirky “Architecture Electric” a photographic record of wellington electric substations, Architectural cartoons  to Origami architecture.

The architecture electric / Jared Kennard, Tyson Schmidt, Nathan Horne. 
“The Architecture Electric records central Wellington electrical substations photographically to highlight and showcase these overlooked utilitarian buildings. Hiding at the end of the street, under office towers, in carparking blocks, or next to your garage at home, these vital links in the electrical infrastructure are often camouflaged and ignored as there is no human occupancy. Architectural styles reflect the era they were built and the attitude of the day with proudly displayed pediments, ornate trimmings or brutalist precast concrete form, yet all tend to be painted green to blend into the background.” – (adapted from Unity Books summary)

Did you mean to do that? : Malcolm Walker architectural cartoons / edited by John Walsh ; foreword by Louis Hellman ; afterword by Gerald Melling. 
“This long-awaited book covers twenty-five years of cartoons from New Zealand’s leading architectural cartoonist – Malcolm Walker: a chronicle of styles, ambitions and happy collaborations. Follow the career development of those perennial architectural contenders, Turbo Floss and Dollop, watch the Crass Corporation shape a city, and enjoy the vicarious pleasure of dealing with Council planning consent officers. Learn the secrets of design and the truth about clients and builders. See architects at work and play and in the psychiatrist’s chair. Observe the untiring quest for jobs, fame and a refill at the annual awards dinner. Discover what inspires architects, and find out what they’d like for Christmas. All this, and more, in a book for anyone who has ever wanted to ask; ‘Did you mean to do that?’.” – (adapted from Fishpond summary)

A history of design from the Victorian era to the present : a survey of the modern style in architecture, interior design, industrial design, graphic design, and photography / Ann Ferebee with Jeff Byles.
“The first edition of this compact (8.25×9″) book for design students was published in 1970; it covered design up to 1958. This second edition extends coverage to 2008, with special emphasis on the influence of digital technology and sustainable design. This edition expands coverage from the traditional design epicenters such as London and New York to explore developments in many cities around the world, including the Middle East and Africa. Illustrated with color photos and illustrations on every page, the book surveys design traditions and movements of the last 160 years, looking at how technological achievements spurred design innovations in architecture, photography, and interior, industrial, and graphic design during four periods: the Victorian period, art nouveau, and early modern and late modern design.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Architectural theory : from the Renaissance to the present : 89 essays on 117 treatises / with a preface by Bernd Evers and an introduction by Christof Thoenes ; in cooperation with the Kunstbibliothek der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin ; [English translation, Gregory Fauria, Jeremy Gaines, Michael Shuttleworth].
“This book brings together all of the most important and influential essays about architecture written since the Renaissance, copiously illustrated and neatly organized chronologically by country. 848 pp.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Origami architecture : papercraft models of the world’s most famous buildings / Yee.
“The incredible splendors of some of the worlds’ most recognized architectural feats are brought to life within the pages of Origami Architecture. With this book, some card stock paper, and a hobby knife, anyone can build spectacular re-creations of the most famous buildings in the world. It gives instructions and templates for 16 buildings, including the Parthenon, the White House, the Eiffel Tower, the Chrysler building, and the Forbidden City. There are over 900 photographs detailing the cutting and assembling of the pieces, most without using glue or tape. Once the structure is attached to the base not only will does it look amazing, but it can be folded up and taken anywhere.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Inside prefab : the ready-made interior / Deborah Schneiderman.
“As an inherently sustainable and affordable building method, prefabrication has enjoyed a revival in recent years, attracting clients and architects alike.  Off-site production for interior design elements has been the norm for centuries, from the first Asian paper screens to the packaged kitchens of the mid-twentieth century, but it has rarely been the topic of serious discussion. The richly illustrated examples in this book range from interior walls, kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, and offices to complete prefabricated house interiors.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Material strategies : innovative applications in architecture / Blaine Brownell.
“This colorful volume on materials in modern architecture examines the properties of specific building materials and explores the ways in which they are used today as well as historical progressions of material choices. Divided into sections covering minerals, concrete, wood, metal, glass, and plastic, each chapter provides an overview of the history and use of the material, examples of its use in modern architecture, and a relevant case studies demonstrating key principles in design and construction related to the specific material. The volume includes full-color photographs throughout and a detailed project index with information on locations and architects is provided. Brownell is an architect teaching at the University of Minnesota.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Reading architecture : a visual lexicon / Owen Hopkins.
“This innovative and unique book is a visual guide to the buildings that surround us, naming all the visible architectural features. Unlike other architectural dictionaries, the reader doesn’t have to know the name before looking it up. An original and accessible take on the architectural dictionary, this book takes you on a visual tour of the buildings and structures around us.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Architecture crossing the boundaries, shelter, and natural light and space that transcends the physical are some of the subjects explored in our current selection…

Distinct ambiguity : GRAFT / [edited by Katja Bromberg, and GRAFT].
“As its name suggests, GRAFT’s groundbreaking architecture and design crosses boundaries between disciplines and “grafts” the creative potentials and methodologies of different realities to each other. By doing so, the collective has created a pioneering architectonic and visual language that takes surprising, seemingly contrary combinations of ideas and melds them into projects that are aesthetically innovative as well as sustainable and socially meaningful. Distinct Ambiguity is the first book to present GRAFT’s comprehensive body of work. It is structured into 5 thematic chapters that reflect the fundamental aspects of the collective’s inimitable approach. Each one — Ambiguity, Curiosity, Narration, Happiness, and Courage — is illustrated by stunning visuals of the work that best illustrates the concept, from the celebrated projects of the Make It Right Foundation in New Orleans to resorts in harmony with their natural surroundings, zero-energy villas, and whimsical home furnishings. Insightful chapter introductions and project descriptions provide detailed documentation of the inspiration, context, and processes involved in creating some of the most visionary and relevant architecture and design of our time.” (Amazon)

The architecture of natural light / Henry Plummer.The Architecture of Natural Light
“Shelter and natural light are fundamental elements of architecture. The first is concerned with protection from natural elements; the second with the creative and sometimes spiritual interaction between the man-made and the natural worlds. One is solid and static, the other illuminates and animates.  Architects through the ages have preoccupied themselves with how to marry these two opposing aspects of architecture, a marriage that at its finest transforms natural light itself into a building material. Seen through the eyes of an architect and photographer, The Architecture of Natural Light is the first publication to consider the many effects of natural illumination in contemporary buildings. For all those seeking to create space that transcends the physical, The Architecture of Natural Light is a powerful and poetic yet practical survey that provides an original and timeless approach to contemporary architecture.” (Amazon)

The future of architecture : since 1889 / Jean-Louis Cohen.
“Truly far-ranging? both conceptually and geographically? “The Future of Architecture Since 1889″ is a rich, compelling history that will shape future thinking about this period for years to come. Jean-Louis Cohen, one of today’s most distinguished architectural historians and critics, gives an authoritative and compelling account of the twentieth century, tracing an arc from industrialization through computerization, and linking architecture to developments in art, technology, urbanism and critical theory. Encompassing both well-known masters and previously neglected but significant architects, this book also reflects Cohen’s deep knowledge of architecture across the globe, and in places such Eastern Europe and colonial Africa and South America that have rarely been included in histories of this period. It is richly illustrated not only with buildings, projects and plans, but also with publications, portraits, paintings, diagrams, film stills, and exhibitions, showing the immense diversity of architectural thought and production throughout the twentieth century.” (Syndetics summary)                     

Tiny homes : simple shelter : scaling back in the 21st century / Lloyd Kahn.
“From the author of Shelter, the 1973 seminal work on historical, small scale, and do-it-yourself home design and building, this utterly charming volume on tiny houses examines trends in conservation and moderation that have led to a resurgence in small, custom, and sustainable dwellings. The volume is divided into sections covering permanent homes, tiny homes on wheels, designs by architects, prefabs and kits, straw bale/cob, tree houses, mobile homes, and houseboats. Each featured home includes numerous color photographs of the project and architectural details, as well as commentary on the philosophies, motivations, and techniques of the builders.” (Syndetics summary)

Passive houses : energy efficient homes / [editor], Chris van Uffelen.
“The new Generation of Ecological Architecture Building owners today are increasingly confronted with the question of energy efficiency. Aside from mandatory national requirements and optional certificates, a general consensus of passive house has emerged. Within a few years this building standard has become widely spread. Depending on the climatic zone, passive houses require very different technologies, interventions and steps to be taken by the architects. These have meanwhile evolved from the formerly very uniform look of the passive house and are now found in buildings with very different appearances. This volume portrays approximately 60 singe family passive house homes and shows a multitude of great and at the same time sustainable architecture. Seaside in House in Grosseto, Italy (Modostudio) House in Bessancourt, France (Karawitz Architecture) House.” (Library Catalogue)

Cutting edge art, old and new – my personal pick for April: Skull style!

The art of not making : the new artist/artisan relationship / Michael Petry.
“Artist-author Petry’s book challenges readers with the dynamic definition of art as a confrontation between conceptual and material constructs. Prefaced with a historical introduction to Marcel Duchamp, the book is organized, ironically, by materials: “Glass,” “Metal,” “Stone,” “Textiles,” and “Other Materials.” Each section presents brief historical context and a selection of relevant artists’ work. Included are artworks by Ai Weiwei, Louise Bourgeois, Grayson Perry, and Chris Burden, among others. Brilliant images accompany detailed captions that connect to the theme of “unmade” conceptual making. Encompassing definitions of craft, art, and design, this volume offers both thematic breadth and specific examples.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Characters : cultural stories revealed through typography / Stephen Banham ; foreword by Rick Poynor.
“Type and signage surround us. They are part of our daily lives and the history of whichever city we happen to live in. Whether old or new, each sign has a story to tell. In Characters, Stephen Banham has meticulously researched the signage and typography of a city to present an exuberant collection of quirky, poignant and often funny stories. They range from how a callout to mend a burnt fuse on a neon sign led to the discovery of over 100 musical instruments hidden away in a train station tower for 50 years to the sign that had to be removed for eliciting illegal gambling. From architecture and advertising to cultural history and much more, Characters is a book that will appeal to historians, designers and typophiles alike.” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

The last Pre-Raphaelite : Edward Burne-Jones and the Victorian imagination / Fiona MacCarthy.
“This detailed, engaging, and thoroughly researched biography is the most recent work on the English Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones. Versed in the artistic culture of Victorian England, respected biographer MacCarthy (William Morris: A Life for Our Time) covers Burne-Jones’s life from his early days in Oxford to his ascent as a respected artist. She explores his relationships with contemporaries such as fellow Pre-Raphaelite Dante Gabriel Rossetti and especially Arts and Crafts designer William Morris-Burne-Jones collaborated with Morris’s interior design firm, Morris & Company, on numerous stained glass windows, tapestries, and illustrations for books.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Picasso to Warhol : fourteen modern masters / Jodi Hauptman ; with essays by Samantha Friedman and Michael Rooks.
“Published in conjunction with a presentation of masterworks from The Museum of Modern Art, New York, at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, this volume highlights the work of 14 masters of twentieth-century art: Constantin Brancusi, Alexander Calder, Giorgio de Chirico, Marcel Duchamp, Jasper Johns, Fernand Léger, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Romare Bearden, Louise Bourgeois and Andy Warhol.” – (adapted from Amazon.com summary)

Rock, paper, scissors : the work of Julien Vallée / [by Julien Vallée ; words by Eve Duhamel and Julien Vallée with Daniel Canty].
“Julien Vallée is a virtuoso at melding a variety of analog and digital design techniques into fascinating images and magically arranged spaces. Whether moving or static, the young Canadian’s incomparable visuals explore the relative roles of the computer and handmade processes in design. Vallée works in a wide range of fields, including art direction, motion graphics, print design, and art installation as well as video and design for the television industry.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Skull style : skulls in contemporary art and design / curated by Patrice Farameh.
“SKULL STYLE is a beautifully designed book presents not only one of the most ancient symbols used in the history of mankind but how it is utilized in the most surprising and modern way today. Formerly an emblem of evil and mortality, the skull has been transformed into an avant-garde design element used in the most cutting-edge art, chic interiors and vanguard style of the moment. Whether embellished on costly T-shirts, woven on limited edition chairs, and even encrusted with diamonds sold at an art auction for $100 million, the skull is no longer just a daunting memento of our frail mortality but a contemporary figure of fashion.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Laura Bennet’s new book, Handmade Chic:  Fashionable Projects That Look High-End Not Homespun featured on a recent new books list.  It caught my eye as I’m a big Project Runway fan and Laura was one of my favourite contestants.  Her book has great designs that are sophisticated and in her words, not homespun.

She uses a lot of leather in her designs, and machine stitches with a heavy needle.  I had quite a few vinyl scraps at home from a previous project and thought the designs could easily be hand stitched.

I started with the business card holder.  I used magic tape on the vinyl to draw the stitch line, and to hold both of the pieces together while I sewed.  I was really pleased with how the card holder looked, so moved on to the book cover.

I made the book cover for my diary.  I used  three pieces of vinyl and  again used magic tape to hold the pieces together and to draw my stitch line on.  I picked the tape off when I had finished.  This gave the project a very tidy finish.  I had so much fun making these items, I designed my own smart phone case!

As well as projects for the office, Laura’s book includes a number of sophisticated designs for the corporate wardrobe: belts, bracelets and handbags. While the patterns do look good, I’ll stick to accessories.

Summer’s just around the corner, and there’s nothing better then a glass of cool homemade lemon cordial on a hot day.  Lucky for me, a friend of mine recently moved into a house with a magnificant lemon tree in the garden.

I took my recipe from Robyn Paterson’s book Tips from your Grandad: you can do it.  Don’t be fooled into thinking this book is just about car maintenance and shining your shoes – it has got heaps of great tips and recipes (we’ve also enjoyed making the sherbert on numerous occasions).

The recipe is called old fashioned citrus cordial and  couldn’t be easier.  I’ve previously made it with a mix of citrus as suggested, but prefer to  use just lemons. I made a batch to give to friends for Christmas and thought I’d make the bottles just that bit fancy by making my own labels.

Print workshop: hand-printing techniques + truly original projects by Christine Schmidt has very do-able printing processes for the  home crafter.  I tried the water-slide decal jar labels for my cordial bottles. The process reminded me of how we soaked the  paper off the back of stamps as kids.  With a little bit of practice and reference to the troubleshooting tips, I managed to produce very cool, rustic labels.  I’d like my labels to be a  bit darker, like the ones in the book, and I think that will come with a little more practice.  I didn’t need any of the optional material suggested for printing, and the labels stuck to the bottle without the use of sealent.  As the  labels are clear, they are best suited to bottles or jars were the contents is a light colour.

Now all I need is a hot day and some sunshine…

Other printing and handy tip books

Tips from your nana: waste not, want not! by Robyn Paterson; photography by Tammy Williams

Mum knows best: exceedingly helpful household hints by M & J Hanks

Queen of crafts: the  modern girls’ guide to knitting, sewing, quilting, baking, preserving and kitchen gardening by Jazz Domino Holly

Lotta prints: how to print with anything from potatoes to linoleum by Lotta Jansdotter photographs by Jenny Hallengren

This month our picks of the new design books range from iconic figures and influences in design, to a focus on light and pattern. Have a browse!

 Dieter Rams : as little design as possible / Sophie Lovell.
“‘Indifference towards people and the reality in which they live is actually the one and only cardinal sin in design’ – Dieter Rams. Dieter Rams’ life and work are indelibly linked to his thoughts about how people live, and how they can live better. Products he designed in the 1960s are still being produced and sold today – just one demonstration of the strength of his work.This comprehensive monograph covers both Rams’ life and his work, as well as his ideas on good design, which continue to inspire designers and consumers today. This book will appeal not only to fans of Dieter Rams’ work, but to everyone drawn to the message behind his ‘ten commandments’ of good design – which are really ideas about how we can all live better and more sustainable lives.” (Amazon.com)

Light for visual artists : understanding & using light in art & design / Richard Yot.
“Light for Visual Artists is the first book to look at the way light can be used to create realistic and fantastical effects in a wide range of visual media. It is a valuable resource for animators, digital illustrators, painters, photographers, and artists working in any medium. Clearly written by a practicing illustrator, this book is essential reading for both students and professional artists.” (Syndetics summary)

  Colour moves : art & fashion by Sonia Delaunay / Matteo de Leeuw-de Monti and Petra Timmer ; edited by Matilda McQuaid and Susan Brown. 
“Painter, textile and stage designer and co-conspirator (with her husband Robert Delaunay) of the Orphist movement, Sonia Delaunay is a heroine of early modernist art and design. Known primarily as an abstract painter and colorist, Delaunay applied her talents and theories to all areas of visual expression, including graphics, interiors, theater and film, fashion and textiles.  Color Moves: Art & Fashion by Sonia Delaunay focuses not only on her art but also her avant-garde fashion designs for her Atelier Simultané in Paris during the 1920s, as well as textiles she designed for the Metz & Co department store in Amsterdam in the 1930s. The book features essays by Delaunay experts Matteo de Leeuw-de Monti, Matilda McQuaid and Petra Timmer, accompanied by more than 300 paintings, drawings, designs, textiles, garments and photographs.” (Book Jacket)

 Chronology of pattern : pattern in art from lotus flower to flower power.
“The Chronology of Pattern is a glorious, highly illustrated look at the history of pattern from ancient times up to the present. The book draws the patterns from the worlds of textiles, paintings, manuscripts and architecture. The book is divided into chapters each covering separate centuries. The result is not only a visual delight but an excellent sourcebook that will be useful for all artists who use patterns in their work. This book should be a must on the reference shelves of all those working in the visual arts.” (Amazon.co.uk)

Gothic architecture, nordic design, New Zealand design, and more. Have a browse of our latest selection of new architecture and design books:

Research & design : the architecture of variation / edited by Lars Spuybroek.
“A detailed examination of the hottest areas of architectural design today.Over the past decade, digital tools have radically transformed the design, practice, and construction of architecture. But behind the photorealistic renderings of projects that are never built is an entire body of design research that informs the latest innovations in design and construction. Edited by a pioneer of the digital revolution, this new book takes its cue from the practice of mass-customization, one of the most important design and retail trends of recent years, to consider how variations on the same design idea can be applied to a broad spectrum of architectural, engineering, and construction solutions.The book has three parts: a group of essays by leading thinkers on design; comparative studies on variation; and case studies. Full of ideas, examples, and current research, this exciting new publication is well-priced for students but sophisticated enough for professionals. 500 b&w Illustrations.” (Syndetics summary)

100 ideas that changed architecture.
“This is the first volume of a new series on ideas that have changed different areas of art. Weston (architecture, Cardiff Univ.) has written extensively about 20th-century architecture (e.g., Key Buildings of the Twentieth Century, 2d ed.). Featuring 100 concise essays with illustrations, Weston here covers the basic concepts, movements, and techniques of architecture. Neither theory-heavy nor comprehensive, the volume mentions mostly European buildings. While each essay stands on its own, many refer to others-for example, “Air Conditioning” offers a historical background for the technology, then explains its mixed impact on the design of large edifices. The main illustration is the skyline of Dubai seen from the desert. Verdict Somewhere between specialized dictionary and encyclopedia, this book is too large to be a field guide. Its glossary and quality illustrations make it a useful reference for art and architecture students.-David R. Conn, formerly with Surrey P.L., BC (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.” (Library Journal)
 
Story of gothic architecture.
“Focusing on the Gothic period, this book gives readers the tools they need to grasp the architectural language and building forms of this style. Part of a new, accessibly written, and generously illustrated series on architecture through the ages, this book features the Gothic period’s most important architects, buildings and cities, interior and exterior photographs, detailed images, and drawings and plans. The book offers a general introduction to the Gothic period and discusses the primary characteristics of the style, along with the commonly used techniques and materials. A hallmark of the medieval period, Gothic architecture originated in twelfth-century France and lasted until the sixteenth century. Its lofty style expressed spiritual ideals, yet it was also an incredibly innovative movement that introduced such iconic forms as the pointed arch, ribbed vault, and flying buttress. Some of the world’s most famous castles, universities and churches, including Westminster Abbey in London, were designed according to Gothic principles.” (quoted from Amazon.co.uk)

New Zealand by design : a history of New Zealand product design / Michael Smythe.“Product design is what we make of ourselves. It shapes and shows who we are. It is the manufactured manifestation of our culture. NEW ZEALAND BY DESIGN richly illustrates the way product design has been formed by the isolation of the country most recently inhabited by ‘tool making animals’. It will inform, entertain, intrigue and surprise readers interested in Kiwi heritage, creativity, culture, economics, politics, technology, industry and the deeply driven needs for human beings to design better lives.” (Back cover)

Katsura.“Beautifully illustrated with newly commissioned photographs as well as archival material, this volume on the Imperial Palace of Katsura provides a complete history of one of the most beloved architectural works of the 17th century that is a continued source of fascination to architects today.” – (adapted from Amazon.co.uk)

 Love Earth : 100 eco ideas + 100 eco designs / [edited and produced by Viction Workshop Ltd ; concepts & art direction by Victor Cheung]. Never has green design been more important. Unfortunately, good design has not always followed… Love Earth shows that green design and good design are not mutually exclusive. Collecting some of the best eco-friendly design ever assembled in one place, this book features a variety of design disciplines and media, from graphic and product design to campaigns and installations all while focusing on the innovation of a select group of designers and visionaries. In the process we are reminded of the very nature of the many problems facing us, from lack of environmental protection to depletion of natural resources (energy, food and materials). More than homage to our planet, Love Earth is an alarm call to our sensibilities: Wake Up!

Nordic interior design / Manuela Roth.
“In scarcely any other European region are techonological advances and contemporary interpretations of tradition in such harmony and so self-evident as in the Scandinavian countries, Europe’s northernmost region. Here, alongside Ikea’s mass-produced designs, a uniquely creative architecture and design scene has developed. The frequent utilization of natural and traditional materials allows design trends to emerge that inspire around the world. Furthermore, this close relationship to nature demands the respectful handling of natural resources. This volume reveals that it is not only the functionality of the represented interior spaces that is of foremost importance, but also the skilful handling of light, color and material. Around 50 recent examples from both the private and the public spheres are presented from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.” (Syndetics summary)

 Story of contemporary architecture.
“Focusing on contemporary architecture, this book gives readers the tools they need to grasp the architectural language and building forms of today’s architecture. Part of a new, accessibly written, and generously illustrated series on architecture through the ages, this book features contemporary architecture’s most important architects and buildings, interior and exterior photographs, detailed images, drawings and plans. From post- and neo-modernist to deconstructivist and contextualist, contemporary architecture embraces a wide range of approaches. It is unified by its accomplishment of technical challenges, innovative use of resources and space, and insistence on forward-looking design. Some of the most renowned contemporary architects exemplifying these principals are Daniel Libeskind, Zaha Hahid, Rem Koolhaas, Norman Foster, and Frank Gehry.” (quoted from Amazon.co.uk)