Cool photography and coffee table books
The coffee table. It remains a difficult item to style in the home, because it is bare, boring or impersonal. Do you put flowers on it? No, then it will be full again. Do you opt for a pair of beautiful candlesticks? Nice, but fits better on the mantelpiece. How about a coffee table book? Well, well... you hit the nail on the head. That is exactly what we - in plural - want. Coffee table books give that little bit extra. It is a work of art in itself (something along the lines of: why only hang art on the wall?) which immediately gives your interior that touch of flair. And of course fun to browse through. These coffee table books have beautiful photography by Dutch photographers (Dutch pride) to dream interiors and great design. Voilà, Bart's list of the most beautiful books for your coffee table. And combining is possible!
Photo via Studio Ashby
A title that matches the holiday vibes of Barts Boekje: Il Dolce Far Niente means 'blissful doing nothing'. This beautiful book by photographer Lucy Laucht is about 'the italian way of life'. A book full of summery pictures in Italy, sea, beach and living the good life. A wonderful book to boost your holiday spirit, even when you are not going on holiday. Available via Bol.com. €38,80
Photo via Lucy Laucht
One of the most successful interior designers of the moment is Studio Ashby. Her eclectic style mixes vintage design with classic, color, traditionally made items and contrasting materials. A mix-and-match of colors and styles that works out just right. How we would love to hire her for a home makeover. Until then, getting inspiration from the beautiful coffee table book Home Art Soul is a great and affordable substitute. Available via Bol.com. €44,79
If you want color in your living room, reach for the books of Assouline. This Parisian maker of coffee table books has the colorful travel books. Very nice if you happen to choose a book from a place you have already been or would like to go. But choose one of the nice thick books by color is just fine. Available at Bijenkorf. €105
THE NEW STIJL is a collaboration between…,staat and MENDO. Well then you already have our attention. The 500-page book in three different covers – green, red and blue – is a piece of art on your coffee table, wall shelves or bookcase. In the book you will find the works of more than 50 Dutch large and small designers, artists, photographers, architects and other creatives. The cream of the Netherlands' most inspiring dreamers, doers and thinkers. In addition to the beautiful photos, you will also find interviews and views on the work. Just a little more name dropping? And THE NEW STYLE you will find work by Sabine Marcelis, BYBORRE, Viviane Sassen, Inez & Vinoodh, Iris van Herpen, Jop van Bennekom, Raquel van Haver, DRIFT, Daily Paper and so on. €90
Dutch glory on the table. Of course we all know the world famous book Before They Pass Away in which British photographer Jimmy Nelson – who lives in Amsterdam – portrayed 35 indigenous tribes around the world. In his latest book Between the Sea and the Sky 20 – almost disappeared – Dutch communities are dramatically photographed. What traditional clothing did – and sometimes do – they wear in villages like Hindeloopen, Axel and Marken? And what do the landscapes and villages look like? This book shows a beautiful piece of Dutch culture that we were previously not sufficiently familiar with. €125
Okay, we'll kick off this list with a Te. Crazy. Interior book. The name? Style in Colour. The book shows how color can immediately dress up, brighten and pimp a space. Stylist Julia Green helps you apply color and shows you what kind of results and effects you can create. Each chapter in the book is divided into – you guessed it – color: orange, red, blue, green, pink, yellow, neutral and black. The book is full of beautiful interior photos and contains great interviews with, among others, the creators of LRNCE (Marrakech) and Lovers (Ibiza). Definitely one musthave addition to your coffee table.
This table book is one that you – or rather, your kid – still have to fill in. You may be familiar with the thought: what to do with all those drawings and crafts from the kids? Well, this list book is the answer. In a beautifully packaged coffee table book you can put all the creative expressions of your little one. Very nice. We are fans. Can be ordered via Bol.com. €30
Vivienne Westwood. One of the most influential designers in the world, known for her mix of punk with classic style. She once declared: 'the only reason I am in fashion is to destroy the word conformity'. In the book Vivienne Westwood Catwalk you will see 40 years (!) of catwalk collections pass by, but you will also get an exclusive look behind the scenes – including through the biographies of designers. In addition to the informative content, the eye also wants something. And Vivienne knows that better than anyone: hello, lovely print. We praise hot!
Oooh, we want this book just for the hardcover with tiger print. But the inside is just as cool. Safari Style is a collection of beautifully photographed images of African safari lodges. You know, that luxury, eco-safari camps and lodges. The book celebrates the role of safaris in preserving endangered species and areas. The photos were taken in seven (!) countries, from classic lodges in Kenya to wonderful resorts in South Africa. That will make you dream away about these great locations while browsing. €70,23
And of course we cannot forget our own books in this list. All a picture to put on the table, and especially to leaf through. What kind of things do you encounter? The nicest little escapes at home and abroad. From the tastiest restaurants to the coolest places to sleep for a weekend or day away in the Netherlands, Spain and (our fav) Cape Town. And all beautifully photographed.
On a cupboard or shelf, a book can look even better if you place it open in a book stand. You can make it as expensive as you want.
Assouline acrylic book stand Beehive €105
Metal book stand Ball €54,50
