Bookshelf: Audubon, Gardens & Elegant Decor

Everyone knows I love fine French antique furniture. But, like everyone else, my interests are diverse. I love gardening (as you can see from my Vintage Life blog series). I love the challenge of restoring a classic American bungalow. I love taking nature walks with Greg to enjoy the beauty of trees, flowers and birds.

And when I'm not living my passions, I love doing the next best thing: Reading about them.

A trio of recently released books from publisher Skira Rizzoli will feed my senses with stunning photos and engaging commentary. These books will not only make great reading, but I think they'll look terrific on the coffee table.

The Elegant Garden by Johann Kraftner

Now that the winter doldrums have set in, are you feeling a flush of cabin fever? This book will rescue you! Lavishly illustrated, this 432-page book covers every type of garden imaginable. Whether you're keen to fashion formal English style gardens to complement your Victorian home or you lean more towards a prairie look, this lovely tome will provide you with a visual feast and plenty of ideas to implement when the spring thaw finally enables you to get back outdoors.

The Age of Elegance by Alex Papachristidis

If you follow American interior design at all, you'll recognize the name of designer Alex Papachristidis. Known for his love of 18th century furniture and his eclectic design style, Papachristidis rooms never fail to delight. No matter where your decorating tastes lie, this book is sure to please, with photographs of 16 residences designed by Papachristidis. Ranging from New York mansions to a beach house on Cape Cod, the interiors presented will inspire you to incorporate elegance into your own decor.

Audubon's Aviary: The Original Watercolors for the Birds of America

Because we've recently added a line of high-quality reproduction aviary and botanical prints to our online collection, I was delighted to discover this sensational book that spotlights Audubon's original watercolor paintings that were later turned into the engravings we're all so familiar with in "Birds of America." Truly a work of art, this coffee table book will provide you and your guests with a rare look at Audubon's paintings and historical insight through the text by Roberta Olson.

What kinds of books do you enjoy? I could use some suggestions to fill my winter reading list!