It’s the perfect time of year to grab a throw and a good book. Check out what our editors have to say about their latest favorite interior design, architecture and craft book reads. Here’s what we’ve been reading this month.

It’s the perfect time of year to grab a throw and a good book. Check out what our editors have to say about their latest favorite interior design, architecture and craft book reads. Here’s what we’ve been reading this month.

For those who believe Saturday mornings are meant for yard sales, not sleeping in…who re-sort their recyling for “upcycling” possibilities…who have a special place in their heart for old houses…and see rust marks as a sign of beauty, not deterioration…you’ll love our editors’ “What We’re Reading” design book picks for August.

“What We’re Reading” brings you our monthly pick of new design-related books with reviews from our HGTV.com editors.

Here’s a look at the latest books gracing the night stands and coffee tables of our HGTV.com editors.

“What We’re Reading” brings you our monthly pick of new design-related books, along with comments from our HGTV.com editors. For May, here’s a look into the world of French cottage decor, the grand apartment homes of 5th & Park Avenues and the retro-fantasy stylings of the Steampunk movement.
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Handmade is all the rage. So, find out what our HGTV.com editors had to say about these new craft books, and make something cool to decorate your home.
For all you Anglophiles, Francophiles and Aussiephiles out there, here’s what we’re reading this month at HGTV.com.
• Lili Zarghami, Managing Editor: I just finished reading the Feb/March issue of the Aussie mag Adore Home. With young boy and girl twins (4th birthday tomorrow!) at home, I am constantly searching for well-designed, gender neutral ideas that I can use for their shared bedroom. Personally, I cannot abide cartoon characters or anything overly precious. So, I was thrilled to see three different rooms in Adore Home that feature bold, bright palettes for kids rooms that would work for boys or girls (or both at the same time!) as well as the parents who have to share the same house.

As this new digital shelter magazine is produced on the other side of the globe, many of the products will be hard to find in the States. But ideas and colors know no boundaries. (If you like the Catherine Martin Circus Silhouettes wallpaper shown above, you’re in luck. Sydney Harbour Paint Company in California carries it in red and blue.)
• Anna Millman, Online Programming Manager: From the haute couture dining room in a 220-foot superyacht to one of the biggest apartments in Manhattan, Alberto Pinto has been called “an interior design magician,” and his work spans practically every continent. As seen in his latest book, Alberto Pinto Today, Pinto achieves effortless perfection in every vernacular with artful vigor. After reading it, I think you’ll agree, Pinto’s talent is limitless. (No surprise, he’s a Chevalier (knight) awarded the Legion d’Honneur, the highest civilian award in France.)

Design may not be the one true love of your friends and family. But that doesn’t mean you can’t improve their lives and look of their homes via a subtle infusion of style. So, what would be the snazziest Christmas present ever?

A coffee table made by you complete with coffee table design book. Here are instructions for the DIY coffee table pictured above. Below are our Top 20 design book picks sure to be a hit with someone on your holiday gift list.
What do Barbra Streisand and Jonathan Adler have in common? Well…
Except orange. Barbra…not so keen on orange. Her favorite color? Burgundy. Adler…he LOVES orange, along side pink, turquoise, brown and navy. Something else they have in common? New books, available in stores now.

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