Dive into HW Home’s curated selection of books—perfect for sparking design inspiration and doubling as chic decor pieces.
Decorative Art 50s
edited by Charlotte Fiell and Peter Fiell
Published annually from 1906 to 1980, Decorative Art: The Studio Yearbook highlighted trends in architecture, interior design, and decorative arts. While that publication has gone out of print, this book revives the research, looking at the materials that literally shaped the 1950s. Focusing on the decade’s optimism and consumerism, it showcases innovations in plastics and fiberglass that defined postwar design. It contrasts inventive European styles with America’s vision of the future, illustrating the dynamic evolution of modern aesthetics.
Book of Symbols
edited by Ami Ronnberg and Kathleen Martin
This captivating exploration of symbols across cultures and history features insightful essays and over 800 stunning full-color images. Each of the approximately 350 essays delves into the psychological and cultural significance of various symbols, revealing their complex meanings and the dynamics they evoke. Authored by experts from diverse fields, this collection encourages readers to engage with the depth of symbolic imagery, making it an invaluable resource for artists, dreamers, and seekers alike.
Menu Design in America: A Visual and Culinary History of Graphic Styles and Design 1850–1985
by Steven Heller and John Mariani, edited by Jim Heimann
Just as restaurants evolved in the late 1800s, so did the role of the menu—from a rare commodity to a key part of the dining experience. What began as a simple listing of dishes transformed into a marketing tool and treasured keepsake. This omnibus, featuring an extraordinary collection of nearly 800 vibrant examples, celebrates the art of menu design, offering a visually stunning history of restaurants and dining out in America.
Living in Mexico
by Barbara Stoeltie and Rene Stoelite, edited by Angelika Taschen
Take a trip south of the border and step inside abodes, villas, casitas, haciendas, cabanas, and palapas that come alive with vibrant tribal style and simplistic Spanish-style architecture. From converted chapels in the countryside to lofts in the city, each space takes on a distinct vibe, made remarkable with exposed wood, bright colors, woven textures, and religious or spiritual altars. Writer and photographer duo Barbara and Rene Stoelite capture many never-before-published invigorating spaces that make you feel alive and at home.
