August Book-of-the-Month: Nina Campbell’s Decorating Notebook

Nina Campbell is a London-based designer — and one of the busiest in the world, with celebrities and royals as clients. In addition to her design firm, she also has a collection of home luxuries that include wallpapers, fabrics and even home fragrances. In a Veranda article, she describes her style as “voluptuous minimalism”. I actually said “Uhm…voluptuous minimalism?” but after acquiring her Decorating Notebook: Insider Secrets and Decorating Ideas for Your Home (published in 2004) I think I have it. It’s elegant yet simple interiors that have an incredible attention to custom and decorative details. A hand-carved piece of furniture, wall friezes, gilded leather and cornices, beautiful table decorations, striking mirrors…so, a voluptuous hand in the artisan aspects all maintained within a classic, comfortable setting. At least, that’s my take. I’m here all week, folks.

The book is Ms. Campbell’s way, through text by Alexandra Campbell, of sharing her methods and personal process for designing a commissioned space. She delves into color schemes, fabrics and lighting in addition to creating a stunning focal point in every room. I like that she includes questionnaires and floorplans as well as insights into creating the board sketches (with visuals and swatches) with which designers use to communicate their vision for a room. Here are some of the images in the book, photographed by Jan Baldwin. I did zoom in onto the rooms that had some favorite patterns or decorative painting involved (or could inspire decorative painting, like the marbled columns) but there are plenty of other visuals to enjoy.

I do hope you like this month’s recommendation. (Speaking of the month, where did August go?!?)? I hope to see you around these parts again as we welcome September — have a wonderful day!