Have your bookshelves lightened their load in favor of digitizing your literary favorites? Does your go-to reference collection feel redundant with endless knowledge available on the Internet? In a cyber-connected world where novels are read on mobile devices and answers to any question can be found in a matter of seconds, home libraries now seem like a vintage throwback. Not to worry, literary lovers! From inspiration to information, some collections are still worth having around in hardcopy. Here are a few of our favorite books every home needs.
Cooking
A beautiful collection of cookbooks from a variety of regional and ethnic influences is a great addition to any kitchen. If you were to have just one book within arm’s reach of the stove, you may consider The Joy of Cooking. This culinary encyclopedia covers a vast range of recipes, from basic to advanced, in step-by-step instruction. Whether you’re making lasagna for the first time, or are ready to master the five mother sauces, this kitchen companion will not let you down.
An equally helpful and non-intimidating option is Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book. A great gift for a newly wed couple, this manual covers favorite home cooking recipes with photography and clear instructions.
Homecare & Maintenance
From housekeeping and cleaning to organization and repair, Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook offers practical advice wrapped in a beautiful presentation. The Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual, a thorough collection of visual illustrations, tips and advice make home care, maintenance and repair approachable. Whether you’re a DIY-er or just want to understand the ins and outs of your home, this guide is a your personal handy-man.
Style & Interior Decorating
The best interior design books are ones so beautiful they add to your home’s design like a favorite accessory. Emily Henderson’s tome, Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookshelves, is a valuable collection of home styling tips and advice, especially for first time homeowners.
For a boost of style inspiration when you need it, any home décor book that fits your personal tastes, from French Country to Art Deco, makes a beautiful home addition. This list from House Beautiful can help you get started or add to your growing collection of design books.
For the Guests
A small and eclectic collection of fun, interesting and easy-reading books is a thoughtful addition to a guest room. Guinness Book of World Records, Best American Short Stories, and Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids are personal favorites and enjoyable for all ages. Check out your local used bookstore for great deals on literary classics and other books to suit your guests tastes and ages.
Hometown Nod
Celebrate and commemorate the places you call home with a book that sparks childhood memories, favorite cities or your current hometown. Local bookstores and boutiques are a great place to sources the books that celebrate the places that shape who we are, then and now.
Hobby, Interests & Passions
Do you love photography? Is music your passion? Show off the pursuits that bring you happiness through the books displayed in your home. Special interest books make great conversation pieces, and when the scales of work/life balance start to tip, they can serve as a much needed reminder to do what you love.
Your Baby Book
Help mom and dad declutter and relocate the baby book to your home. Friends and family will love reminiscing with you over the first years of your childhood. And what better resource for the perfect #TBT? A bonus for the first-born – your baby book is likely to be complete (sorry youngest siblings).
No baby book, or mom isn’t willing to part with it? Make your own photo book filled with favorite memories. Sites like Snapfish make memory book making a breeze.
Your favorite book
No matter how much I’ve made the move from paperback to digital reading, I can’t let go of my favorites. If you’ve ever bought a hardback book shortly after finishing, and enjoying, the digital format, I can relate! Our favorite books can tell a lot about us, and keeping them in plain sight gives visitors to you home a small glance into your personality. Playwright Alan Bennett said, “A book is a device to ignite the imagination.” Our favorite books do just that. Keep them near.
What are the essentials for your bookshelf at home? Anything you’d add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
