The Gloss – May 2020

Swoonworthy New Books for Decoristas

One thing I’ve missed most about lockdown is my Saturday ritual of coffee and then a potter around some favourite antique stores and markets. I’ve taken pleasure therefore in Soul of the Home, Designing with Antiques which has been compiled by American interior designer and antiques dealer Tara Shaw, who is based in New Orleans. The book presents Shaw’s portfolio and reveals her favourite antique hunting spots throughout Europe. Anecdotes from years of treasure hunting are accompanied by images of her precious finds, with advice on how to choose the right pieces and display them in a contemporary interior. Though her antiques are more elevated than my own finds, I love how elegant rather than cluttered, these homes feel. Soul of the Home, Designing with Antiques, Tara Shaw, Abrams, €39.