Design Books For Every Occasion: The Pick Me Up

I am a long-time lover of design books. Like, loooong time, big love. I’ve tried several times to get some kind of book column going here on the blog, but most book columns are aimed at selling or promoting new books.

It occurs to me that what I really want to do is share the love, and point you in the right direction if you are looking for a design book that serves a certain purpose.

Since it is suddenly pretty cold here in MN and Covid times are hard and we still seem to be mired in consequential politics; because we are all a little weary, my first pick was easy.

The Pick Me Up: Carlos Mota Beige is not a Color

You guys, this book is a total visual treat.

From the cover image and the shiny red ends on the pages, it makes you smile before you even open it.

Inside: images. Heavenly images and nearly no text.

Now, I am a reader and I definitely like design books with text, but I’m weary, remember? Occasionally words are too much. And there is something just completely transporting about this collection of images, which covers the globe and includes both sumptuous interiors and gorgeous details.

The book is also arranged in a unique way: the images carry through loosely in rainbow order. Color sparks mood, and paging all the way through is an unexpectedly emotional experience.

Check your local bookseller, or grab it online through Target.

Let me know what kind of design books you are interested in and I’ll see if I can hook you up!

—Heather