Bookshelf: Elegant Rooms, Southern Style, Flower Recipe

The definition of an elegant room varies according to each person, but I'd say that no matter how elegant the space, it needs to be easy to live in too. Welcoming, practical, and somewhere that people can relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Who wants to sit bolt upright all evening, terrified to touch anything or pick up a magazine for fear of disturbing the overly groomed 'interior design'? Not me. And certainly not our 8 cats and dogs! These three recently published books provide some great inspiration for elegant rooms that real people can live in.

Elegant Rooms that Work

Author Stephanie Stokes is an art historian and interior designer. In her new book she explores 'Fantasy and Function in Interior Design.' She gives tips on how to plan your space without sacrificing style and atmosphere. Stokes is keen on creating multipurpose spaces too, to make the most of every inch of your home! All her expert advice aims to create a practical but beautiful environment. Many of the elegant rooms photographed feature lovely antique furniture and accessories. This French Provincial style dining room is designed by Stephanie Stokes. I love the way that the large chandelier helps to balance out the high ceiling in this light and airy room. Plus, it's a statement piece in itself. If you like the look, check out the vintage chandeliers in our gallery.

Houses with Charm: Simple Southern Style

Gracious living and warm hospitality are the focus in this new coffee table book. Writer Susan Sully is an expert on Southern style – her articles appear in magazines including Veranda and Martha Stewart Living. The book celebrates traditional Southern architecture and interior design with homes spanning eras from the 18th century to the present day. Some are cozy and romantic. Others are rather grander, such as the Louisiana plantation house filled with antiques. In all cases the homes capture the essence of the Southern lifestyle – elegant but laid-back.

The Flower Recipe Book

A beautiful vase of flowers immediately adds an elegant and welcoming touch to any space... and despite this book's title, it isn't about cooking with edible flowers! (Although if you enjoy cooking, I recently blogged about delightful ways to serve up summer herbs in style.) Instead, this lavish book gives "flower recipes" to create gorgeous floral arrangements. Subtitled 100 Magical, Sculptural, Seasonal Arrangements, the book is written by the women who run Studio Choo, the fashionable San Francisco floral design studio. Their bright ideas for different styles of flower arrangement range from sensationally wild to elegantly formal. 400 colorful photos offer plenty of inspiration. Pop any of these floral arrangements on one of our antique dining tables and your work is done! What's your definition of an elegant room? Let us know in the comment box below!