10 decor style books we love

Outside In by Aitana Lleonart, $25, Rockport, hardcover, 303 pages. Bring the outdoors in with this book, which showcases everything from indoor pools and gardens to gyms and squash and basketball courts for year-round enjoyment. For example, a glassed-in garden courtyard offers much needed light and greenery views, while a personal spa (aesthetician not included) maykeep you from ever leaving home. In contrast,

Inside Out by Daniela Santos Quartino ($25, Rockport, hardcover, 303 pages) is all about moving indoor living outside. Increase your living space by adding an outdoor seating area, covered terrace or garden oasis where you can read, socialize, eat or just chill out. The glass room on the book’s cover is a good example – we featured it in our May 2008 issue.

New London Style by Chloe Grimshaw, $39, Thames & Hudson, hardcover, 224 pages. Take a tour of 28 eclectic homes belonging to hip British stylists, musicians and artists. There's no common design thread to this collection. Each home is uniquely decorated—from a retro-mod flat in Hampstead to a sleek, light-filled house in Brondesbury to a Bloomsbury-inspired townhouse in Brixton. Brief bios of the homeowners and descriptions of their personal styles are accompanied by dynamic colour photos. Britannia rules!

The Vintage Home by Judith Wilson, $27, Jacqui Small, hardcover, 144 pages. If you're looking to furnish a new home or just spice up what you have, vintage style is an eco-friendly and creative way to get a look you'll love. It doesn't have to mean meticulously recreating the Cleaver home. Instead, add a few elements to your space—from intricate fabrics and glowing Scandinavian woods to a '50s-style kitchen or '60s Mad Men-esque details. Includes a diverse collection of photos to show you just how it's done.

Spectacular Homes of Toronto by Brian Carabet and John Shand, $39, Panache, hardcover, 228 pages. A treasure trove of interiors created by well-known local design gurus like Brian Gluckstein, Jacqueline Glass, Dee Dee Hannah, Timothy Mather, Jan Brown and our own contributing decorating editor Kimberley Seldon. Includes a generous sampling of French, modern, classic and country styles, with a little background info on each designer, and his or her inspirations or tips.