Book of the Week: The Cutting Edge of Wallpaper
Are you a bookstore addict? I've been a junkie since I was a 'tween and purchased my first copy (of many) of the Sweet Valley High series. You know, those two sun-kissed California blondes that bopped around in thier fiat with their cute ponytails, crushing on every football jock in town? Before Sweet Valley High, I purchased my books mainly from the school book clubs (remember those flyers? I confess buying books JUST for those cute baby animal posters), town book fairs, or they were given to me by my family. But, as soon as I started to understand how money worked and how many books I could buy via negotiations with my father (raking the lawn, washing the dogs, cleaning the birdcage, etc.), I was hooked on spending money on things that lasted and meant something to me. To this day, I will always cherish my library above anything else in my home. Well, okay some of the art I've purchased and of course, my chocolate drawer where we stash the good stuff.
Last night, while rummaging through titles at Barnes + Noble, I felt those happy shivers, that feeling you get when you're stoked about something you've spotted because you've not read about it or heard of it elsewhere, a thousand times over. Especially when it's a book. "The Cutting Edge of Wallpaper" was my catch of the day. When I reeled it in, I thought about decor8 readers and how I had to share this book on my blog because it's such a informative and beautiful find.
The Cutting Edge of Wallpaper is droolworthy gorgeousness. My friends would dub it wallpaper porn, the new word we add to the end of everything that is just so sexy you can't stand it (room porm refers to well designed spaces, bag porn is when you look at all those amazing Anthropologie bags online, etc.) Anyway, I digress.
This book is a magical dream-like escape into the recent Wallpaper craze that has resurfaced after many years of experiencing somewhat of a dry spell here in the states. The sheer variety of papers represented in this title is exciting, some of my favorites are included, like Neisha Crossland, Susan Bradley, Timorous Beasties, Cole + Son, and over 70 others. The book begins with a great (non-snoozy) introduction to wallpaper and how it has evolved into a artistic medium that is used for self-expression by the home dweller, and then it continues by looking at paper today and introducing them by characteristic; geometric, architectural, figurative, interactive, technical, discussing techniques, products, and all the great designers we love - some we've not heard of yet. Charles Stuckey then speaks on the crossover between this medium and fine art, which I really enjoyed.
Title: The Cutting Edge of Wallpaper (Paperback)
Author: Ziggy Hanaor
ISBN: 978-1904772569
Price: $26 (or pay $40 at the bookstore)
If you are interested in design and want to learn more on this topic, don't miss The Cutting Edge of Wallpaper.