Podcast Summary: Dear Alice | Interior Design
Episode: Alice Lane's Book Club | Our Favorite Design Books
Release Date: February 20, 2025

Hosts: Jessica Bennett (A), Suzanne Hall (B), and Corey (C), the sound engineer.

Introduction to the Episode

[00:21]
Suzanne Hall (B) opens the episode by introducing the topic: a deep dive into favorite design books. She references a previous episode from September 2022 titled "Our Favorite Design Books," positioning this current discussion as a sequel to explore new additions and current favorites.

The Importance of Books in Interior Design

[00:51]
Suzanne (B) emphasizes the integral role books play in their interior design process. She shares their philosophy of selecting books that resonate with homeowners, serving both as decorative elements and sources of inspiration. Suzanne states, "We just honestly can't style a house without books."

[01:40]
The conversation highlights how books enhance the aesthetic of a space, citing their extensive collection showcased in their showroom and their strategic selection during home installations.

Inspiration Through Design Publications

[02:42]
Jessica Lane (A) discusses her reliance on Frederic Magazine and its corresponding book to reignite her creative spark. She appreciates the tactile experience of flipping through a physical magazine, which she argues offers a different level of artistry and composition compared to digital platforms like Instagram or Pinterest.

Notable Quote:
"There's something tactile about it. And I notice the artistry of the photography more, I think, when I'm going from page to page, rather than just kind of scrolling on Instagram." [03:35]

Listener Interaction and Book Recommendations

[05:37]
The hosts address a listener question from "Do You Love to Travel" on Instagram, requesting a list of must-have design books. This segment forms the core of the episode, where Jessica and Suzanne share their top five favorite design books each.

Suzanne’s Top Recommendations

1. Three Houses by Rose Tarlow

   • [06:08]
     Suzanne praises Rose Tarlow's aesthetic, highlighting the book's beautiful linen binding and sophisticated color palette. She relates her personal use of Tarlow's products in their projects, such as a table lamp in their "Lovers Lane" project.

   Notable Quote:
   "It's a beautiful linen. And again, back to as far as the graphic face of it, it's beautiful on the front. And I love the spine, too." [07:29]

2. John Derrien

   • [11:34]
     Described as a "picture book," it appeals to designers who prefer visual over textual content. Suzanne appreciates its ability to convey stunning visuals without the need for extensive reading.

   Notable Quote:
   "John Derrien is just this amazing, big picture book. ... depending on what you're looking for in a book, again, this isn't something to read or learn about design. It's just something that's like, big, huge visuals." [12:38]

3. Frederic Magazine - The Last Word in Chic

   • [12:56]
     Suzanne lauds this recent release for its exceptional storytelling and beautiful composition. The book's sophisticated design and original interiors from the UK and internationally make it a standout resource.

   Notable Quote:
   "Frederic is one of those two. This is called the last word in chic. The spine is so beautiful." [12:56]

4. 80: The Most Beautiful Homes in the World by Architectural Digest

   • [16:37]
     This book is celebrated for its eclectic showcase of homes across continents, offering readers a virtual travel experience through diverse architectural styles.

   Notable Quote:
   "It's traveling. It's like traveling in a book." [20:08]

5. Authentic by Porter

   • [26:33]
     Suzanne describes "Authentic" as a versatile book that complements any interior, featuring dynamic and thoughtfully styled spaces that integrate human elements seamlessly.

   Notable Quote:
   "It just works everywhere. It just works everywhere." [26:33]

Jessica’s Top Recommendations

1. Frederic Magazine and Its Book Edition

   • [12:56]
     Jessica mirrors Suzanne's enthusiasm for Frederic Magazine, highlighting its special size and rich content that goes beyond standard publications.

   Notable Quote:
   "Frederic is one of those two. This is called the last word in chic." [14:37]

2. 20th Century Art Book

   • [24:06]
     Jessica shares her personal connection to this art book, appreciating its comprehensive exploration of artists' works paired with minimalistic yet informative descriptions.

   Notable Quote:
   "I have to just express that, that if you love something, look for a beautiful book about it to include in your collection." [24:15]

3. Perspective by Stephen Gambrel

   • [30:34]
     This book is lauded for its insightful look into Stephen Gambrel's architectural designs, combining vintage and modern elements that inspire thoughtful interior projects.

   Notable Quote:
   "Stephen Gambrel has such a wit to his spaces, where, again, they feel perfectly imperfect." [31:34]

4. Houses That We've Dreamt Of by Delphine and Reed Krakow

   • [32:53]
     Jessica and Suzanne praise this compilation for its dreamy and breathy interiors, spotlighting unique design elements like sheep statues and sophisticated mantelpieces.

   Notable Quote:
   "These are really, really thoughtful pages. And this book is a 10 out." [35:31]

Enhancing Aesthetics with Book Accessories

[17:15]
Suzanne introduces their line of book cradles, designed to hold and display opened books elegantly. She describes how these cradles not only serve a functional purpose but also enhance the visual appeal of the displayed books.

Notable Quote:
"Having these books piled up on the book cradle... it's my version of that super bowl for Jess right now." [10:53]

Product Promotions and Listener Engagement

[21:26]
The hosts seamlessly integrate product promotions, mentioning their online store and exclusive offers for listeners. They encourage audience interaction through Instagram and their website, fostering a community around shared design interests.

[22:17]
They promote Cozy Earth's bamboo sheet sets and sleep masks as perfect Valentine's Day gifts, offering a discount code "Dear Alice" for listeners.

Concluding Remarks and Call to Action

[36:27]
Jessica and Suzanne invite listeners to suggest podcast topics and leave five-star reviews to help others discover the show. They provide a brief guide on how to leave reviews on Apple Podcasts, demonstrating their engagement with their audience.

Notable Quote:
"If you like our show, please leave a five star rating." [36:29]

Final Thoughts

The episode serves as a comprehensive guide to favorite design books, blending personal anecdotes with professional insights. The hosts' passion for interior design and curated literature is evident, offering listeners valuable recommendations and inspiring them to enhance their own spaces through thoughtfully selected books.

Key Takeaways:

• Books as Design Elements: Integral for both aesthetic appeal and inspirational value in interior design.

• Physical vs. Digital Media: Physical books and magazines offer a tactile and visually rich experience that digital platforms may lack.

• Curated Collections: Thoughtfully selected books can significantly enhance the ambiance and storytelling of a space.

• Community Engagement: Encouraging listener interaction and providing exclusive offers strengthens the connection with the audience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "We just honestly can't style a house without books." — Suzanne Hall [00:51]

• "There's something tactile about it. And I notice the artistry of the photography more..." — Jessica Lane [03:35]

• "Stephen Gambrel has such a wit to his spaces, where, again, they feel perfectly imperfect." — Suzanne Hall [31:34]

• "If you like our show, please leave a five star rating." — Jessica Lane [36:29]

This episode is a treasure trove for interior design enthusiasts, offering curated book recommendations that blend functionality with beauty. Whether you're looking to refresh your cocktail table or seeking new sources of inspiration, Jessica and Suzanne provide invaluable insights to elevate your living spaces.