My favorite books to love where you live

Why am I passionate about this?

I opened my first history book in school at 6 and have been fascinated by how people lived since then. I found the evolution of furniture, interiors, decorations, exteriors, and everything that relates to how we live of the utmost importance if we want to know who we are and why. I am the son of antique dealers, growing up in France, so furniture is my principal domain of expertise, but I always put it in relation to the epoch they are from and the people who used them. I became the go-to of Martha Stewart for antiques and furniture restoration and have been featured in TV shows and magazines regularly.


I wrote...

The Furniture Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Identify, Restore & Care for Furniture

By Christophe Pourny,

Book cover of The Furniture Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Identify, Restore & Care for Furniture

What is my book about?

Christophe Pourny learned the art of furniture restoration in his father's atelier in the South of France. In this, his first book, he teaches readers everything they need to know about the provenance and history of furniture, as well as how to restore, update, and care for their furniture-from antiques to mid-century pieces, family heirlooms or funky flea-market finds.

The heart of the book is an overview of Pourny's favourite techniques-ceruse, vernis anglais and water gilding, among many others–with full-colour step-by-step photographs to ensure that readers can easily replicate each refinishing technique at home.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The books I picked & why

Book cover of At Home: A Short History of Private Life

Christophe Pourny Why did I love this book?

I am fascinated by why things are the way they are, and I love that this book follows the evolution of interiors.

I learned so much about rooms, furniture, and decor; I was surprised, entertained, and educated. I love reference books and the combination of erudition and humor that this book contains makes it a classic about the way we live.

By Bill Bryson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked At Home as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Entertaining

Christophe Pourny Why did I love this book?

I am a good friend of Martha Stewart; I have learned so much from her.

Her first book is more than a collection of recipes for entertaining. I love her sense of organization and her discipline. I think that she is first of all, a teacher, and I always get from her more than factual knowledge but true education.

By Martha Stewart,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Entertaining as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

With 500 glorious full-color photographs, 300 original recipes, and hundreds of innovative ideas, Entertaining is the book that revolutionized the way people entertain today. 500 full-color photographs.


Book cover of May I Come In?: Discovering the World in Other People's Houses

Christophe Pourny Why did I love this book?

I admire Wendy’s sense of intimacy and ability to enter people’s private lives through their interiors. I find her sense of style timeless. I love the intimacy level she connects with a room and its owners. I think she can see life and excitement at every level.

I know her personally and am very fond of her love for interiors, of original and unique living space as well as the way she has to find them.

Book cover of Remodelista: The Organized Home: Simple, Stylish Storage Ideas for All Over the House

Christophe Pourny Why did I love this book?

I find myself consulting this book at least once a week. I know I will find the answer or the advice for every question that may arise in decorating, organizing, cleaning, and simplifying your interior.

I am always in awe of the simplest solutions being the best ones and that Julie and her team always have their pulse on it. Kuddos!

By Julie Carlson, Margot Guralnick,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Remodelista as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Buy fewer (and better) things. Store like with like. Get rid of the plastic. Display-don't stash-your belongings. Let go of your inner perfectionist and remember that rooms are for living. These are a few of the central principles behind Remodelista: The Organized Home, the new book from the team behind the inspirational design site Remodelista.com. Whether you're a minimalist or someone who takes pleasure in her collections, we all yearn for an unencumbered life in a home that makes us happy. This compact tome shows us how, with more than 100 simple and stylish tips, each clearly presented and accompanied…


Book cover of Never Too Small: Reimagining Small Space Living

Christophe Pourny Why did I love this book?

I always find myself inspired by anything that can simplify your life. I think this book is the future of living for owners of small spaces and anybody who wants a more edited interior.

I love the practical information, the architectural choices made, and the scaling down of furniture and accessories. I try to adapt all those aspects into my own living.

By Joel Beath, Elizabeth Price,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Never Too Small as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

What does the future of urban living look like?

Joel Beath and Elizabeth Price explore this question drawing inspiration from a diverse collection of apartment designs, all smaller than 50m2/540ft2. Through the lens of five small-footprint design principles and drawing on architectural images and detailed floor plans, the authors examine how architects and designers are reimagining small space living.

Full of inspiration we can each apply to our own spaces, this is a book that offers hope and inspiration for a future of our cities and their citizens in which sustainability and style, comfort and affordability can co-exist. Never Too…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in home decoration, order and clutter, and celebrities?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about home decoration, order and clutter, and celebrities.

Home Decoration Explore 26 books about home decoration
Order And Clutter Explore 15 books about order and clutter
Celebrities Explore 38 books about celebrities