I'm willing to guess that you love decorating books as much as I do, so let's kick start your week with a lovely little selection of 5 inspiring books that contain decorating advice and photography that will make even those dragging their feet on a project feel motivated to jump back in and finish the job. Isn't that what a good decorating book should do -- motivate us to pull together spaces that support our lifestyle and bring us joy? These books are down-to-earth with designs that all budgets can enjoy, and if you're quick, you may be able to pick up a copy of one of these titles and tuck it into your weekend bag just in time for your Memorial Day vacation.

1. Bazaar Style - Celebrating the joy of Bohemian Modern decor, this book is loaded with page after page of enticing spaces delightfully decked out in flea market finds, bright colors and patterns, and loads of ethnic influence and inspiration. Written by British interior stylist and author Selina Lake, I interviewed her recently on decor8 and we discussed her inspirations and career as a stylist and discovered that she's quite a talented and down-to-earth lady. (Click here to read our little chat).

2. The Nest Home Design Handbook: Simple ways to decorate, organize, and personalize your place by Carley Roney. You've heard of The Nest and The Knot, right? Well this is their brand spankin' new release that I was not only impressed with as I flipped through it in-store, but purchased it on the spot, something I rarely do. I found the decorating advice helpful, the photos (though extremely staged to perfection) pretty good, and overall, this book is an excellent resource for new and intermediate decorators looking for help designing the perfect, um, nest. My friend just purchased a new home so I am gifting her with this informative read.

3. One of the original design bloggers, author, designer, and founder of Apartment Therapy, Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan just released his second book, Apartment Therapy Presents: Real Homes, Real People, Hundreds of Design Solutions (with 35 glowing customer reviews already over at Amazon.com). If you aren't big on high-glossed homes with $5,000 sofas, you'll really appreciate this extra thick hardbound book showcasing 'real' homes that range from tiny modern New York City closets, er, apartments to Hollywood Regency California cottages and cozy 2 bedrooms in the midwest. These spaces are cozy, inviting, and most of all, within reach so there's nothing intimidating about this eye candy. The cover makes it a perfect coffee table read too with it's bright welcoming cover.

4. Surface pattern and textile designer Amy Butler released Midwest Modern last Fall and continues to be one of my favorite books, one that I refer friends to often as it's not only visually super inspiring, but the book takes readers on a tour of Amy's Ohio home, her work studio, and shares with readers some of her everyday inspirations, including her beautiful lawn and garden. The design style of this book is mid century modern meets industrial with loads of flea market finds and found objects, lots of blue, brown, and greens (earthy with zing) and lush patterns ranging from organic florals to dots. Whenever I want to slip away into my own personal dream space, I put on a pot of tea and pull out Midwest Modern and cozy up on my favorite chair in front of the window.

5. And finally, though not recently published (it was released in '05) is Life's Little Pleasures: A Perfect Day. This book isn't so much focused on decorating as much as in loving your home and the 'art' of living, of dwelling within your four walls and enjoying your cherished space. The book is smaller than the average size design book, so you can tuck it away in your bag or bedside table. The imagery is calming and ultra pretty, the tips are extremely easy to apply in your life with little to no money involved, and it's just one of those books that accomplishes a lot in few words.

What books are you currently enjoying?

(photogaphy: holly becker)