At 384 oversized pages, this is a book that can be measured in pounds. Then again, it covers a lot of territory as it looks back through the years at some of the most fashionable and celebrated people of their time -- and of ours. Actors, models, designers, socialites, artists and even the first ladies who inspired generations are chronicled, along with the places and parties they inhabited. A massive, mesmerizing must-read!

Born in Rome, based in Chicago, Ms. Branca brings a warmth to her interiors that goes beyond the rich colors or walls covered in wool felt. An eye for the eclectic (like sconces made from antique Napoleonic helmets) mixes with her desire to make rooms livable and comfortable. Her book is generously written to share her design ideas, and the gorgeous photography encourages lingering over every page.

Suzanne Kasler does an outstanding job of explaining the details in the rooms she designs. Whether contemporary or classic, she has a terrific eye for creating space that invites a deep sigh of relief from an overly pretentious world, using color, light and architecture to her advantage. "My method is simple, I strategically layer color to build up the effect in a room," she says. A designer's designer, the book is filled with usable information and great pictures that will keep you enjoyably occupied for hours.

Any student of interior style knows the contributions the late great David Hicks has made to the English design aesthetic, revolutionizing it with bold colors and patterns and a chic mix of the old with the new. His son explores the personal history of the designer, as well as his most famous rooms and more famous clients. This exceptionally illustrated account lets the reader into the process, behind the spaces that were designed to be remembered. No frills, just thrills, with 700 images it is a book you won't soon forget.

By city, Abramovitch means the classic town house, and they are presented in every historic permutation. Colonial, Federal, Italianate, Greek Revival -- she searches the country for outstanding examples of renovated homes and the stories behind them. An excellent resource guide for historic renovation is also included in this handsome tome.

A columnist for Vogue.com and former creative director for Tuleh, Brooks orbits in the most fashionable circles. She mixes current trendsetters with icons from the past as she divides style into six distinct types and explains, with lots of photos, the essence of classic, bohemian, minimal, high fashion, street and eclectic dressing.

This book lives up to its subtitle, "How to Invest in Your Nest and Live Well for Less." It is an old-fashioned step-by-step to style, beginning with defining your look, then identifying your room's purpose and putting it all together. Celebrating 20 years of doing just that with their own line of furniture (they made the slipcover cool), the book illustrates everything in a clear, easy-to-follow way. The Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture line and fabrics play key roles in this tome. Buy it, read it, live it.

The Dallas-based interior designer specializes in simple glitz, which sounds like an oxymoron until you see her work. Gilded and reflective surfaces abound, usually in neutral colors with a subtle pop of color. The photos can be repetitive as she highlights her own home, but the sleek interiors are sure to inspire.

Both timeless and trendy tips from the magazine, with loads of illustrations and how-to guides to take readers through numerous wardrobe configurations. This is a new edition of the best-selling classic that aims to serve as a personal stylist, with practical, useful advice for every occasion.

For 20 years, Elle Decor has showcased sophisticated design with a modern bent, featuring works by the most influential designers and taste-makers. This "best-of book" highlights some of the most memorable rooms and is basically like reading a great issue of Elle Decor without the ads!

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