ETCETERA etc.

Today I thought that I would tell you about one of my favourite books, released only this year in the U.K. It's called ETCETERA etc. The author is a well known stylist and now shop owner in Australia named Sibella Court.

This extremely interesting and stimulating book is packed with Sibella's very unique take on decorating. In her own words "this book is about slapdash styling and deconstructed decorating solutions". Its divided into five parts or chapters with titles....'Foundation'...'Indigo Blues'...'Travellers & Magicians'...'Paperwhites' (my favourite) and 'Tradewinds'. These names alone ignite the imagination well before you have had a chance to delve into the book.

 

Gorgeous photography (all taken by Sibella's brother Chris), depicts the various elements and staging, sometimes layered, or seemingly haphazardly placed, but always enticing us to look further into the shot. Every time I look at this book I discover something new that I had overlooked before.

The book has the feel of an old scrapbook full of the ephemera of Sibella's life and travels. Antiques, junk shop finds, collectibles and curiosities make for a stimulating read.

Sibella writes about her life as a bowerbird and how she has translated this into a career as a stylist and shopowner. She opened a store in Sydney called The Society Inc. where she develops four distinct themes or societies each year. If you would like to see some great photos of her home and shop have a peek at designspongeonline where you will wet your appetite for more Sibella!!

ETCETERA etc is available in the U.K. and the U.S. at Anthropolgie stores (what a great excuse to visit) and I think from most book stores in Australia. Don't forget the online stores...I pre-ordered mine from Amazon!