A well placed coffee table book that is exclusive and meaningful both brings authenticity to a space and inspires conversation. My sorority recently published a special edition book as part of the Gamma Phi Beta 150th Anniversary Oral History Project 2024.
The Gamma Phi Beta book, In My Words, includes stories and photographs from thousands of women. It was filed in the Library of Congress as a testament to these women, members of the first fraternal organization to adopt the word “sorority”.
Oral history projects are one way in which you can make your home’s decor speak to the lives of your family past and present. Here are three things to look for in a coffee table book that can enhance the ambience of your home.
Photos of people you know and places you’ve travelled
The most important thing in a coffee table book is the photos. Many people only look at the photos and don’t read the words on the pages. Sharing pictures of people and places important to your life helps your friends and family to visualize the context of your life beyond the highlights in your photo albums.
For example, if you spent youthful summers in the South of Europe, then coffee table books with pictures of the Amalfi Coast and Côte d’Azur are a beautiful way to share your summer world.
Stories that spark real-life conversations
The stories in the Gamma Phi Beta oral history project illustrate both why women join a sorority and the lifelong impact of belonging to a sorority. Choosing books with stories that are a part of your everyday life is a great way to invite lively conversation. For me, sorority recruitment was a big part of the culture I grew up with.
Topics important to the communities you’re a part of
Many non-profit and community organizations publish books with content ranging from event photographs to recipes to popular songs. Displaying books that underscore your identity can make it easier for other people to relate to your values.
For example, I still have my fashion illustration textbooks from my first fashion design course in Paris, which led to my current career in e-commerce and media.
Custom decor is one of the pillars of low-key luxury living as it helps to bring a sense of warmth and heritage to a contemporary home. In the absence of inherited objets, custom decor is even essential to creating a classic ambience. Read more ideas for custom decor here.
