I think I may have OCD!

I get a buzz out of little coloured-covered books – particularly if they are part of a series. It’s not a huge exciting thrill – more of a kind of content satisfaction. Please tell me I’m not alone in this sensation. I’m sure I’m not!

The catalyst for this post is a series of pocket sized interior/style books by Paumes, which you can purchase from Bodie & Fou. They are written in Japanese – so I can’t understand a word of them, but who needs words when you have great visuals?

There are many different titles, Paris Kitchens, Children’s Room – Copenhagen, Stockholm Ateliers, Belgium Family Style. Basically a city guide of interiors – all divided into genres.

Perfect. The one I really want is Appartements d’amoureux a Paris (Paris Love Apartments) – I bet the french do that really well! Although Appartements de Garcons would be more apt (having two boys, a husband and male cat!) – a harsh hit of reality!

So far I have the Paris Kitchens and London Vintage – where, I might add, I found a vintage shop just around the corner from my brother, which I didn’t even know about. An added unexpected bonus.

But they also look great on the bookshelf together – and will look even better when there are more.

Just look at the Laudromat Cafe in Copenhagen and Rejikeiv, if ever there were evidence that little coloured books were aesthetically pleasing, it’s this little gem. A place where you can eat, drink, surf the net and…do your laundry!

Another example are the little pantone coloured Wallpaper City Guides. Not only do they impart information on valuable “cool” local haunts but also 24 hour “must-sees”, handy maps and a notes section, for your own finds. My guides now look a little moth eaten, after being schleped around weekends away – but happily the more dog-eared, the more authentic they look.

Another favourite are the chalky neutral and biscuit coloured “Beta-Plus” collection of interior books. I came across these in Galeries Lafayette and signed up for updates from the publisher. They are just beautiful (inside and out) and jam packed full of jaw-dropping French, Belgian and Mediterranean interiors.

Last, but definately not least, is Kate Spade’s little collection of books. Style, Manners and Occasions.

In the iconic Kate Spade primary colours, these books look great on the shelves.

Not bad reads either -particularly Style, which even advises you on how to wash your cashmere and look after your jewellery. They are almost 50s in tone – that kind of – “how to be a grown-up” guide!

What girl doesn’t need that?

Perhaps this is the brainwave behind the Pantone products. One isn’t enough, you need at least five to make a masterpiece and yes, my wardrobe is colour coordinated!

Just to let you know, I have updated the Illustrated Posts – so there are a couple of new illustrations. Also, I am busy finishing the next “Recreating Vintage” piece, which I hope will be ready for posting at the end of the week – watch this space!