In EAL’s monthly roundup of design books, we have some of the best debuts from the end of the year as well as books to be on the lookout for in 2018. This time around, explore the design principles of Edith Warton and Ogden Codman, analyze New York City’s building patterns, and learn about the careers of esteemed architects.

Classical Principles for Modern Design: Lessons from Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman’s The Decoration of Houses by Thomas Jayne
Wharton and Ogden’s The Decoration Houses is an undeniable classic, and designer Thomas Jayne tackles it in his latest tome. He himself has said it is “the most important decorating book ever written.” Jayne follows the chapter structure of the original book, and argues that Wharton and Ogden’s principles of design still ring true in traditional and contemporary design. The author draws on his own interiors and experience to showcase their original ideas. (The Monacelli Press, January 2018)

Feeling Home: Virginie and Nathalie Droulers by Francesca Molteni
The Droulers sisters’ flair for Italian design is expressed by filmmaker and furniture firm owner Francesca Molteni. Virginie Droulers focuses on the space, while Nathalie Droulers lends her expertise for the decor and finishing touches of their projects. Photography by Pietro Savorelli in Cannes, London and beyond accompanies Molteni’s analysis and insight. (Electa, October 2017)

What Goes Up: The Rights and Wrongs of the City by Michael Sorkin
Through a series of essays, architect Michael Sorkin analyzes the New York City mayoral regimes of Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio and their influence on the increase in skyscraper building and increased inequality. He specifically examines the construction and development around ground zero. Sorkin draws on his own experience as an architect and his experiences in the city’s different boroughs. (Verso Books, April 2018)

Portzamparc Buildings by Philip Jodidio and Christian de Portzamparc
In the first monograph about his work in 30 years, author Philip Jodidio examines the storied career of architect and urban planner Christian de Protzamparc. The Pritzker Prize–winning architect is most known in the United States for his design of One57 in New York City, but his work spans the entire globe, including work in South Korea, France and Morocco. (Rizzoli, November 2017)

Neutelings Riedijk Architects: Ornament and Identity by Neutelings Riedijk
Neutelings Riedijk, a Rotterdam-based architecture firm, has followed up its first book, At Work, with this tome examining how buildings with powerful expression can create new identities for the community where they are located. The firm is known for its global work on public, commercial and cultural buildings, and through 12-themed chapters it takes readers on a journey looking at form, material, craftsmanship and more. (Hatje Cantz, February 2018)