Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at Book Hounds, Daylesford Living Inspired by Nature, and Refrigerator-scaping. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Book Hounds
Welcome to Book Hounds, a delightful dog-friendly bookstore tucked away in St. Michaels, Maryland. Making their debut into the commercial realm, Michelle Gage eagerly embraced the chance to work on such a unique and charming space. Having partnered on several home projects for the owner—a voracious reader with a hundred-book-a-year habit—they were thrilled to help bring her vision of a bookstore to life. The result? A warm and inviting haven, overflowing with thousands of titles, where children and dogs are as welcome as bibliophiles. The store’s name, a nod to her two black labs, whimsically captures the essence of this joyful new venture.
The beautiful 1920s Victorian building that houses the bookstore received a charming facelift, now adorned in a welcoming shade of blue that highlights its original architectural beauty while adding a hint of fun. A vibrant lipstick-pink door provides a striking focal point, beckoning both the local community and curious passersby. In designing the shop, the goal was to create a space as colorful, cozy, and inviting as a beloved home.
Guided by the owner’s community-focused vision, Book Hounds was thoughtfully designed to captivate visitors of all ages—whether they walk on two legs or four. Regular book readings for children and their furry companions add a charming touch, making the space not just a bookstore but a gathering place that welcomes everyone. Book Hounds is an absolute must-visit for anyone who appreciates a cozy atmosphere, beautiful interiors, dogs, and, of course, a good read!
Daylesford Living Inspired by Nature
Two decades ago, Carole Bamford envisioned a farm shop taking root on her idyllic Cotswolds estate, and thus, Daylesford Farmshop was born. What began as a modest seed of an idea has since flourished into what many consider the crown jewel of organic country shops.
Offering everything from garden essentials to exquisite housewares, beauty and fashion finds, and beyond, Daylesford’s selections are as bountiful as they are meticulously curated. Once a well-kept secret on her estate, her treasures have now spread across London and are sought after by discerning shoppers around the globe.
But the Daylesford estate is more than just a shopping destination; it’s an entire lifestyle. The grounds have grown to include charming pubs, cozy vacation cottages, and a health club and spa, all the while staying true to its pioneering roots in sustainable agriculture. Now, in a rare and intimate tour, Carole has opened the door to the estate’s most private corners, from meticulously restored cottages to the lush gardens that inspire her seasonal décor and entertaining ideas with Daylesford Living: Inspired by Nature.
This book isn’t just an inside look at the estate; it’s a masterclass in living well, the Carole Bamford way. With witty, insightful text and stunning photography, it is a charming guide to crafting a wholesome, stylish life amidst the rolling hills of the English countryside. It also happens to be Amazon’s #1 New Release for in Organic & Sustainable Gardening & Horticulture. Let’s take a peek inside!
Refrigerator-scaping
The dreaded refrigerator clean-out just got a lot more interesting. During a late-night Internet deep dive, we stumbled upon a curious trend: meticulously curated and artistically themed refrigerators. Whether it’s practical yet aesthetically pleasing organization or amusingly whimsical over-the-top displays, we’re fully embracing this phenomenon known as “refrigerator-scaping.” Imagine landscaping, but for your fridge.
The moment we discovered this trend, we couldn’t help but think of Yolanda Hadid’s iconic refrigerator, which made its debut on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and even has its own Instagram profile.
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Sure, “refrigerator-scaping” might not be the most practical pastime, but we can’t help but love this playful spin on an everyday appliance. It’s a small thing, but it serves as a delightful reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places—even behind the fridge door.
We love this “Fridgerton” restock!
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Cannot forget about the antiques!
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Think pink, Barbie fridge!
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But wait… There’s more!
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Read our favorite articles of the week!
Inside Chateau Marmont: The Hollywood Hang-out for Artists, Bohemians and Celebrities Since 1931 written by Alessandra Codinha for House & Garden UK.
Delft Tile Is the Historic Detail Designers Still Love After 400 Years written by Kate McGregor for House & Beautiful.
Shop this week’s inspired finds!
Don’t forget! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is still on until August 4th. We have included some of our favorite items in this week’s shop.
