What's In Their Library: Alessandra Branca

Alessandra Branca really needs no introduction. The Chicago based designer's work has been featured in a multitude of publications and throughout the blogosphere. She recently opened her own shop, Branca, which has generated a lot of buzz as of late. I have not yet had a chance to visit in person, but based on what I've been told, it's really quite amazing.

What I like about Alessandra's work is that it has zip- but sophisticated zip mind you. Maybe it's because of her lively Italian personality that Alessandra is able to create rooms where coziness and comfort coexist quite successfully with their high-energy surroundings. Alessandra's work is a reflection of her endless enthusiasm and curiosity. After all, this is a woman whose interests go beyond design and include literature, history, art, and philosophy.

So without further ado, here are the books that Alessandra holds near and dear:


1) The Sun King by Nancy Mitford.


2) A House Is Not a Home by Bruce Weber.


3)Oh, the Places You'll Go!by Dr. Seuss


4) Home: A Short History of an Ideaby Witold Rybcyzinski.


5) Roomscapesby Renzo Mongiardino


6) Form and Decoration: Innovation in the Decorative Arts, 1470-1870by Peter Thornton


7)My Favorite Things: A Personal Guide to Decorating and Entertainingby Dorothy Rodgers.


8)Sprezzatura: 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the Worldby Peter D'Epiro and Mary Desmond Pinkowish.


9)Eighteenth Century Womanby Olivier Bernier.


10) Mark Hampton on Decoratingby Mark Hampton.