Book Find: Designed for Living

Last night I was searching my bookshelves for a particular book when I came across this gem- Designed for Living by Lurelle Guild. (I have no idea who Lurelle Guild was, but with a name like that Mr. or Ms. Guild had to be pretty interesting.) Written in 1936 as a promotional piece for the Scranton Lace Company, the book is filled with lots of practical information on color, furniture placement, and furniture styles.

It's really a jewel of a book. There are no photos in this slim volume, only charming and colorful drawings. I love the breathy excitement that Guild conveyed when it came to the "modern" look. After all, it was the 1930s, and the average American was just beginning to experiment with modern design. And have you ever noticed that many of the old books include sections on Colonial American furniture and design? You certainly don't see that in books published today. That's a look that has fallen to the wayside.

Anyway, I think the book is so fun and wanted to share some of the illustrations with you. Sometimes it's the most obscure little books that can give you so much pleasure!


"The warm tones of this Sun Porch reflect the outdoor loveliness."


"Blending of period styles makes rooms of distinctive living quality."


"Modern architecture creates new character in decoration."


"A hallway in a Colonial manner with all the quiet perfection of the period warmed and made home-like by its lovely color scheme."