SJ Axelby’s Interior Portraits: Homes of leading creatives explored through gorgeous watercolour painting

Bought this as a birthday gift for a friend, she absolutely loves it.

I love this book. It looks and feels beautiful on the outside as the colours are rich, the spine is textured and text embossed. Even the edges of the pages and the binding seem to have been chosen to complement the picture on the front cover, so its a richly gorgeous object in itself even before you open it. Then inside each double page spread is a feast of colour for the eye, each laid out like a perfectly designed room. The conversations with the designers give an intimate insight into the talented people who have designed the spaces shown and make it feel very personal. I love the quirky little touches too, such as the colour swatches and mini sketches. But best of all are the more than 80 full-page prints of SJ Axelby’s paintings of each designers’ chosen space. I love her painting style, its so vibrant and free, yet she still manages to capture the depth and delicacy of a space. This is going to be top of my list of things to buy special friends for their birthday and Christmas this year. Even my husband was very impressed by it and thought it was very eye catching, and he usually has no interest in interior design!

Such a stunning book, the design of the cover and the beautiful gilded edge just ooze quality. I can barely put it down, each page is filled with beautiful water colour paintings and the designers have been so honest with their answers, the author has managed to capture such wonderful detail and even painting their favourite items in their houses, I particularly like the "leggy geraniums" . This is a book for everyone not just designers. Give yourself an hour to sit on the sofa with a hot steaming cup of tea and enjoy, I guarantee you will be truly inspired!

Bought this for all my friends who love interiors; it is the perfect Christmas gift! It’s got a lovely textured cover and feels expensive even though it’s quite reasonable for a coffee table book. Love it!

Love SJ Axelby's paintings and this book is full of them with illustrations on every page with interesting information about the designers on the opposite page to the paintings. Would make a great present but I kept this one for myself.

I am so in love with this book! From the stunningly beautiful exterior to the intimate details of the interior, the insight into the likes and loves of the featured designers are intriguing and insightful. Every page is so beautiful with personal touches galore, this book will make a fantastic gift or a treat for yourself.

This book is absolutely beautiful. Every page is a veritable feast for the eyes. SJ is an incredibly talented artist as well having the brilliant skill of asking all the right questions. The book just keeps on giving, page after page of wonderfulness and I will enjoy it for years to come!

A most treasured book. One that will last a life time. A perfect coffee table book. Once you pick it up you won't want to put it down.