Neutral Coffee Table Books

Assemblage: The Art of the Room by Shannon McGrath - Published: Thames and Hudson Ltd - 2025-01-23 - 256 pages.

Spaces, objects, artisans: discover the art of assemblage in twenty-four inspiring homes.

From furniture and fittings, to lighting choices, colour palettes and art curation, Shannon McGrath, one of Australia’s most acclaimed interiors photographers, opens her archive to reveal the details and layers that make up a room.

A house is not just a series of openings and closings but a curated collection of objects and belongings, from the architects who have built the spaces to the artisans and makers who have crafted the objects, and the owners who display them proudly. Grand or small, each gesture speaks across generations, adding layers of detail that bring a house to life.

Assemblage is a true celebration of the beauty of design and intentional curation, revealing that even the smallest of objects, and the way they are assembled, can make an extraordinary impact.

The Modern Japanese Garden by Stephen Mansfield, Kengo Kuma - Published: Thames and Hudson Ltd - 2025-09-04 - 352 pages.

The first ever survey of the evolution of the Japanese garden, dating from 1900 to the present day.

A major survey and the first book of its kind, The Modern Japanese Garden is set to become the definitive book on the subject. Featuring gardens from Tokyo, Kyoto and Fujisawa to Osaka, Okayama, Fukuoka and beyond, this impressive overview includes major analysis of key works of interest through detailed garden profiles; insights into some of the most renowned Japanese garden designers across history; and a thoughtful exploration of the essential themes and developments in Japanese garden design.

The Modern Japanese Garden investigates the relationship between nature and modernity. Roughly divided between pre- and post-1945 Japanese garden design, it examines post-war shifts in attitudes towards the contemporary garden as they move from status symbols and expressions of influence to spaces of healing and mediation. A short history of the Japanese garden, from pre-Shinto stone arrangements to the last years of the nineteenth century, sits alongside analysis of the contemporary gardens of Japan’s corporate buildings, museums, hotels and public spaces.

Garden profiles offer a comprehensive overview of the most iconic and influential gardens in Japan, and include a mix of landscape- and smaller-scale gardens, many just recently completed. Interspersed throughout are short interludes, covering everything from the ancient garden of Ryoan-ji in Kyoto to the aesthetic lexicon of Japanese garden design, while essays from a number of high-profile contributors meditate on particular themes.

Intended for both professional and general readers with an interest in landscape design and Japan's contemporary lifestyle, this is the definitive sourcebook on the subject.

Earth & Fire: Modern potters, their tools, techniques and practices by Kylie Johnson, Tiffany Johnson - Published: Thames and Hudson Ltd - 2023-09-19 - 272 pages.

From clay to kiln and all the techniques in-between, this book is an exploration into the techniques and processes of over forty-five working ceramicists.

Earth and fire represent the two elements that produce a ceramic object. Without the other they are simply components; together they create both practical objects and pieces of art. Working as both primer and inspiration, Earth & Fire explores the techniques, practices and tools of over forty-five working ceramicists.

Creating everything from wood-fired and fine porcelain wares; sculptured vases; everyday cups, bowls, and plates; to jewelry and wall pieces, these artists work in a wide range of styles and mediums to create their ceramics. Although the methods vary, the overall sentiment is that the earth and fire that the artists use to make their objects are the ultimate masters. Just when they think they know one thing, the clay, glaze and heat will teach them another. There will always be more to learn. Working with clay is, quite simply, humbling.

Written and compiled by Kylie Johnson and Tiffany Johnson, Earth & Fire captures the diverse beauty and utility of ceramics, demonstrating that clay doesn’t just get under your fingernails: it gets under your skin.

Julia Margaret Cameron – Arresting Beauty (Victoria and Albert Museum) by Lisa Springer, Marta Weiss - Published: Thames and Hudson Ltd - 2023-02-16 - 208 pages.

An engaging introduction to the work and the world of pioneering photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, Arresting Beauty presents more than 120 images from the V&A’s collection, the largest holding of Cameron’s photographs in the world. Exploring her unique artistry, this book reaffirms her position as one of the most innovative and influential photographers of all time.

Textilepedia: The Complete Fabric Guide by Fashionary - Published: Fashionary International Limited - 2020-10-10 - 248 pages.

An extensive textile dictionary that covers all essential fabric knowledge from different types of textile, fabric materials to finishing options.

Textilepedia covers Fibers, Yarn, Weave, Knits, Lace & Netting, Non-woven & Felting, Hides, Finishings, Patterns & Colors.

Makes difficult-to-digest textile information easy to understand and apply.

Practical and highly visual, suitable for all people in the fashion industry.

The Ultimate Textile Bible
Textilepedia is an extensive textile dictionary that covers all essential fabric knowledge – from deciphering different types of materials to understanding your finishing options. A balance between text and imagery; it acts as a quick easy-to-navigate guide – simplifying complicated fabric and fiber information using comparisons and relatable stories.

An Easy Guide for Fabric
Textilepedia helps to provide answers for your fabric selection:
Light or heavyweight?
Rough or soft texture?
Breathable or not?
Easy to drape?
The book is here to answer all those questions – and then some.
Why do fabrics have different widths?
What makes a fiber or fabric elastic?
Which fabrics are best for printing?
Are all-natural fibers sustainable?
Packed with need-to-know information about textiles, Textilepedia is a benefit to an array of levels and roles within the fashion industry.

A Portable Textile Library
Textilepedia brings a comprehensive knowledge of textile applications to you. From how to choose fibers, the formation of yarns, the characteristics of common fabrics, and the effects of textile finishing, the book serves as an all-in-one textile information hub.

Visual Oriented - So Easy to Read
When it comes to understanding textiles, information can be tricky to digest – even for designers who work with materials and fabrics every day. That’s why we made sure Textilepedia is presented in a highly-visual, and easy-to-understand way. By incorporating clear and attractive images, illustrations, diagrams and icons, information is a breeze to read, understand, and remember.

Practicality comes first
We focus on presenting information using the most practical mindset possible, making knowledge easy to digest and apply. Skip the lengthy theory, and get straight to the information you need to know.

Textile Knowledge is the Foundation of Fashion Design
Fashion design is a combination of three important factors: imagination, fabrication, and execution. To ensure a strong fabrication foundation, knowledge of textiles is key. Not only is it the functional base of all your designs, but the stronger your understanding of textiles, the more you will be able to push the boundaries of creativity. Textilepedia will give you a head start in understanding textiles – and give you an edge in your fashion career.

Unfortunately, we aren't able to offer returns for Thames & Hudson book bundles. However, if an item is damaged on delivery or has obvious cosmetic issues, please get in touch with us as soon as possible on hello@theroost.com and we will send out a replacement to you.