We've said it before and we'll say it again, there's nothing we love more than some good design, whether that's interiors or graphics. Pair a clean, modern design with some gorgeous surf photos and stick it all in a book that's rad enough to put on a coffee table... and we're sold. Here's a round-up of some of the best surf-and-design-inspired coffee table books we've found lately. If you're a surfer, nature-lover, design-afficianado or photography geek, you need to own these.
1. California Surfing And Climbing In The Fifties
"A story, told primarily in photographs, of two parallel and intermingled groups of young Californians following the thrills of ocean waves and granite faces." With a forward by Yvon Chouinard, this book is a must-have for any nature lover or Patagonia fan.
2. Beach Houses
We are suckers for modern architecture and mid-century modern decor. This book features Andrew Geller's stunning modern homes on the coast of New England, complete with vintage photos and original drawings.
3. Slide Your Brains Out
"Often lo-fi and gritty, other times lush and saturated, Campbell’s compositions--which include portraits and action shots of some of the best surfers in the world--are always surprising and full of emotion." This book is surfing with the edge of a skateboarding-inspired youth. Plus it has an afterword by Ed Templeton so you know it's legit.
4. The California Surf Project
Our pal Chris Burkard, a talented photographer, and Eric Soderquist, a professional surfer, hit the California coast on an epic surf adventure along Highway 1. For anyone who's ever daydreamed of quitting their job to buy a van and surf, consider this a must-have.
5. Surfing Photos from the Seventies Taken by Jeff Divine
Jeff Divine grew up here in San Diego. He honed his surfing and photography skills in La Jolla so of course we love this book for the local connection. Add to that the fact that Divine's photos are some of the most iconic vintage surf images around and you've got yourself the perfect coffee table companion.
