On January 1 of each year, the DMs start coming to Brooke Chamblee’s Instagram inbox. Those who follow her interior design feed for perfectly curated vignettes, gallery walls layered over wallpaper and impeccable fabric pairings, come for something completely different at the start of the year: Chamblee’s book recommendations.
It’s an annual tradition for the Fairhope designer, and if she hasn’t posted the list by noon on New Year’s day, everyone starts asking for it. The list is handwritten on graph paper in chronological order, not ranked by her opinion of the book. But don’t worry — she goes on to tell readers which books were her favorites. And even if she didn’t hit her annual goal of 3 books per month that year, the number of books is certainly impressive — anywhere from 25 to almost 50 year after year.
In 2017, Chamblee told followers on Instagram, “I always enjoy seeing what others are reading, so I like to share my list at the end of each year.” (She read 24 books that year.) As the years passed, and the annual list was posted, it became clear Chamblee is known not just for her impeccable taste in interiors but books as well.
While it’s often difficult to find time to read, finding an inviting space to crack the spine and turn the pages is just as important. For Chamblee, a cozy corner of the family’s formal living room functions as her reading room. “It’s a quiet retreat,” she says, “tucked inside a very full household.” With bookshelves layered throughout the space and inviting seating to recline, the corner offers a space away from the chaos.
“This room is a true respite from my busy life as a wife, a mother to all boys and an interior designer.” She explains that it is her space for slowing down, getting lost in a good book and letting her creativity quietly recharge.
Being a designer by trade means that the room, of course, looks as good as it functions. Chamblee layered natural materials like jute, rattan and seashells with a collection of fabric prints in blues, greens and even animal print. The space is feminine without being girly, and exudes coastal charm.
“The walls are painted in Setting Plaster by Farrow & Ball — a soft hint of pink that feels both calming and slightly indulgent, especially in a house full of boys.” – Brooke Chamblee
While lamps, picture frames and a diverse collection of objets d’art are scattered across the ledges of bookshelves and on the coffee table, it is the gallery wall that is most eye catching. “It’s one of the many gallery art walls throughout our home,” she explains. “I’ve always loved collecting art, and each piece holds its own story.” It seems that storytelling is a theme both in Chamblee’s decor and extra curriculars, and the two weave together seamlessly at her home and in her clients’ spaces.
“When clients ask me what to put on shelves, my answer is always simple: books.”
Brooke’s Recent Best-of List
“The Women” by Kristin Hannah
This one just stayed with me in the most meaningful way — it made me think about courage, friendship, and how much women quietly carry.
“All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker
It’s dark and haunting but also so beautifully written that I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters long after I finished.
“The Many Lives of Mama Love” by Lara Love Hardin
This felt raw and honest and hopeful all at once — proof that people can completely rewrite their story.
“Broken Country” by Clare Leslie Hall
It’s one of those slow, emotional reads that sneaks up on you and then just sits with you for days.
“The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon
I loved how it mixed history with a strong female lead — it made the past feel alive and surprisingly modern.
“Rules of Civility” by Amor Towles
It’s pure atmosphere — elegant, nostalgic and it just makes everyday life feel a little more romantic.
Brooke’s Must-Read List for 2026
“Strangers” by Belle Burden
A tender, introspective novel about connection, loneliness and the unexpected ways strangers can shape the course of our lives.
“Land” by Maggie O’Farrell
A haunting story of a woman seeking solitude and healing in a remote landscape, exploring memory, grief and the pull of the natural world.
“The Bright Years” by Sarah Damoff
A multigenerational family novel that examines love, loss and the quiet moments that define a life over time.
“Among Friends” by Hal Ebbott
A sharply observed literary drama about friendship, marriage and the fragile dynamics that unravel when long-held secrets surface.
“Time of the Child” by Niall Williams
A lyrical, emotionally rich novel set in rural Ireland, centered on a doctor and a mysterious child who alters the lives of an entire community.
“Heart the Lover” by Lily King
An intimate exploration of marriage, creativity and desire, following a woman navigating love, ambition and the complexities of long-term partnership.
