Jenna Hartzell is a freelance illustrator, designer and creative director, and Big Wide World contributor, who can never pick a favorite color. Here she conquers decision paralysis and shares a few of her favorite coffee table books, that both inspire world travel and can accessorize a room like no other.
I was curled up on my couch scrolling through the monotony on my phone, about to dial up the cozy with a giant mug of coffee when a flash of striking color combinations compelled me to tap on the book Turquoise Coast. It’s vibrant cover and subsequent pages filled with food, textiles and landscapes had me daydreaming about sipping ouzo, or sailing along the Aegean Coast.
I adore how coffee table books are grand and inspiring through their sparkling photographs and crisp design. I can’t get enough. Though they were among some tough competition, I’m happy to share some of my favorites, here.

by Irem Kinay

by P. Boneyard, Theresa Pierno and Weldon Owen

by Wally Koval

by Wally Koval

Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide
by Cecily Wong and Dylan Thuras
Excerpted from Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide by Cecily Wong and Dylan Thuras. Workman Publishing © 2021

The Rainbow Atlas: A Guide to the World’s 500 Most Colorful Places
by Taylor Fuller
Want to know more about Jenna? She is drawn to floral patterns, has a deep love and respect for the ocean, and is obsessed with all things art history related. She is also the co-founder of Page of Art History, a membership subscription program that delivers downloadable coloring pages of the world’s greatest masterpieces. Find her on Instagram @pageofarthistory and @honeyjocreativeco