Books by Gestalten

Remote Places to Stay. The Most Unique Hotels at the End of the World
Authors: Debbie Pappyn & David De Vleeschauwer

Discover 22 special hideaways where silence, nature, and tranquility are the new luxury.

In a world full of stimuli and hustle, it's becoming increasingly important to disconnect. Remote Places to Stay takes you to 22 unique and remote hotels and lodges, hidden in the most pristine corners of our planet. From the icy splendor of the Arctic wilderness to the warm, vast deserts of Africa, and from a hidden monastery in southern Italy to a peaceful sanctuary high in the Himalayas, this coffee table book brings you to places where you truly return to the essence.

Some destinations are only accessible on foot, by mountain train, boat, or bush plane, but they all have one thing in common: an overwhelming sense of space, silence, and connection with nature.

With breathtaking photography and inspiring descriptions, Remote Places to Stay is not just a travel guide, but primarily a visual journey of wonder and inspiration. From minimalist design lodges to luxurious accommodations deep in nature, this photo book shows that ultimate luxury lies in tranquility, simplicity, and pure beauty.

Why you want this book:

• Discover 22 extraordinary accommodations in the most remote places in the world
• Richly illustrated with stunning photography that instantly transports you to these unique locations
• Perfect for lovers of travel, nature, design, and slow living
• An inspiring coffee table book and ideal gift for adventurous travelers

About the authors:
Debbie Pappyn & David De Vleeschauwer form a journalistic and photographic duo that has been traveling the world for over ten years. They have visited more than 100 countries and written reports for leading international media such as Monocle, Wallpaper*, The Financial Times, and National Geographic. With their characteristic eye for detail and love for the unknown, they capture the essence of a place and take readers to destinations where silence and nature prevail.

Penthouse Syndrome, Interiors Above the City
Author: gestalten

Penthouse Syndrome is an impressive coffee table book about living above the city, where height not only changes the view but also the way we experience space. This photo book explores the unique appeal of high-rise living and shows how architecture, interior design, and emotion come together at great heights.

Featuring more than fifty exclusive residences, Penthouse Syndrome demonstrates how living in penthouses and high-rise apartments creates its own unique dynamic. Rooms take on a different scale, daylight and perspective play a larger role, and daily life follows a different rhythm. The selected interiors range from sculptural design statements to serene, minimalist havens above the city bustle.

With powerful photography and in-depth texts, this luxurious interior book shows how designers find balance between construction and feeling in spaces detached from the ground. Penthouse Syndrome is an inspiring resource for lovers of interior design, architecture, urban living, and contemporary luxury, and a stylish statement on any coffee table.

What to expect

• More than 50 unique penthouses and high-rise residences worldwide
• Stunning photography of high-end interiors above the city
• Interiors ranging from expressive and sculptural to serene and understated
• Insights into how height influences scale, intimacy, and daily life
• An inspiring coffee table book about modern living, architecture, and design

About the author

gestalten is an internationally renowned publisher from Berlin, known for its high-quality books in the fields of design, architecture, interiors, art, and lifestyle. With a strong focus on visual quality and in-depth content, gestalten inspires creatives and design enthusiasts worldwide. Their publications combine innovative themes with carefully curated photography and essays, and are considered leading in the world of contemporary design and architecture.

Home For Now, Living Well Without Staying Long
Authors: gestalten & Earl of East

Home For Now is an inspiring coffee table book about contemporary living in a world where nothing is permanently given. In times of mobility, high rents, and temporary life stages, this book shows how a new generation creates meaning, comfort, and identity in spaces that are not entirely their own.

Through personal case studies of renters, creatives, and urban nomads, Home For Now demonstrates how limitations can lead to inventiveness. Temporary dwellings are transformed into places with character, layers, and rituals that enrich daily life. With a mix of essays, photography, and practical insights, the book explores how design, objects, and habits can create a sense of home—regardless of how long you stay somewhere.

This contemporary interior and lifestyle book is an ode to flexibility and adaptability. Home For Now appeals to anyone interested in modern living, interior design, minimalism, slow living, and creating a personal home within temporary frameworks. A stylish and relatable photo book for the modern urbanite and design enthusiast.

What to expect

• Inspiring case studies of people transforming temporary living spaces into true homes
• Insights into flexible living, creativity, and life without a fixed abode
• Photography and essays that show how rituals, design, and objects create connection
• A contemporary perspective on interior, lifestyle, and living in motion
• A beautifully designed coffee table book with depth and visual impact

About the authors

gestalten is an internationally renowned publisher from Berlin, known for its high-quality books on design, interior, architecture, art, and lifestyle. The publisher is known for its strong visual identity and innovative themes that respond to contemporary cultural developments.

Earl of East is a London-based fragrance and lifestyle brand, founded by Niko Dafkos and Paul Firmin. What started as a market stall grew into a globally beloved brand that brings together design, storytelling, and sensory experience. Their work revolves around atmosphere, rituals, community, and connection—values that seamlessly align with the themes of Home For Now.

A House in Japan, Lessons in Living
Author: gestalten

A House in Japan – Lessons in Living is an inspiring coffee table book that offers a unique insight into the inventive and often unexpected world of Japanese homes. In Japan, the home is seen as a place where living is constantly reinvented. Within a culture of precision, simplicity, and attention to detail, interiors are created that are radically innovative without being ostentatious.

This photo book showcases more than fifty extraordinary Japanese houses where clarity is more important than excess, and functionality goes hand in hand with poetry. From compact city homes to experimental living concepts, each project demonstrates how architecture and interior design adapt to daily rhythms while simultaneously proposing new ways of life. The designs are understated yet surprising; minimalist yet deeply lived-in.

With beautiful photography and in-depth texts, A House in Japan shows how the everyday can be transformed into something special. The book is a rich source of inspiration for lovers of Japanese architecture, interior design, minimalism, and contemporary living, and makes a stylish statement on any coffee table.

What to expect

• More than 50 Japanese homes that break conventions and redefine daily living
• Insights into how interiors function as silent laboratories for design and lifestyle
• Photography that captures the balance between simplicity, ingenuity, and lived-in depth
• Inspiration for modern living, minimalist interior design, and Japanese design philosophy
• A carefully designed coffee table book with international appeal

About the author

gestalten is a leading publisher from Berlin, globally renowned for its high-quality books on architecture, interiors, design, art, and lifestyle. The publisher is known for its strong visual identity and its innovative approach to contemporary living and lifestyle culture. With A House in Japan, gestalten reaffirms its reputation as a curator of inspiring design stories with depth and international relevance.

The Definitive Paulo Mendes da Rocha, The Architecture of Possibility
Authors: gestalten & Casa da Arquitectura

The Definitive Paulo Mendes da Rocha – The Architecture of Possibility is an impressive and in-depth coffee table book about one of the most influential architects of the 20th and 21st centuries. Paulo Mendes da Rocha redefined modernism with a powerful vision in which constructive daring, social responsibility, and a strong connection to public space are central.

This extensive monograph brings together a carefully curated selection of sixty projects, ranging from realized buildings to unbuilt and conceptual designs. Through drawings, models, photography, and expert essays, it provides insight into the creative thought process of an architect whose work transcends boundaries and remains relevant today within global discussions on sustainability, equality, and the collective use of space.

The photo book shows how Mendes da Rocha viewed architecture as an instrument for social change and civic engagement. His work demonstrates how structure, simplicity, and brutalist power can go hand in hand with human scale and public significance. The Architecture of Possibility is an essential reference work and a visual statement for architects, designers, students, and lovers of modern architecture.

What to expect

• A curated selection of 60 projects, including realized, unbuilt, and conceptual works
• Never-before-published drawings, sketches, models, and photographs from the Casa da Arquitectura archive
• In-depth insights that place Mendes da Rocha's work within international debates on sustainability, public space, identity, and social justice
• High-quality design and photography, befitting a leading architectural coffee table book
• Indispensable for lovers of modernism, brutalist architecture, and contemporary architectural theory

About the authors

Gestalten is an internationally renowned publishing house from Berlin, known for its carefully curated and visually powerful books on architecture, design, art, and contemporary culture. The publisher is known for its substantive depth and high-quality productions.

Casa da Arquitectura is a leading Portuguese institution dedicated to preserving, studying, and disseminating architectural culture. As the official custodian of Paulo Mendes da Rocha's archive, Casa da Arquitectura plays a crucial role in protecting his legacy and making his work accessible to professionals, researchers, and a broad public.

New Perspectives on Scandinavian Design, Muuto on New Nordic Living
Authors: gestalten & Muuto

New Perspectives on Scandinavian Design – Muuto on New Nordic Living shows how Scandinavian design is reinventing itself. Where it once revolved around cool sobriety and sleek lines, a warmer, more human design language is now emerging, where tactility, atmosphere, and emotion are central. This coffee table book places the Danish design label Muuto at the heart of this new Nordic movement.

Through inspiring photography, in-depth essays, and conversations, the book demonstrates how interior design goes beyond individual objects. Spaces are approached as living environments where material, light, and form contribute to behavior, tranquility, and connection. Muuto's collaborations with international designers show how clarity and simplicity can perfectly coexist with warmth and presence.

This photo book offers a contemporary view on Scandinavian interior design and is a valuable source of inspiration for interior designers, architects, design enthusiasts, and anyone interested in modern living with meaning. New Perspectives on Scandinavian Design is not only a visual statement but also a reflection on how we live and experience space today.

What to expect

• An in-depth look at Muuto as a driving force behind a new Scandinavian interior culture
• High-quality photography and essays that showcase design as atmosphere and experience, not just as an object
• Inspiring interiors where clarity is combined with warmth, tactility, and humanity
• A stylish coffee table book for lovers of Nordic design, modern interiors, and contemporary architecture
• Perfect as a source of inspiration and as an aesthetic design object in your home or studio

About the authors

gestalten is a leading international publisher from Berlin, specializing in high-quality books on architecture, design, art, and contemporary culture. The publisher is known for its substantive depth and visually strong productions.

Muuto is a Danish design house that shapes a new generation of Scandinavian design. By collaborating with designers from around the world, Muuto creates interiors and objects where clarity, tactility, and emotional resonance come together. The brand not only designs products but also influences how we experience, use, and inhabit spaces.

Cottagecore Gardens, A New Take on Living Landscapes
Author: gestalten

Cottagecore Gardens – A New Take on Living Landscapes is an atmospheric coffee table book celebrating the charm of outdoor living. Following the successful Cottagecore, this book shifts the focus from interiors to gardens and landscapes: the outdoor spaces that embrace, nourish, and bring the home to life.

In this richly illustrated photography book, you'll discover gardens that are not designed according to strict rules but are shaped by time, attention, and use. Think of lush courtyards, edible vegetable gardens, wild flower meadows, and off-grid gardens where nature and humans live in harmony. Loose lines, self-seeded paths, and seasonal changes tell the story of a slower, more conscious life.

Cottagecore Gardens reflects a broader cultural movement towards simplicity, sustainability, and intentionality. Here, the garden is not just seen as decor, but as a refuge, a source of food, and an extension of the home. An inspiring book for anyone who loves natural gardens, cottagecore style, slow living, and authentic outdoor life.

What to expect

• More than 50 gardens that prioritize atmosphere, authenticity, and natural beauty
• Essays on rhythm, seasons, rituals, and regional influences in garden design
• Poetic photography that captures textures, plants, and the passage of time
• Inspiration for lovers of cottagecore, sustainable gardens, and rural living
• A beautiful coffee table book for garden enthusiasts, designers, and those seeking tranquility

About the author

gestalten is an internationally renowned publisher from Berlin, specializing in high-quality books on design, architecture, lifestyle, nature, and contemporary culture. With a strong focus on visual quality and in-depth content, gestalten inspires a wide audience worldwide. Their books are known as stylish objects and valuable sources of inspiration for a conscious way of life.

Ridiculously Good Looking Saunas
Authors: gestalten & Christopher Selman

Ridiculously Good Looking Saunas is a distinctive and visually powerful coffee table book that redefines the sauna as a place where architecture, nature, and sensory experience converge. This book shows how the contemporary sauna has grown to be much more than a wellness space: it is a sanctuary for peace, focus, and mindful living.

Curated by sauna expert Christopher Selman, the book presents 35 exceptional saunas from around the world. From minimalist cabins deep in the forest to sculptural pavilions on the water, each project demonstrates how warmth, wood, light, and landscape combine to create a unique atmosphere that influences body and mind. The designs are bold, pure, and often spectacular, but always rooted in simplicity and presence.

With impressive photography and in-depth texts, Ridiculously Good Looking Saunas explores the cultural significance of the sauna and shows how this ancient tradition is being reinterpreted within contemporary architecture and design. An inspiring photo book for lovers of architecture, interior design, wellness, nature, and slow living.

What to expect

• A selection of 35 striking, contemporary sauna designs from around the world
• Intense photography focusing on raw materials, wood, warmth, and natural environments
• Insights into how sauna culture evolves into both a retreat and a design principle
• Inspiration for architects, designers, wellness enthusiasts, and design collectors
• A powerful coffee table book that brings together tranquility, aesthetics, and experience

About the authors

gestalten is a leading international publisher based in Berlin, known for its high-quality books on architecture, design, lifestyle, and contemporary culture. The publisher is renowned for visually strong publications that combine content and aesthetics at a high level.

Christopher Selman is a sauna explorer, author, and founder of the popular platform @SaunaHotRightNow, which showcases sauna culture worldwide. He is also co-founder of Out of the Valley, a British luxury sauna brand. Selman is considered one of the most important contemporary voices in the field of sauna, wellness, and architectural experience.

Neon Rides, Cars and Culture of the ’80s and ’90s
Authors: gestalten & Petersen Automotive Museum

Neon Rides is a striking coffee table book that re-explores the 80s and 90s as a golden age of automotive culture, where daring, excess, and imagination were central. Cars from this period were long underestimated but finally receive the recognition they deserve as cultural icons of a changing world.

With their sharp wedge shapes, turbocharged ambitions, and distinctive design, these vehicles reflect an era at the intersection of analog rawness and digital promise. From eccentric outsiders to cult classics, the cars in Neon Rides tell the story of technological progress, changing identities, and a new vision of speed, status, and style.

In collaboration with the world-renowned Petersen Automotive Museum, this photo book combines rich archival material with sharp cultural analysis. Images and text show how car design was closely intertwined with fashion, media, pop culture, and societal shifts. The result is a visually powerful and thematically layered book for enthusiasts of cars, design, retro aesthetics, and cultural history.

What to expect

• A carefully curated selection of iconic, quirky, and era-defining cars from the 80s and 90s
• Visual storytelling with archival photography, ephemera, and pop culture references from the "Rad Era"
• Cultural context that connects car design with fashion, technology, media, and identity
• An inspiring coffee table book for car enthusiasts, collectors, and design fans
• A tribute to a long undervalued but influential era

About the authors

gestalten is an internationally renowned publisher from Berlin, specializing in high-quality books on architecture, design, lifestyle, and contemporary culture. Gestalten's publications are known for their strong visual identity and in-depth content.

The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is one of the world's leading museums in automotive history and culture. With an impressive collection and groundbreaking exhibitions, the museum explores the car as an object of innovation, design, and cultural significance, influencing the global conversation about mobility, past, and future.

Surf Shacks Vol. 3, Exploring the Spirit of Coastal Living
Authors: gestalten & Matt Titone

Surf Shacks Vol. 3 continues the beloved Surf Shacks series, delving deeper into the world of surfers, their homes, and the creative coastal lifestyle. This coffee table book shows how surf culture is not only played out on the water but also expressed in architecture, interior design, community, and a conscious way of life.

From airy beach cabins in California and handmade shelters in Hawaii to contemporary design retreats in Portugal and Panama: Surf Shacks Vol. 3 brings together an eclectic mix of places and personalities. The focus is not only on the residents themselves but also on the architects, designers, and builders who are shaping a new generation of surf-inspired homes.

With documentary photography, intimate portraits, and cultural context, this third volume paints a rich and authentic picture of modern coastal living. This photo book shows where creativity, simplicity, and connection come together, and how living by the sea remains a source of inspiration for creators worldwide. A must-have for lovers of surf culture, coastal design, and slow living.

What to expect

• An inspiring journey through surf culture as a lifestyle and architectural expression
• Exclusive insights into the homes of surfers, artists, and creators from California to Portugal
• Focus on innovative architects, designers, and builders in surf-oriented living
• High-quality photography and personal stories about living in harmony with the coast
• A stylish coffee table book about creativity, community, and coastal living

About the authors

gestalten is a leading international publisher from Berlin, known for its visually strong and content-rich books on design, architecture, travel, and contemporary culture. The Surf Shacks series is among their most iconic publications.

Matt Titone is a designer, creative director, and passionate surfer. He effortlessly moves between branding, editorial storytelling, and surf culture. As the founder of Indoek and co-founder of ITAL / C Studio, he has been documenting the cross-pollination between creativity and life by the sea for over a decade. With the Surf Shacks series, he has established himself as one of the most important chroniclers of modern coastal living.

Wanderlust – Compact Edition, Hiking on Legendary Trails
Authors: gestalten & Cam Honan

Wanderlust – Compact Edition is an inspiring coffee table book for anyone who dreams of hiking the most beautiful and legendary trails in the world. This compact edition offers the same rich content and visual power as the original book, but in a handy format that is perfect for home, on the go, or as a stylish gift.

This photo book takes you step-by-step along iconic hiking routes across all continents. From the spectacular Narrows Top Down Route in the United States and the dizzying El Caminito del Rey in Spain to the spiritual Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route in Japan and fairytale trails in the rugged landscape of Norway. Each path is brought to life with breathtaking photography, clear maps, and inspiring stories.

Wanderlust shows how hiking is more than just movement: it's a way to truly experience landscapes, cultures, and history. From icy glaciers and vast deserts to coastlines, mountains, and green forests – this book celebrates the diversity and beauty of nature worldwide. Ideal for hiking enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone longing for peace, space, and a sense of discovery.

What to expect

• Iconic hiking routes from all over the world in one clear overview
• Impressive landscape photography that invites adventure
• Practical maps, background information, and hiking tips
• Suitable for both novice walkers and experienced hikers
• A compact coffee table book full of travel inspiration and nature experiences

About the authors

gestalten is an internationally renowned publisher from Berlin, known for its high-quality books on travel, nature, design, and contemporary culture. Their publications combine strong visual storytelling with in-depth content and are loved by a global audience.

Cam Honan is an internationally recognized hiking and adventure expert. He has covered thousands of kilometers on foot along some of the world's most legendary long-distance trails. As a writer and photographer, he shares his in-depth knowledge, personal experiences, and practical insights, inspiring hikers to discover the world at their own pace.

Wanderlust USA – Compact Edition, The Great American Hike
Authors: gestalten & Cam Honan

Wanderlust USA – Compact Edition is an inspiring coffee table book for anyone who wants to discover the grandeur of American nature on foot. This compact edition brings together the most beautiful and iconic hiking trails in the United States in a stylish and accessible format, ideal for home, on the go, or as a gift for outdoor enthusiasts.

From world-famous national parks to lesser-known, rugged trails: this photo book takes you along the most impressive hikes America has to offer. Together with adventurer and long-distance hiker Cam Honan, you will explore 30 carefully selected hiking routes, ranging from relaxed day trips to challenging multi-day treks. Think of the imposing depths of the Grand Canyon, the vast wilderness of Yosemite, and the rugged, snowy landscapes of Alaska's Denali National Park.

In addition to these main routes, the book contains an extra selection of 20 bonus hikes spread across the US. Clear maps, practical hiking tips, and captivating stories are combined with breathtaking nature photography. Wanderlust USA shows how diverse the American landscape is and invites you to experience the freedom, silence, and power of nature for yourself.

What to expect

• 30 legendary hiking routes across the United States
• Extra chapter with 20 additional hikes
• Practical tips on preparation, safety, and equipment
• Detailed maps and background information
• Impressive photography of national parks and wilderness
• Suitable for both beginner hikers and experienced trekkers

About the Authors

gestalten is a leading international publishing house from Berlin, known for its high-quality coffee table books on travel, nature, design, and contemporary culture. gestalten's books are known for their strong visual style and depth of content.

Cam Honan is a globally recognized hiker, writer, and photographer. He has walked over 96,500 kilometers in 61 countries on six continents and was described by Backpacker Magazine as one of the world's most traveled hikers. Through his platform The Hiking Life and his books, he shares practical knowledge, personal experiences, and a deep respect for nature and adventure.

The Nature of Swimming – Updated Edition
Unique Bathing Locations and Swimming Experiences
Author: gestalten

The Nature of Swimming – Updated Edition is an inspiring coffee table book celebrating an ancient human tradition: swimming and bathing in nature. For generations, people have been drawn to water – from vast oceans and serene lakes to babbling rivers and icy mountain streams. This beautifully designed photo book impressively captures that deep connection with the natural element of water.

This updated edition presents more than 70 unique outdoor swimming spots worldwide. Think of crystal-clear mountain lakes, rugged coastlines, natural hot springs, and carefully designed swimming locations that blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Some places are entirely formed by nature, others are created by humans with respect for the landscape – all share the same essence: the tranquility, freedom, and sensory experience of open-air swimming.

With breathtaking photography and narrative context, The Nature of Swimming shows how outdoor swimming not only offers relaxation but also a way to reconnect with nature. This book is a source of inspiration for wild swimmers, nature lovers, travelers, and anyone drawn to water, wellness, and slow living.

What to expect

• More than 70 unique swimming and bathing locations worldwide
• Wild swimming in seas, lakes, rivers, and remote landscapes
• A mix of natural bathing spots and architecturally designed locations
• High-quality photography with a focus on tranquility, space, and experience
• An ode to the timeless relationship between humans and water

About the author

gestalten is an internationally renowned publisher, founded in 1995 in Berlin. The publisher is known for its high-quality coffee table books in the fields of design, architecture, travel, nature, lifestyle, and visual culture. Gestalten collaborates with leading creative professionals and translates trends and timeless themes into inspiring, visually strong publications. Worldwide, gestalten is appreciated for its attention to detail, aesthetics, and content quality.

Thainess – Thai Creativity Today
Authors: gestalten & Paul Rojanathara

Thainess – Thai Creativity Today is an inspiring coffee table book that offers a sharp and contemporary perspective on the creative energy shaping Thailand today. The book showcases how a new generation of artists, designers, chefs, and cultural innovators are bringing together tradition and innovation, positioning Thailand as an international creative force.

Through 40 carefully curated portraits, Thainess provides an in-depth look at the country's cultural avant-garde. From fashion and design to gastronomy and visual arts: each profile demonstrates how Thai creatives reinterpret their heritage and deploy it as modern 'soft power' with global impact. Rich photography, portraits, and contextual images bring the projects and personalities to life.

With an introductory essay and foreword, the photo book places this creative movement in a broader cultural and international context. Thainess is thus not only a visually impressive coffee table book but also a substantively strong guide for anyone interested in contemporary Asian culture, creative entrepreneurship, and global trends.

What to expect

• 40 profiles of influential and emerging Thai creatives
• Insight into the role of culture and creativity as modern 'soft power'
• High-quality photography with project images, portraits, and atmospheric impressions
• An accessible, internationally oriented approach to contemporary Thailand
• Inspiration for lovers of design, art, culture, and innovation

About the authors

gestalten is a leading international publisher from Berlin, founded in 1995. The publisher is known for its high-quality coffee table books on design, architecture, art, travel, and visual culture. Gestalten collaborates with influential makers and thinkers worldwide, translating cultural trends into books with a strong visual and substantive signature.

Paul Rojanathara is a cultural strategist and creative director, specializing in soft power, emerging trends, and storytelling. He gained international recognition with the documentary Influencers, and his work and insights have appeared in publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, and HuffPost. With Thainess, he offers a sharp and current perspective on Thailand's creative renaissance.

Warpaint – Male Makeup and Identity Through Time
Authors: gestalten & Joshua Sims

Warpaint – Male Makeup and Identity Through Time is a stimulating and visually powerful coffee table book that reveals the often-underexposed history of male makeup and self-adornment. From ancient rituals and war paint to glam rock, punk, pop icons and contemporary street culture: this book shows how men throughout time used makeup to express identity, power, rebellion and belonging.

Through rich visual selections and sharp cultural analyses, Warpaint explores the male face and body as a canvas for transformation. Makeup proves to be not only an aesthetic choice but also a social, political and psychological statement. At a time when masculinity is being redefined and the market for men's grooming and cosmetics is growing strongly, this photo book offers a timely and in-depth reflection on appearance as both conformity and rebellion.

With historical objects, archive images and contemporary photography, Warpaint connects past and present. The result is an inspiring coffee table book for lovers of fashion, culture, identity, subcultures and social history.

What to expect

• A cultural history of male makeup, from ritual body paint to modern street style
• Images of historical artifacts, archives, and contemporary male makeup and body art
• Insightful essays on power, identity, masculinity, and expression
• A unique perspective on beauty, self-image, and cultural codes

About the authors

gestalten is an internationally renowned publisher from Berlin, founded in 1995. The brand is known for high-quality coffee table books on design, fashion, architecture, art and visual culture. Gestalten collaborates with leading creative thinkers and makers, translating cultural developments into books with a strong visual and substantive impact.

Joshua Sims is a journalist and author specializing in style, design, and subcultures. In his work, he explores the relationship between fashion, identity, and social norms, with a particular focus on masculinity and the social significance of clothing and appearance. He has written extensively on menswear and the evolution of male self-expression and is considered a perceptive commentator on contemporary culture.

Flex Appeal – The Changing Face of ’70s Skateboard Culture
Authors: gestalten & Stefan Ytterborn

Flex Appeal – The Changing Face of ’70s Skateboard Culture is a visually rich coffee table book that captures the explosive rise of skateboard culture in California in the late 1970s. During this period, skateboarding evolved from a niche activity into a powerful subculture, driven by technical innovation, a distinctive design language, and a new youthful identity.

Central to the book is Fibreflex, one of the most influential skateboard brands of that era. Through Stefan Ytterborn's unique collection of skateboards from the years 1975–1979, a time capsule of a pivotal moment in skate history unfolds. Iconic decks, trucks, and wheels are combined with vintage advertisements, photography, and graphic design that bring the visual code of the era to life.

With contributions from photographer Jörgen Brennicke and creative input from David Gonzalez, Flex Appeal shows how skateboarding not only changed performance and technique but also permanently influenced fashion, design, and youth culture — long before the sport became mainstream. This photo book is a must-have for skateboard enthusiasts, collectors, design fans, and anyone interested in subcultures and visual history.

What to expect

• A carefully curated archive of original Fibreflex skateboards and components from 1975–1979
• Rare vintage advertisements, photography, and graphic ephemera from the early days of skateboard culture
• Essays on the influence of Californian skate culture on design, performance, and youth identity
• An authentic and nostalgic portrait of a creative, rebellious, and groundbreaking period

About the authors

gestalten is an internationally renowned publishing house from Berlin, founded in 1995. The publisher is known for high-quality coffee table books on design, architecture, fashion, art, and contemporary culture. Gestalten documents visual trends and cultural movements with a strong focus on quality, content, and aesthetics.

Stefan Ytterborn is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of innovative brands such as POC and CAKE. He is known for his ability to connect technology, performance, and lifestyle. With Flex Appeal, he shares his personal passion for skateboard culture and demonstrates how products, design, and stories together form identity and community.

Off Course – The New Cool in Golf
Authors: gestalten & Paul Rojanathara

Off Course – The New Cool in Golf shows how golf is undergoing a radical cultural transformation. What was once dominated by strict etiquette, hierarchy, and dress codes is now evolving into an open and creative lifestyle where fashion, music, design, and self-expression are central. Golf is no longer just a sport, but a cultural platform.

This contemporary coffee table book brings together the new faces of golf: players, designers, streetwear brands, and collectives that are reshaping the game. Sneakers replace classic golf shoes, streetwear conquers the fairway, and influences from skate, art, and online culture give the game a completely new energy.

This photo book is structured like an 18-hole round and combines essays, portraits, and powerful images into a cultural handbook of modern golf. Off Course shows how tradition and innovation come together and how golf evolves from an exclusive country club to a global cultural statement. An inspiring book for golfers, creatives, fashion fans, and lovers of contemporary culture.

What to expect

• Portraits of players, designers, and creative collectives renewing the identity of golf
• Stories about streetwear, underground scenes, and alternative golf culture worldwide
• Strong photography and essays that show how golf is changing from a sport to a lifestyle and cultural code
• A fresh look at golf as a platform for self-expression, community, and creativity

About the authors

gestalten is a leading international publisher from Berlin, founded in 1995. The publisher is known for high-quality coffee table books on design, fashion, architecture, art, and contemporary culture. Gestalten documents creative movements and cultural shifts with a strong focus on visual quality and in-depth content.

Paul Rojanathara is an author and cultural strategist, specializing in identifying emerging trends and cultural movements. For over twenty years, he has collaborated with international brands and institutions at the intersection of art, design, and pop culture. His work focuses on how cultural change enables new forms of identity, community, and creativity.

The Picture Book Book
Authors: Seymour Chwast & Steven Heller

The Picture Book Book is a colorful and inspiring coffee table book that offers a unique overview of the groundbreaking work of Seymour Chwast, one of the most influential graphic designers and illustrators of the 20th and 21st centuries. This richly illustrated photo book compiles more than 40 of his iconic picture books, demonstrating how graphic design and storytelling playfully and intelligently come together.

Editor Steven Heller contextualizes Chwast's work, showing how his bold typography, strong graphic forms, and subtle humor have pushed the boundaries between children's books, art, and design. Chwast's picture books are not only intended for children but also appeal to adults through their layered meaning, visual sharpness, and cultural relevance.

The Picture Book Book is both a visual reference and a collector's item. The book bridges the gap between high-quality design and accessible visual culture, making it a must-have for lovers of graphic design, illustration, picture books, and visual culture. Perfect as a coffee table book, source of inspiration, or gift for creatives.

What to expect

• A carefully curated selection of over 40 picture books by Seymour Chwast
• Essays and interpretations by Steven Heller on Chwast's influence on design and illustration
• A luxuriously designed collector's item at the intersection of art, literature, and graphic design
• Inspiration for designers, illustrators, educators, and lovers of visual storytelling

About the authors

Seymour Chwast (°1931) is a co-founder of the legendary Push Pin Studios and is considered a pioneer of modern graphic design. His work has permanently changed the visual language of illustration, typography, and picture books. Chwast's work is included in collections of institutions such as MoMA and the Louvre. In 2023, he received the prestigious Cooper Hewitt Design Visionary Award. To this day, he remains an influential voice within the international design world.

Steven Heller is a design historian, writer, and former art director of The New York Times. He is the (co-)author and editor of more than 200 books on design, illustration, and visual culture. He is also a co-founder of the MFA Designer as Entrepreneur program at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Heller has received awards including the Smithsonian National Design Award (Design Mind) and the AIGA Medal for his lifetime contribution to the field.

Herrlich Hosting. Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime
Authors: gestalten & Hannah Kleeberg

Herrlich Hosting. Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime is a contemporary coffee table book about hospitality, food, and togetherness, where atmosphere and feeling are more important than etiquette and perfection. In her debut book, Berlin-based food creative Hannah Kleeberg shows how hosting can evolve into a form of self-expression—playful, stylish, and personal.

This photo book is not about fine dining, but about fun dining: meals as moments, recipes as memories, and tables as creative stages. With a fresh, idiosyncratic perspective, Kleeberg combines food, styling, and rituals into a new language of communal eating, where spontaneity and pleasure are central. Butter becomes sculpture, table settings become scenography, and every gathering takes on its own character.

Herrlich Hosting invites you to let go and experiment. The richly illustrated chapters showcase imaginative settings, seasonal recipes, and accessible ideas that can be applied in any home and at any time. This makes the book not only an inspiring coffee table book but also a practical guide for anyone who loves to bring people together in a personal and creative way.

Perfect for lovers of food, interior design, styling, design, and modern hospitality.

What to expect

• A visually inspiring journey through creative dining tables and intimate settings
• Hosting ideas focused on atmosphere, ritual, and feeling rather than perfection
• Simple, seasonal recipes for spontaneous dinners and informal gatherings
• A fresh perspective on table decoration, food, and togetherness as a lifestyle

About the Author

Hannah Kleeberg is a Berlin-based food creative and founder of Herrlich Dining, a culinary studio that approaches food as an art form. Her work is known for the playful, stylish, and accessible way she combines food, fashion, and design. With her distinctive aesthetic and creative concepts, she works for international brands, events, and a large online community of over 250,000 followers. In 2024, she opened Studio Herrlich in Berlin, a creative meeting place where even artists like Dua Lipa come to enjoy her iconic potato salad. With Herrlich Hosting, Kleeberg confirms her position as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary food and lifestyle culture.

God is a Pickle, Recipes and Stories for Preserving the Seasons
Authors: gestalten, Šárka Otevřel Camrdová & Marek Bartoš

God is a Pickle takes you from the kitchens of the Czech Republic to global tables, showing how preserving is more than just cooking—it's a ritual of memory, resilience, and identity. This inspiring coffee table book combines over 100 recipes for pickled vegetables, jams, chutneys, and seasonal dishes that utilize these delicacies.

This photo book explores the Czech tradition of pickling, where pickles take on an almost religious character, and shows how local customs reflect universal values of seasonal eating, sustainability, and ritual. With beautiful photography, stories, and historical context, God is a Pickle becomes a source of inspiration for both everyday cooking and for anyone interested in culinary culture and heritage.

God is a Pickle is a perfect combination of practical recipes and a cultural exploration of how simple, timeless cooking techniques shape our identity and memories.

What to expect

• Over 100 recipes for pickles, jams, chutneys and seasonal dishes
• Engaging stories and photography that show how Czech traditions express identity and resilience
• Inspiration for anyone interested in seasonal cooking, preserving and culinary culture

About the authors

Šárka Otevřel Camrdová is a Prague-born food writer and editor, based in New York. With over ten years of experience at publications such as Elle and Herbarium, she explores the intersection of food and culture and translates culinary traditions for an international audience.
Marek Bartoš is a Prague-based photographer and founder of Snack & Friends. He collaborates with chefs and publishers to visually tell food stories, bringing every dish and tradition to life through images.