Drawn to the stories behind the objects we live with, Natasha is the founder of Shokoo Indonesia and Shokoo Greenthings, where she curates vintage pieces with character, history, and a sense of timelessness. With a longstanding interest in art, design, music, and culture, Natasha’s way of collecting goes beyond aesthetics. It is driven by curiosity, careful observation, and the belief that every object deserves a second life. Her curiosity continues to lead her toward the people, places, and stories that shape how we see the world.

1. David Hockney - My Window

I bought this book after seeing David Hockney’s exhibition in LA about two years ago, before his recent passing. I’ve always loved his paintings. His use of color feels so alive and personal, the colors are not always what we see in real life, but somehow they feel more real. Reading My Window feels like looking through Hockney’s eyes. He takes simple everyday things, a tree, a room, a view from his window, and turns them into something special. His paintings remind me that beauty can be found in ordinary moments if we know how to look.
The way Hockney uses color reminds me of music. You don’t need to know every rule to enjoy or create a beautiful song. You just need to understand the basics, feel the rhythm, and find your own way. There was a quote from Hockney in this book that made me stop and think. It felt very close to how I see art and collecting: learn, explore, and trust your own eyes. This book feels like a quiet conversation with an artist who truly loved looking at the world.

2. Laurence Benaïm - Orientalism Style

As someone who is half Middle Eastern, exploring Assouline’s Orientalism-style books felt very personal and eye-opening. The pages are filled with rich colors, intricate patterns, and beautiful details from pop art, decorative art, Art Deco, and oriental design. What I loved most was how these books show the connection between culture and color. The patterns, textures, and decorative elements tell stories about history, travel, craftsmanship, and the way different cultures see beauty.
As a vintage dealer, this collection also gave me fresh inspiration. It reminded me to pay attention to the details that make an object special, the curve of a chair, the pattern on a vase, the color combination on a lamp, or the craftsmanship behind a decorative piece. These books are more than just beautiful objects to display. They are a reminder that art and design are deeply connected to culture and personal identity. Reading them made me appreciate even more how color, form, and heritage can bring life and meaning to the vintage pieces I collect and curate.

3. David Hieatt - Do Purpose

I picked up Do Purpose because I’m always interested in how brands can connect with people in a meaningful way, not just through products, but through the values and stories behind them. The chapter that stood out to me most was the one about branding. It explained clearly what a brand really is and why some brands feel more memorable and loved than others. Reading this made me think about how graphic design and a brand’s purpose should work together. A strong visual identity is important, but it becomes much more powerful when it reflects what the brand truly stands for.
As someone who works with vintage objects and curates a brand around them, this felt especially relevant. It reminded me that every piece I choose, every photo I take, and every story I share contributes to the overall feeling and purpose of the brand. Although Do Purpose is not specifically a book about graphic design, many of its ideas are very useful for anyone involved in branding or creative work. It helped me think more clearly about how purpose can shape a brand’s image and make it feel more authentic. This is a book I would happily recommend to anyone working with brands, creative projects, or anyone who wants an inspiring and practical read about why purpose matters.

4. The Brutalists

I really enjoyed The Brutalists for its strong visual impact and the way it celebrates architecture in its most honest form. The book highlights buildings with raw materials, bold shapes, and exposed structures, which is a style I personally feel connected to. My own home design is inspired by a mix of Art Deco and Brutalist influences. While the exterior of my house has soft, curvy forms, the interior is kept more raw and minimal. We use exposed concrete and visible structural lines, allowing the house itself to show its strength and character.
Reading this book made me appreciate even more how beautiful structure can be when it is left visible rather than hidden. There is something very grounding about seeing the materials and construction become part of the design. As a vintage dealer, this book also inspires the way I look at objects and interiors. It reminds me to value pieces that have a strong presence, honest craftsmanship, and a sense of architectural form. The Brutalists is not only a book about architecture; it is also a reminder that simplicity, texture, and structure can create a powerful and timeless atmosphere.

5. A Job To Love

I found A Job to Love to be a very thoughtful and encouraging read. It reminds us that there is more than one way to build a meaningful life, more than one way to create income, and definitely more than one definition of success. What resonated with me most was the idea that work should not only be about earning a living, but also about creating a life that feels true to who we are. For me, entrepreneurship has meant putting my time, energy, and resources into building something for my own future, rather than spending all of it helping to build someone else’s dream.
Running a business is not always easy. There are challenges, risks, and moments of uncertainty. But the book reminded me that staying in a situation that constantly drains you can be just as difficult. As a vintage dealer, this perspective feels especially relevant. Building my own business has given me the freedom to curate objects I genuinely love, connect with people who share that appreciation, and shape my work around my own values and creativity. A Job to Love is a gentle but powerful reminder that if you are craving more time, freedom, and control over your future, it may be worth exploring a different path. There is no single formula for a fulfilling life; the important thing is to build one that feels meaningful to you.