The 10 Must-Have Interior Design Books for Every Home Decor Enthusiast

If you're into making your home look good, you probably know how much a good book can help. Finding the right interior design books can really spark new ideas and give you some solid tips. Whether you're just starting out or you've been decorating for a while, there are so many great interior design books out there. They can show you different styles, teach you about colors, and help you figure out what works best for your space. It's like having a design expert right there with you, guiding you through all the choices. So, if you're looking to refresh your home or just get some fresh inspiration, picking up one of these interior design books is a smart move.

Key Takeaways

• Interior design books are a great source of inspiration for home decor.

• They offer practical advice for various design challenges.

• Many books focus on specific styles or approaches to decorating.

• These books can help both beginners and experienced decorators.

• Having a few good interior design books can really change how you see your home.

1. Home With Rue

Home With Rue: Style For Everyone by Kelli Lamb is a fantastic starting point. This book is all about celebrating personality in your home. It's less about strict rules and more about creating a space that truly reflects who you are.

I've always been drawn to homes that feel lived-in and authentic, and this book perfectly captures that vibe. It's filled with practical advice, how-to tips, and decorating resources, making it more than just a pretty coffee table book. Plus, the foreword is by Nate Berkus, which is a pretty solid endorsement, right?

It takes you inside real people’s homes and features advice, how-to information, decorating resources, and practicality. It's a great resource for anyone looking to inject more of their own style into their living space. It's also aesthetically pleasing on a coffee table, but it’s more or less one of those decorating books you occasionally flip through for inspiration.

Here's what I love about it:

• It showcases a wide range of styles, proving that there's no one "right" way to decorate.

• It offers actionable tips that you can implement immediately.

• It emphasizes the importance of creating a personalized space.

2. The Interior Design Handbook

This book is a great resource if you're looking to understand the fundamentals of interior design. It focuses on teaching you how to design a room, rather than just what to decorate with. It's less about trends and more about lasting principles.

Think of it as a guide to understanding the 'why' behind design choices. It covers topics like the golden ratio and golden spiral, which might sound intimidating, but are explained in a way that's easy to grasp. You'll learn practical things, like how to size a coffee table proportional to a sofa or how high to hang a light fixture.

This book is perfect for anyone who wants to move beyond just copying what they see in magazines and start making informed decisions about their own space. It's about creating a home that truly reflects your style and needs, based on solid design principles.

Here's what you can expect to learn:

• Understanding spatial relationships

• Applying the principles of proportion and scale

• Creating balanced and harmonious interiors

3. New York School Of Interior Design: Home

This book, subtitled The Foundations of Enduring Spaces, is like taking a mini-course in interior design. It's not just about pretty pictures; it really gets into the nitty-gritty of design principles. Think of it as a textbook, but way more inspiring.

It's a comprehensive guide that covers everything from color theory to furniture selection. If you're serious about understanding the 'why' behind design choices, this is a great resource. It's also a good pick for design students or anyone who wants a solid foundation in home design.

This book is a great resource for understanding the fundamentals. It's not a quick-fix guide, but rather a deep dive into the core principles that make a space work.

Here's what you can expect to learn:

• Color palettes and how they affect mood

• Space planning and furniture arrangement

• Textiles and material selection

4. Design Remix

I've always been a fan of books that challenge the status quo, and "Design Remix" does just that. It's not about following trends blindly; it's about taking what you love and making it work for you. This book encourages you to mix styles, eras, and textures to create a space that's uniquely yours.

It really pushes you to think outside the box. I found myself looking at my own space and thinking, "How can I shake things up?" It's a great resource for anyone who feels stuck in a design rut or wants to inject more personality into their home. It's about breaking the rules and having fun with your space. If you're looking for kitchen redesign ideas, this book might spark some creativity.

The book emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts and not being afraid to experiment. It's a reminder that your home should be a reflection of who you are, not what's "in" at the moment.

Here are a few things I took away from "Design Remix":

• Don't be afraid to mix high and low pieces.

• Incorporate vintage finds for character.

• Use color to create a mood.

5. The Beauty Of Home

Marie Flanigan's "The Beauty Of Home" was super popular for a reason. Her style is classic and timeless, making every room feel special. It's one of those books you'll keep coming back to for inspiration. It gives you a peek into her creative process, which is pretty cool.

This book is packed with ideas and shows some amazing homes. It's a great resource if you're looking to add some soul to your space. It's not just about decorating; it's about creating a home that feels good.

Here are some things you might find inside:

• Color palettes that work

• Furniture arrangement tips

• Ways to add personal touches

If you're into traditional interiors but want a fresh take, this book is definitely worth checking out. It's like having a renovation guide from a pro right at your fingertips.

6. May I Come In

This book is like getting a personal tour through some seriously stylish homes. It's not just about the pretty pictures (though there are plenty of those!). It's about the stories behind the spaces and the people who live in them. You get a real sense of how different personalities shape a home's design. It's less about strict rules and more about inspiration, which I appreciate.

• See how people incorporate their hobbies into their decor.

• Notice the clever storage solutions in small spaces.

• Pay attention to the use of color and texture to create different moods.

I love how this book showcases a variety of styles, from minimalist to maximalist. It proves that there's no one "right" way to decorate, and it encourages you to embrace your own unique taste. It's a great reminder that your home should be a reflection of you, not a carbon copy of something you saw in a magazine. If you are experiencing terrible times, this book can help you focus on the beauty of your home.

It's a celebration of individuality and the art of creating a space that truly feels like home.

7. Architectural Design At 100

This book celebrates a century of Architectural Digest, showcasing homes that have graced its pages. It's a journey through time, featuring residences of notable figures like Diana Vreeland and the Obamas, alongside architectural masterpieces by Frank Gehry and Frank Lloyd Wright. The common thread? Utterly inspiring interiors.

It's interesting to see how design trends have evolved over the years. This book offers a unique perspective, highlighting not just the aesthetics but also the stories behind these incredible spaces.

Here's what makes this book a must-have:

• A curated collection of stunning homes.

• Insights into the design choices of famous personalities.

• A historical overview of architectural styles.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone passionate about design.

8. DISC Interiors

Okay, so DISC Interiors might not be a household name like some of the others on this list, but trust me, their book is a gem. It's less about trends and more about creating spaces that feel timeless and personal. I stumbled upon it at a local bookstore, and I was immediately drawn to the cover.

The book showcases a range of projects, each with a distinct California vibe – think relaxed, sophisticated, and effortlessly cool. It's the kind of style that makes you want to throw open all the windows, brew a cup of coffee, and just chill. What I appreciate most is that they focus on the details – the textures, the lighting, the way the furniture is arranged. It's all about creating a mood, a feeling.

I think what sets DISC Interiors apart is their ability to blend different styles seamlessly. They might mix vintage pieces with modern art, or pair rustic elements with sleek, contemporary furniture. It's unexpected, but it always works. It's a great source of inspiration if you're looking to create a space that feels both comfortable and stylish.

Here are a few things I took away from the book:

• Embrace natural light.

• Don't be afraid to mix textures.

• Invest in quality pieces that you love.

If you're into shelf styling and want to see how the pros do it, this book is a must-have. It's a beautiful source of inspiration for anyone who appreciates well-designed spaces. It's a great way to get ideas for your next kitchen redesign project.

9. Surf Shack

Okay, so maybe you don't live by the beach. That's fine! This book brings the beach to you. It's all about that laid-back, sun-kissed vibe that makes you want to grab a board and hit the waves. Think bright colors, natural materials, and a whole lot of chill. It's not just about surfboards and seashells; it's about creating a space that feels relaxed and inviting.

This book is a great reminder that design doesn't have to be stuffy or pretentious. It can be fun, playful, and totally reflective of your personality. It encourages you to embrace imperfections and create a space that feels authentic to you.

Here are a few things you might find inside:

• Inspiration for incorporating vintage finds.

• Ideas for using natural textures like wood and rattan.

• Tips for creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

If you're looking to add a touch of coastal charm to your home, creative print design this book is a must-have. It's packed with ideas for transforming your space into a surfer's paradise, no matter where you live. It's a fun read and a great source of inspiration for anyone who loves the beachy aesthetic.

10. The Home Edit Life

Okay, so maybe you're not a celebrity, and your pantry isn't featured in magazines, but that doesn't mean you can't bring some order to your chaos! "The Home Edit Life" is all about creating functional and beautiful spaces without feeling guilty about owning what you love. It's a practical guide that acknowledges we all have stuff, and it's more about containing the chaos than becoming a minimalist.

Think of it as permission to embrace your belongings while still achieving a sense of calm. I found it super helpful after watching those organizing shows and feeling totally overwhelmed. It's less about perfection and more about progress, which is something I can definitely get behind. It's a great book to learn home organization tips.

This book really helped me rethink how I approach organizing. It's not about getting rid of everything, but about making what you have work for you. It's a game-changer for anyone who struggles with clutter but doesn't want to sacrifice their personality.

Here are some key takeaways I got from the book:

• Zone it out: Divide spaces into specific zones based on function.

• Contain the clutter: Use bins, baskets, and drawers to keep things tidy.

• Color-code everything: It's visually appealing and makes finding things easier.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it. These books are more than just pretty pictures; they're like having a bunch of really smart friends who know all about making a house look good. Whether you're just starting out or you've been decorating for ages, these books can give you new ideas and help you figure out your own style. Pick one up, flip through it, and see where it takes your home decor journey. You might be surprised at what you learn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are these interior design books for?

These books are great for many people! If you're just starting out in interior design, or if you simply love decorating your home, these books offer tons of ideas. They're also perfect for students learning about design or anyone who wants to make their home look nicer.

Where can I buy these interior design books?

You can find these books in a few places. Many are sold online at big stores like Amazon. You might also find them at your local bookstore, especially bigger ones. Some special design stores or museum shops might carry them too.

Can these books help me decorate my own home?

Yes, definitely! These books are full of pictures and ideas that can help you decorate your home. They show different styles and how to put things together, which can spark your own creativity. Even if you don't copy exactly what's in the book, you'll get lots of inspiration.

Are these books good for learning about interior design basics?

Many of these books are like textbooks for design. They teach you important rules about color, space, and how to arrange furniture. So, yes, they can be really helpful for learning the basics of interior design.

Are these books just for reading, or can they be used for decoration too?

Absolutely! These books often have beautiful covers and are filled with amazing photos. They look great stacked on a coffee table or a bookshelf, adding a stylish touch to any room.

How do I pick the right interior design book for me?

The best book for you depends on what you're looking for. If you want to learn the basics, look for books that explain design principles. If you need ideas for a specific style, find a book that shows that style. Reading reviews or flipping through them at a store can help you decide.