Best interior decorating book
The Best Interior Design Books
In the era of Pinterest and Instagram, it’s easy to find interior inspiration with a flick of the index finger—sometimes, well, too easy. The endless scroll is just that, serving up an onslaught of random photos that often lack originality. What to do instead of agonizing over the algorithm? Consider a curated design coffee table book instead that showcases the best decor, and design minds, of our generation.
Mark D. Sikes—who Jill Biden asked to decorate her White House office—is the authoritative voice on classic Americana style expressed in his book, More Beautiful. Meanwhile, the London-based designer Rose Uniacke’s monograph is fast becoming a cult classic (get it while a few copies remain on the shelves). For a touch more variety, look no further than Inside: At Home with Great Designers, which showcases the homes of everyone from Faye Toogood to Miles Redd. Speaking of Redd: his Assouline book, The Big Book of Chic, remains an indispensible bible of good taste.
Below, 10 essential interior design coffee-table books that every decor enthusiast should own.
Inside: At Home with Great DesignersIt’s the job of interior designers to interpret the fantasies of their clients through their own creative lens. But, when completely left to their own devices—more specifically, within their own homes—how do they decorate? Inside: At Home with Great Designers chronicles the personal spaces belonging to the world’s greatest decorating minds, including Faye Toogood, Miles Redd, and Vincent van Duysen, providing a fascinating insight into their unencumbered creative ethos.
Ken Fulk: The Movie in My MindThere’s no one who infuses an interior with more distinctive personality then Ken Fulk, the AD100 designer known as the decorator of choice for Silicon Valley’s elite. (Just look at his Lake Tahoe home for Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom and his wife, Nicole.) His coffee table book, with photography by Douglas Friedman, revisits over 30 years of Fulk’s vivid, extravagant, and even bacchanalian worlds, from a Napa Valley farmhouse to a Manhattan clubhouse.
Woman Made: Great Women Designers shines a spotlight on the pioneering—and oft-overlooked—female makers of the 20th and early 21st centuries, from the Bauhaus movement, to Memphis design, to post-modernism. The book juxtaposes a short biography of the maker next to one of their work, making it both a visual ode and an educational tool.
Rose Uniacke At HomeRose Uniacke is known for her light yet luxurious interiors that effortlessly combine modern touches and antique ones—the Jo Malone headquarters in London, for example, pairs neutral warm creams with a statement black chandelier. In a monograph published by Rizzoli, Rose Uniacke At Home explores the defining characteristics of her style through her own 19th-century dwelling.
Japanese InteriorsJapanese Interiors explores 28 different private residences in Japan, from brutalist buildings in Tokyo to concrete seaside escapes in Kantō.
In the process, it gives a rich visual history of the minimalist decor tradition of the country, which has inspired countless designs not only within the country's borders but the entire world.
With a foreword from Vogue’s very own Anna Wintour, interior design duo Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller of Carrier and Company present a portfolio of elegant and textured rooms, curated with the client’s personalities in mind. Spanning varied locations, from a vacation home in Florida to a cozy country retreat or a Manhattan loft, Carrier and Company brings their unique brand of eclecticism to a wide range of stunning projects.
Heralded as the king of traditionally classic home design with a twist—chinoiserie and sisal rugs abound—Mark D. Sikes’s More Beautiful, and its earlier iteration, Beautiful really are just that. Organized by color scheme from the man who heralds the hashtag #blueandwhiteforever, Sikes even handwrites some of his personal tips in the margins of this gorgeous tome, making it feel like you’ve stumbled upon a personal diary or field guide.
An instant classic.
Very few know how to work tiger-print Scalamandré fabric or a robin’s-egg blue wall into the mix without causing a space to feel overpowered. Markham Roberts is that man. Roberts made a name for himself at Mark Hampton’s legendary firm before striking out on his own in 1997, rising to the top of that era’s class of designers. A step-by-step to approaching design, this book is a must-have for any aspiring aesthete, designer or not.
Filled with 36 uniquely gorgeous homes and gardens, many of which belong to the fashion and art world’s glitterati (including the late, great Oscar de la Renta’s perennially awe-inspiring home in the Dominican Republic), Vogue Living is a behind-the-scenes peek at the world’s most unique living quarters. Magnetic writing from the likes of Hamish Bowles and Marina Rust and iconic photography from Bruce Weber, Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino, and Horst P.
Horst combine into a legacy of inimitable Vogue storytelling.
Miles Redd is credited with many a fashion editor’s home, past and present. A mix of Diana Vreeland’s love for color and irreverence, with a lot of tailored sophistication, a Redd interior has its own distinct signature. Beginning his interior design career with names like decorator Bunny Williams, Redd opened his own design firm in New York City in 1998—and people took notice. For a decade, Redd had been the creative director of Oscar de la Renta Home. If you’re looking for elegant whimsy, look here.
12 Best Interior Design Books
Buy Side from WSJ is a reviews and recommendations team, independent of The Wall Street Journal newsroom. We might earn a commission from links in this content. Learn more.
Buy Side from WSJ is a reviews and recommendations team, independent of The Wall Street Journal newsroom. We might earn a commission from links in this content.
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These books on décor are beautiful enough to be décor—and are filled with smart ideas to spruce up your space
Pro Picks
‘Japanese Interiors’ offers a peek at minimalist and historic homes. PHOTO: Buy Side from WSJ Photo Illustration/Mihoko Iida/Phaidon
FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE:
Anne HepferMOOD: Interiors & Inspiration
$55
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Summer ThorntonWonderland: Adventures in Decorating
$45
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Danielle DemetriouMihoko Iida, with contributions
$65
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Gloria KoenigEames
$15
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Nicole HollisCurated Interiors
$49
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Gestalten EditorsHouse of Glam
$43
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Phaidon Editors and William NorwichInteriors: The Greatest Rooms of the Century
$70
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Ken FulkKen Fulk: The Movie in My Mind
$93
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Kelly WearstlerKelly Wearstler: Evocative Style
$31
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Tricia FoleyA Summer Place: Living by the Sea
$41
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Nicole EnglandResident Dog (Volume Two): Incredible Homes and the Dogs Who Live There
$41
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Nathalie Farman-FarmaDecors Barbares: The Enchanting Interiors of Nathalie Farman-Farma
$56
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By Juliet Izon
Looking for design inspiration? With the ubiquitousness of online interior-design sources, it’s easy to comb through, say, thousands of wallpaper options in just a few minutes, but it can also be the equivalent of turning on a firehose to water a single seedling. The best interior design books, on the other hand, grant readers a portal into a tightly edited, beautiful collection of ideas and images. To narrow down the top tomes, we asked a handful of decorating pros—interior designers, architects and more—to share their all-time favorites.
Evocative eye candy
Anne Hepfer
MOOD: Interiors & Inspiration
$55 at Amazon
$60 at Barnes&Noble
What if instead of decorating based on a specific design philosophy, you went by pure feeling? This is the ethos of Hepfer’s book “Mood,” which showcases interiors inspired by seven emotions: happy, relaxed, energized, cozy, sexy, tranquil and nostalgic.
It’s a go-to for designer Kevin Francis O’Gara, founder of Kevin Francis Design in Atlanta, who loves that it includes Hepfer’s personal sources of inspiration (specific foods and playlists, for example). San Diego-based designer Rachel Larraine incorporates the book into her design process: “It makes a great ice breaker when trying to discover the look my client wants to create.” She adds that the way they respond to what they’re seeing and feeling in the photographs helps them articulate what they want in their home.
Anthology of artful interiors
Summer Thornton
Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating
$45 at Amazon
$50 Save $5
$45 at Barnes&Noble
The projects in this book range from a tropical vacation home inspired by citrus to her own “fearless romantic”-style city home. Francis O’Gara has been following the author, Chicago-based designer Summer Thornton, on Instagram for years, admiring her work’s “bold, yet inviting nature” he says, “and the way things don’t quite match, which is a nuanced design skill that most don’t dare to master.
” And the photos don’t just speak for themselves—throughout the book, Thornton walks readers through her thought process, explaining a surprisingly dark paint color choice (to bring some intimacy to a room with many openings), for example, and an unusual wallpaper pick (pink with giant birds, to inject levity into the bathroom of an otherwise polished-looking apartment).
Fresh take on abodes abroad
Danielle Demetriou
Mihoko Iida, with contributions
$65 at Amazon
$80 at Barnes&Noble
There’s something relaxing about looking at Japanese interiors, says artist and philosopher Shantell Martin, who lived in Japan for five years and is “slightly obsessed” with Japanese architecture, Edo Period art and minimal interiors in general. “They can feel refreshing, and at times, also like they are out of a sci-fi movie,” she says. This is the book she frequently pages through for visual inspiration.
Featuring 28 Japanese abodes, from urban apartments to seaside estates—many designed by the country’s leading architects—it gives readers a peek at breathtaking spaces that bring the outdoors in, play up natural light in creative ways and more.
Deep dive on furniture’s First Couple
Gloria Koenig
Eames
$15 at Amazon
$20 at Barnes&Noble
While the Eames chair is one of the more recognizable pieces of mid-century modern design, the story of the duo who designed it, Charles Eames and Ray Kaiser Eames, is less known but also inspiring, according to Matthew Miller, principal and founder of StudioLAB, a design firm in New York City. “They’re an amazing couple who shaped the design and furniture industry into what mid-century modern is today,” he says. This book explores not only their furniture but also their photography, film and textile design, says Miller, who frequently includes Eames pieces in his interiors and considers the book a valuable reference that can spark decorating ideas for anyone.
Lessons in contemporary design
Nicole Hollis
Curated Interiors
$49 at Amazon
$60 Save $11
$60 at Barnes&Noble
Anyone who loves decorating with natural or found objects and raw materials will appreciate this compilation of designer Nicole Hollis’s spaces, says event designer Jung Lee, owner of an eponymous home-goods boutique in New York City. The book features many of the Hollis’s “timeless interiors that blend with the environment,” from an open-plan property perched on a Kona lava field to a black and white pied-a-terre in San Francisco, says Lee, and offers ideas for enhancing neutral spaces with a strategic use of black and an array of textures.
Spotlight on over-the-top rooms
Gestalten Editors
House of Glam
$43 at Amazon
$69 at Barnes&Noble
Maximalist pattern mixing and an abundance of color are the focus of “The House of Glam,” the book that Jessica McCarthy, director of interior design at Blueground, a furnished-apartment company based in New York City, relies on most.
It’s packed with playfully sophisticated details like saturated paint shades on walls, wildly geometric designs on floors and whimsical objets on display. “Whenever I start a new project, I look to this book to get creative, and then I tone it down a bit in the execution,” she says.
Guide to global spaces
Phaidon Editors and William Norwich
Interiors: The Greatest Rooms of the Century
$70 at Amazon
This coffee table-size tome features hundreds of living spaces from all over the world, so it naturally appeals to Joanne Behrens, who, as a vice president of design and project services for Rosewood Hotels, has learned to be fluent in many different design philosophies. The rooms come from renowned designers like Anouska Hempel and Kelly Hoppen as well as fashion designers, filmmakers and musical notables. (One standout: Cole Porter’s swanky Manhattan place, designed by famed designer Billy Baldwin.
) And because the book cover comes in four different colors, Behrens points out, “you can get a copy that doubles as decor for nearly any space.”
Maximalist compendium
Ken Fulk
Ken Fulk: The Movie in My Mind
$93 at Amazon
$95 at Assouline
Mariam Naficy, San Francisco-based founder of Minted, knows and appreciates a fellow creative when she sees one. So it’s little surprise that one of her favorite décor books is a collection of New York City-based designer Ken Fulk’s dramatically layered spaces, with descriptions of his unique process of “seeing a story and an experience in his head before he starts designing,” Naficy says. Inside are full-bleed photos of a restaurant, private plane and homes he has designed, including a refined-rustic Napa Valley farmhouse.
Primer on “Mod-Baroque” interiors
Kelly Wearstler
Kelly Wearstler: Evocative Style
$31 at Amazon
$55 at Banres&Noble
Known for her refined-eclectic style, Los Angeles-based designer Kelly Wearstler has sustained a big following for decades, and this book featuring her residential and hotel properties around the country has longevity too.
Wearstler’s ability to combine a “museum-like lavishness” with comfort and functionality is an aspect Lina Benedetti, interior designer and creative director of Benedetta swimwear, admires most. “Her craft is making luxury effortless,” Benedetti says, and because the book includes all kinds of examples—Wearstler’s use of bold colors, striking prints, the interplay of geometric shapes—it’s one of her most valued references.
Love letter to coastal style
Tricia Foley
A Summer Place: Living by the Sea
$41 at Amazon
$50 at Barnes&Noble
The charming seaside area of Bellport-Brookhaven, N.Y., is the setting for “A Summer Place,” which showcases the beauty of this special inlet through its homes, from modern builds to centuries-old shingle-style cottages. It’s a top pick of Maneesh K. Goyal, partner and co-founder of Sona and Sona Home in New York City, not only because he’s a fan of the destination but also for the book’s airy aesthetic and expert tips on hosting, flower arranging and more.
Closeup of elegant, pet-friendly spaces
Nicole England
Resident Dog (Volume Two): Incredible Homes and the Dogs Who Live There
$41 at Amazon
$50 at Barnes&Noble
Dog lovers will be drawn to this thoughtful collection of canine-centric homes, promises Martin, who lives and works in Los Angeles and New York City. “I often wonder about the different lives that dogs may lead and the different types of homes they may inhabit,” she says. Inside are striking photos of two dozen homes with disparate design styles—from a minimalist, hot pink-accented estate in Mexico City to a charming London townhouse with floating storage solutions—each with an appearance by the home owner’s pooch, bringing the spaces to life.
Pattern-mixing made easy
Nathalie Farman-Farma
Decors Barbares: The Enchanting Interiors of Nathalie Farman-Farma
$56 at Amazon
$60 at Barnes&Noble
When it comes to exuberant aesthetics, this book is the gold standard for Abigail Cook Stone, cofounder of Otherland candles in New York City.
It takes readers through designer Nathalie Farman-Farma’s elaborately decorated homes in Connecticut, Lake Tahoe and London, many of which feature her own Décors Barbares fabric along with antique textiles. Farman-Farma’s penchant for fantastic prints and pattern-layering is so inspiring, Cook Stone says, that it gave her ideas for both her personal home décor and her Homestead collection of candles.
The advice, recommendations or rankings expressed in this article are those of the Buy Side from WSJ editorial team, and have not been reviewed or endorsed by our commercial partners.
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20 best interior design books
We are used to looking for information on the World Wide Web. However, you must admit that printed publications are still more pleasant to read. An indescribable tactile sensation, the sound of turning pages, the smell of fresh printing - not a single book in the electronic version can be compared with this. And besides, the printed edition can be read anywhere and everywhere.
But for the information in the books to be exhaustive, they (books) must be of high quality in content. Otherwise, buying them is money down the drain. nine0003
Therefore, in this article we will look at the best books on interior design. And let's start with the basics.
1. Interior design. How to open your own business - N. Mitina
There should be such books on interior design for beginners. And they are. The profession of a designer is described as it is, without embellishment.
All the nuances from finding customers to presenting the completed project are described in the book.
A plus are cases from the practice of the author and her colleagues. The myths of the designer's specialty are described. nine0003
But, oddly enough, the desire to become one does not disappear. This book, along with our article on how to become an interior designer, will answer all your questions.
2. Marketing for interior designers: 57 ways to attract customers - N. Mitina
Another useful book by the same author. If after reading the first one you don't want to become a designer, this book is a must-read.
It may not be possible to implement all the recommendations in it right away, but it is worth it. nine0003
For those who wish not only to acquire the profession of a designer, but also to quickly build up a clientele. Practical advice, a detailed description of them will allow you to translate your plans into reality.
3. Interior Designer's Handbook - Jenny Gibbs
A true printed guide for designers. How to find a client, make a project for him, present him - this is often of interest to novice designers.
The book will answer all these questions.
We call this book an introduction to the profession, since it does not contain specific design projects. This material will make the fantasy work. nine0003
The book suggests drawing sketches on drawing boards. But all ideas can be transferred to one of the interior design programs.
4. Interior design. Interior styles by examples - V. Makarova
In practice, stylistically pure interiors are rare, but eclecticism is more common. Deal with styles, their characteristic features, the rules for the design of various surfaces, the selection of textiles and other items ...
Such books on interior design will be useful for everyone - beginners, aces, teachers. This is from the list of must-have literature for the designer. nine0003
5. Design of a small apartment. Rules for increasing space - V. Akhremko
Any designer will say that it is easier to work with spacious houses, despite their solid area.
However, often you have to deal with small apartments.
How not to succumb to difficulties, delimit the space, make the room comfortable for everyone living in it. This is exactly what Varvara Akhremko shares on the pages of the publication.
Having mastered this book on interior design, even a novice specialist will be able to gain popularity and make significant progress in his profession. nine0003
6. Interior styles in the design of standard apartments - V. Akhremko
This book is also adapted to our realities. It discusses the basics of the design of typical apartments, color schemes, zoning rules. There are ready-made projects for inspiration, 9 interior directions are described.
You can choose one of two books by this author and further develop the ideas yourself.
7. Recipes for a happy interior - A. Muravina
The book is notable for being written by a practicing designer with 17 years of experience, a man who is in the TOP-10 of the most fashionable decorators in Russia.
nine0003
Anna Muravina's advice, her reflections, examples, ideas will be of interest to experienced and beginner interior designers. The peculiarity of the publication is the A4 format (you must agree, it is unusual for a book).
But the main highlight is that the book will be useful to those who develop the design of public spaces. Tell me, are there many such publications?
8. Colour. Encyclopedia - A. Starmer
Any layout, repair, decor items will be lost and cease to make sense if the color scheme is incorrectly chosen in the room. But even more important is the combination of colors and shades. nine0003
This is what the author wants to teach the reader. The article on the psychology of color in the interior and the book complement each other.
Over 200 color schemes, a palette of shades, more pictures than text - that's the highlight of the book. Think you don't need it as a designer? You are wrong. It is indispensable in building hypermarkets in the selection of materials and in communication with the client.
The pros and cons of various color compositions will be clearly presented.
9. Color in the interior of typical apartments - V. Akhremko
Another book by a Russian author, this time about the combination of colors in the interior.
Even experienced professionals will find something useful in it. Combinations of shades are considered on the example of individual interiors. Such visualization will help designers to find a common language with clients who do not have spatial thinking.
10. Construction and design - P. Neufert, L. Neff
This book will be more useful not only for beginning interior designers, but for already practicing ones. It can be downloaded in electronic form on numerous torrent resources. In pdf or fb2 format. But it needs to be in print. nine0003
At least for the sake of a dictionary that will help translate cryptic concepts for the client into a more understandable language. And there are over 300 such words and expressions in the book! And also the basics and tips for designing various interiors: kitchens, bathrooms, corridors, living rooms, attics and such specific rooms as pantries, closets, wine cellars.
11. A series of books on design by Jozsef Koso
It's hard to say which of Jozsef Koso's books is the best. Everyone chooses what interests him at the moment. His books for self-study of interior design include the design of a country house, a city apartment, and the choice of style, material, location of stairs, and the rules for selecting lighting sources, and much more. nine0003
Specialized publications. But that's what makes them interesting - attention is focused on a specific topic.
12. Living Environments for the Disabled - H. J. Kalmet
An unusual but very valuable book because of this. A real, professional designer should think about all the little things while working. About sharp corners in the children's room, sockets in the bathrooms, ergonomics in the kitchen, etc. But how difficult it is to create an interior for people with disabilities.
The book describes not only the difficulties that disabled people overcome daily on the street and in public buildings.
Great emphasis is placed on adapting apartments and houses to accommodate such people.
Disabled people themselves participated in the writing of the publication, so the recommendations contained in it are based on practical experience.
13. Interior design. 6000 Years of History - John Pyle
A designer must know the history of an interior. Any style, even modern, has the imprints of something that has ever existed. This unique edition is called upon to delve into all the versatility of interior design. nine0003
The book is an excursion through all 6 millennia of history, from cave dwellings to modern interiors.
The text is accompanied by illustrations, half of which are in color. Writing this book is a huge undertaking. Despite the large amount of information, it is perceived easily, the text is written in an understandable style. Read it, you won't regret it.
14. Interior design - F. Chin, C. Bingelli
Interior design book about everything.
More than 300 pages provide comprehensive information about the types and use of various finishing materials, interior design and decoration, lighting principles, furniture selection and placement, and much more. nine0003
This is a true design guide, complete with a design dictionary. Therefore, the book is doubly interesting.
The book is printed on offset paper. And if now it weighs over 0.7 kg, then how heavy would it be if it were published on higher quality paper. Don't let the color of the pages fool you - it's grey. Despite such external unpresentability, the publication deserves a place of honor in the library of a professional designer.
15. Fabrics in interior design. Encyclopedia - Adrienne Chinn
Interior decoration cannot be imagined without textiles. Whether it be blankets, carpets or curtains on the windows. Even a high-tech interior is not complete without textiles. But how to choose fabrics so that they match the chosen style and at the same time make the room cozy?
The author of this book reveals the secrets of using fabric in the interior.
The principles of coloring and the combination of textures of the material with other surfaces in the room are outlined. Of course, not all fabrics can be immediately bought in stores. nine0003
But this encyclopedia can be a starting point for interior designers. And how to interpret the information received is a personal matter for everyone.
16. Furniture Styles - G. Gatsura
One of the best publications on furniture styles from the 17th to the 20th century.
You will learn to distinguish a masterpiece from a fake, you can easily "fit" one or another piece of furniture into various interiors. Descriptions are accompanied by pictures and diagrams.
Not only an overview of furniture styles is given, but tables are also compiled to compare the characteristics of one or another trend in furniture art. The information is supplemented with the names of famous "furniture" surnames, cabinet makers, names of furniture companies. nine0003
17.
Street sketching. How to Use Freehand Sketches in Professional Design - Richards J.
We know how to use interior design software or online resources, global internet searches. But they are not always available. It happens that a designer meets a client just like that, in the middle of the street, in a cafe, at a bus stop. It is necessary to interest a potential customer. And not so much verbally as visually.
Such a quick sketch of an idea on a piece of paper is called sketching. Later it becomes an interior design project. Learn the art of street sketching with this book. Then you will always be fully armed. nine0003
After all, no one knows where and at what time one may come across a profitable order.
18. Golden rules of design. Style Kelly Hoppen
The book will be useful for both home and professional designers. Well-known in Europe designer Kelly Hoppen makes you take a fresh look at the art of transforming the interior.
And it clearly demonstrates how textures, lighting, light and decor items can radically change the atmosphere in a room.
nine0003
19. Green house. Styles Inspired by Nature - J. Wilson
Living in harmony with nature, recycling materials, conserving resources - it's already in vogue. There is a lot of information on this topic on the Internet, but it is all scattered.
The book contains materials from many sources, advice from environmentalists, scientists and owners of sustainable housing - the use of energy resources, the choice of natural materials and their use, the location of the house, etc.
Such a book should also be in the library of a professional designer in order to be ready to keep up the conversation with the customer of such a project.
20. Elements of Design - N. Riley
In a fun, easy way, the book talks about objects for decorating interiors, as masterpieces of art, developing over 5 centuries.
Each style has its own chapter. And all of them are arranged in chronological order from the Renaissance to the Space Age.
It is noteworthy that the characteristic features of a particular style can be recognized immediately - in the preface. There is also a glossary to make searching easier. nine0003
The book is colorful and worth buying. Interestingly, it was published almost immediately after the publication of “Elements of Style. Encyclopedia of Architectural Details, which tells about the exterior of buildings.
This is not a complete list of literature that deserves your attention. Therefore, in conclusion, we present a list of 20 more interesting and useful books.
Do you have your own list? Already have favorite books, favorite authors? Tell us about them in the comments. nine0003
Top 10 design books
A good designer is constantly learning, developing in several directions, and does not stop there. And professional literature is an excellent tool for mastering new knowledge and skills.
After all, technologies are rapidly progressing, modern materials are being created, trendy trends and trends are being born. To keep abreast of new products, the designer needs to constantly learn. nine0214
We offer a selection from the president and founder of IDS Nadezhda Lazareva, which includes the best books on design. Here are collected classic textbooks and interesting novelties. This is not a rating, but a professional selection that will be of interest to both those who are taking their first steps and professionals.
1. Terence Conran. "Encyclopedia of the modern home"
The book "of all times and peoples". One of the best in interior design. And this despite the fact that she is almost a quarter of a century old! Nothing in it looks like an anachronism: no photo, no design, no text. Not to mention the sketches - the sketches of Sir Conran himself: they are the very elegance and the height of lightness! nine0003
Quote from
"The purpose of this book is to help you make sense of the vast array of possibilities that open up to you in the design and furnishing of your home.
"
What is it
This is really an encyclopedia: the book includes all aspects of design and home improvement. There is also an alphabetical index, which creates additional convenience of using the book as a reference book.
What is useful
To paraphrase a well-known expression, I would like to say: “Take it and do it!” Take ideas, solutions, attitudes, advice, delve into historical references and signs of style, imitate taste, avoid the problems that the author warns about, “lay straws”, know the measure ... and it will be good in the end. nine0003
I have loved this book since the 90s and always recommend it to our students. And I consider Sir Terrence Conran a true revolutionary in the field of design - all his activities were aimed at creating conditions and “products” for a happy and comfortable life for compatriots of any level of income.
2. Julia Carlson, Margo Guralnik. "Remodelista. Cozy home»
The book has a subtitle (and this explains a lot): «Simple and stylish ideas for organizing space».
Quote
“Remodelista is a group of people who are passionate about design and who seek to unravel all the secrets of a well-organized home. And it doesn't matter where we live: in a tiny one-room apartment or a family cottage. We throw out the unnecessary, remove the superfluous and thoughtfully acquire the new. We will help you achieve clarity. Order gives a sense of security. Storage is the basis of orderliness. But our approach to home organization doesn't require you to sacrifice style."
About what
The key to a cozy interior is not so much the things themselves, but their optimal organization and storage systems. The book was created on the basis of materials from the popular interior design website Remodelista.com.
What is useful
Step by step following the authors, you can learn how to organize your home so that there will be no frantic search for things, the house itself will be cleaner and more comfortable, and any thing will be a source of pleasant sensations.
Indeed, the book gives clear instructions on how to act and the designer, and any reader. It seems to be simple. It is only necessary to assimilate the thesis: we are not slaves of things, but they serve us. And houses are made for living, not for hoarding items, many of which were impulse purchases. nine0003
3. Carolina Clifton-Mogg. “The interior is white. Creating the rooms of your dreams»
For a long time this small book was almost a guide to action for many of our students - future designers. Indeed, “white” interiors have been very relevant over the past two decades.
Quote
"White can reign supreme in the living room, kitchen or bathroom - wherever white is used, its nuances and shades will play a key role in any design decision." nine0003
About
How to use all shades of white to create the desired effects in the interior design of various rooms.
What is useful
This book is a mini-encyclopedia for a designer on various finishing materials, textiles, furniture, lighting, and accessories.
For those who choose white as the basis of their interior concept.
4. Frida Ramstedt. "Make yourself at home! The Complete Guide to Interior Design
A rare book that claims to be a complete tutorial for interior designers. The author runs a well-known Scandinavian interior design blog. But we know that a friend of our school and also a well-known blogger-stylist from Stockholm, Katya Karling, was a scientific consultant during the translation. So the translation deserves special attention: various semantic nuances were taken into account there. nine0003
Quote
“I have been looking for the book you are holding for many years, but I could not find it. I read hundreds of interior design books, went to libraries, bought second-hand books… But most of those books focused on beautiful pictures… They didn’t have much practical advice.”
What is it about
The whole point is in the little things, because knowledge of these details distinguishes a professional from an amateur.
It is these “important little things” that the author of the book shares.
What is useful
Most importantly, the book explains the basic principles of interior design. And clear instructions were given on how to act in this or that case. At what height should the lamp be hung above the dining table? What is the best way to arrange furniture in the living room? What is the distance between the bed and the wardrobe?
I am sure that both future designers and even experienced ones will appreciate this book!
5. Ekaterina Reizbikh. "More than a box"
The book has a subtitle - a witty explanation: "On the limitless potential of a limited space." Somewhat ironic, which is quite consistent with the tone of the story. And the tone keeps us on our toes, just like the design of the book itself: very clear diagrams, illustrations and just funny pictures. It is interesting to read even those who are not dedicated to design! Because the book was conceived that way - for those who equip their home.
But everything that is there - I'm sure of it - will come in handy for the pros too! nine0003
Quote
“DOM. Everyone understands something different by it, and there is no universal formula for “ideal housing” ... I took my experience over ten years of practical design and made a book out of them. It is built on the logic of communication between the architect (designer) and the client.”
About what
How to make a place out of a typical box (that is, an apartment) that will fill its inhabitant with strength. How the environment affects our health, mood, energy, well-being. The author, who has worked in different countries, gives serious things in this half-jokingly written book: an algorithm for analyzing the quality of housing and ideas for improving it! nine0003
What is useful
The book is really useful, especially in terms of understanding the pros and cons of the space to be worked on. I recommend it to everyone: customers, students, practicing designers - after all, it is also a pleasure to read it! Almost like a detective, believe me.
6. Cary Fortin, Kyle Quilichi. "New Minimalism"
The subtitle reads: "A sustainable approach to living space design and improving the quality of life." The authors insist on a meaningful approach to the choice of things for the home and emphasize the individual approach in each case. nine0003
Quote
“The New Minimalism is the perfect line between radical minimalism and overconsumption. We appreciate the beauty, texture and color of the objects around us at home. We cherish the joy of drinking from our favorite mug; we realize what a pleasure it is to wrap ourselves in a cozy sweater. We enjoy art, which does not play a practical role, but gives a lot to the soul. And we are sure that the beauty of things is even more pronounced against a modest inconspicuous background.
What is useful
The book is a guide to action, solving a particular problem or task. Perhaps everyone will try to do something described in this book - I hope so.
The meaning of all efforts comes down to one thing - a well-organized living environment, with thoughts about the global: resource conservation, environmental friendliness, reasonableness and awareness. “You can't throw the garbage away and forget about it. After all, someone could get hurt.” If we learn to think this way and organize at least our own home, we will learn to think differently. Perhaps our life will be better! nine0003
7. Lucy Martin. Effects of home lighting. Encyclopedia»
An excellent guide to lighting design. From understanding problems to practical application of knowledge and skills.
Quote
I liked the concise texts of the book, which at the same time provide complete information on individual issues. No problem has been forgotten. Here's an example: “Illuminating interior details will help keep the room from turning into a square box. To create a certain mood and atmosphere, you need to achieve a sense of depth and texture, which is unlikely to appear by itself.
Be bolder, try to maximize the space - create niches, alcoves, openings and light them up. nine0003
About what
A lot of different information - from the quality (temperature) of light to the design of lamps and examples of lighting solutions in various areas of the home. Lighting for every occasion. Supportive role of lighting. And many other important sections.
What is useful
The main material of the book is preceded by the section "About this book", where all information, all sections are presented in miniature. It turned out to be very convenient! In addition, the book is bound in such a way that it is convenient to use it as a reference book, and the format allows you to carry it with you in your bag! nine0003
8. Charles McCorquodale. "Residential interior decoration from antiquity to the present day"
The book is the patriarch of design literature. The first book that students of design schools and architectural universities in Russia communicate with.
The history of the interior is an important part of the training of specialists in design and architecture.
Quote
"A home is a mood." The statement of Robert de Montesquiou once and for all expressed the defining importance of the sensory experience that can be inspired by the interior. nine0003
About what
The book presents the evolution of the interior from antiquity to the modern house. The material for the book was secular (residential) interiors, their history over the course of twenty centuries, as well as their decoration schemes, that is, a system of rules and principles for shaping the decoration of dwellings. The author also cites the names of famous artists and architects, as well as philosophers and researchers.
Benefits
This book is your entrance ticket to the world of professional interior design. Without an understanding of history and a philosophical understanding of the process (there is even the term “philosophy of the setting”), it is impossible to become a full-fledged designer.
After all, the modern interior "grew" from Antiquity, the Middle Ages, as well as subsequent eras and all that they "brought" into our lives. So we start with Crocodale, as we say at school. nine0003
9. Johannes Itten. "Color Theory"
Itten is an artist from Switzerland. But he became famous not thanks to his paintings, but as a drawing teacher at the Bauhaus and an art connoisseur. He devoted many years to the study of color combinations in the art of different peoples, and outlined his observations and conclusions in a book.
The author believes that with the help of the color palette the artist betrays his worldview and vision. Itten describes what color is, how it is formed, how it mixes and transforms. The book consists of 22 chapters, in each of which the main theme is revealed sequentially and from different angles. nine0003
In addition to theory, the publication contains many practical tasks that simplify learning. After all, Itten is primarily a teacher, and in this regard he is a genius.
Quote
“In general, we can say that a square is a symbol of motionless matter, a triangle radiating itself in all directions is a sign of thought, and a circle is the eternal movement of the spirit.”
About what
This publication is about the art of color, harmony, design rules, that contrasts are natural.
What is useful
Reading a book and doing practical tasks allows you to push the boundaries of color understanding, to develop a sense of color perception. This work will be useful to everyone who works with color in one way or another - artists, photographers, designers, operators, graphic artists, web designers.
10. Patrick Baty. "The Anatomy of Color. About the history of paints and color schemes in the interior»
A solid work and a well-published book of excellent quality - as a color book should be! nine0003
Quote
“There are very few reliable sources of information about historical paints and pigments, and I want to correct this misunderstanding.
I will also give basic information about the development of paints, so that in the future you can understand all issues on your own.
About
This book is about 300 years of the use of paint in interior design. Their composition, application, range of colors and application traditions. Of particular interest are the color samples taken by Charles Darwin on his circumnavigation. What for? Find out! nine0003
What is useful
First of all, this is a very, very beautiful book. Each designer can proudly show it to his client when discussing any shade, and in general - just talk about color! Many customers are afraid of bright colors and refuse to use them in advance. It is important to give it a try (and this is a very “delicious” book!). Secondly, the book contains a lot of useful information about the composition of paints, about the tinting process, about various color schemes - if you are a pro, it would be nice to know these nuances. And for the horizon. There are a million interesting facts in the book! I will add that it can be read a little and enjoy.
