Interior design and decoration book
Best Interior Design Books to Buy in 2023
David A. Land
If you're a design lover, chances are your shelves always have room for another book (and if you're like many of the House Beautiful editors, by now they're spilling from your shelves to coffee tables, floor space, nightstands, and beyond—much like in the New York apartment by Fawn Galli above). Lucky for us, each season brings a fresh set of inspirational tomes from designers, stylists, and historians, giving us eye candy—and design advice—aplenty. Read on for the ones our editors are buying now. And be sure to check back regularly: We'll be updating this list with our latest favorites every month.
Photographs of author and home interiors copyright © John Stoffer. All rights reserved, and used with permission.
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Tyndale House Publishers
Establishing Home: Creating Space for a Beautiful Life with Family, Faith, and Friends
Now 15% off
$24 AT AMAZON
In her debut book, "Establishing Home," Jean Stoffer recounts how necessity sparked her journey from part-time receptionist to founder of an award-winning home design company and star of the Magnolia Network’s show, "The Established Home. " Through her incredible storytelling she shares tips on home design, running a business, and navigating common family issues, accompanied by beautiful photographs of Jean's classic home designs. —Kaitlin Kemp
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Beyond the Canyon: Inside Epic California Homes
Now 18% off
$53 AT AMAZON
In his debut title "Beyond The Canyon: Inside Epic California Homes," globe-trotting photographer Roger Davies turns his lens on the Golden State coast. From film directors to interior designers, Malibu to Marin County, Davies gives an insider look (with plenty of eye candy!) into the glamorous dwellings of some of the industry's finest and the homes that embody "California cool." —Claire Brito
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Shingle and Stone: Thomas Kligerman Houses
Now 21% off
$59 AT AMAZON
In his new book, "Shingle and Stone: Thomas Kligerman Houses" architect Tom Kligerman features thirteen residences that blend American and Europeans styles, and exude a sense of ease with themselves and their surroundings.
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AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home
Now 27% off
$26 AT AMAZON
In their new book "AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home," authors Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason highlight the Black family home and its role as a haven, heirloom, and cornerstone of Black culture and life. Step into the intimate spaces of actors and musicians, the creative studios of artists and curators, and homes filled with pieces handed down from generations. —Kaitlin Kemp
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The Layered Interior
Now 23% off
$42 AT AMAZON
Step into to Greg Natale's kaleidoscopic design world. From initial concepts and inspiration to the meticulous application of finishes, Natale brings the creative process to life in his most recent book, "The Layered Interior."
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Move & Art
Now 22% off
$86 AT AMAZON
In the third volume of her bestselling series "Move and Art," award-winning Danish fashion and interior designer Malene Birger guides readers through four stunning homes in England, Italy, Greece and Spain.
With alluring before-and-after shots, Birger reveals home after transformed home in this visual guide through her spaces around the globe. – Kaitlin Kemp
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BOLD: The Interiors of Drake/Anderson
Now 27% off
$44 AT AMAZON
The first book from award-winning design team Jamie Drake and Caleb Anderson, BOLD showcases eleven remarkable residences that exemplify the duo’s accessible modernist sensibility. From Manhattan to London to Arizona, savor the full spectrum of jewel tones and rich textures that highlight the duo's dynamic eclecticism.
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Extraordinary Interiors
Now 22% off
$47 AT AMAZON
From a Bay Area pied-à-terre dripping with international flair to an elegant townhouse inspired by Italian palazzi, Suzanne Tucker’s third monograph is a sumptuous, antique-filled tromp through homes expertly tailored to the lives within them. –Kaitlin Kemp
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The Ultimate Bath
Now 19% off
$48 AT AMAZON
What takes a bath from basic to artful? Author Barbara Sallick has her answer: "These baths are not necessarily the large, the lavish, the over-the-top, but baths that reside on a different experiential plane.
" Relax into the most luxuriously designed bathrooms from today's top architects and interior designers. We recommend reading it in a bubble bath!
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MOOD: Interiors & Inspiration
Now 21% off
$47 AT AMAZON
"An empty room is a canvas—a place to play with composition and contrast." With her debut title "Mood," Toronto-based designer Anne Hepfer encourages readers to lead with one simple question: how do you want to feel in each space? From international clients to her own family of six, Hepfer highlights spaces bursting with color and feeling. We highly recommend adding this color-happy treatise to your shelf.
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At Home on the Water
$35 AT AMAZON
In her new book, "At Home on The Water," editor Jaci Conry takes readers through 12 gorgeous homes that celebrate various seaside styles and aesthetics. From a Spanish-style 1920's manse in Palm Beach to a weathered grey Nantucket cottage, there's no one way to break from life's busyness and enjoy life! — Kaitlin Kemp
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Caren Rideau: Kitchen Designer, Vintner, Entertaining at Home
$69 AT AMAZON
You'd probably never guess that Caren Rideau, founder of The Kitchen Design Group, was gearing up to major in business before she enrolled in an interior design elective — a decision that would not only seal her fate as an interior designer, but also highlight her love of well-designed kitchens.
In her new book, "Caren Rideau: Kitchen Designer, Vintner, Entertaining at Home," Rideau takes readers through 10 designs that remind us why the kitchen continues to be the gathering place for great conversation and delicious food (no matter your background).
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home
Celebrating Home (Shipping August 2022)
$50 AT JAMESFARMER.COM
Southern designer James Farmer believes that a tablescape is "an interior design project in its simplest form." That is only one of the many lessons from his new book, "Celebrating Home," where Farmer reminds us that no milestone (or minute!) is too small to celebrate, and that home should be an extension of that mentality.
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Color Is Home: A Brave Guide to Designing Classic Interiors
Now 43% off
$26 AT AMAZON
In her new book "Colour is Home: A Brave Guide to Designing Classic Interiors," Australian designer Charlotte Coote shares her method for styling classic spaces, built around her 5 signature principles: timelessness, authenticity, lifestyle, scale, and quality.
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The New Traditional
Now 30% off
$35 AT AMAZON
In his new book, "The New Traditional," Barclay Butera takes readers through 13 homes that exemplify his signature style of bold textures, tone-on-tone textiles, and blending heritage pieces with distinctive furnishings.
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THE MOST GORGEOUS INTERIOR DESIGN BOOK TO COME OUT OF THE MIDWEST
$40 AT MIDWESTMODERNMANIFESTO.COM
In her new book, "Midwest Modern Manifesto," architect-turned-designer Angie Lane is determined to put Midwest design on the map. "Midwest Modern is contemporary interior design that’s not stark or unattainable, with a warmth of texture and eclectic touches that embody the charm and practicality of the Midwest," says Lane. "It uniquely brings the progressive and conservative qualities of the region to life." — Kaitlin Kemp
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Rocky Mountain Modern: Contemporary Alpine Homes
Now 23% off
$38 AT AMAZON
From heavy snowfall to strong winds and fire risks, the environmental challenges of the Rocky Mountain region can be immense.
In his new book, "Rocky Mountain Modern: Contemporary Alpine Homes," John Glendall highlights the stunning architectural design of modern homes across the Rockies' breathtaking terrain. — Kaitlin Kemp
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The New Design Rules: How to Decorate and Renovate, from Start to Finish: An Interior Design Book
Now 39% off
$20 AT AMAZON
Emily Henderson isn't shy about not attending design school, or having formal design training. Over the last ten years, she's used her styling instincts and the internet to guide her through the intimidating process of renovating homes. "Every day I Googled, 'how do you design fireplaces, staircases, paneling, vanities…” she says in her latest book, "The New Design Rules." It’s the detailed design handbook she wish existed years ago. Throughout the book, she encourages readers to know the ‘rules,’ but to also break them with confidence. — Kaitlin Kemp
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Billy Cotton: Interior and Design Work
Now 29% off
$46 AT AMAZON
In his first book, "Billy Cotton: Interior & Design Work," multi-disciplinary designer Billy Cotton takes readers on a journey through 15 stunning projects for a roster of art world clients, each one a creative powerhouse in their own right.
(No pressure!) Each project showcases his unique ability to bring together historical and modern design influences, resulting in a satisfying blend of old and new.
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The Bunk Bed Book: 115 Bunks, Lofts, and Cozy Nooks
Now 29% off
$18 AT AMAZON
Inspired by her son's love of bunk beds, Laura Fenton's new book, 'The Bunk Bed Book,' highlights how architecturally interesting and functional these cozy space savers can be. And they're not just for kids, either: "Bunk beds and sleeping nooks satiate some of our most universal longings: our love for secret places, the feeling of being aloft, and the comfort of enclosure," says the author. — Kaitlin Kemp
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The New Naturalists: Inside the Homes of Creative Collectors
Now 34% off
$26 AT AMAZON
In her book, "The New Naturalists: Inside the Homes of Creative Collectors," design and lifestyle journalist, Claire Bingham celebrates the new generation of naturalist collectors who live by the notion "too much is never enough.
" Bursting with eccentric finds, these homes highlight the deeply personal side of collectomania—and the timeless inspiration in natural objects. —Kaitlin Kemp
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Images Publishing Dist Ac
Classic Kitchens for Modern Living: Sarah Blank
Now 28% off
$43 AT AMAZON
In her new book, designer Sarah Blank takes readers through the kitchen design process from start to finish. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how her eponymous studio expertly mixes organic features with contemporary aesthetics and modern functionality. The result? Beautiful kitchens that stand the test of time.
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Probably This Housewarming: A Guide to Creating a Home You Adore
Now 48% off
$16 AT AMAZON
If you're not already following Beau Ciolino and Matt Armato of @probablythis, you're missing out. The couple has created a cult following for their mid-century aesthetic, witty personalities, and expert DIYs.
Now, the design duo is sharing even more in their debut book, Probably This Housewarming, a comprehensive guide to living beautifully (and comfortably!) on a budget. Filled with easy-to-recreate design ideas, budget-friendly DIYS, hosting tips for when your home is ready for entertaining, and of course, plenty of fun and charm, Ciolino and Armato's latest venture is a must-read. –Nathalie Kirby
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You Grow, Gurl!: Plant Kween's Lush Guide to Growing Your Garden
Now 49% off
$15 AT AMAZON
Christopher Griffin, more popularly known to his loyal fans as the Plant Kween, has more than 200 plants lining the walls of their Brooklyn apartment. Like most collections, it only took buying the first—a Marble Queen pothos in desperate need of rehab—to spur Griffin's passion. Since then, Griffin has grown an audience of equally dedicated plant parents through their Instagram account, @plantkween. A botanical wonderland, the Kween's account is bursting with plant care tips and personality, a winning combination that ultimately led to their debut book, You grow, Gurl, which is a well of information for burgeoning plant parents and experts alike.
Get a sneak peek at some of the tips you can expect to find in the guide here. –Nathalie Kirby
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Beatrix Farrand: Garden Artist, Landscape Architect
$60 AT MONACELLIPRESS.COM
Although you may not know Beatrix Farrand by name, you may be familiar with her sumptuous landscape designs, including one at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C., as well as the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden at the New York Botanical Garden. Now, thanks to author Judith B. Tankard, you can learn more about this celebrated garden artist/landscape architect, who happened to be Edith Wharton's niece. Impeccable design taste must run in the family! - Mary Elizabeth Andriotis
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Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating
Now 10% off
$40 AT AMAZON
In her debut book, designer and self-proclaimed maximalist Summer Thornton takes readers on a whimsical adventure through her most fantastical designs—including her own home.
Go down the rabbit hole to discover a wonderland (pun intended) of bold color, surprising patterns, and unexpected textures. –Nathalie Kirby
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At Home with Designers and Tastemakers: Creating Beautiful and Personal Interiors
Now 32% off
$34 AT AMAZON
If you're familiar with designer and author Susanna Salk you've likely come across her popular video series, At Home With, in which the designer visits the homes and gardens of the world's top tastemakers. In this print iteration of the series, Salk opens up the doors to fifteen of her favorite homes to reveal how designers live at home. Packed with practical design lessons, consider this a guide to stylish living. –Nathalie Kirby
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Feng Shui Modern
Now 10% off
$18 AT AMAZON
In his debut book, TikTok sensation and design expert Cliff Tan makes the storied practice of feng shui comprehensible. Using expert tips and helpful diagrams, Tan masterfully breaks down the traditional principles of energy to explain how furniture placement, color palettes, and design style affect the harmony of every room.
With practical tips to developing your own intuitive sense of space, Feng Shui Modern is the key to restoring balance in your own home. –Nathalie Kirby
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Living by the Ocean: Contemporary Houses by the Sea
Now 27% off
$36 AT AMAZON
Escape to the seaside with one flip through this awe-inspiring tome. Featuring work from more than 47 esteemed architects across six continents, Living by the Ocean explores the world's most incredible coastal homes. From lighthouses that were converted into homes to underwater bedrooms, you'll be entranced by the harmony between land and sea. –Nathalie Kirby
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Living in Color: Color in Contemporary Interior Design
Now 25% off
$30 AT AMAZON
If color inspiration is what you're after, add this title to your collection. Organized by hue, Living in Color is a visual journey through a rainbow of contemporary designs that will inspire you to dial up the color in your own life.
–Nathalie Kirby
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. Learn more.
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Advertiser Disclosure
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 books on interior design
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.
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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 equipped. 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
12 books for interior designers - Viktor Dembovsky's recommendations
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- 12 books for interior designers - Viktor Dembovsky's recommendations
Design Mate Guest Editor in June Viktor Dembovsky collected 12 important books that a designer must read interiors. “After reading hundreds of publications, I settled on these books as the most concise and accurate description of the issues of history and design theory. They are enough to form a complete picture of both modern design and historical interior styles,” says Dembovsky. nine0003
Victor Dembovsky interior designer, architecture and design historian, lecturer
History of Design, Charlotte Phill, Peter Phill
The book provides the necessary basic understanding of the history and theory of design, the structure of design thinking.
Written in a simple and understandable language, contains many illustrations. Buy book
“Objects of Desire. Design and society since 1750”, Adrian Forti
The book describes design in close connection with society and its demands. Gives a clear understanding of the mechanisms for creating a design work. Buy book
Through Design, Ralph Kaplan
Logically complements and in many ways continues the previous book. Addresses deep issues of design and material culture. Read more about the book Buy the book
Design in the Culture of the 20th Century, Vladimir Aronov
The book tells in detail about the formation of modern design thinking, prominent names in the design of the 20th century and the connection between design and art and science. Buy book
History of Design, Alexander Lavrentiev
On the whole, the book is slightly inferior to The History of Design by the Phills, but it complements it very well in terms of domestic design.
Alexander Lavrentiev is a leading specialist in the field of domestic design in the world. Buy the book
"The General History of the Interior", Nikolai Solovyov, Maria Maistrovskaya, Valery Turchin, Vera Dazhina
There are no higher-level specialists in the history of interior design in Russia than Nikolai Kirillovich and Maria Terentyevna. I had a chance to study with them, and my ideas about the history and theory of design were formed directly with their participation. This book is the most detailed publication on the subject of interior history in Russian. Buy book
"History of Modern Interior", Nikolai Soloviev
This is my reference book. It was after reading it more than 10 years ago that I began to think about my place in the profession. It describes the history of modern interior design from the point of view of a designer rather than a historian, emphasizing the practical aspects of design. Buy book
"A History of Interior Design (Fourth Edition)", John Pile & Judith Gura
This is currently the most comprehensive edition of interior history in the world.
The book describes both European and Oriental interiors. Creates a clear understanding of the world's historical styles in design. From history, the authors seamlessly move on to the design of the 20th century and modern styles. Unfortunately, only in English. Buy book
“Furniture Styles”, Gyula Kes
No matter what anyone says, Kes's book is still the best book on the history of furniture in Russia. Buy the book
"Masterpieces of World Design", Philip Wilkinson
The book describes the most famous and significant works of industrial design. I have my own complaints about it, but in Russian you will hardly find a better edition. Buy book
"Modern Furniture: 150 Years of Design", Volker Albus
I love this book much more. It was published simultaneously in German, French and English. But the structure of the publication is such that, even without knowing these languages, you can add up the history of furniture design over the past 150 years and isolate the most significant items.
