Interior design theory books
8 Essential Design Books Every Interiors Lover Should Read
Whether you’re looking to brush up on the basic principles of good design or seeking some eye-candy inspiration, it’s always a good idea to stock up on design books. These classic tomes offer an aesthetic foundation for any interior designer’s toolkit, and are the perfect introductory education for anyone even just dabbling in the field.
Home: The Foundations of Enduring Spaces
By Ellen S. Fisher
The New York School of Interior Design wrote the book, quite literally, when it comes to the basics of decoration. Keep a copy of Home: The Foundations of Enduring Spaces (Clarkson Potter), written by NYSID dean Ellen Fisher, Ph.D., close by for whenever it’s time for a refresher on the fundamental concepts behind such grounding principles as the process of design.
The House in Good Taste: Design Advice From America’s First Interior Decorator
By Elsie de Wolfe
Since 1913, The House in Good Taste: Design Advice From America’s First Interior Decorator (Dover Publications) has guided designers looking to cultivate their sense of taste with advice from none other than Elsie de Wolfe, the “first lady” of American interior design.
The Decoration of Houses
By Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman Jr.
Long before Edith Wharton published her tales of life in New York’s upper crust, she collaborated with the architect of her own Newport, Rhode Island, renovation, Ogden Codman Jr., on what would become her first published book: 1897’s The Decoration of Houses (Dover Publications). More than 100 years later, her advice still resonates: Keep it simple, don’t worry about trends, and feel free to take cues from the best examples you can find.
Interiors: The Greatest Rooms of the Century
By Phaidon Editors
When it comes to inspirational imagery, there’s little need to look further than Interiors: The Greatest Rooms of the Century (Phaidon). Covering 400 spaces from around the world and representing the work of some 300 creatives, the collection highlights legendary designers past and present, from Billy Baldwin to Karim Rashid, while also offering a look at the private domestic spaces of such iconic stylemakers as Bill Blass and Peggy Guggenheim.
On Decorating
By Mark Hampton
An aesthetic guide from one of the most famous interior designers of all time, On Decorating (Potter Style) offers a dissertation on interiors penned by Mark Hampton, the tastemaker who left his mark everywhere from the White House to the American Embassy in Paris. Since it was first published in 1989, On Decorating has inspired countless design professionals and enthusiasts to take risks when making spaces, with Hampton-approved strategies for approaching color, comfort, and, of course, elegance.
Interaction of Color: 50th Anniversary Edition
By Josef Albers
Few people are as closely associated with color theory as Josef Albers, the artist and educator known for his series of hue-on-hue square compositions. Albers was teaching graphic design at Yale when he published his influential guide to the principles of color theory in 1963. Featuring some 150 plates showcasing color relationships, Albers’s treatise on combining colors has been in print for more than half a century, most recently as Interaction of Color: 50th Anniversary Edition (Yale University Press).
The World of Ornament
By David Batterham
Expand your visual vocabulary with The World of Ornament (Taschen), a primer to decorative patterns throughout history. Curated by antiquarian bookseller David Batterham, the book combines two 19th-century French collections of pattern and decoration into one richly illustrated sourcebook that breaks down the aesthetic principles behind everything from textiles to tiles to illustrated texts, with examples drawn from cultures ranging from ancient Egypt to the European Middle Ages and beyond.
1000 Chairs
By Charlotte & Peter Fiell
If a designer is only as good as her sources, 1000 Chairs (Taschen) is all you need for a one-stop crash course in the history of seating. From the craftsmanship of Charles Rennie MacKintosh to the Eameses’ early fiberglass experiments and the faceted creations of Konstantin Grcic, this field guide to famous chairs is more than just a designers’ dream sourcebook—it offers a world of inspiration for rethinking even the most everyday of objects around us.
10 Must-Read Interior Design Books for Designers & Students
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Whether you’re an interior design student, a designer just starting out in the industry, or an established designer with many years of experience under their belt, it’s always a good idea to have interior design books handy.
There are thousands of books out there that promise to educate and inspire readers about interior design. We’ve decided to do the grunt work for you by compiling a list of our favorite interior design books that offer great tools and advice for beginners and experienced designers alike.
Image source: Amazon
Interior Design Masterclass by Carl Dellatore
This book is unlike any other interior design book out there.
It contains contributions from 100 of the best designers in the industry and covers everything from theory to structure to style to process to elements and inspiration. A true masterpiece that offers knowledge and unique insights any designer can learn from.
Jungalow: Decorate Wild by Justina Blakeney
If you’re looking for gorgeous decor inspiration, this book is it. It’s filled with beautiful artwork, patterns and style. It teaches readers how to be bold when it comes to interior design and educates on how to draw inspiration from nature and our own personal experiences to make a space really come to life.
Image source: Amazon
Image source: Architectural Digest
Inspired Design: The 100 Most Important Designers of the Past 100 Years by Jennifer Boles
In this book you’ll read about the most inspiring interior designers of all time and how they influenced interior decorating as we know it. These designers come from all over the world, including America, France, Italy, England, and Iran, bringing to the table a beautiful mishmash of different styles.
The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book by Mimi Love and Chris Grimley
A compact book that packs a punch – The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book has detailed charts, specifications, diagrams, and information for planning and executing projects of all sizes. Seasoned designers and amateurs will find a ton of useful information that they can refer to when needed.
Image source: Amazon
[eBook] How to Start an Interior Design Business
We know, we know, this isn’t technically a book–but it’s still worth a read and it’ll help any designer with the ins-and-outs of starting their own interior design business. It covers business registration, services, website design, digital portfolios, design rates, marketing, networking, and more. You can download it for free here.
Domino: The Book of Decorating by Deborah Needleman
If you want a book that offers extensive decorating tips, how-to advice and insider secrets, look no further.
Domino’s chapters are organized by room (e.g., entryway, living room, dining room, etc.), making it easy for readers to navigate. Its pages are filled with gorgeous visuals that will inspire any interior designer.
Image source: Amazon
Image source: Amazon
Residential Interior Design: A Guide to Planning Spaces by Maureen Mitton
This extensive guide is essential for any serious interior designer. It covers important topics such as building codes designers must abide by when designing a residential home, proper ergonomics, accessibility standards, circulation, ventilation, and much more.
New York School of Interior Design: Home: The Foundations of Enduring Spaces by Ellen S. Fisher
This book is geared toward interior design students and provides a comprehensive education on home design and decor. It also covers the design process from A-Z, including defining a project, creating a budget, creating the palette and scheme, and much more.
Image source: Amazon
Image source: Amazon
[eBook] How to Choose the Best Interior Design Software for Your Business
Hi, us again. This one’s another great resource for interior designers looking for the right interior design software for their business. Our eBook covers identifying business needs & bottlenecks, professional features to look out for, software training, system requirements, and pricing. You can download it for free here.
Monochrome Home: Elegant Interiors in Black and White by Hilary Robertson
If you’re looking for the ultimate guide in designing in black and white, Monochrome Home is it. This book provides advice on putting together different monochrome palettes and shows examples of beautifully designed monochrome homes of artists, architects and designers across the globe.
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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 Viktor Dembovsky collected 12 essential books for interior designers to read in June . “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. nine0011
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 the 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 extremely 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 Maystrovskaya, 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 desk 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.
Buy book
"1000 Lights", Charlotte & Peter Fiell
In my opinion, this is the best collection of light. Scrolling through it, you understand where modern light designers draw inspiration from. Buy a book
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Book aesthetics: a selection of publications for designers, architects and artists from the Masters
29 December 29 2022
Books on Design and Architecture
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Design and architecture books
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Top 10 design books
A good designer is constantly learning, developing in several directions, and never resting on his laurels. 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. nine0088
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! nine0011
Quote
"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
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. nine0011
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».
Citation
“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.
And 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 impulsive purchases. nine0011
3. Carolina Clifton-Mogg. “The interior is white. Creating the rooms of your dreams»
For a long time this little 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." nine0011
About What
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 the 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. nine0011
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 future designers and even experienced ones will appreciate this book!
5. Ekaterina Reizbih. "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! nine0011
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 parsing the quality of housing and ideas for improving it! nine0011
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. nine0011
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! nine0011
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 looking like a square box. To create a certain mood and atmosphere, it is necessary 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. nine0011
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 materials of the book are 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! nine0011
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. nine0011
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. nine0011
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. nine0011
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. On 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! nine0011
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! nine0011
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.
