Guest Picks: 20 Must-Have Design Books for Your Library
These essential decorating tomes provide great inspiration and helpful information
I love mid century modern design with a vintage, bohemian flare. I like art walls, collections of found objects, neutral palettes with pops of color, ethnic textiles, flea market finds, diy, chalkboard walls, and unexpected design elements. I write about design, style, fashion, travel, and anything else that inspires me on my blog: http://www.thedesignboards.com
I love mid century modern design with a vintage, bohemian flare. I like... More »
I love books. To me, a home is not complete unless it is filled with books. Books tell so much about a person: their interests, their style, their beliefs. Over the years I have collected many books on interior design. These are some of my favorites and some that I consider to be essential to my design library. — Candice from The Design Boards
When I was first introduced to the Novogratz style, I was hooked. Their funky, no-rules approach to design is fresh and inviting. They love art and are huge supporters of indie artists, which I love. Plus, their homes always look effortless and put together — how do they manage that with all those kids?
Kathryn Ireland is all about creating comforting environments through textiles and color. Her work isn't fussy, and at the end of the day you have a home — not a room full of pretentious furniture you can't sit on. Her style is relaxed and lovely, and this book depicts that perfectly.
If I had to pick a favorite designer, it would, without a doubt, be Thoma O'Brien. I love his taste and beautifully curated collections. He really knows how to mix modern and vintage.
My favorite shelter magazine may be defunct, but this book is a compilation of the best of the best from their archives. I never get tired of looking at some of my favorite rooms that were displayed over the years. It's truly a great source for those who miss the magazine.
by Barnes & Noble
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Details is a great book for those who have the design aspect down but want to know how to add character and really layer a room with the little things that make a house into a home.
I'm totally addicted to the website, and the book is even better. It has tons of glossy pages filled with style and design gurus in their personal spaces.
I am always drawn to stylists' work. I love the way they layer rooms and really add another dimension of coziness and depth to a space. Atlanta Bartlett has always been a great source of inspiration for me, and her book does not disappoint.
This book is a must-have for keeping house and adding all those simple touches that really take your home to a comfortable and inviting living space. The illustrations are great too. This is a good book to leave on a coffee table for your guests to poke through when they are visiting. More about this book
by Barnes & Noble
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I might not ever have enough conviction to only commit to two color choices, but if I did, they would without a doubt be black and white. This book is a beautiful compilation of black and white rooms from some of the most acclaimed designers in the industry.
Sibella Court is, in my opinion, a styling genius. Her work is beyond beautiful, and this book completely draws you in.
by Chronicle Books
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This is Sibella's newest book, and it is a great extension of Etc. With one part travel guide and one part design inspiration, it's a great source of ideas and creativity.
I love this book because it's really design accessible. Nothing feels overdone or ostentatious. There are great tips and design ideas, and everything feels obtainable, which I love. If you are a fan of the blog Decor8, then you will love the book. I feel it is an absolute must-have for your design library.
More: Get a peek inside the pages of Decorate
More: Get a peek inside the pages of Decorate
I received this book for Christmas this year, and it is at the top of my favorites list now. It's a beautiful display of English country life. The book is large and impressive and makes a perfect coffee table accessory. I like flipping through it while I drink tea.
by Anthropologie
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As I've said before, I love design books written by stylists. This book has tons of great tips for putting together a room and really showcasing its assets.
I've been reading Grace's blog since the beginning, and this book is a wonderful extension of her design style and aesthetic. It's the perfect book if you are a fan of the blog.
It's always fun to peek inside the homes of important and creative people to see how they design and live in their personal spaces. This book showcases 36 different homes and gardens including those of Annie Leibovitz, Oscar de la Renta and Christian Louboutin.
I love to see art displayed in fun and unusual ways, and this book is a great source of inspiration for thinking outside the box.
This book is a great compilation of complex and unique interiors. It's full of inspiration and is perfect for keeping out on display. While not your typical design book, it will add an interesting mix to your library.
This is a great book to have in your arsenal. It explains color theory and helps you understand how to use color in your space. More textbook than inspirational, but it's a must if you want to understand the science behind color.
Pattern is always a scary thing to tackle. Tricia Guild is known for really going all out with bold pattern and color, and her book is a great source of inspiration and ideas for those who may be afraid to tackle it on their own.
Are there any titles you would add? Let us know in the comments below.
Next: 17 ways to design with books
Are there any titles you would add? Let us know in the comments below.
Next: 17 ways to design with books
Comments
Fl!p Breskin Umm... Nice, but where is the classic Christopher Alexander "A Pattern Language," the deepest, richest, most useful shelter book I have ever seen. He now has a website: PatternLanguage.com - do yourself and favor and go look!
17 months ago · Like
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CAROLE MEYER I want to curl up by a fire and look at all of these wonderful books.....and dream!
17 months ago · Like
jihad oh if i can buy all of this
17 months ago · Like
pbidinterior Thank you for sharing your thoughts on each book. I, too am a lover (junkie) of interior design books.
17 months ago · Like
paddee Which to read first???!!!!
17 months ago · Like
Robins Interiors I collect designer books and have none of the above. I better get a re-freshed start. Which one first?
17 months ago · Like
formoso i like all!
17 months ago · Like
The Centric Home Can't forget Elements of Style by Michael S. Smith or any of the Sarah Susanka books!
17 months ago · Like
tarabillie The way we live - exhaustive and inspirational. The hardcover has better image reproductions.
15 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Jan. 11, 2012.
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