This book is the one I'd suggest starting with if you're looking into any of the books I'm discussing today. It's like an interior design Bible, presenting concepts from proportions and textures to measurements and design rules. The book breaks down these topics in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Ramstedt covers everything, from the basic principles of design to layering elements and lighting, along with handy tricks and tips for achieving a balanced room layout. This book is perfect if you're new to home styling and interior design, as it avoids complex jargon and uses straightforward language that's a breeze to read.
This book is a substantial coffee table book that's crammed with valuable information. It's quickly becoming my favorite design manual. While it comes at a higher price, it's more of an investment into your potential career or side hustle. Unlike the previous book, this one is more intricate. It's from the New York School of Interior Design and carries the expertise of renowned designers. Based on their Home Learning Program, I've found it immensely helpful when working on styling and designing spaces for friends, family, and clients. It guides you through client meetings, understanding their needs, and delves into interior design fundamentals like texture, scale, and styling. It practically covers everything essential for designing a room from start to finish. Even draperies get a dedicated chapter with gorgeous illustrations. If you're looking to deepen your exploration of interior design, this is definitely a worthwhile investment.
Made for Living by Amber Lewis is likely a familiar name if you're into home styling trends. She's associated with the popular organic modern style that's all the rage nowadays. While I can't definitively confirm if she pioneered the style, she's undoubtedly had a significant influence. This book serves as both a stunning design inspiration resource and a chic coffee table piece. The cover design, fonts, and photographs are all exquisite. Amber Lewis, who runs a successful design firm, shares many insightful tips and tricks from her experience. While her writing style is on the simpler side and lacks in-depth technical details, that's not the book's purpose. It's more of a visual feast with inspirational images and her personal insights and thought processes behind the interiors she creates.
What sets this book apart is Joanna's clever organization – she divides it into different rooms. This makes it incredibly convenient if you're focusing on a specific space like a living room. Additionally, she dedicates a section to various architectural and design styles, helping readers identify their own preferences. This aligns well with my passion for helping others find their unique design style. I have videos on discovering personal interior design and home decor styles, which you might find helpful. In "Homebody," Joanna not only offers inspiration but also showcases her own beautiful projects. It's a delightful coffee table addition that's both visually pleasing and informative.
This book, adorned in a lovely teal hue, has been around for quite some time. It's not only visually appealing but also holds enduring value. The images within it are vibrant, showcasing colorful and inventive rooms. Despite this, the rooms still possess a timeless quality. The book serves as both inspiration and reference. It's filled with helpful information, including charts and graphs. Similar to "Homebody", it's conveniently organized by rooms. This setup makes it easy to find specific inspiration for different spaces like dining rooms or kitchens. This classic is more than a beautiful addition to a coffee table; it's a handy guide that stands the test of time.
What really impresses me is how she connects our mental well-being with interior design. It's crucial to see decorating not just as arranging furniture, but as a way to impact our mood, mental health, and the ambiance we offer to others in our space. Anita, with a psychology background, provides a unique perspective on interior decorating. She divides the home into four domains – individual, organizational, communal, and renewal – instead of just rooms. This innovative approach adds depth to how we perceive our spaces. Her book is loaded with practical tips for organization and creating a tranquil haven. If you're keen on linking organization and mental well-being with home decor, this book is a brilliant source of inspiration.
The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book might not win any beauty contests, but its value is immense. I've owned this compact book for years, and its technical nature makes it a trusted companion. It's not a coffee table book, but its practicality is undeniable. When I need specifics like lighting temperature recommendations or details on drawing a door in a floor plan, this book delivers. It's like a field guide for interior design, equipped with information on floor plan annotations and accessibility requirements. Whether it's understanding lighting temperatures or noting down accessibility needs, this book is my go-to reference. Just like its title suggests, it's a must-have for any interior designer.
The Color Scheme Bible might not be aesthetically pleasing, but it's incredibly handy. This small, compact book serves as an easy reference guide for color-related queries. It delves into color theory and the intricacies of mixing and matching colors. The initial pages explore concepts like the color wheel, which I love sharing too. The highlight of this book is its 150+ color schemes, each presented on its own page. These diverse color palettes offer abundant inspiration for pairing colors in your space. If you adore color but find it a bit daunting to harmonize, this book is your solution. It guides you in deciding which color should dominate (60%), which should support (30%), and which should accent (10%). And here's a nifty trick: bring the color scheme you like to a hardware store and have them match the exact paint swatches. This reference guide is a must-have for anyone looking to explore beyond neutrals or seeking creative color pairings.
Create at Home with Old and New by Ali Heath is a newer discovery for me. Ali, based in the UK, is known for her wonderful books, and this one is no exception. Unlike a technical reference book, this is more of an inspiration-driven volume. It has prompted me to delve into antique stores and thrift shops, exploring ways to integrate beautifully crafted vintage pieces into my designs. Ali's interiors exude timeless elegance that sidesteps fleeting trends, opting instead for globally inspired art. The book showcases projects that inspire you to blend old and new, seamlessly integrating antiques with budget-friendly finds. By doing so, she encourages the creation of spaces that are uniquely personal and enduring. With its exquisite content, this book is a captivating addition to any coffee table.
My Hygge Home by Meik Wiking resonates deeply with me. If you've followed my blog and channel for the past decade, you'll know my love for hygge, the Danish concept of a warm, cozy, and inviting way of living. I encountered it around 2013-2014 and fell in love with its essence. In this book, Mike Wiking takes this idea and provides practical examples to create that cozy and welcoming space. He delves into minimalism, lighting, furnishings in terms of scale and proportion, and even offers insights into incorporating handmade elements and food into your environment. His advice encompasses everything needed to infuse that comforting hygge vibe into your home. It's a delightful read for guests, and like the others, it makes for an excellent coffee table book. Beyond that, it's a source of inspiration for crafting your own beautifully cozy interior.