Looking to refresh your home, or hone your interior design skills?
These interior design books are packed with inspiration, practical tips, and total eye candy for pros and passionate DIYers alike.
Maybe you’re a seasoned designer, a new entrepreneur, or just someone who loves flipping through pretty pages and dreaming up your next room makeover. Either way, this list is for you.
From grandmillennial glam to minimalist calm, and from savvy business guides to style deep-dives, there’s a book here to match your vibe and elevate your space. So pour a coffee, grab your highlighters, and let’s turn the page on your next big idea.
Table of Contents
Books on popular interior design styles
Diving into interior design books is such a treat—they’re packed with eye candy and smart design tips. These gems are perfect for sparking creativity, learning about different interior design styles, and discovering new ways to make your spaces feel more “you.” From classic to current, each one has something fab to offer.
Traditional
These picks are all about timeless elegance, rich details, and that effortlessly polished look traditional design does so well.

- Charm School: The Schumacher Guide to Traditional Decorating for Today
This book offers a modern take on classic decorating elements like chintz, ruffles, and wicker. Featuring over 250 rooms by iconic designers, it serves as an illustrated handbook for timeless, traditional decorating in contemporary living. - Sister Parish: The Life of the Legendary American Interior Designer
An intimate portrait of Mrs. Henry Parish II, known as Sister, this biography chronicles her remarkable life and groundbreaking career. It delves into her transformation of American interior design and her influence on high society. - Charlotte Moss: A Flair for Living
Charlotte Moss invites readers on a lavish tour of home components, from breakfast rooms to powder rooms. She shares ideas on living graciously, entertaining with exuberance, and expressing refined glamour.
Modern
If you love clean lines, calming spaces, and that “less is more” magic, these modern design books will totally speak your language.

- Joseph Dirand: Interior
This monograph showcases Joseph Dirand’s minimalist yet elegant interiors, blending classic French style with modern design. It features his residential and commercial projects, highlighting his attention to detail and proportion. - Soft Minimal: Norm Architects
Norm Architects present their philosophy of soft minimalism, emphasizing balance, simplicity, and natural materials. The book features residential and commercial projects that reflect Nordic traditions and modernist principles. - The Meaningful Modern Home
Architect Celeste Robbins showcases nine contemporary homes that integrate architecture, interior design, and landscape. The book illustrates how modern design can be warm, inviting, and rooted in a sense of place.
Transitional
Can’t choose between traditional and modern? Transitional style is the best of both worlds, elevated, effortless, and oh-so-cozy. These books show you how to blend old and new like a pro.

- Jake Arnold: Redefining Comfort
Jake Arnold shares nine fully realized projects that blend elegance, tactility, and pleasure. His interiors reflect a seductive combination of comfort and style, from California estates to Florida seaside homes. - Thomas Pheasant: Simply Serene
Thomas Pheasant’s work melds tradition with contemporary design, creating spaces that are fresh yet timeless. The book features his serene interiors, balancing classical elements with modern details. - The New Classic Home
This book explores the fusion of modern and traditional styles, offering insights into creating homes that are both timeless and current. It features various projects that exemplify this harmonious blend.
Contemporary
For those who love design that feels fresh, fearless, and totally of-the-moment, these contemporary picks bring the drama (in the best way) and the sophistication.

- Kelly Wearstler: Evocative Style
Kelly Wearstler presents her bold and dynamic approach to contemporary design, showcasing her signature use of color, pattern, and texture. The book features a range of her residential and commercial projects. - Alexa Hampton: Design, Style, and Influence
Alexa Hampton shares her design philosophy and influences, offering a glimpse into her creative process. The book includes a variety of her projects, reflecting her refined and sophisticated style. - Home: The Residential Architecture of D. Stanley Dixon
D. Stanley Dixon showcases his residential architecture, blending classical elements with contemporary sensibilities. The book features homes that are both elegant and livable.
Scandinavian
Clean lines, cozy textures, and allll the hygge vibes. These Scandi-style books are your passport to creating bright, calm, effortlessly chic spaces.

- The Nordic Home: Scandinavian Living, Interiors and Design
This book delves into the essence of Scandinavian design, celebrating minimalism and functionalism. It showcases stunning Nordic interiors, offering inspiration for those who appreciate simplicity and the evolution of Scandinavian aesthetics. - The Scandinavian Home: Interiors Inspired by Light
Niki Brantmark presents a collection of beautiful homes across Scandinavia, exploring how the lifestyle is reflected in their interiors. The book emphasizes the use of natural light, a hallmark of Scandinavian design, to create serene and inviting spaces. - Scandi Rustic: Creating a Cozy & Happy Home
Authors Reena Simon and Rebecca Lawson reveal how to blend Scandinavian design with rustic natural materials and textures. The book guides readers in creating cozy, relaxed, and inviting interiors that embody the Scandi Rustic style.
French country
Think romantic charm, rustic elegance, and a touch of joie de vivre. Read these books and you’ll be dreaming of lavender fields and vintage linens in no time.

- Life in a French Country House: Entertaining for All Seasons
Cordelia de Castellane shares her secrets and inspirations for living and entertaining à la française, organized according to the four seasons. The book includes sections on seasonal tablescapes, recipes, interior design, and flower arranging, offering a comprehensive guide to French country living.
- Provence Style: Decorating with French Country Flair
Shauna Varvel takes readers on an intimate tour of chic homes in Provence, showcasing interior details inspired by the picturesque region. The book includes case studies, including Varvel’s own 18th-century Rhône valley farmhouse, illustrating the adaptability of Provençal style. - Vintage French Style: Homes and Gardens Inspired by a Love of France
Designer Carolyn Westbrook combines her love of French style and vintage charm, leading readers through ten specially photographed locations. The book features a range of homes, from grand châteaus to French farmhouse-style residences, all showcasing her distinct signature look.
Cottagecore
If you swoon over florals, vintage treasures, and homes that feel like a warm hug, our list of Cottagecore books is pure magic. Your space will be charming and soul-soothing.

- The Natural Cozy Cottage: 100 Styling Ideas to Create a Warm and Welcoming Home
Christiane Bellstedt Myers provides 100 styling ideas to create a cozy home using natural or pre-loved objects. The book is filled with heartwarming anecdotes and stunning photographs, guiding readers to create a warm and welcoming environment without breaking the bank. - Nora Murphy’s Country House Style: Making Your Home a Country House
Nora Murphy shares her passion for country house style, demonstrating how to make any home feel like a country retreat. The book emphasizes comfort, style, and the joy of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. - The Soulful Cottage: Creating a Charming and Personal Home
This book offers insights into creating a charming and personal home that reflects the Cottagecore aesthetic. It focuses on infusing spaces with warmth, character, and a sense of nostalgia.
Americana
Rooted in heritage and full of heart, Americana style is all about timeless charm, meaningful decor, and that nostalgic, all-American feel.

- Modern Americana
This book celebrates the artful blend of old and new in American interior design. It showcases homes that reflect the nation’s rich heritage while embracing contemporary aesthetics. - New Americana: Interior Décor with an Artful Blend of Old and New
New Americana explores the fusion of traditional and modern elements in interior décor. The book features spaces that honor American craftsmanship and history while incorporating fresh, modern touches. - Ralph Lauren: A Way of Living
This volume offers an exclusive glimpse into Ralph Lauren’s meticulously designed homes, from a New York City apartment to a Colorado ranch. It illustrates how his residences have influenced his iconic clothing designs and reflect his lasting Americana aesthetic.
Mid-Century modern
With sleek lines, vintage flair, and just the right touch of retro cool, mid-century modern style never goes out of fashion. Check out these books to learn how to fit it into your world beautifully.

- Mid-Century Modern: Interiors, Furniture, Design Details
Bradley Quinn’s book delves into the quintessential elements of mid-century modern design, focusing on interiors, furniture, and design details. It offers case studies of contemporary homes that exemplify the 1950s aesthetic, providing inspiration for integrating mid-century style into modern living spaces. - Charles & Ray Eames
This comprehensive volume explores the groundbreaking work of Charles and Ray Eames, highlighting their contributions to furniture design, architecture, and visual arts. It offers insights into their creative process and showcases iconic pieces that have become staples of modern design. - Mid-Century Modern: High-End Furniture in Collectors’ Interiors
Wim Pauwels presents a curated selection of high-end mid-century modern furniture within collectors’ interiors. The book features designs from renowned figures like Alvar Aalto, Charles & Ray Eames, and Eero Saarinen, illustrating the timeless appeal and versatility of mid-century pieces in contemporary settings.
Modern organic
If you’re all about soothing spaces, natural textures, and that effortless blend of minimal and earthy, then opt for a modern organic style.

- Inspired by Nature
Hans Blomquist emphasizes the connection between our home environment and emotional well-being, advocating for interiors inspired by the natural world. The book offers practical advice on incorporating natural elements to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and nurturing. - Live Natural
Alison Davin’s book combines beautifully photographed high-end homes with a focus on wellness and environmental responsibility. It provides actionable tips for creating healthier living spaces through the use of natural materials and sustainable design practices. - The Soft Minimalist Home
Abi Dare challenges the notion that minimalist spaces are cold and impersonal, showcasing homes that are warm, welcoming, and reflective of their inhabitants. The book features diverse interiors that balance simplicity with comfort, demonstrating how minimalism can be both stylish and livable.
Rustic
These rustic design books will have you craving a cabin escape (or at least a plaid throw). Get ready for chunky wood beams, stone fireplaces, and cozy times ahead.

- Modern Rustic
Emily Henson explores the modern rustic aesthetic, blending natural materials like wood and stone with contemporary design elements. The book offers inspiration for creating interiors that are both rugged and refined, emphasizing comfort and authenticity. - Living in Country Style
Brent Darby and Wink Colville present a collection of interiors that embody the charm of country living, from modern villas to rustic farmhouses. The book is filled with tips and ideas for incorporating country style into various home settings. - Cabin Style
This book showcases the cozy and inviting interiors of cabins, highlighting the use of natural materials and warm color palettes. It serves as a guide for creating a retreat-like atmosphere in any home.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse style is all about comfort, character, and that lived-in charm we can’t get enough of. Our fave books show just how beautifully timeless (and versatile) this design trend can be.

- City Farmhouse Style Designs for a Modern Country Life
This book offers a fresh take on farmhouse design, blending urban sensibilities with rustic charm. It features a variety of homes that exemplify the versatility and appeal of the farmhouse aesthetic in city settings. - Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave
Joanna Gaines provides a comprehensive guide to creating personalized and comfortable living spaces. The book encourages readers to embrace their own style preferences while offering practical design advice. - Home Stories: Design Ideas for Making a House a Home
This book delves into the narratives behind beautifully designed homes, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in interior design. It showcases spaces that reflect the personalities and experiences of their inhabitants.
Minimalist
If you’re craving more calm, more clarity, and way less clutter, these minimalist reads are the perfect vibe. Curate spaces that are serene, beautiful, and totally livable.

- The Soft Minimalist Home: Calm, cosy decor for real lives and spaces
Abi Dare challenges the notion that minimalist spaces are cold and impersonal, showcasing homes that are warm, welcoming, and reflective of their inhabitants. The book features diverse interiors that balance simplicity with comfort, demonstrating how minimalism can be both stylish and livable. - Minimalista: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Life
Shira Gill offers a practical guide to decluttering and organizing your home with intention. Her approach combines minimalism with personal style, helping readers create spaces that are both functional and beautiful. - LifeStyled: Your Guide to a More Organized & Intentional Life
Emily Henderson shares her expertise in styling and decorating, providing tips on how to create cohesive and personalized interiors. The book emphasizes the importance of balancing function and aesthetics in minimalist design.
Maximalist
If you believe more is more (and then some), these vibrant reads will fire up your inner collector. Think bold colors, playful layers, and personality-packed spaces that don’t hold back.

- Everything: The maximalist style guide
This guide celebrates the art of maximalism, encouraging readers to embrace bold colors, patterns, and eclectic decor. It offers inspiration and practical advice for creating vibrant and expressive interiors. - More is More is More: Today’s Maximalist Interiors
This book showcases the work of designers who specialize in maximalist interiors, highlighting spaces filled with personality and flair. It serves as a testament to the beauty of abundance in design. - Behind the Blue Door
This volume offers a glimpse into the richly layered and colorful home of interior designer Ashley Hicks. The book is a visual feast, illustrating the power of maximalism in creating unique and captivating spaces.
Glam
Bring on the sparkle! These glam design books are dripping in drama, elegance, and that irresistible luxe factor that makes every room feel like a red carpet moment.

- Martyn Lawrence Bullard: Design and Decoration
Martyn Lawrence Bullard showcases his signature style, blending Hollywood glamour with global influences. The book features a range of luxurious interiors, reflecting his eclectic and sophisticated approach to design. - Modern Glam: Glamorous Home Inspiration
Claire Bingham explores the modern glam aesthetic, combining classic elements with contemporary flair. The book provides inspiration for creating elegant and stylish interiors that exude glamour. - Glamour: Making it Modern
Michael Lassell examines the evolution of glamour in interior design, highlighting how traditional opulence can be adapted for modern living. The book features a variety of homes that embody this fusion of styles.
Art deco
Channel the glitz, glam, and geometric flair of the roaring ’20s with these Art Deco design books, perfect for adding a little Gatsby-era drama to your space.

- Art Deco: The Twentieth Century’s Iconic Decorative Style
This book delves into the opulent world of Art Deco interiors, showcasing the elegance and innovation of the era. It features a collection of stunning photographs and illustrations that capture the essence of the style. - Interior Style: Art Deco
Lucy Derbyshire and Jena Quinn explore the key elements of Art Deco design, offering insights into its history and application in modern interiors. The book serves as a guide for those looking to incorporate this timeless style into their homes. - American Art Deco: Architecture and Regionalism
Alastair Duncan provides an in-depth look at the Art Deco movement in the United States, highlighting its impact on architecture, furniture, and decorative arts. The book is richly illustrated, offering a comprehensive overview of the style’s American interpretation.
70s revival
Ready to boogie with bold colors, funky textures, and nostalgic vibes? These retro-fabulous books are a love letter to the most daring decade in design—and they’ll totally inspire your inner disco queen.

- Vivid: Style in Color
This book celebrates the influence of color in design and everyday life, offering insights into how different palettes can impact our environments. Photographer Armelle Habib contributes stunning interior shots alongside travel vignettes that tell the story of how different palettes are interwoven into our lives. - Old Brand New: Colorful Homes for Maximal Living
Designer Dabito shares his vibrant and thoughtful use of color, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and memories in choosing colors. The book is filled with practical tips and innovative ideas designed to simplify and personalize the color selection process for any space. - 70s House: A Bold Homage to the Most Daring Decade in Design
This vibrant book is crammed full of 70s interiors and bright, retro imagery, offering advice, tips, and tricks to creating a thoroughly 70s space. It includes clear and attractive photos illustrating how this can translate to readers’ own interior projects.
Eclectic
Mix it, match it, and make it totally your own. The right electric design books help you celebrate fearless creativity, unexpected combos, and spaces that are as unique as you are.

- The Maverick Soul: Portraits of the Lives & Homes of Eccentric, Eclectic & Free-Spirited Bohemians
Miv Watts opens the doors to twenty-five authentic bohemian homes, occupied by some of the world’s most inspirational free spirits. From artists and musicians to writers and stylists, this collection showcases individuals who live life on their own terms. - The Life Eclectic: Highly Unique Interior Designs from Around the World
Alexander Breeze celebrates the individuality of eclectic decorating styles through 15 homes of creatives from around the world. The book is a celebration of individuality and embracing the joy that fluidity in taste can bring. - Laura Gonzalez: Interiors
Known for her chic mix-and-match style, Parisian designer Laura Gonzalez presents her most standout projects in this debut monograph. Her interiors exude a vibrant boldness tempered by elegant romanticism, showcasing exuberant combinations of materials, patterns, and furniture.
Grandmillennial
If ruffles, florals, and heirloom charm make your heart flutter, these Grandmillennial gems are packed with pretty details and timeless style, with just the right dose of cheeky nostalgia.

- The Perfectly Imperfect Home: How to Decorate and Live Well
Deborah Needleman offers advice and expertise on how to make your house your home, emphasizing that it’s not hard to create a relaxed, stylish, and comfortable home. The book reveals how a few well-considered items can completely change the feel of your space. - Return to Pretty: Giving New Life to Traditional Style
Caitlin Wilson shares her design philosophy, focusing on warmth, floral prints, and old-fashioned elegance. The book explores how to make a home not just look beautiful but also feel lovely, classic, happy, and comfortable. - Mario Buatta: Anatomy of a Decorator
Emily Evans Eerdman’s book offers a deep dive into the life and work of renowned American decorator Mario Buatta. It provides a comprehensive look at Buatta’s legacy and his enduring influence on American interior design.
Regency
Opulent, dramatic, and dripping in old-school glamour…these Regency-inspired reads bring high-style elegance into the now, proving that timeless really can be trendy.

- Regency Redux: High Style Interiors: Napoleonic, Classical Moderne, and Hollywood Regency
This book explores the revival of Regency style in contemporary interiors, showcasing how classic elements can be adapted for modern living. It features a range of homes that embody this fusion of styles. - Star Style: Interiors of Martyn Lawrence Bullard
This volume offers a glimpse into the homes of Hollywood stars, highlighting the opulence and elegance of Regency-inspired interiors. It serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of this classic style. - In the Pink: Dorothy Draper–America’s Most Fabulous Decorator
This book delves into the world of Dorothy Draper, one of America’s most influential interior designers, known for her bold use of color and pattern. It showcases her signature style and its impact on modern design.
Books to help you manager grow your business as an interior designer
Running a successful design biz takes more than a good eye. It’s about pricing smart, marketing like a pro, and building systems that support your creativity. These books and guides are perfect for helping you streamline, scale, and shine, whether you’re full-service, e-design, or a little bit of both.
- The Interior Design Business Handbook: A Complete Guide to Profitability
This comprehensive guide covers essential procedures, tools, and techniques for managing a successful interior design business. It addresses topics like establishing an electronic office, working with off-site employees, and adapting to the changing economy, making it one of the most valuable resources for both new and established firms. - The Business of Design: Balancing Creativity and Profitability
Keith Granet debunks the myth that business sense and creative talent are mutually exclusive. Drawing on over thirty years of experience, he provides tools to create and run a thriving design business, covering aspects from branding to billing. - Marketing Interior Design, Second Edition
Lloyd Princeton offers insights into marketing strategies tailored for the interior design industry. This book helps design professionals increase revenue, gain media exposure, and develop their businesses effectively. - Interior Design Clients: The Designer’s Guide to Building and Keeping a Great Clientele
Thomas L. Williams provides guidance on building and maintaining strong client relationships. The book addresses common challenges and offers strategies to manage clients effectively, ensuring long-term success. - The Designer’s Guide to Marketing and Pricing: How to Win Clients and What to Charge Them
Ilise Benun and Peleg Top answer common questions about marketing and pricing for designers. Whether you’re a freelancer or a seasoned business owner, this book provides insights into winning clients and determining appropriate pricing.
- Building a Successful E-Design Business
How strong is the foundation of your e-design business? This guide covers all the essentials in detail: pricing, marketing, affiliate links, productivity, and more. - Interior Design Websites That Sell
A great website works as a 24/7 salesperson that can pre-sell your services before clients even chat with you. Try our templates and pro tips to get more hot leads. - The Interior Designer’s Guide to Networking & Referrals
Want quality leads? Collaborate with designers, contractors, furniture store owners, and other professionals. Grab our guide and email outreach templates. - The Ultimate Guide to Pricing Profitable E-Design Packages
Are your packages priced for maximum profit? Learn the anatomy of a profitable package and discover your path forward for earning more from every project. - The Interior Designer’s Guide to Instagram
Do you want more leads and press opportunities from Instagram? Get trialed-and-errored advice from pro designers with successful Instagram presences.
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