"A Classic and Contemporary Reference to Sharpen Your Design Vision. Stop Scrolling, Start Designing: The Art of Reading Masterworks in Your Hands."
In the midst of the fast-paced design industry, possessing a strong foundation of references is key to enduring and excelling. Design books are more than just coffee table ornaments; they are archives of inspiration, historical notes, and private masterclasses provided by the world’s maestros.
As professionals who shape residential and commercial spaces, you require authentic access to global perspectives. Therefore, we have curated 25 essential interior design book titles—from the classic to the most contemporary—that must find a place in your private library. Get ready, as this collection will serve as your daily 'vitamin' for creativity.
25 Best Interior Design Books for Professional Reference
Here is a curation of books featuring the most iconic, luxurious, and daring designs from around the globe. Each book offers valuable lessons on philosophy, execution, and the art of storytelling through space:
I. Exploring Global Philosophy and Iconic Styles
1. Andre Fu: Crossing Cultures with Design (By Catherine Shaw)
Photo source by LH Magazine
Offers insight into how the renowned interior architect, Andre Fu, successfully blends the cultural sensibilities of East and West across 18 of his recent projects. Valuable Takeaway: This book teaches the method for applying local elements with an elegant, global (cross-cultural appeal) touch.
2. Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style (By Amy Astley, Anna Wintour)
Photo source by LH Magazine
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Architectural Digest magazine, featuring private spaces of celebrities and notable figures, such as the Obamas. It is a visual encyclopedia of a century's evolution of design styles, providing a comprehensive overview of design heritage.
3. Architectural Digest: The Most Beautiful Rooms in the World (By Marie Kalt)
Photo source by LH Magazine
A compilation of iconic contemporary design from all international editions of Architectural Digest. An essential reference for observing the global trends in luxury design and understanding the accepted standards of high aesthetics.
4. David Collins: Studio ABCDCS (By David Collins)
Photo source by LH Magazine
A bold portfolio covering hotels, restaurants, and private residences. David Collins is known for his dramatic style and precise detailing. This book serves as a visual guide on how to build a powerful design brand through unmatched visual consistency.
5. Jacques Grange: Recent Work (By Pierre Passebon)
Photo source by LH Magazine
A highlight of the recent projects by Parisian designer Jacques Grange, who has designed homes for legendary artists like Yves Saint Laurent. The book helps you learn how to craft rooms that resonate with the soul and personality of eccentric and artistic clients.
II. The Art of Detail, Color, and Expressive Decor
6. de Gournay: Hand-Painted Interiors (By Claud Gurney)
Photo source by LH Magazine
Focuses on the world’s most beautiful hand-painted interiors, from Chinoiserie rooms to exotic Brazilian landscapes. The book teaches designers the importance of art elements and craftsmanship as a focal point that can significantly enhance a room’s aesthetic value.
7. Design Remix: A New Spin on Traditional Rooms (By Corey Damen Jenkins)
Photo source by LH Magazine
Corey Damen Jenkins gives a modern and elegant twist to classic interior looks. This is crucial: Designers need to know how to 'remix' traditional styles without making them feel stale, a common challenge in updating heritage homes.
8. Everything: A Maximalist Style Guide (By Abigail Ahern)
Photo source by LH Magazine
If you are tired of minimalism, this book invites you to embrace maximalism—the abundant use of colors, patterns, and embellishments. It is a guide for designers who wish to use dark tones and textures in a dramatic and confident manner.
9. Dragons & Pagodas: A Celebration of Chinoiserie (By Aldous Bertram)
Photo source by LH Magazine
A celebration and appreciation of the Chinoiserie style from the 18th century to the present. Understanding the historical context and contemporary interpretation of this Euro-Asian style provides a unique advantage in your portfolio.
10. The Big Book of Chic (By Miles Redd)
Photo source by LH Magazine
Miles Redd is globally acclaimed for his unique aesthetic that is cheerful, colorful, and dramatic. This book is a source of insight into the inspiration behind his vision—highly inspiring for using bold colors without losing a touch of luxury.
III. Principles, Functionality, and Lifestyle
11. Kelly Hoppen: How to Achieve the Home of Your Dreams (By Kelly Hoppen)
Photo source by LH Magazine
Kelly Hoppen provides professional insight into the fundamental design principles needed to create dream spaces. She focuses on balance, symmetry, and how to achieve a luxurious feel through structured simplicity.
12. Elements of Style: Designing a Home & a Life (By Erin Gates)
Photo source by LH Magazine
An excellent guide for designing a home that truly reflects the personality and style preferences of its occupants. The book underscores the importance of human-centered design and functionality above all else.
13. Victoria Hagan: Live Now (By Victoria Hagan)
Photo source by LH Magazine
The admired designer shares her views on the critical role of home in modern life through her most recent projects. This is a case study on design that is calming, timeless, and focused on quality of living.
14. Beautiful: All-American Decorating and Timeless Style (By Mark D. Sikes)
Photo source by LH Magazine
A bestseller that explores the chic American style, often focusing on themes like "Blue and White Forever." A perfect reference for designers who love a fresh, elegant coastal aesthetic for clients.
15. Inviting Interiors: A Fresh Take on Beautiful Rooms (By Melanie Turner)
Photo source by LH Magazine
The Atlanta-based designer reveals her secrets for creating sophisticated and timeless spaces. This book teaches designers how to create rooms that feel 'inviting' and comfortable, not just beautiful to look at.
IV. Architecture, Collaboration, and Contemporary Designer Inspiration
16. Collaborations: Architecture Interiors Landscapes (By Ferguson & Shamamian Architects)
Photo source by LH Magazine
Showcases a love for creativity and craftsmanship in the aesthetic planning of homes, from country estates to urban dwellings. The book highlights the importance of harmonious collaboration between architecture, interiors, and landscape—a practice vital for large-scale projects.
17. Art House (By Chara Schreyer dan Gary Hutton)
Photo source by LH Magazine
Features five homes resulting from the collaboration between an art collector and an interior designer. It highly inspires you to design spaces that truly serve as a canvas or home for serious, valuable art collections.
18. Art Life (By Sig Bergamin)
Photo source by LH Magazine
The globally acclaimed architect and designer highlights his extravagant style and appreciation for art. A lesson in incorporating personal flair and limitless artistic elements, creating bold and personal spaces.
19. Kelly Wearstler: Evocative Style (By Kelly Wearstler & Rima Suqi)
Photo source by LH Magazine
Kelly Wearstler is known for continuously pushing boundaries with her creative interiors. This book is a study on how top designers remain relevant and innovate with their latest projects, including her own renovated home.
20. Nicole Hollis: Curated Interiors (By Nicole Hollis)
Photo source by LH Magazine
Hollis presents some of the most beautiful environments with a clean, minimalist modern twist, from California to Hawaii. This is an example of modern and clean curated design, highly relevant for contemporary urban aesthetics.
21. EVOKE (By Nina Magon)
Photo source by LH Magazine
In her debut book, Nina Magon showcases a worldly, sophisticated, and art-centric modern chic style. A visual guide for designers who wish to blend modern luxury with a strong artistic essence.
V. History, Vogue References, and Enlightenment
22. Inspired Design: The 100 Most Important Designers of the Past 100 Years (By Jennifer Boles)
Photo source by LH Magazine
A reflection on 100 leading interior designers from the last century. An essential history book to understand where contemporary design trends originate. A must-own as a roadmap of global design history.
23. Rooms with a History: Interiors and their Inspirations (By Ashley Hicks)
Photo source by LH Magazine
This twelve-chapter book unravels Ashley Hicks's creative process and motivations as a designer, inspired by the 21st century. It helps professional designers reflect on their personal sources of inspiration and develop them.
24. Vogue Living: Country City Coast (By Hamish Bowles & Chloe Malle)
Photo source by LH Magazine
An extraordinary collection featuring phenomenal houses and gardens from owners in the fashion and design world, previously featured in Vogue. Provides perspective on how fashion icons style their living spaces, which are often highly personal.
25. Vogue Living: Houses Gardens People (By Hamish Bowles)
Photo source by LH Magazine
Presents never-before-seen images of private interiors and beautiful gardens. This book emphasizes that good design encompasses not just the home, but also the surrounding landscape and how the space is brought to life by its inhabitants.
WRAP-UP!
Fellow designers, every book on this list is an investment, not just an expense. Reading these works will give you a new visual language and the necessary framework to face increasingly sophisticated clients.
Remember, design is a global conversation. By enriching your insight through these world-class resources, you are not only elevating the quality of your personal portfolio but also contributing to the advancement of design standards worldwide.
Happy reading, and keep creating beyond boundaries!
