Design inspiration is everywhere. You turn on HGTV, open up a blog or look at social media and chances are you are loaded with ideas, pictures, DIYs and current trends. While I love seeing what other designers are up to while scrolling through Instagram or reading up on a new ‘How To’ on a favorite designer’s blog, nothing is more inspirational (or educational) to me that reading through a great design book. So, I have rounded up a few of my most beloved.
Domino: The Book of Decorating by Domino Editors (Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello & Dara Caponigro)
This is one of the first design books that I owned. Given to me by my Mom when I was in design school it has guides for decorating and styling every room as well as a decorator’s handbook to window treatments and upholstery.
Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookshelves by Emily Henderson
Written by stylist Emily Henderson, this book helps you determine your own style and gives ideas on incorporating that style into your home. Complete with her signature quirky touches each space feels unique and interesting.
Mark Hampton: On Decorating by Mark Hampton
On Decorating is an incredible guidebook on the basics of decorating and creating a home in a timeless way. This book is a compilation of essays and watercolor illustrations written for House and Garden.
Michael S Smith: Houses by Michael Smith with Christine Pittel
Michael Smith has a way of layering a room together like no one else. In this book he walks the reader through some of his projects, including his own home, teaching us his method to creating the ideal home.
The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now by Gil Schafer with Marc Kristal
Written by traditional architect, Gil Schafer, this book gives beautiful examples of renovating and building homes in an updated way, while respecting their historic qualities. He breaks down a house into three elements: Architecture, Decoration and Landscape and showcases four homes designed by him.
Each of these books are very different, offering an abundance of knowledge and inspiration. Whether you are new to your interest of design, eager to expertly style each room, looking for time honored instruction delivered in an entertaining way, ready to learn from one of the greats or a lover of historical architecture and traditional design, one of these books is for you. Not to mention any of them would look great on your coffee table. See, win-win!
