8 Design Books I Own & Love

When it comes to design, it feels like it is every bit that art-science combo (as most things tend to be). I’ve read again and again that it is important to know the design rules so you can break them properly (or some variation of such sentiments). While the books below are not technically technical books ;-), I find them to be more helpful and to keep my attention considerably longer with their quick guides and lovely imagery. Below are the 8 Design Books that I own and love (and the reasons why).

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Travel Home

Travel Home clearly struck a cord with me (as I am sure it does with almost everyone who loves to travel and appreciates good design.) It was written by a mother/daughter duo and contains interviews with various designers about their favorite places, hotels, markets, etc. It is complete with beautiful photos of their homes and the ways in which their travel experience has informed their style.

Homebody

Joanna Gaines has certainly impacted interior design in a meaningful way. Her book, Homebody, is lovely and I find it to be incredibly useful with both considerations and troubleshooting for each room. It is a book that I refer to in order to assess whether I have covered all of my bases in a room. I would be remiss not the mention the timeless and charming photos of which the book is comprised.

Styled

If you have ever come across an Emily Henderson blog post, you are aware that she covers alllll the options and choices. Her articles are both fun and very useful. Perhaps more than the the other books on this list, her book, Styled, has been a great resource for midcentury styles. Having worked as a prop stylist, the book, STYLED, assists with arranging rooms, bookshelves, tabletops, etc. However, I think that my favorite part of the book is the old school way (if you were a 90s teen and took the a-b-c-d SEVENTEEN quizzes, you will be right at home ;-)) she helps you to name your style. I lied. My favorite FAVORITE part is the style wheel on which she illustrates how to choose styles that mingle well together.

Habitat

Lauren Liess, author of Habitat & Down to Earth (described below) is a bit of a wonder woman with 5 kids, multiple pets, a design business, and several home moves. She truly loves nature and I appreciate the ways in which she incorporates it into her decorating style. Habitat: A Field Guide to Decorating truly is a field guide. It is broken down into 3 Parts. Elements of Design (architecture, finishes & hardware, floor plan, etc), Elements of Design (aesthetic, style, juxtaposition, etc), and a Room-By-Room Guide.

Down to Earth

As mentioned above, even with so much going on, Lauren Liess somehow seems laid back about life and interiors. In Down to Earth, her aesthetic is exemplified through a series of homes in various styles. What they have in common is her collected, nature-inspired, and relaxed approach. Chapters titles include Ease, Timelessness, and Simplicity, to name a few. I love how she includes sentimental items such as framed Indian art and airline menus via Air India flights from her client’s family trips to visit relatives in India in the 70s and 80s. That kind of thoughtful inclusion is what makes a house feel like a home.

Made for Living

This is one of my most referenced books… probably because it contains all of my favorite things! Amber Lewis is known for her California-inspired style. Traveling to Southern California yearly (sometimes twice yearly!) is a trip that our family looks forward to. Reading Made for Living and flipping through the pages for inspiration from this talented designer with rooms embodying one of our favorite places feels like a treat every time. From the best of the best paint color choices with photo examples to styling know-how to space and flow considerations, Amber Lewis shares her best tips and tricks in an approachable and beautiful manner.

Live Beautiful

With the most gorgeous kitchen of all time (in my opinion) gracing the cover, Live Beautiful exudes captivating style before you even open the pages. Like Travel Home, this book showcases a number of creatives and their spaces. Admittedly, I have only read a few of the chapters but have already gained so much inspiration from what I have read and honestly from the photos alone. The design in this book is anything but boring and one could study the photos with all of the unique details for years to come.

The Art of Home

Again, I have only just begun reading this treasure of a book by Shae McGee. The Art of Home is not only beautiful but it is substantial. With 400+ pages of helpful content, Shae’s writing is both elegant and easy to read. It is organized impeccably starting with the Studio McGee process and ending with a Style Guide, in between which are chapters on different spaces within a home. And of course, exquisite photos of the rooms discussed are included as well. I can’t wait to dive deeper into this book.

Design Book Coming Soon

I have already pre-ordered Amber Lewis’ second book, Call It Home. I am excited to read this guide for Amber’s deep dive into the detailed processes behind her amazing designs.