Where do design ideas and inspiration come from? Social platforms like Pinterest and Instagram play a big role, but books—especially those curated by designers themselves—remain among the most valuable sources. A well-crafted design book explains the who, what, where, when, and why behind creative choices, and offers practical guidance, context, and lasting inspiration.
Below is a curated list of the 10 best design books to buy right now. Each title delivers practical tips, design philosophy, and visual inspiration to help you shape interiors that feel intentional and personal.
10. The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Style, and Decorate Your Space
By Frida Ramstedt, illustrated by Mia Olofsson
Frida Ramstedt’s The Interior Design Handbook breaks down the fundamental rules of good design and, importantly, why they work. The book is a concise, approachable guide to arranging furniture, choosing proportions, and balancing elements to create homes that feel harmonious and functional. It’s ideal for anyone who wants clear principles to apply across rooms and styles.
9. Live Beautiful
By Athena Calderone
In Live Beautiful, Athena Calderone opens the doors to her own homes and the network of designers and tastemakers she collaborates with. The book blends personal tours with actionable ideas, showing how curated pieces, thoughtful layering, and a confident eye for composition come together to form welcoming, stylish interiors.
8. Home Stories: Design Ideas for Making a House a Home
By Kim Leggett
Home Stories celebrates a “no-rules” approach: use what you love to build spaces that tell your story. Kim Leggett focuses on layering, pattern, and personal objects, offering ideas for creating interiors that feel collected rather than contrived. The book suits anyone who prefers a lived-in, expressive aesthetic.
7. Inspired by Nature: Creating a Personal and Natural Interior
By Hans Blomquist
Hans Blomquist’s Inspired by Nature centers nature as the foundation of comfortable, timeless interiors. He explores materials, color palettes, and textures that echo the outdoors and discusses how bringing natural elements into the home supports well-being and harmony. The book is a practical resource for anyone seeking a calm, organic approach to decorating.
6. This Is Home: The Art of Simple Living
By Natalie Walton
This Is Home is a back-to-basics guide focused on simple living and authenticity. Natalie Walton encourages readers to pare down, choose items that truly bring joy, and build interiors that support daily life. Her emphasis on mindful choices and honest styling makes the book a practical manual for creating calm, clutter-free spaces.
5. Down to Earth: Laid-back Interiors for Modern Living
By Lauren Liess
Lauren Liess’s Down to Earth champions a relaxed modern sensibility rooted in nature, texture, and repurposed pieces. The book offers a clear design language—layers, tactile finishes, and approachable palettes—that helps readers create comfortable, stylish rooms that feel both current and timeless.
4. Make Life Beautiful
By Syd McGee and Shea McGee
Make Life Beautiful focuses on designing a life as much as designing a home. Syd and Shea McGee offer guidance on prioritizing values, defining goals, and shaping surroundings that support the life you want to live. The book pairs practical steps with inspiring visuals to help readers align their spaces with their priorities.
3. How Design Makes Us Think: And Feel and Do Things
By Sean Adams
Sean Adams’s How Design Makes Us Think goes beyond surface aesthetics to examine how design influences perception, emotion, and behavior. The book explores design theory, psychology, and the persuasive power of visual choices, making it a valuable read for designers and curious readers who want to understand the rationale behind successful design.
2. Design the Home You Love: Practical Styling Advice to Make the Most of Your Space
By Lee Mayer and Emily Motayed
Lee Mayer and Emily Motayed offer a practical, style-forward playbook in Design the Home You Love. The book helps readers identify their personal style and translate it into budget-friendly choices, room by room. With hands-on tips for layout, color, and sourcing, it’s a solid resource for anyone wanting to maximize the potential of their home.
1. Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave
By Joanna Gaines
Topping the list, Joanna Gaines’s Homebody is a thoughtful guide to crafting rooms that reflect the people who live in them. Gaines walks readers through clarifying priorities, discovering authentic style preferences, and taking practical steps to build cohesive, meaningful interiors. The book’s mix of personal insight and hands-on advice makes it an approachable roadmap for creating welcoming, livable spaces.
These ten books cover a wide range of perspectives—from psychology and theory to simple, hands-on styling—making them excellent additions to any design library. Whether you’re seeking practical tips, sustainable and nature-driven ideas, or a deeper understanding of why certain spaces resonate, these titles offer guidance and inspiration to help you create a home you love.