The Best Interior Design Books for Timeless Home Inspiration
I take pride in my book collection, home library shelves, and the curated titles scattered & styled throughout my home. The only thing I love more than digging into a fiction novel is bringing home an inspiring design book. This year has certainly been the year for beautifully published interior design books. I’ve got a few new favorites that you should add to your must-read collection, and I wanted to share a current list of favorites with you.
In the past, I’ve shared my top interior design book picks, but in the last couple months alone- I’ve added five or six new ones to the mix. Not only has my top 10 evolved, but I just purchased my favorite interior book to date… this week my mailman showed up with the new Ralph Lauren A Way of Living book, and it’s safe to say I’m smitten. More in the post! Keep scrolling for a fun-filled Friday read…
My Top Book Pick : A Way of Living
Emmett & I spent hours on the sofa combing through Ralph’s new book, dreaming, admiring, and pointing out fun design elements we’d never think to incorporate. That’s why print design is my favorite pastime… you can really sit down & get comfortable, spend time with content, note or bookmark pages to revisit, and fill an entire afternoon or evening gathering inspiration & entertainment. Turns out, books are my happy place these days- especially for home & interiors; they just have a sense of permanence.
A Way of Living is probably my favorite interior book of the decade (seriously), but then again- I’ve always been inspired by all things Ralph Lauren. It’s a BIG book filled with imagery from multiple homes, aesthetics, catalog shoots, interiors, exteriors, fashion, lifestyle imagery, RL history, etc. Trust me when I say- it’s one you’d also probably like. Beneath the dust jacket, it’s neutral and easy to style (pictured above), so all-in-all… it gets a 10/10 from me.
Now that I’m done praising RL for the design genius he is, let’s chat about the newest releases. During the month of September, six new titles landed on my desk at the Tuesday Made shop– all of which I immediately purchased to bring home.
Newly Released Interior Design Books
It was certainly a happy month for interior enthusiasts and design lovers. Here are six of my most recent finds that were JUST released:
- Ralph Lauren A Way of Living – for incredibly timeless interiors & styled vignettes
- Jake Arnold Redefining Comfort – for a fresh & modern take on classic home design
- Shea McGee The Art of Home – for room-by-room design & visual storytelling
- Heidi Caillier Memories of Home – for pattern play & a cozy cottage aesthetic
- Nicolas Cattelain Bagatelle – for a historic & aspirational look inside a French château
- Kelly Wearstler Synchronicity – for eclectic interiors & material /composition inspiration
Local Favorite : The Art of Home
I was recently invited to Shea’s book signing & The Art of Home release party here in Salt Lake, which was so much fun. It was really interesting to hear her talk about why she wanted to write the book and what topics she was sure to include. I’m surprised how much text accompanies the beautiful images- it’s a good one!
My Book Recommendations & Personal Picks
If you’re looking to invest in gorgeous reading & styling material this season, I’d recommend starting with the new arrivals, listed above. Otherwise, I’m going to link a bunch of my tried & true favorites below. Some are specific to a certain style of design or room design (like kitchen or baths). All are really good and grace the shelves & tables throughout my home.
Shop & browse my book picks by clicking directly on each one below…
Have you read any of those? Are any on your wishlist this season? Anyone else a big fan of print design? It’s funny- I get a lot of questions about how I fill the massive built-ins throughout our home and that has never really been an issue, given my intense love for books.
Design Book Sourcing & Styling Tips
If you’re on a budget, larger books like these can get expensive- be sure to keep your eyes peeled while thrifting. I’ve found many of these titles at my local secondhand stores. Check out this post for my best tips for thrifting & styling books. Here are a handful of ideas for styling interior design books throughout your home:
- Stack on a console or entry table
- Symmetric stacks on a credenza, sideboard, or buffet for added height
- Style on a coffee table or desk
- Display on an easel (great for the countertop, a desk, pedestal, or larger coffee table)
- Style on a nightstand or bedside table
- Use as risers for height and a good foundation (beneath a tray, lamp, candle, etc)
- Stack beneath or on top of a chair
- Line on a shelf (dispalyed horizontally or vertically)
Books are my number one tool for home styling. They’re the easiest way to achieve a collected and curated home, and they work for any budget. I also love that they’re multifunctional and provide entertainment, inspiration, all while doubling as decor.
Books also make a thoughtful gift as we head into winter and the season of gathering. I love tying a ribbon around a neatly wrapped book, writing a sweet dedication note on the inside of the cover, and I’m always keeping an eye out for those special little handwritten scripts when thrifting books. I think it makes them even more special! I picked up a secondhand book on millwork for Emmett and it had an inscription from a father to son, who was apparently building a home. Anyway- design is in the details!
Additionally, you may also find these links to be helpful…
- Helpful Home Improvement , Architecture, & Design Books
- 10 Tips for Shelf Styling with Lots of Books
- The Best Interior Design Magazines
- Design Discussion: Shelf Styling with Books
- My List of Fun Coffee Table Books
FAQ
I have two… The Perfect Kitchen and The deVOL Kitchen book. They both include classic kitchen design inspiration is a variety of aesthetics.
Ralph Lauren. His home showroom is also my favorite stop at High Point Market.
Yes! A handful actually… perks of being in the design industry and visiting showrooms during market. I have signed books from Nate Berkus, Kelly Wearstler, Alexa Hampton, and Shea McGee. Personally, having a signed book isn’t a deal breaker for me, but I do love the fun experience, conversation, or memory it adds.
I would love to. That would be a total dream come true! If anyone is in publishing- email me, ha.
Is anyone else finding interior inspiration via print lately? I hope you enjoyed this one! Check back on Monday for my 2023 fall home tour. It’s looking pretty around here and I can’t wait to show you around. I’ve got some extra posts built into the schedule next week as well, so we can properly catch up. I’ve been feeling under the weather this week, and Cash has been really sick- so we’ve been taking it slower than normal. More soon! Have the best weekend, friends. Thank you for being here!