The 10 Best Interior Design Books To Help Zhuzh Up Your Space
A+ home inspo, right this way...
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This might sound a bit harsh, but if there is still a “Live, Laugh, Love” decal clinging for dear life to your living room wall, then babes, you are wayyy overdue for a serious interior overhaul. Knowing how or where to start can be insanely overwhelming. Sure, perusing Pinterest or IG for inspiration might sound like a good idea. But once you find yourself 26 pages deep into farmhouse chic homes (you know the ones with floor-to-ceiling white shiplap that lack any and all personality?), you start to lose all hope.
So, to help jumpstart your extreme (or maybe not so extreme) home makeover and save you from an eternal hell of boring white walls, we have put together a list of 10 AH-MAZING interior design books. These reads give page after page of A+ inspo, clever ideas, and actually useful tips on how to take your space from outdated to outstanding. And don’t worry if you're picky, we’ve got pretty much any style you could think of covered—from vintage vibes and boho abodes, to small spaces with big impact and maximalist dwellings. And as a major bonus, any one of these books would look fab sitting on your coffee table next to that v expensive Le Labo candle you exclusively burn on special occasions.
Plus, I think it is fair to say a picturesque book of interior eye candy and a little decorating will give you a much-needed break from reading about Prince Harry’s “todger.” You’re welcome <3
Ahh the ‘70s. A decade of good weed, great music, and arguably the most ICONIC decor. 70s House pays tribute to an era of funky, kitschy design that has had a major resurgence in interiors. Don’t worry though: if geometric linoleum flooring and wood paneled walls aren’t your thing, author Estelle Bilson covers how to bring the vibes of the ‘70s into your pad without making it feel tacky or dated. Can you dig it?!
If you're a Target girly, then you have probs ogled over interior designer Justina Blakeney’s effortlessly cool collab with the retailer’s Opalhouse brand during one of your weekend runs. But for those who don't know, Justina is basically the queen of bold, boho interiors and is sharing all her fabulous advice with you in her book Jungalow: Decorate Wild. Justina fills each page with bold designs, vibrant colors, rich textures, and unique patterns that will give you the confidence to unleash your wild side.
Remember the iconic SATC episode when Samantha Jones crashed the exclusive rooftop pool at the Soho House? Luckily, for you and (Sam Jones), bringing the impeccable vibes of the Soho House to your home is far easier (and cheaper) than getting through the doors of the boujee members-only social club. Eat Drink Nap—aka my three fav activities—covers all aspects of creating the perfect space for entertaining (yummy cocktail recipes included!).
Maybe you moved back home with the ‘rents to save some $$$ or opted living in that fourth-floor walk-up shoebox disguised as an apartment because you just always knew you were a “city girl.” Either way, this book proves that living in tight quarters doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style and personality. Jam packed with tips and tricks to help you improve your storage (or lack thereof), increase the functionality of your lil space, and live a life free of clutter, this book is sure to save you from using your oven as a shoe closet.
'Easy Cottage Style: Comfortable Interiors for Country Living' by Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell
Cottagecore is more than just a style, it is a way of life. Authors Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell provide some serious design inspo that will help you bring the rustic charm and romance of cottage living to your home. Now you can officially live out your quaint Snow White fantasy, although no promises this book will help you snag Prince Charming or make woodland creatures appear on your doorstep.
Your home should be where you feel most at peace (TBH the Target Starbucks takes a close second for me). Author, interior designer, and licensed therapist Anita Yokota gives expert advice on how to create an intentional space that encourages your mind, body, and soul to flourish. So, yes, self-care most definitely includes your environment—and that also goes for any Tinder hookup who does not have sheets on their bed. We are all about protecting our mental well-being here.
When it comes to maximalist decorating, there's a fine line between having an eclectic, curated space and appearing on an episode of Hoarders. We want less of the overly crowded antique mall look and more of the “I went to a prestigious art school and now collect lavish textiles” vibe. More is More is More includes page after page of lush interior goodness from award-winning designers, to help steer you in the right direction when putting together your maximalist home.
There is a good chance you follow Cliff Tan on TikTok or have at least had one of his satisfying AF furniture rearrangement vids pop up while scrolling. Well, your FYP’s fav architect has published a book to help you bring flow and harmony to your space with the practice of feng shui. Tan approaches the ancient practice through a modern lens and teaches you how to bring the best energy to your environment—which is honestly the most Kourtney Kardashian thing I’ve ever said.
Plant people, rejoice! Coming hot off the press, “plantfluencer” and interior stylist Hilton Carter is back with even more design advice on how to bring the outdoors in with his latest book, Living Wild. On top of care tips for your lil plant bbs (which is much appreciated for all us unintentional plant killers), Carter takes you inside of several plant-filled pads he styled, and offers unique ideas on how to incorporate lush greenery in your home.
Just finished binging Netflix’s Emily in Paris and can’t stop daydreaming about eating croissants on the terrace of your fabulous Parisian apartment? Cause same. Unfortunately, obtaining a Visa and being able to afford a luxe apartment are not in the cards for me. Until then, I will take a note or two from the stunning pages of Parisian by Design and don a beret just to feel something. Maybe one day, Paris!
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