Books Every Beginner Should Read On Interior Design

Hello, aspiring interior designer! Do you want to dive into the exciting world of creating beautiful, functional spaces? Feeling overwhelmed, where to start?

Don’t worry! We’re here to give you a list of books and resources that will become your trusty companions on your design journey, guiding you through the ins and outs of color theory, pattern mixing, space planning, and so much more!

So, where do we start? Of course, the fundamentals! Let’s look at the best books that explain the fundamentals through interior design books for beginners.

Fundamental Principles

The two books that stand out as the most comprehensive in explaining fundamentals are as follows:

1. Living With Color: Inspiration and How-Tos to Brighten Up Your Home

Immerse yourself in color theory and learn how to create customized color palettes that bring your spaces to life. This book helps beginners understand the psychological impact of colors and how to use them effectively in their designs.

2. Living With Pattern: Color, Texture, and Print at Home 

Discover the art of decorating with patterns and effectively combine color and texture for memorable, visually striking interiors. Beginners will learn to mix and match patterns without overwhelming the space, creating a cohesive and stylish look.

Additional Resource: Check out this insightful YouTube video that reviews the best interior decorating books for beginners, highlighting ways to use these books not only for reading but also as decorative elements in your home. 

Got a grasp on the fundamentals? Now, let’s look at their application by applying them to homes.

Practical Home Decorating Guides

Ready to put these principles into action? The below practical guides will help you navigate the real-world challenges of home decorating.

1. Design The Home You Love by Lee Mayer and Emily Motayed 

This book offers actionable advice for beginners, helping them identify their tastes and translate them into a beautifully designed home. It teaches you how to personalize your space and make confident design decisions that reflect your unique style.

2. Habitat: The Field Guide To Decorating by Lauren Liess 

Discover how to incorporate natural elements into your designs and create cohesive, inviting aesthetics that feel like home. Beginners will learn to layer textures, mix styles, and develop a sense of warmth and comfort in their spaces.

Additional Resource: In this video, an experienced interior designer shares her favorite books for interior design that she actively uses.

Learning how to decorate a home? It’s important to have your vision and style too. Let’s look at a couple of books that will help you develop the same. 

Design Styles and Inspiration

Since inspiration can come from anywhere, these books will help you explore some different design styles to see what resonates with you.

1. The New Bohemians: Cool and Collected Homes by Justina Blakeney 

Dive into the vibrant world of maximalist “Jungalow” design and learn how to embrace eclectic collections in your interiors. This book encourages beginners to experiment with bold colors, patterns, and plants, creating a unique and personalized space.

2. Home With Rue: Style For Everyone by Kelli Lamb

 Get inspired by real homes showcasing diverse styles and discover how to foster personal expression in your designs. Beginners will learn to identify and incorporate elements from various design styles, creating a space that reflects their personality.

Additional Resource: Another YouTuber presents a curated list of the best books on interior design for beginners!

As a beginner, you may have the grandest ideas, but practicality is important, too, isn’t it? Let’s look at books that help you find a balance between both.

Decorating on a Budget

Do you have a tight budget and want to know how to work around it? No problem— here are some books that offer stylish solutions without breaking the bank.

1. Rental Style: The Ultimate Guide To Decorating Your Apartment Or Small Home by Chelsey Brown

Discover budget-friendly decoration ideas and tips tailored for renters and small-space dwellers. This book helps beginners maximize their space and budget, offering creative solutions for common rental challenges.

2. Big Thrift Energy by Virginia Chamlee

Master the art of thrifting and learn how to decorate with vintage finds to maximize your budget’s potential. Beginners will discover how to hunt for unique pieces, repurpose items, and create a stylish home without overspending.

Additional Resource: In a Reddit thread, one user recommends “The Magic of Small Spaces” as a great book for beginners, highlighting its focus on impactful design in small homes and apartments around the globe, demonstrating that you don’t need a large space or budget to create a stunning interior!

You know what to do, so now let’s delve deep into how to do it!

Foundation and Theory

With budget decorating tips under your belt, it’s time to deepen your understanding with some foundational design theory:

1. The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Design, and Decorate Your Space by Frida Ramstedt

This book provides a comprehensive overview of room design fundamentals and teaches readers how to apply them in practice. It breaks down complex design concepts into easy-to-understand principles, helping beginners create well-balanced and functional spaces.

2. New York School Of Interior Design: Home: The Foundations Of Enduring Spaces by Ellen S. Fisher and Jen Renzi

Dive deep into the principles and theories of interior design, gaining an in-depth education that will inform your design decisions. Beginners will learn about space planning, lighting, color theory, and more, building a solid foundation for their design practice.

Additional Resource: Explore this thread where a Reddit user hones in on understanding the fundamentals and trends of interior design to hone their knowledge!

Now, let’s look at a few books that will help you put these theories into practice. 

Decorating with Purpose

Knowing the theory is one thing, but applying it purposefully makes a difference. Let’s see how we can blend beauty with functionality with the books below:

1. The Martha Manual: How to Do (Almost) Everything by Martha Stewart 

Discover a wide range of quick home-related tips that extend beyond design, helping you create spaces as practical as they are beautiful. This book offers beginners valuable insights into organizing, cleaning, and maintaining their homes, ensuring their designs stand the test of time.

2. Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookcases by Emily Henderson 

Learn styling tips and tricks for creating polished, considered homes that are visually appealing and functional. Beginners will learn how to arrange furniture, accessorize, and create vignettes that bring their design vision to life.

Additional Resource: Want to learn more about how you can decorate with custom closets? Learn how partnering with the best can help you achieve your design vision!

Have enough inspiration? Let’s look at how to put this all together!

Inspiring Design Projects

Now that you’re familiar with purposeful design, it’s time to draw inspiration from some genuinely successful projects by reading the books for beginners below:

1. Design Remix: A New Spin On Traditional Design by Corey Damen Jenkins 

Explore using bold colors and blending classic and contemporary elements in inspiring design projects. This book showcases a range of stunning interiors, demonstrating how beginners can push the boundaries of traditional design and create timeless and modern spaces.

2. The Beauty Of Home: Redefining Traditional Interiors by Marie Flanigan

Discover how to capture soulful, timeless design aesthetics in your projects, drawing inspiration from beautifully designed spaces. Beginners will learn to infuse their homes with character, warmth, and a sense of history, creating fresh and enduring interiors.

Additional Resources: A YouTube video expands on books that beginners in interior design create end-to-end projects. Partnering with an expert is also a good idea!

Now that you have the whole picture let’s delve into the details.

Organizing and Decluttering

Creating a beautiful space is just one part of the puzzle; now, let’s tackle how to keep it organized and clutter-free with the help of the following books:

1. The Home Edit Life: The No-Guilt Guide to Owning What You Want and Organizing Everything 

Learn how to effectively manage clutter and organize your home, creating spaces as functional as they are beautiful. This book offers beginners practical strategies for decluttering, sorting, and storing their belongings, ensuring their designs remain tidy and efficient.

2. Beautifully Organized: A Guide To Function And Style In Your Home 

Discover practical steps for organizing each room in your home, enhancing functionality and style. Beginners will learn how to create useful storage solutions, optimize their space, and maintain a clutter-free environment that showcases their design aesthetic.

Additional Resource: Decluttering is so much more than just an exercise in design. It helps with emotional health, as well as described in this Reddit thread, which recommends books like Decluttering at the Speed of Life b

y Dana White. And custom closets are a huge help for interior designers to build projects that avoid clutter.

And there you go! As you embark on your interior design journey, we hope that this list of books acts as a constant learning guide for you!

Conclusion

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into these incredible resources, get inspired, and let your imagination run wild. Start small, perhaps with a cozy custom closet in a nook, and watch as your confidence and skills grow with each project!

And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll even be inspiring others with your stunning interiors featured in design books and magazines. Partner with the best and reach the top of the ladder!