Turn over a new page with these top interior design books

As winter envelops us in its overcast blanket and fireside hearths glow from misted windows, it’s time to wind down and take things at a slower pace. 2020 has been an unusual year, full of stresses and uncertainty, but it has also been an opportunity to take stock and discover our creative passions. So, what better time to read a beautiful book to help you realise the interior of your dreams? Here is a list of our favourite interior design books, in no particular order:

 

Farrow & Ball: How to Decorate
Joa Studholme & Charlotte Cosby

 

 Image : architecturaldigest.com

 

Farrow & Ball: How to Decorate is often hailed as the bible of home décor, and once you crack the spine it’s easy to see why. The authors have worked for the pioneering paint company for almost three decades combined – so they know their stuff when it comes to interiors. Throughout this gorgeous tome you’ll find beautiful homes in every corner of the world. Unsurprisingly, there is a focus on colour, so you can get insight into how different shades impact a room. There is also practical advice on using the myriad varieties of paint available.

 

Inspired Design
Jennifer Boles

 

 Image: www.vendomepress.com

As the full title shows, this book doesn’t just home in on one designer’s aesthetic. You can delve into the rich history of interior design from 100 years ago up to present day and learn from renowned experts in the field. Read about the mark each designer has made and see their creativity come alive in shots of their best work. Jennifer Boles, one of the first ever design bloggers, has an in-depth knowledge of art history which serves as the perfect guide through a century of interiors.

 

Near & Far, Interiors I Love
Lisa Fine

 

Image: www.vendomepress.com

 

Textile designer Lisa Fine takes us on a trip around the world, to her own homes and those of tastemakers. This beautifully crafted book is a work of art in itself, and Fine’s experience as a design magazine editor shines through in each page, with stunning photography by Miguel Flores-Vianna. What is so special about this book is, no matter if you are looking at a grand chandelier in a Paris abode, or an explosion of texture within a Mughal palace, you get a true sense of each owner’s personality – just as your own personality comes through in your interior.

 

The Maker: Beyond Decorating: Crafting A Unique Space
Tamara Maynes

 

Image: goodreads.com

 

This is a little different from your regular interior design books, as the emphasis is on creating décor with your own two hands. Anyone passionate about interiors knows that you can show who you are with your style – it’s one of the best parts of designing a home. What better way to express yourself than by crafting pieces that are truly unique to you? Whether you want to make ceramics and textiles, or go big with lighting and furniture, you can use this book to guide you.

 

Bright Bazaar’s Dream Décor
Will Taylor

 

Image: brightbazaarblog.com

 

Renowned lifestyle, travel, and design blogger Will Taylor has created a book bursting at the seams with fresh creativity. It showcases homes across destinations throughout the USA and Europe. The first half, ‘Dream Elements’, describes areas to focus on – like colour, lighting, and texture – when designing your interior. The second half, ‘Dream Style’, takes you inside 11 homes, each with their own individual style. As if this isn’t inspiring enough, you can feast your eyes on dreamy travel shots along the way. When you’ve finished reading, you’ll have a clearer picture of your own design aesthetic – and how to execute it perfectly.

 

The World of Apartamento
Omar Sosa

 

Image: apartamentomagazine.com

 

For over a decade, Apartamento magazine has given us a sneak peek inside the most wonderful homes in the world. What has always made it special is that, rather than showing perfectly lit, staged images, it focuses on the ordinary within the extraordinary. This book is a celebration of the magazine’s 10-year anniversary, featuring beautiful photography, quotes from interviews and, of course, interior inspiration. As contributing editor, Michael Bullock, explains, “At the end of all of this, what we have collectively learned from Apartamento is one meaningful and comforting fact: there are no general rules for how we should inhabit our homes or live our lives.”

Feeling inspired? Unleash the interior designer in you and try out our visualiser.