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The Best Design Books To Buy Right Now For Guidance and Inspiration

Do you ever wonder where design ideas and inspirations come from? The design world has a great relationship with social media outlets such as Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and online blogs, but one of the most important sources of inspiration are books curated by the designers themselves. From start to finish, these books go into great detail regarding the who, what, where, when, and why of design.

We’ve curated a list of the 10 best design books to buy right now that offer plenty of design wisdom, guidance, and inspiration!

10. The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Style, and Decorate Your Space

By Frida Ramstedt, illustrated by Mia Olofsson

Starting things off at number 10 is The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Style, and Decorate Your Space. In it, Frida Ramstedt focuses on the basic design rules of what looks good and, most of all, why it looks good. Ultimately, the book illustrates how to create a harmonious home with furniture and accessories.

The Interior Design Handbook (Frida Ramstedt)

9. Live Beautiful

By Athena Calderone

In Live Beautiful, Athena Calderone uses her network of decorators, fashion designers, and tastemakers to reveal how her interiors come together. She gives readers a look into her own homes and how she designed them.

Live Beautiful (Athena Calderone)

8. Home Stories: Design Ideas for Making a House A Home

By Kim Leggett

Home Stories: Design Ideas for Making a House A Home focuses on all things interiors. Kim Leggett puts her no-rules approach that is all about using what you love to create rooms that tell your personal story.

Home Stories- Design Ideas for Making a House A Home (Kim Leggett)

7. Inspired by Nature: Creating a Personal and Natural Interior

By Hans Blomquist

Inspired by Nature: Creating a Personal and Natural Interior comes in at number 7 on our list. In this book, Hans Blomquist discusses the essential components of a well-loved home. With nature being at the heart of his decorating philosophy, he focuses on the harmonious link that design and the natural worlds have and the benefits we get from it.

Inspired by Nature- Creating a Personal and Natural Interior (Hans Blomquist)

6. This is Home: The Art of Simple Living 

By Natalie Walton

This is Home: The Art of Simple Living is a back-to-basics guide on how to create authentic interiors. Natalie Walton focuses on simple living and incorporating elements into your home that genuinely make you happy.

This is Home: The Art of Simple Living (Natalie Walton)

5. Down to Earth: Laid-back Interiors for Modern Living

By Lauren Liess

Down to Earth: Laid-back Interiors for Modern Living goes beyond the basics. In it, Lauren Liess invites readers to incorporate the main components of her familiar design aesthetic: nature, easy living, and approachability, into their homes. She focuses on the use of layers, texture, and repurposing.

Down to Earth: Laid-back Interiors for Modern Living (Lauren Liess)

4. Make Life Beautiful

by Syd Mcgee and Shea Mcgee

Make Life Beautiful, by Syd McGee and Shea McGee, focuses on living the best version of your life. The book provides tips about how to prioritize values, define goals, and put your dreams into action.

Make Life Beautiful (Syd Mcgee and Shea Mcgee)

3. How Design Makes Us Think: And Feel and Do Things 

By Sean Adams

In How Design Makes Us Think: And Feel and Do Things, Sean Adams expands beyond aesthetic design. He encourages the reader to dig deeper to understand the ways design can convince us of a certain way of thinking. He examines design philosophies and the psychology behind the reasons certain designs are appealing to different people.

How-Design-Makes-Us-Think-And-Feel-and-Do-Things-By-Sean-Adams-41702-e1650400161308
How Design Makes Us Think: And Feel and Do Things (Sean Adams)

2. Design the Home You Love: Practical Styling Advice to Make the Most of Your Space

by Lee Mayer and Emily Motayed

In Design the Home You Love: Practical Styling Advice to Make the Most of Your Space, Lee Mayer and Emily Motayed teach you how to identify your style and how to incorporate that into your own home on a budget. Their overall goal is to fulfill your home’s potential and make you love your space!

Design the Home You Love- Practical Styling Advice to Make the Most of Your Space (Lee Mayer and Emily Motayed)

1. Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave

by Joanna Gaines

Rounding off the list at number 1 is Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave. In it, design guru Joanna Gaines walks you through how to create a home that reflects the personalities and stories of the people who live there. Her guide will help you order your priorities. It also provides practical steps for discovering and embracing your authentic design style.

Home Body (Joanna Gaines)

Morgan Lobzun

I write for decoist.

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