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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

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The Interior Design Handbook (Frida Ramstedt)

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.

9. Live Beautiful

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Live Beautiful (Athena Calderone)

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.

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

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

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.

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

Inspired-by-Nature-Creating-a-personal-and-natural-interior-By-Hans-Blomquist-17248
Inspired by Nature- Creating a Personal and Natural Interior (Hans Blomquist)

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.

6. This is Home: The Art of Simple Living 

This-is-Home-The-Art-of-Simple-Living-By-Natalie-Walton-68075
This is Home: The Art of Simple Living (Natalie Walton)

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.

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

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

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.

4. Make Life Beautiful

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Make Life Beautiful (Syd Mcgee and Shea Mcgee)

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.

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

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)

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.

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

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

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!

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

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Home Body (Joanna Gaines)

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.

Morgan Lobzun

I write for decoist.

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