5 Best Books for People Who Love Interior Design: Top Fiction and Non-Fiction Picks
If you have a passion for interior design, books can be a great way to get inspiration. There are many options to choose from, including books full of photographs, design tips, and even stories set in beautiful homes.
Both fiction and non-fiction books can spark new ideas for your spaces and help you see home design in a new light.
When picking out a book about interior design, it helps to pay attention to a few key things. Consider whether you want step-by-step advice, detailed imagery, or an engaging story set in a well-designed world.
You should also think about the size and quality of photos if you plan to display the book on a table. The writing style and level of practical advice are important too.
Choosing the right book depends on your taste, budget, and the way you like to learn about interiors. To help you decide, we researched popular interior design books to find the best ones for design lovers.
Best Books for People Who Love Interior Design (Fiction & Non-Fiction)
If you are passionate about interior design, choosing the right book can inspire new ideas and boost your creativity. Below, you will find a list of top books that are great for anyone interested in beautiful spaces and design stories.
Made for Living
This book is a smart choice if you want a stylish source of inspiration and practical home design ideas.
Pros
- Features a wide range of styles, so you get plenty of inspiration
- High-quality images and sturdy construction make it great for display
- Offers actionable design tips that are easy to understand
Cons
- Focuses more on neutral tones, which might not suit every taste
- Some sections repeat similar ideas
- Not all styles are deeply explored
When you first pick up “Made for Living,” the sophisticated cover stands out and looks good wherever you leave it. Inside, you’ll find beautiful photography paired with stories and advice that you can actually use when decorating your own home.
You’ll appreciate the practical tips scattered throughout each section. The book covers different approaches to interior design, letting you see what might work in your own space.
I found myself going back to certain chapters for guidance when trying to rearrange a room or choose colors that fit a relaxed style. It should be mentioned that “Made for Living” leans heavily towards a neutral aesthetic, which won’t appeal to those who prefer bolder designs.
Some concepts feel repetitive, but the mix of visuals and explanations make it a strong choice if you want inspiration and guidance in one attractive package.
Interior Design Handbook
This is a practical guide for people who want to create better spaces and understand the basics of interior design.
Pros
- Advice is straightforward and easy to use
- Good for both beginners and those with some experience
- Encourages you to decorate with intention rather than copy others
Cons
- Lacks glossy, inspirational photos
- Not ideal if you prefer visual guides
- Some find the writing style a bit dry
When you open this book, you’ll find simple ideas and tips that actually work in real living spaces. Easy language and a direct style help you make sense of design basics like flow, balance, and comfort.
You’ll get fresh ideas on how to use what you already have, which can save you money and still get your home looking put together. This book teaches you to think about how a room makes you feel, not just how it looks.
It explains the “why” behind good design instead of just showing you what’s trendy. If you like to figure things out for yourself or want to build confidence picking your own colors and layouts, you’ll appreciate this approach.
However, it’s important to know that the photos are more practical than eye-catching. If you want a picture-heavy book for inspiration, this might not be for you.
Still, the advice is solid, and you’ll probably return to it as you improve different rooms in your home.
The Love of Home
If you enjoy calming, neutral interiors and want fresh inspiration for beautiful, thoughtful decor, this book is a strong option.
Pros
- Clean photo layouts and clear design ideas
- Inspiring focus on balance and comfort
- Blends well as part of a coffee table collection
Cons
- Heavy tilt toward neutral color palettes
- May not suit fans of bold or colorful designs
- Emphasis is mostly on looks, less on practical tips
When you flip through this book, you notice right away that the photos make every room feel warm and welcoming. The pages have a calm vibe, leaning into off-whites, tans, and grays.
If you like a more muted or natural style, you’ll feel right at home with the look and layout. This book puts a lot of care into showing how to make your space feel balanced rather than just stylish.
You get ideas for arranging your rooms so they feel both relaxing and beautiful. Many ideas seem possible without big makeovers, which helps if you want inspiration but not a complete redo.
One thing to keep in mind is that some readers might find the style too specific. The focus on neutrals means you won’t find much for bold or bright color lovers.
Still, The Love of Home works well as a decor piece on your shelf and as a source of ideas if you’re after a quiet, balanced look.
Defining Style
If you want a book that looks great on the table and inspires fresh decorating ideas, this is a solid pick.
Pros
- Beautiful, eye-catching design and layout
- Packed with real-world decor examples and ideas
- Makes a strong visual statement in any room
Cons
- It’s large and fairly heavy
- Not a deep guide on technical skills
- Price may be higher than basic books
The first thing you notice about “Defining Style” is the vibrant cover and bold design. It instantly grabs your attention and works well as a coffee table book, adding color and personality to your space.
While flipping through the pages, you get plenty of interior design photos and ideas that feel fresh and approachable. This book doesn’t bog you down with too much technical detail.
Instead, you see real-world design choices and spaces that you might want to try at home. The focus is on inspiration rather than step-by-step instructions, so it’s best for those who like to explore different styles and get ideas visually.
Although it’s not a handbook for learning interior design from scratch, “Defining Style” stands out as a reliable source of ideas and aesthetic value. If you appreciate a book that looks good while giving you something new to try, this one is worth adding to your collection.
Interiors of a Storyteller
If you love interior design but also want a heartfelt story, this book brings both together in a way that feels personal and inspiring.
Pros
- Combines engaging memoir and interior design guidance
- Features beautiful, real-life photos that feel approachable
- The writing is genuine and easy to connect with
Cons
- Some stories may feel too personal if you want only design tips
- Photos are inspiring, but not always practical for small spaces
- The book is a bit heavy for everyday carrying
Stephanie Sabbe’s book stands out because it isn’t just about gorgeous rooms. The personal stories add real depth, so you get to know the person behind the designs.
You’ll laugh at her memories, feel moved by her honesty, and pick up real inspiration for your own home. Photos of her work are not only lovely but also relatable.
There’s a lived-in, relaxed feel to them that helps you picture similar looks in your own space. Instead of just showing perfect homes, the book shares both the beauty and the messiness of real life.
It’s the kind of book you want to keep on your coffee table for easy flipping, but you might also read it cover to cover. While some pages focus more on narrative than how-to advice, it’s still a solid pick if you appreciate design with personality and warmth.
Buying Guide
When looking for a book about interior design, start by thinking about what interests you most. Do you prefer real-life guides, visual inspiration, personal stories, or fiction with design themes?
Consider These Key Features:
- Type: Non-fiction guides, coffee table books, designer biographies, or fiction with a design focus
- Visual Content: Lots of photos or illustrations vs mainly text
- Skill Level: Beginner, intermediate, or advanced topics
- Format: Hardcover, paperback, or digital
Table: Key Features to Compare
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Type | Guide, coffee table, or fiction |
| Visual Content | Lots of images or mostly text |
| Skill Level | Beginner to advanced |
| Author Background | Design expert or storyteller |
| Length | Short and focused or detailed |
Read reviews and sample a few pages if you can. Some books are more technical, while others tell stories about design or designers.
Check the publication date for up-to-date styles. Older books may focus on trends that are less popular now.
Think about where you will read or display the book. Large illustrated books work well on tables, while smaller ones are easier to read anywhere.
Price can vary, so consider your budget before choosing. Hardcover or special editions may cost more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Books about interior design can teach you something new, whether you prefer stories or guides. There are options for learning basic principles, exploring top designers’ lives, or diving into fiction where rooms and spaces play a big part.
What are the top-rated fiction books that feature interior design themes?
You might enjoy “The Decoration of Houses” by Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman Jr., which blends narrative and design.
“Sophie Kinsella’s ‘The Undomestic Goddess’” also touches on styling home spaces within its plot.
“Interiors” by Lisa Zeiger is another popular choice for those who prefer fiction tied to home design.
Can you recommend some non-fiction books that provide expert interior design insights?
Consider “Domino: The Book of Decorating” by Deborah Needleman for step-by-step advice.
“Interiors: The Greatest Rooms of the Century” by Phaidon Editors gives you a look at famous rooms and their designers.
“Nate Berkus: The Things That Matter” shows how personal stories shape rooms.
Which books should be on every interior designer’s reading list?
“The Elements of Style: A Practical Encyclopedia of Interior Architectural Details” by Stephen Calloway is strongly recommended.
“Interior Design Illustrated” by Francis D.K. Ching covers important visual guides.
“Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms” by Emily Henderson will help with styling spaces in your own way.
Are there any must-read autobiographies or biographies of influential interior designers?
Try “A Life in Design” by Bunny Williams to learn about her decades-long career.
“Nancy Lancaster: English Country House Style” by Martin Wood explores Lancaster’s influence.
“Elsie de Wolfe: A Life in the High Style” by Jane S. Smith covers America’s first female decorator.
What literature would you suggest for beginners wanting to understand the principles of interior design?
“Design Sponge at Home” by Grace Bonney gives easy-to-follow tips for beginners.
“Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave” by Joanna Gaines is simple and clear.
“Apartment Therapy’s Complete + Happy Home” by Maxwell Ryan is good for learning basics step by step.
Could you list some fiction novels where the setting’s interior design plays a crucial role in the story?
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald uses room decor and lavish spaces to set the mood and drive the plot.
“Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier features Manderley. The style and mood of the house deeply affect the story.
“The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett centers around a home whose design shapes the lives of its characters.
