Current reading list: interiors edition
design books to inspire“Design books are the best of both worlds to me – full of great insights and tips, as well as stunning pictures that fill me with inspiration and fuel my desire to design.”
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I’ve always been an avid read and collector of all kinds of books. I love how they can take you to another world for a short while, and fill you with so much knowledge.
In addition to the regular novel or non-fiction book I always have on the go, I usually always have a good hardcover or coffee table design book that I’m pouring over for inspiration.
They’re the best of both worlds to me – full of great insights and design tips, as well as stunning pictures that fill me with inspiration and fuel my desire to design.
So I thought I’d share my thoughts on some of the books I’ve recently finished, and some that I’ve got in my library to read soon.
These are two books that I finished earlier this year, and they instantly became faves for both content and aesthetics.
I make no secret of the fact that I absolutely adore the ‘Studio McGee’ aesthetic – also referred to as Organic Modern or Modern Farmhouse – and I could possibly be Shea McGee’s biggest fangirl.
These books seem to have a lot of reviews pointing to the fact that they are too ‘beige’, and sure, the aesthetic isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. That’s okay!
For me I found the design style aligned very closely with my own, and that made them very enjoyable and inspiring to read. There’s a lot of great insights into the design choices behind each project, and McGee also shares quite a lot of technical resources in her book, such as how big a rug should be and how high to hang a picture.
If you’re into this style, I would certainly recommend them. They’re also beautiful hardcovers that can be displayed proudly around the home when you’re not reading!
This was a book I read last year, for the sole purpose of wanting to get a better background on the mechanics of interior design.
It’s more European-centric and delves into the history of interior design principles over the past one-two centuries, and how they apply to interior design today.
There certainly isn’t any pretty pictures, but it does contain excellent diagrams and technical principles that I think are a great point of reference for any designer.
I highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn more about the behind the scenes workings of interior design and not just the aesthetics and style.
This is another great book I powered through last year. It’s an Aussie book written by the founders of the BuildHer Collective – an organisation all about empowering women to lead the charge in the home build and renovation space.
It features some stunning projects, and it definitely got me wanting to apply for The Block immediately. But it also gives some great insights in to the build and renovation process and how you can set yourself up for success when doing it yourself.
It guides you through the process from planning and approvals, all the way through to interior design and project management.
If you’re thinking about renovating or flipping a house, this one is a must-read.
Another stunner of a coffee table book – Live Beautiful if the flagship design book by New York-based interior designer and founder of EyeSwoon, Athena Calderone.
It features projects in her signature style – think organic modern with more of a traditional, New York flair.
I found it great to read about her journey as an interior designer, from beginning to now, and there’s a stunning mix of projects featured.
It’s certainly a more higher-end, editorial style of design book. But hey, a girl can dream!
Another recommendation for both inspiration and styling aesthetic once you’re done reading.
Now, I won’t lie to you, this is certainly not an interior design book. However, this one really helped me unpick the creative process we face as designers.
Interior design is such a collaborative discipline, and this book really helped me shift my mindset on embracing the influences around us in this field.
I found it to be a really empowering read as a creative, and would recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a little internal pep talk to alleviate that pesky imposter syndrome!
Currently on my list
I hope this list has given you some solid reading inspo!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of the books I’ve shared, or any others you’d recommend an emerging interior design read. Feel free to slide into my Instagram DMs to chat!
