3 Beginner-Friendly Decorative Design Books That Inspire Creativity

Explore Decorative Design Books recommended by Booklist and other experts, perfect for newcomers eager to build strong creative foundations.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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Every expert in Decorative Design started exactly where you are now—curious, eager, and perhaps a bit unsure where to begin. Decorative design blends creativity and technique to transform everyday spaces and objects into expressions of style and personality. The beautiful thing about decorative design is that anyone can begin, with a bit of guidance and the right materials, making this an accessible art form that rewards patience and imagination.

Booklist, an established authority in book recommendations, highlights Decorative Macrame for its approachable, step-by-step introduction to macrame knots and projects. Their endorsement signals the book’s value in helping beginners gain confidence through clear visuals and manageable tasks. Meanwhile, Graham Rust’s Decorative Designs offers a treasure trove of painted interior ideas, bridging artistry with practical application, ideal for those wanting to explore decorative painting. And for a more playful start, Jade Summer’s Interior Design Coloring Book invites you to experiment with color and styles in a relaxed setting.

While these beginner-friendly books provide excellent foundations, readers seeking content tailored to their specific learning pace and goals might consider creating a personalized Decorative Design book that meets them exactly where they are. This approach ensures your journey is as unique as your creative vision.

Best for tactile craft beginners
Booklist, an established authority in book recommendations, highlights this guide for its approachable macrame patterns that appeal to both lovers of classic motifs and newcomers eager to try boho styles. They emphasize how the book makes macrame accessible with clear visuals and projects that inspire confidence in beginners. "Macrame is back, and this guide walks readers through several patterns sure to please those seeking classic motifs and new enthusiasts eager to embrace a boho aesthetic alike," they note, reflecting how the book helped them appreciate the craft’s revival and versatility.

Recommended by Booklist

Macrame is back, and this guide walks readers through several patterns sure to please those seeking classic motifs and new enthusiasts eager to embrace a boho aesthetic alike.

This book removes barriers for newcomers by breaking down macrame into manageable basics, starting with four essential knots illustrated through clear step-by-step photos. Shufunotomo Co. Ltd., a respected Japanese publisher specializing in handcrafts and home decor, guides you through 20 projects ranging from cozy wall hangings to boho lampshades, making it easy to craft stylish pieces that fit your home. Measurements and diagrams demystify the process, so even if you’ve never touched a rope, you’ll find approachable ways to decorate your space. If you want to add a personalized, tactile touch to your interior without feeling overwhelmed, this book offers precisely that.

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Best for aspiring decorative painters
Graham Rust is an accomplished painter and muralist known for his distinctive vision and expertise in decorative arts. He has authored several acclaimed books, including 'The Painted House', where he realized his dream of muraling an entire mansion. Rust's work is celebrated for its creativity and practical application, making him a respected figure in the field of decorative design. In this book, he shares over a hundred ideas that span from painted interiors to small decorative objects, providing a rich resource for beginners and professionals alike.
183 pages·Decorative Design, Interior Decoration, Decorating, Furniture Painting, Mural Art

When Graham Rust expanded his expertise beyond murals into a broader decorative realm, he crafted a book that offers over 100 innovative ideas for painted interiors and decorated objects. You’ll discover how to personalize your living space with designs ranging from grand murals to small-scale painted items like bookplates and monogrammed stationery, blending artistry with practical application. Chapter 7’s whimsical chinoiserie dog kennel and the jewel-like frog cocktail tray exemplify how Rust balances imagination with feasibility. This book suits anyone eager to explore decorative painting, whether you’re an amateur looking for inspiration or a professional decorator seeking fresh concepts for diverse surfaces.

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Best for beginner skill building
This AI-created book on decorative design is crafted based on your background, skill level, and specific interests. By sharing what areas you want to focus on and your goals, you receive a tailored learning experience that fits your pace and comfort. It makes starting decorative design less overwhelming by focusing on foundational skills that match exactly what you want to learn. This personalized approach helps you build confidence and grow your creativity step by step.
2025·50-300 pages·Decorative Design, Design Fundamentals, Creative Techniques, Material Selection, Color Theory

This tailored book offers a friendly and accessible introduction to decorative design, crafted to fit your background and learning pace. It explores foundational skills step-by-step, focusing on the core techniques that empower you to create beautiful decorative projects with confidence. Through a personalized approach, it gently guides you from basic concepts to more refined skills, ensuring the learning journey matches your comfort level and specific goals. The book reveals how decorative design combines creativity and craftsmanship, while removing overwhelm by focusing on what matters most to you. This personalized guide makes decorative design approachable, enjoyable, and uniquely suited to your interests.

Tailored Guide
Foundational Skill Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for creative design experimenters
Jade Summer’s Interior Design Coloring Book offers a unique path into decorative design by blending creativity with relaxation. This coloring book features 25 varied and inviting interior scenes, from cozy country kitchens to serene coastal bedrooms, each designed to help you experiment with color and style without pressure. Perfect for beginners, it gently introduces you to popular design styles and encourages personal expression through color choices, making it an accessible and enjoyable way to start your decorative design journey.
2020·108 pages·Decorative Design, Color Theory, Home Decorating, Room Styling, Creative Relaxation

This coloring book by Jade Summer invites you to explore interior design through a hands-on, creative process that removes the usual barriers for newcomers. Instead of overwhelming you with technical jargon, it offers 25 unique scenes featuring diverse styles like rustic, art deco, and coastal themes, letting you experiment with color in a relaxed setting. You get to engage with spaces such as a country kitchen or a walk-in closet, which helps you develop an intuitive sense of design and color harmony. Whether you're a beginner or someone wanting a low-pressure way to sharpen your eye for interiors, this book offers a refreshing, enjoyable introduction to decorative design.

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Begin Decorative Design with Confidence

Build your decorative design skills with personalized guidance that fits your pace and style.

Clear learning paths
Creative skill building
Personalized content

Many successful artists began with these foundational skills

Decorative Design Blueprint
Macrame Craft Secrets
Color Harmony Formula
Creative Design Code

Conclusion

These three decorative design books share a commitment to welcoming newcomers through accessible, engaging content that builds skills progressively. Whether your interest lies in crafting stylish macrame pieces, painting imaginative interiors, or exploring color through interactive coloring, each book offers a gentle yet inspiring way to develop your decorative design eye.

If you're completely new, starting with Decorative Macrame can ground you in tactile craft skills that bring immediate satisfaction. For step-by-step progression, moving from the creative exploration of the Interior Design Coloring Book to the more technique-focused Decorative Designs by Graham Rust can deepen both your confidence and your artistic range.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Decorative Design book that fits your exact needs, interests, and goals to create your own personalized learning journey. Building a strong foundation early sets you up for success in decorative design—an art that rewards curiosity, practice, and your unique touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Starting with Decorative Macrame is a great way to build hands-on skills with clear instructions and simple projects, easing you into decorative design without feeling overwhelmed.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Decorative Design?

No, each book is selected for its beginner-friendly approach, offering step-by-step guidance or creative exercises that welcome newcomers without prior experience.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with Decorative Macrame to learn foundational craft skills, then explore the Interior Design Coloring Book to experiment with color, and finally dive into Decorative Designs for painting techniques.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Choose based on your interests: the coloring book offers a fresh, relaxed approach, while the other titles provide time-tested techniques valued by many beginners.

Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?

No background is necessary. These books assume no prior knowledge and help you build your decorative design skills step by step.

Can I get a learning experience tailored to my specific interests in Decorative Design?

Yes! While these expert books offer solid foundations, you can also create a personalized Decorative Design book tailored exactly to your goals and pace, making learning more efficient and enjoyable.

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