7 Interior Decorating Books for Beginners to Build Your Skills

What started as Orlando Soria's journey from HGTV assistant to design influencer became a candid, humorous guide blending interior decorating with life lessons. You get specific tips like how to hang art like a gallery owner, create tasteful flower arrangements, and pick wall colors that avoid common mistakes. Beyond décor, Orlando’s voice offers reassurance for anyone navigating homemaking challenges, whether hosting on a budget or dealing with personal setbacks. This book suits you if you want approachable, witty insights to build confidence in styling your space without feeling overwhelmed.

When Ariel Magidson realized that many aspiring decorators felt overwhelmed by costly and complex design advice, she crafted a guide that breaks down interior decorating into approachable, affordable steps. This book teaches you to assess your lifestyle needs, select sustainable decor, and arrange furniture effectively, all through simple, recipe-like instructions. Chapters offer targeted solutions for tricky spaces like awkward corners or unusual window placements, making it easier to transform any room. If you're new to decorating or seeking practical ways to refresh your home without splurging, this book offers clear guidance grounded in real-world living.

This tailored book explores the essentials of interior decorating with a focus on beginners seeking a confident and enjoyable introduction. It covers fundamental concepts such as color theory, furniture arrangement, style discovery, and creating harmonious spaces, all presented through a personalized lens that matches your background and learning pace. By focusing on your interests and specific goals, the book removes overwhelming complexity and offers a clear, progressive path to mastering decorating basics. The approach encourages hands-on learning and gradual skill-building, ensuring you develop the confidence to transform your space effectively. This personalized guide reveals decorating principles and practical applications designed uniquely for you, making the creative journey both accessible and inspiring.

What happens when a seasoned stylist known for his work with top-tier design magazines turns his eye to everyday home styling? Colin King, with his extensive background consulting for brands like West Elm and Zara Home, invites you to rethink your space by focusing on the art of arranging rather than acquiring. You’ll explore concepts like balance, scale, color theory, and texture, learning to craft personal and seasonal vignettes using things you already own. The book’s illustrated anecdotes and projects demystify styling, making it approachable whether you’re a beginner or simply looking to refresh your home’s feel without overwhelming complexity.

Andrew Howard draws on his extensive experience in interior design to challenge the notion that decorating must be complicated or intimidating. You learn how to balance style with comfort, making your space both inviting and functional. The book offers clear guidance on finding your unique aesthetic, with chapters devoted to color schemes, furniture arrangement, and lighting choices that reflect your personality. If you want to create a home that feels joyful and easy to live in, this book helps you avoid common pitfalls and instead build a space tailored to your lifestyle.

Rachel Mae Smith, known for her vibrant blog and Instagram presence, channels her passion for handmade crafts into this inviting collection of 25 colorful DIY projects. You’ll find yourself trying your hand at everything from dip-dyed napkins to geometric pillows, accompanied by practical tips on staging bookcases and building bar carts. The book doesn’t just stop at crafts; it offers insights on working with materials and even photographing your creations, making it a well-rounded guide for brightening your space. If you’re a beginner eager to add personality and color without fuss, this book offers manageable projects that energize your home decor without overwhelming you.

This tailored book explores the essential methods to help you uncover and apply your unique decorating style with clarity. It offers a personalized introduction that matches your background and skill level, guiding you through foundational concepts without overwhelming you. The content focuses on building your confidence by presenting the learning material at a pace suited to your comfort, encouraging gradual mastery. By focusing on your interests and goals, it reveals practical ways to define and refine your style, making the interior decorating journey approachable and enjoyable. This tailored approach ensures you engage with exactly the right knowledge to transform your space authentically and effectively.

Virginia Scidmore's guide transforms the intimidating world of interior design into an inviting, practical journey tailored for beginners. She draws from customer feedback to enrich the experience, including 50 extra photos that vividly illustrate key concepts. You'll learn to identify your personal style, use design to influence your mood, and make budget-conscious choices without sacrificing quality. The book spells out how to blend textures, colors, and furniture into a cohesive space that feels both functional and inviting. If you're hesitant about decorating or unsure where to start, this book lays out a straightforward roadmap to create a home that reflects your personality and lifts your spirits.

P. Moran Chiu's approach removes the intimidation factor from interior design, making it accessible to anyone ready to transform their living space. This book guides you through fundamental principles like color theory, furniture arrangement, and lighting, emphasizing practical techniques to balance style with functionality. You’ll find chapters dedicated to creating cohesive schemes and using budget-friendly updates, which are especially helpful if you’re starting out without a big budget. Whether you want to refresh a single room or overhaul your home, this handbook offers clear, straightforward guidance that respects your personal style and lifestyle needs.