6 Interior Decoration Books for Beginners to Build Confidence

Recommended by experts Colin King, Ryan Fellini, and Virginia Scidmore, these beginner Interior Decoration books make learning approachable and inspiring.

Updated on June 24, 2025
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Every expert in Interior Decoration started exactly where you are now — curious, eager, but unsure where to begin. The beautiful thing about Interior Decoration is that anyone can start shaping their spaces with a bit of guidance and patience. Whether you're looking to add a personal touch or embark on a full redesign, building a solid foundation early helps you gain confidence and avoid common pitfalls.

Styling professionals like Colin King, known for his work with Architectural Digest and West Elm, emphasize the power of reimagining what you already own to create harmony and balance. Ryan Fellini’s straightforward approach lowers the barriers to entry by breaking down decorating styles and principles into manageable insights. Virginia Scidmore helps beginners identify their unique style and transform spaces thoughtfully without overwhelming complexity.

While these beginner-friendly books provide excellent foundations, readers seeking content tailored to their specific pace and goals might consider creating a personalized Interior Decoration book that meets you exactly where you are, helping you build skills steadily and enjoyably.

Best for creative hands-on beginners
Booklist, a respected authority in book recommendations, highlights this title as an excellent starting point for anyone new to macrame and interior decoration. They praise it for guiding readers through patterns that appeal both to traditional tastes and newcomers drawn to boho style. This recommendation comes as a nod to the book's clear instructions and inspiring projects, helping you confidently explore macrame as a way to refresh your home environment. "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."

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.

After examining the resurgence of macrame in contemporary home decor, Shufunotomo Co. Ltd. crafted this guide to demystify the art of knotting for anyone interested in personalizing their living space. You learn to master four fundamental knots, supported by clear photographs and diagrams that eliminate guesswork, enabling you to create 20 distinct projects ranging from soft wall hangings to functional plant holders. The book suits those drawn to hands-on crafting who want to add a warm, natural touch without feeling overwhelmed by complexity. If you're keen to try your hand at decorative fiber arts with approachable instructions, this book offers a well-paced introduction.

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Best for styling with existing furnishings
Colin King has styled and produced feature stories for major design magazines and worked with renowned brands, establishing himself as a trusted stylist in the design world. His approachable guide shares how to transform your living spaces by focusing on thoughtful placement and reimagining existing items. This book offers a unique opportunity to learn styling principles directly from a seasoned professional who understands both aesthetics and practicality.
Arranging Things book cover

by Colin King, Sam Cochran··You?

2023·240 pages·Interior Decoration, Interior Decorating, Decorating, Styling Techniques, Color Theory

Colin King, a stylist celebrated for his contributions to Architectural Digest and collaborations with brands like West Elm and Anthropologie, brings a fresh perspective to home styling in this book. He emphasizes that transforming your space isn't about acquiring new items but reimagining what you already have by focusing on balance, scale, and harmony. You learn practical techniques such as applying color theory, adding texture, and incorporating personal touches to craft spaces that feel both artistic and inviting. The inclusion of seasonal styling tips and DIY projects makes this guide approachable for anyone looking to develop their own style without feeling overwhelmed.

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Best for custom learning pace
This AI-created book on interior decoration is tailored to your skill level and specific interests. It focuses on your background and desired learning pace, creating a gentle, progressive path through decorating basics. By addressing what you find most relevant, this custom guide makes starting out less overwhelming and more enjoyable. It's designed to build your confidence step by step, helping you transform your spaces with ease.
2025·50-300 pages·Interior Decoration, Decorating Basics, Color Theory, Space Planning, Style Identification

This tailored book explores the essentials of interior decoration with a focus on your unique background and goals. It reveals foundational principles and techniques, carefully paced to match your current skill level, ensuring a comfortable and engaging learning experience. By concentrating on your specific interests, it gently guides you from basic concepts to hands-on decorating skills, building your confidence without overwhelming you. The content covers everything from color selection and space planning to style identification and accessorizing, all presented in a way that feels approachable and personalized. This tailored learning journey is designed to help you steadily develop your abilities and enjoy the creative process of transforming spaces.

Tailored Guide
Personalized Learning Path
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for artistic painting beginners
Graham Rust is an accomplished painter and muralist celebrated for his distinctive vision in decorative arts. Having realized his dream project of muraling an entire mansion, he brings that same expertise and practical creativity to this book. His approachable style makes it a great starting point for anyone looking to add painted designs to their home, from walls and furniture to smaller personalized objects.
183 pages·Decorative Design, Interior Decoration, Decorating, Furniture Painting, Mural Art

What started as Graham Rust's dream to mural an entire mansion evolved into this volume, offering you over a hundred decorative ideas for interiors and objects. You’ll find inspiration ranging from grand murals to smaller projects like painted cupboards and whimsical items such as cocktail trays adorned with jewel-like frogs. The book teaches you how to personalize your home with painted designs applicable to furniture, walls, and even everyday objects, blending creativity with practical application. Whether you’re an amateur decorator or a professional seeking fresh ideas, this collection provides approachable concepts that you can adapt to your own space.

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Best for personal style discovery
Virginia Scidmore’s book offers a fresh way for newcomers to approach interior decoration by focusing on discovering your personal style and transforming your space thoughtfully. It invites you to move beyond basic decorating fears and provides practical guidance on using color, furniture, and textures to craft a home that lifts your mood and feels welcoming. This guide stands out by combining creative inspiration with budget-conscious tips, making it especially approachable if you’re just starting out and want to make meaningful changes without stress.

When Virginia Scidmore penned this guide, she tapped into a common frustration: feeling stuck with uninspiring living spaces. You get a hands-on introduction to recognizing your unique style and practical methods to transform your home without overwhelming complexity or cost. The book offers clear exercises to identify needed furniture and explains how color, texture, and design styles influence mood, making your space both personal and inviting. If you’ve hesitated to redecorate due to budget or uncertainty, this book breaks down the process into manageable steps that help you create a home that feels truly yours.

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Best for organizing design ideas
This workbook stands out as a practical companion for anyone stepping into interior decoration, offering a physical space to organize and visualize ideas. The book provides structured two-page spreads for each project, where you can detail titles, themes, costs, and even paste samples or sketches. It’s designed to remove the overwhelm that can come with juggling multiple concepts, making it especially welcoming to beginners who want to build their portfolio and clarify their style. By focusing on the tangible aspects of project management and creative expression, it fills a unique niche in interior decoration resources.
2022·115 pages·Interior Decoration, Interior Decorating, Portfolio Management, Mood Boards, Color Palettes

What sets this book apart is its hands-on approach to organizing your creative process, making it less about theory and more about doing. Virginia I Smith understands that both beginners and seasoned decorators need a dedicated space to compile project details, mood boards, and sketches, which this workbook provides in a structured yet flexible format. You’ll find it particularly helpful for refining your style and managing budgets, with pages designed to capture everything from color palettes to inspirational images. It’s not a manual on design principles but a practical tool to keep your ideas clear and accessible, especially if you’re juggling multiple projects or just starting out. If you prefer a tactile, visual way to plan your interiors, this organizer fits the bill.

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Best for personal learning pace
This AI-created book on interior decoration is tailored to your skill level and specific interests. By sharing your background and goals, you receive a guide that focuses on the foundational concepts you need most, paced just right for you. Customization matters here because learning style and comfort greatly affect how confidently you build your decorating skills. This book removes overwhelm by targeting your unique needs and helping you progress steadily.
2025·50-300 pages·Interior Decoration, Style Identification, Color Harmony, Spatial Balance, Texture Use

This personalized book explores fundamental interior decoration concepts tailored to your unique background and learning pace. It covers essential principles such as color harmony, spatial balance, and style identification, providing a gentle introduction that builds confidence step-by-step. By focusing on your interests and comfort level, this tailored guide removes overwhelm and creates an enjoyable learning experience. The book examines foundational topics progressively, enabling you to grasp core ideas without pressure. It reveals how to thoughtfully approach decorating with clarity, matching your specific goals and skill set. Designed for newcomers eager to cultivate taste and practical knowledge, this tailored resource supports your individual journey into interior decoration.

Tailored Guide
Foundational Concepts
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for foundational decoration concepts
Ryan Fellini’s "Interior Design: Home Decoration at Basic Level" demystifies the art of home decoration for newcomers. This book invites you to explore interior design through simple explanations and practical advice, making it an accessible starting point for anyone wanting to refresh their living space. It covers essential topics like decorating styles, budgeting, and design principles, encouraging you to take your time and absorb each chapter’s lessons. Whether you’re just curious or ready to embark on your first home makeover, this book offers a helpful framework to guide your creative process.

Ryan Fellini opens the door to interior design with a straightforward guide aimed squarely at beginners. Drawing from a clear understanding that many feel interior design is reserved for professionals, Fellini breaks down the basics — from defining decorating styles and budgeting to practical tips like bookshelf arrangements and coffee table sizing. Each chapter offers digestible insights that empower you to rethink your living space with both function and flair. This book suits those who want a gentle introduction without being overwhelmed, especially if you're eager to experiment with your home environment but unsure where to start.

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Beginner-Friendly Interior Decoration Guide

Build confidence with personalized guidance without overwhelming complexity.

Build design confidence
Personalized learning pace
Focus on your style

Many successful decorators began with these foundational guides

The Decoration Blueprint
Style Foundations
First Room Formula
Confident Spaces

Conclusion

These 6 books share three clear themes: they welcome newcomers with accessible language, encourage hands-on creativity, and guide you through progressive learning steps. If you’re completely new, starting with Ryan Fellini’s "Interior Design" offers a gentle introduction to core concepts. Moving on, Virginia Scidmore’s guide helps you explore your personal style, while Colin King’s "Arranging Things" teaches you to style spaces thoughtfully with what you have.

For those who want to experiment artistically, "Decorative Designs" and "Decorative Macrame" provide approachable projects to add unique touches to your home. The "Mood Board Pages for Interior Decorators" workbook helps you organize ideas and track your creative journey.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Interior Decoration book that fits your exact needs, interests, and goals to create your own personalized learning journey. Remember, building a strong foundation early sets you up for success in designing spaces that feel truly yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Starting with Ryan Fellini's "Interior Design" is a smart move. It breaks down basics clearly, so you won't feel overwhelmed. From there, you can explore more specialized books like Virginia Scidmore's for style or Colin King's for styling tips.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Interior Decoration?

No, these books are chosen for their beginner-friendly approach. They explain concepts step-by-step, assuming no prior knowledge, making them ideal for anyone just starting out.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with "Interior Design" by Ryan Fellini to grasp fundamentals. Follow with "From Bleak to Beautiful" to discover your style. Then, explore "Arranging Things" for styling techniques, and finish with creative books like "Decorative Macrame" or "Decorative Designs."

Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?

Not at all. These books are tailored to first-timers and designed to build your skills gradually without needing prior experience.

Which book is the most approachable introduction to Interior Decoration?

Ryan Fellini’s "Interior Design" stands out for its clear, straightforward guidance that makes interior decoration accessible and manageable for beginners.

Can personalized books complement these expert recommendations?

Absolutely! While expert books provide solid foundations, personalized Interior Decoration books adapt to your pace and interests, helping you focus on the areas you care about most. Consider creating your own personalized book to enhance your learning journey.

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