7 Interior Design Books Every Beginner Needs Now

While working as Emily Henderson’s on-camera assistant, Orlando Soria noticed how intimidating interior design could feel to newcomers. His book breaks down those barriers with humor and honesty, offering practical tips like "How to Make Non-Garbagey Flower Arrangements" and guidance on hanging art like a gallery owner. You’ll find advice on budget-friendly decorating, hosting under pressure, and even life lessons on handling breakups, all wrapped in a distinctive, conversational tone. This book suits anyone wanting to bring style and personality into their home without fuss or overwhelm, especially if you appreciate candid, relatable guidance.

When Ariel Magidson set out to write this book, she aimed to break down interior design into approachable "recipes" that anyone can follow, especially if you feel overwhelmed by where to start. You learn how to assess your lifestyle needs, source sustainable and affordable decor, and creatively arrange furniture to work around tricky spaces like awkward corners or windows. The chapters guide you through every room, offering practical inspiration that respects both budget and the environment. If you want to design a home that truly reflects you without the jargon or high costs, this book offers a realistic and friendly path forward.

This tailored interior design book invites you into the foundational world of design with a focus on your unique experience and goals. It explores fundamental concepts like space planning, color theory, and furniture arrangement through a personalized lens that matches your current skill level and desired learning pace. By addressing what matters most to you, it removes overwhelm and builds confidence step-by-step. The book emphasizes hands-on applications and thoughtful explanations designed to make the learning process comfortable and inspiring. Whether you aim to refresh a single room or understand core design principles, this personalized guide offers a tailored pathway to build your design skills effectively.

Lucan and Nusheek Melkonian bring their combined expertise in architecture, set design, and art to this approachable guide that demystifies home decorating for anyone ready to create a welcoming sanctuary. You'll learn how to craft a personal style beyond fleeting trends, the critical role of floor plans, and the emotional impact of color palettes, with practical advice on furniture selection and lighting nuances. The authors also introduce you to wabi-sabi, encouraging you to embrace imperfection as a design asset. This book suits anyone wanting to turn a house into a truly lived-in home, especially newcomers who appreciate a thoughtful, easy-to-follow approach grounded in real experience.

The Interior Plan: Concepts and Exercises by Roberto J. Rengel offers a clear pathway for first-time learners to grasp the fundamentals of interior space planning. Rengel, drawing on his extensive teaching experience, breaks down complex elements such as spatial sequences, furniture arrangement, and circulation systems into digestible concepts. You’ll find practical exercises throughout the book that encourage immediate application of ideas, enhancing your understanding of creating accessible and safe interior environments. Whether you’re a student or a beginner in design, this text guides you through planning interiors with attention to functional relationships and universal design principles, making it a solid starting point without overwhelming detail.

Unlike most interior design guides that skim the surface, Jenny Kennedy dives into the nuts and bolts of designing personalized spaces, making complex concepts approachable for you. She walks you through everything from basic building design principles to the nuances of selecting paint colors and coordinating fixtures, giving you a solid foundation in both aesthetics and practical decision-making. Chapters on marketing your skills and managing client relationships offer insights that go beyond design, preparing you for the realities of launching a career. If you want a book that bridges creative vision with hands-on know-how, this is tailored for newcomers ready to build confidence and competence.

This tailored book on space planning reveals the art and science of arranging furniture and optimizing interior layouts to create harmonious, functional rooms. It focuses on your interests and matches your background, offering a personalized learning experience that progresses at your pace. Starting with foundational principles, it carefully builds your confidence while removing overwhelm with clear, accessible explanations. Through exploring room flow, balance, and efficient use of space, the book examines how thoughtful planning transforms interiors into inviting, practical environments. This tailored guide addresses your specific goals, ensuring you gain practical knowledge to design spaces that feel comfortable and balanced, whether for home or professional projects.

What makes this book exceptionally beginner-friendly is how it opens the door to interior design with a lavish visual catalog that spans styles from vintage charm to sleek Scandinavian minimalism. Andrew Martin, renowned for his expertise in the field, curates this 24th volume to showcase current trends alongside a profile of his celebrated "Designer of the Year," giving you a concrete sense of the industry's leading voices. You'll find yourself learning to recognize and appreciate diverse décor styles, making it easier to develop your own taste and approach to interior aesthetics. Whether you're starting fresh or looking to deepen your appreciation, this volume offers a rich, accessible resource without overwhelming jargon or technicalities.

This isn't another interior design book promising instant style transformations; instead, Natalie Ranae offers a clear, hands-on path for beginners eager to dive into macramé. Drawing from her extensive experience as a macramé artist and teacher, she breaks down 20 projects—from plant hangers to wall art and pillows—with detailed photos guiding you through each knot and pattern. You'll gain not only the practical skills to replicate her boho-chic designs but also the confidence to experiment and create your own variations. This book suits those who want to start crafting decorative pieces that bring warmth and personality to any room without feeling overwhelmed.