10 Decorating Books That Will Redefine Your Home
Discover expert picks from Frida Ramstedt, Emily Henderson, and Corey Damen Jenkins for inspiring Decorating Books
What if you could unlock the secrets to creating a home that feels both stylish and truly yours? Decorating is more than just choosing colors or furniture—it's about crafting a space that resonates with your personality and lifestyle. In a world flooded with fleeting trends and overwhelming choices, knowing where to start can feel daunting. Yet, the right guidance can make all the difference.
Take Frida Ramstedt, for instance, whose Scandinavian-inspired insights in "The Interior Design Handbook" help you grasp the underlying principles that turn a room into a harmonious sanctuary. Or consider Emily Henderson, a celebrated stylist whose book "The New Design Rules" walks you through the renovation process with clarity and confidence. Even Corey Damen Jenkins, with his vibrant reinterpretation of traditional design in "Design Remix," shows how personality and function can beautifully coexist.
These voices are just a glimpse of the expertise you'll find in this carefully curated collection of Decorating Books. While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific style preferences, space constraints, or skill levels might consider creating a personalized Decorating book that builds on these insights and fits your unique journey perfectly.
Recommended by The Independent
“[A] useful and easy approach to interior design.” (from Amazon)
by Frida Ramstedt, Mia Olofsson··You?
by Frida Ramstedt, Mia Olofsson··You?
Frida Ramstedt draws from her Scandinavian design expertise to shift your focus from merely choosing decor to understanding the principles that make a space harmonious. You’ll learn precise concepts like the golden ratio, ideal furniture proportions, and how to craft effective mood boards, all illustrated with clear examples. This book suits anyone aiming to create balance and style in their home without getting lost in fleeting trends or overwhelming choices. It’s particularly helpful if you want to grasp why certain arrangements work visually and how to apply that knowledge to any style or space.
Recommended by Joanna Gaines
Author of The Magnolia Table
“I’ve always been drawn to Emily’s approach to design. She’s not afraid to take risks and she has the ability to design beautiful spaces that are full of both personality and function. This book serves as an approachable guide for anyone who is looking for tools and resources to create a home that speaks to who they are and what they love.” (from Amazon)
by Emily Henderson, Jessica Cumberbatch Anderson, Sara Ligorria-Tramp, Velinda Hellen··You?
by Emily Henderson, Jessica Cumberbatch Anderson, Sara Ligorria-Tramp, Velinda Hellen··You?
Emily Henderson, a stylist and interior designer known for her vintage-inspired yet accessible approach, invites you to rethink your home design with confidence. She guides you through every choice, from paint colors to lighting and furniture arrangement, demystifying when to call in a contractor versus an architect. The book includes vivid examples and colorful illustrations, helping you visualize and execute a home that genuinely reflects your personality. Whether refreshing a single room or undertaking a full renovation, you'll find clear guidance on measurements, materials, and design decisions that avoid common pitfalls.
by TailoredRead AI·
This tailored book explores foundational decorating principles and guides you through developing a style uniquely your own. It covers essential concepts such as color theory, spatial arrangement, texture balancing, and lighting techniques, all customized to your background and aesthetic preferences. By focusing on your interests, it reveals how to translate general decorating wisdom into choices that resonate with your personal taste and living environment. This personalized guide matches your skill level and specific goals, making complex design ideas accessible and relevant. Expect a thoughtful journey that demystifies decorating, empowering you to craft spaces that truly reflect who you are and how you want to live.
Recommended by Veranda
“Corey Damen Jenkins's masterful book has remained at the top of our editors' reading lists since its debut in 2021. The brilliant tome showcases the designer's fresh and colorful take on traditional design while sharing Jenkins's advice on how to emulate the youthful look for yourself.” (from Amazon)
by Corey Damen Jenkins, Jamie Drake··You?
by Corey Damen Jenkins, Jamie Drake··You?
Unlike most decorating books that dwell on rigid rules, Corey Damen Jenkins offers a lively reinterpretation of traditional interiors infused with youthful color and personality. You learn to balance bold hues with architectural details as shown in chapters like "Bold Standard" and "Good Bones," while practical tips on picture wall hanging and window treatments ground his approach in real living spaces. This book suits anyone eager to refresh classic design with a contemporary spin, especially those who appreciate eclectic yet cohesive rooms. If your style leans toward vibrant tradition rather than minimalist modernism, Jenkins’s insights will resonate and inspire.
Recommended by Martha Stewart Living
“Made for Living invites you into dreamy homes that are light, bright, and—key these days—comfortable.” (from Amazon)
by Amber Lewis, Cat Chen··You?
by Amber Lewis, Cat Chen··You?
When Amber Lewis discovered that the secret to truly livable spaces lies in layering elements with intention, she reshaped how interiors are approached. Her book dives deep into mixing textures, patterns, and lighting to craft rooms that feel effortlessly curated yet comfortable. You’ll find guidance on everything from selecting paint shades to embracing eclectic mismatches, all illuminated with over 250 vivid photographs that showcase her signature California cool style. This is ideal if you want to create a home that balances personality with practical wear over time, rather than chasing fleeting trends or sterile perfection.
Recommended by Publisher's Weekly
“a solid resource that offers something for everyone with an interest in the art of knotting.” (from Amazon)
by Samantha Grenier··You?
When Samantha Grenier, a color engineer and macramé artist with a decade in graphic design, turned her creative eye to home décor, she developed this collection of 40 projects that teach you how to craft stylish macramé pieces from rugs to plant hangers. The book breaks down 12 essential knots with clear illustrations and photographs, helping you progress from simple mats to more advanced wall hangings and mixed-media designs. You'll gain hands-on skills in knotting techniques and creative applications using natural cords, making your living space uniquely textured and personal. If you're passionate about fiber arts or looking to add a tactile, handmade touch to your interiors, this book offers a range of projects suited for both beginners and seasoned crafters.
by TailoredRead AI·
This tailored book offers a step-by-step 30-day plan that explores practical decorating tips designed to refresh your home’s look efficiently and enjoyably. It examines foundational principles of interior styling and guides you through focused daily tasks that match your background and specific goals. By tailoring content to your interests, it reveals how to transform spaces with achievable changes that reflect your personality and lifestyle. This personalized approach encourages hands-on learning and helps you build confidence in decorating, making the process accessible and inspiring. Whether updating a single room or your entire home, this book covers essential techniques and creative ideas to reinvigorate your living environment with style and purpose.
by Forrest Lesch-Middelton, Peter Pincus··You?
by Forrest Lesch-Middelton, Peter Pincus··You?
What started as Forrest Lesch-Middelton's hands-on experience running FLM Ceramics and Tile evolved into a thorough exploration of ceramic tile creation and installation. This book guides you through every stage: from crafting your own tiles using techniques like rolling and extruding, to glazing methods such as cuerda seca and image transfer, and finally to practical installation advice including surface preparation and grouting. You’ll also find insights on designing your tile space with attention to codes and aesthetics. Whether you’re a ceramic artist or a DIY home improver, this book equips you with a detailed understanding of how to integrate tile as a lasting artistic element in your environment.
Recommended by Martha Stewart Living
“In her new book, Down to Earth: Laid Back Interiors for Modern Living, designer Lauren Liess shares how she imbues any space with warmth and energy. She walks us through an arts-and-crafts charmer in Washington, D.C., that she renovated into an action-packed family home” (from Amazon)
by Lauren Liess··You?
by Lauren Liess··You?
Lauren Liess, known for her work on HGTV’s Best House on the Block and her Pure Style Home blog, offers a distinctive approach to home decorating that emphasizes warmth, nature, and timelessness. You’ll discover how to blend humble materials and found objects to create spaces that feel both stylish and lived-in, with chapters like Point of View and Something Old, Something New guiding you through practical design principles. This book suits anyone interested in cultivating a relaxed, natural aesthetic in their home without sacrificing personality or function. Expect to gain insights into crafting environments that balance creativity and comfort, ideal for those wanting a home that truly reflects their lifestyle.
by Nikki Boyd, Paige Tate & Co.··You?
by Nikki Boyd, Paige Tate & Co.··You?
Nikki Boyd draws from years of professional organizing experience to present a practical yet stylish approach to home organization that goes beyond clutter control. In this book, you learn her five key steps that simplify transforming each room into an inviting, functional space, with chapters rich in design inspiration paired with clear guidance on setting up your home for both beauty and everyday living. The book’s photographic examples and Boyd’s emphasis on creating a welcoming atmosphere help you focus on how organization can enhance your lifestyle and strengthen family connections. If you want to rethink your living spaces with both form and function in mind, this book offers a grounded, approachable method that suits anyone looking to harmonize style with practical order.
by Misha de Potestad, Patrice Pascal··You?
by Misha de Potestad, Patrice Pascal··You?
What if everything you knew about industrial style furniture was reexamined through the lens of its origins? Misha de Potestad and Patrice Pascal explore the era from 1900 to 1950, revealing how the second industrial revolution shaped designs that emphasized functionality and adaptability. You’ll learn the stories behind iconic pieces—from adjustable lamps to stackable storage—that transformed workspaces and now influence modern interiors. This book suits anyone curious about design history and those looking to incorporate authentic vintage industrial elements into their homes or collections, offering a rich blend of historical context and visual inspiration.
by Ashley Gilbreath, James T. Farmer··You?
by Ashley Gilbreath, James T. Farmer··You?
Ashley Gilbreath’s approach in this book reflects her extensive background as a Southern interior designer focused on creating spaces that nurture family connection and everyday celebration. You’ll learn how to balance comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal through thoughtful design choices like weaving a favorite color throughout a home or blending old and new furnishings. Chapters explore adapting homes to grow with families over time, and how small architectural changes can elevate a space’s warmth and personality. This book is ideal if you want to create a home that feels both elegant and welcoming, tailored to your lifestyle and traditions.
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Conclusion
This selection of Decorating Books reveals a few clear themes: the importance of understanding fundamental design principles, the value of blending personality with practicality, and the power of layering textures and styles to create truly livable spaces. Whether you're tackling a full renovation or adding handcrafted touches, these books offer pathways that cater to different approaches and tastes.
If you're overwhelmed by where to begin, "The Interior Design Handbook" offers foundational knowledge to build your confidence. For those seeking actionable steps in renovation, "The New Design Rules" pairs expert advice with approachable guidance. And if a relaxed, natural feel appeals to you, Lauren Liess’s "Down to Earth" might be the perfect start. For rapid implementation, combine these with Nikki Boyd’s "Beautifully Organized" to bring order and style together.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized Decorating book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey, providing the knowledge and inspiration to transform your home into a place you truly love.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with "The Interior Design Handbook" by Frida Ramstedt. Its focus on core design principles offers a solid foundation that helps you make confident choices throughout your decorating journey.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Decorating?
Not at all. Many, like Emily Henderson's "The New Design Rules," are written to be approachable for beginners while still valuable to seasoned decorators, making them accessible to all skill levels.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with foundational guides like "The Interior Design Handbook," then explore style-focused books such as "Design Remix." Finish with specialized topics like "Macrame for Home Decor" to add personal flair.
Should I start with the newest book or a classic?
Balance is key. Newer books like "The Joy of Home" reflect current trends, while classics such as "Vintage Industrial" provide timeless context that enriches your understanding.
Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?
Emily Henderson’s "The New Design Rules" offers clear, practical steps for decorating and renovating, making it ideal for those looking to apply advice immediately.
Can I get a Decorating book tailored to my specific needs?
Yes! While these expert books are invaluable, you can create a personalized Decorating book tailored to your style, space, and goals, blending expert insight with your unique preferences.
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