18 Home Decorating Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Unlike most home decorating books that focus primarily on aesthetics, Emily Henderson and her co-authors dive deep into the entire renovation journey, blending design creativity with practical decision-making. You’ll explore detailed guidance on everything from choosing paint colors and arranging furniture to navigating when and whom to hire—contractors, architects, or handypersons. The book’s rich visuals and real-home examples help you grasp measurements and materials, like when to skip marble countertops. This is a resource for anyone wanting to confidently translate their personal style into a functional, inviting space without second-guessing their choices.

The Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt and Mia Olofsson offers a fresh perspective by emphasizing the principles behind interior design rather than just the decorative elements. Ramstedt, with her background coaching a Scandinavian generation on home styling, explains concepts like the golden ratio, optimal furniture sizing, and lighting placement in clear, illustrated chapters. You’ll learn why certain layouts feel balanced and how to apply these rules to any style or space. This book is ideal if you want to understand the 'why' behind good design instead of just copying trends, making it especially useful for homeowners and aspiring decorators who value thoughtful, harmonious environments.

This personalized book on home decorating explores the art and science of creating living spaces that truly reflect your unique style and needs. It covers essential design elements, color theory, furniture arrangement, lighting, and material choices, all tailored to your background and preferences. By focusing on your interests and specific goals, it reveals how to harmonize aesthetics with functionality in a way that feels authentic and comfortable. The book examines diverse decorating styles and practical tips for adapting expert knowledge to your home's size and layout. With this tailored approach, you gain a clear, inspiring pathway to transform any space into your ideal haven.

Corey Damen Jenkins's decades of experience as an internationally recognized interior designer led him to craft this fresh take on traditional interiors. You learn how to infuse classic rooms with bold color, architectural details, and fashion-inspired accessories, with chapters like "Bold Standard" and "Haute House" guiding your choices. Practical sidebars cover essentials such as hanging salon-style picture walls and choosing window treatments, making it accessible whether you're a seasoned decorator or exploring traditional style anew. If you appreciate vibrant, youthful traditionalism and want to create spaces that feel both timeless and lively, this book offers a clear pathway without fuss or fluff.

Jake Arnold brings a fresh perspective to home interiors by blending his British background with the laid-back luxury of California living. His book dives deeply into nine diverse projects, each illustrating his philosophy of comfort through a warm minimalism that feels both elegant and inviting. You’ll explore how Arnold uses tactile materials, thoughtful layouts, and subtle details to create spaces that are serene yet sophisticated—like the seaside Florida estate where natural textures meet refined design. This book suits anyone looking to understand how personal values shape modern interior design rather than just focusing on trends.

Unlike most home decorating books that focus primarily on aesthetics, Amber Lewis draws from her extensive experience as founder of Amber Interiors to emphasize livability and layering in design. You learn how to combine textures, patterns, and lighting to create spaces that feel authentic and comfortable rather than merely styled. For example, she guides you through choosing paint shades and mixing countertops to match your lifestyle, not just trends. This approach suits anyone wanting a home that reflects their personality and stands the test of time, especially those inspired by a laid-back California vibe.

This tailored book explores a step-by-step plan designed to help you rapidly refresh your home decor with clear, actionable guidance. It covers essential concepts like space evaluation, color selection, furniture arrangement, and decor layering, all tailored to your unique background and style preferences. By focusing on your specific goals and interests, this personalized guide reveals how to efficiently transform rooms within 30 days, balancing aesthetic appeal and functional improvements. It embraces a practical but creative approach, making the process accessible and engaging, no matter your experience level. The book examines quick yet impactful techniques for styling, organization, and ambiance enhancement, ensuring each chapter matches your desired pace and vision. This tailored experience makes refreshing your living space both achievable and inspiring, moving beyond generic advice to address what truly matters to you.

What started as a witty Twitter account critiquing Zoom backgrounds turned into a practical guide by Claude Taylor, Jessie Bahrey, and Chris Morris, who bring a fresh perspective to home office aesthetics. You’ll learn how to optimize lighting, frame your camera angle, and curate backgrounds that project professionalism without fuss. The book walks you through examples from political figures and media personalities, revealing how subtle choices affect perception during video calls. If you spend hours in remote meetings and want your space to support rather than distract from your presence, this book offers straightforward insights with a bit of humor.

When Samantha Grenier realized how accessible and versatile macramé could be, she crafted this guide to bring modern, stylish knotting projects into your home. You’ll learn the 12 essential knots foundational to the craft and explore 40 projects ranging from simple coasters to intricate wall hangings and rugs, each illustrated with clear step-by-step photos. Grenier’s background as a color engineer and graphic designer shines through in her thoughtful use of texture and color, making this book ideal if you want to blend craft with contemporary home decor. Whether you’re just starting or eager to challenge yourself with advanced patterns, this book offers a tangible way to enhance your living space with handcrafted artistry.

Lauren Liess, a decorator and textile designer who also stars on HGTV's Best House on the Block, offers a fresh perspective on creating inviting, natural living spaces in this book. You get a close look at her design philosophy that prioritizes warmth, simplicity, and nature, illustrated through six distinct homes ranging from a new farmhouse to a lakeside contemporary. Chapters like "Point of View" and "Something Old, Something New" provide tangible insights into blending style with soul, showing you how to use humble materials and found objects to craft spaces that feel both timeless and approachable. If you're seeking to build a home environment that balances creativity with calm, this guide offers thoughtful inspiration without overwhelming you with trends.

Nikki Boyd's experience as a professional organizer and content creator forms the backbone of this guide to creating an orderly and stylish home environment. You learn her five essential steps that simplify the process of decluttering and organizing each room, accompanied by inspiring photography that blends function with aesthetic appeal. This book is tailored for those who want more than just tidiness—they seek a welcoming atmosphere where design and practical living intersect. Whether you're refreshing your living room or tackling a full home makeover, the guidance here helps you balance beauty and utility without overwhelming complexity.

Drawing from decades of experience reporting on interior design, Misha de Potestad and Patrice Pascal explore the roots of the vintage industrial aesthetic, focusing on the period from 1900 to 1950. You learn how this style emerged from the second industrial revolution, shaping furniture and lighting design through functional, mass-produced forms tailored to new industries. The book breaks down key innovations in lighting, seating, tables, and storage, illustrating how designers like Bernard-Albin Gras and Jean Prouvé transformed raw materials into everyday objects with lasting impact. If you're passionate about understanding the historical and practical evolution of industrial design and its influence on modern interiors, this book offers a detailed, visually rich guide.

Michelle Ogundehin, with her background as a trained architect and former Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decoration UK, brings a unique perspective to the intersection of home design and wellbeing in this book. She explores how your living space influences your mental and physical health, offering nine practical steps to transform any home into a sanctuary that supports your best self. From optimizing natural light and choosing the right furniture to understanding why tidiness isn’t always synonymous with happiness, Ogundehin provides tactile insights, such as the importance of circular side tables for playfulness and the dining table’s role in connection. This book is especially useful if you want to create a healthier, more joyful home environment regardless of size or budget.

Orlando Soria brings a fresh, humorous perspective to interior decorating with this book, blending design know-how with life lessons that feel surprisingly relatable. Drawing on his experience from HGTV and his popular Hommemaker blog, he tackles everything from choosing wall colors that don’t overwhelm to crafting budget-friendly flower arrangements. The book doesn’t just teach you to decorate—it offers guidance on hosting under pressure and managing life challenges, making it a toolkit for anyone wanting to create a welcoming home and a balanced life. If you appreciate candid, witty advice that goes beyond style basics, this book will resonate with your practical and creative sides alike.

Myquillyn Smith, known as 'The Nester,' brings her 15 years of experience encouraging personal expression in home spaces to this book, which distills decorating into 100 practical truths adaptable to any style or budget. You learn to understand your emotional relationship with your home, gain confidence in making choices that feel daring, and achieve satisfaction from small, manageable improvements that add up to meaningful change. Chapters guide you to work with what you have, trust your instincts, and complete projects to create rooms that truly feel like your own. This book suits anyone looking to refresh their home with intentional, approachable insights rather than expensive overhauls.

Unlike most decorating books that push constant accumulation, Myquillyn Smith presents a fresh perspective on seasonal home styling that emphasizes simplicity and intentionality. Drawing on her experience transforming a North Carolina fixer-upper, she guides you through crafting cozy, stylish spaces using fewer items but more meaningful touches. You learn how to align your decor with the rhythms of life and the natural world, cultivating environments that welcome connection without overwhelming effort or expense. Chapters offer practical ideas for hosting and seasonal refreshes that feel personal rather than trendy, making this a solid choice if you want a home that feels lived-in and welcoming year-round.

After analyzing years of hands-on experience, Marian Parsons shares a refreshing approach to home decorating that embraces the quirks of your existing space. You learn to transform builder-grade rooms into warm, character-rich environments through approachable projects like slipcover making, furniture painting, and budget-conscious styling tips. The book guides you room by room, offering practical tutorials and inspiring visuals, along with spaces to jot down your own ideas, helping you create a home that truly fits your personality without overspending. If you want to move beyond cookie-cutter interiors and craft a uniquely comfortable home, this book offers straightforward encouragement and creative solutions to get you there.

What started as a personal passion for transforming her 1846 New England farmhouse into a warm haven led Bre Doucette to craft this inviting guide to home decorating. You’ll discover how to shift your perspective on your living spaces, turning imperfections into opportunities to infuse beauty and purpose. Bre walks you through each room, offering insights on embracing your home's unique character while implementing fresh, approachable ideas. If you’re looking to cultivate a home filled with warmth and joy without feeling overwhelmed, this book offers thoughtful encouragement tailored to your journey. It’s especially suited for those ready to love where they live right now rather than chasing perfection.

Liz Marie Galvan’s experience as a blogger and interior designer shines through in this book, which offers 100 practical ways to make your home inviting throughout the year. You’ll find detailed guidance on crafting seasonal decorations, repurposing furniture, and creating cozy spots that suit a range of styles from vintage to farmhouse. The book doesn’t just focus on aesthetics but also helps you build meaningful traditions and organize your space to enjoy holidays and everyday moments alike. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or preparing for Christmas, this book provides down-to-earth projects and inspiration tailored to varied budgets and tastes.

Ali Heath challenges the conventional wisdom that modern interiors must reject antiques by showing how to harmoniously blend old and new elements. Drawing on her extensive career as an interiors journalist and stylist, she guides you through defining your style and mastering key decorating elements like pattern, texture, and lighting. The book’s standout chapters, such as "Creative Spaces," showcase homes of antique dealers, offering concrete examples of mixing vintage finds with contemporary pieces. If you’re looking to create a home that respects history while embracing modernity and sustainability, this thoughtful approach will resonate with you.