10 Interior Decorating Books That Define Style and Function

When Emily Henderson shifted from traditional design rules to embracing risk and personal expression, she redefined what it means to create a home that truly resonates with its inhabitants. Drawing from her vintage-inspired style and media experience, she guides you through every interior decorating decision—from paint and furniture to lighting and contractor choices—backed by clear explanations and colorful illustrations. The book demystifies renovation by highlighting practical details such as when to hire professionals and why some materials, like marble countertops, might not be the best choice. If you want to gain confidence in visualizing and executing a home that reflects your personality rather than following fleeting trends, this book offers the insight you need.

When Frida Ramstedt first realized that most interior design advice focuses too much on what to buy rather than how to arrange and style, she set out to change that perspective. Drawing from her experience coaching a Scandinavian audience, she teaches you fundamental design principles like the golden ratio and how to proportion furniture for harmony and balance. For example, she explains optimal coffee table sizing relative to sofas and the best height for lighting fixtures, helping you grasp the "why" behind good design decisions. This book suits anyone aiming to create a cohesive and beautiful home regardless of style or location, especially if you want to understand design logic rather than just trends.

This personalized book provides a comprehensive exploration of interior decorating principles and styles, tailored to your specific space, taste, and goals. It offers a structured approach to understanding design elements such as color theory, spatial layout, lighting, and material selection. By integrating both foundational concepts and nuanced style variations, this tailored framework cuts through generic advice to fit your unique context. Readers gain actionable strategies for harmonizing aesthetics with functionality, enabling them to confidently craft interiors that resonate with personal identity and lifestyle needs. The book prioritizes practical application, ensuring each recommendation aligns with your particular home environment and decorating aspirations.

When Corey Damen Jenkins realized that traditional interiors often felt stuffy or outdated, he crafted a fresh approach that injects color, texture, and personality into classic spaces. Drawing on decades of experience leading his New York design firm, Jenkins breaks down his style into approachable concepts like "Bold Standard" for playful color use and "Good Bones" focusing on architectural details. You’ll gain concrete skills for mixing minimalism with traditional flair and accessorizing with fashion-inspired touches, with practical tips on picture wall hanging and window treatments. This book suits anyone eager to refresh traditional interiors with youthful vibrancy rather than overhaul them completely.

When Stephanie Hunt first discovered the rich variety of Southern style, she realized it defies simple labels or clichés. Drawing on her deep roots as a Charleston-based writer and regular contributor to Veranda, she invites you to explore 27 exquisite homes spanning the South’s diverse landscapes—from rustic cabins to historic estates. You’ll gain insight into how designers blend landscape, personality, and tradition to create spaces that feel simultaneously elegant and inviting, such as the serene Low Country retreats and edgy contemporary interiors featured in the book. This is a resource for anyone eager to understand Southern interior decorating beyond stereotypes, especially those who appreciate how warmth and individuality shape design.

When Jake Arnold first discovered how to blend English tradition with California's laid-back luxury, he crafted a new approach to interior decorating that feels both timeless and fresh. In his debut book, he walks you through nine distinct projects, each illustrating a facet of his design philosophy focused on redefining comfort through elegance and tactile harmony. You get an insider's view of his process, from sketches to material choices, making it clear how he creates serene yet chic spaces. This book suits those who want to understand how subtle design decisions can transform a home into a sanctuary that balances style with personal ease.

This personalized book offers a detailed, 30-day plan designed to refresh your interior decorating approach based on your unique style preferences and living space. It provides a tailored framework that guides you through daily, actionable steps—ranging from color selection and furniture arrangement to lighting adjustments and decor layering. By focusing on your individual tastes and spatial constraints, it cuts through generic advice, ensuring that each recommendation fits your specific context and goals. The book emphasizes practical, incremental transformations that collectively yield a cohesive and revitalized home environment, empowering you to implement changes confidently and efficiently.

When Amber Lewis discovered the art of layering in interior decorating, she transformed her approach to creating homes that feel effortlessly lived in. Drawing from her West Coast roots, Amber teaches you how to balance old and new elements to achieve a space that’s neither too staged nor too chaotic. You'll learn how to mix patterns boldly, select stone finishes wisely, and choose paint hues that suit your personality, all supported by over 250 vivid photographs illustrating these principles in action. This book suits anyone wanting to create rooms with warmth and style without fuss, especially those drawn to eclectic, comfortable designs that evolve naturally over time.

What if everything you knew about video call backgrounds was wrong? Claude Taylor, with his eclectic background spanning from White House political staff to travel photography, teams up with Jessie Bahrey and Chris Morris to dissect the art of digital presence in "How to Zoom Your Room." You gain concrete insights on lighting, camera angles, and clutter elimination, illustrated through examples like Jonathan Capehart's setup and historic presidential rooms. This book speaks directly to anyone who wants to command respect and portray professionalism in remote meetings, from corporate workers to creatives working from home.

When Samantha Grenier first discovered the intricate world of macramé, she combined her graphic design experience with a passion for texture and color, crafting a guide that goes beyond basic knotting. You learn 12 essential knots and how to apply them across 40 projects, from boho plant hangers to rugs and lampshades, each accompanied by clear illustrations and vivid photos. Chapters range in difficulty, allowing you to build skills progressively while exploring creative mixes like beads and rings. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refresh your craft, this book offers a tangible way to infuse natural, stylish fiber art into your living space.

When Lauren Liess discovered the power of blending nature and simplicity in home design, she crafted a guide that moves beyond typical decorating manuals. You learn how to create spaces infused with warmth and personality by focusing on natural materials, timeless pieces, and a relaxed lifestyle that can evolve with you. The book walks you through six distinctive homes, each illustrating key principles like timelessness and simplicity, offering concrete examples instead of abstract ideas. If you want a home that feels as lived-in and soulful as it looks stylish, this book offers a thoughtful approach rather than quick fixes.

When Misha de Potestad first discovered the impact of machine age design, she brought her four decades of interior design journalism to bear in this detailed exploration of vintage industrial style. You learn how the second industrial revolution shaped furniture design between 1900 and 1950, with a focus on functional, mass-produced pieces crafted from iron and steel. The book highlights key innovators like Bernard-Albin Gras and Jean Prouvé, illustrating how their work influenced modern interiors through lighting, seating, and storage solutions. If you're drawn to raw, utilitarian aesthetics or want to understand the roots of a style that continues to influence contemporary design, this book offers both historical context and visual inspiration.