8 Interior Decoration Books That Elevate Your Home Style

Recommended by Joanna Gaines, Bobby Berk, and Gurdeep Pandher Of The Yukon, these books provide expert guidance on Interior Decoration.

Gurdeep Pandher Of The Yukon
Room Rater
Updated on June 24, 2025
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What if the secret to transforming your living space lies not in just picking the trendiest furniture, but truly understanding the principles behind what makes a room feel balanced and inviting? Interior decoration has evolved beyond mere aesthetics; it’s about creating environments that reflect your personality, lifestyle, and aspirations. In today's world, where homes have become sanctuaries, knowing how to style them with intention matters more than ever.

Trusted voices like Joanna Gaines, famed for her Magnolia Table and home transformation projects, and Bobby Berk, the Emmy-nominated design expert from Netflix’s Queer Eye, have long championed practical yet striking interior design. Gurdeep Pandher Of The Yukon, known for his uplifting presence and creative tips on virtual backgrounds, also highlights the importance of thoughtful space styling in modern life. Their endorsements underscore a blend of timeless techniques and contemporary flair in the best interior decoration books.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks and inspiration, you might find even greater value in tailoring these insights to your unique tastes and needs. For those wanting a more personalized approach, consider creating a personalized Interior Decoration book that builds on these expert foundations to suit your home, experience, and goals.

Best for confident renovation decisions
Joanna Gaines, author of The Magnolia Table and a trusted voice in home design, appreciates Emily Henderson’s willingness to take bold risks that balance personality with function. She describes this book as an approachable guide packed with tools to help you create a home that truly reflects who you are and what you love. This perspective is complemented by Bobby Berk, design expert and Emmy-nominated host of Netflix’s Queer Eye, who finds the book to be a digestible playbook that demystifies design decisions and encourages confident, style-forward choices. Together, their endorsements highlight how this book can transform your approach to interior decoration and renovation.

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.

The New Design Rules: How to Decorate and Renovate, from Start to Finish: An Interior Design Book book cover

by Emily Henderson, Jessica Cumberbatch Anderson, Sara Ligorria-Tramp, Velinda Hellen··You?

When Emily Henderson, a stylist and Target Home Style Expert, first realized how daunting home renovation could be, she crafted this detailed guide to simplify every step of decorating and remodeling. You’ll explore how to make confident choices—from selecting paint colors and furniture placement to deciding when to hire contractors or architects—backed by vivid photos and clear explanations. The book details practical considerations like measuring spaces correctly and choosing materials wisely, including when to avoid popular options like marble countertops. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or undertaking a full renovation, this book equips you with grounded insights to visualize and create a home that truly reflects your personality.

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Best for foundational design principles
The Independent, a respected UK news publication, highlights this book's straightforward and accessible methods for interior decoration, describing it as "[a] useful and easy approach to interior design." Their endorsement comes from a broad understanding of design literature and a commitment to recommending practical yet insightful resources. This book helped clarify complex design concepts into approachable lessons, making it easier to create harmonious living spaces. Additionally, Publisher's Weekly praises it as "a first-rate way to ensure decorating success," reinforcing its value for anyone eager to improve their home styling skills with proven principles.

Recommended by The Independent

[A] useful and easy approach to interior design.

When Frida Ramstedt noticed how many people struggled with decorating their homes despite access to countless trends and products, she wrote this book to shift focus onto the principles behind design choices. You’ll learn practical concepts like the golden ratio, ideal furniture proportions, and lighting placement that clarify why some arrangements feel balanced and others don’t. The book breaks down abstract ideas with helpful illustrations and examples, such as how to size a coffee table relative to your sofa or create mood boards that communicate style effectively. If you want to understand how to decorate with intention rather than impulse, this guide offers a solid foundation that suits varied tastes and spaces.

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Best for personal design plans
This AI-created book on interior decoration is tailored to your unique style, home, and design experience. By sharing your background and specific interests, you get a book that focuses solely on the design principles that matter most to you. This tailored approach helps you navigate the often complex world of home styling with clarity and confidence, making design both accessible and enjoyable. It’s like having a personal design mentor focused exclusively on your goals and space.
2025·50-300 pages·Interior Decoration, Design Principles, Color Theory, Space Planning, Furniture Selection

This tailored book explores the art and science of interior decoration through a lens uniquely focused on your home and aspirations. It covers core design principles, color harmony, space planning, and personalized styling choices that resonate with your individual taste and living environment. By tailoring content to your background and goals, it reveals how to blend classic and contemporary aesthetics in ways that bring your vision to life. The book examines how light, texture, and furniture placement can transform rooms into harmonious, inviting spaces. With this personalized guide, you explore interior decoration concepts matched precisely to your interests, ensuring a deeply engaging and relevant learning experience that goes beyond generic advice.

Tailored Guide
Design Customization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for virtual background styling
Gurdeep Pandher Of The Yukon, known for his vibrant Bhangra performances and uplifting messages, turned to this book during the surge of virtual interactions amid the pandemic. "Since the beginning of the pandemic, my friends at @ratemyskyperoom have been a great source of providing tips how to create a vibrant space for virtual media interviews. Now they wrote a book with all their amazing tips 'How to Zoom Your Room'", he shares. This guide helped him rethink how to present his space and himself authentically on screen, blending aesthetics with practicality. The creators behind Room Rater, who have become authorities on on-screen décor, also contribute their unique perspective, making this book a useful tool for anyone navigating the new norms of remote work.
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Recommended by Gurdeep Pandher Of The Yukon

Sikh-Canadian Bhangra dancer and positivity advocate

Since the beginning of the pandemic, my friends at @ratemyskyperoom have been a great source of providing tips how to create a vibrant space for virtual media interviews. Now they wrote a book with all their amazing tips "How to Zoom Your Room" (from X)

How to Zoom Your Room: Room Rater's Ultimate Style Guide book cover

by Claude Taylor, Jessie Bahrey, Chris Morris··You?

2022·256 pages·Interior Decoration, Home Decorating, Interior Decorating, Lighting, Camera Angles

Drawing from Claude Taylor's diverse background as a political operative and professional travel photographer, this guide breaks down the art of creating visually appealing Zoom backgrounds with practical flair. You'll discover how to perfect lighting, optimize camera angles, and arrange your environment to avoid distractions—skills that are especially relevant in today’s remote work landscape. The book includes vivid examples from notable figures like TV host Jonathan Capehart and historian Michael Beschloss, giving you concrete setups to emulate. If you want to present yourself confidently on video calls without fuss, this book offers sensible advice and a touch of humor to ease the process.

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Best for creative DIY decorators
Booklist, a trusted publication for book recommendations, highlights this book’s timing perfectly as macrame enjoys a comeback. They point out how the guide appeals both to those who appreciate classic patterns and newcomers drawn to boho style, noting, "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." This endorsement reflects how the book opens up macrame crafting with approachable instructions and inspiring projects that can refresh your home’s look.

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.

The resurgence of macrame as a home decor trend gets a focused treatment from Shufunotomo Co., Ltd., a respected Japanese publisher with deep roots in crafts and interior style. This book breaks down the craft into accessible parts, starting with four basic knots and moving into 20 projects ranging from simple wall hangings to room dividers and plant holders. You'll find detailed diagrams and step-by-step photos that demystify measurements and techniques, making it approachable whether you're new to macrame or looking to refine your skills. The inclusion of lifestyle photos helps you envision how these pieces can warm and personalize your living spaces. If you enjoy hands-on decorating projects that blend artistry with practical design, this book offers a clear path without overcomplicating the process.

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Best for stress-free home personalization
Myquillyn Smith, also known as "The Nester," is the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Welcome Home and Cozy Minimalist Home. For over 15 years, she has inspired women to embrace their living spaces with all their imperfections and make them uniquely their own. Her expertise, showcased in numerous features including Better Homes & Gardens and Ladies' Home Journal, informs this book’s approachable guidance on decorating every home, style, and budget.

Myquillyn Smith, widely known as The Nester, offers a refreshing perspective on interior decoration by focusing on what you already have and what genuinely feels right in your home. Through 100 universal decorating truths, she guides you to understand your personal style and make confident choices that transform spaces without stress. The book encourages finishing projects and embracing imperfections, which can be especially empowering if you've struggled with indecision or overwhelm. For example, Smith’s advice on combining small wins across different rooms reveals how incremental changes lead to meaningful, lasting impact. This approach suits anyone seeking a livable, heartfelt home rather than a showroom aesthetic.

New York Times Bestseller
Wall Street Journal Bestseller
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Best for daily decor action plans
This AI-created book on interior styling is crafted based on your background, skill level, and specific interests in daily decor improvements. You share what aspects of your home you want to refresh and your goals, so the book focuses on quick, actionable steps that fit your lifestyle. Because interior decoration can feel overwhelming, having a tailored guide helps streamline your efforts and keeps progress manageable, making transformation enjoyable and effective.
2025·50-300 pages·Interior Decoration, Space Refresh, Color Selection, Furniture Arrangement, Lighting Choices

This tailored book explores actionable daily tasks for rapid interior decoration improvements, designed to match your unique background and style preferences. It reveals how to refresh and revitalize your space step-by-step over 30 focused days, providing clear guidance that aligns with your specific interests and goals. By concentrating on practical, achievable changes, this personalized guide transforms expert principles into a tailored journey toward a more stylish, inviting home. Whether you're a novice or have some experience, the book carefully addresses your needs to make interior decoration approachable and rewarding.

Tailored Guide
Rapid Style Refresh
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for minimalist seasonal styling
Myquillyn Smith, known as The Nester and a New York Times bestselling author, brings her hands-on experience renovating a North Carolina fixer-upper and raising a family into this guide. Her deep understanding of creating welcoming, practical living spaces shines through as she shares how to effortlessly seasonally style your home. Smith’s approachable voice guides you to embrace less stuff and more meaningful design, making your home ready for gatherings and everyday comfort alike.

Drawing from her years of transforming a North Carolina fixer-upper alongside her family, Myquillyn Smith presents a refreshing approach to seasonal home decoration that prioritizes simplicity and meaningful style. You’ll learn how to integrate natural elements and the rhythm of your life into your living spaces, making your home inviting without drowning in clutter. Chapters guide you through balancing aesthetic appeal with practicality, such as focusing on the five senses and preparing your space for spontaneous gatherings. This book suits anyone seeking to cultivate a cozy, stylish home environment that evolves naturally with the seasons, but without overwhelming time or budget demands.

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Best for classic American aesthetics
Mark D. Sikes is an esteemed interior designer known for his celebrated projects across the United States. His work has been featured in AD, Veranda, Elle Decor, and House Beautiful, among others. Drawing on this deep expertise, his book offers a window into five distinctive American decorating styles, illustrated with all-new photography that captures his signature blend of vibrant color, pattern, and texture. This background makes his insights especially valuable for anyone looking to infuse their home with warmth and timeless charm.
2020·272 pages·Interior Decoration, Interior Decorating, Traditional Style, Coastal Style, Country Style

Drawing from his extensive experience crafting celebrated interiors across the United States, Mark D. Sikes offers a vivid exploration of classic American styles in this volume. You’ll gain insight into five distinct decorating themes—from the vibrant, trim-rich Traditional to the breezy, natural Coastal—and see how to blend antique and modern elements harmoniously. The book’s chapters showcase real rooms, like Sikes’s own Hollywood Hills residence, revealing how to balance pattern, color, and texture without overwhelming a space. If you appreciate an inviting, lived-in aesthetic with a polished edge, this book guides you through cultivating that personal, all-American charm.

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Best for year-round cozy decorating
Liz Marie Galvan is a respected interior designer and blogger who co-owns the vintage home decor boutique The Found Cottage. Living in an 1800s farmhouse in Michigan, she brings an authentic, lived-in perspective to creating cozy homes. Her extensive collaborations with brands like Behr and HGTV, along with features on the Today Show and in Better Homes and Gardens, establish her expertise. This book channels her passion for seasonal decorating and DIY ideas, helping you transform your home into a welcoming sanctuary throughout the year.

This book challenges the usual seasonal decorating guide by weaving authentic lifestyle with practical design. Liz Marie Galvan draws on her experience as a blogger and vintage boutique co-owner to help you craft inviting spaces that reflect each season's spirit, from a hot cocoa bar in winter to blooming summer decks. You’ll gain insights into repurposing furniture, managing holiday clutter, and creating traditions that feel personal rather than contrived. Chapters dedicated to holidays like Thanksgiving and Mother’s Day offer fresh, doable ideas for making your home both cozy and stylish year-round. If you want to make your living space a warm, welcoming retreat at every turn of the calendar, this book guides you there without fuss or excess.

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Conclusion

Across these eight interior decoration books, a few clear themes emerge: the balance of function and style, embracing personal expression over perfection, and the value of practical, actionable advice. If you’re facing a home renovation or redesign, starting with The New Design Rules will ground you in confident decision-making. For those eager to master the basics, The Interior Design Handbook offers solid principles that apply to any space.

For seasonal refreshes and cozy living, Welcome Home and Cozy White Cottage Seasons provide approachable ideas to keep your home feeling current and inviting. Meanwhile, Decorative Macrame brings hands-on creativity for those who enjoy DIY projects. If you want to explore classic American decor, More Beautiful delivers rich inspiration.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Interior Decoration book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and design a home that truly feels like yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "The New Design Rules" for a clear, approachable guide to decorating and renovating your space confidently. It balances style and practicality, making it a solid foundation for any project.

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

Not at all. Books like "The Interior Design Handbook" and "House Rules" are designed to teach core principles and personal style, perfect for beginners looking to build confidence.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides like "The Interior Design Handbook," then explore style-specific books such as "More Beautiful" or seasonal guides like "Welcome Home" to expand your skills.

Do these books assume I already have experience in Interior Decoration?

Most books cater to a wide range of skill levels. For instance, "Decorative Macrame" welcomes beginners with step-by-step projects, while "The New Design Rules" offers practical advice for all.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"How to Zoom Your Room" offers immediate tips on improving your virtual space, while "House Rules" provides easy, stress-free methods to personalize your home incrementally.

Can personalized books complement these expert recommendations?

Yes! While these expert books offer valuable insights, personalized Interior Decoration books tailor advice specifically to your tastes and goals, creating a perfect bridge between inspiration and action. Explore personalized Interior Decoration books for targeted guidance.

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