8 Best-Selling Decorating Books Millions Love
Recommended by Amber Lewis, Martha Stewart Living, and The Independent, these Decorating Books offer expert guidance and popular appeal.
There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in a field like Decorating where personal style meets practical living. Millions have turned to these guides not just for inspiration but for proven strategies that help turn a house into a home. Decorating remains a top priority for many, blending aesthetics with functionality to create spaces that truly resonate.
Among the voices shaping this landscape are Amber Lewis, founder of Amber Interiors, whose book Made for Living marries comfort with style, endorsed by Martha Stewart Living for its approachable warmth. Then there's Frida Ramstedt, praised by The Independent for her clear, principle-driven The Interior Design Handbook. These experts have influenced countless readers seeking dependable advice.
While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Decorating needs might consider creating a personalized Decorating book that combines these validated approaches with your unique style and goals.
by Christiane Lemieux, Miles Redd··You?
by Christiane Lemieux, Miles Redd··You?
What sets this book apart is its focus on teaching you how to recognize truly enduring quality in home furnishings rather than chasing fleeting trends. Christiane Lemieux draws on interviews with top experts—textile fabricators, artisans, and designers—to reveal the subtle details that make furniture and decor timeless. For example, chapters on textiles explore the difference between mass-produced fabrics and heirloom-quality materials, giving you a sharp eye for investment pieces. This book suits anyone who wants to build a home environment that lasts, blending comfort with lasting style rather than quick fixes.
Recommended by Martha Stewart Living
“Made for Living invites you into dreamy homes that are light, bright, and—key these days—comfortable.”
by Amber Lewis, Cat Chen··You?
by Amber Lewis, Cat Chen··You?
Unlike most decorating books that focus solely on style trends, Amber Lewis offers a fresh perspective centered on livability and layering. Drawing from her expertise running Amber Interiors and collaborations with major brands, she teaches you how to mix textures, patterns, and materials to create spaces that feel effortlessly lived in and personal. Chapters guide you through practical decisions, from selecting paint shades to choosing stone finishes, all infused with her signature California cool aesthetic. This book suits anyone wanting to design interiors that balance comfort with visual appeal without feeling staged or impersonal.
by TailoredRead AI·
by TailoredRead AI·
This tailored book explores expert-approved methods for styling and decorating homes effectively, focusing on your unique interests and background. It covers essential principles of design, color coordination, spatial arrangement, and the art of combining textures and patterns. By matching content to your specific goals, this personalized guide reveals how to create harmonious and inviting living spaces that reflect your style. The book examines popular decorating techniques validated by millions, ensuring you gain knowledge that resonates with your tastes and ambitions. Through a customized approach, it helps you build confidence in home styling and understand how to translate inspiration into practical, beautiful results.
Drawing from her extensive experience founding Studio McGee and designing hundreds of homes nationwide, Shea McGee offers a hands-on guide to transforming your living spaces into both elegant and inviting environments. You’ll explore a room-by-room approach, learning how to balance high-end aesthetics with everyday comfort, from entryways to kitchens and even utility rooms. Shea’s blend of personal stories and practical design principles helps you develop a clear process for manifesting your vision without feeling overwhelmed. This book suits anyone ready to rethink their home’s style with accessible yet refined strategies that don’t require a professional background.
by Natalie Walton, Chris Warnes··You?
by Natalie Walton, Chris Warnes··You?
Unlike most decorating books that focus on trends or expensive makeovers, Natalie Walton and Chris Warnes offer a down-to-earth approach centered on simple, authentic living. You learn to identify your true decorating personality, balance aesthetics with functionality, and make mindful decisions about time and budget, guided by your values rather than fleeting styles. The book’s 16 case studies from diverse global homes provide concrete examples of creating timeless interiors without major renovations. If you’re looking to craft a home that genuinely reflects who you are today and supports your lifestyle, this book offers thoughtful, achievable insights, though it’s less suited for those seeking flashy, high-budget transformations.
Recommended by The Independent
“[A] useful and easy approach to interior design.”
by Frida Ramstedt, Mia Olofsson··You?
by Frida Ramstedt, Mia Olofsson··You?
Frida Ramstedt's years coaching Scandinavian home stylists led her to develop a method that shifts focus from what you own to how you arrange it. This book unpacks fundamental design principles like the golden ratio, ideal furniture proportions, and lighting placement, offering clear explanations and illustrations that demystify interior design basics. You'll learn why certain layouts feel balanced and how to apply these rules to any space, regardless of style or size. If you're aiming to create a harmonious home that feels thoughtfully put together rather than cluttered, this book offers straightforward guidance without overwhelming jargon.
by TailoredRead AI·
by TailoredRead AI·
This personalized book explores a month-long journey to refresh your decorating style, crafted to match your unique background and goals. It covers daily, achievable steps that guide you through transforming your space with confidence and creativity. The tailored content focuses on blending popular decorating principles with your individual tastes, allowing you to engage deeply with the material that matters most to your personal style evolution. By concentrating on your specific interests and pacing, this book reveals how incremental changes accumulate into a cohesive, refreshed living environment. Its approach encourages active participation and reflection, making the learning experience both practical and inspiring.
by Athena Calderone··You?
by Athena Calderone··You?
Athena Calderone, celebrated for her lifestyle site EyeSwoon and award-winning culinary writing, channels her design expertise into Live Beautiful, offering a nuanced look at how creatives shape their environments. Rather than merely showcasing pretty rooms, the book unpacks the inspirations and layered textures behind each curated space, offering detailed insights into patterns, collected objects, and personalized vignettes. You’ll gain a clear sense of why design choices work and how to apply these principles to your own home, bridging the gap between aesthetic appeal and lived experience. This book suits anyone eager to understand the artistry and intention behind thoughtful interior decorating without getting lost in jargon or superficial trends.
by Nikki Boyd, Paige Tate & Co.··You?
by Nikki Boyd, Paige Tate & Co.··You?
Nikki Boyd brings her professional organizing expertise and personal passion to this guide that unites function and style in home spaces. Drawing from her experience running a successful home organizing business and a popular YouTube channel, she distills five foundational steps that help you declutter and beautify every room. You'll find actionable guidance on creating welcoming atmospheres that promote calm and connection, supported by inspirational photography that sparks design ideas. This book suits anyone eager to transform their living environment into a balanced, inviting retreat without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
by Erin Gates··You?
by Erin Gates··You?
What happens when a seasoned interior designer channels a decade of hands-on experience into a book? Erin Gates presents a richly illustrated guide that merges practical home decorating advice with candid personal stories, from kitchen renovation mishaps to navigating style conflicts with family. You’ll gain insights on selecting materials, arranging furniture, and injecting personality into every room, all organized by space for easy reference. This book suits anyone eager to create a home that reflects their life’s quirks and charm rather than chasing perfection.
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Conclusion
This collection of eight best-selling Decorating books reflects a wide spectrum of approaches, from timeless quality in The Finer Things to personal storytelling in Elements of Style. A common thread is their focus on frameworks that readers have validated through repeated use and shared success.
If you prefer proven methods grounded in design principles, start with The Interior Design Handbook and The Art of Home. For validated approaches blending comfort and creativity, consider Made for Living alongside Live Beautiful. Each offers distinct pathways to a well-styled home.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized Decorating book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in crafting spaces that truly feel like home.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with The Interior Design Handbook for clear, fundamental principles that apply to any style. It lays a solid foundation before exploring more personal or stylistic books like Made for Living or The Finer Things. This sequence helps build confidence step-by-step.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Decorating?
No, several books like This is Home and The Art of Home are designed for beginners, offering approachable advice without assuming prior experience. They focus on practical steps and personal style discovery.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with foundational guides like The Interior Design Handbook, then explore stylistic and personal narratives such as Live Beautiful and Elements of Style. Finally, delve into organizing strategies with Beautifully Organized to tie it all together.
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
You can definitely pick the one that best matches your goals—whether it’s timeless quality, creative styling, or organization. Each book stands on its own, but together they provide a richer, more nuanced understanding.
Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?
The Interior Design Handbook leans toward design principles and theory, while Made for Living and Beautifully Organized emphasize practical, actionable advice for everyday decorating challenges.
Can I get tailored advice combining these approaches?
Absolutely. While these expert books offer valuable insights, personalized Decorating books can tailor these proven methods to your unique needs and style. See how to create a personalized Decorating book for a focused, custom approach.
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