7 Interior Design Books You Should Read In 2026

Interior design is more than just arranging furniture or choosing paint colors; it’s about creating spaces that reflect personality, support well-being, and enhance everyday life. The right guidance can transform a simple room into a sanctuary, a functional office into a hub of creativity, or a home into a statement of style. Below is a list of 7 interior design books you should read in 2026.

1. The Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt

Frida Ramstedt’s The Interior Design Handbook is an essential guide for anyone looking to understand the fundamentals of design. Unlike typical coffee-table books, it focuses on practical principles, such as proportion, balance, light, and scale, explaining why these elements are crucial for functional and beautiful spaces. Ramstedt uses clear diagrams, exercises, and real-world examples to show how small adjustments can create significant improvements. The book encourages readers to analyze spaces critically and make design decisions with confidence, making it perfect for both beginners and professionals seeking to elevate their work from visually appealing to thoughtfully designed interiors.

2. The Finer Things by Christiane Lemieux

Christiane Lemieux’s The Finer Things is a deep dive into high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and timeless design choices. Unlike trend-driven books, it emphasizes investing in pieces that last, explaining why furniture, textiles, and details matter for both aesthetics and longevity. Lemieux provides practical guidance on selecting finishes, layering textures, and creating cohesive interiors that feel curated yet comfortable. Through photographs, case studies, and thoughtful commentary, the book teaches readers to prioritize quality and authenticity over fleeting trends, making it indispensable for anyone striving to design interiors that are both elegant and enduring.

3. Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone

Athena Calderone’s Live Beautiful is a guide to curating interiors that feel personal, stylish, and functional. Calderone emphasizes the importance of storytelling in design, showing how each object, material, and layout choice contributes to a room’s character. The book covers color palettes, lighting, furniture selection, and accessorizing, with practical examples and photography that illustrate real-world applications. Calderone also explores lifestyle considerations, encouraging readers to design spaces that support comfort, work, and social interactions. Live Beautiful is ideal for anyone seeking to merge aesthetics with practicality, creating homes that are visually stunning and deeply livable.

4. The Kinfolk Home by Nathan Williams

The Kinfolk Home presents a minimalist, thoughtful approach to interiors, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and intentional living. Nathan Williams profiles homes from around the world, showcasing how design reflects personal values and daily life. The book focuses on clean lines, natural materials, and well-considered layouts, promoting calm, uncluttered spaces that prioritize quality over quantity. Its photography highlights harmony between architecture, furniture, and lifestyle, inspiring readers to create interiors that are timeless and meaningful. The Kinfolk Home is perfect for those interested in minimalism, slow living, and the philosophy of design as a tool for enhancing well-being and balance.

5. Habitat by Lauren Liess

Lauren Liess’ Habitat offers a refreshing, sustainable approach to interior design, emphasizing timeless, natural, and eco-conscious design principles. Liess explores how textures, materials, and color palettes interact to create harmonious, inviting interiors. She provides actionable advice on space planning, lighting, and furniture selection, helping readers craft functional spaces that also feel peaceful and cohesive. The book encourages thoughtful curation, focusing on quality over quantity, and teaches readers to design with longevity in mind. With a blend of photography, case studies, and design exercises, Habitat is perfect for anyone seeking interiors that are both stylish and environmentally conscious.

6. Living with Pattern by Rebecca Atwood

Rebecca Atwood’s Living with Pattern is a celebration of patterns and textures as tools for adding personality to interiors. Atwood explores how to mix prints, textiles, and materials without overwhelming a space, offering practical guidance on balance, scale, and color coordination. The book includes styling tips, room examples, and sourcing ideas, helping readers experiment confidently with bold or subtle patterns. Its focus on layering and textural contrast teaches readers how to inject warmth and character into every room. For anyone intimidated by pattern, this book is a hands-on, inspiring resource for creating visually dynamic yet harmonious interiors.

7. The New Bohemians by Justina Blakeney

Blakeney profiles 30+ homes, highlighting how personal artifacts, handmade items, and layered textiles contribute to a warm, lived-in aesthetic. The book is a practical resource for styling, combining DIY tips with professional guidance. Its philosophy is about confidence, creativity, and authenticity, inspiring readers to design spaces that reflect their identity. For anyone drawn to maximalist or bohemian interiors, this book demonstrates how to create spaces that are expressive, joyful, and visually dynamic.

Conclusion

These 7 interior design books are more than collections of photos and tips — they are roadmaps to creating spaces that inspire, comfort, and reflect individuality. Whether you’re a novice eager to learn fundamentals, a homeowner seeking personal style, or a professional refining your craft, these books provide actionable strategies, creative inspiration, and expert guidance. By studying these texts, we gain the knowledge to plan, style, and execute interiors with confidence, transforming our homes into spaces that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.