If you are always on the hunt for your next great read, you are in the exact right spot. We’re dishing up our best book recommendations for Interior Designers. From picks devoted to the business of design and streamlining processes, to those purely for sparking your creativity, or styling the heck out of your coffee table, these check all the boxes.
We truly believe that creative endeavors and business acumen do not have to be mutually exclusive. We also love inspiring design and pretty, pretty pictures. This book list has all of the above.
Some we’ve read cover-to-cover and others come highly recommended from friends and colleagues. A.K.A. they’re sitting in our Amazon carts as we speak. Take a look at the IDCO library below and tell us what you’re reading next!
Texas Made/Texas Modern
by Helen Thompson
From picturesque ranches, to sleek, modern design, this book sums up the new Texas. This sits on Anastasia’s coffee table year round.
Appetizer: New Interiors for Restaurants and Cafés
by Gestalten
The next best thing to eating out is getting inspired by the unforgettable eateries tucked inside. We get major branding inspiration here, too.
Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating
by Lauren Leiss
Lauren Leiss beautifully melds natural elements into each and every space for a design that’s eclectic with a touch of the outdoors.
Victoria Hagan: Interior Portraits
by Victoria Hagan
A beautiful portrait of an iconic designer and her “new American classic” style.
The Finer Things: Timeless Furniture, Textiles, and Details
by Christiane Lemieux
Truly luxe inside and out, this book embraces timeless design and quality details with insight from leading experts.
Inspired Design: The 100 Most Important Designers of the Past 100 Years
by Jennifer Boles
Not only is the book covered in the most gorgeous Les Touches pattern from Brunschwig & Fils but tucked inside is an A-list of designers from the past century.
New York School of Interior Design: Home: The Foundations of Enduring Spaces
by Ellen S. Fisher
Consider this the Interior Design Bible. It’s a helpful reference for all those self-taught designers when it comes to the technical elements of the job.
Steven Gambrel: Perspective
by Steven Gambrel and Eric Piasecki
Come for the cloth-bound exterior and stay for the peek inside Steven Gambrel’s latest designs.
This is Home: The Art of Simple Living
by Natalie Walton
If you’re craving authentic, this book will inspire you with its simple beauty.
The Working Woman’s Handbook: Ideas, Insights, and Inspiration for a Successful Creative Career
by Phoebe Lavatt
Don’t let the sweet pink cover fool you, this handbook is a badass how-to on developing a working life you love. We love how short, to the point, and actionable it is.
Brand Brilliance: Elevate Your Brand, Enchant Your Audience
by Fiona Humberstone
It’s all about crafting a strong and impactful brand and upping your marketing game with this actionable guide. Anastasia had the pleasure of attending Fiona’s Brand Stylist Retreat last May and this book outlines the fundamentals of what transformed IDCO in 2018.
Mind Your Business: A Workbook to Grow Your Creative Passion Into a Full-time Gig
by Llana Griffo
A lot of designers are full time moms, working full time at a career or running another business. This is the playbook for turning your side hustle into a career.
Learn how to focus and get stuff done in a big way while laying the groundwork for effective business practices. Anastasia swears by this one and bases her entirely daily routine from its lessons.
Endure. Optimize. Finish. and other important lessons when embarking on a bold venture. We’re big fans of Scott’s books (obviously) because they are practical, short winded and immediately actionable in business and creativity.
This is THE book to read if you are in the process of setting up your business financials. It changes the way you think about your business finances – YOU get paid first, then all other expenses are budgeted out of what’s remaining.
This is a one-stop-shop for learning how to run a successful design business. Learn the basics of everything from billing to project management, marketing and licensing.
Right -brainers unite! Delve into the world of the creative brain and learning to think outside of the box.
So whether you are on a midday break from taking over the design world or curled up on the sofa with coffee in hand, these books are must-reads. Also on the must-read list for interior designers…
Erin Lepperd is an interior designer – turned digital media editor with a penchant for breathtaking interiors. When she’s not gabbing about design, you’ll find her wrangling her wild and wonderful 5 year old twins, brunching like it’s her job and exploring the wilds of New England as a California transplant.
@alexanderjames_SHOP
@JENNIKAYNE
@FREDASALVADOR
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Great list! I’ve put a few of these into my shopping cart.
I’m so glad! Hope you love them as much as we love ours!
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Its a great post for interior designers. Thanks for the list