In the spirit of sharing our favorite shelter magazines and beloved decorating shows, we’re also sharing a short list of our top decorating books. We own more than thirty design books, but these seven are the ones we return to again and again for inspiration, practical guidance, and gorgeous photography.
1. The Design Idea Book – This book delivers approachable, stylish rooms that feel immediately livable. It’s a fantastic source for color palettes, sensible floor plans, and balanced proportions. What we love most is how each example highlights clear ideas you can adapt: switch a color, refine a layout, or borrow a lighting scheme to lift an entire room. The layouts and photography make it easy to imagine how the ideas will work in a real home.
2. Nate Berkus Home Rules – Nate’s approach combines warmth and drama with an emphasis on collected pieces. The book demonstrates how to layer texture, pattern, and curated finds—often thrifted or gathered while traveling—into elegant, comfortable rooms. There’s an emphasis on personality and storytelling through objects, and the result is spaces that feel both refined and welcoming.
3. Thom Filicia Style – This title is a go-to for reliable paint choices and luxurious room concepts that remain achievable. The book focuses on creating polished interiors with rich textures and thoughtful details. It’s especially useful when you want a high-end look without overcomplicating the process: clear examples show how scale, color, and finishes come together to create a cohesive result.
4. Candace Olson On Design – Candace Olson offers a thoughtful, refined approach that can transform even dark or awkward spaces into serene retreats. Her use of mirrors, soft palettes like pale blues, and materials such as capiz bring light and calm to a room. The book is a great reference for anyone who wants to build a soothing, balanced interior with attention to composition and rhythm.
5. Houses: Inside And Out – A classic collection that showcases a wide variety of house styles and interiors. The range of rooms makes this book useful whether you prefer casual, traditional, modern, or somewhere in between. Some spreads are more formal, while others feel cozy and lived-in, offering ideas that can be adapted across tastes. It’s especially handy for seeing how architectural elements and interior choices work together.
6. House Beautiful: The Home Book – Think of this as a practical decorating manual. Filled with paint recommendations, renovation tips, and approachable advice on mixing patterns and textures, it breaks down many design challenges into clear, actionable steps. It’s a terrific go-to reference for anyone decorating a new home or tackling a renovation who wants sensible guidance without sacrificing style.
7. Domino: The Book Of Decorating – Drawing on the best ideas from the magazine, this book presents memorable rooms and clever, unexpected ideas that are easy to adapt. It’s full of practical hacks and visual inspiration that help avoid cookie-cutter results. If you’re looking for playful yet polished decorating concepts, this book is a rich source of creative solutions.
There you have it: seven standout decorating books that combine beautiful photography with practical ideas. Each book offers a different mix of inspiration and instruction, from color guidance and layout strategies to styling tips and material choices. Whether you’re beginning a decorating project, refreshing a room, or simply browsing for eye candy, these volumes are worth keeping on your shelf.
What are your favorite decorating reads? Do any of these appear on your list, or did we miss a must-have title? We’d love to hear which books you turn to for inspiration and practical guidance—share your recommendations and favorite takeaways from the design books you love.