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Essential Interior Design Books Every Beginner Should Read
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items When I first got into design, I had no idea where to start — everything felt overwhelming. These are the books that actually clicked for me. They break down the basics (color, layout, flow) in a way that makes sense and are still the ones I pull off ...
This is your starting point to build your design foundation. To the point, easy to follow, actually useful information.
The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Decorate, and Style Your Space
A visual textbook covering drawing, space planning, materials, and design concepts—ideal for beginners who appreciate structured and visual learning.
Interior Design Master Class
Packed with over 200 color palettes, psychology, and visual guidance—perfect for learning how different hues affect mood and space
The Color Scheme Bible
A visual textbook covering drawing, space planning, materials, and design concepts—ideal for beginners who appreciate structured and visual learning
Interior Design Illustrated|Paperback
Less about scale, more about meaningful living spaces. This new‑classic makes a strong philosophical case for quality over quantity—great for beginners thinking deeply about design intentions
The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live|Hardcover
A staple for understanding color theory—covers relationships, contrast, and harmony with exercises you can apply directly to interiors.
Color Third Edition: A workshop for artists and designers|Paperback
Structured like a design school primer—covers space planning, furniture placement, ergonomics, and how to combine different furniture styles.
Interior Design Course: Principles, Practices, and Techniques for the Aspiring Designer|Paperback
A go-to for learning the basics the right way—color, layout, balance—all broken down by one of the top design schools in the country. It’s practical, inspiring, and feels like design school in a single book.
New York School of Interior Design: Home: The Foundations of Enduring Spaces|Hardcover
It’s like having your design‑savvy friend helping you avoid rookie mistakes.
The New Design Rules: How to Decorate and Renovate, from Start to Finish: An Interior Design Book|Hardcover
Before you take on your first paying customer- this is a must must must.
The Interior Design Business Handbook: A Complete Guide to Profitability|Hardcover
This one’s pure eye candy. It’s basically a world tour of interiors, so you see every style, era, and vibe in one book. I kept flipping through it whenever I felt stuck — it’s like instant inspiration.
Atlas of Interior Design|Hardcover
Dabito makes color feel easy. This book is packed with bold rooms and simple tips that show how to mix old and new without overthinking it. Great if you want personality in your spaces.
Old Brand New: Colorful Homes for Maximal Living [An Interior Design Book]|Hardcover
A super friendly, real‑home tour book full of cozy styling ideas and approachable tips—perfect for getting confident about designing your space.
Home with Rue: Style for Everyone
this book taught me how style and sustainability can go hand‑in‑hand—easy DIY tips, eco‑friendly resources, and healthy home ideas.
Green Interior Design: The Guide to Sustainable High Style
The ultimate design eye‑candy book—over 500 pages and 1,000+ photos of the world’s best interiors. I turned to it whenever I needed fresh, professional-level inspiration.
Andrew Martin Interior Design Vol. 28