In today’s digital landscape, some might question the relevance of books. After all, can’t we find all the inspiration we need on social platforms like Instagram or Pinterest? Not quite. While design is indeed a visual experience, the most captivating creations are often rooted in intellectual depth that can’t easily be conveyed through a series of images on a screen.
Transforming a space from ordinary to extraordinary requires more than just a keen eye.
Moreover, there’s a unique satisfaction that comes with the tactile experience of books and magazines. From jotting down notes in the parts that resonate with us the most to the ability to connect ideas across different sources. It's reasons such as these that make books irreplaceable. Plus, it’s the perfect time of year to cosy up with a good book!
That’s why we’ve curated a collection of 6 of our favourites. Some offer practical hints and tips, while others have been chosen because they educate, inspire an excite. We think you’ll return to them again and again.
Inside: At Home with Great Designers (2022)
Interior designers are tasked with bringing their clients' visions to life through their unique creative perspectives. But how do these designers decorate their own homes when left to their own devices? Inside: At Home with Great Designers takes a closer look at the personal spaces of renowned decorators like Faye Toogood, Miles Redd, and Vincent van Duysen, revealing intriguing insights into their uninhibited creative philosophies.
Woman Made: Great Women Designers by Jane Hall (2021)
This glorious book highlights the pioneering yet often overlooked female designers of the 20th and early 21st centuries, spanning movements from Bauhaus to post-modernism. Each entry features a brief biography alongside one of their works, making it both a visual tribute and an educational resource. This vibrant celebration showcases the significant contributions of over 200 designers from more than 50 countries, its A-Z survey format not only presents extraordinary objects but demonstrates again and again that design is not, and never has been, a man’s world.
The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clare (2016)
Engaging and unusual, The Secret Lives of Colour explores the intriguing histories of 75 captivating shades, dyes, and hues. From blonde to ginger, the brown that altered battle tactics to the white that warded off the plague, Picasso's blue period to the charcoal on Lascaux's cave walls, and from acid yellow to kelly green, these surprising narratives weave through history. Kassia St Clair transforms her lifelong passion for colour into a compelling study of its impact on human civilisation.
The Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt (2020)
This practical guide isn’t exactly a paint-by-numbers for design, but it comes pretty close. Tailored for everyone, regardless of their personal style, it demystifies the key principles of decorating. You’ll find straightforward tips (like the best height for hanging artwork), insider tricks (such as how to lay floorboards to create a sense of spaciousness), and a range of simple changes that can make a big difference.
Beata Heuman; Every Room Should Sing (2021)
Beata Heuman launched her eponymous studio in 2013 quickly gaining recognition for her lively, colour-filled interiors. Her designs blend playful elements with Scandinavian attention to detail. This book explores Heuman's key design principles, showcasing her projects that highlight contrasts and the creation of cosy atmospheres. Notable examples include a small Paddington apartment inspired by the Peggy Guggenheim that harmoniously combines various design styles.
Each chapter features vibrant properties, showcasing her signature colour schemes and bold patterns, along with whimsical illustrations and offers an engaging look into the work of one of today's most exciting interior designers.
Japanese Interiors by Mihoko Iida (2022)
This fascinating book delves into the realm of contemporary Japanese home design, showcasing 28 unique residences that range from minimalist urban apartments to historic traditional houses. It is a rich visual exploration highlighting the work of celebrated Japanese architects and revealing how their designs reflect Japan's philosophy of harmoniously integrating nature with living spaces.
Through these diverse examples, the book illustrates the minimalist decor tradition that has shaped aesthetics not only within Japan but also across the globe. From brutalist structures in Tokyo to serene concrete seaside retreats in Kantō, Japanese Interiors offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of Japanese interior design, celebrating its influence on both local and international styles.
We hope you find these books as inspiring as we do. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—let us know which one resonates with you the most!
Comments