We’re constantly consuming content but sometimes it’s nice to go back to basics and turn to the latest interior design books for inspiration. Whether displayed on your coffee table or used as a practical sourcebook, interior design books can offer a more in-depth insight into creating a home with thought and intention. They’re not just pretty to look at, they also packed with insider tips, stylist secrets and endlessly useful advice.
I love surrounding myself with beautiful books that I can dip into if I need a little design pick-me-up. I also think that when curated well, they can start to tell a story of your interests and aspirations. If someone was to walk into your home (obviously they can’t at the moment!), what would your interior design books say about you?
Here I’ve rounded up 15 of the best new interior design books, either just published at the end of 2020 or due to be published in 2021. There’s practical interior design handbooks, inspirational home stories, ideas for mindful living and even a couple dedicated to the dog lovers out there!
And if you need further reads to add to your bookshelves, don’t forget to check out my guides for interior design books published in 2020, 2019 and 2018.
1. Simplicity at Home by Yumiko Sekine, Jenny Wapner, published by Abrams & Chronicle books on the 18th February 2021, £21.99, Waterstones – founder of lifestyle brand Fog Linen Work offers an elegant guide to cultivating a thoughtful, joy-filled home inspired by Japanese rituals and practices
2. Living In: Modern Masterpieces of Residential Architecture, published by gestalten, RRP £45, £32.50 on Amazon [aff link] – design platform Openhouse’s first book takes a look inside some of the world’s most remarkable and inspiring living spaces
3. The Monocle Book of the Home, published by Thames & Hudson on 27th May 2021, £50, Waterstones – the magazine explores individual homes, housing projects, communities of self-builders and neighbourhoods where a simple philosophy of building well has created quality of life for many
4. Scandi Rustic by Rebecca Lawson and Reena Simon, published by Ryland Peters & Small, RRP £19.99, £15.15 on Amazon [aff link] – Interior bloggers Malmo and Moss and Hygge for Home have come together to tour a series of cosy, natural homes across the UK and Europe
5. Home Stories: design ideas for making a house a home by Kim Leggett, published by Abrams & Chronicle books on 23 March 2021, £25, Waterstones – the author shows readers how to use all these flea market finds and vintage treasures to design special rooms filled with interest and meaning
6. Iittala by Florencia Colombo and Ville Kokkonen, published by Phaidon on 23 June 2021, £59.95, pre-order on Phaidon’s website – The first book to comprehensively document the 140-year history and influence of Finland’s legendary product design brand
7. The Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt, published by Penguin books, £22, Amazon [aff link] – the founder of Scandinavia’s leading blog Trendenser has distilled all the secrets of successful interior design and styling to help you create a home that works best for your space, taste and lifestyle
8. Curate: Inspiration for an individual home by Lynda Gardener and Ali Heath, published by Mitchell Beazley on 10 June 2021, £30, Amazon [aff link] – Australian interior stylist and boutique hotelier Lynda Gardener and journalist and stylist Ali Heath reveal how to create a home that is truly individual
9. Resident Dog (Volume 2): Incredible Dogs and the Homes They Live In by Nicole England, published by Hardie Grant Books, £30, Waterstones – showcases over 25 of the world’s most amazing houses, and the dogs that live there
10. Cool Dogs, Cool Homes: living in style with your dog by Geraldine James, published by Ryland Peters & Small, RRP £19.99, £15.61 on Amazon [aff link] – how to incorporate dogs into your life without sacrificing your style or their freedom to roam the house and garden
11. The Energizing Art of Feng Shui: Cleanse, Declutter and Revitalize Your Life by Paul Darby published by Watkins Media, £12.99, Waterstones – packed with practical advice, creative solutions and inventive suggestions to apply the principles of Feng Shui to your home
12. Nomad at Home: Designing the home more traveled by Hilary Robertson, published by Ryland Peters & Small on 14 September 2021, £25, Amazon [aff link] – showcases 12 unique locations and dissects the desire to wander the globe from the point of view of the design-led traveller
13. The New Mindful Home: and how to make it yours by Joanna Thornill, published by Laurence King Publishing on 15 April 2021, £14.99, Waterstones – discover a more considered way to decorate and create a home with intention
14. The Reinvention of Forms by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen, published by Étui Editions, €80,95, New Mags – Danish photographer and Norm Architects’ founding partner, Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen has released his first monograph of cinematic compositions
15. Handmade in Japan: the pursuit of perfection in traditional crafts, published by gestalten, £40 – Discover the exceptional artistry and rich traditions being kept alive by Japanese artisans in the 21st century
