The digital age may have streamlined design project timelines and workflows, but it has yet to replace a studio’s reference library. Spreading open large interior design books across a desk—whether for inspiration, learning, or just a break—still offers something no screen can match. And while it’s always nice to survey the season’s buzzy new releases, every practice has its tried-and-trues.
We asked designers for their all-time favorite interior design books—the ones with folded corners, loosened bindings, and coffee stains from years of use. (Some of the pros we interviewed even admitted to being on their second or third copies of select titles!) From historical compendiums to heartening monographs, see below for their 11 recommended reads.
The Grammar of Ornament by Owen Jones
The Grammar of Ornament
By Owen Jones (1856)
“First published in 1856, it’s a compendium of decorative motifs across cultures and centuries—Greek, Roman, Persian, Egyptian, and beyond. Its rigor and breadth make it an unparalleled reference, and it’s a reminder that design is a continuum: Every pattern and object has a lineage, and innovation often begins with looking back.”—Sarah Lederman, Sarah Lederman Interiors
Mark Hampton on Decorating by Mark Hampton
Mark Hampton on Decorating
By Mark Hampton (1989)
“The division of subject matter by rooms and color and the masterful explanations are forever inspiring.” —Ellen Hamilton, Hamilton Design Associates
Case Study Houses by Elizabeth A. T. Smith
Case Study Houses
By Elizabeth A. T. Smith (2002)
“That’s an easy one: Case Study Houses. There’s something about that era of residential architecture in the United States that continues to resonate with me. The clarity of ideas, the integration of indoor and outdoor living, and the experimentation with form and material all inform nearly every design decision I make today.”—Mathew McGrane, Mathew McGrane Architect
Jacques Grange: Interiors by Pierre Passebon
Jacques Grange: Interiors
By Pierre Passebon (2009)
“We keep coming back to Jacques Grange: Interiors. Jacques has been an inspiration to the studio for a long time. His way of blending art into interiors feels effortless, and his versatility across different styles is something we really admire. His work has definitely shaped how we think about styling and living with art in our own projects.”—Lauren Geremia, Geremia Design
The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard
The Poetics of Space
By Gaston Bachelard (1958)
“I go back to this book because it looks at space from the inside out and how we actually live in rooms, corners, and everyday places. As a designer, it’s a reminder that renderings and drawings only tell part of the story. The real challenge is shaping spaces that people feel connected to, and this book helps us keep that perspective at the center of our work.” —Artem Kropovinsky, Arsight Studio
Fearless Living by Jean-Phillippe Demeyer
Fearless Living
By Jean-Phillippe Demeyer (2018)
“I am obsessed with the boldness, the color, the ‘I don’t care what you think’ attitude.” —Alicia Cheung, Alicia Cheung Design
Arent Pyke: Interiors Beyond the Primary Palette by Arent Pyke
Arent Pyke: Interiors Beyond the Primary Palette
By Arent Pyke (2023)
“It’s full of gorgeous details and heavy use of natural materials that are mouth-watering. It never gets old, never disappoints.” —Jennie Bishop, Bishop Studio
The Way We Live by Stafford Cliff
The Way We Live
By Stafford Cliff (2003)
“There are so many fantastic books that cover one style, but The Way We Live has a bit of everything. There are over 1,000 photographs [within it]. On just one page you can see images from San Francisco to Mauritius to Scotland to Cairo. All of Stafford Cliff’s books are wonderful. This is the best starter.” —Frances Merrill, Reath Design
Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone
Live Beautiful
By Athena Calderone (2020)
“It’s a reminder that good design doesn’t have to shout, it just needs to resonate. We turn to it often for its layering, mood, and the emotional intelligence behind the spaces. It aligns with how we design: intention-first, beauty-second, always timeless.” —Lauren Lerner, Living with Lolo
Fornasetti: The Complete Universe by Barnaba Fornasetti
Fornasetti: The Complete Universe
By Barnaba Fornasetti (2010)
“Fornasetti was one of one—and so much more than the famous faces on candles. His career was prolific, experimental, endlessly curious, and full of wit. Every time I open the book, I end up going down a different path of inspiration: Sometimes it’s the surrealist patterns, sometimes the unexpected juxtapositions, sometimes the color combinations or just the sheer playfulness. It’s a reminder that design is allowed to invite wonder.” —Meeshie Fahmy, Haus of Meeshie
A Place to Call Home by Gil Schafer III
A Place to Call Home
By Gil Schafer III (2017)
“This book inspires me time and time again. The intricate millwork, the small details, and the seemingly effortless luxury he executes so well are intoxicating.”—Nicole Fisher, Nicole Fisher Interiors