Ever wondered which are the books that interior designers like to read for décor inspiration? We’ve curated a list of our top picks, books that will add context on the latest décor trends in the country and around the world. Read these books to understand the way designers think about anything and everything to do with interiors; from colour palettes to décor themes!

Here’s what you’ll find on our shelves at HomeLane!

Colour for Interior Design, by Ethel Rompilla (New York School of Interior Design)

Colours have always played a pivotal role in design. This comprehensive book will help you to discover the profound impact that colours have on our surroundings and how we can use colours to amazing effect in interior design.

Ethel Rompilla covers it all, from the history of colour systems in interior décor to colour theory, trends, tips and tricks on colour themes. The book is laid out in three parts. In Part I, you will find in-depth details on the ways in which colours were handled from prehistory through the Italian and Greek Renaissance periods, to European and American colour thinking down the ages. You’ll find case studies of colour palettes used by designers ranging from Le Corbusier’s iconic Villa Savoye in France to James McNeill Whistler’s Peacock Room in Washington D.C., to the ancient Fresco of Elegant Ladies from the Palace of Knossos, Crete. Part II is a scientific outlay of colour theories and the physics behind them. Part III can be used as a Bible for decorators who will be able to understand the use of colour to uplift interiors. The practical advice given here is invaluable. If you’re a design student, this book will take you a long way!

Elements of Style: Designing a Home and a Life, by Erin Gates

Your home should be a reflection of your own personality and style, and should talk about who you are and what you do. Your own unique inputs are what makes a house a home, and this book will show you how to do just that.

Erin Gates is the author of an award-winning blog, and this book is her personal journey through the world of home décor. Erin proffers genuine design advice, interspersed with stunning photographs and illustrations. Through the book, you will find essays and anecdotes about personal lessons she has learned while doing up her own home. Readers are taken on a walk through Erin’s own home and homes that she has created for her clients. Exuding glamour and style, this book offers practical guidance on topics as varied as choosing kitchen materials, dressing a bed in the right bed linen, to picking the right sofa. Erin has an easygoing and very engaging writing style, and her passion for design shines through every page.

Here’s a link to Erin’s blog.

A Point of View, by Veere Grenney

As a designer, it’s very important to incorporate your client’s interests and tastes. Every design decision should have specific reasoning behind it, and comfort should be at the forefront of everything you do.

The first tome of British designer Veere Grenney, this book explains the hows and whys of decorating. Grenney shares his rich experience of his three decades in decorating, with projects ranging from elegant London townhouses to Long Island Estates. Readers will find a wealth of information and images on how to replicate his understated signature style. The book is organized by room, and lays out the designer’s philosophy and thinking behind the ways in which he tackles entrances, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. He talks about composition and balance and why he does what he does. If you are a fan of British-style homes, this book is a must-have in your library.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, by Marie Kondo

Reducing clutter should always be the first step in any interior design project. There’s a lot to be said for a clean and minimalistic lifestyle, where everything is in its place and beautifully organized. When there’s balance in your home, there’s balance in your world as well!

Marie Kondo, the superstar in the tidying world, lays out explicit guidelines to transform your home into a clutter-free zone. This inspirational book has sparked a revolution with its life-changing philosophy, introducing readers to the basics of her patented KonMari method. She talks about how to keep only the things that spark joy in your life, and how to successfully tidy every room in your home in a systematic and organized manner. Readers who follow her revolutionary (yet simple) ‘one clean, never messy again’ method have found that they have been able to turn around not just their spaces, but their whole lives. This book has sparked the star-rated show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo that’s running on Netflix and has viewers in the millions.

Interior Design for Beginners: A Guide to Decorating on a Budget, by Alice Cussler

Budget considerations are often a dampener when it comes to doing up your home. When you’re a beginner in the world of interior design, you could lose track of expenses, not quite getting the results you are looking for.

Alice Cussler’s book is the laypersons’ guide to DIY interiors, helping to minimize the trial and error that proves costly in most interior projects. Keep this book by your side to understand basic interior design principles, décor styles and themes. You will learn valuable strategies for tailoring your home makeover within your budget. Alice offers tips and tricks for beginners that help you to stay away from decorating disasters. She defines style and colour and gives practical advice from her own years of experience as a home designer which proves indispensable to professionals and amateurs alike. If you’re looking for an impactful and quick read, this book is perfect for you!

Yes, you’ll find plenty of décor advice and how-to’s online, but there’s nothing quite as satisfying as reading a print copy of a glossy book. Which of these books are you going to read next?

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