5 Interior Design Books

At its heart, Interior Design is about creating functional, aesthetically pleasing environments. It’s a discipline that marries creativity with technical know-how. Diving into the literature is crucial for anyone serious about the craft. It’s how we learn to enhance a room’s flow and feel, incorporate sustainable practices that boost wellbeing, stay ahead of trends, and ultimately, increase a property’s value.

If you’re looking to take your passion to the next level, the Master in Interior Design at SHIFTA offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the field. The comprehensive programme covers every essential aspect of design, taught by experienced professionals with a practical, hands-on approach. You’ll work on real-world projects, participate in educational workshops, and tap into an excellent network of contacts to launch your career. Book your place now and secure your professional future!

But first, to get you started and introduce some of the discipline’s key concepts, don’t miss these five essential reads.

This Francis D.K. Ching manual provides a thorough introduction to the world of interior space, brought to life through clear and accessible graphic explanations. It’s widely regarded as one of the best starting points for any newcomer. With a concise and focused approach, Ching covers everything from the basic principles of design to the practical considerations of planning and execution. A truly fundamental read for anyone with an interest in the field.

From the renowned interior designer Alexa Hampton, this book offers a unique insight into creating spaces that truly reflect the personality and needs of their inhabitants. She explores key topics such as furniture selection, the powerful use of colour, and the importance of detail, providing both inspiration and practical advice for designers at every level.

This book, written by Chris Grimley and Mimi Love, masterfully explores the intricate relationship between colour, space and style, focusing on the small details that make a design impactful and memorable. Through inspiring examples and actionable tips, Grimley and Love provide a deep dive into how these three elements influence the entire experience of an interior environment.

A comprehensive guide for anyone passionate about interiors, this book presents a collection of fundamental principles applicable to a vast range of projects and contexts. Through detailed explanations, illustrations, and case studies, Kelly Harris Smith tackles everything from aesthetic concepts to technical and functional considerations. Its goal is to empower designers to create spaces that are effective, innovative, and built to last.

This book focuses on providing a deep understanding of the core principles of Interior Design. Ian Higgins shows readers how to apply effective strategies to the planning of living spaces, ensuring they are not only functional and visually appealing, but also perfectly tailored to meet the specific needs of the user.

These Interior Design books are more than mere reference guides; they are sources of inspiration that invite design professionals to explore, expand their knowledge, and discover new perspectives for any project that comes their way.