Reimagine your bookcase with our curated edit of interior design titles – an essential collection for those drawn to the language of space, form and material. From chronicles of the world’s most captivating interiors to surveys of the objects that define them, and explorations of global traditions – from Scandinavian restraint to Brazilian warmth – these works present design as both practice and cultural lens.
Equally at home on a coffee table or in a working library, each book balances substance with visual appeal. Consider this a place to deepen your understanding, refine your eye and lose yourself in rooms that inspire and endure.
Essential interior design books for lovers of beautiful spaces
Wallpaper* contributor Laura May Todd presents a richly illustrated survey of 50 exceptional homes across Italy, from Venetian palazzi to Sicilian villas. This volume offers an intimate look inside residences shaped by figures such as Carlo Scarpa and Alessandro Mendini, spanning historic to contemporary styles – many of which are rarely published. Each project is paired with evocative photography and a short essay, making this a compelling exploration of Italy’s enduring design culture.
A fresh, personal approach to interiors from Sight Unseen founders Monica Khemsurov and Jill Singer. This volume blends design history, practical advice and inspiring home tours, while encouraging readers to build spaces around meaningful objects rather than an idea of ‘perfection’. It explores what makes objects valuable and how they shape our lives – an accessible guide to cultivating a home that feels authentic, intentional and uniquely yours.
This global survey highlights over 100 of today’s most innovative interior designers across 30 countries, selected by leading industry figures. Featuring both established names and rising talents working across residential, retail and hospitality spaces, ‘By Design’ showcases the creative approaches defining the profession today. An essential reference for anyone interested in the contemporary world of design.
‘Making Space’ is a global survey of 250 women in interior design, from early pioneers to contemporary leaders. It reconsiders design history, highlighting women’s influence beyond domestic spaces and recognising their role as tastemakers. Beautifully illustrated and spanning designers from over 50 countries, this volume brings visibility to both celebrated and overlooked figures – a necessary reframing of interior design’s past and present.
While the exteriors of brutalist architecture often dominate the conversation, the interiors are just as compelling. This book offers an in-depth look inside both iconic buildings and lesser-known structures, with striking photography paired with critical essays that explore themes such as materiality, lived experience and contemporary reinterpretation. Moving beyond the concrete façades, it offers a nuanced perspective on one of design’s most divisive yet fascinating movements.
‘Designed for Life’ is a showcase of 100 of today’s most exciting product designers, and a vivid snapshot of the energy of contemporary design. Spanning furniture, lighting, objects and more, this book features innovations selected by global experts, all of which reflect ingenuity, sustainability and cross-disciplinary thinking. A dynamic overview of how product design continues to evolve.
A comprehensive survey of one of design’s most ubiquitous objects: the chair, celebrated here as a site of constant experimentation in form, material and function. This beautifully illustrated volume showcases 500 iconic examples, from early innovations to contemporary creations, from renowned designers from around the world. ‘Chair’ traces the evolution of an everyday object while revealing its cultural and creative significance.
A landmark survey of Brazilian modernist furniture, tracing its development from the mid-century to today, where the movement continues to thrive. Combining archival research with new photography, the book highlights influential figures such as Lina Bo Bardi and Oscar Niemeyer alongside lesser-known pioneers. With over 400 images, it offers a compelling introduction to Brazil’s contribution to global modernist design – revealing a rich and long-overlooked tradition.
A dynamic showcase of 33 leading Black interior designers in the United States. Through richly photographed projects and personal profiles, ‘In the House’ highlights a wide range of styles and creative approaches while exploring the designers’ impact on contemporary interiors. With an introduction by Alton LaDay, it also reflects on the history and future of Black designers in the industry.
‘Arbiters of Style’ explores a new generation of French designers redefining contemporary interiors. Featuring 21 creatives, the book presents interiors that balance the elegance of classic French design with bold new directions. Richly illustrated with residences from across France, it captures a moment defined by sculptural forms, confident use of colour and a strong artistic sensibility.
Through portraits of 21 homes in Marfa, Texas, ‘Marfa Modern’ reveals the creative spirit of this remote desert community. Inspired by Donald Judd’s legacy, the interiors embrace minimalism, resourcefulness and a deep connection to the landscape. From repurposed buildings to handmade elements, each space is documented through vivid storytelling and photography, capturing the experimental and artistic approach that defines design in Marfa.
Scandinavian design is celebrated worldwide for its pared-back elegance, and this volume explores it in depth. Featuring over 180 designers and brands, it provides a comprehensive overview from 1900 to the present, spanning furniture, textiles, ceramics and more. With detailed entries and cultural context, the book examines the region’s signature balance of functionality, craftsmanship and simplicity.
Another globally resonant design tradition, Japanese domestic architecture is explored here through a chronicle of both traditional and contemporary homes. Featuring many previously unpublished images, the book highlights the simplicity, craftsmanship and harmony central to Japanese living. With a glossary and travel insights, ‘Living in Japan’ offers both visual inspiration and cultural context.
This sweeping visual history of 20th-century lighting design is helpfully organised by decade. Featuring over 1,000 examples from key designers, it traces the evolution of electric lighting from early decorative pieces to experimental and contemporary designs. Covering major movements from Art Nouveau to postmodernism, it highlights innovations in form, material and technology.
A fascinating exploration of office design from the 1970s to the present day – and into the future. Through essays and photography, Florian Idenburg and LeeAnn Suen examine how workplaces reflect changing ideas about labour, technology and culture, analysing environments ranging from corporate campuses to speculative digital spaces.