13 best interior design books: From mid-century to modern inspiration

House plants are enjoying quite a moment in interiors but for stylist Carter and his crew of featured “plant parents”, this is no passing fad. Wild Interiors showcases 12 beautiful homes with lush and verdant inspiration to be had on every page – and in every room. Expect invaluable plant care advice and styling tips alongside swoon-worthy photography. Even a quick flick though the book offers instant calming effects.

There are currently over two million Instagram posts tagged with #shelfie. It’s a brilliantly simple way to show the world a snapshot of our homes through our best loved bits and bobs we keep on display. In her book of the same name, James offers nifty ideas to make the most of our wall hung storage. The hardback features lovely real home photography with a wealth of ideas to steal.

Biophilia is a buzzword in interior design right now, which means a love of nature. More specifically, it’s the notion that we possess an innate connection with it. In this beautifully illustrated hardback, Coulthard explores the many benefits of biophilic design, drawing on environmental and neuroscientific research to uncover the links between home, health and happiness. A fascinating and uplifting read that looks at the science behind feel good furnishings.

In Faded Glamour, vintage lover Lowe invites us into her beautiful bolthole in rural Somerset – plus we get to snoop around the abodes of some of her fashionable inner circle. We loved this aspirational coffee table tome, which focuses on vintage furniture pieces and room sets that celebrate the once plush: think ripped velvet armchairs, antique French lace tablecloths and the finest junk shop finds.

This compact hardback from the acclaimed interiors blogger is full of practical projects and advice to make our rented space really feel like home – while protecting our security deposit, of course. From inspirational landlord friendly gallery walls to ingenious floor transformations with wallpaper, Grillo explores every conceivable way to up the homely when you’re not a homeowner.

In their second book, the founders of online interiors boutique Rockett St George explore colour in the home, encouraging us all to be a little bolder with our palettes. And it is a visual feast – not only do the pair take us through the science and history of colourful interiors but we get to peek into the homes that dare to give that colour wheel a spin. This includes Lucy St George’s own home with its dark earthy tones and dramatic noir wallcoverings. One for lovers of quirky glamour and unapologetic maximalism.

For fans of pattern and print, Mahon’s book is as informative as it is inspirational. The wallpaper and fabric designer takes us on a journey of creativity while uncovering the secrets behind block printing. We loved how the book seamlessly marries old and new, giving us insight into the ancient craft, and then encouraging us to create contemporary, funky homewares of our own – quite literally putting our stamp on them.

Be prepared for some serious house envy. Calderone, the New York-based interior designer and founder of lifestyle brand EyeSwoon, profiles the homes of 19 creatives in this aspirational coffee table book. From designer Jenna Lyons’ glamorous Soho loft that mixes mid-century furniture pieces with Art Deco furnishings, to architect Danielle Siggerud’s 17th century converted townhouse in Denmark – expect all neutral tones and exposed beams. There’s plenty to swoon over.

For those in the know, the annual Andrew Martin Interior Design Review is a veritable interiors bible. Now in its 23rd edition, this hefty tome – the very definition of a coffee table book – reflects on the inspiring work of 100 interior designers throughout 2019. From the palatial to the pared back, each featured property is extraordinary. And with over 1,000 photographs to pore over, it is one delightful and inspiring rabbit hole to fall into.

From the design duo behind the fearlessly creative 2LG Studio, this is a wholly refreshing hardback that seeks to unleash our freedom of expression as homemakers. For Whitehead and Cluroe, emotional wellbeing is intrinsic to interiors choices (there’s even a chapter on “decorative joy”), and with practical tips and advice, along with real-life case studies, the book encourages us to create a home that truly feeds the soul.