The designer’s Mind: Delving into the Best Interior Design Books
4 min
There’s no shortage of design inspiration online but nothing beats the joy of spending an afternoon immersing yourself in a good interior design book. Edited, carefully curated and, above all, designed, these titles take you behind the scenes of some of the world’s most beautiful interiors in a considered way. Think of it like the difference between listening to a few tunes on Spotify versus releasing a thoughtfully crafted studio album. We’ve assembled our top six of interior design books on the market right now for your viewing and reading pleasure.
1. Interiors beyond the primary palette
Step inside the world of award-winning interior design duo Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke in this, their first compendium of their work. A ‘best of’ over more than 15 years working together, it’s a masterclass in working with colour and pattern as seen through 18 projects from around the country. With a focus on the idea of home as sanctuary, this hefty tome offers insight into the mind of the designer with points on where to find inspiration, meeting client briefs and the importance of relationships. Thames & Hudson, $120
2 House of Joy
If there was ever a book title for our times, then this is it. With a subtitle of Playful Homes and Cheerful Living, this book champions fun in interior design, with bold and bright homes from around the world to delight and inspire. While there’s a good dose of the unexpected, like a disco ball in the garden, there’s no mayhem in these spaces. Instead, they’re beautifully executed to tempt even the most colour shy. Gestalten, $105
3. Abigail Ahern Masterclass
Some design books are beautiful to look at, and that’s it. This is not one of those books. A master of colour and pattern, UK designer Ahern offers a practical foundational guide to beautiful interiors, mixing form with function in her latest book, Masterclass. Find the inspiration you need to create a gorgeous home. HarperCollins, $65
4. Interiors Now!
Looking for a visual crash course in international design trends with longevity? This is the book for you. Featuring homes across the globe, from New York to Auckland via Avignon, the biggest dilemma for readers is settling on a style. Many of the projects are owned by designers and creatives, lending a dynamic edge to this tome, now in its 40th year. Taschen, $50
5. Home by the Sea
For many Australians, the ocean holds an almost hypnotic appeal. Home by the Sea by Natalie Walton lets you imagine, for a little while at least, what it’s like living the dream in a beach shack in Byron Bay. The book tours 18 homes in and around the region and the hinterland owned by artists, designers and makers. With photography by Amelia Fullarton, it champions the good life. Hardie Grant, $60
6. The Layered Interior
Released last year, this is the third volume from award-winning interior designer Greg Natale. Different in format from his earlier books, the eight projects featured are Australian but with a slight Euro-centric focus. The writing is conversational, almost intimate, inviting the reader into the most luxurious spaces beautifully captured by photographer Anson Smart. This coffee table tome is perfect for dreamers and doers alike. Rizzoli, $110
How can I improve my interior design knowledge?
To be an interior designer, most people have completed a bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma. However, anyone can improve their interior design knowledge by listening to or reading about the design process, as well as taking short courses in design from a reputable design school. Look for online tutorials or interior design books that provide step-by-step guides to creating beautiful spaces and follow interior design social media accounts to get you started. If you want to learn more, you can contact industry bodies such as the Design Institute of Australia for next steps.
What should I read for interior design?
While interior design is often considered a visual medium, there is a lot to understand about the way spaces flow and the balance of materials required. If you have a casual interest, look for design books that appeal to your personal style, which will offer tips on using colour, pattern and texture. For further information, opt for books explaining the main principles of interior design which will discuss questions of balance, scale and proportion, as well as form and function.
Can I teach myself interior design?
In an age where information on most topics is widely available online, yes, you can teach yourself the rudimentaries of interior design. However, a reputable course or degree will provide you with set tasks to test your knowledge and skills before going out into real world experiences. There are several options to qualify as an interior designers, including university and TAFE courses, as well as private colleges.
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A haven for hedge-fund titans and Hollywood grandees, Greenwich is one of the world’s most expensive residential enclaves, where eye-watering prices meet unapologetic grandeur.
The 7,145-square-foot apartment, with European-inspired interiors, hasn’t traded hands since it was built in 2008.
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A Denver condo that hit the market earlier this week for $16 million is now the Mile High City’s most expensive listing.
The new listing by far beats the next-priciest home for sale, a condo in a new development that was put on the market at the beginning of the year for about $9.79 million.
The city’s most expensive single-family home is asking just shy of $9 million—the metro area’s priciest single-family homes tend to be in the Cherry Hills Village suburb.
At 7,145 square feet, the newly listed unit is nearly double the size of the one in the new development and more on par with the size of some of Denver’s most expensive single-family homes.
It’s on the top floor of a seven-story mixed-use building that was built in 2008 in the Cherry Creek neighbourhood, one of the most affluent areas of the city.
The last time the three-bedroom apartment sold was before it was even completed, though it’s been owned under a few different LLCs and trusts.
The seller, who Mansion Global wasn’t able to identify, bought the condo from the developer in September 2007 for $4.047 million, records show.
The design of the interiors is European-inspired, with decorative columns, elaborate millwork and ornate built-ins.
Plus, there’s a mahogany-clad study, a formal dining room that seats up to 30 guests and views of mountains and Denver Country Club’s golf course.
A private terrace adds 1,230 square feet of outdoor living space and features a fireplace and a built-in barbecue, according to the listing with Josh Behr of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty.
A representative for Behr didn’t respond to a request for comment.
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