10 Interior Design Books That Belong on Every Aesthete’s Coffee Table
From regal antiques to modern maximalism, these titles inspire, instruct, and indulge.
Let me preface this by saying — I’m not an interior designer. But if there’s one thing I am, it’s an aesthetic obsessive. And to be fair, I did intern at Steelcase, where I gained invaluable insights into how our environments shape the narratives of our daily lives. Add to that my lifelong fascination with architecture — think Luis Barragán’s poetic minimalism, Frank Lloyd Wright’s harmonious flow, and Zaha Hadid’s fearless deconstructivism — and you’ll understand why beautiful spaces hold a special place in my heart.
Whether you’re reimagining your interiors or, like me, simply love surrounding yourself with beautiful things, this list of 10 interior design books will deliver more than inspiration — it will elevate your coffee table game and position you firmly in connoisseur territory.
Versailles: From Louis XIV to Jeff Koons
A journey through opulence and artistic rebellion, this book explores the grandeur of Versailles while connecting it to contemporary art and design — proving that decadence never goes out of style.
Designing Hollywood Homes
Peek into the private spaces of Hollywood’s elite. Lavish, layered, and unapologetically glamorous, it captures how film icons live off-screen, inspiring a cinematic approach to interior storytelling.
Be My Guest: At Home with the Tastemakers
A chic invitation into the homes of influential creatives, this book captures authentic interiors that marry personal history with effortless style.
Alberto Pinto: World Interiors
From Paris to Riyadh, this book celebrates Pinto’s extraordinary portfolio of global luxury. It’s the ultimate reference for collectors of bold, culturally rich interiors.
Soul of the Home: Designing with Antiques
A masterclass in layering vintage character into modern spaces. Ideal for those who believe patina and provenance are the true markers of luxury.
Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone
An Instagram darling and modern classic. Part interior inspo, part design guide, Athena’s book teaches how to infuse soul, shape, and storytelling into your spaces.
Wild Interiors: Beautiful Plants in Beautiful Spaces
An ode to biophilic design, showcasing how greenery transforms interiors — from modern apartments to rustic escapes. A must for plant lovers with a design eye.
Bohemian Modern by Emily Henson
Boho meets structure in this bold take on maximalist-modern fusion. A book for those unafraid of colour, texture, and personality in their living spaces.
The Kinfolk Home
Quiet luxury at its best. With global homes rooted in minimalism and intentionality, it offers a calm, meditative break from louder design narratives.
Remix: Decorating with Culture, Objects and Soul by Jeanine Hays & Bryan Mason
A fresh celebration of Afro-modernism, diasporic heritage, and storytelling through design. Important, timely, and beautifully photographed.
Design carries emotion. When it comes to interiors, it’s not just about what looks good — it’s about the stories you tell. The ones you want to wake up to each day, and the ones others sense when they enter your space. From the colours you choose to the textures you layer and the way the light hits a corner of your home — it all says something. Let this book list guide your next creative spark, or simply let it rest on your table and suggest — subtly, stylishly — that you know a thing or two about beautiful living.
Images courtesy of respective publishers
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@taraleydondecor