8 BEST INTERIOR DESIGN BOOKS FOR BEGINNERS

Decorating your home is a beautiful way to make life pleasant for you, your family and guests. But sometimes decorating can be a challenge. So I decided to try out some new home decor books and share with you the 8 best interior design books for beginners or anyone who wants to learn more about decorating their home from minimalism to antique decor to farmhouse style.

Recently I reached out on my Instagram asking for the best interior design books for beginners. I loved it when I got so many great book suggestions.

But what I didn't realize is that all these amazing home decorating books would also end up being some of my favorites too.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission if you purchase using the links below at no extra cost to you. All opinions are all my own.

UPDATE: New books are regularly being added in 2021 and 2022. Keep checking back for more home decor book ideas. All new books are being added to the top of the list of recommended books.

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN BOOKS FOR BEGINNERS

You see as I went through each book reading page by page I realized that a beginner could easily take the advice between the pages and make their home wonderful.

So here are my top recommended interior decorating books. Each one has its own unique twist and they all have amazing photos of beautiful homes. I hope this list equips you with what you need to select the right book for your interior decorating situation. Or it might help you find the right book to give as a housewarming gift, wedding present, birthday gift, or that perfect coffee table centerpiece.

Whatever the purpose of your search for the best interior design book. I hope these reviews will help you decide.

Feels Like Home by Marion Parsons

Truly a treasure of a home decor book. Not only teaches good design but she takes it one step further and gives direction on how to make it “feel like home.”

There are so many things I am excited to share about Miss Mustard Seed's Feels Like Home book. In addition to being spot on with her design advice, there are many gorgeous photos of the vintage farmhouse-style designs. I also love that her book is coffee table-worthy.

The quality, texture, and colors in her book are spectacular and once you finish reading the book, it will be perfect to use in your home decor. Last, I highly recommend this book as a gift as well. Add it to your mother's day, bridal, wedding, and housewarming gift ideas.

Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon

What a fun book!

If you grew up in the south then you will love this book! It is deeply rooted in southern tradition and charm.

Whiskey in a Teacup is about hospitality and making a home. There are loads of fabulous recipes and even more ideas for dinner parties and so on.

I don't want to say anymore because I do not want to spoil the fun! But I list this as one of the best interior design books for beginners because it goes beyond home decor and into hospitality, recipes and more.

Well, one might say it is a well-rounded book. It gives a beginner a little of everything in a good old southern fashion way.

Whiskey in a Teacup would make a great hospitality gift, Christmas or a birthday gift.

Heart and Home by Victoria Duerstock

This beautiful book is filled with home decorating tips and daily devotions tied together.

Heart and Home will feed your soul and help you create a warm and inviting home to all who enter.

Each page is threaded with gorgeous pictures of homes from Instagram accounts who have a love for decorating and meaningful devotions to draw you closer to the Lord.

I was overjoyed to find many Instagram friends home inside. It ‘s what made this book even more special. Heart and Home would be a great gift for anyone from a friend to a sister.

City Farmhouse Style by Kim Leggett

If you are a lover of antiques or anything vintage then you will adore this book. Each page is beautifully written and adorned with photos of old and new homes filled with vintage and antiques.

Antiques have a way of making an ordinary house feel so cozy and special. Kim's book really brings out this beauty!

This book is one of the best interior design books for beginners because it shares the beauty of decorating with anything old whether it is an antique or not.

City Farmhouse Style would be a great gift for Christmas and would be fun paired with a small antique item.

Update: Kim has done it again and this time she takes her readers even deeper into the world of decorating with antiques. You will be inspired by her book called Home Stories.

She shares the beautiful stories behind her vintage antique pieces along with tales behind her friend's furniture and decor too. I have a feeling after you read her book you will fall in love with antiques if you haven't already.

The Inspired Room by Melissa Michaels

I have so many positive things to say about The Inspired Room. It has a lovely cover which will make it a great coffee table book and breaks down room by room.

There are many great design elements in this book. It teaches good design skills in a simple way that you can carry throughout your life.

Loads of creative decorating techniques and thinking outside of the box.

Add The Inspired Room to your collection or give it as a gift.

Cozy Minimalist Home by Myquillyn Smith

My first impression is minimalist plus cozy equals this book. Hence the name Cozy Minimalist Home.

But to my surprise, this book goes much deeper than you think. The author helps you think about changing your lifestyle to live in a home that serves you more than you become a prisoner to stuff.

And then between the lines of each page Myquillyn walks you through making your own home a freeing space.

I think this would make a wonderful gift to anyone who is wanting more than just decorating. A desire to scale down and make some home-style changes. Cozy Minimalist Home is the perfect ticket.

A Touch of Farmhouse Charm by Liz Fourez

Did I mention that all these books on this list were recommended by people on Instagram? Yes, I asked on one of my Instagram posts for some recommendations and Liz's book was on the list.

But let me tell you how surprised I was when I opened A Touch of Farmhouse Charm. I was expecting to read another book on decorating with many beautiful photos but this book is a DIY project book.

I absolutely loved it! Each project is perfect for any farmhouse style lover!

Liz's home, which is featured in the book, is so pretty. I was so inspired by all the projects, which seem doable to anyone from beginner to intermediate, that I wish I had more time to do one to share with you all.

The book is organized and laid out nicely which is why I considered it one of the best interior design books for beginners.

So, if you know a DIY lover then A Touch of Farmhouse Charm is perfect for a Christmas or anytime gift.

Cozy White Cottage by Liz Marie Galvan

While at the Country Living Fair my daughter and I came across Cozy White Cottage and fell in love!

Out of all the books I personally read and reviewed I was unable to review this one in time. However, my sweet Instagram friend Heather, Farmhouse for 8, just finished the book and graciously shared a photo and a review.

This is what Heather had to say about Cozy White Cottage.

“From what I have read so far I have liked Cozy White Cottage. It gives very simple and achievable ideas that anyone can apply in their home to give it those cozy welcoming vibes! It's filled with great photos and it's a quick go-to spot for creating those feels everywhere in your home.”

It sounds like Liz's book is a treasure to anyone who opens the pages. I believe this book would be a great gift. In fact, my daughter doesn't know it but she is getting a copy for Christmas. LOL!

PS: Don't tell my daughter. 😉

The DIY Home Planner by KariAnne Wood

Have you ever heard the saying “I saved the best for last.” Well, there is a special reason why I choose The DIY Home Planner to be last on the list.

When you are decorating your home having a planner is a very good tool. So if you pick one or more of the other books then consider this one too.

The DIY Home Planner caught my eye some time ago when I was visiting a Kirkland's store. It is more than your average home decor book. It is a guide and assistant to your home decor planning.

KariAnne has a way with words. You will find her writing easy to read and pleasant as she reminds you that you are amazing and can do anything you set your mind too.

I think this book is the perfect gift for a newlywed couple, a home buyer, Christmas or birthday gift. What a great gift for your daughter or son when they move into their first home.

Conclusion

Well, I started this quest for the best interior design books for beginners on October 26 when I met Kim, City Farmhouse Style, at the Country Living Fair in Atlanta. While talking to Kim we came up with the idea to write a post reviewing some great home decor books and she sent me home with her book.

I started reading it right away while I was traveling and found it to be such a joy to read. I got really excited to read more and that is when I went to my Instagram community for recommendations. They didn't let me down with all the ones I reviewed plus some more.

Here are the other books they recommended and I hope to include them soon.

• Heart and Home for Christmas by Victoria Duerstock
• Pottery Barn series
• Homebody by Joanna Gaines
• Natural Living Style by Selina Lake
• Patina Living by Steve Giannetti and Brooke Giannetti
• Country Living Farmhouse by Marie Proeller Hueston
• Home by Ellen DeGeneres
• Extraordinary Hospitality by Victoria Duerstock

See how many books were recommended and many were recommended over and over. And many people shared that they are lovers of home decor magazines.

If you are more fond of decorating magazines I have a post featuring the 10 favorite home decor magazines. Curious if your favorite is on the list.

Well, I have to say overall all the books I reviewed were easy, fun, and pleasant to read. Plus loads of inspiration. I hope this post has been helpful and I cannot wait to hear if you gave one as a gift or added one to your Santa list.

Happy Decorating!