Hey there! I have a story for you. So, a dear friend was in town for the weekend, and as we were enjoying some cocktails, I suddenly had this burst of excitement and exclaimed, “Hold on, I need to show you all my favorite home decor books!”
I kept piling up books like there was no tomorrow until I realized I needed to share these gems with you all on A Beautiful Mess. I’m a sucker for gorgeous home decor books that double as inspiration and chic decor pieces for my home.
So here they are, my 10 most loved decor books, featuring a mix of styles that you’re going to adore.
I’ll give you a peek inside each book and share why they mean so much to me.
Anna Spiro: A Life in Pattern by Anna Spiro
Unlike any other book I own, this one is a treasure trove of traditional inspiration mixed with bold colors and pattern galore. It’s a vibrant break from all the neutral trends we’ve seen lately. Or as David Bowie said, “I promise it won’t be boring.”
British Designers at Home by Jenny Rose-Innes
This book is all about that charming British style—full of antiques, mixed wood tones, stunning gardens, and a ton of wallpaper. The cozy vibes are off the charts!
de Gournay: Hand-Painted Interiors by Claud Gurney
Love hand-painted murals? You need this book. It’s filled with the most stunning murals that look just like wallpaper, making it a truly amazing find.
Rattan by Lulu Lytle and Mitchell Owens
I initially bought this one because it looked so good as a coffee table book. But then I fell in love with its content—hundreds of awesome rattan pieces in both modern and vintage settings. My favorite part? A photo of an early airplane decked out in rattan seats. Time machine, anyone?
A Tale of Interiors by Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward
This book makes me want to hit every flea market and estate sale. Pierce & Ward are Nashville-based designers who’ve worked on some of the most iconic celebrity homes. Their style is luscious and vintage-heavy—a true delight!
Island Hopping by Amanda Lindroth
If island homes in the Bahamas are your vibe, this book is a must. Amanda Lindroth’s iconic home goods and designs are super refreshing, especially when everything else starts to look the same. This one is perfect for that coastal grandma aesthetic!
Jungalow: Decorate Wild by Justina Blakeney
The cover of this book is as beautiful as the content inside. Justina has such a unique voice, and her designs are vibrant, colorful, and deeply inspiring. The book is packed with photos from her home and her travels—definitely a must for color lovers.
Design Commune: A Love Letter to California by Roman Alonso and Steven Johanknecht
For those who love a modern, less minimalist vibe, this book is full of layered, coastal goodness.
100 Ways to Happy Chic Your Life by Jonathan Adler
Jonathan Adler’s books were the first design books that really clicked for me. His fun, anti-snob attitude and vibrant style are simply joyful. Plus, his books are full of photos of his spaces and his iconic pottery.
Fun fact: I got to interview Jonathan on our podcast (episode 49), and he’s just as awesome as you’d imagine!
And here are a few more honorable mentions. My past homes have been featured in these lovely decor books:
- Our own decor book from 2014, Happy Handmade Home
- The second Domino book, Domino: Your Guide to a Stylish Home
- My friend Alyssa Rosenheck’s book, The New Southern Style (showcasing some of my favorite Nashville homes!).
