"The New Design Rules" by Emily Henderson, Jessica Cumberbatch Anderson, Sara Ligorria-Tramp made it to BookAuthority's Best Decorating Audiobooks of All Time!
Discover expert picks from Frida Ramstedt, Emily Henderson, and Corey Damen Jenkins for inspiring Decorating Books
Updated on June 28, 2025·We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page
0 of 10 books have Audiobook versions
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What if you could unlock the secrets to creating a home that feels both stylish and truly yours? Decorating is more than just choosing colors or furniture—it's about crafting a space that resonates with your personality and lifestyle. In a world flooded with fleeting trends and overwhelming choices, knowing where to start can feel daunting. Yet, the right guidance can make all the difference.
Take Frida Ramstedt, for instance, whose Scandinavian-inspired insights in "The Interior Design Handbook" help you grasp the underlying principles that turn a room into a harmonious sanctuary. Or consider Emily Henderson, a celebrated stylist whose book "The New Design Rules" walks you through the renovation process with clarity and confidence. Even Corey Damen Jenkins, with his vibrant reinterpretation of traditional design in "Design Remix," shows how personality and function can beautifully coexist.
These voices are just a glimpse of the expertise you'll find in this carefully curated collection of Decorating Books. While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific style preferences, space constraints, or skill levels might consider creating a personalized Decorating book that builds on these insights and fits your unique journey perfectly.
The Independent, a respected UK publication, praises this book as "[a] useful and easy approach to interior design." Their endorsement carries weight given their broad cultural perspective and attention to quality. This reflects how Frida Ramstedt's focus on design principles over trends reshaped their understanding of home styling. Publisher's Weekly also affirms its value, calling it "a first-rate way to ensure decorating success." Together, these voices highlight why this handbook deserves your attention if you want to create a harmonious and stylish living space without guesswork.
Frida Ramstedt is a renowned interior design expert known for her practical approach to home styling. With a popular blog and a significant following in Scandinavia, she has coached many on creating harmonious living spaces. Her insights focus on understanding design principles rather than merely following trends, making her a trusted voice in the field.
Frida Ramstedt draws from her Scandinavian design expertise to shift your focus from merely choosing decor to understanding the principles that make a space harmonious. You’ll learn precise concepts like the golden ratio, ideal furniture proportions, and how to craft effective mood boards, all illustrated with clear examples. This book suits anyone aiming to create balance and style in their home without getting lost in fleeting trends or overwhelming choices. It’s particularly helpful if you want to grasp why certain arrangements work visually and how to apply that knowledge to any style or space.
Joanna Gaines, acclaimed author of The Magnolia Table, praises Emily Henderson’s fearless design style and her knack for blending personality with function. Joanna highlights that this book offers practical tools and resources to help you craft a home that truly reflects your identity and tastes. Her endorsement underscores why this guide is a valuable resource for anyone ready to take charge of their decorating journey. Alongside her, Bobby Berk, design expert and Emmy-nominated host of Netflix’s Queer Eye, admires how the book simplifies complex design decisions, empowering you to confidently make bold choices that suit your lifestyle. Their combined expertise makes this book a compelling companion for your home transformation.
“I’ve always been drawn to Emily’s approach to design. She’s not afraid to take risks and she has the ability to design beautiful spaces that are full of both personality and function. This book serves as an approachable guide for anyone who is looking for tools and resources to create a home that speaks to who they are and what they love.” (from Amazon)
Emily Henderson, Jessica Cumberbatch Anderson, Sara Ligorria-Tramp, Velinda Hellen(you?)·
About the Author
Emily Henderson is a stylist, interior designer, TV host, and founder of Emily Henderson Design. She has always had a strong commitment to vintage-inspired and approachable home style that works for every single person. A Target Home Style Expert, Emily’s work has been featured widely, including in The New York Times, People, InStyle, House Beautiful, and domino. She lives on a mini farm outside of Portland, Oregon, with her husband, son, and daughter.
Emily Henderson, a stylist and interior designer known for her vintage-inspired yet accessible approach, invites you to rethink your home design with confidence. She guides you through every choice, from paint colors to lighting and furniture arrangement, demystifying when to call in a contractor versus an architect. The book includes vivid examples and colorful illustrations, helping you visualize and execute a home that genuinely reflects your personality. Whether refreshing a single room or undertaking a full renovation, you'll find clear guidance on measurements, materials, and design decisions that avoid common pitfalls.
This AI-created book on decorating essentials is tailored to your unique style and background, ensuring you focus on the principles and techniques that matter most to you. By sharing your experience level and specific decorating interests, you receive a guide that speaks directly to your goals. The personalization helps transform broad expert knowledge into an engaging learning path designed for your space and preferences.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
2026·50-300 pages·Decorating, Decorating Basics, Color Theory, Space Planning, Texture Use
This tailored book explores foundational decorating principles and guides you through developing a style uniquely your own. It covers essential concepts such as color theory, spatial arrangement, texture balancing, and lighting techniques, all customized to your background and aesthetic preferences. By focusing on your interests, it reveals how to translate general decorating wisdom into choices that resonate with your personal taste and living environment. This personalized guide matches your skill level and specific goals, making complex design ideas accessible and relevant. Expect a thoughtful journey that demystifies decorating, empowering you to craft spaces that truly reflect who you are and how you want to live.
Veranda, a leading voice in interior design publishing, praises Corey Damen Jenkins’s book for its fresh and colorful take on traditional design. They highlight how this volume has consistently been a favorite among their editors since 2021, reflecting its enduring influence. Their review notes Jenkins’s skill in sharing practical advice for achieving this youthful style, which has helped them rethink classic interiors with renewed vibrancy. This endorsement underscores why this book is a go-to resource for anyone seeking to breathe new life into traditional decorating.
“Corey Damen Jenkins's masterful book has remained at the top of our editors' reading lists since its debut in 2021. The brilliant tome showcases the designer's fresh and colorful take on traditional design while sharing Jenkins's advice on how to emulate the youthful look for yourself.” (from Amazon)
Unlike most decorating books that dwell on rigid rules, Corey Damen Jenkins offers a lively reinterpretation of traditional interiors infused with youthful color and personality. You learn to balance bold hues with architectural details as shown in chapters like "Bold Standard" and "Good Bones," while practical tips on picture wall hanging and window treatments ground his approach in real living spaces. This book suits anyone eager to refresh classic design with a contemporary spin, especially those who appreciate eclectic yet cohesive rooms. If your style leans toward vibrant tradition rather than minimalist modernism, Jenkins’s insights will resonate and inspire.
Martha Stewart Living, a well-established authority in lifestyle and home design, highlights the inviting nature of this book. They note, "Made for Living invites you into dreamy homes that are light, bright, and—key these days—comfortable." Their extensive expertise lends weight to this endorsement, reflecting how Amber Lewis’s approach redefines comfort and style. This perspective helps you see the book as a gateway to crafting spaces that feel both stylish and truly lived in.
When Amber Lewis discovered that the secret to truly livable spaces lies in layering elements with intention, she reshaped how interiors are approached. Her book dives deep into mixing textures, patterns, and lighting to craft rooms that feel effortlessly curated yet comfortable. You’ll find guidance on everything from selecting paint shades to embracing eclectic mismatches, all illuminated with over 250 vivid photographs that showcase her signature California cool style. This is ideal if you want to create a home that balances personality with practical wear over time, rather than chasing fleeting trends or sterile perfection.
This AI-created book on home styling is crafted based on your decorating background, skill level, and the specific areas you want to focus on. You share your unique style preferences and goals, and the book is created to guide you through a 30-day plan with practical, achievable tasks. This personalized approach makes refreshing your space manageable and aligned with what matters most to you, so you can enjoy transforming your home at your own pace.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
2026·50-300 pages·Decorating, Home Styling, Interior Design, Color Selection, Space Planning
This tailored book offers a step-by-step 30-day plan that explores practical decorating tips designed to refresh your home’s look efficiently and enjoyably. It examines foundational principles of interior styling and guides you through focused daily tasks that match your background and specific goals. By tailoring content to your interests, it reveals how to transform spaces with achievable changes that reflect your personality and lifestyle. This personalized approach encourages hands-on learning and helps you build confidence in decorating, making the process accessible and inspiring. Whether updating a single room or your entire home, this book covers essential techniques and creative ideas to reinvigorate your living environment with style and purpose.
Forrest Lesch-Middelton brings deep expertise as the owner of FLM Ceramics and Tile in Petaluma, CA, with his work featured in major outlets like The New York Times and Architectural Digest. His recognition as Ceramic Artist of the Year and extensive teaching background inform this book, which distills decades of practical knowledge on making and installing ceramic tile. Forrest’s hands-on experience with both artistic and technical aspects makes this book a reliable guide for anyone interested in elevating their decorating with custom tile.
Forrest Lesch-Middelton is the owner of FLM Ceramics and Tile in Petaluma, CA. His work has been widely featured, including the cover of Ceramics Monthly, The New York Times, Architectural Digest, and American Craft Magazine. In 2013, Ceramics Monthly and Ceramic Arts Daily chose Forrest as 'The Ceramic Artist of the Year.' Forrest is the former president of The Association of Clay and Glass Artists, a graduate of Alfred University’s ceramics program as well as Utah State University’s MFA program, a former resident of Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts, a McKnight Fellow at Northern Clay Center, a recipient of the Creative Work Fund Grant, and former program director for Sonoma Community Center Ceramics. Forrest has taught at various Bay Area colleges and has lectured and demonstrated extensively throughout the United States, including workshops at The Penland School of Craft, The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Syracuse University, Greenwich House Pottery, the California College of the Arts, and The Northern Clay Center.
What started as Forrest Lesch-Middelton's hands-on experience running FLM Ceramics and Tile evolved into a thorough exploration of ceramic tile creation and installation. This book guides you through every stage: from crafting your own tiles using techniques like rolling and extruding, to glazing methods such as cuerda seca and image transfer, and finally to practical installation advice including surface preparation and grouting. You’ll also find insights on designing your tile space with attention to codes and aesthetics. Whether you’re a ceramic artist or a DIY home improver, this book equips you with a detailed understanding of how to integrate tile as a lasting artistic element in your environment.
Martha Stewart Living, a leading voice in lifestyle and home design, highlights how Lauren Liess brings warmth and vitality to any space in her book. They note, "In her new book, Down to Earth: Laid Back Interiors for Modern Living, designer Lauren Liess shares how she imbues any space with warmth and energy." This perspective reflects the book's ability to guide you through creating homes that feel both inviting and full of life, blending style with everyday functionality in a way that resonates with anyone invested in thoughtful decorating.
“In her new book, Down to Earth: Laid Back Interiors for Modern Living, designer Lauren Liess shares how she imbues any space with warmth and energy. She walks us through an arts-and-crafts charmer in Washington, D.C., that she renovated into an action-packed family home” (from Amazon)
Lauren Liess is a decorator, textile and furniture designer, and founder of the popular design blog Pure Style Home. She and her husband now star in the new HGTV show Best House on the Block, which features the design, renovation, and decorating of clients’ homes. Liess lives in Virginia.
Lauren Liess, known for her work on HGTV’s Best House on the Block and her Pure Style Home blog, offers a distinctive approach to home decorating that emphasizes warmth, nature, and timelessness. You’ll discover how to blend humble materials and found objects to create spaces that feel both stylish and lived-in, with chapters like Point of View and Something Old, Something New guiding you through practical design principles. This book suits anyone interested in cultivating a relaxed, natural aesthetic in their home without sacrificing personality or function. Expect to gain insights into crafting environments that balance creativity and comfort, ideal for those wanting a home that truly reflects their lifestyle.
Nikki Boyd is a professional organizer and founder of athomewithnikki.com, where she guides thousands toward creating beautiful, orderly homes through her business, blog, and YouTube channel. What began as a hobby evolved into a thriving organizing practice, and in this book, she distills her expertise into five essential steps that transform your home into a calm, inviting space. Her experience living in Charleston and working globally enriches her approach, making her uniquely qualified to help you blend style with function for a more fulfilling home life.
Nikki Boyd is a professional organizer and founder of athomewithnikki.com where she helps bring beautiful order in homes around the world with her business, blog and YouTube channel. What began as a hobby is now a successful home organizing business, a popular blog, and YouTube channel, with thousands of readers coming to her site for creative and straightforward ways to beautifully organize their homes. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband and two puppies.
Nikki Boyd draws from years of professional organizing experience to present a practical yet stylish approach to home organization that goes beyond clutter control. In this book, you learn her five key steps that simplify transforming each room into an inviting, functional space, with chapters rich in design inspiration paired with clear guidance on setting up your home for both beauty and everyday living. The book’s photographic examples and Boyd’s emphasis on creating a welcoming atmosphere help you focus on how organization can enhance your lifestyle and strengthen family connections. If you want to rethink your living spaces with both form and function in mind, this book offers a grounded, approachable method that suits anyone looking to harmonize style with practical order.
Misha de Potestad is a journalist and stylist who has reported on interior design for forty years, contributing to French Elle and Elle Decor. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of design trends inform this richly illustrated exploration of industrial style from the early 20th century. This book reflects her passion for uncovering how engineering shaped modern interiors, making it a valuable guide for those intrigued by the intersection of history and design.
What if everything you knew about industrial style furniture was reexamined through the lens of its origins? Misha de Potestad and Patrice Pascal explore the era from 1900 to 1950, revealing how the second industrial revolution shaped designs that emphasized functionality and adaptability. You’ll learn the stories behind iconic pieces—from adjustable lamps to stackable storage—that transformed workspaces and now influence modern interiors. This book suits anyone curious about design history and those looking to incorporate authentic vintage industrial elements into their homes or collections, offering a rich blend of historical context and visual inspiration.
Ashley Gilbreath is a Southern-based, award-winning interior designer celebrated for crafting casually elegant homes where families gather to celebrate life. Her fresh perspective on Southern decorating, featured in outlets like Southern Living and House Beautiful, informs this book. Living in Montgomery, Alabama, with her family, Gilbreath draws on her real-world experience to guide you in creating spaces that blend tradition, comfort, and beauty tailored to your family’s unique story.
Ashley Gilbreath is a Southern-based, award-winning, interior designer known for creating casually elegant homes where the family can gather to celebrate everyday living. Her fresh take on interiors has been seen in Southern Living, House Beautiful, Luxe, Coastal Living, Southern Home, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle, and in homes from Florida to New York. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband and three children.
Ashley Gilbreath’s approach in this book reflects her extensive background as a Southern interior designer focused on creating spaces that nurture family connection and everyday celebration. You’ll learn how to balance comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal through thoughtful design choices like weaving a favorite color throughout a home or blending old and new furnishings. Chapters explore adapting homes to grow with families over time, and how small architectural changes can elevate a space’s warmth and personality. This book is ideal if you want to create a home that feels both elegant and welcoming, tailored to your lifestyle and traditions.
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Conclusion
This selection of Decorating Books reveals a few clear themes: the importance of understanding fundamental design principles, the value of blending personality with practicality, and the power of layering textures and styles to create truly livable spaces. Whether you're tackling a full renovation or adding handcrafted touches, these books offer pathways that cater to different approaches and tastes.
If you're overwhelmed by where to begin, "The Interior Design Handbook" offers foundational knowledge to build your confidence. For those seeking actionable steps in renovation, "The New Design Rules" pairs expert advice with approachable guidance. And if a relaxed, natural feel appeals to you, Lauren Liess’s "Down to Earth" might be the perfect start. For rapid implementation, combine these with Nikki Boyd’s "Beautifully Organized" to bring order and style together.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized Decorating book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey, providing the knowledge and inspiration to transform your home into a place you truly love.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with "The Interior Design Handbook" by Frida Ramstedt. Its focus on core design principles offers a solid foundation that helps you make confident choices throughout your decorating journey.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Decorating?
Not at all. Many, like Emily Henderson's "The New Design Rules," are written to be approachable for beginners while still valuable to seasoned decorators, making them accessible to all skill levels.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with foundational guides like "The Interior Design Handbook," then explore style-focused books such as "Design Remix." Finish with specialized topics like "Macrame for Home Decor" to add personal flair.
Should I start with the newest book or a classic?
Balance is key. Newer books like "The Joy of Home" reflect current trends, while classics such as "Vintage Industrial" provide timeless context that enriches your understanding.
Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?
Emily Henderson’s "The New Design Rules" offers clear, practical steps for decorating and renovating, making it ideal for those looking to apply advice immediately.
Can I get a Decorating book tailored to my specific needs?
Yes! While these expert books are invaluable, you can create a personalized Decorating book tailored to your style, space, and goals, blending expert insight with your unique preferences.
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