9 Must Have Design Books you need to own in 2021

This article shares all the design books I’m obsessed with and reach for daily.

Have you ever imagined what you’re dream home would look like? or have you pinned pretty pictures of homes on a board titled “Dream Home”?

If you have this is going to be the post for you, because you’re like me and you seek beautiful designs.

The other day I was on stories sharing my newest design book, and I got asked what other books I’d recommend? I thought it was a great idea to put my favourite design books in one place so you can always refer back to when you need a little inspiration.

9 Design Books I own and love

There are tons of design books out there, and I haven’t even come close to reading them all. So I’m sure there’s going to be lots of other suggestions I didn’t include. But I was thinking every time I come across a new one I’ll just add it to this list.

no. 1 Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone

I am a huge fan of Athena’s work and in the past year I’ve seen her photos and designs everywhere, rightfully so. But her take on design is what I would consider to be modern minimalistic. The one thing I will say about the book itself is the colour looks great and I appreciate authors who think of how the book will look styled on a coffee table or bookcase.

no. 2 Made for Living by Amber Lewis

Another designer I’ve been following (and loving) for years. Her style is everything I want mine to be, and the way she mixes natural tones while still making a traditional design look modern is magic. My sources tell me she’s working on a second book that will be launching hopefully this year.

no. 3 Habitat by Lauren Liess

Out of all my design books this is the one I pick up the most. It’s full of great tips and tricks and sorted by rooms which makes it very easy when I need a resource or inspiration for a project. I think this is a really underrated book that isn’t shared nearly enough for the value it gives.

no. 4 The Birds Renovations by Erin, Bonnie and Lana

This is the newest to my collection of design books, and I’m so happy I got it. I would almost consider it more of a renovation guide but the Three Birds Renovations is jam packed with bright coloured inspiration pictures for homes. It’s a lovely book and I’m glad I bought it!

no. 5 The House that Pinterest Built by Diane Keaton

Another great book to add to your collection, and one that also looks great on a shelf or coffee table. I actually bought this book years ago and I still look at it almost daily. I just love everything in it and I love giving it as a house warming gift.

no. 6 Still: The Slow Home by Natalie Walton

I bought this book last summer while out boating! I found it at a small local coffee shop and it stopped my in my tracks. The rest of that day I spent tanning and reading all the stories. The reason I love this book so much is it explains what a slow home means to many of the writers and designers in the book. Not only is it eye candy but it also leaves you with ideas for incorporating a slower way of life in your own.

no. 7 AD at 100 A Century of Style

A classic. Architectural Digest at it’s finest and one you want to show off in your own home.

no. 8 She Made her Self a Home by Rachel Van Kluyve

Rachel isn’t just a writer and designer but she is a blogger, mama and podcast host. I actually came across her Instagram account and loved her story so much I bought the book. I love that she included other bloggers who have inspired her, and the way they have created a home for themselves.

no. 9 Home Body by Joanna Gaines

My mom bought this design book for me years ago, and I almost forgot about it until I was looking through my coffee table books. I forgot just how much farmhouse style inspired me, especially living in the country. There’s something so beautiful to me when people use a lot of natural elements in their designs. It’s a must have in my opinion.

I hope you found some new inspiration for your designs, or even just books that will look great on your coffee table!