Whether you’re moving into your first home or just want to refresh your living space, diving into interior design can seem overwhelming at first. Luckily, there are some fantastic books that can help you understand the basics of design, develop your style, and turn your ideas into reality. If you’re new to interior design, the right book can provide step-by-step guidance and spark your creativity.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of must-read interior design books for beginners. These books cover everything from foundational design principles to practical tips on how to decorate and furnish your home like a pro.

1. “Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave” by Joanna Gaines

Joanna Gaines, co-host of Fixer Upper and founder of Magnolia, brings her signature warm and cozy style to this beautifully illustrated guide. “Homebody” helps you discover your personal style and gives practical advice on how to create functional, comfortable, and stylish spaces. Each chapter focuses on a different room in the house, making it easy for beginners to follow along and apply her tips.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: This book breaks down the design process step by step and makes it easy to implement ideas in your own home, no matter your level of experience.

2. “The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Decorate and Style Your Space” by Frida Ramstedt

Frida Ramstedt’s The Interior Design Handbook is a fantastic resource for those who want to understand the “why” behind good design. Instead of focusing solely on aesthetics, this book dives into the principles of interior design—proportion, balance, lighting, and functionality—making it a great foundational resource for beginners. The book is filled with practical tips and easy-to-follow guidelines for creating harmonious spaces.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: It teaches you design fundamentals in a straightforward and accessible way, helping you develop a strong design foundation that you can apply to any space.

3. “Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookshelves” by Emily Henderson

Emily Henderson, a well-known stylist and interior designer, shares her secrets for transforming rooms with simple styling tricks. Styled focuses on the finishing touches that can elevate any space, such as arranging furniture, choosing the right accessories, and creating cohesive color schemes. It’s perfect for beginners who have a furnished room but want to take it to the next level by adding personality and charm.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: This book is practical, packed with easy tips that show how small changes can have a big impact. It’s also filled with beautiful photography to inspire your design journey.

4. “Design*Sponge at Home” by Grace Bonney

Based on the hugely popular DesignSponge blog, Grace Bonney’s DesignSponge at Home is an all-encompassing guide for the DIY decorator. This book features home tours, DIY projects, before-and-after transformations, and expert advice on a range of design topics. Bonney’s down-to-earth tone and the approachable projects make this an ideal read for beginners who are looking for hands-on inspiration.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: It offers a mix of creative projects and practical advice, perfect for anyone just starting to explore the world of interior design.

5. “Domino: The Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Creating a Home That Makes You Happy” by Editors of Domino

Domino is known for its fresh, eclectic style, and this book is no exception. This comprehensive guide takes readers through the process of designing each room in the home, offering layout suggestions, styling tips, and expert advice along the way. With plenty of visuals and practical guidance, it’s a great resource for beginners who want to create stylish, personalized spaces without feeling overwhelmed.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: It’s filled with step-by-step room guides, making it easy for novices to approach decorating with confidence.

6. “The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful” by Myquillyn Smith

If you’re feeling intimidated by interior design, The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith is a perfect read. The book is all about embracing imperfections and creating a home that reflects who you are. Smith’s relaxed approach to design is both inspiring and reassuring, making it an ideal book for beginners who worry about getting everything “just right.”

Why It’s Great for Beginners: It takes the pressure off creating a picture-perfect home and focuses on the joy of personalizing your space, no matter your skill level or budget.

7. “Living with Pattern: Color, Texture, and Print at Home” by Rebecca Atwood

If you love color, texture, and patterns but don’t know how to incorporate them into your home, Rebecca Atwood’s Living with Pattern is a must-read. This book is a deep dive into the world of patterns and how to use them effectively in interior design. It’s filled with visual examples and tips on how to mix and match patterns without overwhelming a space, making it a fantastic guide for beginners who want to add personality to their home.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: It helps you develop confidence in using bold patterns and color in your design, with approachable advice on how to balance them effectively.

8. “Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles” by Amber Lewis

Amber Lewis, a celebrated interior designer, shares her expert tips in Made for Living on creating stylish and livable spaces. The book is packed with real-life examples of rooms that feel both beautiful and functional, with advice on layering textures, mixing materials, and using color effectively. It’s perfect for beginners who want to create spaces that are stylish yet comfortable for everyday living.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: It offers a balanced approach to design, with practical tips that ensure your home looks great while also being functional for your lifestyle.

Conclusion: Your First Steps in Interior Design

Starting your interior design journey can be exciting and empowering, especially with the right resources at your fingertips. These beginner-friendly books offer a wealth of knowledge, whether you’re looking for hands-on tips, creative inspiration, or a deeper understanding of design principles. From learning how to style a room to embracing your personal style, these books will guide you through the process and help you create spaces that truly feel like home.