Why Are Interior Design Books still important? Japanese Interiors Mid-Century Modern Designers Live With The Things You Love: And You'll Live Happily Ever After Mediterranean Homes: The Art of Embracing Light Italian Interiors: Rooms with a View British Designers at Home New York Interiors Inside Nordic Homes: Inspiring Scandinavian Living Life’s a Beach: Homes, Retreats and Respite Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style Haute Bohemians: Greece Atlas of Interior Design The Mediterranean Home: Residential Architecture and Interiors with a Southern Touch Why do book collections matter? Book a consultation with a ~personal curator Contact Quick Links Follow us @ultimatelibrary Join our community
Timeless Interior Design Books Every Designer Should Read
7 Jun 2023
If your social media feeds are filled with impeccably styled spaces, DIY reels, and envy-inducing interiors from the likes of
House & Garden
, you might be tempted to think design books are relics of a slower, less digital age. But don’t write them off just yet. These volumes are far more than dusty decor—they’re timeless tools, offering depth and perspective that no scroll can replicate.~~At Ultimate Library, we believe that great design outlives trends. While aesthetics evolve, the principles behind them—cultural nuance, global influence, and historical roots—remain invaluable. Design books offer insight that a phone screen simply can’t: a deeper understanding of tradition, a refined creative lens, and inspiration grounded in substance.~~From Japanese minimalism to Mediterranean warmth, the titles selected by our curators are timeless favorites that interior designers return to time and again.~
by Mihoko Iida
‘These pages are full of inspiration’ (
Dwell)
In
Japanese Interiors
Mihoko Iida offers an exclusive glimpse into the diverse world of interior design in Japan. With a focus on twenty-eight remarkable homes, ranging from city apartments to serene getaways, the book presents minimalist havens, versatile live/workspaces, and traditional residences. Iida emphasizes the timeless belief of harmonizing with nature, tracing the roots and progression of Japanese interior design.
by Mary Randolph Carter
A captivating tribute to the visionaries behind the iconic Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, this comprehensive guide celebrates the designers who shaped a global design movement through furniture, lighting, ceramics, glassware, and textiles. Stuctured A-to-Z, the books offers an illustrated portrairt of 300 key figures—from celebrated names like Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Florence Knoll, and Gio Ponti to overlooked innovators whose work helped define the era.
by Mary Randolph Carter
Mary Randolph Carter explores how meaningful objects bring beauty, character, and self-expression to our homes. Featuring the eclectic interiors of real-life tastemakers—antique dealers, artists, designers—Carter celebrates the art of decorating with beloved treasures, from vintage teapots to childhood paperbacks. With heartfelt stories, styling tips, and rich inspiration, this book is a tribute to living stylishly with the things we love most.
by Orna Tamir Schestowitz, Dudi Hasson
A celebration of intuitive design and meaningful living, through richly layered interiors that blur the boundaries between tradition and modernity. With a mix-and-match philosophy—pairing stainless steel islands with antique dining sets, or African dressers with Eames chairs—these spaces reject design rules in favor of harmony through color, light, and texture.
by laura may todd
As featured in Vogue and The Times, Italian Interiors showcases 50 of Italy’s most stunning homes—from Venetian palaces to Sicilian villas—capturing the country’s rich design legacy and eclectic style. Curated by Milan-based writer Laura May Todd, this beautifully photographed collection includes iconic and never-before-seen interiors by design legends like Carlo Scarpa and Luca Guadagnino.
by Jenny Rose-Innes
‘A must have for interiors enthusiasts’ (
House Beautiful
).
British Designers at Home
is for anyone curious to find out more about designers and glean ideas and practical information for their own homes. This engaging and visually enticing book profiles over 20 of the most important names in British design and decoration in their own personal spaces. From the unexpected to that classic British look, this is an exciting look at modern British interiors.
by Simon Upton and Karen Howes
In his debut book, acclaimed photographer Simon Upton captures the essence of fashionable homes in New York City.
New York Interiors
showcases Upton’s favourite interior projects, from city dwellings to Hamptons getaways. With atmospheric images of the metropolis and its stylish residents, this personal exploration unveils the allure of urban and weekend living. Experience the charm and character of New York’s interiors through Upton’s lens, as he reveals the essence of this vibrant city.
by Agata Toromanoff
Discover the captivating world of Nordic home design in this richly illustrated book. Celebrating the recent momentum of Scandinavian interior design, it offers unique insights into the latest trends, including contrasting colours, sustainable textures, and ultimate comfort.
Inside Nordic Homes
showcases vibrant and elegant interiors, reflecting the diverse and creative atmosphere of northern European home decoration. A sourcebook for interior designers and architects, it provides fresh ideas for embracing the Hygge lifestyle in your own home.
by the Sea by Gestalten
‘A visual book that has taken on the desires of global holiday makers' (
Marie Claire
). Life by the beach is undeniably superior. The sea breeze, waves, and carefree lifestyle are unmatched.
Life’s A Beach
showcases beach homes worldwide, revealing diverse ways to adorn a cosy coastal dwelling. Handcrafted elements, organic materials, and eclectic interiors promote well-being and these homes, ranging from humble cottages to modern bungalows, are havens for rest, relaxation, and embracing the beachy ambience.
by Architectural Digest
Architectural Digest at 100 celebrates a century of captivating design and inspiration. This extraordinary book takes readers on a visual journey through the evolution of architecture and interior design, showcasing the most remarkable homes and spaces that have graced the pages of the renowned publication. With stunning photographs and insightful commentary, it offers a unique glimpse into the world of timeless elegance and innovative design, making it a must-have for design enthusiasts and lovers of beauty in every form.
by Miguel Flores-Vianna
Discover Greece’s timeless allure in Miguel Flores-Vianna’s captivating volume. From historic houses to contemporary homes, this stunning collection unites the “haute bohemians” who have made Greece their home. Explore royal follies, breathtaking gardens, and a restored sailboat through Flores-Vianna’s intimate photography. Join the author, a true “Hellenophile,” in celebrating Greece’s architectural language and captivating characters. Experience the ethereal light and enduring beauty of this enchanting land through engaging texts.
by Dominic Bradbury
‘Ideal armchair fantasy house hunting’ (
Chicago Tribune
). This unparalleled global survey features more than 400 of the most inspirational residential rooms from the past eight decades. Highlighting the work of icons of interior design past and present the interiors featured in this innovative book also include a selection of fascinating and virtually unknown interiors from Australia, Africa, Asia, and beyond. From classic to contemporary, minimal to maximal, the homes included, together with the author’s insightful commentary, illuminate the design tropes unique to their location’s context, while others confound preconceived ideas of vernacular design to spectacular effect.
by Gestalten
Discover the enduring influence of Mediterranean homes in
The Mediterranean Home
. From classical to rural styles, these homes seamlessly blend form and function, connecting with their surroundings and local culture. Explore architecture, interior design, decoration, and furniture, as well as the integration of vegetation and rock. This book showcases the transformation of old buildings into modern residences across coastal regions, celebrating the timeless Mediterranean aesthetic that evokes a sense of home and comfort worldwide.
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