While I enjoy finding inspiration online, one of my favorite ways to build confidence in my own style is to study beautiful homes in design books. Holding a book, turning the pages slowly, and savoring the images brings a quiet, focused experience that scrolling can’t match. Books encourage me to notice details I might otherwise miss and to slow down and consider composition, texture and color in a deeper way.
My daughter Courtney and I recently did a LIVE video where we flipped through some of my favorite design books and talked about what we love about them (you can watch the replay).
I even enjoy books that aren’t exactly my everyday style because they push me to think beyond familiar trends. Design books are a great way to expand perspective—learning about classic elements, discovering new color palettes, and seeing furnishings and architecture from different regions and periods. They help me reframe what’s possible when shaping a room.
Every time I move, I bring out my books again and often add to the collection. While my core tastes follow me, each house offers a fresh opportunity to mix things up—blending what I love with the home’s unique features. Books offer visual references that help me make choices that feel both new and rooted in my personal preferences.
If you’d like to watch the replay of our live video about finding your design style and see some of our favorite coffee table books, the replay is available.
To get more from design books, try asking yourself these questions as you browse:
- How would you describe the overall style?
- What mood does the room convey, and why does it appeal to you?
- Who might live in this space? Would their lifestyle suit your family?
- What stands out first when you look at the room?
- What subtle details become apparent on a closer look—shapes, textures, colors, proportions, or patterns?
- How does the architecture influence the space? Do you have similar architectural features or could you create something comparable?
- Do you like the color palette? Would a different palette change your reaction?
- Examine the art and accessories and their placement—what works for you and what doesn’t?
- What simple ideas could you adapt for your own home?
Watch the replay to see these books discussed and to hear tips on using them to find your style.
Scroll through the images for some of my favorite coffee table books and how to use them for inspiration.
For a selection of books and ideas from The Inspired Room, including my New York Times bestseller, see my curated list of titles.
Book sources mentioned:
Beautiful
More Beautiful
Coastal Blues
A Place to Call Home
Timeless
One Man’s Folly
Nora Murphy’s Country House Style
Visions of Home
The Inspired Room: Simple Ideas to Love the Home You Have
See more in the video replay for a closer look at these titles and practical ways to use them when shaping your own home’s style.