While I enjoy finding style inspiration online, one of my favorite ways to build confidence in my own taste is to study the photographs in design books. Holding a book and turning pages at a relaxed pace is incomparable — it feels like a calm return to an earlier, simpler way of discovering ideas. The slower pace makes it easier to notice details I would otherwise scroll past in a feed of tiny images.
My daughter Courtney and I recently did a live video where we went through some of my favorite design books and discussed why they speak to us. We shared tips on how to use books to find your style and you can watch the replay if you’d like.
I also study books that aren’t exactly my usual style. Seeing spaces outside my comfort zone helps me think more creatively and avoid getting stuck in trends. Design books broaden my perspective — they teach classic principles, offer fresh color combinations, suggest furniture and architectural ideas, and present regional variations from around the country and world.
Whenever I move into a new home I bring out my design books and often add to the collection. My core preferences tend to travel with me, but each house presents new opportunities to reinterpret my style. I enjoy blending what I love with the home’s unique architecture and atmosphere to create a look that feels fresh yet familiar.
If you want to watch the replay of our live video on finding your design style and see some favorite coffee table books, the replay is available to view.
Use these questions as a practical guide while studying design books to learn what truly resonates with you:
- How would you describe this style?
- What is the mood of the room? Why does that mood appeal to you?
- What kind of people might live here? Would that lifestyle match yours?
- What are the main elements you notice first?
- What subtle details become visible when you look more closely — shapes, textures, colors, proportions, patterns?
- How does the architecture influence the room? Do you have similar features or could you introduce something comparable?
- Do you like the color palette? How would the room change with a different palette?
- Study the art and accessories and their placement. What works and what doesn’t?
- What simple ideas could you adapt for your own home?
Watch the replay of our live conversation for more context and to see the books we discussed.
Below are some of my favorite coffee table books — scroll through and click the arrows to view more images in the gallery.
If you’re interested in more reading, you can find additional books by The Inspired Room, including Love the Home You Have.
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 our video for additional ideas and inspiration.