Recommended reading: 25 design books suggested by top UK designers that could revolutionize your creative thoughts
In the world of interior design and architecture, books serve as a wellspring of inspiration and guidance. Here are some highly recommended reads that have caught the attention of experts in the field.
For those starting their journey in interior design, "The Interior Design Handbook" offers fundamental principles, including the golden ratio and hanging curtains. This comprehensive guide caters to both beginners and veterans alike [1]. Lucy Gough's "The Home Style Handbook" helps readers understand their personal style and implement it in their homes, covering topics such as moodboards, art, plants, and accessories [1].
Natalie Walton's "Style: The Art of Creating a Beautiful Home" focuses on elevating spaces with existing items, encouraging readers to connect with their personal style. Anna Spiro's "A Life In Pattern" showcases the designer's philosophy through projects, mood boards, and furniture suggestions, emphasizing colour, pattern, and print [1].
Patrick Baty's "The Anatomy of Colour" provides a detailed history of colour in the modern era and introduces readers to historic paint types [3]. For architects, "A Pattern Language" by Christopher Alexander offers insights into why certain spaces feel comfortable, providing a simple yet profound analysis of architectural design [3].
Geoffrey Bawa's "Lunuganga" offers an insight into the architect's thought process, providing valuable lessons for architects [3]. Tom Wolfe's "From Bauhaus to Our House" offers a witty and critical look at modern architecture and its evolution [3].
Rupert Golby recommends Gertrude Jekyll's Garden Ornament for inspiring examples of bridges, summerhouses, gates, and stonework [2]. Mungo Adam-Smith's attention is caught by any book published by Beta-Plus, as well as Sir John Summerson's "The Classical Language of Architecture," Sir Edwin Lutyens: The Arts and Crafts Houses, and the A.S.G. Butler three-volume set, "The Architecture of Sir Edwin Lutyens" [2].
Christian Fleming, Fleming Architects, has recently been included in "Wonderlands: British Garden Designers at Home" [4]. Kit Kemp recommends "Near & Far: Interiors I Love" by Lisa Fine as great inspiration for interior designers and textile lovers [4]. Edward Bulmer states that understanding the history of decoration requires knowing how the client lived and how their furnishings were made, as taught by the book "English Decoration in the 18th Century" [5].
James Alexander-Sinclair suggests the collected works of Beverley Nichols, which focus on the joy of making a garden rather than design or practicality [5]. James Thurstan Waterworth, Thurstan, bought Timeless Interiors by Axel Vervoordt in his early twenties and finds it beautifully showcases Vervoordt's diverse talent and refined skill [6].
Patrick Baty's "The Anatomy of Colour" is recommended by Tom Balch, Rose of Jericho, as an excellent and detailed narrative of the history of colour in the modern era [7]. Piet Oudolf's books on plants, Nori and Sandra Pope's Colour by Design, Russell Page on classical gardens, and Beth Chatto on right plant, right place are recommended by Libby Russell, Mazzullo + Russell [7].
Tom Turner recommends "The English House" by Hermann Muthesius as an illustrated three-volume study of English houses [8]. Brilliant English Gardens by Clive Nichols and Colour In Your Garden by Penelope Hobhouse are full of inspiration and much loved. Angela Collins, Angela Collins Garden Design endorses both [8].
The Architecture of Sir Edwin Lutyens by A. S. G. Butler, Danish Furniture Design in the 20th Century by Arne Karlsen, and The Gardens of Arne Maynard are highlighted by Guy Oliver, Oliver Laws [9]. Lunuganga by Geoffrey Bawa offers an insight into the architect's way of thinking [9].
This series continues our exploration of the best craftspeople in Britain, as recommended by a panel from the Top 100 platform. Mark Hoare, Hoare, Ridge & Morris recommends "A Pattern Language" for young architects [10]. Our books by interior designer Steven Gambrel are frequently thumbed, according to Bunny Turner, Turner Pocock [11].
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- For individuals interested in home aesthetics beyond interior design, the book "Garden Ornament" by Gertrude Jekyll offers inspiring examples of outdoor structures like bridges, summerhouses, gates, and stonework.
- For homeowners aiming to incorporate their personal style across their home, lifestyle, and garden, Lucy Gough's "The Home Style Handbook" helps readers understand their style and implement it both indoors and outdoors, covering topics such as mood boards, art, plants, and accessories.
