With gifting season in full swing, there's no better time to highlight our favourite design books that will sit pretty on any coffee table. Whether you're looking for that perfect gift for a friend or colleague — or for yourself! — we've got you covered with these 20 gorgeous books.
With everything from fashion to interiors to photography, there's no shortage of inspiration out there. I've handpicked this selection because they have all offered me a fresh perspective and burst of creativity over the last year. Leave us a comment if you have any must-haves that we missed!
THE NEW BLACK VANGUARD by Antwaun Sargent
I am always inspired by the intersection of art, fashion, culture and design, and this book is just that. Stunning photography that is sure to spark conversations and shift perspectives.
WOMEN by Slim Aarons
A true photographic icon, this book chronicles a central theme of Slim Aaron's work throughout his career - women. Step back in time as you flick through unforgettable photographs of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and more.
A MODERN WAY TO LIVE by Matt Gibberd
One of the best Christmas gifts for design lovers this year! This book features breathtakingly beautiful imagery of modern homes that will inspire you to live more thoughtfully. This is one not to be missed!
THE INTERIOR DESIGN HANDBOOK by Frida Ramstedt
For anyone that wants to style their home with intention and personality, but feels overwhelmed with all the decisions that come up along the way, this will be your bible. Jam-packed with practical tips and rules-of-thumb of the interiors industry, this handbook will help you feel like a pro.
MAKING LIVING LOVELY by 2LG Studio
For anyone that knows the Make Room brand, it shouldn't come as a surprise that 2LG Studio inspire us on the daily. Beyond the aesthetics and clear love for colour, we couldn't be more aligned with the London-based design studio when it comes to the importance of the home on our mental well-being. Making Living Lovely shares a ton of tips on styling a home with confidence.
THE BIG BOOK OF CHIC by Miles Redd
If you're looking for a glimpse into the inspiration that fuels interior designers, look no further than The Big Book Of Chic. This book will help you focus on the pleasure of living life in a beautiful way, as illustrated through Miles Redd's quirky, cosy sense of glamour and design.
ON THE STREET: FIVE DECADES OF ICONIC PHOTOGRAPHY by Bill Cunningham
There's no one more iconic that Bill Cunningham when it comes to street style and photography. Flick through page after page of five-decades-worth of everyday style, trends and fashion as seen on the streets of New York City and Paris.
MAD ABOUT THE HOUSE: HOW TO DECORATE YOUR HOME WITH STYLE by Kate Watson-Smyth
After becoming a No. 1 interiors blog (madaboutthehouse.com), Kate has gone on to expand her wealth of knowledge on all things interiors over multiple books. For anyone looking to make the most of your space, no matter how big or small, this will be your guiding North Star.
AMALFI COAST by Carlos Souza
Part of a beautiful collection of travel books with locations ranging from Ibiza to Mykonos, Amalfi Coast will take you on a journey through Italy's glamorous west coast right from the comfort of your sofa. Don't forget to dog-ear all those pages for the day that we can travel a little more feely again!
STILL: THE SLOW HOME by Natalie Walton
Australian interior stylist Natalie Walton is bringing mainstream popularity to the concept of slow living. How to live a sustainable, organic, local and whole life, and the role that the home plays in all of this.
LIVE BEAUTIFUL by Athena Calderone
If you don't have Athena's gorgeous NYC open kitchen saved to a Pinterest board somewhere, you must have been living under a rock the last couple of years! The creator of EyeSwoon, Athena Calderone showcases how a range of different interiors come together, including two of her own residences.
ETCETERA by Sibella Court
One of many of Sibella Court's wonderful publications, Etcetera is one of my favourites that I go back to time and again. A master stylist for one of my favourite shops, Anthropologie, this book will help you curate your own style, and provide endless inspiration for rooms full of colour, texture and creativity.
GRACE: THIRTY YEARS OF FASHION AT VOGUE
In case you didn't know, Grace Coddington was Anna Wintour's right-hand-woman for over 3 decades at Vogue, and this book is a celebration of her legendary work as a fashion stylist during those extraordinary years.
EAT DRINK NAP: BRINGING THE HOUSE HOME by Soho House
Packed with interior design tips, recipes and more, this is your way of taking a slice of Soho House home. Think of this as your quintessential style, cooking and home interior book. A perfect gift this Christmas!
BEAUTIFULLY ORGANISED by Nikki Boyd
One of the most common words I see from clients in their design brief is "organised", along with functional and practical. As if design and styling can't be all of those things AND beautiful! Well professional organised, Nikki Boyd, is now sharing her 5 essential steps to an organised home.
AD AT 100: A CENTURY OF STYLE by Architectural Digest
Published in celebration of for Architectural Digest's 100 year anniversary, this book should be your go-to for rich visual history, seen through the lens of the world's international design authority.
ABODE: THOUGHTFUL LIVING WITH LESS by Mason St Peter and Serene Mitnik-MIller
More often than not, we're hope to create simple, tranquil homes with a minimilist approach and this book is all about that. Writen by the owners of General Store, a super cool home goods shop from California, Abode will give you the motivation to live a paired-back life.
EVOCATIVE STYLE by Kelly Wearstler
If there's one word that comes to mind when I think of the imitable Kelly Wearstler, it's evocative. Her interiors are imaginative, bold and layered, and in this book you'll get a glimpse into new-before-seen interiors.
ATLAS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN HOUSES by Dominic Bradbury
Think of this as a global survey of the best mid-century homes. Full of famous architectural delights but also plenty of unknown, hidden gems from around the world.
JOHN PAWSON: ANATOMY OF MINIMUM by Alison Morris
Looking for a fresh dose of architecture inspiration? This is one for you. Known for his clean lines and unique approach to proportion and light, this new book showcases a group of John Pawson's stunning and distinctive architectural style.
Don't forget to leave us a comment with your personal favourites, and which ones you would add to the list!
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