As a passionate reader who loves interiors and architecture, I am steadily collating my library. Many books are for pleasure or interest, but others are practical and used on an ongoing basis. When researching or planning projects, the titles below are my most used reference book and are a key part of my toolkit covering architectural detailing, spatial design and colour.
The Elements of Style: An Encyclopaedia of Domestic Architectural Detail by Stephen Calloway
First published in 1991 by Mitchell Beazley, most recently revised in 2005.
This bible of interior detail, broken down by chronological period from baroque to modernism, is one of the most useful books I have ever owned. It covers windows, doors, fireplaces, wall and floor treatments, fireplaces, staircases, fixed furniture and lighting. I reference it often in the research stages of projects as it is a clear and accurate way of understanding building history and helps me formulate ideas for how to work well with the building.
It can be an elusive tome to track down but second hand copies do occasionally surface and are well worth investing in for anyone with even a passing interest in the history and tenets of interior design.
Find it at: Goodreads, Abe Books and Amazon.
Architect’s Pocket Book by Jonathan Hetreed, Ann Ross & Charlotte Baden-Powell
First published in 1997 by Routledge, Sixth edition published in 2023.
Since I am not an architect, I probably don’t use this book to its fullest. My main use is restricted to about 20 pages, but they are extremely useful indeed. They cover anthropometric data, the study of human body measurements and their application in design. In layman’s terms this means spacing – how much space do you need to comfortably circulate around a dining table? What headroom is needed above a bed? What space is needed around doors for wheelchair access? The answer to all these and many other questions are in this book. Getting circulation and spacing right means interior designs function, and function is the foundation of good design.
Find it at: Goodreads, Routledge and Blackwells.
The Anatomy of Colour: The Story of Heritage Paints and Pigments by Patrick Baty
Published in 1966 by Thames & Hudson.
This excellent book written by historical paint expert Patrick Baty guides you through the history of internal wall colouring from 1650-1960, from types of wall colouring such as distempers, limewashes etc as well as the pigments used to make them. It looks at the application of decorative wall colouring in different historical periods and is a fantastic resource for research. Since I’m passionate about complimenting building history in designs I use this book often to understand the history of an interior and see how it might fit in with the new.
Find it at: Thames & Hudson, Counterprint Books and Goodreads.
A Dictionary of Colour Combinations by Sanzo Wada
Published in 2011 by Seigensha.
If you’ve been following me for while you’ll know I’m not a fan of following trends in interiors, since they date. Researching interiors online means you get shown the latest trends and other designers’ work. It’s great to see examples, but I want to build off these rather than duplicating. Alongside research based on my clients’ interests, books like this help me to recalibrate, think of colour combinations differently and come up with fresh ideas. The combinations also dovetail nicely with historical paint research – if you want to use a historic colour to complement architectural history, what else works with it so you can use it in a fresh way? This book is a great tool and helps to create new jumping off points for development.
Find it at: Kettle’s Yard and Counterprint Books. Alternatively you can always view it online here (but I prefer the tactile feel of pages!).
While I have listed a range of online options to get ahold of all of the above books, I always enjoy supporting local bookshops and you can find your nearest with either Bookshop.org or the Booksellers Association.
There are countless interior design books out there, but these are the ones I find most useful. They are all parts reliable, inspiring and practical, whether you’re delving into period details or exploring colour combinations. If you are passionate about interiors, I’d recommend giving them a read. Or if you’d rather skip the research and let me take the lead, I’d love to help.
Just drop me an email and we can start bringing your space to life.
Drawing on a passion for architecture, design history, and art, coupled with a background in luxury sales and marketing, I collaborate with individuals and brands to create fresh, harmonious interiors.
My focus is on crafting functional, enduring, and beautiful spaces that respect building, client and environment. If you’re seeking a fun, personal experience with a touch of luxury and a commitment to conservation and sustainability, let’s connect to start the conversation.
I trained at the KLC School of Design and am an associate member of the British Institute of Interior Design and a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. I was also shortlisted for the British Institute of Interior Design’s 2024 Interior Design Award.
