The Interior Design Handbook Hardcover – October 29, 2020

If you want more than just pretty pictures of professionally design spaces, this book is for you. It describes the principles and rules of thumb in simple, clear ways. Great for a beginner or as a resource for a seasoned designer.

I don’t mind that there are no photos but photos are useful where concepts are not well explained. The first technical design concept I came across in the book was poorly explained and glossed over and that set the tone for me. As an engineer, I expect technical things to be accurately explained. Otherwise, I didn’t find the information enlightening or captivating.

This is exactly what I was looking for. Beautiful pictures you can find aplenty, and pretentious or industry-focused instructional books abound, but this is the perfect handbook for someone who wants a grasp if the underlying principles that make good, balanced interior design. I feel so much more confident and well- equipped to take on my home remodel/redesign having read this book. So grateful that someone wrote this and demystified interior design!

This isn’t a design book full of attractive pictures of different interiors. This book is extremely practical in that it teaches you design principles and strategies that you can use to put together your own space with your own aesthetic, rather than just trying to recreate pictures you see on Pinterest that won’t work for your own space. It gives you the exact equation or measurements for determining things from how high should I mount my wall sconce next to my bed, how far apart my couch and accent chair should be to smaller things like different configurations and the principles behind them for arranging pillows, or styling accessories and books on a bookshelf or coffee table. Get it!

Purchased for my new partner whose been redecorating my entire 3400 Sqft home, she hasn’t put the book down since Christmas.

Great book!I was worried this would be boring but it's definitely not! The author does a great job making the information easy to unearthed and relatable and gives great examples. I'd definitely recommend

Gotta say I am an Architect and I still found a ton of useful information in this book. Definitely going to be gifting this to clients in their new homes. Simple, easy to implement suggestions for your interiors.

Knocking off one star because the back of the book was blemished with nail polish. Cover is in perfect condition. Arrived on time.

I was recommended this book by an interior design blogger I really admire. I am so disappointed by it. It’s a fairly thick handbook but lacks any real content. Most guidance is fairly obvious: symmetry is good; there are many shades of white; different ways to place wall art. There is zero inspiration for designs, it’s pure technical rules. Yet I’m in the middle of decorating a house and when I look up guidance for a particular “problem” I’m looking for options for, nothing of use.

I had high hopes this book and pleased to say it’s delivered! As the author says in the intro so often interior design books are full of gorgeous photos with little explanation of what makes them successful. Often interior design is intuitive but the author has worked hard to demystify a lot of this for the lay person like me. Kate from Mad About the House had a similar intention with her first book which was also useful. However, I think this one is even more successful due to the many diagrams which help to illustrate the wide ranging tips. Thus this has far more substance than the usual pretty interior design coffee table books. I highly recommend it!

This book is excellent for those people who enjoy reading and having occasional drawings to understand. The first few pages explain that this book is a book without any photos in because there are too many of them. I was excited to read after this because I felt the same way, which is why I chose this book. The book contains lots of details, lots of tips and lots of variety in how you can decorate your space. I think that its wonderful and is definitely helping me better understand interior design. It talks about, symmetry, flow of movement, colours, styles, lighting, proportions and many more. If you ARE NOT a visual learner and you want pictures, don't buy this book and write a bad review on it because it doesn't have them! Find a different book. But if you enjoy reading and seeing the occasional diagram or drawing like me, this book is excellent for you.

I totally fell for the hype and 5 star reviews. I was so disappointed, it’s like a maths/ architectural book in my mind. Drawings of curved chairs, with curved lamps over. Page of drawings how to “karate chop” your cushions! I mean, seriously? This author doesn’t think glossy magazines are necessary, but this? Like something out of the 50’s, I’m now dying to buy some glossy magazines for inspiration. I returned it.

I can't believe some people complaining about the lack of pictures, seriously?? This book is exactly what it claims to be. This is the most useful book and it will make a huge difference on every level. It really covers everything that I needed to know, I'm so happy that I found this book. It would have taken me ages to gather all this info from Google. For the people who want pretty pictures - just get a magazine!