Looking for a little home decorating, style and/or project confidence? These are 10 of my favorite home happy books.
Hey there! Happy Tuesday!
This week I’m sharing with you my absolute favorite home-loving books.
Over the course of the last three years or so of owning our home here in Indianapolis, I have been collecting such books for inspiration and to guide me in making our home homier.
There is so much home-related literature to sift through, but these are the ones that have served me the most.
On to the list!
Table of contents
- 1. Styled by Emily Henderson
- 2. Elements of Style by Erin Gates
- 3. Living with Patterns by Rebecca Atwood
- 4. Colour Scheme Bible by Anna Starmer
- 5. Simple Decorating by Melissa Michaels
- 6. The Inspired Room by Melissa Michaels
- 7. Home Decor Cheat Sheets by Jessica Probus
- 8. Young House Love by Sherry & John Petersik
- 9. Getting Things Done by David Allen
- 10. The Home Edit by Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin
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1. Styled by Emily Henderson
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This book was one of the first ones I picked up and I’m glad I did!
Styling is such a personal and creative outlet, but there is a science to it as well.
The inspiration within this book and the tools to help you hone your style are worth every penny. The pictures alone could send you into a creative frenzy!
The best part?
The book itself is soooo pretty!!
It currently resides in my magazine basket next to my reading chair along with a few of the other ones in this list. This one is a definite must-have for home-lovers!
2. Elements of Style by Erin Gates
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Elements of Style is another beautiful book to keep on display, but it also has some amazingly practical tips to use in your own home.
This book walks you through room by room noting things to consider.
Her candor is perfect to help build confidence in making your home photo-worthy. I thoroughly enjoyed the way she posed things to consider rather than telling you, “this is how to do it.”
Very practical and the photos are superb!
3. Living with Patterns by Rebecca Atwood
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Did you instantly clench your teeth at the word patterns?
If so, you need this book. While working through my living room refresh, I played and played with different decor items and nothing quite got me the look I was after until I started introducing patterns.
After discussing my ideas with the in-store designer at West Elm, I knew I had to get brave because she, too, kept leading me in the direction of various patterns.
This book is a definite confidence builder and provides numerous examples of how patterns can set a mood and help you create the vibe you’re after.
Don’t be scared!
Patterns are a girls home’s best friend!
And if you want more about how to pick and choose patterns for your throw pillows, you can read my throw pillow patterns post.
4. Colour Scheme Bible by Anna Starmer
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Way back before we finally received the keys to our forever-home, I was already doing extensive research on color schemes.
The hard part about color for me is the hubs and I actually agreeing.
I had grand ideas, but he’s a woodsman of sorts.
Therefore, we had to find a place to meet in the middle. This book helped the two of us visualize the different combinations that we could incorporate in our home.
This book walks you through color by color and gives options for color pairings as well – a great place to start working with color in your home.
If you need more color guidance, you can read my post about everything you need to know about color before picking paint colors.
5. Simple Decorating by Melissa Michaels
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Looking for practical, easy to execute tips on decorating your home?
This is the short and sweet version!
I love the pictures of her home and the tried-and-true advice she gives. When she says simple, she isn’t kidding.
Everything in this bite-sized book will help you take your home decor to the next level.
If you’re looking for an ease read with things you can do in your home right now, this is the book for you.
6. The Inspired Room by Melissa Michaels
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The Inspired Room is actually the first book this author wrote and, again, I can’t say enough good things about it. Much like Simple Decorating, The Inspired Room is totally usable advice.
This book also walks you through your home room by room and discusses the ways in which to make your space uniquely yours.
I come back to this one often as I move my way through my home projects.
7. Home Decor Cheat Sheets by Jessica Probus
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Ever wonder what size rug should go under your bed or what size mirror to get for your bathroom?
All the little styling and decor rules are neatly packaged for you in this book.
Rather than scouring the internet looking for the best way to hang drapes or what size dining table will work the best in your space, this author has everything you need right in one easy to navigate book.
I use this one quite often.
8. Young House Love by Sherry & John Petersik
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This one is for all my DIY friends out there. If you’re looking to put your own stamp on your home, these crafty ideas are perfect for you.
From DIY pillow covers to original pendant lighting, they have it all. I especially like that almost all of these project ideas are very cost effective.
Creating a home that is uniquely yours is imperative in my opinion and these project ideas help guide you to just that.
9. Getting Things Done by David Allen
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This may seem like a weird one in the space of home styling and decorating, but this book changed my whole system on starting and finishing home projects.
Day one of being in our home, my mind was swirling with ideas. I would jump from room to room with a flood of projects I wanted to complete.
After a few nights of not being able to sleep and not being able to decide where to start, I found this book.
Because I knew I had so much I wanted to do, I knew I wouldn’t get any of it done unless I got organized.
This system is the best system I have ever used to stay productive and organize my thoughts. Highly recommended!!
If you want to learn more on how I use this system to organize my home goals and tasks, you can read more about the home harmony planning toolkit.
10. The Home Edit by Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin
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If you have not read The Home Edit, it is an absolute must when organizing your home.
Right before my daughter was born, I spent so much time organizing all the spaces.
The Home Edit is a great guide to keep you focused and on track to truly clear the clutter and make it beautiful.
Alright, give it to me straight… which book are you most excited about? Any resonate with your home struggles? Any I missed? I would love to hear from you in the comments below. Happy reading!
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