Our top 20 design books
Looking for inspiration? Or maybe a gift, or something for your Christmas wish list? We asked the Sydney Design School team to share their favourite design books… here’s our top 20.
The Alchemy of things – Interiors shaped by curious minds by Karen Mc Cartney
This newly released book was nominated by two of our Educators.
“An intriguing exploration of curious creative homes, bountiful with beautiful objects.” – Vanessa Colyer Tay
“It looks at interiors not shaped by trends, but curated by their creative owners.” – Sharon Raco
Hare and Klein – Texture, colour, comfort by David Clark & Meryl Hare
“I love this book. Sigh! I love Meryl Hare’s whole aesthetic approach – it’s so casually perfect, creating very inviting and unpretentious interiors.” – Kate Hughes
The Maker. Beyond decorating: Crafting a unique space by Tamara Maynes
“Once you get past the absolutely beautiful book design (including the curved edge!), you’ll find equally stunning images and inspiration to inspire creativity. This book is an ode to makers and shows how to create unique individual spaces with handmade touches.” – Lisa Tilse
The Sensual Home: Liberate Your Senses and Change Your Life by Ilse Crawford
“A good old faithful and favourite.” – Di Fernandes
In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney
“I love this book because it captures a snapshot of creative business women from all walks of life. Some are young, some are old. Some are conservative some are whimsical. Some are all about contemporary and monochrome. Some are all about colour and eclecticism. This is what makes it as much a visual feast as it does a great inspirational read.” – Samantha Cahill
Design like you give a damn – Architectural Responses to Humanitarian Crises by Architecture for Humanity
“After first reading this aged 21, I wanted to go overseas and volunteer with Architecture for Humanity. Fascinating case studies!” – Claire Blanch
CMF Design: The Fundamental Principles of Colour, Material and Finish Design by Liliana Becerra
“A great reference that’s accessible and easy to read with lots of tips about new and existing CMF options for designers. This is a well designed book with lots of illustrations.” – Zena O’Connor
Happy – Creating joyous living spaces through design by Amanda Talbot
“The author is a Sydney Stylist and Design Consultant who explores the question ‘Can design help us lead a happy life?’. Avoiding cliches, the book delves into the science and psychology behind the concept of ‘happy design’. But it’s far from a dry read! It’s such a beautiful book, brimming with gorgeous interiors and ideas.” – Lisa Tilse
The Anatomy of Colour The Story of Heritage Paints and Pigments by Patrick Baty
“Probably one of the most comprehensive and useful books on colour and colour application I’ve come across. The detailed information is coupled with fabulous illustrations.” – Zena O’Connor
The Inner Game Of Tennis by W Timothy Gallwey
“A beautiful study of the psychology of achieving your full potential through identification and re-visualisation of hurdles and re-framing mindsets. It can be applied to so many areas of study, much in the mindset of Zen in the Art of Archery (which was also suggested for this list by Julia Martin).” – Adrian Veale
Architectural Graphics by Francis K Ching
“This guy is amazing, all the drawings are done by hand!” – Victoria Aleporos
Hue by Kelly Wearstler
“This book is like the Derwent 100 coloured pencils box that has been tipped upside down on the floor and organised into colour names that are divine in themselves, like Jonquil, Citrine, Dahlia.” – Samantha Over
Shelter: How Australians Live by Kara Rosenlund
“Go on a road trip of Australia through shabby and beautifully styled shacks. Australian photographer and stylist Kara showcases her amazing photography and interesting interiors. For me this is the vibe of Australia.” – Sonia Audoly
Colour: A Journey by Victoria Alexander
“Inspiring if you are a colour addict like moi!”- Wendy Beard
Absolutely beautiful things by Anna Spiro
“Colourful, bold and inspirational. The book illustrates how layering and using memory objects can create interiors full of soul. The cover itself is a gorgeous tactile piece of fabric!” – Sonia Audoly
The Kinfolk Entrepreneur by Nathan Williams
“A fascinating, behind the scenes study of creative businesses around the world.” – Bella Taylor
Public Sydney by Peter John Cantrill and Philip Thallis
“A fantastic drawing study of Sydney’s public spaces and landmark buildings.” – Adrian Veale
A Frame for Life by Ilse Crawford
“I’m obsessed with Ilse Crawford so I love this book about human-centred design. She creates spaces that excite the senses.” – Bella Taylor
Best Ugly – Restaurant concepts & architecture by Avroko
“This book is a great reference for unique, quirky and timeless joinery detailing.” – Claire Blanch
Carlo Scarpa: The Complete Works by leading architects and architectural critics
“This is a perennial favourite of mine. I pull it out often for a read or some inspiration. Scarpa is my favourite designer/architect. His work was so detailed and it’s fascinating looking over his sketches and drawings.” – Julia Stockdale
You may also be interested to read:
Top 10 interior decorating tips from our Educator Kate Hughes
