06 Dec Five Inspiring Home Décor Books

Want the holiday gift that keeps giving? Think books.

Design books are the sweetest splurge, since they provide boundless inspiration and edification. (And look great on the coffee table or bookshelf, too!)

Here are five lushly photographed, wonderfully informative home decor books we recommend for every design lover on your list. We especially love the wow-factor window treatments and wall coverings featured in all of these must-reads.

	Book: Be Your Own Decorator: Taking Inspiration and Cues from Today’s Top Designers Author: Susanna Salk Canadian publisher: Rizzoli Why we love it: Rooms designed by world-renowned interior designers including Kelly Wearstler, Bunny Williams, Nate Berkus and Mary McDonald are used to illustrate the principles of decorating. The book is divided into chapters on colour, arranging, accessories and more, so you get a step-by-step insight into how it’s done. A great resource on how to layer upholstery and fabric choices into any room design.
	Book: Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living Author: Ronda Rice Carman Canadian publisher: Rizzoli Why we love it: Who wouldn’t want a sneak peak at the chic apartments and expensive estates of today’s leading interior designers? Decorating legends like Rose Tarlow, Bunny Williams, Barry Dixon and Steven Gambrel share their insights on how to decorate your sanctuary so it reflects your taste and lifestyle. We love the friendly tone and down-to-earth tips on how to pick sheets and pillows, to how to throw the perfect last-minute dinner party!
	Book: Family Spaces Author: Candice Olson Canadian publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Why we love it: HGTV star and mom of two Candice Olson knows what it takes to create beautiful, comfortable and practical family rooms. Hundreds of photos provide inspiration, and the before/after shots will motivate you to start planning a family-room or living room makeover of your own. We especially love Olson’s design boards: proof that one amazing fabric swatch can kick-start a room makeover!
	Book: Happy Home: Everyday Magic for a Colourful Life Author: Charlotte Hedeman Gueniau Canadian publisher: Rizzoli Why we love it: Bright, energetic and inviting homes are happy homes, and this book shows readers how to create the vibe themselves. From design inspiration to DIY projects, designer Gueniau shows how colour and fabric can bring verve to any home.
	Book: Simply Serene Author: Thomas Pheasant Canadian publisher: Rizzoli Why we love it: Award-winning interior designer Pheasant is known for his “contemporary-classical” aesthetic: serene and sophisticated designs that aim for timelessness, not trendiness. This lavishly photographed book will provide ample inspiration, especially for those with an interest in the room-defining capabilities of window coverings.