Five Books on Interior Decorating for the DIY

By The Editors of House Beautiful Magazine

Published Nov 2008

A beautiful book worthy of a place on the coffee table and as a reference for interior decorators. Within its cover there is an abundance of information about beautiful homes and over 500 great color photos to enjoy. Some refer to it as the "homeowner's bible on interior design."

Covering the issues of location, lighting, layout and site it will help you to learn what needs to be improved or modified in an existing home with guidance on setting up an overall design theme for a home's interior decorating. Separate rooms are also covered with ideas and ways to transform living spaces into something new and exciting. The Home Book brings together the examples and styles of the House Beautiful Magazines. The Home Book has been selected and recommended by the Home-style Book Club.

2. Debbie Travis' Painted House Kids' Rooms: More than 80 Innovative Projects from Cradle to College.

By Debbie Travis (author of many interior decorating books)

Published June 2002
A how to Interior design book for parents who want to create great rooms for the kids. Gives instructions on how to cater to kids wants and needs while providing a safe, fun, comfortable and dynamic room that all can enjoy.

3. Candice Olson on Design: Inspiration and Ideas for your home

By Candice Olson, Brandon Barre (photos)

Published Jan 2006

This book of interior decorating explains how to create rooms that fit into an individual's lifestyle preferences but are also functional and beautiful. The author Candice Olson hosts a TV show called Devine Design that many people have seen and the viewers of her show also recommend this book.

4. Domino: The Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Creating a Home that Makes You Happy

By Domino Magazine Editors, Dara Caponigro, Sara R. Costello, Deborah Needleman

Published Oct 2008

The editors of this book put together some of the best designs from Domino Magazine and add their own experiences and knowledge. Written to help everyone be able to understand and use some interior decorators tricks of the trade. Lots of color photos including furniture styles. A good all round reference book suggested for personal and public libraries. And isn't this what we all want, a home that makes us happy.

5. Professional Practice for Interior Designers

by Christine M. Piotrowski

Published Oct 2007 (comes with a CDrom)

A textbook quality publication for professional interior design students and professionals. The first edition was published in 1990 and it has continued as one of the leading choices for educators in the field of interior design. Business professionals will use this as a reference to guide them in developing their business. The book as received the ASID/Polsky Prize and is recommended by the NCIDQ for exam preparation. There is a wealth of information from legal, financial, management, marketing, administrative to ethical issues.

Anyone in the interior decorating business or hoping to become interior decorators will find this a great addition to their library.