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Books That Inspire a Life of Thoughtful, Beautiful Design

From nature-infused homes to iconic products, these design books offer inspiration for intentional, stylish living

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By House & Garden South Africa | June 24, 2025 | Design

A collection of books to inspire carefully curated spaces.

Homes Decorated by Nature

by Helenio Barbetta and Kurt Stapelfeldt (Lannoo)

With an emphasis on plants, raw materials and artisanal touches, this book presents interiors where nature takes the lead. Each home is a testament to conscious decorating, where greenery and craftsmanship coexist in serene harmony.

Homes Decorated by Nature by Helenio Barbetta and Kurt Stapelfeldt, Image: Supplied

Designed for Life

by Phaidon Editors (Phaidon) 

This essential global survey of the 100 most important product designers of our time celebrates innovation and form. With an introductory essay by Kelsey Keith, it profiles designers behind everyday objects and iconic pieces, pairing insightful commentary with striking visual layouts.

Designed for Life by Phaidon Editors, Image: Supplied

Natural Living by Design

by Melissa Penfold (Vendome Press)

This book explores how to bring nature into our homes for enhanced well-being and effortless elegance. In 208 pages, Penfold blends timeless style with biophilic principles — featuring interiors that celebrate organic textures, light and greenery.

Natural Living by Design by Melissa Penfold, Image: Supplied

Maximalism

by Sig Bergamin with photography by Björn Wallander (Assouline)

A riotous celebration of colour, pattern and personality, Maximalism showcases the eclectic interiors of Brazilian designer Sig Bergamin. The visual feast embraces the more is-more approach, where global influences and vintage treasures create layered opulence.

Maximalism by Sig Bergamin with photography by Björn Wallander, Image: Supplied

Glass Houses

by Phaidon Editors (Phaidon)

In this architectural volume, featuring an introductory essay by Andrew Heid, is a global collection of homes that use glass to spectacular effect, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior. From Philip Johnson’s iconic 1940s Glass House to contemporary nature immersed dwellings in Chile, Italy and Japan, it celebrates transparency, light and modernist ideals — offering a breath of fresh air for design lovers and dreamers alike.

Glass Houses by Phaidon Editors, Image: Supplied

Decorate Like a Decorator

by Dara Caponigro with Melinda Page (Monacelli Press)

This practical, visually rich guide offers insights from professional decorators on how to elevate your home. With real-life examples and expert advice, Caponigro and Page break down the design process into accessible tips and timeless style principles.

Decorate Like a Decorator by Dara Caponigro with Melinda Page, Image: Supplied

Timeless by Design

by Nina Farmer (Rizzoli)

Farmer’s design philosophy marries comfort with heritage, resulting in interiors that are warm, classic and quietly bold. The book showcases a portfolio of nine homes that reflect a deep respect for craftsmanship, materials and lived-in charm.

Timeless by Design by Nina Farmer, Image: Supplied

New Coastal

by Ingrid Weir (Hardie Grant)

Celebrating life by the sea, Weir presents homes that are soulful, tactile and naturally beautiful. The photo-filled hardback offers a refreshing take on coastal style — layered, lived-in and rich with artistic flair — paired with personal essays and lifestyle insights.

New Coastal by Ingrid Weir, Image: Supplied

Text by Lynette Botha