Best Architectural Decoration & Ornament Books of 2025

Down to Earth: Laid-back Interiors for Modern Living by Lauren Liess is an excellent guide for creating a cozy and functional living space. Liess’s signature design aesthetic, which emphasizes nature, easy living, and approachability, is beautifully illustrated through six different homes. With stunning photos and practical advice, the book teaches readers how to incorporate warmth and energy into any space. The author’s new HGTV show, Best House on the Block, is a testament to her design skills. Overall, this book is a must-read for those who want to create a comfortable home that inspires creativity and relaxation.

At Home: Evocative & Art-Forward Interiors by Brian Paquette is a book that explores how to create unique and contemporary interiors by evoking memories of the past and aspirations for the future. Paquette's motto of "function and comfort, first and always" ensures that every client's interests and lifestyle are taken into account to create personalized homes that reflect their identity. The book features never-before-published photography by Haris Kenjar, filled with striking visuals of the ten homes featured in the book. At Home is a designer's guide to decorating modern interiors that don't feel cold, making it a must-read for anyone looking to create an evocative and art-forward home.

The Finer Things: Timeless Furniture, Textiles, and Details is a luxurious decorating resource that educates readers on how to recognize and incorporate enduring, quality home goods into their decor. Christiane Lemieux, founder of LEMIEUX et CIE, interviews the world's greatest experts to provide insights and guidance on identifying the hallmarks of timeless, heirloom-quality pieces. The book showcases iconic examples from the past and stunning residences today, representing the range of luxurious and customized environments that can be created with fine decor. Overall, The Finer Things is a must-have for any design-loving library and a perfect housewarming gift for those who appreciate good design.

Travel Home: Design with a Global Spirit takes readers on a journey through 20 homes of designers who have been influenced by their travels. The book explores how to bring international design ideas back home to create beautiful and authentic interiors. With insightful essays, interviews, and tips, Travel Home showcases the interplay between travel and design, revealing how we can take inspiration from the beauty we experience in the world and bring it into our everyday lives. The book is a must-read for anyone who loves travel and design, and it will leave readers feeling inspired and eager to curate their own global home.

Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating by Lauren Liess is a must-read for anyone looking to bring the beauty of nature inside their home. Liess, an interior designer and blogger, provides readers with practical tips and advice on how to incorporate natural textures and elements into their living spaces. Divided into three sections, the book covers everything from finishes and hardware to room-specific design ideas. Liess's love for the outdoors is evident throughout the book, and her unique style and approach to decorating are sure to inspire readers. Overall, Habitat is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to create a natural, relaxing, and beautiful home.

The Cottage Fairy Companion is a perfect guide for those who want to live a mindful and enchanted life. The book teaches the essentials of cottagecore style through The Cottage Fairy's daily life practices. The author's calming and meditative prose encourages readers to find healing and fulfillment through mindfulness, no matter where they are. The book includes original illustrations, breathtaking photos, and insight into creating a cozy and inspiring space, living in alignment with natural cycles and seasons, and gardening and making tea. Overall, The Cottage Fairy Companion is a must-read for anyone looking to slow down, connect with nature, and find beauty in the little things.

People Behind the Disney Parks is a must-have collector's book for Disney enthusiasts and theme park fans. The book features over 280 biographies and 50 pages of rare concept art and photographs that showcase the evolution and behind-the-scenes of Main Street, U.S.A. areas across the globe. The book highlights the talented artists, Imagineers, songwriters, and business leaders who helped make Disney's theme parks a reality. The intricate details of the buildings lining Main Street, U.S.A. include names featured on building windows, belonging to the real-life "all-stars" cited in this book. Chuck Snyder's book is a fascinating read for anyone curious about creative career paths through the arts and sciences.

Arriving Home: A Gracious Southern Welcome by James Farmer showcases 10 beautiful homes decorated in the Southern style. The book features lavishly illustrated chapters of homes in different locales, from a grand Connecticut country home to a columned antebellum Alabama home. The book is not a step-by-step guide but rather a source of inspiration for those seeking traditional yet fresh approaches to home decor. With a mix of antiques and new upholstery, textured wall coverings, and intentional color, Farmer’s style exudes comfort and warmth. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates Southern hospitality and classic design.

Mid-Century Modern: A Complete Sourcebook is a must-have for anyone interested in mid-century design and architecture. This book offers a comprehensive survey of the period, showcasing over 1,000 illustrations of classic and rare designs, as well as entries on nearly 100 major creators. The book is organized into three parts, with specially commissioned essays by renowned experts, making it an encyclopedic volume that creates a comprehensive portrait of post-war production. Impeccable and awe-inspiring, this book is a valuable addition to any collector’s library.

R. Buckminster Fuller: Pattern-Thinking is a comprehensive reassessment of Fuller's legacy in the context of design. The book examines Fuller's unique vision of new conceptual models for design and architecture, alongside his ideas on their potentially world-altering consequences. The author, Daniel López-Pérez, draws extensively on Fuller's archive and illustrates with over 300 images. The book is organized through parallel conceptual threads rather than in a linear chronology of his career. This deep dive into one of the 20th century's greatest inventors and designers is packed with illuminating archival illustrations that make it a must-read for anyone interested in design and architecture.