Best Interior Painting & Wallpapering Books of 2026

Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles is a national bestseller that provides readers with more than 250 stunning photographs of signature interiors by trendsetting designer Amber Lewis. The book teaches the art of layering, offering friendly advice on everything from choosing the perfect shade of paint to mismatching patterns with wild abandon. Lewis's eclectic approach and California cool style make this book a must-have for anyone looking to design a home that's made to be lived in. Overall, Made for Living is a well-written and beautifully designed book that is both informative and inspiring.

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.

The Very Efficient Carpenter is a comprehensive guide to basic framing for residential construction, written by Larry Haun, a carpenter with over 35 years of experience. The book covers everything from laying down sills to cutting rafters, and includes information on tools, plans, codes, permits, lumber, and materials. It also provides additional information on safety and site-built tools. Haun's step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations make this book an excellent resource for both professional carpenters and apprentices. Overall, The Very Efficient Carpenter is a valuable addition to any home design and construction book collection.

Call It Home: The Details That Matter is an interior design book that showcases Amber Lewis's approach to renovating, decorating, and building a beautiful home. Through personal essays and stunning photography, Amber shares her secrets on how to choose and apply fabric, paint, finishes, tile, and flooring to create a unique and beautiful living space. The book features eight homes, including Amber's own, and provides insights into the decision-making process behind every major choice. With over 200 images of living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, and baths, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to create their own stunning space.

The New Design Rules: How to Decorate and Renovate, from Start to Finish: An Interior Design Book is a visually stunning guide for both professionals and amateurs in the field of interior designing. Emily Henderson takes readers through the entire process of designing and renovating their homes, including decision-making processes when it comes to picking paint, furniture arrangement, window treatments, lighting fixtures, and more. With tried-and-tested tips and beautiful photographs, this book empowers readers to make confident design decisions and create spaces that reflect their personalities and lifestyles. Overall, a must-read for anyone looking to create a home that speaks to who they are and what they love.

The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House is an all-in-one guide that covers everything from the foundation to finishing touches. With over 1,200 full-color drawings by illustrator Chuck Lockhart, this book provides expert step-by-step instructions for builders, carpenters, and homeowners. The book eliminates guesswork and avoids costly missteps, making it a must-have reference for anyone involved in residential construction. The Taunton Press has once again published a high-quality book that lives up to its name. The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House is a beautiful book that combines the expertise of builder-author John Carroll and illustrator Chuck Lockhart, making it a unique and essential reference for anyone in the building trades.

The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book updated & revised: Everything Interior Designers Need to Know Every Day is an updated and revised edition that provides interior designers with the essential information they need to plan and execute projects of all sizes. It covers fundamental design topics such as space, surface, environments, elements, and resources. The book also includes interviews with top practitioners from across the field of interior design. This sourcebook is a must-have for designers, design students, and anyone undertaking an interior design project. Overall, the book is a concise handbook that is easy to use and carry, making it unique and highly recommended.

The New York School of Interior Design's Home: The Foundations of Enduring Spaces is an essential resource for anyone interested in the art and practice of interior design. This comprehensive guide covers everything from color theory to collaborating with professionals for the best results. The book is based on the Home Study Course that is the foundation of the school's curriculum, making it the only book anyone will ever need. The book is written by Ellen S. Fisher, the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the New York School of Interior Design, and Jen Renzi, a freelance writer and special projects editor at Interior Design magazine.

BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Plumbing Updated 8th Edition is an essential book for DIYers of all skill levels who want to tackle home plumbing projects. The book provides clear and concise instructions with easy-to-understand descriptions and illustrations for all the popular plumbing projects, from fixing a toilet to installing a jetted spa. With over 200 home improvement titles, the editors of Cool Springs Press have created a standard for do-it-yourself publishing, and this book is no exception. This updated edition is a must-have for anyone looking to accomplish their plumbing projects with confidence and success.

The Cozy White Cottage Seasons book by Liz Marie Galvan is a great addition to any interior design book collection. This book offers inspiring photos, DIY ideas, and fun recipes for every season, allowing readers to create a cozy atmosphere on any budget. It provides practical tips for creating space to snuggle up, stretch out, or kick back at home all year long. The book also includes ideas for celebrating and decorating for special gatherings and holidays. Overall, this book is a fantastic gift for anyone looking to make their home inviting and cozy.