Just about every lover of modern design has a list of must-have books. Ours is limited to just five must-have modern interior design books, so we reached in and selected one here and there from our ever expanding list. We hope you will consider adding some or all of these inspiring books to your list.
West Coast Modern: Architecture, Interiors & Design
Just a glimpse of the modernist homes included in Zahid Sardar’s West Coast Modern: Architecture, Interiors & Design and there’s no turning back. This a must-have modern interior design book and much more.
From the publisher: “Architects and designers are breaking new ground on the West Coast, incorporating tested ideas with modern technologies, materials, and concepts in thrilling and sustainable designs. This collection of more than 25 inspiring residences by such renowned western architects and interior designers as Ricardo and Victor Legorreta, Tom Kundig, Jim Jennings, Steven Ehrlich, Marmol Radziner, Aidlin Darling, Paul Wiseman, Terry Hunziker, and Gary Hutton showcases large and small homes that respond to the deserts, mountains, plains, and coastlines of the West.”
American Modern
The book description of Thomas O’Brien’s captivating book on modern interior design includes this, “American Modern is an inspiring design volume that will redefine the way readers think about modern interiors.” And we agree, the author introduces us to a wonderful array of modern styles not just one rigid modern aesthetic.
From the publisher: “Designer and merchant, collector and tastemaker, Thomas O’Brien has made a career of translating cool notions of modernism into an easy and generous array of modern styles that anyone can attain. Now he introduces readers to a range of those styles—from casual to formal, vintage to urban—alongside stunning photography and charming design stories.”
Glamour: Making It Modern
From the publisher: “The 21st century has brought glamour and her sisters, decoration and ornamentation back into home design news. Today's most cutting-edge homes embrace design of every kind from every corner of the globe. It's a marriage of disparate styles that finds no contradiction. Glamour is in vogue in homes that are castles (literally) and in one-bedroom rentals at the fringes of downtowns.”
Elle Décor quotes the author of Metropolitan Home’s book Glamour: Making it Modern, Michael Lassell, “Just like in the magazine, the idea is not to look at a photograph and simply repeat it in your own home,” Lassell says. Instead, he encourages readers to learn from these images, snag ideas, and soak up the sage advice from top interior designers—but apply what suits their style.” and “It doesn’t have to be all about money. It’s all about individuality and imagination.”
Atomic Ranch Midcentury Interiors
From the publisher: “Atomic Ranch Midcentury Interiors (by Michelle Gringeri-Brown and photographer Jim Brown) showcases the virtues of the popular and ubiquitous ranch houses that sprang up across the country following World War II. It features the exceptional interiors of eight houses, discusses successes and challenges, and shows how to live stylishly. Tips are shared on color, flooring, window coverings, furniture arrangements, and how off-the-shelf components can be turned into custom features.”
The L.A. Times blog, L.A. at Home shares this: Gringeri-Brown credits the popularity of “Mad Men” for fueling appreciation of ranch houses. A new generation is attracted to what she calls “retro cool.” Ranch houses also appeal to aging baby boomers who are wary of stairs. “Because ranches were built when property was cheaper, they tend to sprawl on one floor and have a larger yard,” the author said.
Best of Residential Architecture and Design
Interior Design Editor-in-Chief Cindy Allen and editor of this volume says of the Best of Residential Architecture and Design, “Home has become the ultimate sanctuary. It’s our refuge, our getaway to escape the world—or engage in it full-on,” “With Best of Residential, we’re able to explore what modern living means today with lush, glossy spreads and breathtaking imagery. This is truly a must-have for any design enthusiast.”
From the publisher: “Interior Design magazine proudly presents Best of Residential Architecture and Design, a must-have for the design community immersed in the culture and those looking for a valuable resource on the best work in residential design today. Interior Design, which is closely followed by the design community, has created this book as part of its Best of book series. Best of Residential Architecture and Design recognizes superior design in the broad reaching and exciting world of residential, and shares that with the design universe.”
The Urban House features spaces by legendary design maven Andrée Putman.
The Urban House: Townhouses, Apartments, Lofts, and Other Spaces for City Living
And a bonus sixth pick with cover seen in the lead image:
Not yet published, but much anticipated is The Urban House: Townhouses, Apartments, Lofts, and Other Spaces for City Living written by Ron Broadhurst with a foreword by world-renowned architect Richard Meier. From Rizzoli New York, The Urban House is set to be released on February 18, 2014.
From the publisher: “An authoritative volume on the most innovative new residential design in cities around the globe. This carefully curated book presents twenty-five new and recent spaces for city living. Author Ron Broadhurst has selected projects that represent a set of ideas that can be described as belonging particularly to our time and which will shape how we think of living in the city in the future.”