Bringing a mid-century touch to your home isn’t about strict rules—it’s about inspiration and ideas.
Whether you’re planning a renovation or simply looking to refresh a space, the right books can help you get started. Some offer practical guidance, others are all about beautiful homes and clever details that spark new thinking. We’ve picked five titles that do just that—a mix of visual inspiration and thoughtful design. They’re ideal for anyone wanting to create a home that feels modern, warm and rooted in the timeless appeal of mid-century style.
1. Midcentury Modern Style: An Approachable Guide to Inspired Rooms – Gibbs Smith
Karen Nepacena’s book is a lively guide to midcentury modern style, offering easy tips and DIYs for creating stylish spaces. It simplifies the design process, using real examples to inspire comfortable, retro-vibe interiors. With practical advice and photos by Christopher Dibble, it’s ideal for both beginners and seasoned designers. Find the book here.
2. Midcentury Houses Today – Monacelli
This expanded edition of “Midcentury Houses Today” highlights midcentury houses in New Canaan, Connecticut, designed by notable architects like Marcel Breuer and Philip Johnson. Focusing on preservation and adaptive reuse as sustainable strategies, it examines 17 homes through detailed timelines, plans, and photography.
The book emphasises how these houses adapt to modern living, aligning with the idea that preserving existing structures is an eco-friendly approach. Featuring both archival and new photography, the book underscores midcentury architecture’s evolving legacy and its relevance in today’s sustainability-focused world. Find the book here.
3. The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Decorate, and Style Your Space – Clarkson Potter
Frida Ramstedt’s “The Interior Design Handbook” is a comprehensive guide to interior design, emphasizing the importance of understanding the principles behind decorating rather than just following trends. Ramstedt teaches readers the foundational rules of design, such as the golden ratio, the ideal size for furniture, and the best ways to use mood boards, all supported by illustrations.
This handbook aims to help individuals create balanced and aesthetically pleasing homes, regardless of their personal style or location. It is particularly valuable for those looking to achieve a harmonious home environment by applying these timeless design principles. Find the book here.
4. Upgrade Your House – Gestalten
“Upgrade Your House” is a guide to affordable home transformations, featuring global projects that demonstrate stylish and sustainable renovations. It emphasizes creative solutions and efficient refurbishments, enabling any house to reach its full potential as a dream residence. Ideal for architects, designers, and homeowners, offering captivating imagery and floor plans. Find the book here.
5. Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles – Clarkson Potter
“Made for Living” by Amber Lewis emphasizes the importance of livability and the evolution of materials in design. Layering decor elements and mixing patterns, objects, and lighting creates a balanced, inviting space. Lewis offers advice on color, pattern mixing, and material choices, encouraging the creation of a home designed for comfortable living. Find the book here.
