The stories that unfold across the pages of books impact how we think, how we feel, and how we see the world around us. While decorating inspiration can strike anywhere, design books give us an outlet to immerse ourselves in brilliant rooms and gardens from across the world through vivid imagery and thoughtful musings from equally brilliant creators. This year’s roster of titles offers prolific perspectives that show how the industry is evolving—while still honoring its past.
Each new title details lessons that we can carry into our own personal styles, helping us to achieve that perfectly layered forever home. Many on this list also give us a master class in architectural and landscape techniques, design styles, and artisanal crafts—allowing us to understand their origins, makers, and global impact. Some familiar names, such as design mavericks Bunny Williams, Nathan Turner, Young Huh, and Kit Kemp, let us in on their design philosophy through personal tales and lessons from their decades-long careers. This year’s list even includes a never-before-seen look into the brilliant work and mind of the late horticulturist and tastemaker Bunny Mellon.
Below, we’ve curated a list of the best design books of 2026 that deserve a spot in your library. Some of these brilliant titles come out later in the year, but you can still preorder them now (think of it as a little present to your future self). Happy reading!
