If you’re like me and constantly find inspiration from blogs, Instagram, and Pinterest it seems unlikely that you’d need any other source to help you grow in your decorating knowledge and skills.  

And while that may seem true, I’ve recently re-discovered a “classic” source of inspiration: Books! In our tech-driven world, it’s easy to forget that there is a treasure-trove of information in good old-fashioned printed books.

Design specific books provide a depth of inspirational and educational content you won’t necessarily find when scrolling through IG every day. I visited Barnes and Noble a few days ago and was like a kid in a candy store when I approached the Interior Design section.  

My mission was to find 2-3 books that would continue helping me grow in my decorating knowledge and skills. There were so many to choose from, that before I knew it, my arms were full of them.

Over the next 45 minutes or so, I began sorting out the ones that weren’t the right fit and keeping the ones that were. What drew me to the ones I kept? Here are a few of the reasons:

1. I was looking for books whose focus was on Farmhouse, rustic, or shabby chic décor.
2. I chose books that included multiple DIYs (at the beginner level, primarily) or hands-on how-to’s.
3. I looked for more basic educational interior design information that wasn’t too advanced or theoretical. 

The ones I didn’t keep had more contemporary décor as their focus, lacked depth or focused on unrealistic projects for my level of woodworking and/or painting.

Now, we’re all at different levels. Some of us have more experience with say, painting cabinets than others. You know your comfort level and where you need to grow. Define those areas where you could grow and start with books that address your specific needs.

I’m already enjoying my first read, “A Touch Of Farmhouse Charm” by LIz Fourez. It is full of beginner level DIY’s that are farmhouse design specific. I cant’ wait to try many of them out. 

A couple other books I really love are:

• “City Farmhouse Style: Designs For A Modern Country Life” by Kim Leggett
• “The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have To Be Perfect To Be Beautiful” by Myquillyn Smith

Reading through these design books has so many benefits:

1. Growing in your knowledge and skills will boost your own confidence.
2. Your audience will continue their confidence in you.
3. Fresh ideas can attract new followers.
4. Growing in your skills provides new and fresh content for your existing followers.  

Do you have a few favorite books that inspire you? I’d love for you to share them here.