Design Books
Whether you're crafting a user-friendly app, designing a beautiful home, or building a timeless brand, the right insights can elevate your work from good to extraordinary. This collection of the best designer books offers a comprehensive guide to the principles that govern effective and inspiring creation. We've gathered must read designer books that break down complex theories into actionable advice, covering everything from user experience and creative process to interior styling and brand identity. Learn from the masters and transform how you see the world. Curated by the VoxBrief team.
The Creative Act
Learn from Rick Rubin how to make creativity a daily practice, not a random muse.
- Creativity is a habit available to everyone, not a rare gift.
- Tune into subtle signals and ideas all around you.
- Cooperate with your work instead of forcing an outcome.
Artists, writers, and creators feeling stuck in a creative rut.
Learn from Rick Rubin how to make creativity a daily practice, not a random muse.
The Design of Everyday Things
Uncover why some products are intuitive and others are frustrating to use.
- Good design makes product functions discoverable to the user.
- Immediate feedback is crucial for a seamless user experience.
- When a user fails, it's often the fault of the design itself.
UX/UI designers, product managers, and engineers building user-facing products.
Uncover why some products are intuitive and others are frustrating to use.
Designing Your Life
Apply design thinking principles to build a more fulfilling life and career.
- Use prototyping to test different career and life paths.
- Reframe dysfunctional beliefs that are holding you back.
- Your life is not a problem to solve, but a creation to build.
Anyone feeling stuck or seeking a new direction in their career or life.
Apply design thinking principles to build a more fulfilling life and career.
Made for Living
Create a stunning, comfortable home that is built for your real life, not a showroom.
- Master layering textiles and mixing patterns for a lived-in feel.
- Choose materials that get better and more personal with age and use.
- Focus on creating a space that is personal instead of just perfect.
Homeowners who want a stylish yet practical and comfortable living space.
Create a stunning, comfortable home that is built for your real life, not a showroom.
The Interior Design Handbook
Learn the fundamental rules professionals use to create beautiful, functional homes.
- Apply timeless principles like the golden ratio and the 60-30-10 rule.
- Understand the 'how' and 'why' behind lighting and furniture arrangement.
- Create perfect flow, balance, and visual interest in any room.
Aspiring interior designers or anyone wanting to decorate their home with confidence.
Learn the fundamental rules professionals use to create beautiful, functional homes.
Live Beautiful
Learn to layer objects and textures to create an elegant, lived-in home.
- Intentionally layer textures, lighting, and personal objects.
- Identify your own unique aesthetic and find inspiration in new places.
- Use foundational design elements to tell a unique story with your space.
Homeowners looking to elevate their space with personal, artful touches.
Learn to layer objects and textures to create an elegant, lived-in home.
The Art of Home
Transform your space with Shea McGee's elevated yet approachable design philosophy.
- Master the art of effectively mixing different design styles.
- Learn to balance high-end and low-priced items for a curated look.
- Create a home that reflects your personal style and feels welcoming.
Fans of Studio McGee seeking to apply their signature style to their own homes.
Transform your space with Shea McGee's elevated yet approachable design philosophy.
Architectural Digest at 100
Journey through a century of iconic interiors from Architectural Digest's archives.
- Discover the stories behind legendary homes and celebrity hideaways.
- Learn to identify timeless design trends and their evolution.
- Understand the genius of iconic designers who shaped American taste.
Design enthusiasts and history buffs curious about iconic interior styles.
Journey through a century of iconic interiors from Architectural Digest's archives.
Call It Home
Master the effortlessly cool, lived-in style of renowned designer Amber Lewis.
- Layer textiles, patterns, and lighting to add warmth and personality.
- Break down the California-cool aesthetic into simple, actionable steps.
- Create a space that is a true reflection of you, not just a trend.
Homeowners wanting to achieve a relaxed, California-inspired aesthetic.
Master the effortlessly cool, lived-in style of renowned designer Amber Lewis.
House Rules
Decorate a beautiful, personalized home without breaking the bank or your spirit.
- Find your unique style and make design decisions with confidence.
- Focus on what truly matters for the life you actually live.
- Stop second-guessing your decorating choices and embrace imperfection.
Budget-conscious decorators who feel overwhelmed by complicated design rules.
Decorate a beautiful, personalized home without breaking the bank or your spirit.
Logos that Last
Learn the secrets to creating powerful, timeless logo designs that resonate.
- Follow a proven process from brainstorming and sketching to final execution.
- Master the principles of simplicity, memorability, and versatility.
- Build visual identities that will endure beyond fleeting trends.
Graphic designers and branding specialists aiming to create iconic logo work.
Learn the secrets to creating powerful, timeless logo designs that resonate.
The Forever Home
Learn how to design a timeless, classic space that grows with you for a lifetime.
- Blend classic styles with clever, modern solutions for a lasting look.
- Make smart investments by mixing high and low-end pieces like a pro.
- Personalize every room so that your home tells your unique story.
Homeowners looking to create a lasting, classic home they won't outgrow.
Learn how to design a timeless, classic space that grows with you for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Design is the process of intentionally creating something to solve a problem or meet a need. It applies to everything from a comfortable chair and an easy-to-use website to the layout of a living room. Good design effectively combines functionality, aesthetics, and user experience.
Learning design principles helps you become a better problem-solver and a more conscious consumer. It empowers you to create more effective products, more beautiful and functional living spaces, and appreciate the thought that goes into the world around you.
"The Design of Everyday Things" is a foundational text for anyone interested in product or UX design principles. For interior design, "The Interior Design Handbook" offers a clear and practical guide to core concepts. Both are excellent starting points.