Blog/Five Of The Best Interior Design Books

bedroom in a london warehouse conversion with exposed brick and raw concrete ceiling.

The brief given for this former upholstery factory was to create a luxury two-bedroom apartment that retained its authentic industrial features.

 

Warehouse Home has published a debut book, a global celebration of a new way of living in old factories, printworks and of course warehouses. Its success would seem to suggest this lifestyle is ever more popular. But don’t just take our word for it – read as we share recent reviews and a handpicked collection of complementary titles.
kitchen in a warehouse conversion features large industrial motor as decoration.
Fixed to the original, beamed ceiling of the kitchen, the featured motor once formed part of the old service elevator.

 

 

From San Francisco to Sydney, the debut Warehouse Home book is a global review of former industrial buildings that have, as a result of the imagination and resolve of leading architects and ambitious homeowners, been reimagined for residential use. The final results are often staggering; from minimalist and contemporary spaces to more traditional interpretations, every project is a triumph in its own particular way. The book is, according to leading interiors blogger Kate Watson-Smyth, “a walk through some of the most beautiful warehouse homes you will ever see.” But while we celebrate these remarkable old buildings and the original ways in which they have been transformed, we also provide more specific inspiration for those not perhaps living in warehouse homes but seeking elements of the ubiquitous industrial aesthetic.

While the larger portion of the Warehouse Home book focuses on architectural features, and how they have been preserved and celebrated in every project, there is also a Decorative Details section. It is here that we share essential tips and ideas for how to achieve similar schemes and effects to those showcased in the front half of the book. Jane Rockett and Lucy St George, founders of online emporium Rockett St George, have remarked that “there is so much to be taken from this brilliant book on how to achieve the distinctive industrial style with original home decor tips.” Elle Decoration concurs, describing the Warehouse Home book as a “handy guide to mastering industrial chic.” 

TERENCE CONRAN | Visionary Designer

“An absolutely wonderful book – I wish I had thought of it myself! The Warehouse Home book captures the exciting potential of heritage industrial buildings and showcases innovative new ways of modern day living.”

TOM BLOXHAM | Chairman, Urban Splash

“With a trend towards urbanisation, these old industrial developments are finding new voices. For me, their unique architectural characteristics, the grittiness of factories and mills, sets them apart as original homes.”

THE TIMES

“The love affair with industrial chic persists. For many, there is no better way to relax. Now there is a guide to the style movement …You can achieve the results.”

Image (main) courtesy of Mark Lewis Interior Design | Photography by Rory Gardner.

Image (left) courtesy of Bright Common Architecture | Photography by Jaime Alvarez.

Image (below) courtesy of Edmonds + Lee Architects | Photography by Bruce Damonte.

exterior of the oriental warehouse, san francisco featuring original brickwork and ghostsigns.

Built in 1867, San Francisco’s Oriental Warehouse was the primary distribution point for the Pacific Mail Steamship Co.

 

URBAN PIONEER | Sara Emslie

(Below) From schools to offices, there is a long-established trend for transforming non-traditional spaces for residential use. In this book, stylist Sara Emslie reveals 12 original real homes and shows that features like raw brickwork and galvanised piping are especially popular.

raw original brickwork and warehouse windows feature in this warehouse conversion.

There is a long-established trend for transforming non-traditional spaces for residential use. Photography by Benjamin Edwards.

 

MODERN VINTAGE STYLE | Emily Chalmers

(Below) Stylist Emily Chalmers shares her tips for creating original interiors using both bohemian and quirky vintage finds. She advises readers to offset new and old and demonstrates the approach across every room.

bohemian and quirky vintage finds feature in this original interior scheme.

Emily Chalmers shares her tips for creating original interiors using bohemian and quirky vintage finds. Photography by Debbie Treloar.

 

SIMPLE HOME | Sally and Mark Bailey

(Below) First published in 2009, this elegant book by the creative couple behind Baileys Home store showcases calm and uncluttered interiors. Quieter colours and tactile textiles are combined with vintage finds and reclaimed materials for pared-back, peaceful homes.

minimalist industrial scheme with vintage accents.

Quieter colours and tactile textiles are combined with vintage finds and reclaimed materials. Photography by Debbie Treloar.

 

SPACE WORKS | Caroline Clifton-Mogg, Joanna Simmons, Rebecca Tanqueray

Examining each area of the home and diving into details, Space Works encourages readers to make strategic choices about how they will curate every space in their abode. From practical planning to aspirational schemes, this comprehensive book is a road map to achieving your ultimate vision for your home.

vintage industrial dining room with concrete floors and brick walls.

From practical planning to aspirational schemes, find inspiration for creating your ultimate vision in your home. Photograph by Rachel Whiting.