Shelter Porn: New Interior Design Books To Own or Give as Gifts

Even though we get plenty of inspiration from Instagram, we still need a serious design library. Especially one that gives us historical perspective and highlights the most important developments in luxury interior design. Plus there’s nothing like digging into a big, beautiful book devoted solely to lust-worthy interiors—which explains why the New York Times coined the term “shelter porn” to begin with! Every year we bring you our roundup of the new books that expand our knowledge, inspire us and make great gifts for any design addict. Here are the ones we can’t do without and will be adding to our design library this year.

“Francis Sultana; Designs & Interiors” by Bronwyn Cosgrave

Sultana, who left his home in Malta at 19 to work at London’s renowned David Gill Gallery, has had an astonishing trajectory in art and design. Besides mounting shows for some of the biggest icons in contemporary design, including Zaha Hadid and Michele Oka Doner, he opened his own design atelier in 2008 and has done residential projects for Madonna, Annie Lennox and a long list of stars. Today he’s both a gallerist (as David Gill’s creative director) and interior designer, and is known for his sophisticated bespoke environments that merge the necessities of comfortable residential space with epic works of art. Not surprisingly, he’s been on the AD 100 every year since 2015. This book covers the complete spectrum of his work, from his signature furniture collections to the sumptuous homes he has masterminded in landmark buildings around the world. $38.52 at Amazon.com

“Near & Far; Interiors I Love” by Lisa Fine

When a book is about an author’s favorite interiors, it’s important to know a bit about them. There’s not much textile designer Lisa Fine hasn’t done in design. A former contributing editor to House Beautiful and Elle Décor, she launched three ventures when she left journalism—a namesake textiles line heavily influenced by her extensive travels; Irving & Fine, a fashion label of fantastically patterned, printed and embroidered clothing; and Langham & Fine rugs, limited edition dhurries. And her decorating rules are music to our ears; “Don’t be afraid of prints and patterns,” and “imperfections make a room interesting.” How could we not love a book that explores her projects and the homes of her friends (think Lee Radziwill, Rose Tarlow, famed British designer Penny Morrison and more). “These are interiors that have evolved over time and are timeless. I fell in love with each one the minute I entered,” Fine says. As soon as we opened this book, so did we. $33.97 at Amazon.com

“Robert Stilin: Interiors” by Robert Stilin

The handsomely tailored, deftly layered interiors of New York- and Hamptons-based designer Robert Stilin are renowned for the balance they strike in every aspect of design. Regardless of the style, provenance or period of the furnishings he uses, the spaces he crafts embrace strong, clean lines; warm, rich palettes; and compelling art. They also exude comfort, livability and utility. Fifteen compelling projects are featured in this lushly illustrated volume, ranging from city townhouses, apartments and lofts to beach houses and country abodes. Whether pared-down or opulent, or traditional or ultramodern, Stilin’s interiors are a treat to dissect and inspiring. ($38.49 at Amazon.com)

“The New Elegance: Stylish, Comfortable Rooms for Today” by Timothy Corrigan

How to adapt classic design principles and traditional pieces to today? In his second book, our friend designer Timothy Corrigan shows how he’s made historically significant furnishings and time-honored ideas work in our diverse, more casual and fast-paced modern lifestyle. Known for his layered, highly detailed work that’s often identified as “contemporary elegance,” Timothy is the only American designer honored by the French Heritage Society for his restorations of several nationally landmarked residences. For each home depicted in the book, Timothy outlines the design building blocks he balanced to achieve the unique blend of beauty, style, function and sophistication that characterize his work. ($39.99 at Amazon.com)

“No Place Like Home: Interiors by Madeline Stuart” by Madeline Stuart

Can the daughter of wildly creative parents be anything but the same? Our friend Los Angeles designer Madeline Stuart grew up in Hollywood and is the daughter of a director (Mel Stuart of Willy Wonka fame) and decorator. She told the Hollywood Reporter “I want to reinvent the wheel every time and I want everything to be completely unique.” This fantastic book of gorgeous, singular and stunning residences proves that she’s done all that and more. All of her projects are informed by a keen understanding of history, craftsmanship, scale, proportion and balance, and feature the unexpected, wildly creative combinations that have become her trademark. Her richly layered interiors are always timeless, relevant and feel authentic to their period and place. We’re hoping there are more books to come of Madeline’s work! ($44.03 at Amazon.com)