What’s Your Go-To Design Book?
At Stray Dog Designs, we know that the world of interior design is fueled by creativity, inspiration, and constant evolution. And sometimes, nothing sparks the design process quite like a favorite book. We decided to ask five talented designers about their go-to design book. Whether it serves as a source of inspiration, a meditative tool, or a practical guide, these books offer insight into what drives their creative processes.
Check out their top picks below!
Pat Bibbee
Pat Bibbee Designs, Charleston, WV
Go-To Book: Sixty Years of American Design by Sister Parish & Albert Hadley
Link to book
“Being an interior designer for over forty years, my inspiration has been a continual process. In my early days, I was so influenced by Sister Parish and her brave use of color and pattern. One of my favorite quotes from her is, ‘I am more convinced than ever that good designs have a natural designer eye that cannot be taught.’ I love what I do; color, pattern, and creative serendipity are still the bookmarks of what inspires me.”
Andrea Schumacher
Andrea Schumacher Interiors, Denver, CO
Go-To Book: The Savage Style by Jonathan Savage
Link to book
“I'm really inspired by Jonathan Savage's work. His rooms are marked by tactile layers, rhythmic patterns, fashion-inspired fabrics, fine-tuned lighting, and unexpected color—all combining to confidently balance blue-chip art. Despite their collective impact, his spaces are, above all, approachable.”
(P.S. Andrea also has her own fabulous book, Vibrant Interiors, that is worth checking out!)
Shell Neely
Kelly Caron Designs, Bluffton, SC
Go-To Book: In the Pink: Dorothy Draper—America’s Most Fabulous Decorator
Link to book
“Dorothy Draper really pushed the envelope on design during her time. Everyone recognizes her signature mix of classic lines and bold, unexpected color. I think her unpredictable use of color and scale plays so well with Stray Dog’s product line. She was very anti-minimalist, and what could be more maximalist than Stray Dog? Her mix of stylized but feminine design is just as relevant today as it was 80 years ago.”
(Photo credit: Lauren Aycock Savage)
Fern Santini
Fern Santini, Austin, TX
Go-To Book: Les Decorateurs des Anees
"Timeless inspiration for furniture, lighting, and decorative hardware. My Bible."
Stay tuned for more design inspiration and insights from the world of Stray Dog Designs, and be sure to check out these designers' favorite books to fuel your own creative fire!
