Posted on 22 Dec, 2025

Design is ever evolving, with new and exciting perspectives and innovative ideas emerging all the time. We have listed below a variety of great reads for 2026 promising to inspire both new and seasoned professionals. We have looked at some of the most recent and old titles that delve into various aspects of design, from interior aesthetics to sustainable practices, offering insights that are both practical and visionary.

A Celebration of Female Designers

“DESIGN{H}ERS”: A Celebration of Women in Design Today and “Women in Design” From Aino Aalto to Eva Zeisel

Both books explore the successes of women over the decades and their contribution to the world of design. Both books feature interviews and case studies that showcase their unique approaches and philosophies.

Key Themes

1. With the amount of progress the world has made in attitudes and achievements to-date, the time cannot be more apt than now for a celebration of women in the creative industry today.
2. DESIGN{H}ERS is a stunning showcase of 30 female talents spanning across a variety of design mediums to highlight the diversity that women bring to their respective fields.
3. With insightful interviews revolving around the thoughts and stories of pioneers who have already made their mark, this book serves to inspire and encourage the creatives of the future.

Sustainable Design Practices

Eco-Friendly Innovations

"The Designer's Atlas of Sustainability" is another must-read for 2026. This book by Anne Thorpe explores how designers can integrate sustainability into their work, from materials to processes.

Highlights

1. Material Choices: The book discusses innovative materials that reduce environmental impact, such as recycled plastics and sustainable wood.
2. Future Trends: The authors predict upcoming trends in eco-friendly design, encouraging readers to think ahead.

2026 Colour & Design Trends

PANTONE VIEW home + interiors 2026 gives you colour and design ideas that celebrate the wide range of modern living. The book explores trends from travel to a space-age future or a digital fantasy, which can turn homes into an exotic getaway, or adopt a more industrial or rustic style. Each of the trends / look for 2026 gives a style guide inviting readers to consider colour and texture.

The Future of Furniture Design

Trends and Innovations

“Designing the Future: A Guide to Building Cutting-Edge Modern Furniture” by Fredrik Forsberg. Explores cutting-edge furniture design and takes a look into the innovative techniques, materials and philosophies shaping the future of modern furniture.

Highlights include

1. The Impact of AI and 3D Visualisation
   
2. Sustainable Design Practices
3. Designing for Well-Being

The Psychology of Design

Understanding User Experience

“Designing Emotion: Methods and Strategies for Designers” by Mareike Roth & Oliver Saiz. In addition to the case studies and interviews, this edition also provides a deeper exploration of the design practices adopted by leading companies. It highlights the strategies, processes and decision-making approaches that have contributed to their success, offering readers practical lessons and inspiration drawn directly from real-world industry experience.

Core Concepts

1. Emotional Responses: The book discusses how different design elements evoke specific emotions in users.
2. User-Centric Design: It emphasises the importance of understanding user needs and preferences in the design process.
3. Practical Applications: Readers will find strategies for incorporating psychological principles into their own designs.

The Circular Society

Transformative Designs

The Re-use Atlas: A Designer's Guide Towards a Circular Economy by Duncan Baker-Brown. Duncan Baker-Brown is an architect, a teacher and an activist for the environment. He has worked, studied and taught about sustainable development for over 25 years. In 1994, he and his partner Ian McKay started BBM Sustainable Design. Since then, he has worked on hundreds of projects that look at different parts of sustainable design and closed-loop systems.

1. This book is an easy-to-read and useful guide for architects on how to move from a linear economy to a circular economy.
2. It teaches architects how to use the new fields of resource management to get to a real Circular Economy. Along with each step, there is an in-depth interview with an expert who is successfully dealing with one or more of the problems that all designers face today.

As we embrace 2026, these design books offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in the field. From celebrating female designers to exploring sustainable practices and the intersection of art and design, each title provides unique insights that can enhance our understanding of design's role in our lives. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a curious novice, these books are sure to ignite your creativity and passion for design.

If you are looking to find a new design job during the Christmas holidays please take a look through our website and vacancies page www.careersindesign.com/design-jobs.

Posted in: Designers | Tagged: Design books for 2026