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The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book updated & revised: Everything Interior Designers Need to Know Every Day

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This updated and revised edition of The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book gives you the information essential to planning and executing interior projects of all shapes and sizes in a format that is as easy to use as it is to carry—now including interviews with top practitioners from across the field of interior design.

With detailed charts, specifications, diagrams, and digital information for planning and executing projects of every scale, this accessible reference explores these vital design The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book is an essential sourcebook for designers, students of design, and anyone undertaking an interior design project.

The Reference & Specification Book series from Rockport Publishers offers students and practicing professionals in a range of creative industries must-have information in their area of specialty in an up-to-date, concise handbook.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

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Chris Grimley

21 books6 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Alex Lee.
953 reviews140 followers
April 27, 2018
This is a pretty comprehensive text. The main takeaway from this is that all the coloration and interior design should impact function and feeling. These two areas are how humans interact with their space. Interior design should emphasize these two areas to maximize the desired effect.

On the way to getting to this, the authors provide a wide range of suggestion for material, color, presentation with considerations in furniture, lighting, decoration and the like.
Profile Image for Carmen.
88 reviews11 followers
March 21, 2023
Really helpful reference book for people looking to learn about interior design. On the more technical side of things. Explains the basics of every major component of a home (furniture, lighting, plumbing, heating/cooling, and much more) and includes photographs/diagrams. Down to the detail of different types of light bulbs and how they vary in energy efficiency, color temperature, and lifespan, or the different paint sheens and which rooms are appropriate for each. I read it chronologically but will be coming back to it as a reference book from time to time to refresh my understanding.
Profile Image for Marco Klein.
48 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2025
Overview of general principles of interior design and how to set up and manage projects. Spatial aspects of proportion and sequencing. References to applicable codes. Surface properties, light, details, furniture and display elements. Sustainability guidelines and resources.


Programming, schedule, budget and project constraints need to be established before any concept is approached. Technical drawings conventions code requirements should be observed, although this books caters primarily to the US-American market. Spatial proportions of rooms shape their character. There are detailed spatial constraints for a variety of uses and activities.
Profile Image for Eman Abdelhalim.
2 reviews
January 7, 2023
A good book if you want a concise start in interior design readings, easy to comprehend for beginners, and nonetheless insightful for professionals looking to expand their knowledge.
Profile Image for T.
276 reviews
September 18, 2023
Lives on the bookshelves. Looking ever so chic.
Profile Image for Liza.
40 reviews
April 17, 2025
As a graphic designer transitioning to interior architecture, this book is a Godsend! Useful content to know especially for my MFA thesis project.
Profile Image for Sarkis Antonyan.
170 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2025
FLEET LIBRARY MENTIONED❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
Profile Image for Cristina Mazilu.
189 reviews23 followers
July 26, 2023
Genre: Professional textbook material
Rating: 5/5 stars

"The Interior Design Reference and Specification book" is an incredible material for any ID professional. It is a tiny book packed with an incredible amount of valuable information. It's very well organized, structured and made to work as a pocket book that can be easily taken with you to a job site, client meeting, and just to carry in a purse for any eventuality. The information it provides is easy to access and straight to the point. I would even suggest it as a textbook material for ID students. A big recommend!
Profile Image for Karim Faramawy.
20 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2015
The book might be helpful for elementary levels. But for professionals, i'm sure it's not the best choice. The exposure of different topics related to interior design is fine, although it's fleeting in most of them.

Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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