What to Read, Listen to, and Watch to Start Understanding Design

Our selection will be interesting to those whose knowledge of architecture and design is limited to viewing beautiful images on the internet, as well as to beginning professionals.

What to Read?

We've selected six books — each is good in its own way, and together they help form a general understanding of the interior design field: from the history of design to working decorator techniques. By the way, one of these books is very fresh — it was published in 2018.

"Home Sweet Home", Deborah Needleman

Deborah reworked her many years of experience working at Domino magazine and analyzed all imaginable interior design styles she had seen during that time. The result was a collection of highly useful short essays, gathered into one book.

Paint Box, Trisha Guild

This is the 17th book by the founder and creative director of the Designers Guild brand. Inside — a collection of Trisha's favorite color combinations and secrets for using them. With this book, you'll stop feeling shy or spending large sums on color theory courses.

Trisha Guild"Style", Emily Henderson

A light and engaging guide from well-known stylist Emily Henderson will help you give your apartment a completely new look. You won't need costly renovations, materials, or anything else — just a few secret tricks.

"The History of Design", Charlotte and Peter Foll

The minimum knowledge a designer or architect needs about the subject of design. The book tells about the transformation of people's perception of beauty and comfort, as well as changes in the very idea of design and the designer’s attempts to change the world through imagination.

Emily Henderson"Design in Cultural Space", Maxim Lavrentiev

A brand new book — published in 2018. About the significance and functionality of objects, about the interconnection between history, culture, and design. You will learn how to distinguish vintage from retro, glamour from kitsch, and what the hidden meaning of carpet patterns is.
The Golden Rules of Design, Kelly Hoppen

For those who value cozy atmosphere, unusual ideas, and original approaches to decorating the home — as well as for everyone who wants to try creating their own interior inspired by ideas shared by popular designer Kelly Hoppen.

Kelly HoppenWhat to Listen To?

Yes, only one podcast in our selection is Russian-language. But even basic English knowledge will be enough to listen to the rest. Or it’s another reason to learn the language — these shows are worth it.

Design Observer

The podcast is hosted by professors from Yale University, Michael Birut and Jessica Helgeland — they invite guests from all walks of life to discuss architecture. Each episode lasts around 30 minutes — perfect for busy people.

"Architecture as a Communication Tool", Arzamas

Associate Professor of Art History at the European University in St. Petersburg, Vadim Bass, explains how to understand and interact with architecture. There is also a fun quiz on the course page where you’re asked to find chairs at home.

Columbia GSAPP Conversations

Students and faculty of the architecture school at Columbia University invite architects and designers to record interviews with them: current questions in architecture, the future of design, and everything else that interests progressive creative youth.

Roman Mars, 99% Invisible

Radio host Roman Mars lives in Oakland, travels the world, and talks about everything he sees in his podcast. Engaging and lively episodes on architecture and design that surround us daily. Bonus — endless jokes from the host and a well-acted voice.

"Doomsday Storage" — a global seed bank located on Svalbard Island. One of Roman Mars’s episodes was dedicated to it.

What to Watch?

Documentary films, series, and video lectures — you're sure to find a format that suits your taste. Our list includes a film about domestic design, which had its premiere just a month ago.

"Genius of Design", BBC

A BBC documentary series dedicated to designers working in various fields of modern life. A lot of interesting facts about the origin and development of design, landmark industrial inventions, and the latest trends.

Abstract: Art of Design

A documentary series that Netflix released in February 2017. The first (and so far only) season consists of eight forty-minute episodes, each dedicated to the work of a notable contemporary designer.
Archtime Portal Channel

The channel features over 60 lectures by renowned architects, designers, urbanists, held at the MARSH School, Stranka, the Central House of Architects, the British School of Design, and other thematic venues.

"Design Stories", Kevin McClaughland

A multi-part project by designer Kevin McClaughland, each part of which is dedicated to a specific interior — owners, architects, and builders reveal the entire story behind a home, from the initial idea to its final realization.

"The History of Russian Design"

The premiere of this four-part film aired on the "Culture" channel on May 28, 2018 — it’s very new. This is the first Russian film project covering a century-long history of domestic design — it’s definitely worth watching.

Color In Sight

A short film that explores the impact of color on people and its usage specifics. Everything is included here: graphic, industrial, and interior design. After watching it, you’ll look at many familiar things from a fresh angle.

A frame from the Color In Sight film

And a bonus for those who read to the end — the full version of the Color In Sight film