Why I Still Reach for Rooms by Katie Ridder

Some design books are filled with beautiful photography. Others quietly teach you how to think like a designer. Rooms by Katie Ridder does both, which is why it has remained one of the books I return to time and time again.

Katie Ridder has an incredible ability to create interiors that feel edited and architectural without ever feeling cold or overly formal. Every room has a strong sense of structure and purpose, yet they're still welcoming enough to encourage you to kick off your shoes, curl up with a good book, or gather with family and friends. That balance is surprisingly difficult to achieve, and it's one of the qualities I admire most about her work.

As I flip through these pages, I'm reminded that great design isn't about filling every corner or following the latest trends. It's about thoughtful restraint. Ridder carefully layers color, pattern, texture, and architectural details in a way that allows each element to shine without competing for attention. The result is a home that feels timeless, personal, and effortlessly collected.

It's a lesson I carry into my own design work. Whether we're designing a historic home, a lake house, or a busy family room, the goal is always the same: create spaces with strong bones, beautiful proportions, and enough warmth that people immediately feel at home. If you're drawn to interiors that are sophisticated without feeling intimidating, Rooms is a book you'll find yourself returning to again and again. It's a wonderful reminder that some of the most memorable homes are also the ones that feel the most comfortable to live in.

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