The best books on design, architecture and interior spaces to buy in the UK.

In the digital age, where visual inspiration is often reduced to a quick scroll on a small screen, the tangible permanence of a beautifully bound book has become the ultimate luxury. For those immersed in interior architecture and design, Gestalten is a name that carries considerable weight.

At KEFINO, we curate objects that bridge the gap between functional living and artistic expression. Gestalten books embody this philosophy. This guide explores the essential titles from the Berlin-based publisher, demonstrating why they are the definitive choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Who are Gestalten?

Founded in Berlin in 1995, Gestalten started out as a pioneer of graphic design before evolving into the world’s leading publisher of visual culture. Nowadays they don't just print books but instead document movements.

What sets Gestalten apart is their commitment to sustainable interior design, evident not only in the topics they cover, but also in the longevity of the physical objects they produce. They collaborate with leading architects and interior designers worldwide to create books that serve as educational tools and aesthetic centrepieces. Their editorial approach is distinctive in that it focuses on the 'why' behind the 'what', exploring how architecture and design influence our psychology and environment.

The best Gestalten books at KEFINO.

To build a meaningful library, one must understand the pillars of Gestalten’s catalog. Each category offers a deep dive into the creative spirit.

Architecture & Design

For those interested in architecture and design, Gestalten offers an unparalleled look into the structures that define our era. Their volumes on residential interior design and commercial interior design are often cited in interior design courses in the UK and abroad as primary visual references.

Titles like Cabin Fever or The House of Green explore how modern architecture integrates with nature, while Circular Materials examines the intersection of architecture and interior design in sustainability. If you are looking for a design inspirations that moves beyond the basics, these books provide a masterclass in spatial awareness.

Travel & Escapes

Gestalten's Travel & Escapes books, including The Art Escapes Atlas, have redefined the genre. These are not mere guidebooks; they are cultural blueprints. Whether you are exploring the elegant design of Asia's cities or the quiet luxury of The World's Best Shops, these books capture the 'genius loci' (the spirit of a place) with stunning photography and expert commentary.

Art & Culture

Gestalten has long documented the fringes of the creative world be it from street art and typography to experimental photography. These books function as mood boards for designers and collectors alike, offering the kind of abstract visual inspiration that elevates an interior from well-decorated to genuinely considered.

The best Gestalten books to give as gifts.

Gifting a Gestalten book is a testament to the recipient's taste. At KEFINO, we often recommend these specific titles for different personalities.

For the Design Obsessed.

For the person who spends their weekends browsing home design websites and architectural magazines, Kitchen Interiors or The Touch are perfect choices. These books go beyond design project snapshots; they discuss the haptic nature of materials—the wood, the stone, and the light that make a house a home. They are the ultimate gift for a home architect or a creative obsessed with contemporary design.

For the avid traveller.

Cottagecore and Mindful Places to stay are the gold standards here. They offer a sophisticated take on global exploration, focusing on hidden gems and architectural marvels rather than tourist traps. These volumes are staples in the libraries of those who appreciate contemporary design on a global scale.

For the home maker.

The Nordic Home is a perennial favourite. It combines Scandinavian living with breathtaking interior architecture, showing how certain values serves as the heart of home design. It is a gift that nourishes both the palate and the aesthetic soul.

Gestalten's bestsellers worth knowing.

If you are just starting to build your collection, there are several key players that have shaped the industry.

1. The Monocle Guide to Better Living: A foundational text on why quality matters in architecture and design.
2. Vertical Living: A inspiring look at space-saving modern design and futuristic dwellings.
3. The Touch: A collaboration between Kinfolk and Norm Architects that explores how interior architecture affects the human senses. This is a must-have for anyone looking to become an interior designer.
4. Spacial Storytelling: This book serves as a definitive guide for interior styling, focusing on the minimalism and functionality that characterise the best interior design.

How to choose the right coffee table book.

As with any design decision, choosing a coffee table book should be a considered process. Consider the space: a large-format architecture book suits a minimalist living room, while a vibrant food or travel book complements a more eclectic setting. Consider who will pick it up — a book left out is an invitation, and the best ones spark conversation as reliably as they anchor a room visually.

Match it to your interior. Consider your existing colour scheme and the weight of your other objects. If your home is contemporary and restrained, choose books with bold, graphic spines and clean layouts. If your space is maximalist, a richly illustrated book with a tactile cover finish will look perfect.

Know what you're looking for. There's a meaningful difference between a book that inspires you technically and one that inspires you atmospherically. If you're a designer or architect looking for rigorous reference material, architectural monographs and typographic studies are what you need. However, if you want to experience the world's best interiors in print — the kind of book that inspires you to rearrange your living room — then lifestyle titles are a better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Gestalten books in the UK?

While they are available in various boutiques, KEFINO offers a curated selection of Gestalten titles, chosen specifically for their relevance to interior architecture and luxury interior design. Our collection focuses on titles that offer the greatest value to the UK design community.

Are Gestalten books worth the price?

Absolutely. Unlike many mass-market publications, Gestalten uses high-quality paper, specialist binding and premium inks. For architects and interior designers, these books are not just decorative items—they are valuable professional reference tools that will retain their worth over time.

What is Gestalten known for?

Gestalten is renowned for their ability to identify the next big trend in modern design and interior design websites. As curators of visual culture, they are renowned for their high-quality productions and sophisticated, intellectual approach to lifestyle topics.

Are Gestalten books good coffee table books?

They are arguably the finest interior design objects for a coffee table. Their large format and eye-catching covers are designed to be seen. Even better, the content is 'dip-able' — perfect for guests to flick through for instant inspiration for their own home design projects.

Whether you're a design professional seeking rigorous reference material or someone who believes that a home should be as visually rich as possible, Gestalten has something for you. Browse the full collection at KEFINO to find a book that will earn its place on your shelf.