5 Books to Inspire Your Creativity

Many factors set Inform apart from other furniture retailers, but one standout feature that often delights those who wander into our store is our curated bookstore. While our selection primarily focuses on design—spanning interior, industrial, architectural, and graphic—you’ll also find an array of art books, cookbooks, and even books on gardening. If you regularly engage your creative muscle, whether for work or leisure, you’re likely always on the lookout for resources to spark your imagination. Here are five books to inspire your creativity:

The Complete Works of Dieter Rams by Klaus Klemp

Created in close collaboration with Dieter Rams, this catalogue raisonné is the definitive reference on one of the most influential product designers of the twentieth century. Celebrating Rams’ iconic contributions to industrial and product design, the book features 300 color illustrations and offers a chronological overview of every product Rams has designed throughout his career. Each entry includes detailed descriptions and specifications, reflecting Rams’ philosophy of ‘good design‘ and his lasting impact on the industry. 

A Dictionary of Colour Combinations Vol. 2 by Sanzo Wada

The second volume of this pocket-sized book from Seigensha Publishing showcases two more collections by Sanzo Wada, published between 1935 and 1938. Featuring 72 color patterns inspired by the Japanese seasons and 165 patterns from early to mid-20th-century fashion, interior, and graphic design, this book highlights Wada's significant contributions to contemporary color research during the Showa period. It offers a valuable record of Taisho and Showa-era color combinations while revealing a timeless sensitivity to color that remains relevant today.

Design Emergency by Alice Rawsthorn and Paola Antonelli

Design Emergency explores the impactful work of leading designers, architects, engineers, artists, scientists, and activists driving global change. Through four key themes—Technology, Society, Communication, and Ecology—Alice Rawsthorn and Paola Antonelli offer a compelling portrait of how these innovators are tackling today’s major challenges and harnessing advancements in science and technology to shape a better future.

Woman Made: Great Women Designers by Jane Hall

Woman Made is a richly illustrated book and is the most comprehensive celebration of women designers ever published, showcasing the remarkable contributions of over 200 women from the early 20th century to today. Featuring icons like Ray Eames, Eileen Gray, and Ilse Crawford, as well as contemporary trailblazers, it redefines the narrative of design history by highlighting the pivotal role women have played in shaping the field. Each designer is represented by a key product and brief description, offering an enlightening A-Z survey that proves design is, and always has been, a realm of diverse and exceptional talent.

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

From legendary music producer Rick Rubin comes The Creative Act, a beautifully crafted book born from years of experience and deep wisdom. Known for his ability to help artists connect with their true selves, Rubin explores how creativity is not just about making great art but about deepening our relationship with the world. In this enlightening read, Rubin distills his lifetime of insight into a guide that reveals creativity as a universal, accessible journey. The Creative Act offers a profound path to understanding and enhancing our creative potential, making the transformative power of art and self-expression available to everyone.