The 33 of the Best Gifts for Interior Designers and Creatives provides a guide on ideal gifts for interior designers. It includes tools like the rOtring 800 Mechanical Pencil, known for its high-quality drafting capabilities, and the Concrete Desk Collection, which adds a modern style to workspaces. The list features decorative and functional items like the 4th Dimension Wall Clock and the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro graphic tablet, blending art with utility. The PANTONE VIEW Home + Interiors 2024 book is a notable mention for those looking to integrate contemporary color trends into their projects. Iconic designs like the Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs Print are suggested for their historical and aesthetic value. When celebrating accomplishments, items like the LEGO Architecture Studio and the Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs Poster are considered suitable gifts for interior designers. For birthdays, personalized items like the laser-engraved tape measure and versatile gifts like the Cinema Light Box with Letters. Travel-related gifts for architects include the LEGO Architecture Studio and the Pocket Travelers Notebook, enhancing their travel experiences. Top book recommendations for interior designers include the Interior Design Reference and Specification Book and the Architect’s Pocket Book, which provide essential industry knowledge. For gadgets, the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro Drawing Tablet and the Slate Mobile LapDesk are favored for their practicality and enhancement of digital skills. For design students, the Contour Sketch Pencil Set and the Grids & Guides Notebook are ideal, aiding in developing traditional illustration skills and organizing ideas. The article underscores the importance of tools like tape measures, digital devices, and quality sketching supplies for interior designers. It affirms the reliance of architects on technology, recommending tablets like the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro, Apple iPad Pro, and Microsoft Surface Pro. Popular design apps for architects include AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit, which are essential for modern architectural practice. Digital proficiency is deemed a fundamental skill for designers, although it’s noted that interior designers can still work effectively using traditional methods without computers or tablets.
1. rOtring 800 Mechanical Pencil
The rOtring 800 Mechanical Pencil is a premium drafting pencil priced at $40-50 (€35-45, £30-40). This metal pencil features a sleek hexagonal barrel design that prevents rolling and a knurled grip for comfortable writing. The iconic feature of the rOtring 800 is its unique “Twist and Click” retractable tip mechanism that smoothly extends and retracts the 4mm sleeve to protect the lead. This is incredibly useful for engineers, architects, designers, and artists who need quick access to write precisely without worrying about damaging the fine 0.5mm lead in their pockets or bags. The full metal body provides a satisfying heft, while the built-in eraser under the protective cap adds extra convenience. Available in black, silver, or blue, the rOtring 800’s combination of aesthetic style, precision, and reliability makes it a worthwhile investment as a long-lasting, high-quality technical drawing pencil.
2. Concrete Desk Collection
The Concrete Desk Collection from 22 Design Studio offers minimalist desk accessories crafted from elegant concrete. This set includes a tape dispenser, pencil holder, and tray for under $100 (€90, £75). The concrete construction gives these accessories a cool, industrial vibe while keeping pens, paperclips, and other desk essentials neatly organized. Based in Taipei, 22 Design Studio is known for its creative concrete designs inspired by architecture and urban life. The Concrete Desk Collection combines the studio’s signature material with functional stationery for a modern yet practical addition to any workspace. Durable for daily use but stylish enough to display, this approximately $90 (€80, £70) concrete desk set from 22 Design Studio makes a distinctive gift for the design-minded professional. Directly available online from the studio’s website and retailers like Gessato and IntoConcrete, the Concrete Desk Collection is a long-lasting desk accessory that adds an artistic flair to office organization.
3. Good Design Works Concrete Clock
The Concrete Clock from Good Design Works is a creative gift priced around $200 (€180, £150) that brings contemporary style to any space. This minimalist clock features a round face with sleek numbers and hands and is handmade from durable, high-quality concrete. Good Design Works offers vivid color choices like pink, blue, or gray to inject personality into the concrete material. Based in Cape Town, the studio is known for its modern home accessories and concrete-made lighting inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design. As useful as it is artistic, the cleanly styled Concrete Clock adds an upscale, architectural element to any room as a functional accent piece. Its unique concrete design aligned with an interior designer’s aesthetic makes this durable, locally sourced clock a meaningful gift. Available online from high-end retailers like Lumens and YLiving, Good Design Works’ Concrete Clock combines urban decor with purposeful utility.
4. Contour Sketch Pencil
The Contour Sketch Pencil set from 22 Design Studio offers premium sketching pencils for technical drawing and illustration. This set includes five pencils ranging from 0.3mm to 2mm graphite leads, encased in lightweight hexagonal concrete barrels for optimal comfort and control. Priced at around $25 (€22, £19), this pencil set is ideal for interior designers, architects, and other creatives needing precision drafting tools. The contoured concrete grip allows for accurate, fatigue-free sketching, while the variety of lead sizes enables detailed technical drawing and broad expressive strokes. Designed in Taiwan and available online through retailers like JetPens, Amazon, and IntoConcrete, the Contour Sketch Pencil set combines versatile functionality with 22 Design Studio’s signature minimalist, urban aesthetic.
5. Brass and Copper Mechanical Pencil
The Brass and Copper Mechanical Pencil from Taiwanese Designer Studio combines elegant materials and utility. The body is crafted from solid brass, while the cap is copper, giving this hexagonal pencil a refined, balanced feel. Ideal for drafting and technical drawing, the 0.7mm lead glides smoothly and can be continually refilled through the brass tip. With its metallic palette and angular shape, this mechanical pencil brings artistic flair to note-taking and sketching for around $55-65 (€50-60, £40-50). Interior designers will appreciate the high-quality brass and copper construction that elevates a basic tool into a sophisticated accessory. Ystudio is known for its artisanal writing instruments that merge inspired design and everyday function. Available directly through the Ystudio website and retailers like Amazon, Papier Plume, and Jackson’s Art Supplies, this crafted mechanical pencil makes a memorable, useful gift for creative professionals.
6. 4th Dimension Wall Clock
The 4th Dimension Wall Clock, designed by Taiwanese studio 22 Design Studio, is an inspired gift for interior designers. Priced around $260 (€230, £200), this modern statement clock features a creative exposed concrete spiral that moves clock hands, providing an artistic focal point with intriguing depth and light effects. The high-density concrete form and sleek aluminum hands offer an elegant, minimalist look. As the hours change, the interplay of shadow and shape transforms, representing the fourth dimension—the passage of time. Founded by architect Po-Chih Lai, 22 Design Studio is known for its architectural concrete accessories that explore the beauty of shapes and negative space. The 4th Dimension Wall Clock’s sculptural concrete design can be purchased online from retailers like Lumens, YLiving, and IntoConcrete, making a unique decorative accent for creative professionals.
7. Artist 13.3 Pro Holiday Edition
XP-Pen’s Artist 13.3 Pro is an advanced graphic tablet that inspires creativity with its highly responsive drawing experience. The 13.3-inch laminated display enables smooth, accurate control with tilt functionality up to 60 degrees. This holiday edition includes special perks like an art print, puzzle, and more, adding value. Priced at around $250 (€220, £190), this powerful digital drawing tablet can be purchased online from retailers, including XP-Pen’s website, Amazon, and art supply stores. With 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity and a 178° viewing angle, the Artist 13.3 Pro allows for precise illustration and image editing. Portability is enhanced by the 3-in-1 cable design that connects directly to your computer. For graphic designers, animators, or anyone wanting to create digitally, this feature-packed tablet combines performance with holiday cheer at an appealing price point.
8. PANTONE VIEW Home + Interiors 2024
The Pantone View Home + Interiors 2024 would make an excellent gift for an interior designer. As an annual color forecasting publication from the leading authority on color, it provides invaluable inspiration and guidance on upcoming color trends that designers can incorporate into their work. This color guide features seven curated palettes, each supplemented by ten pages filled with visual illustrations, guidance on materials, and product styling, along with color harmonies. The palettes bolster the visual inspiration and contain a written narrative, suggestive color harmonies, and crucial design benchmarks. Each palette contains contextual lifestyle imagery showing potential real-world applications for the colors. As a tool that offers a broad view through its varied themed palettes along with precise details for every shade’s Pantone identity, this color guide enables designers to both conceptualize and specify schemes with confidence their choices will feel modern and relevant when projects are realized. Any designer would appreciate receiving this annually refreshed trove of hues and ideas as a gift from an attentive friend or colleague who recognizes the value of having such a color muse on hand. A list price of $295 (€273, £235) makes a substantial yet appropriate gift for an interior design professional.
9. Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs Print
An Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs print is a thoughtful gift for an interior designer that would likely inspire creativity. As one of the most iconic furniture designs of the 20th century, created by renowned Danish architect Arne Jacobsen in 1958, the curvaceous Egg Chair encapsulates mid-century modern style. For a designer, having such a print displayed in their studio or home office is an artistic muse, reminding them daily of the creativity and innovation possible in furniture design. On a practical level, an Egg Chairs print offers interior styling inspiration, showing how the chairs can be arranged and utilized in contemporary interiors. Some prints depict the chairs enlivening modern spaces with their sculptural presence, demonstrating their timeless appeal. Exposure to novel applications can assist designers in conceptualizing original ways to incorporate the Egg Chair or similar statement pieces into client projects.
So an Egg Chairs print, priced $21-$32 (€20-€30, £17-£26), makes an affordable, inspirational gift that designers would appreciate as both a decorative accent and a creativity boost.
10. Cubelinks – cufflinks made of concrete
Cube Links are a set of interlocking plastic cubes that can be connected on all sides to build various structures and patterns. As an interior designer worldwide, there are several creative benefits. Their simplicity and versatility allow Thismock spatial concepts for a designer’s layout options. The ability to quickly construct and deconstruct cube formations, sp various nations, and flexibility when conceptualizing room designs. Cubelinks can facilitate communication; designers can use the cubes to map and demonstrate proposed layouts and material usage. Clients can better visualize and understand the space through this interactive 3D approach. In terms of specific features, Cubelinks provides a grid-like system of modular components to test configurations of furniture, lighting, color patterns, and more on a small scale first. Their connectivities allow structures to be erected vertically as well as horizontally. At around $6-18 (£5-15, €5-16) per set, Cubelinks offers an affordable and reusable method to foster creativity. They can be purchased online through retailers like Amazon and specialty education stores like Learning Resources.
11. City Ring – 925 Sterling Plated
A City Ring that depicts the skyline of a special city in 925 sterling silver could make a thoughtful gift for an interior designer. Sterling silver is a precious metal alloy of 92.5% pure silver, known for its beauty, strength, and tarnish resistance. This fine material and a cityscape design would appeal to a designer’s artistic eye. The ring could spark ideas as they visualize bringing elements of a favorite city into interior spaces through textures, lighting, layouts, and décor details that reflect distinctive architecture.
As a versatile accessory, this ring offers daily inspiration as designers seek creative influence as they travel to meet clients or visit buildings and urban landscapes. The ring becomes a tactile reminder to find beauty and meaning in physical structures and transpose appealing visual concepts into fresh interior perspectives. Its modern styling also represents the design profession’s forward-thinking, aesthetically attuned nature. Sterling silver rings with cityscape motifs are available online through retailers like Etsy and Amazon and jewelry stores at prices ranging from $22-110 (€20-100, £18-90). The ability to select a specific city for the design provides a personalized element. An interior designer could choose the skyline of a favorite or inspirational building or cityscape like London, Paris, New York, etc.
12. Small Architecture Now!
As an interior design tool, the book “Small Architecture Now!” offers several creative benefits that only cost $60-87 (€50-73, £43-63). It features innovative small-scale architectural projects worldwide, demonstrating clever spatial solutions and unique design details. This book provides a trove of ideas for a designer to spark imagination when conceptualizing layouts and décor within tight spaces. The various structures depicted, from compact vacation cabins to transformable pop-up retail spaces, promote flexible thinking to overcome size constraints. By studying the efficient use of materials and compact footprints of these buildings, designers gain key insights into maximizing every inch. Specific details that make this book valuable include over 580 pages of lavish photography showcasing tiny homes, artists’ studios, mobile architecture, and more within natural and urban settings. The works of famous architects like Toyo Ito and Kazuyo Sejima and up-and-coming talents provide global design perspectives. This exposure to small spaces as canvases for experimentation and artistic expression versus mere practicality can reinvigorate a designer’s approach. The book’s portability also allows designers to carry it along and reference it anywhere from client meetings to construction sites when seeking on-the-spot inspiration.
13. Monochrome Homes: Elegant Interiors in Black and White
“Monochrome Home: Elegant Interiors in Black and White” is a stylish black, white, and grey interior worldwide. This book provides a wealth of monochromatic inspiration for an interior designer to spark creativity when developing client designs. Its 300+ pages offer insight into effectively using scale, texture, lighting, and pattern to add drama, contrast, and visual interest within a neutral color palette. Features like mood boards for different monochrome schemes facilitate the conceptualization of these techniques. Exposure to the homes of leading artists and designers also promotes innovative thinking by revealing how high-impact spaces can be created through artistic expression versus color alone.
As a portable reference, this costs $38-55 (€35-50, £31-45) and allows designers to carry monochromatic inspiration to client meetings, furniture showrooms, and building sites. The book empowers designers to customize palettes and patterns to client personalities and spaces. Its conceptual nature aligns with the abstract thinking integral to the design process.
14. Concrete Sand Decorative Desk Set
The Concrete Sand Decorative Desk Set offers a tactile creative tool for interior designers through its solid concrete materiality. The set’s sand-casted pencil holder, tape dispenser, and tray provide a hands-on medium for testing textures, colors, and decorative details during the design process. The set’s neutral concrete color also acts as a blank canvas for experimenting with paints, stains, or colored sands to customize the finish. This sparks ideas on customized concrete treatments to create unique, bespoke spaces for clients. As a portable desk accessory, the set is an ever-present reminder of concrete’s durability and adaptable nature across design aesthetics from industrial lofts to bohemian apartments. Its presence fuels creative thinking on leveraging concrete’s aesthetic and functional versatility.
The Concrete Sand Desk Set retails for around $22-55 (€20-50, £18-45) from vendors like Amazon, Etsy, and specialty home boutiques. Its approachability as an artistic medium and affordable price point allow designers to add a tactile tool to their creative process without significant cost barriers.
15. Graphite Line Gift Box Set
The Graphite Line Gift Box Set contains 15 Grafwood graphite pencils, three water-soluble Technalo pencils, 3 Grafcube sticks (10mm and 15mm), a sharpener, blending stump, double pencil sharpener, and eraser—high-quality sketching supplies. As a tool for conceptualizing and communicating design ideas through sketches and technical drawings, this $209-300 (€203-290, £170-245) set equips designers to bring concepts to life. The range of graphite shades and textures facilitates conveying textures, lighting, dimensions, and moods within a space. The set’s quality and portability also allow designers to present ideas in any setting professionally. It becomes an extension of their creativity. The set can be purchased online through art supply stores like Amazon, Rex Art Supplies, Plaza Art Materials, and specialty shops. As a gift, it demonstrates an understanding of the artistic side of the design process. The premium branding also reflects the architect’s taste.
16. Brass and Copper Luxury Sketching Pencil
The Brass and Copper Luxury Sketching Pencil features a solid brass barrel and copper accents that provide stability, balance, and a premium feel when sketching design concepts. As an essential creative tool, this 2mm pencil lets designers capture and communicate spatial ideas through detailed technical drawings and artistic renderings. The hexagonal shape prevents rolling and allows a comfortable grip from multiple angles during intense sketching sessions. As a metal accessory reflecting the artistic side of design, the pencil sparks inspiration every time it’s picked up to translate visions into tangible concepts. Its durability and style elevate professionalism when presenting ideas in client meetings or collaborating on construction sites. This also makes it ideal for portable use. Weighing just 41g, it provides precision and bold marks without fatigue. Refills ensure the pencil remains a reliable companion through an entire career. Priced around $27-110 (€25-100, £22-90), the Brass and Copper Sketching Pencil is available online through specialty shops like YStudio and niche pen retailers internationally. As a gift, it shows an understanding of design as an artistic pursuit versus simply decorating.
17. Architect’s Blueprint Paperweight
The Architect’s Blueprint Paperweight, designed by Tibor Kalman, is a desktop accessory made of rigid silk-screened vinyl formed to look like a crumpled architectural drawing wrapped around a steel weight. For an interior designer, this paperweight creates creative inspiration by serving as a tactile reminder of the intersection of art and functionality within design. Its crumpled form represents the iterative process of conceptualizing spaces, testing ideas, and refining plans. The paperweight’s availability through the Museum of Modern Art design store also connects designers to the pioneering creative ethos the museum represents. Its presence fosters innovative thinking and experimentation versus formulaic solutions. This aligns with how interior designers must balance aesthetics, practical spatial considerations, and client personalities. Priced around $22-44 (€20-40, £18-36), this paperweight can be purchased online through MoMA’s design store and specialty shops focused on unique desk accessories. As a gift for an interior designer, it demonstrates an appreciation for the artistic and problem-solving skills the profession demands.
18. Arteza Real Brush Pens
The Arteza Real Brush Pens offer interior designers a versatile and portable sketching tool to bring spatial concepts to life. The 96 colors allow designers to capture textures, lighting, dimensions, and moods within their visions. The nylon brush tips create precise lines for technical drawings and bold, artistic strokes for rendering perspectives and decorative details—ideal for client presentations. As a complete set with a carrying case, these water-based pens equip designers to communicate ideas anytime, anywhere professionally. Specifically, features like the durable brush tips and water-solubility make the Real Brush Pens well-suited for experimenting with color schemes, patterns, and material textures on the fly. Blending colors by brushing water over the quick-drying ink sparks creative thinking on gradients and layered effects for walls, floors, and furnishings. Available for $53-104 (€49-96, £43-85), the Arteza Real Brush Pens can be purchased online through Amazon, Arteza’s website, and art supply stores globally.
19. Grids & Guides: A Notebook for Visual Thinkers
The Grids & Guides notebook provides interior designers with an ideal tool to conceptualize and communicate spatial ideas. Its pages feature eight distinctive graph paper layouts ranging from traditional grids to tessellated shapes that spark experimentation when mapping out floorplans, furniture arrangements, lighting schematics, etc. The notebook’s sturdy construction and portability allow designers to professionally present sketches anywhere from client meetings to hectic construction sites. By interspersing the graph paper with scientific diagrams and data visualizations, the notebook costs $15-25 (€13-21, £11-18) and promotes innovative thinking; designers can reference clever infographics when seeking inspiration on projects with unique constraints. The bound notebook contains 160 pages, with most featuring grid designs, and is available online through major retailers like Amazon and specialty shops for visual thinkers. Its varied layouts, portability, and reference pages foster a flexible, artistic approach to design. Visual ideation process tied to analytical planning methods, the notebook becomes both a practical tool and daily creative anchor for progressive, client-centered spaces.
20. Pocket Travelers Notebook
The Pocket Travelers Notebook is a small, portable leather journal about the size of a passport. It has an elastic band closure and can hold small notebooks or notepads around 3.5 x 5.5 inches, like Field Notes notebooks or Moleskine Cahier notebooks. For an interior designer, this could be a helpful, creative tool to sketch ideas, make notes of inspiration when traveling, or jot down thoughts during client meetings. Its portability allows designers to carry it everywhere and capture inspiration whenever it strikes. Swapping out small notebooks allows flexibility – designers could have separate notebooks for meeting notes, project sketches, vendor or material info, etc. Specific features that make it an asset are its durability, flexibility to hold different inserts, and the inspiration it can provide through always having a space to create. As a daily carry item, it can spark ideas and become almost an extension of the designer’s creative process. The leather Pocket Travelers Notebooks retail for around $20-28 (€18-25, £16-23) from vendors like Amazon, Etsy, and independent stationery shops.
21. Gravity Cube Click Clock
Gravity Cube Click Clock makes an artistic statement in any interior space. This unique cube-shaped clock displays the time, date, and temperature through LED display panels on each facet. Interior designers will appreciate its contemporary aesthetic and special features like a gravity-controlled alarm. Priced around $90, this modern clock can be purchased directly from Ginkgo’s website. The Gravity Cube Click Clock is a unique alarm clock housed in a bright, colorful rubberized cube shape. Key features that make it an asset for an interior designer include touch-sensitive snooze – simply touch the top of the cube to snooze the alarm. The sound-activated LED display shows the time, date, and temperature. These features allow designers to easily check the time without fumbling in the dark. The creative design could help spark inspiration for playful, functional elements to incorporate into space planning. Its small size takes up little space on a desk or nightstand, too. The Gravity Cube Click Clock retails for around $27-44 (€25-40, £22-36) from online retailers like Amazon, Walmart and specialty design shops internationally. It could help boost an interior designer’s productivity and innovative thinking as a daily creative aid and accessory.
22. 4th Dimension Table Clock
This unique concrete table clock designed by 22 Design Studio demonstrates the concept of a 4th dimension that costs $150-170 (€135-150, £125-140). The table clock dimensions are 90mm (H) x 108mm (Ø) x 144mm (D). It runs on a Seiko quartz movement with a standard AA battery (not included). The interplay of its dynamic levels creates light and shadow effects that evolve throughout the day. The multidimensional nature of the clock face could stimulate conceptual thinking, and its striking industrial design adds character to any decor. The quality craftsmanship also makes it a long-lasting asset. Specific features that make this clock well-suited for an interior designer include the angled analog display for convenient time checking while working, the minimalist yet statement-making aesthetic, and the way light plays across its faceted concrete form. As a unique showpiece, it may spark creative ideas, and its sculptural industrial design aligns with current interior trends. Its concrete material also suits commercial spaces. This special clock is available online through the designer’s website and retailers focusing on modern high-end furniture and home accessories, like Pinkoi, Amazon, and Gessato.
23. MoMA Architect Cube
The MoMA Architect’s Cubes, designed by John Bennett and Gustavo Bonevardi, is a set of 8 cubes made from different materials like wood, granite, cork, acrylic, aluminum, etc. that costs $82 (€75, £66). This tactile desk accessory encourages creative exploration of forms and materiality, which could inspire conceptual thinking for an interior designer. The minimalist cubes suit creative workspaces with their style and sculptural qualities. The multidimensional abstract composition could stimulate designers to think “outside the box.” As a material sample kit, it provides a hands-on understanding of textures relevant to commercial interiors. Designers can explore mixing materials and light effects. Features that make this well-suited as a creative tool include the variety of robust architectural materials with diverse textures to touch and arrange, the modular sculptural forms to experiment with visually, and the interplay of shapes and shadows. This iconic modern design object is available at the MoMA Design Store online and its retail locations worldwide, as well as through authorized dealers of contemporary furniture and home accessories, like Lumens and Design Within Reach. The set includes eight cubes, around 3 cm each, and a tray, 10 x 15 x 1.5cm.
24. Fantastic Cities: A Coloring Book of Amazing Places Real and Imagined
This adult coloring book features aerial views of iconic global cities alongside fantastical architectural drawings that cost $22-28 (€20-25, £18-23). The bird’s eye perspectives of locales like New York, Paris, and Tokyo are detailed, absorbing the viewer into urban tableaus. This popular coloring book is widely available online through book retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble and specialty shops like MoMA Design Store, with dimensions around 29 x 29 cm. It features 60 pages printed on high-quality extra-thick paper suitable for varied coloring media. Complementing the photorealistic cityscapes are kaleidoscopic building interiors and fanciful architectural compositions to spark imaginative coloring adventures. The thought-provoking spaces overflowing with visual \could catalyze an interior designer’s ideation process. Translating complex line drawings into personalized chromatic interpretations requires visual-spatial reasoning, potentially enhancing 3D perspective-taking abilities valuable for spatial design. Specific features that make this coloring book well-suited as an inspirational creative asset include the diversity of highly detailed built environments spanning different design eras and cultures to stimulate contextual thinking, the technical line precision demanding focused attention to detail, and the creative license offered through abstract compositions.
25. Color At Home: A Young House Love Coloring Book
Color At Home is an interior design adult coloring book created by popular home bloggers and authors Sherry & John Petersik in collaboration with illustrator Joan Borawski and publisher Paige Tate & Co that costs $17-22 (€15-20, £14-18). Filled with detailed room interiors, vignettes, and home decor elements, interior designers can experiment visually with colors, patterns, and styles in a no-commitment creative format. This coloring book’s features helpful for interior designers include the living spaces that provide visual textures, the variety of furnishings and architectural details like wainscoting and built-ins, and creative prompts like mood boards and removable art prints. Coloring the illustrations fosters focus and attention to detail. As a conceptual tool, this coloring book could assist interior designers in ideating color schemes, material finishes, and compositional layouts. Translating the line drawings into personalized chromatic palettes and patterns exercises spatial thinking abilities. It also provides a relaxing, imaginative, creative outlet to spark fresh inspiration. This popular coloring book is sold online and in bookstores across North America and Europe. It measures approximately 8 x 10 inches and has 80 pages printed on premium paper stock. It retails primarily through the publisher’s website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Etsy, and specialty booksellers.
26. LEGO Architecture Studio
The LEGO Architecture Studio set allows interior designers to unleash their creativity through conceptual 3D building for $155-180 (€140-160, £125-145). This kit contains over 1200 versatile white and transparent bricks to construct architectural models and a 272-page inspirational guidebook endorsed by renowned design firms. Features like the angled baseplates and various unique bricks suit prototyping furniture arrangements and spatial layouts. The modular building process fosters critical thinking on ergonomics and functionality. As a hands-on tool, it enhances 3D perspective skills valuable for visualizing interiors. The monochromatic aesthetic also directs focus on form rather than color. Specific aspects that make this helpful for interior designers are the ability to quickly test ideas in 3D, practice key concepts like scale and repetition, explore materiality and lighting, and generally stimulate creativity in a fun, engaging way. The set provides a constructive break from computer screens. It also includes storage for organized bricks. Being inspired by the architecture greats featured gives a motivational boost. This retired Lego Architecture Studio set is still available from secondary sellers online through platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Bricklink at marked-up prices due to demand.
27. Mini Cinder Blocks
Miniature cinder blocks like these 1:12 scale models are a creative desk accessory for interior designers that only cost $22-33 (€20-30, £18-25) for a set of 24. Resembling building blocks, they encourage innovative spatial thinking. Designers can experiment with stacking arrangements and simulate structures. The mini construction site vibe and utilitarian aesthetic also inject an industrial edge to workspaces. Like 3D pixels, these manipulation toys for adults spark innovative ideas. Features suited for designers include authentic concrete material with handmade variations echoing large-scale construction, the ability to prototype micro-architectures and test structural concepts hands-on, and the outlet for creative play. The scaled size also suits the desk display. These mini cinder blocks could be shared to brainstorm collaboratively. These realistic miniature cinder blocks are available online through specialty miniature shops like Mini Materials, Midwest Technology Products, and Design Life Kids. They also retail on Amazon and Etsy. The 1:12 scale blocks measure approximately 1.3 x 0.7 x 0.7 inches. Larger 1:6 scale blocks are also available. Sets include reusable wooden pallets for storage.
28. The Interior Design Reference and Specification Book: Everything Interior Designers Need to Know Every Day (Indispensable Guide)
The Interior Design Reference and Specification Book is an indispensable 288-page guidebook providing encyclopedic coverage of all aspects of interior design that costs $38-50 (€35-45, £31-40). This pocket-sized reference explores design fundamentals, spatial composition, materials and finishes, lighting, elements, and sustainability best practices through detailed charts, specifications, and diagrams. Topics span residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, and retail project types. Interviews with leading designers provide added insight. Specific features beneficial for designers include extensive finishes, furnishings and lighting options comparisons, convenient measurement conversion and metric charts, budget and scheduling templates, and downloadable digital resources to aid specification writing. This universal design reference promotes consistency and accuracy while stimulating creative thinking. Portability also enables on-site verification and notetaking. The enduring utility makes this guide a worthwhile investment in any designer’s continued education. Originally published in 2013, this updated 3rd edition (2018) is available internationally from book retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, RIBA Bookshops, Dymocks, and independent bookstores, measuring approximately 22 x 2 x 21 cm.
29. Architect’s Pocket Book 4E
The Architect’s Pocket Book is an indispensable reference guide covering all fundamental aspects of architectural design and construction that costs $38-50 (€35-45, £31-40). In its updated 4th edition, this handy 412-page pocketbook compiled by architecture experts provides comprehensive technical guidance on building regulations, planning policy, sustainability, structures, construction systems, and materials selection. As a design resource endorsed by over 100,000 architecture professionals, the concise presentation and wealth of precise detail on code compliance, specifications, measurement conversions, etc. enhance designers’ decision-making and productivity. This edition focuses on the latest sustainability standards and regulations. Specific features making this reference well-suited for interior designers include extensive finishes, lighting, and furnishings options comparisons, downloadable CAD details, and convenient measurement/metric conversion charts to aid specification writing consistency. Originally published in 1997, this book’s enduring utility solidifies its reputation as the essential ‘pocket book an architect can’t afford to be without’. It retails globally through booksellers like Amazon and RIBA, measuring approximately 14 x 2 x 10 cm.
30. Cinema Light Box with Letters
The Cinema Light Box is a customizable LED sign of vintage theater marquees, allowing architects to spell out inspirational quotes or announcements for only $77-110 (€70-100, £63-90). Dimensions typically range from 25x25cm to 60x30cm. Most include 100+ letters and numbers, a wall mount, and a USB power cable. This retro-inspired decor piece casts a warm glow across any room while displaying your unique messages. Its dynamic form echoes spatial compositions, and its customizable mirrors the bespoke tailoring of commercial interiors. Manipulating its letters fosters creative thinking and problem-solving. Specific features that make this well-suited as a designer’s creative asset include quickly testing textual concepts, the multi-dimensional form adding, and the variety of materials from sleek acrylic to vintage-style wood frames. DIY messaging also provides an outlet for self-expression. These personalized light boxes are sold through specialty online shops like My Cinema Lightbox and Amped & Co and widely on Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and Walmart, with prices varying by size and materials.
31. Tiny Tower Ergonomic Workstation Stand
The Tiny Tower is an innovative, portable laptop stand providing ergonomics through 10 adjustable height settings that cost $65-87 (€59-79, £53-71). Dimensions are 36 x 25 x 3cm (extended) and 36 x 25 x 1.5cm (folded). It handles laptops from 11-15 inches up to 4kg. Its sleek yet sturdy aluminum and steel design folds down easily for travel while promoting proper posture for improved health, comfort, and productivity. Features like the non-slip grip, wide device compatibility, and small folded footprint suit mobile work. It sets up an instant full-featured workstation with a wireless mouse and keyboard. The industrial aesthetic with clean lines and smart details like cord management also suits creative fields. Specific beneficial features include the effortless and secure tool-free height adjustments covering diverse users, the sturdy yet compact construction that maximizes precious desk real estate, and portability enhancing flexibility. Research shows improved ergonomics boosts wellbeing, potentially increasing an interior designer’s energy and efficiency. The Tiny Tower is sold directly through the designer’s website and global retailers like Amazon, going for around €69 normally.
32. Slate: Mobile LapDesk
The Slate Mobile LapDesk is an ergonomic and portable laptop accessory handcrafted from premium bamboo that costs $66-88 (€60-80, £54-72). Its minimalist design features strategic contours and built-in ventilation to prevent device overheating when working on the go. The integrated mousepad, non-slip padding, and docking station promote productivity anywhere while reducing strain. As a lightweight yet durable laptop stand providing superior comfort and portability, the Slate could benefit an interior designer through improved in-field computing ergonomics. Customization options like left/right orientations suit both right and left-handed designers. The refined aesthetic resembling high-end furniture also impresses clients. Frequent travel between client meetings and design studios is facilitated by its slim, folded size. Specific beneficial features include the flush-mounted mousepad reducing wrist strain, the ventilation system and bamboo construction’s heat absorption keeping laptops cool to the touch, and the dock holding phones/tablets upright for convenient reference. Originally crowdfunded on Kickstarter, the Slate is sold through the designer’s website and retailers like Amazon and StackSocial for around €79, available in Light or Walnut bamboo finishes. Dimensions are approximately 56 x 30 x 2cm.
33. IMAX 60312 Sienna Small Gold Vase
The IMAX 60312 Sienna Small Gold Vase is a sculptural object handcrafted from aluminum with a matte gold finish that costs $22-33 (€20-30, £18-25). Its form resembles contemporary art, while the irregular handmade details add intrigue. As a statement piece, this vase could serve interior designers as an artistic accent to elevate room designs. Its unique shape inspires creative display ideas while making a strong visual impact to impress clients. The handmade imperfections also give character. Its petite size suits desk inspiration, while larger options anchor living spaces. The vase’s standout qualities aim to boost conceptual thinking. Specific features that make this vase well-suited as a creative asset include its multidimensional abstract form to catch the light, the matte gold material adding warmth and texture, and the handmade variations preventing uniform perfection. This gold designer vase is sold through Amazon, Walmart, and Aerin retailers. The small vase stands around 20cm tall. Larger sizes and coordinating ceramic pieces in blue and cream finishes are available from the Sienna collection.
What are the best gifts for interior designers for under 50$?
Listed below are the best gifts for interior designers under 50$.
- Pantone Coffee Mug: The Pantone Coffee Mug is an 11 oz coffee mug featuring the signature Pantone colors in a clean, contemporary style. The Pantone colors will remind them of their profession and aesthetic sensibilities. This makes an affordable gift to show appreciation for their design talents. This ceramic mug has a durable construction and high-quality print that won’t fade over time. It is both microwave and dishwasher-safe. The matte finish and lightweight feel make it comfortable to use. This mug retails under $15 (€14, £11), making it a budget-friendly gift option.
- Custom Engraved Tape Measure: Custom Engraved Tape Measure is a custom tape measure featuring an engraved message, logo, or name personalized for each interior designer. The black and orange 25-foot tape measure combines creativity with functionality. Useful for measuring design spaces and projects, this tape measure becomes a personalized tool unique to each designer. The custom engraving elevates a standard home improvement item into a meaningful creative gift. This personalized gift idea costs under $20 (€19, £15)
- Frank Lloyd Wright Bookmark: Frank Lloyd Wright Bookmark features an inspirational quote by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The front displays the quote while the back identifies the quote’s source. The bookmark’s inspirational quote relates to design creativity. Honoring Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy. The bookmark fits easily inside books, journals, or planners to mark designers’ places. This sentimental and inspirational gift costs under $25 (€24, £19)
What are the best gifts for interior designers for under 100$?
Here is the list of the best gifts for interior designers under 100.
- Concrete Desk Collection: The Concrete Desk Collection is a set of three artistic office accessories, including a tape dispenser, pencil cup, and small tray crafted from artistic raw concrete in a sand finish. This desk collection keeps essentials organized through high-design minimalist concrete pieces. The sculptural look adds artistic ambiance. The concrete construction is durable and maintains a raw, artistic finish. Each piece has a weighty substantial feel. This set retails for under $100 (€94, £77) as a creative designer gift solution.
- Contour Sketch Pencil Set: Contour Sketch Pencil is a set that includes five premium sketching pencils from Contour, ranging in lead sizes from 0.3mm to 2mm for versatile drafting capabilities. Interior designers require quality sketching pencils to render concepts and illustrations professionally. The metal barrel provides comfort and control while drawing. Each pencil has a perfectly centered lead mechanism for sharpness. The set comes packaged in a sleek faux leather zip pouch. This drawing toolkit retails for around $25 (€24, £19) and is an affordable gift for creative professionals.
- Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs Poster: The Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs Poster is an art print poster depicting the iconic egg chair originally designed by Arne Jacobsen in the 1950s. This artistic poster celebrates a landmark chair design that still impresses. The poster reproduces the curvilinear egg chair in a clean quality print. The frameless poster comes in sizes like 18×24″ or 24″x36″ to fit any wall space. This timeless art piece celebrating beloved design history costs between $25-$35 (€24-€33, £19-£27)
What are the best gifts for interior designers for under 500$
Listed below are the best gifts for interior designers under 500$.
- rOtring 800 Mechanical Pencil: rOtring 800 Mechanical Pencil is a high-performance mechanical pencil that enables detailed drafting work through its excellent lead hardness, fixed lead guidance sleeve, and hexagonal shape. For interior designers who appreciate premium quality drawing tools, this mechanical pencil facilitates intricate sketching and technical illustrations. Its professional capabilities inspire creativity. This premier drafting pencil costs about $40-50 (€38-47, £31-38) and is a worthwhile investment for design creatives.
- 4th Dimension Wall Clock: The 4th Dimension Wall Clock is a visually striking wall clock by 22 Design Studio that utilizes an exposed spiral staircase with moving hands to display time creatively. The depth and shadows create visual interest. The sculptural, kinetic artwork design provides an inspiring artistic focal point for any space. The clock requires one AA battery. The handmade uniqueness of each piece justifies the approximately $260 (€245, £199)designer gift splurge.
- Arteza Real Brush Pen Set: The Arteza Real Brush Pen Set includes 48 versatile real brush pens in vibrant colors for creative hand lettering and illustration. The nylon bristle tips create natural brush strokes. Interior designers often hand-render design concepts and notes through illustrations and lettering. The set comes in a protective zippered case for organization. The brush pens retail for around $35 (€33, £27) and are an affordable way to enrich a designer’s creative toolkit.
What are the best gifts for an architect?
The best gifts for an architect are rOtring 800 mechanical pencils, Architect’s Blueprint Paperweight, and LEGO Architecture Studio. The premium drafting pencil enables detailed technical illustrations, while the creative paperweight nods to an architect’s profession through its crumpled blueprint design. To conceptualize buildings through hands-on 3D modeling, the LEGO set contains over 1200 bricks and architecture lessons for under $200 (€188, £153) These thoughtful and functional gifts provide architects with inspiring design tools that improve precision, boost creativity, and enhance visualization skills.
What are the best gifts for interior designers to celebrate an accomplishment?
Listed below are the best gifts for interior designers to celebrate an accomplishment:
- The LEGO Architecture Studio: The LEGO Architecture Studio is priced around $160 (€151, £123) and provides designers with a celebratory creative challenge through its 1200+ bricks and architecture guidebook. As designers construct imaginative 3D buildings, this interactive toolkit validates their spatial visualization talents that are foundational to their success.
- Bunny Mellon Style: Bunny Mellon Style is a book that gives insider access to Bunny Mellon’s iconic aesthetic, reminding designers to remain authentic to their vision as they reach new career milestones. The story reinforces that imprinting one’s unique creative perspective propels a design career to new heights.
- Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs Poster: The Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs Poster is posted that honors design history and is important when celebrating accomplishments. The frameless Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs Poster priced $25-35 (€24-33, £19-27) commemorates Jacobsen’s landmark mid-century chair, connecting today’s successful designers to the pioneers who paved the way. This modestly priced art piece validates designers’ place in the timeline of influential innovators.
What are the best gifts for interior designers’ birthdays?
- Laser-Engraved Tape Measure: A personalized laser-engraved tape measure costing under $20 (€19, £15) makes an ideal birthday gift to delight interior designers with a bespoke version of an item they constantly reach for. Seeing their name or initials engraved on their design tool will remind them that this is their special day.
- The Pocket Travelers Notebook: The Pocket Travelers Notebook is priced around $55 (€52, £42) and empowers designers to journal inspiration and special memories in a stylish slim leather volume on their birthday and beyond. This customizable notebook is a long-lasting gift to value each year of their creative progression.
- Cinema Light Box: Cinema Light Box with Letters allows designers to display uplifting personalized messages on their special day. This versatile LED light box can be reused to spread positivity year-round, making their birthday gift a lasting mood booster.
What travel-related gifts would be most appreciated by architects?
- The LEGO Architecture Studio: The LEGO Architecture Studio is priced around $160 (€151, £123) and fuels architects’ travel inspirations through modeling famous structures. Recreating sites like the White House and Trevi Fountain with the 1200+ piece kit immerses them in distant destinations from their suitcase.
- Pocket Travelers Notebook: Pocket Travelers Notebook is used to aid in the documentation of travel inspirations. The Pocket Travelers Notebook, costing around $55 (€52, £42) provides architects with a slim yet sturdy leather journaling companion. Securing ideas on the move prevents creative insights from slipping away before they can be revisited in projects.
- United States of America Rail Pass: For scenic domestic travel, the United States of America Rail Pass starts around $500 (€471, £383) from Amtrak and delivers ten long-distance rides over 30 days. Meandering coast to coast by rail gives architects unparalleled proximity to appreciate America’s diverse architecture and landscapes.
What are the best book gifts for interior designers?
Here is the list of best book gifts for interior designers:
- Interior Design Reference and Specification Book: Interior Design Reference and Specification is a book that compiles invaluable industry knowledge to bolster designers’ expertise. The book can be bought for $38-50 (€35-45, £31-40). This technical reference informs material and product selections to empower design decisions.
- Architect’s Pocket Book: Architect’s Pocket Book is a conveniently compact pocket book costing about $40 (€38, £31) that puts vital data like building regulations and principles into designers’ hands for quick access. Condensing this fundamental information in a portable guide allows designers to ideate within practical parameters freely.
- Monochrome Homes: Monochrome Homes is a book that profiles 30 striking black and white interiors in 192 pages for around $40 (€38, £31). The Monochrome Homes book reveals dramatic color scheme possibilities. The case studies inspire playing with contrast and thoughtful use of negative space to imbue mystery.
What are the best gadget gifts for interior designers?
Listed below are the best gadgets and gifts for interior designers:
- XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro Drawing Tablet: XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro Drawing Tablet is a high-performance graphics. The tablet’s 8000+ levels of pen pressure combined with a lag-free display allows interior designers to illustrate precise technical drawings and render intricate detailing on structures. The tilt function even detects angled strokes, mimicking natural shading techniques. This professional-grade tablet augments an architect’s creative capacities and efficiency.
- Slate Mobile LapDesk: Slate Mobile LapDesk provides a handy portable surface for their laptop or tablet that costs $66-88 (€60-80, £54-72). Its cushioned base conforms to an architect’s lap for stability when working outside the office. The ledge and mobile slot prevent portable devices from slipping. This lap desk allows interior designers to smoothly sketch inspired design iterations and take notes as they move between project sites. The Slate Mobile LapDesk maximizes an architect’s productivity wherever inspiration strikes.
- Tiny Tower Laptop Stand: The Tiny Tower Laptop Stand is a height-adjustable stand that promotes proper ergonomic alignment for interior designers when using their laptops for longer durations. It can be bought for $65-87 (€59-79, £53-71) only. The stand-reduced slouching also decreases back pain from using a low-positioned laptop. Designers can focus better while working long hours on CAD software and other demanding applications. The stand aims to boost interior designers’ health, productivity, and efficiency when digital modeling.
What are the best gifts for designer students?
Here is the list of best book gifts for designers:
- The Contour Sketch Pencil Set: The Contour Sketch Pencil Set is a gift that equips design students that cost $25 (€22, £19), It provides drawing tools like high-quality pencils in assorted lead sizes to master rendering concepts. As an affordable gift, this set lays the foundation for excelling in traditional illustration skills.
- Grids & Guides Notebook: Grids & Guides Notebook is a visual page style for about $15-25 USD (€13-21, £11-18). The Notebook assists students in organizing ideas while nurturing creativity. This specially designed journal empowers brainstorming and planning to help students approach projects strategically.
- Concrete Desk Collection: Concrete Desk Collection is priced under $100 (€94, £77) and keeps student workstations orderly with a tape dispenser, pencil holder, and tray. These structured concrete accessories optimize productivity by streamlining organization as students juggle studies.
What are the most important tools for interior designers?
The most important tools for interior designers are tape measures, digital devices, and quality sketching supplies. First, the tape measures allow designers to gauge room dimensions accurately when planning layouts and selecting furnishings. Secondly, digital devices like Tablets provide portable digital sketching capabilities using apps like AutoCAD for efficient drafting. Lastly, art supplies like colored pencils, markers, and sketchbooks empower designers to render beautiful, lifelike concept illustrations by hand. This toolset underpins an interior designer’s essential skillset.
Do architects rely on technology in their designs?
Architects today heavily rely on technology like CAD software, 3D modeling, and rendering tools in their architectural designs. Programs like AutoCAD, Revit, and Sketchup allow architects to create technical drawings, visualize concepts digitally, and construct 3D models of their building designs. Technology is integral to executing and communicating architectural plans.
What are the best tablets for interior designers and architects?
Here are the top tablet recommendations for interior designers and architects:
- XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro is a tablet that enables lag-free drawing and vibrant illustrations aided by its fully laminated display and 60-degree tilt support. The Artist 13.3 Pro is tailored for digital creatives, providing a highly responsive and accurate drawing experience with its battery-free pen. These features make the XP-Pen tablet an ideal digital sketching and rendering tool for producing professional creative work efficiently. It is an affordable yet powerful tablet for design professionals.
- Apple iPad Pro: Apple iPad Pro is a high canvas and high-performance graphics tablet that allows seamless digital illustration, 3D modeling, and rendering capabilities. The large 11-inch or 12.9-inch iPad Pro provides ample digital real estate for designers to illustrate elaborate concepts. The advanced ProMotion display enables buttery-smooth interactions. For designers seeking to unleash their full creative potential, the unmatched graphics capabilities make the iPad Pro a versatile digital design hub.
- Microsoft Surface Pro: Microsoft Surface Pro is a tablet with a detachable keyboard that seamlessly alternates between nimble sketching and efficient typing. The high-resolution touchscreen and pressure-sensitive Surface Pen facilitate digital sketching and illustration. The detachable keyboard and adjustable kickstand transform the tablet into a capable laptop for typing extensive client proposals. This versatility maximizes productivity on the go. The compact size maintains portability. With its fusion of tablet sketch functions and laptop efficiency, the Surface Pro is an ideal universal tool for designers.
What are the most popular design apps for architects?
The most popular design apps for architects are AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit. First, AutoCAD is used for technical 2D and 3D drawing, SketchUp for interactive 3D modeling, and Revit for collaborative BIM design that creates immersive renderings through real-time ray tracing. While every firm has unique preferences, AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp form a powerful digital toolkit covering core design needs from schematic diagrams to project delivery. With technology now underpinning architecture, proficiency in using these leading apps is indispensable.
Is digital proficiency now a fundamental skill for designers?
Yes, digital proficiency has become essential for modern interior designers and architects. They must be adept at using CAD software, 3D modeling, tablets, and other tech tools to augment the design process. While traditional hand skills remain relevant, technology literacy is now mandatory for executing and maximizing most stages of architectural and interior design projects.
Can an interior designer work without a computer or tablet?
An interior designer can work without relying on a laptop or tablet. An interior designer can still execute the entire design process using traditional hand drafting techniques, physical renderings, paper planning materials, and art supplies like sketchbooks and colored pencils. Hand drafting allows designers to illustrate lifelike spatial concepts and create technically accurate construction documents. Fabric swatches, paint decks, and physical finish samples help designers convey textures, patterns, and intended aesthetics to clients. 3D physical models and renderings communicate design motifs better than any computer visualization.
