There’s nothing quite like the smell of books. That warm, familiar scent of paper and ink, the soft weight of a novel resting in your hand—it’s a sensory experience that no digital screen can match. Holding a book invites a kind of presence, a pause, that reminds me why tactile beauty matters in design. Every page turned, every worn cover, carries its own story beyond the words printed inside.
Stepping into a bookstore is stepping into possibility. Unlike shopping online, you’re immersed in a space where discovery feels personal and immediate. The best independent bookstores offer more than shelves lined with titles. They create environments where architecture, design, literature, and community come together. From hand-laid tile floors to reclaimed wood beams and sculptural staircases, these spaces ignite imagination and encourage connection—qualities I value deeply as a luxury interior designer.
Over the years, I’ve found bookstores that linger in my memory because of how they marry atmosphere, thoughtful design, and literary discovery. These ten are places where inspiration lives in both the books and the spaces that house them.
BOOKS & BOOKS (MIAMI, FL)
As you step through the Mediterranean arches into the courtyard of Books & Books, sunlight filters through the trees, casting patterned shadows on the hand-laid tiles. The Coral Gables flagship, with its wrought iron details, coral stone walls, and breezy open-air spaces, feels like a natural extension of Miami’s architectural heritage. Inside, the inviting blend of literature and design creates a space that feels both grand and personal, where books fill every corner with warmth and texture.
What sets Books & Books apart is its deep connection to the community. Since 1982, it has hosted hundreds of author events, art exhibits, live music performances, and cultural talks each year. Partnering with the Miami Book Fair and local arts organizations, this gathering spot reflects and celebrates the city’s creative soul. A visit here always offers more than a book—it offers an experience.
THE LAST BOOKSTORE (LOS ANGELES, CA)
You enter The Last Bookstore and are immediately transported into a world where literature, art, and architecture intertwine. Set in a former bank, its soaring marble columns, mezzanine framed by ornate railings, and sculptural book installations create a dreamlike setting. The iconic tunnel of books invites visitors to step through into a space that feels like part gallery, part storybook.
More than a bookstore, The Last Bookstore is a thriving arts hub. It’s home to local art collectives, live music performances, poetry slams, and community workshops. Every visit reveals something new, from hidden art corners to impromptu performances, reflecting the vibrancy of LA’s creative scene. The space itself becomes part of the story.
POWELL’S CITY OF BOOKS (PORTLAND, OR)
Powell’s feels like its own city within a city. Spanning an entire block, it combines industrial elements—concrete floors, exposed beams, massive windows—with the warmth of endless shelves and cozy reading nooks. Multilevel rooms unfold like chapters, each offering its own mood and sense of discovery.
Powell’s is a cornerstone of Portland’s cultural life. It hosts panels, workshops, readings, and festivals that draw in artists, designers, and thinkers. The store’s Rare Book Room, packed with design tomes and historic volumes, is a haven for collectors and dreamers alike. Books and design come together here to fuel the imagination.
STRAND BOOK STORE (NEW YORK, NY)
Strand draws you in with its towering shelves and narrow aisles lined with rare editions and design books. The scent of old paper mixes with the energy of New York itself, creating a layered sensory experience. Its vintage fixtures, creaky floors, and handwritten signs evoke the feeling of a secret library hidden in the heart of the city.
But Strand is more than its shelves. It hosts an ambitious calendar of author talks, cultural discussions, art collaborations, and pop-up events that keep it woven into the fabric of New York’s creative world. The store reflects the city’s spirit—dynamic, bold, and endlessly inspiring.
PARNASSUS BOOKS (NASHVILLE, TN)
Parnassus welcomes you with soft lighting, custom shelving, and the quiet intimacy of a space that feels more like a personal library than a store. Staff recommendations are handwritten, and books seem to invite conversation as much as reading. The design reflects a sense of hospitality that is both Southern and timeless.
Beyond its beauty, Parnassus is a hub for Nashville’s literary and cultural life. The store hosts author readings, book clubs, and children’s events and partners with local schools and nonprofits. Its mission is deeply rooted in fostering connection through books and community engagement, making every visit feel meaningful.
CITY LIGHTS BOOKSELLERS & PUBLISHERS (SAN FRANCISCO, CA)
The moment you climb the narrow staircase at City Lights, you’re enveloped in history. Worn wood floors, book-lined walls, and sunbeams catching dust motes give the space an intimate, timeless quality. Every corner feels like it holds a secret or a story waiting to be told.
City Lights has long been a beacon for literary activism and creative exchange. The store hosts readings, political talks, and cultural events that echo its heritage as a publisher and voice for progressive thought. It remains a gathering place for those who believe books can change the world. Visitors leave not just with books, but with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration that stays with them long after they step outside.
MCNALLY JACKSON BOOKS (NEW YORK, NY)
At McNally Jackson, literature meets modern design. Clean-lined shelves, polished floors, and thoughtful displays turn the books themselves into part of the aesthetic. The café buzzes quietly, adding to the layered atmosphere of contemplation and conversation.
McNally Jackson is as much about ideas as it is about books. The store regularly offers literary salons, writing workshops, and cultural talks that attract New York’s creative community. Design and dialogue naturally intersect here, and every visit offers the chance to engage with both. It’s the kind of place where conversation and creativity flow as easily as turning a page.
BOOKPEOPLE (AUSTIN, TX)
BookPeople greets you with wide staircases, open spaces, and the warmth of natural light filtering through big windows. Local art and handwritten notes from staff give the space personality, while the shelves invite you to explore at your own pace.
Austin’s creative spirit runs through everything BookPeople does. It’s known for author readings, children’s programs, live music, and community partnerships that make the store a vital cultural destination. The experience is always lively, welcoming, and inspiring, leaving visitors with lasting memories and a deeper connection to Austin’s creative spirit.
ELLIOTT BAY BOOK COMPANY (SEATTLE, WA)
The scent of timber and brick greets you as you enter Elliott Bay Book Company. Tall windows flood the space with light, and warm wood shelves guide you through a space that feels both grand and comforting. The design invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in discovery.
Elliott Bay hosts hundreds of readings, signings, and workshops each year, supporting Seattle’s vibrant literary scene. Architecture and books come together here to create a true community hub. It’s the kind of place where you find yourself lingering, drawn in by the inviting energy and the promise of discovery around every corner.
MALAPROP’S BOOKSTORE CAFÉ (ASHEVILLE, NC)
Bright walls, mismatched chairs, and local art create an eclectic, joyful space at Malaprop’s. The café hums with conversation, and books line every corner in colorful, welcoming disorder. The design reflects Asheville’s independent spirit.
Malaprop’s is known for its poetry slams, political discussions, and author events, as well as its strong support of local voices. Books, ideas, and community come together here in unexpected and inspiring ways. A visit leaves you with more than just a new title—it leaves you with a sense of connection to Asheville’s creative heartbeat.
Independent bookstores offer more than books—they are sanctuaries of atmosphere, connection, and inspiration. As a designer, I see books as essential design elements that bring texture, color, and narrative to a space. Whether gracing a coffee table or filling a room, books remind us that design is about how a space feels as much as how it looks. These bookstores prove that great design lives in details: in the warmth of wood, the glow of light, the curve of a staircase, and the energy of a crowd gathered over shared ideas. They are spaces where culture, creativity, and beauty converge—and where inspiration lingers long after you leave.
