Natural living: New interior design books

Housing is of course a necessity, ideally providing a safe, warm and dry space that is separate from the natural world outside. But within the home, more people are coming to realise that a little bit of nature is not only a good way to add green into your home, but a vital life-affirming/improving necessity. So here are some reads that may help you make that upgrade to your living space.

Residences reimagined : successful renovation and expansion of old homes
“Renovation continues to be an important and fundamental part of modern architecture, whether it be through a desire to preserve history, or resurrect an old family home.   The decision to renovate rather than rebuild brings its own set of complications, but this book reminds us that this is not a hopeless endeavour but rather one that refreshes the architecture and provides a revamped home, perfect for the modern world”– Provided by publisher.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Houseplants and design : a New Zealand guide / Carlson, Liz
“Houseplants have never been hotter. They have the power to instantly turn a house into a home and to create a feeling of peace and calm, transforming both your physical space and your headspace. Bringing nature inside is a simple way to maintain a connection to the outdoors. To nurture an indoor garden is to nurture ourselves.  Offering a comprehensive catalogue of our most beloved and rare species, along with unique ways to style houseplants and troubleshoot common issues.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Great English interiors / Mlinaric, David
“This special edition revives an acclaimed work. Exquisite photographs showcase England’s finest buildings, guiding the reader through five centuries of English architecture and interior design. Anglophiles, armchair tourists, and lovers of grand interiors will relish the photographs of these wonderful buildings, while discovering more about the designers and architects who built them, charting the evolution that has made British style so alluring, enduring, and widely imitated over the centuries.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

100 20th-century houses
“A stylish and fascinating insight into Britain’s built heritage and the diverse housing styles of the 20th century.” (Catalogue)

 

 

 

At home on the water / Conry, Jaci
“The idea of a retreat–a place removed from one’s daily stressors, an escape in a serene natural setting, a secluded haven to be enjoyed by family, is more appealing than it has been in decades.  At Home on the Water will offer some history on coastal living and will feature twelve homes on the water on both coasts and the gulf. The editorial would focus on both the design of the homes and the way the homeowners live in them, embellished by interviews with homeowners, designers, and/or architects”– Provided by publisher.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Bamboo contemporary : green houses around the globe / Richards, William
“Bamboo-one of the most sustainable building materials on the planet-is deployed in ingenious ways throughout this globetrotting tour of residential designs”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

 

 

Beautiful houses by the water : living at the water’s edge
“We are all drawn to water, whether for relaxation or recreation. So it is little surprise that many homes are designed especially for a gorgeous waterfront location. Be Take an inspiring journey with this gorgeous edition, crammed full of evocative images, through some of the world’s best contemporary and stylish residences that truly showcase their idyllic watery settings, whether it is a river, pond, lake, ocean, or a bay. Enjoy the beauty of a home that is perfectly designed for a its location by the water”–Publisher’s description.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

From Japan to Montecito: new interior style books

Whether you’re looking to replicate the style of an exclusive, glamourous enclave like Montecito, or prefer a more muted, clean aesthetic to your interiors like those found in Japan, these newly released interior design books are at once attention grabbing and aspirational for every style preference. Montecito Style is a sumptuously photographed exploration of internationally renowned design havens of the rich and famous. Draw inspiration, or simply marvel at the opulence of these homes on California’s ‘Gold Coast’.

On the other end of the spectrum, catering for those who want a simpler, greener style that exudes a connection with nature, check out Pretty Small and Remodelista. Both focus on an eco-conscious approach to designing your home, to create liveable, low maintenance spaces that work for you, without sacrificing your style or the planet. There’s also Houseplants and Design, a guide for transforming your home with houseplants, written specifically for New Zealand audiences, that includes care guides and propagation tips, to create a calming, transformative interior jungle. You needn’t have a green thumb or an eye-for-style in order to create a stunning and comforting home with these new interior style books to guide you on your way.

Montecito style : paradise on California’s Gold Coast / Porter, Lorie Dewhirst
“In Montecito Style, get an inside view of the diversity of homes, villas, and mansions of this exclusive seaside community. Through the photos of an acclaimed photographer, readers will be enthralled by the elegance and stylistic range of the gardens and houses of Montecito. The homes and gardens of Montecito demonstrate a wide range of design styles and eras- explore this design haven in all of its coastal glory.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Japanese interiors / Iida, Mihoko
“An insider’s look at the myriad styles of private homes of Japan, showing how Japanese design continues to evolve in a new era. Featuring 28 exemplary residences around Japan, the book showcases aspirational minimalist homes alongside functional live/work spaces and traditional historic dwellings. Throughout, the enduring philosophy of integrating the natural landscape into the home, and details the influences and continuing evolution of Japanese interior design are showcased.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Beautiful Australian homes. Volume IV
“Belle Beautiful Australian Homes will take you on a journey of inspiring homes brought to life by some of Australia’s top architects and interior designers and introduce you to the people who have the pleasure of calling these abodes “home”. The book is a reflection of the diversity of the Australian design landscape, with sophisticated city residences, classic country homes and idyllic coastal homes.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

 

Houseplants and design : a New Zealand guide / Carlson, Liz
“Houseplants have the power to instantly turn a house into a home and to create a feeling of peace and calm, transforming both your physical space and your headspace. Award-winning lifestyle and travel writer Liz Carlson has created the complete guide to growing, propagating and caring for indoor plants. Offering a comprehensive catalogue of our most beloved and rare species, along with unique ways to style houseplants and troubleshoot common issues.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

SJ Axelby’s interior portraits : an artist’s view of designers’ living spaces / Axelby, S. J.
“An artists vision brings new life to interior portraiture, capturing in paint the favourite rooms of 89 leading creatives from interior designers to ceramicists, antiques dealers, florists and chefs. A sumptuously illustrated record of a home or special project, each interior portrait is accompanied by a charming and quirky interview with the owner, all illustrated in luminous watercolour by artist SJ Axelby.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Layered interior / Natale, Greg
“An intricate approach to layering -the process of curating and editing elements to create warm, welcoming interiors. Told in a refreshing, personable style and accompanied by rich visuals, The Layered Interior is a celebration of the design elements that give a home character. The balance between vintage and contemporary furniture, contrast lighting, artworks, ornaments, and accents are thoughtfully combined with color and pattern to transform a room.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Romancing the home : stylish interiors for modern living / Manger, Stewart
“Stewart Manger is regarded for his bespoke interiors in which exquisite craftsmanship and a classic-meets-modern flair. This monograph showcases his imaginative ways to create vibrant and stylish rooms. Illustrating the mixing of exotic and playful patterns, this book discusses how quality antique pieces can add character to a room.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Pretty small : grand living with limited space
Pretty Small presents some of the ways city-dwellers in the U.S., in European capitals, and in Asia have come up with innovative ways to make the most of small homes. The book provides both inspiration and tips on anything from hidden-away storage compartments, ingenious bike mounts, and convertible rooms to other space-saving clever gadgets.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

 

Remodelista : the low-impact home : a sourcebook for stylish, eco-conscious living / Guralnick, Margot
“Low-impact living is about making thoughtful, eco-friendly choices in your home. But being sustainable doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. That’s where Remodelista comes in. In this comprehensive guide, they decode the secrets to creating a home that’s good for the planet-and totally livable.” (Adapted from Catalogue)