Chosen and reviewed by Jenny Oldaker & Molly Malsom
THE NEW NATURALS
Jennifer Haslam
In this timely, thought-provoking book, stylist and writer Jennifer Haslam considers what it means to make sustainable choices. Whether starting from scratch with a new-build or renovating a period property – where it can be challenging to marry up the preservation of architectural heritage with the upgrading of energy conservation – her calm advice will guide you. The featured homes encompass builds from across the globe, from UK townhouses to an off-grid eco house in South Africa, and an Australian smallholding wrought from reclaimed materials. Every home offers an inspiring glimpse of the myriad ways that sustainability can be incorporated into a build, whether it’s in embracing slow, traditional construction methods, integrating renewable energies or working with second-hand products. A treat for planet-conscious home-lovers to dip into time and again.
£35, Hardie Grant Books
THE POETRY OF SPACES
Sarah Andrews
‘The Poetry of Spaces is not about what a home should be made of, it’s a guidebook to what it is,’ notes Sarah Andrews in her introduction. Tired of looking at unrealistic, picture-perfect interiors, in this book she shares the joy she gets from looking at ‘real’ images of lived-in homes – where you can properly grasp the homeowner’s style. Instead of showhome-worthy bookshelves and coffee-table displays, she encourages readers to embrace the items that bring them happiness, to use colours that are vibrant and to decorate with pieces that hold sentimental value over visual appeal.
Separated into three sections, all accompanied by lovely photos, her book begins with five lessons in the f
