Though this was published way back in 2000, it's still pretty interesting to browse through these different homes in London. I check out a lot of interior design books from the library (I know, I'm a nerd) and I find it so enthralling to see what ideas and interiors still seem current despite the publication date.

"London, staid London, becomes probably the most provocative, diametrically opposed city in the world when its living interiors are exposed. Edwards shows off her skills in this portfolio of 42 mainly urban spaces. Most owners are in the arts (or a related industry), in love with color, and experts at eclecticism. There's a male trio who believe in crowning all of their stuffed animals. An admitted spokesperson of the underworld surrounds himself (and his family) with suitably garish and kitsch furnishings. And the book pays tribute to Margaret Tyler, owner of the largest stash of royal memorabilia in the nation (if not anywhere in the world). Exuberant color photographs and minimalist text make for a repeatable and enjoyable viewing experience." Barbara Jacobs from Booklist

[posted by katie]

Full of details that would make the most of a smaller space, this book has many photos that will help jog your creative juices. My favorites: Small House by Kazuyo Sejima & Associates, Healy/Kaplow Loft by Matthew Baird Design, and Anderson House by Jamie Fobert Architects.

"Small Environments focuses on the type of architectural details that make up distinctive residential spaces under 1,200 square feet [120 square meters]. It presents recent work by architects from around the globe in color photographs and architectural drawings. Rather than simply another compendium of small projects, the book is structured according to categories of architectural detail. It includes sections on components essential to the design of small spaces, such as built-in pieces, mobile systems, storage, outdoor rooms, siting strategies and daylighting details."

[posted by katie]

This little book is chock-full of modern interiors (just as the title suggests). Each residence is given 3 to 10 pages of coverage, mostly pictures but sometimes floorplans and cross sections are included as well. There are too many lust-worthy ones to name, but the crazy staircase of the XXS House stands out (shown top right). Overall, it's a spectacular resource to help inspire your home interior projects.

pictures:
(top right) XXS House by Dekleva Gregoric Arhitekti
(bottom) smart.space by AvroKO

[posted by katie]

With so many exquisite full-page photographs, this book does an excellent job of showing off some of China's most interesting converted spaces. I've looked through many a book on lofts, not only for the picture fix of light-filled rooms, but also for the eclectic mix of furnishings that usually come along with a loft owner. This book did not disappoint. Both residential and commercial spaces are featured, with over 200 full-color photographs to aid understanding of how such spaces have retained their original bones yet function as modern day cafes, offices, studios and homes. What I found to be most interesting is that some of the lofts could easily be in any other major city, yet others are full of furniture and objects that identify with the country's rich culture- it's a distinctive stamp on an otherwise pervasive trend.

[posted by katie]

There's no doubt that Sir Terence Conran has gotten to where he is today because of his excellent design sense. So, it's no surprise this book does a great job of offering several ideas that will get your small space in top notch shape. Lots of photos and drawings to show how certain home owners maximize storage and living space, checklists at the end of each chapter, and several case studies give you the information and motivation you'll need to make your home look and feel larger. Who doesn't want that?

This isn't such a bad price to pay for a book with minimalist interiors...(it's a bargain price, so quantities are limited)

"Inside MNM: Minimalist Interiors explains minimalist concepts and concentrates on private interiors. This guide includes dozens of sophisticated photographs and introductions to each chapter written by leaders of this extraordinary, contemporary design movement. All the examples featured in the book have one thing in common: they feature the essential, but use the minimal."

[posted by katie]

This book has some amazing pictures, and actually covers each home in depth by dedicating more than three pages to each one. I absolutely love the huge windows.

[posted by katie]

One of many books focusing on smaller spaces... [posted by katie]