Modern Retro Home

This is the third book by Sydney-based stylist Mr Jason Grant. And, yes, he is called Mr Jason Grant in all his bylines and social media accounts, which seems rather formal. His other two books are A Place Called Home and Holiday at Home but this time around Mr Jason Grant is delving into a more specific style – midcentury, my favourite. The book is packed with full-page images of retro rooms that successfully mix 50s, 60s and 70s style into modern homes. There are some very informative sections on lighting, soft furnishings, plants and more, but most importantly, arranging vignettes (which I always find is harder than it seems). Flick through the pages and you’ll also see how some of these creative homeowners dealt with the more undesirable aspects of mid-century homes – slate floors, brown clinker-brick walls, light-sucking timber ceilings. A fun and handy book. Cassie Doherty is NZ H&G’s sub-editor me change my ways. It begins by offering suggestions for everyday routines. “Hang coat on arrival instead of draping over the nearest surface,” was the first, and the guilt started to creep in. The next one: “Open mail daily.” Damn. “Do a quick clean sweep of the house before bed.” You’re dreaming. And then: “Put away clothes before bed.” Finally, one I can tick off, but I’m already sceptical about reading further. However, after the initial shaming, I found that this book’s simple storage ideas actually do provide room-by-room gems of wisdom. A magnetic knife rack to hold keys? Genius. Whether it’s a bathroom storage plan or a clear-your-closet schedule for hoarders, you’ll find it here. This beautifully designed book truly made this unsystematic writer want to be better organised, and that’s a miracle. Bea Taylor is NZ H&G’s staff writer Hunter Hills in Timaru to a romantic camping experience at the luxurious Castaways resort in Waiuku, Hideaways has something for every style, location and budget. Ngan Kee unlocks the authentic stories behind each retreat and the passionate people who own them with detailed depictions and information on how to book each one. My favourite is the Underhill Valley earth house, which is a magical, hobbit-style escape built into the hillside of a tranquil Waikato farm. These intimate portraits are paired with breathtaking imagery that manages to capture both the raw beauty of New Zealand’s untamed landscapes and the serenity of the cosy hideaways the couple visited on their travels. If only I hadn’t booked my Christmas escape before I found this gem. Natalia Didovich is a reporter for homed.co.nz