Understated Elegance: New Urban Living

Conceived as an antidote to our busy urban existences, Understated Elegance presents 19 city abodes whose aesthetic speaks to a calm, uncluttered existence. Primarily located in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, and realised by an equally global roster of designers, the homes are all characterised by a tranquil colour palette with an emphasis on natural, tactile materials, and often feature artisanal accents such as millwork. Even in those without outdoor space, natural light remains a feature and connects the spaces to their environments.

Each feature has a short introductory text that gives way to full-coloured photography. There are no captions, with the clean layout and use of white space serving to emphasise the imagery. The linen-bound volume is more visual inspiration than design analysis, but is no less worthy for that.