HOW WE LIVE NOW

By Rebecca Winward, Ryland Peters & Small/Bookreps NZ, $49.99

We’ve all had moments of frustration when our homes just don’t seem to fulfil our needs any more – we’ve outgrown them or they’re not functioning well. Do we sell up or renovate? This book shows us how to make the spaces in your home work harder, be that using multi-functional areas, how to zone open-plan spaces, using smart storage or repurposing awkward areas. This book has good practical advice and tips for all rooms. There are plenty of supporting images, but mostly of the cottagey vintage variety, rather than architectural and contemporary. This is an English book so some examples, and sources quoted, may not be as relevant to Kiwi readers.