Curated Living: Elegant Interiors and Artful Homes is now available. Written by Australian journalist, editor and stylist Susan Redman, the book invites the design-loving reader to take a tour of some of the most sumptuous interiors across Europe and the Anglophone world. It’s designed as both a showcase of beautiful design on its own terms and a source of inspiration for those looking to bring elegance and art into their own spaces of dwelling.
“The home should be the treasure chest of living.” This quote from Le Corbusier is how the book opens, and indeed Curated Living is itself a treasure trove of full-colour images throughout.
In the introduction, Redman writes: “In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for tranquillity at home has ignited a new wave of interior design focused on softness, comfort and a visual sensibility […] Despite their varied origins, these homes share a commitment to serenity and refinement.”
As such, Curated Living is making no pretence of presenting every possible interior design style or catering to all tastes. Instead – refreshingly – the book is clearly setting out what Redman sees as a noteworthy tendency in contemporary interiors. The houses and apartments featured maintain a focus on this sense of serenity, comfort and elegance.
Australian homes make up a prominent part of the book’s collection, with chapters on Art House by Chelsea Hing, Light House by Smac Studio, Carlotta Take Two Residence by Esoteriko, Matchpoint House by Duet and Toxteh Terrace by Jillian Dinkel. Meanwhile, readers will find projects such as Queen’s Park Terrace by Studio Skey in the UK, for example, and Subdued Sophistication Condominium by Nunu Interior Design in Canada, as well as others from France, Sweden and elsewhere.
Redman has interviewed designers from every featured project, making each chapter a happily digestible collection of quotes, information and of course beautiful photography. These vignettes cover the luxurious materials, designer furniture, bespoke joinery, handcrafted décor and treasured artworks that make each home special.
Related: 65,000 years of Australian art
Curated Living is a book to be enjoyed and used by casual readers, design enthusiasts and professional designers – and everyone in between.
Curated Living: Elegant Interiors and Artful Homes by Susan Redman, $50 RRP available at leading bookstores nationally.
The New Sustainable House is another recent book featuring Australian design