Summer Reads
A compilation of great summer reads to get you in the mood for creating amazing projects in 2026.
At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson
A meticulously researched history of domesticity told with wit, charm and exuberance which explores each room in the home and its role in the evolution of home life. Bryson uses his own home, an old rectory in Norfolk, UK, to walk the reader through all the rooms of the home and, in doing so, he uncovers a world of interesting and thought-provoking information. Have you ever wondered why salt and pepper are the two main seasoning spices used? And when did domesticity really start? It’s probably earlier than you imagine. This book is equally light and funny, and insightful and moving. A great holiday read for anyone interested in homes and how our modern abodes came to be.
Defining Style: The Book of Interior Design by Joan Barzilay Freund
An inspirational look-book featuring timeless interior designs from today’s best designers with a deep exploration of each style plus a visual directory. Spanning a wide variety of designs, the book focuses on interior design styles from the last century or so, with a description of each style accompanied by real-life examples from some of the world’s most renowned contemporary designers, including our own Greg Natale. Perfect for lazy afternoons on the lounge with a cuppa and great for your coffee table, this book doesn’t need to be read from cover to cover – feel free to flip open a page at random and enjoy the great photography and project description as the mood takes you.
Design Lives Here by Penny Craswell
Celebrating the unique trajectory of Australian furniture and lighting design, residential architecture and interiors this book recognises the bespoke pieces that bring homes to life. More than just the buildings, this book looks at the component parts of each project and highlights the custom joinery, furniture and lighting that makes each home a standout example of Australian design. Each project was chosen for the story it tells and is accompanied by beautiful photography which helps the reader connect with the building and its interior.
Material Wonder by Fiona Lynch
Vogue Living’s Designer of the Year 2024 showcases her mastery of materiality and mood in this curated collection of her projects highlighting the layers of technique behind each one. Lynch has been recognised as a world-leading designer with many accolades to her name and this publication brings together a variety of her projects to celebrate her bold style and materialistic flair. We even get a look inside Lynch’s own home – Hill House. Stunning photography and considered commentary connect the reader to the projects and gives us an insight into the thought behind the design.
