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We flicked through hundreds of new releases to come up with our selection of the best design, lifestyle, cooking and gardening books out now – all the inspiration you’ll need this summer.

- Elizabeth Wilson & Laura Barry

DESIGN & LIFESTYLE

SMALL HOUSE LIVING 

AUSTRALIA ($39.99, VIKING)

A thought-provoking book showcasing 21 homes from around Australia, all of which are 90m² or less. From self-designed, budget-conscious pads to architect-designed pavilions, they prove that beautiful design and sustainable, comfortable living can be achieved within a small footprint.

MINIMALISM ($22.99, HACHETTE AUSTRALIA)

This is not a decorating book, but you can certainly apply Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus’ wise counsel to matters of the home. Addressing key aspects of life – health, relationships, cultivating passions and contributing to the world – it’s a little book that challenges you to live life with less things and more meaning.

YOUR BEST HOME ($39.99, MURDOCH BOOKS)

To make your home happy and healthy it’s important to get the basic elements right. That’s the key tenet in this book by Sydney architect Joe Snell, who outlines the five key design elements – space, light, air, sound and view – and explains how to use them to best advantage in the key living spaces of the home. There’s no judgement or pretension, just good solid advice.

THE MAVERICK SOUL ($39.99, VIKING)

From its textured cover stock to the sumptuous, moody interiors within, this book celebrates creative, characterful homes. Author and interior stylist Miv Watts (Actor Naomi’s mum) visits the homes of 24 bohemians around the world – including Wendy Whiteley in Sydney and Marianne  Faithfull in Paris – for a peek into their private domains. As you might expect, they’re a bit cluttered and chaotic, and all are totally fascinating.

INTIMATE ($80, THAMES & HUDSON)