Description:
One-space living is becoming increasingly popular, and it doesn't just mean loft dwelling. This contemporary book looks at every kind of single space, from a purpose-built London apartment to a Belgian beach house. Author Cynthia Inions advocates this kind of contemporary living as more suited to the less-formal lifestyles many people now lead. Inions points out the freedom and flexibility of manipulating space in this way, likening it to the traditional Japanese interior, but working the idea into more Western homes. She focuses strongly on use of light and architectural features. Her enviable showcase homes are displayed by Andrew Wood's photography. On a practical level, the book talks you through structural changes and asks if plans for demolishing existing partitions are realistic and, if so, how best to carry them out. Using the concept of zoning your space once you have opened it up, Inions advises separate zones for relaxing, cooking, bathing, sleeping, and working and explains how to make optimum use of your space according to your lifestyle. This book makes good use of case studies to illustrate one-space living, including the practical templates of floor plans. One of the most useful parts of the book is a chapter on storage, which is key to successful open-plan living. With a directory of stockists at the end, this is a comprehensive and attractive book that will be invaluable to anyone who intends to live in this style. --Karen Homer
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