Founder of Habitat stores, designer and author Conran (
The Ultimate House Book) recognizes in this prescient work that being upwardly mobile no longer translates into living large, particularly for urban dwellers. Opting for a smaller home enables one to live in a more desirable location, perhaps closer to work; a smaller home is cheaper to run (think energy), easier to maintain and forces one to be more selective in purchases and less acquisitive. "Think laterally and creatively" is Conran's dictum, for example, in assessing needs, decorating the space to make the most of light and air, simplifying architectural details, building in storage and investing in functional, dual-use furniture, i.e., wall beds in neutral shades. Conran is fond of open-concept layouts to permit freer circulation space and is not afraid of suggesting strong color for tight spaces. He emphasizes the importance of lighting, especially diffuse lighting. And once you've done all you can yourself, subsequent chapters treat hiring assistance for converting attics, basements and sheds. In "Area by Area," Conran tackles each tight living space specifically for maximum use—kitchen, bedroom, children's room, bathroom, even small yards. Six cases studies nicely conclude this enormously accessible volume, from a studio in L.A. to a split-level apartment in Paris and an engawa house in Tokyo.
(May) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Lavishly illustrated, it makes living, cooking, entertaining, working and sleeping in less than 1,000 square feet easy and even desirable. (Marilyn Soltis
Chicago Life 200706)
This jumbo journal of small-home living could inspire you to move into your own teensy space. (Sandy Dunham
Seattle Times 20070602)
Proves that small can definitely be better.... Conran shows you how you can live well in a small space. (
Style at Home 200705)
Plenty of innovative solutions. (Bruce Patterson
Victoria Times-Colonist 20070422)
[Readers] will find scores of renovation and ideas about how to maximise their space. (George Fetherling
Seven Oaks Magazine 20070409)
Packed with myriad possibilities on how small scale can still contain big style. (Mary Daniels
Chicago Tribune 20070325)
Conran ... offers his latest insights into how to cope with a lack of living space. (Jane Gadd
Toronto Globe and Mail 20070427)
Inspirational in its sophisticated approach to decorating and stretching space. (Donna Jean Mackinnon
Toronto Star 20070419)
Prescient ... Conran tackles each tight living space specifically for maximum use... Enormously accessible. (
Publishers Weekly 20070305)
There are plenty of suggestions here to help you better utilize the space and in the process improve your home. (Terry Peters
Vancouver North Shore News 20070425)
As practical as it is insightful, [How to Live in Small Spaces] cover everything from décor tips to storage solutions. (F.S.
Western Living Condo 200705)
Sleep cylinders, shacks, tree tents and modular pods are examples (if extreme ones) of the mold-breaking ideas in this workbook. (David Lewis Taylor
In Style Home 200705)
No more complaining. Legendary London-based designer Terence Conran has compiled technbiques for making the most of cramped quarters. (Darcel Rockett
Antelope Valley Press 20070408)
Terence Conran is a space-challenged person's best friend. (
Shelf Life 200705)
This large book on small spaces is a great coffee table and resource book. (
The Cottager 200705)
The book is packed with practical, time-proven ways to make the most of what you've got. (
HRN: The Weekly Newspapaer of Home Products Retail 20070226)
Conran shows how a little planning can yield spectacular results. (
Chocolat (English edition) 20070401)
Well-articulated advice for making the most of every inch. (
Design Lines Toronto 200709)
Conran does a good job of explaining how to see the potential in small spaces, (Pat Jeffries
The Oregonian 20070726)
Instead of bemoaning [your] tight quarters ... tackle the challenge head on with this practical design guide. (Elana Ashanti Jefferson
Denver Post 20070503)
You can live well -- with ample storage -- in even the most diminutive homes. (Jennifer David
House and Home Media 20070812)
Many examples ... give the reader a clear understanding of how the various spaces work and why. (
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 20071125)
Everyone who is planning any kind of house project should read this book. (Deborah Donovan
Arlington Heights Daily Herald 200703)
Useful... will help you get maximum use out of every square inch of space. (Liz Grogan
Good Times 20070201)
Lavishly illustrated ... packed with myriad possibilities on how small scale can still contain big style. (
Edmonton Journal 20070715)
How to Live in Small Spaces by Terrence Conran is inspirational in its sophisticated approach to decorating and stretching space. (Torstar News Service
Metro (Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa) 20071013)
Filled with practical information... takes the reader step by step through the process of maximizing and beautifying a tiny abode. (Meredith Gordon
Home Magazine 200712)
Offers detailed practical information on how to exploit every inch of small-space living.... small scale can still contain big style. (Mary Daniels
West County Times, Richmond, VA 200703)
No more complaining. (
Homestyle 20080321)
No more complaining. Legendary London-based designer Terence Conran has compiled techniques for making the most of cramped quarters. (Darcel Rockett
The Lawton Constitution 20070505)
No more complaining. Legendary London-based designer Terence Conran has compiled techniques for making the most of cramped quarters. (
The Okanagan Saturday 20060426)
The ultimate home-design guide for the anti-McMansion set. (
Harrowsmith Truly Canadian Almanac 2008 )
More than a coffee table book ... offers practical advice ... covering every room in the house. (Jim Adair
Real Estate Magazine )
There is plenty of useful information to be found in this book. (Kim Pemberton
The Vancouver Sun )
Provides ways to maximize every inch of your home. (Leanne Idle
Dayton Daily News )
No more complaining. Legendary London-based designer Terence Conran has compiled techniques fOR making the most of cramped quarters. (
Warwick Beacon )
