Capturing and encoding a sense of place via interior design is a skill – some might even say a kind of art form – that can make a home or a hospitality space feel genuinely unique. We look at three recent books that showcase this very special sort of interior.
WORDS Robyn Alexander PHOTOS Supplied
Desert by Design: Creative Minds, Arid Places, Tailor-made Spaces
By James Burke and Molly Mandell (Abrams Books, 2025)
This unique book is much more than a showcase of beautiful homes and interiors – it’s also a paean to people around the world who adapt their lives and domestic spaces to the myriad challenges of living in a desert environment. Among the key pleasures of the experience of reading Desert by Design is the fact that no two chapters are the same – and that it meticulously explores the granular detail of desert living, from stylish decor advice to step- by-step information on harvesting and processing cactus fruit. Criss-crossing the planet from Marfa, Texas to Siwa in Egypt and Rajasthan, India, the book covers plenty of ground – although we would have loved to see some interiors from southern African desert landscapes included too. store.abramsbooks.com | jonathanball.co.za
Côte d’Azur Living: The Residences and Interiors of the French Riviera
Edited by Gestalten and Harriet Thorpe (Gestalten, 2025)
The “azure coast” of the French Riviera has inspired artists and designers – while also frequently serving as a holiday or “escape” zone – from way back in the 18th century to the present day. No wonder, then, that its homes form such an inspiring showcase of architectural styles and interior designs. Côte d’Azur Living explores some of the region’s most distinctive spaces, and examines the cultural influences that have shaped its design heritage and built environment. Homes included in the book include Les Colombières, Eileen Gray’s E-1027, and Villa Galaxie, as well as the organic architecture of Jacques Couëlle and Antti Lovag. gestalten.com
Stillness: an Exploration of Japanese Aesthetics in Architecture and Design
Edited by Norm Architects (Gestalten, 2024)
“Exploring Japanese aesthetics from a Scandinavian perspective has been a journey of curiosity and introspection,” writes Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen, co-founder of Norm Architects – the editors of this beautiful book – in the foreword. Stillness looks at Japanese influences in architecture and design through a Scandinavian lens and reveals that, although they take different forms, the two regions have developed remarkably similar approaches that share a respect for nature, a great interest in the use of light, and a dedication to craft. Just one of the inspiring discoveries showcased in Stillness is the traditional Japanese tokonoma – an alcove that’s used to display art, calligraphy or flower arrangements, and is a space filled with symbolic and spiritual meaning. gestalten.com
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