There’s nothing I like better than a beautiful interior design book, flipping through the pages, capturing the insights and imagination of the authors along the way and immersing myself into a certain aesthetic; so when Publishers Hardie Grant contacted me to see if I’d like to review a new interior design book from Australia, of course I was going to say yes.

Jason Grant is an acclaimed Australian stylist who’s worked with pretty much everyone on his fair sunny shores as well as ones further afield;  from House and Garden to Vogue Living, Elle Decoration and Livingetc.  This is a man who knows a thing or two about gorgeous styling.  His book has been a long-awaited occasion in Australia and it’s finally been released here in the UK!

The book is a lovely, heavy tome which celebrates the gorgeous laid back beauty of Australian interiors – both natural and rustic as well as bright and beautiful, and it’s the photography of James Geer that really sets this book apart from what you may already have on your shelves.  Jason peppers each page with tidbits of wisdom and common sense advice.

Each photograph beautifully illustrates his points, allowing the reader to interpret how to utilise his advice in their own way.  I found the brevity refreshing – after all, we live in a world that’s becoming more visual every day – we only need to look at the rise of sites like Pinterest and Instagram to see this.  So the book can be devoured on a lazy afternoon.

For those of you looking for concrete step-by-step instructions on how exactly to achieve a look, you may find yourself needing a bit more.  However, that shouldn’t stop you from picking up the book and letting it inspire you to find your own decorative voice, using Jason’s tips along the way.

The style is quintessentially Australian and transports the readers to a way of life that takes place as much outdoors as in.  This is evident in how Jason uses his own surroundings of the beach and sunshine and the natural beauty that surrounds him to inspire the beautiful interiors showcased within.

I had the chance to ask Jason a few questions about his book and inspiration and here’s what he had to say:

Your book is very “Australian” in style – How have your own surroundings influenced your aesthetic?

I live close to the beach and I am always inspired by nature. I love living in Bondi and I’m sure my relaxed, casual style is influenced by where I live.

What was your biggest challenge in creating the book?

Picture editing – there were so many shots I wanted to include! It was a big project but I loved every minute.

You used a more visual approach in your book rather than one with lots of text – what made you decide to take this approach?

I definitely am a picture maker more than a writer.  I think the restraint was effective – a picture tells a 1000 stories.  I wanted to inspire readers with images where possible.

How do you envision people using your book to create a more natural, beautifully lived-in style in their own homes?

I hope people are inspired to have a go and find their own style.  It’s all about a little bit of confidence!

If there’s one bit of advice in the book that you’d like people to take away from A Place Called Home, what would it be?

Buy what you love and love where you live – it’s all about finding your own way.

A must for anyone who loves their interiors with a natural, casual approach and who believe the beauty in interiors lies in imperfection.  Jason believes (and I concur whole-heartedly) a home should be a reflection of the people that reside within instead of the “styled-within-an-inch-of-its-life” interiors that we’re all probably a little bit tired of.   Make some room for this one on your coffee table, you’ll find yourself happily flipping through it again and again, if for no other reason than to bring a little bit of Australia to our shores.

The gracious folks at Hardie Grant have been kind enough to provide me not just with a book myself but one for my readers as well!  So I’m doing a little giveaway – all you have to do is comment and tell me what you love about Australian style and a winner will be chosen at random at midday next Wednesday, 12th June.  Please be sure to include an email address if you comment Anonymously or if you are a ‘no-reply’ blogger so I can contact you if you’ve won.  Unfortunately, this is open to UK readers only (sorry guys).  

Of, if you simply can’t wait, the book is available for purchase now on Amazon.co.uk.

My copy was provided to me by Hardie Grant but all opinions are my own.