Posted by
Elana Safronsky, Managing Editor
Tuesday, September 21, 2010 3:39 PM EDT
Terence Conran, a British multidisciplinary design savant who's been an industry leader since the 1950s, has reached his edifying years. The man who, in addition to being a designer, wields numerous London restaurants, an architecture firm and the Provost position at the Royal College of Arts (London) has been sharing his reservoir of inspiration and knowledge via almost yearly published books.
His latest: four essential guides on how to improve whatever space the habitat gods dealt you. Terrence Conran's Essential Small Spaces, Essential Kitchens, Essential Bathrooms and Essential Storage are a back-to-basics distillation of some of his previous releases, intended as companions to stylish but practical contemporary living.
In Essential Small Spaces learn to arrange furniture, divide and use light in a tricky space; in Essential Kitchens how to maximize the layout and traverse the sea of finishing options; in Essential Bathrooms how to think outside the usual trappings; and in Essential Storage where and how to make space where none was before.
Each book (usually sold separately) comes illustrated with 100 photographed interiors, which alone are a great resource. Though Conran's aesthetic is firmly planted in modern minimalism, examples include interiors that are more rustic and romantic (though don't expect any French Country or Tuscan style.) The guides are divided into easily navigable chapters and further bullet points, so if you need your hand held, Conran is happy to do it.
Giveaway: I've one set of these four guides to give away, possibly to you if you email me the correct answer to the following question: What is the name of the retail group founded by Terence Conran? Email me at stylesheetAThgtvDOTca with "Terence Conran" in the subject line. Please see Contest Rules. This Giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Susan L. of Williams Lake, BC.