One Space Living [Hardcover]

This book badly needed to look at new construction -- single space houses using the not-so-big house concepts, for example, and loft redos in styles other than minimalist, pale, sheer, etc.

There are some interesting storage ideas, and some extremely creative uses of a container truck in dividing the spaces in one project.

I found the book interesting though incomplete, lacking practical information, and having a much more single-minded focus than the title suggests. It's an interesting supplement to an existing collection, but there are a dozen better books to get first.

This book has provided many ideas for us to open the space even more, I wish we had it from the beginning as it would have saved so much time. It is generally laid out in very useable sections focusing on the overall feel, sections on particular rooms (bedroom, bath, kitchen, etc.), and finally sections on storage, lighting, and other one space considerations, although these ideas are presented throughout. The book explores these ideas through case studies of wonderfully original and doable (i.e. on a reasonable budget) homes and apartments. It truly is the bible for one space living, every time we open it, it reveals new ideas on how to make our home provide a more relaxed and free environment, a place to get away from the stresses of working life.

The book is written in a straight forward manner that clearly describes the wonderful pictures, and the feelings the elements within invoke in a space. It does not explain how to take out a wall and install moveable panels, however it explains why you would want to, and shows the results with clear pictures and explanations. It also provides creative solutions to everyday problems on storage and lighting, on fixing areas that feel cramped, and on making your home fit your lifestyle.

If you enjoy open plan living or minimalist design, this book is indispensible. It will both cost us and save us a lot of money, as it regularly gives me new ideas to open and simplify our home further, and helps me avoid costly mistakes. It is also amazing the number of storage ideas the book containes both in word and picture. We would have happily paid twice the amazon price for the value we received. Great pictures for the coffee table, and great ideas for one space living. This book should be provided at move in with any open plan house or apartment, as the owners manual for one space living. Obviously we love this book!

On a side note, if you still live in the traditional dining room, kitchen, family, and living room all completely separated by floor to ceiling walls and connected by a narrow hallway, you should also buy this book as it will make your mind feel like it was just released from the prison of your own house. It may change your lifestyle.