One in a series from Houzz international editors on how our lives shape home design around the world
If you’re a book lover, you’re probably curious about the books other bibliophiles are reading, not to mention where they like to relax with them and how they store and manage their collections….

World of Design: 11 Book Lovers and Where They Like to Read (28 photos)
World of Design: 11 Book Lovers and Where They Like to Read (28 photos)
Source: Houzz Kitchens

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has pledged $95 million in federal funding towards the Gold Coast Light Rail.
PM offers m for Gold Coast Light Rail
PM offers m for Gold Coast Light Rail
Source: Kitchen Architecture

UK-based research has found that heatwaves in polluted urban areas could render exterior green walls a risk to human health.
Green walls may pollute offices in heat
Green walls may pollute offices in heat
Source: Kitchen Architecture

Incorporating a bird house into your garden is a win-win for you and the birds. Put regular handfuls of birdseed inside and you’ll soon be waking to the sound of birdsong and the delightful sight of nature at work through your windows. Whether you’re handy with a hammer or are happy to rely on…

Build a Beautiful Bird House for a Garden That Sings (10 photos)
Build a Beautiful Bird House for a Garden That Sings (10 photos)
Source: Houzz Kitchens

The Botany Bay Natural Pebbles line features authentic river-smoothed stones placed flat on a sheet.

Maniscalco brings the outdoors inside with Botany Bay Pebbles Mosaics
Maniscalco brings the outdoors inside with Botany Bay Pebbles Mosaics
Source: Kitchen News

Three teams have been selected from 77 entries to present designs for inclusive public spaces at This Public Life festival.
Finalists announced: This Public Space student competition
Finalists announced: This Public Space student competition
Source: Kitchen Architecture

Materials that reflect and preserve the beauty of its surroundings are at the heart of this newly constructed guesthouse, built on the banks of a river outside Aspen, Colorado in the US. Walls panelled in salvaged barn wood, Douglas fir beams in the ceilings and rustic white oak floors connect the interiors…

USA Houzz: A Rustic Rocky Mountain Hideaway (9 photos)
USA Houzz: A Rustic Rocky Mountain Hideaway (9 photos)
Source: Houzz Kitchens

Patterned tiles of all kinds, from encaustic and cement to ceramic and porcelain, are enjoying a surge in popularity. These classic design elements are being put to all sorts of new uses, including wall treatments and fireplace surrounds – and tiled bathrooms and kitchen splashbacks are getting a fresh…

12 Ways to Wow With Patterned Tiles (12 photos)
12 Ways to Wow With Patterned Tiles (12 photos)
Source: Houzz Kitchens

In our new series, we get to know some of Australia’s talented creatives and the innovative spaces that allow them to let their imaginations run wild
Welcome to the kitchen of ‘The Queen of Rice Paper Rolls’. Situated on the second floor of her open and…

Creatives at Home: Nahji Chu in Her Kitchen (14 photos)
Creatives at Home: Nahji Chu in Her Kitchen (14 photos)
Source: Houzz Kitchens

When I was growing up, rusty chain-link or split-rail fences lined with galvanised wire ruled the neighbourhood, and choosing a fence was all about keeping the dog in or keeping other dogs out. The alternative was the big house on the hill, which had a fortress feel as it was surrounded by a solid brick…

Finding the Right Fence for Your Home (9 photos)
Finding the Right Fence for Your Home (9 photos)
Source: Houzz Kitchens