Home & Style
Scouring the bookshops
Erin Munro We tend to think of minimalist style and apartment living as a contemporary concern.
Collector's corner
![The kitchen is the hub of Bev Killick’s home.](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/o/w/a/3/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gnns2i.png/1458654690957.png)
Erin Munro A funny thing happened to comedian Bev Killick while riding on a Melbourne tram.
House of surprise
![Pamela Makin and Reg Byrne enjoy the sound of the sea in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/o/w/c/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gnns2t.png/1458654476747.png)
Helen McKenzie This beachside award-winner has a conversation piece at every turn.
Living it up
![Plus Architecture created a tranquil living room.](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/o/w/d/i/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gnns2y.png/1458651043541.jpg)
Beverley Johanson The lifestyle your apartment offers is just as important as the bricks and mortar.
Editor's choice
![Grace Brown has drawn on a range of antiquities and postmodern furniture.](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/o/g/a/o/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gnns0t.png/1458619888101.jpg)
Veronica Ridge HomeStyle editor Veronica Ridge tracks down creative places and new products that are cool and covetable.
The last laugh
![Fun parlour: Dave and Holly with their children Raff , 6, Tess, 3 and Sadie, 4](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/y/u/d/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmxikg.png/1455891913312.jpg)
Joanne Brookfield Comedian Dave Hughes dislikes renovating and building. So how did he end up with a brand-new architect-designed house?
Wet and wow
![Dive in: Aloha Pools pool of the year in 2013.](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/y/v/u/p/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmxjz5.png/1455866861653.jpg)
Erin Munro No longer separate from the rest of the garden, swimming pools are making a splash as the centrepiece of Australian backyards, with special features, year-round relevance and speciality landscaping.
Azure allure
![POOL PRODUCT 9](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/y/w/p/u/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmxl5p.png/1455866025757.jpg)
Erin Munro It's playtime in the pool. Erin Munro finds some toys to enliven your water world.
Free spirit
!["I guess what you'd say about this place is it's me, a lot of people say to me,'it's like walking through your soul'."](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/y/v/z/v/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmxkob.png/1455864739903.jpg)
Erin Munro Paula Evans has infused her home with a vibrant ambience similar to the one that has lured clients to her bayside Melbourne boutique.
Scouring the bookshops
![Inside <I>Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint Workbook</i>.](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/y/v/3/6/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmxji0.png/1455863356649.jpg)
Erin Munro Annie Sloan launched her trademark line of Chalk Paint more than two decades ago.
Editor's choice
![$1190. Space, 629 Church Street, Richmond; Kartell Sydney, Chatswood. spacefurniture.com.au](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/y/u/l/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmxj2t.png/1455862779119.jpg)
Veronica Ridge HomeStyle editor Veronica Ridge tracks down creative places and new products that are cool and covetable.
Are You a Toxic Waste Disposal Site?
![Substances in homes can harm children’s development.](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/v/z/m/f/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmvysw.png/1455659251195.jpg)
NICHOLAS KRISTOF Regardless of where you live, there are toxic chemicals in your home. For that matter, in you.
Decluttering guru Marie Kondo is back with more life-changing magic
![Organisation expert and bestselling author, Marie Kondo.](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/3/u/y/3/a/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glzeeb.png/1451964698905.jpg)
Anna Fifield Just in time to make good on your New Year's vow to get organised, Marie Kondo, the self-described "crazy tidying fanatic" who has sparked the world with her joy for decluttering, has a new book to help you clean up your act.
Are men or women better at assembling Ikea furniture?
![Actor Ryan Reynolds struggling with Ikea's infamous flat pack furniture.](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/j/t/5/e/5/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glqgjl.png/1450389526817.jpg)
Jeff Guo The putting together of flat-pack furniture is the new battle of the sexes.
Beyond the backyard
![Captivating lifestyle: the new project combines luxury modern convenience with outstanding communal living facilities.](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/o/6/v/b/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glo6y1.png/1450164126644.jpg)
Beverley Johanson A new precinct of luxury apartments is about to change Moonee Ponds for the better.
Editor's Choice
![Don't miss Melbourne's three day design market.](/web/20160505023834im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/o/0/k/7/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glo0pd.png/1450164081400.jpg)
Veronica Ridge HomeStyle editor Veronica Ridge tracks down creative places and new products that are cool and covetable.