The dawn of a new year brings with it the promise of transformation – a time to reflect, recalibrate and envision the life we wish to lead.
For those seeking inspiration to shape their resolutions – whether clearly defined or still in flux – this selection of books covers all corners: from sustainable living and global exploration to reimagining your home as a canvas.
© Joanna Maclennan. A Mountaintop Cabin, Switzerland. Featured in ‘Living Wild.’
Books on sustainability
Change begins with knowledge. For those driven towards a more sustainable lifestyle, but unsure of where to begin in their journey, these selections will guide you.
The Green Imperative takes an in-depth look at sustainability and design, from packaging to parking lots, and playing cards to playgrounds. It offers a unique perspective on how we interact with the world around us and how sustainable practices can be attained.
From the Big Ideas series, Should We All Be Vegan? by Molly Watson offers an insightful look at the arguments for and against a vegan diet, as concern grows over the environmental costs and ethical implications of intensive factory farming. A primer on the history, rationale and impact of veganism, Should We All Be Vegan? assesses the effects of a mass change in diet on our environment, the economy and our health.
Books on getting back to nature
Spending time in green spaces or bringing nature into your everyday life is an uncontested way to restore and invigorate both your mental and physical wellbeing. These books show you how.
Living Wild: New Beginnings in the Great Outdoors by Oliver and Joanna Maclennan explores the lifestyles of those who have escaped the daily grind and made a life for themselves in nature.
Off the Grid by Dominic Bradbury offers a rich display of the most exciting and unique off-grid houses in North America, from cabins deep in the forest to desert homes and stunning coastal retreats. Within these pages are the inspiration for your next getaway off the beaten track. .
Dreaming of building your own hideaway? Discover Cabin – now available in paperback –detailing how journalist and author Will Jones gave up London life to build a remote cabin in the woods. Part story, part history and part practical guide, Cabin explores the romance of cabin-building and provides an insight into how he Jones created the ultimate hideaway in rural Canada.
Rustic log cabin in the woods, New Hope, Pennsylvania Photo Greg Nebbia / Alamy Stock Photo
Books on living intentionally
Amid the fast pace of modern life, the pursuit of a slower, more purposeful existence is a philosophy that many see as the antidote to an overstimulated world.
The Monocle Book of Gentle Living urges us all to slow down, reconnect and take pleasure in life’s simplicity. Learn which nations are the happiest, how to build a home that keeps you inspired and follow in the footsteps of gurus who have changed direction for the better.
Books on unleashing your inner adventurer
Recreational pastimes open the door to remarkable places. Whether setting out on a run or venturing further by bike, adventure is ever-present.
Escape by Bike follows Joshua Cunningham’s marathon bike ride across 21,000 kilometres from the UK to Hong Kong. Equal parts travelogue and practical guide, this exhilarating account is an essential source of inspiration to cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who is interested in planning their own cycling adventure, large or small.
Edited by Julie and Simon Freeman, Running Wild showcases some of the world’s most beautiful running trails, stretching over mountains, forests and deserts. For both novice and experienced runners, this book provides motivation and personal stories as well as practical information to get you moving.
For the more daring runners, Grand Trails is an indispensable handbook for anyone planning their own trail running adventure or simply dreaming about what might be possible. Discover thirty-six races across twenty countries, featuring trail running in all its forms: short trails, ultra-trails, mountain running, stage races and skyrunning.
© Alexis Berg Travis Warwick-Oliver
Books on rejuvenating your home
Transform your home into a sanctuary of life and colour with these thoughtfully curated works, each a celebration of artistry and design.
Matthew Williamson’s Living Bright is a practical guide to embracing colour in every aspect of your home and to creating joyful interiors that will lift your mood. From soft pink or lively mustard yellow to earthy olive green or regal purple, there’s a shade that will work for every home.
A sourcebook of inspiration and joy, Anna Spiro: A Life in Pattern guides readers through the portfolio of Australia's most original and creative interior designer, complete with mood boards, fabric suggestions, furniture ideas and room layouts to apply to your own home. Discover Spiro’s secrets to creating spaces that sing with individuality.
© Iaia Cocoi. Matthew’s bathroom in his former home in Deià. Featured in ‘Living Bright.’
6. Books to spark your creativity
This selection of titles that will help you discover a new creative hobby or reignite your creative endeavours.
The Mindful Photographer invites readers to reflect on their photographic practice and learn to pause, pay attention and become more at one with the world around them. Author Sophie Howarth combines hands-on assignments with quotes, stories and anecdotes to help the reader to rewire their relationship to photography.
Learn to sketch botanical-themed creations with Art Class: Flowers and Foliage. This accessible step-by-step guide demystifies working with different media – whether watercolour, pastel, pencil or ink – and focuses on appreciating nature and making time to play.
