A number of new books either encourage us to see the beauty in seemingly mundane designs or to decorate our houses free of social constraint, writes Kya deLongchamps.

From the magic of tidying to classic English styling and the Guinness family’s great mansion, Carol O’Callaghan looks at some of the best recent publications.

SINCE the recession, the number of home-interior books being published has fallen dramatically, but a new crop this spring is offering practical advice on perennial topics and have utterly stylish photography to inspire you.