The unusually accurate subtitle - "relaxed informal living for all ages" - goes a long way to explain the book's approach and content.

The six long chapters deal with every room in the house from children's rooms to the kitchen, and show several examples of interior styles which are contemporary and stylish without being precious.

The book aims to be a manual for family life, so there are plenty of text boxes giving practical advice, ranging from how to remove stains from the carpet to ways to amuse the kids on a rainy day.

Interestingly, there is a chapter on the family garden featuring the much played-in garden of a real family, which possibly gives an indication of the way interiors books are likely to go in the next few years.

The most successful interior magazines now include fashion and gardening/outdoor features, so it is likely that interiors books will follow suit. There are also smart-looking and interesting "how to" sections which give detailed instructions on how to make crafty items such as a papier mache bowl or a child's mobile.

This book will appeal to thirty-somethings whose days of white sofas and floor sculptures are recently over, thanks to the arrival of grubby-fingered accident-prone toddlers, but who still want to luxuriate in a stylish interior.