The Design Times : A Memoir of Design Publishing and Place

The Design Times: Dispatches from a Life in Style is not just a book about interiors—it’s a reflection on a life shaped by design.Written by acclaimed Australian interior designer and former Editor-in-Chief of Grand Designs Australia magazine, Kate St James, this collection of essays and stories explores the deeper meaning of the spaces we create—and why they matter.Blending memoir with design philosophy, Kate draws on decades of experience across interiors, publishing, and architecture to examine the evolution of style, the rise of trends, and the enduring value of thoughtful, sustainable design. From early influences in post-war England to leading one of Australia’s most respected design publications, her journey offers a rare, insider perspective on the industry.At its heart, The Design Times is a call to move beyond fleeting trends and create spaces with soul—homes that reflect who we are, respond to our environment, and stand the test of time.Elegant, insightful, and deeply personal, this book will resonate with design lovers, creatives, and anyone interested in living more intentionally through the spaces they inhabit. Read more