Book excerpt: Share houses traditionally get a bad rap, but the reality of global housing markets has made sharing a longer-term solution for many.Featuring 21 shared homes around the world that are getting it right, Shared Living uncovers the potential of shared spaces. Inspirational rather than aspirational, these homes are the work of creative thinkers who focus on savvy ways of decorating eclectically, rather than with big-ticket items. A weatherboard cottage in Sydney boasts a ready-made gallery with an enviable swapped-art collection; an apartment in Berlin exudes bohemian luxury through a combination of vintage finds and exotic curios; a Tokyo share house reveals a bedroom art installation; and a small London apartment merges bold colours with clusters of collectables to achieve domestic harmony.Through each stage of shared living - from finding a place to merging style - this book offers practical advice and tips for DIY styling, such as how to upcycle furniture or scour flea markets for unique finds.Includes: 5 Melbourne homes, 4 Sydney homes, 3 Berlin homes, 2 New York homes, 2 Los Angeles homes, 3 London homes and 2 Tokyo homes.