Interior Design Books

Rome, the eternal city, capital of Italy!

We all have images of Rome in our heads, whether created by personal visits or simply by what history has taught us about that city. In the end, Rome impresses even the most stubborn of people and this book brings Rome to your reach in a unique and lovely way.

The city is often a place of contradictions and confusion, but in Rome things flow easily from one sphere to the next. The soft writings which richly engages the reader into aspects of Roman culture, architecture, ambiance, and general lifestyles is truly impressive. This city comes to life in its most sophisticated way, it becomes a city that is being unrolled in a personal, almost private manner. Few books are able to portray a city in such a personal way, and few cities lend themselves to such protrayal.

However, Living in Rome does just that and more. It's a wonderful book of a wonderful city for wonderful people from around the world.

Living In Rome is an informative and visual celebratory tour showcasing the beauty and charms of Rome as well as some of the most unique treasures its has to offer. Included are introductions to Rome's lush gardens, gleaming family palaces, colorful markets, architecture, art, artisans and artists. Living In Rome takes the reader on a tour of intimate museums and off-the-beaten-path restaurants not typically included in conventional guidebooks. The cultural background of the structural and visual qualities of this remarkable place is enhanced for the reader with valuable resource information on hotels, cafes, and other points of interest. Whether an arm-chair traveler or on-site visitor, Living In Rome will prove a most remarkable and rewarding reading experience.

Where to live the Sri Lankan dream

THERE are glossy lifestyle books in abundance, luring voyeurs with their perfect depictions of art-directed homes, unblemished gardens and, most inspirational of all, interiors free of any sign of real (read: messy, cluttered) life.

Living in Sri Lanka by James Fennell and Turtle Bunbury (Thames & Hudson, $75) delivers the dream: page after glorious page of airy villas with colonnades and courtyards, rattan furniture, colonial antiques and four-posters festooned with mosquito netting. It's enough to make you wish for instant retirement, defiantly ensconced in a planter's chair waiting for the first G&T of the day.

Fennell is the capable photographer, while the splendidly named Bunbury (who, we must imagine, forever wears a turtleneck jumper, even in the tropics), described as a "traveller in the grand tradition", has penned the words.

And while his text is very good, and the cross-section of featured properties covers many styles of architecture and interior design, the real usefulness of this book for travellers lies in its coverage of hotels.

Nestled between the divine images of private residences lie villas for rent, boutique hotels such as Colombo House in the capital's upmarket Cinnamon Gardens district, and Sri Lanka's best-loved accommodation. In Galle, there's architect Geoffrey Bawa's radical Lighthouse Hotel and the charming Doornberg, a restored 18th-century Dutch homestead. These hotels attract the likes of the Australian cricket team, A-list celebrities such as Sting, and architects and designers galore.

If Fennell and Bunbury had neglected to include the rainbow that is Helga's Folly in the hill station of Kandy, the book would be a lesser publication. This gem of a hotel is, quite simply, the maddest place I have stayed. But here it is, in all its exuberant glory, with red walls, an overload of murals, painted ceilings, the whole bangshoot just bursting at the seams with the bric-a-brac of its owner, Helga de Silva Perera Blow, every inch as aristocratic and eccentric as her name suggests. Not to be missed by anyone hoping for a window into Kandy society.

Susan Kurosawa

The only previous review (by Bunbury) is very well worth reading, and I will not repeat what was said there, except for this: "the real usefulness of this book for travellers lies in its coverage of hotels." That is absolutely right, but I would state it differently because the book is not designed to be useful in that sense.

I would say that in addition to being an extraordinary guide to a host of very beautiful houses, the book serves an unexpected function: It can be used as a guide to some of the whackiest places to stay that Sri Lanka has to offer. You will get a far better sense of what the places look like than you will find on a travel site.

That, as I said, is incidental. What this book is really about is showing how a variety of people have converted a variety of structures into places to live in Sri Lanka. Three things about this book are especially noteworthy. First, the quality of the book itself, which was printed in Singapore. It is what I would expect of a book costing twice as much. Second, the technical quality of the photographs, and the printing thereof, which is very high. Third, the sheer beauty of most of the subjects.

There is only one other book which brought the sights and sounds of Sri Lanka rushing back to me the way this one does. That book was all text (Michael Ondaatje's 'Running in the Family'), this one is largely pictures. Anyone who has the slightest interest in the subject ought to buy this book, and anyone who has lived in Sri Lanka, as I have, will be greatly rewarded by this wonderful collection of evocative photos and very interesting accompanying text.

I bought this for my wife, after visiting Luca, in Tuscany! This book captures the memories! Excellent book!

A very beautiful and detailed book. A place to think about living out the golden years there. Becoming part of the local living.

This book was a gift to a discerning Architect and am pleased to say it was well received by the recipient.

This book has amazing pictures and information on important figures of the modern period, including Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius. It goes into detail about the materials and specific styles each designer used, and includes a history on the beginnings of modern design in the Bauhaus.

Fabulous photos and a tremendous variety in decorating styles make this a fascinating look into the homes of Londoners. *London Interiors* features homes of both celebrities (people like suit designer Ozwald Boateng and one of the Gallagher brothers and his wife) and non-celebrities (including some pseudo-celebrities such as designers and internet entrepreneurs.)

What the people in the book have in common is their interest and ability to use a space to its utmost/ create a space which really speaks to them personally. These folks are all successfully practicing "unofficial" feng shui, wearing their inner creative hearts on their sleeves, er, homes. Many of the photos of the homes and apartments/studio/work-spaces have the owners in them, smiling away. I thought this was a nice touch, because it let me see the face behind the design/living style, and gave a fuller glimpse/view into the personality of the person(s) living there/using the space.

Each (color) portion is foreshadowed by a black-and-white photo of the street/outside portion of the home. An interesting way to say, "you're here, welcome inside," before the color, personality, and personal style beckon and dazzle before you. I thought it was interesting to see that behind the somewhat drab London brick facades, these colorful and multi-faceted worlds existed, normally hidden from view. The next time I'm in London (hopefully someday, sigh, it's such a great city), I will have to make a point to remember all these funky little oases hidden away, and that I've gotten to see them close-up, and vicariously experience going into these homes/studios.

Definetely one to check out -- I found it by chance at the local library, and really enjoyed reading it. For the decorator interested in seeing a large variety of distinct, personal styles, each taken to the hilt. Highlights are the kitsch/color/clutter-filled apt of the man in the leopard skin suit (you'll see what I mean :) ), to the completely opposite almost thoroughly minimalist house, with not a stray speck of color or furniture anywhere (besides the ABSOLUTE basics) -- ie: even the bath is made of slate.... rather, three pieces of it set into a wall -- you can hardly tell it's there or what it is!

It will definetely inspire you to take a new look at the space around you and maybe give you some nudges in the direction of making some design changes. It is a varied and eclectic book, so chances are, you will find one home or idea that speaks to you the most. If not, even seeing people unafraid to take their design ideas and run with them will probably be inspiring in and of itself. A caveat, however, this is not an interior design guide-book or how-to book. It is just a snapshot view into early 21st century life in a living, thriving London.

Since *London Interiors* is one of many products in the European "Taschen" series, there are small paragraphs in italic German and French text translating the larger English paragraphs on each page.

Contemporary London is an extraordinary city - endlessly creative and imaginative, vibrant and contradictory, multiculturally unique, paradoxically sophisticated and iconoclastic, sometimes eccentric, but always intriguing. This book is a window on the private worlds of a handful of Londoners whose homes reflect the city in all its spirited diversity.

Architect John Pawson and wife Catherine's rigorously minimal, utterly disciplined, nearly color-free home contrasts with the lush, jewel-toned environment of clothing designer Ozwald Baoteng. Peter Hone's extraordinary West-London flat is packed, literally up to the ceiling, with priceless plasterwork architectural artifacts, while interior designer Jonathan Reed's Chelsea loft is handsomely kitted out with masculine antique and modern pieces in the natural palettes of stone, wood and leather. Retailer Sam Robinson's Notting Hill flat is a living scrapbook of vivid, cozy femininity and contrasts completely with Rolf Sachs's light filled showcase of contemporary art and collectible furniture.

Not just selected from the expected posh and stylish areas, LONDON INTERIORS shows us homes in up-and-coming, but still gritty Hoxton and Shoreditch, and off-the-expected-path Spitalfields and Hampstead.

LONDON INTERIORS is packed with 450 gorgeous pictures showing the infinite variety of modern London living, and with nary an inch of chintz in sight.

Jane Edwards trained in fashion, journalism and photography at London's St. Martins School of Art but became interested in interior design while living in Hong Kong and South East Asia during the 1990s. She was a contributing editor to Elle Décoration among other magazines and is the author of a book on Asian interior design. Ms. Edwards lives and works in London.

Artsy black & white pics show London street scenes in the first (small) section. Then the large sections of excellent color photography illustrate a variety of interiors, then decorating details.

Most of the space is given to the pictorial, as befits a book on how things look; what little trilingual (English-French-German) text exists is poetically descriptive.

Styles represented tend toward the spare and eclectic - we're not talking about conspicuous consumption or Martha wannabes here - probably "urban bohemian" is the general trend. Architectural details are proudly and blatantly incorporated into the overall scheme of things... It's a work well worth inclusion in your library

This book is an excellent viewbook if you want to get a taste of contemporary London interiors. It has very modern, a bit more classic and very simple interiors as well. There is very little text in the book, but the photos are all full page and very well made, high quality. A fun book to flip through and get inspiration from!

People keep borrowing this book from me and then not returning it, so that gives you an idea how valuable it is. Gorgeous photos and a wonderful mix of design styles.

John Vaughan's book of photos of Los Angeles are always elegant, yet simplistic with perfect lighting and balance. Looking at the book, one can almost experience Los Angeles with its magnificent homes and scenery. Definitely recommended for anyone who loves interior design or just enjoying interesting architectural photographs.

This book is a great place to start if you like the idea of decorating with a few odd bits. Great photos of creative homes help show the appeal of found objects. The styles shown range from folk art through post modern, from a single fabulous item to collections of objects. Look for it at your local library, it is worth the effort.

Lost and Found is a "keeper"! It features both decor and furniture that will inspire and amuse anyone who appreciates whimsey and imagination. This book is full of ideas on using 'found objects' in original ways to create wonderfully quirky, personal environments. The profiles of the individual 'creators' are also interesting to read. Even if your decorating style is traditional, you'll find timeless ideas that will intrigue and inspire you. Every aspect of self-expression is explored. Pour a glass of wine, find a comfortable chair and indulge yourself in a flight of fancy and fantasy that is perfect for the young at heart!

An excellent pictorial review of the works and life of Louis Tiffany. Lots of details about his works.

The "Lost" Treasures of Louis Comfort Tiffany is a dazzling artbook showcasing paintings, jewelry, glass windows, and many more wondrous works of the Tiffany studios in vibrant full color. Out of print for many years, this superbly presented Schiffer Publishing edition is a much appreciated contribution for contemporary readers with its more tan 200 color plates showcasing windows, paintings, lamps, vases as true and enduring works of fine art. The extensive and informative text evaluates Tiffany's art in personal as well as aesthetic and humanistic terms. A "must" for readers who admire the beauty of Tiffany creations, The "Lost" Treasures Of Louis Comfort Tiffany is a welcome and highly recommended addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library reference collections.

Someday (when I win the lottery) I'll board a plane and visit every one of the luxurious hotels featured in this gorgeous volume. Dreaming, you say? Well, it's easy dreaming curled in an arm chair with 400 beautiful full color photographs detailing the homes-away-from-home for the privileged. These are havens where luxury is not a luxury but the norm and no request is denied.

Of the 38 hotels one is hard pressed to select a favorite - they are all diverse, whether castles, palazzos, villas or state of the art modern. All boast manicured grounds so immaculately kept that they resemble Elysium. Eden-like settings give way to rooms decorated in kingly style and offering every amenity imaginable.

The Danieli in Venice, Italy, offers a rooftop restaurant with a breathtaking view of St. Mark's Square. A renovated 14th century palazzo, the Danieli is the epitome of elegance with a gilded staircase and chandeliers fashioned from Murano glass. Through the revolving doors is the hubbub of the Grand Canal; inside again one returns to an earlier time of comfort, quiet, and ease.

Speaking of views, the Villa San Michele was once a Franciscan monastery nestled in the hills above Florence, Italy. Today with its entryway framed by columns attributed to Michelangelo and private gardens, guests can look down upon the incomparable City of Florence.

La Reserve in Geneva, Switzerland also offers a feast for the eyes as well as the appetite with gourmet Chinese cuisine. If Germany is your choice, do stop at The Regent Schlosshotel in Berlin, which was once a private palace.

All of these hotels are, of course, five stars. If it were up to me, I'd give each ten.

"Luxury Hotels: Europe" is as beautiful as the hotels it presents - a coffee table book to enjoy for years to come.

- Gail Cooke

Hi,
I am working in the travel business. This book, like anothers books by Martin Kunz, helps me find unique hotels anywhere. It is surprise for my customers to visit the new ones. I found new contacts, pictures, interesting descriptions... I recomend this book to everybody, not only for specialists. If you want to stay in the very good hotel to spend your holiday, look inside this book.
Kindest regards,
Anton McLaren