March 28, 2011
Asian style writer Inglis (Bali Home) expands her interior design repertoire in this tasteful collection of designs with an open floor plan in mind. Room by room, Inglis and frequent collaborator Tettoni show readers how to create a tranquil environment with a few well-chosen items, adding interest and character to any room. Decorators interested in incorporating Asian elements will get the most out of the book, as the Singapore-based team leans heavily on India, Thailand, and China for inspiration; you won't find the Caribbean or Hawaii here. Four-poster beds with mosquito netting, low-slung seating, open-air lounging areas, bamboo, wood, and stone dominate, creating the air of a spa (in fact, many of the featured rooms are found in hotels and spas). The only misstep is the book's jarringly staid formal dining rooms, which feel immediately at odds with the book's laconic approach to living. Whether readers have a lanai in need of updating or simply want to take a short mental vacation, this breezy tour is sure to spark a few ideas.