Author(s): Michelle Galindo

Interior Design

Where is paradise: at the end of the earthor at home on the sofa? For many, the wordparadise conjures up images of a sunnybeach with palm trees. For others, it mightmean pristine nature, a lively city withmuch to see and do, lazing in a hammock, or relaxing anywhere with a cool sea breeze.All of these versions of paradise can befound in the tropics.Tropical regions around the globe havealways offered an extraordinarily diverserange of impressions and inspirations. Yetonly recently have countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Thailand, and Australia begunto gain international recognition as go-tosources for contemporary design ideas.Today, the tropics offer style aficionados atleast as many, if not more, new things todiscover than classic design destinationssuch as Italy or Scandinavia with theirestablished brands.Living Under the Sun is the first comprehensiveshowcase of modern tropical livingstyles and their designers. Presenting tropicalinteriors at the nexus of timeless traditionand self-confident freshness, the bookbrings their colors and elegantly easy-goingambience to life. It captures the refreshinglydifferent coziness of rooms that seemto flow seamlessly into the exteriors surroundingthem and are thus ideally suitedto local climates and weather occurrencessuch as tropical storms.Living Under the Sun features striking livingand working spaces in Asian homes, African apartments, and Latin Americanhaciendas that meld aesthetics with functionalityin exceptional ways. The book alsoexplores the myriad stylistic devices thatcharacterize tropical interior design suchas precious woods, natural stone tiles, colorfulglass mosaics, and abundant vegetationin the form of orchids, ferns, and otherlush plants. It includes stunning examplesof shady green patios, stylish terraces, andenviable gardens.Readers of Living Under the Sun are sureto revel in the tropical charm of the book'sselect interiors, decor, and design. Perhapsthey will even be inspired to create theirown paradise at home."