Asian Elements: Natural Balance in Eastern Design - Softcover

Edwards, Jane

3.92

12 ratings by Goodreads

9781579590789: Asian Elements: Natural Balance in Eastern Design

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1579590780 ISBN 13: 9781579590789

Publisher: Soma Books, 2002

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Presenting a range of interior design possibilities, Asian Elements goes beyond the motifs of a particular country or style. Showcasing interiors from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bali, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, and other locales, the book covers many styles, all in tune with the contemporary desire for clean lines, a sense of balance, and the use of natural materials. The author looks at five key elements of Asian decorating. "Air" focuses on space and light; "Earth" explores Asian gardens; "Water" looks at bathrooms and waterside homes; "Fire" includes kitchens, tableware, and metal, glass, and ceramic materials; and "Wood" presents living and sleeping rooms. Jane Edwards’s text is based on interviews with owners, architects, and craftspeople. 200 full-color photographs are included.

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Review:

Asian Elements offers a rich sampling of Asian themes and styles from homes in Sri Lanka, Bali, Hong Kong, and beyond. The perfect choice for devotees of the austere oriental aesthetic, its presentation is divided along the lines of the five elements: earth (gardens, clay, stone), air (space, light, flow), fire (kitchens, metal, glass), water (bathrooms, waterside homes), and wood (furniture, textiles). Is it beautiful? Yes. Is it useful? Well... that depends. Categorizing the material by element is a very photogenic concept, and the book presents a sumptuous assortment of oriental textures and accents. A double-page spread shows items made from wood: bamboo stalks, a staircase, a pair of Japanese geta (clogs), writing scrolls, the bark of a tree--all photographed with warmth and simplicity. While it will provide hours of dewy daydreaming, this may be one book that doesn't make the journey from coffee table to work table when you're making plans to decorate your home. --Jhana Bach

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