DESIGNING PARADISE: TROPICAL INTERIORS BY JUAN MONTOYA BY JORGE ARANGO

DESIGNING PARADISE:

Tropical Interiors by 

Juan Montoya

By Juan Montoya

by Jorge Arango

Foreword by 

Wendy Goodman 

Rizzoli $65.00

March 2021

Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

DESIGNING PARADISE: TROPICAL INTERIORS BY JUAN MONTOYA , BY JORGE ARANGO, is one of the must-have books of the year. There are 256 pages of beautiful here, 200 of them color images. 

No one loves an eclectic mix of furnishings more than I do, and in this book, you will get just that. These are stunning tropical homes built not only to be luxurious, but practical. 

The homes are on the sea and sand, and most are surrounded by breathtaking pools, terraces, pavilions and sunsets. The rooms are laden with rich tiles, intricate beadwork, bright textiles, and woven rugs. 

Below, I have chosen several images from the book for your enjoyment! A link to purchase the book is at the end of the images. 

DREAM ROOMS FOR CHILDREN: INSPIRING SPACES FOR SLEEP, STUDY, AND PLAY BY SUSANNA SALK

 

dream rooms for children:

inspiring spaces for sleep, study, and play

by Susanna Salk
Rizzoli, $50.00

March 2021

Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

When I was asked to review this book, dream rooms for children: inspiring spaces for sleep, study, and play, my answer was yes with a capital Y! I know of many of the designers featured, far too many to name in this review, and I am in love with the rooms they have created. I can assure you that you will find a room in this book that you will love! 

The bright and calm colors, the beautiful textiles and fabrics, the stunning wall shows, the collected and created furnishings, and the lovely art all come together in a magical way. This is a book you can’t miss, from the baby’s nursery to the teenager’s and adult’s rooms. I just can’t say enough! 

Below are a few of the rooms for you to ENJOY. 

 

 Susanna Salk is  lifestyle and design author.  She has written many books, including Be Your Own Decorator and the Power of Pattern. She also hosts the video series At home With featuring leading tastemakers

HOUSE TO HOME: DESIGNING YOUR SPACE FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE BY DEVI DUTTA-CHOUDHURY

 

HOUSE TO HOME: 

Designing Your Space

For the Way You Live 

by Devi Dutta-Choudhury, AIA 

Roost Books, $16.95

March 2021

Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

House to Home, written by Devi Dutta-Choudhury, AIA, is what the modern home doctor ordered for those starting out on a home buying journey. For many new home owners, much of buying a home is renovation, a process that this author is very familiar with. 

Embarking on this major journey is exciting and at the same time a lot of work and time consumption. It includes finding a home in a good location for you and your family, a home that fits you style of living and size, whether already there, or after renovation, potential, climate, and a home that a couple can grow old in, if decided. You will also need to prepare for site surveys, soil reports, permits and its history, and zoning requirements, and of course the neighborhood and its dwellers. And last but not least, construction!

It is possible you will choose to hire an architect, watch many videos, and browse through interior design magazines. It will also be very important to take into consideration how you will live in your home. Do you, or will you, have children and animals there? How do you use spaces in your home, such as the kitchen. 

There are drawing and charts throughout this helpful guide. I hope that this book will help you make the choices you will need to  make while undergoing the process 

Below are images from previous work by the author. ENJOY!

BOOKSTORES: A CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS

 

BOOKSTORES:

A Celebration of Independent Booksellers

by Stuart Husband 
Photography by Horst A. Friedrichs

Prestel, $45.00

April 2021

Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

This book is wonderful. It took me back to years of enjoyment while perusing bookstores. I was introduced to libraries and local bookstores as a young girl. My children were also introduced early on.

Books have been a huge part of my life although I haven’t found one that takes the place of the local bookstores of my younger days. I’m not sure there will ever be that closeness amongst store owners and clients again. I see that in the bookstores shared here. 

I have met so many wonderful and interesting people while browsing the shelves of bookstores. I love the smell of books, old and new. Online reading cannot possibly take the place of a book in my hands. It is a relationship I refuse to separate myself from.

Bookstores: A Celebration of Independent Booksellers, written by Stuart Husband and photographed by Horst A. Friedrichs, takes me back to the days of the local bookstores I mentioned. I have never seen so much personality, imagination, and dedication to bookstores as are shared in this book. 

If you love to read, you cannot pass up this beautiful book. I hope that you will treasure every page of this book.

Below are several images of the many color photographs included in this book. ENJOY!

LOS ANGELES TODAY: CITY OF DREAMS: ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

                                                 

LOS ANGELES TODAY:

City of Dreams: 

Architecture and Design 

by Tim Street-Porter

Annie Kelly
Photography by Tim Street-Porter
Rizzoli New York, $70.00

March 2021

Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

This book is absolutely amazing. Every page is covered with stunning greenery and lush water and land gardens, breathtaking architecture, and art beyond words. The sculptures can’t be described with words. Los Angeles is known for its hotels, tall buildings, and wonderful restaurants. 

Tim Street-Porter and wife Annie Kelly have photographed Downtown , Hollywood, Wright Houses, Westside and Beverly Hills, Movie Studios, Miracle Mile, Culver City, Echo Park and Silver Lake, East Los Angeles, The San Fernando Valley, Pasadena and Vicinity, and the Coast for your enjoyment. 

Tim is an award-winning architecture and photographer. He has written for many of the the top design magazines in the country, in addition to publishing several books, with Annie, who is also a successful writer. I can't say enough about these two talented designers.  

I have chosen several photographs from the book. I hope that you will enjoy them as much as I have. 

LIVING WELL: RELA-VATIONS AND RECIPES

LIVING WELL: RELA-VATIONS

AND RECIPES

By Rela Gleason

Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

Real Gleason has created a beautiful book that all will enjoy! Design, combined with Rela's delicious recipes, makes this a must have book for the year.

I believe Rela stated it best. This book was a labor of love while she was sheltering in place during Covid, hoping to inspire us to live our best, most beautiful lives in the embrace of the homes we create.
 

Below are images of several dishes and beautiful settings.  Link to purchase book below. ENJOY!

Authentic New England Clam Chowder

Mussels with Italian Sausage with 

Tomato Sauce 

Poached Pears

Classic Lettuce Wedge with 

Blue Cheese Dressing. 

Purchase book here:

relagleasondesign.com/order-book.html

INSIDE MARRAKESH: ENCHANTING HOMESAND GARDENS BY MERYANNE LOUM-MARTIN

INSIDE MARRAKESH:

Enchanting Homes and Gardens

By Meryanne Loum-Martin
Photography by Jean Cazals
Rizzoli New York, $60.00

October 2020

Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

My dream would be an invitation to choose ten pieces or art or furniture from the homes showcased in INSIDE MARRAKESH: Enchanting Homes and Gardens. From page one, the book is laden with beautiful furnishings, textiles, art, tile work, pottery, and fountains. 

Merryanne Loum-Martin moved to Marrakesh in 1985, and has chosen to make this beautiful place her home. Working with some of the most talented designers, she has helped create some of the most beautiful homes in the world. 

Below are some of the stunning rooms in the rustic and refined homes in this book. ENJOY!