Contemporary Thai

Rating:
Summary: Blending the Past with the New
Review: A beautiful book illustrating how to blend traditional Thai architecture, arts and crafts with the contemporary style of living and home decor. Like many others, this book will contribute to the renaissance of traditional arts of Southeast Asia and, hopefully, help propagate the livelihood of traditional artisans. Moreover, the secret is out with the appendix of artisans, companies and shops where one can purchase such materials. This book is a must for someone who has visited Thailand and appreciated the style of the Amanpuri, Sukothai or the Oriental hotels. You, too, can now replicate a little of Thailand in their own home.

Rating:
Summary: Blending the Past with the New
Review: A beautiful book illustrating how to blend traditional Thai architecture, arts and crafts with the contemporary style of living and home decor. Like many others, this book will contribute to the renaissance of traditional arts of Southeast Asia and, hopefully, help propagate the livelihood of traditional artisans. Moreover, the secret is out with the appendix of artisans, companies and shops where one can purchase such materials. This book is a must for someone who has visited Thailand and appreciated the style of the Amanpuri, Sukothai or the Oriental hotels. You, too, can now replicate a little of Thailand in their own home.

Rating:
Summary: Wow, do I love Thai style now!!!
Review: I loved this book. It's a feast for the eyes, and is a great introduction to Thai style. While Japanese, Zen and Feng Shui styles have been overexposed lately, Thai style is a secret so wonderful, it won't be a secret much longer.

I bought this book in preparation for a vacation to Thailand. We planned to go on a shopping spree for household furniture and accessories while in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Our decorating style is contemporary with an Asian twist. BINGO, Contemporary Thai caught my eye. This book gave me an excellent introduction to the common handicrafts and furniture styles to look for. It includes an up-to-date resource list with addresses and web sites to purchase items shown in the book. If you covet any items but can't make the trip to Thailand, many of the resources can ship internationally.

After spending a month in Thailand, I realized that Contemporary Thai covers the full gamut of what's available there: Jim Thompson silks, basketry, celadon dinnerware, silversmithing, woodworking, woven textiles ... and the book gives you a glimpse of all these things displayed in gorgeous homes, gardens, hotels and restaurant settings. The quality of the homes and photography rivals what you can find in Metropolitan Home and Elle Decor. And, not only does the book show materialistic stuff (hey, I'm honest enough about what this is all about!), but it gives some cultural and historical perspective as well.

If you like Asian style, take a chance on learning about Contemporary Thai style.

Rating:
Summary: Visually Stimulating
Review: I was in BORDERS BOOKS shopping for some audio tapes, and decided to check-out what was in the Home Decorating Section. I discovered this MARVELOUS book. I was captivated by the photographs on each and every page. For those individuals seeking design ideas, color options or furniture placement this is a MUST HAVE! The photographer did a marvelous job capturing the essence of Thai Design in the modern home. This is definately my next purchase when I go back to the book store.