In "Rooms to Inspire" twelve trendsetters bring a fresh point of view to creating interiors for a spectrum of living spaces-from houses to apartments and country retreats. This selective group-some professional decorators and others renowned for their taste making-includes Marian McEvoy, Kelly Wearstler, Muriel Brandolini, Jonathan Adler, and Simon Doonan. They offer their own very personal perspectives and advice using their own homes as examples-many published here for the first time. These intimate and inviting, absolutely non-formulaic interior spaces express the personal style of these highly creative individuals. Today's designers show how to experiment freely with every detail. This extraordinary sampling features the designers' own homes, ranging stylistically from the theatrical to eclectically modern. Common design issues such as color, balance, and comfort, as well as innovative approaches to kitchens and bathrooms are addressed. The designers also offer their favorite resources. This inspirational guide for professionals and novices encourages us to infuse our living spaces with style and personality.

The stunning venues in lush settings profiled here range in style from the environmentally sustainable utilizing indigenous materials, such as thatching and bamboo, to breezy courtyard spaces. These homes take into account the dramatic natural landscapes--some are surrounded by tropical plantings, while others open onto dramatic sun-drenched beaches. The interiors incorporate organic textures such as cane and bamboo furnishings, some covered in exotic Indonesian fabrics, including ikat- and batik-style textiles. Pool pavilions with decorative roof details are perfect for outdoor entertaining, and infinity pools are presented as a striking and organic part of the landscape. Beautifully photographed, this will inspire readers with design ideas that can be gleaned from these breathtaking dwellings.

In recent years leading international tastemakers have been drawn to the vibrant culture of the Yucatan. In Merida-the region's sixteenth-century capital-they have renovated many of the romantic Spanish colonial town houses into stylish retreats. In the nearby towns of Valladolid and Coba, picturesque houses surrounded by lush vegetation in sun-drenched settings have also been updated while retaining indigenous charm. Annie Kelly takes us on an insider's tour of several stunning properties-from brightly painted town houses and contemporary villas to rustic bungalows- many with a distinctive bohemian feeling. These sophisticated residences blend artisanal craftsmanship with antiques and contemporary furnishings. They have been designed by such talents as architect Manolo Mestre, artist Jorge Pardo, L.A. modernist antiques dealers Robert Willson and David Serrano, and Nicolas Malleville of Tulum's famed Coqui Coqui hotel, who has brought the fashion world to the Yucatan due to his chic homes and hotels there. Beautiful outdoor entertaining, garden, and pool areas enliven all these homes. This book is a stimulating resource for the design aficionado.