Who has never dreamt of living in the tropics? Lying in the sun, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, sitting under the cool shade of abundant vegetation - just like finding a place in paradise. This new release features a beautiful range of residential architecture and designs from Costa Rica to Florida, from Thailand to South Africa. Every project is an invitation to feel good and relax with swimming pools, open-air spaces, as well as thoughtfully designed interiors of indigenous materials and local ele - ments. This volume displays a breathtaking series of in - spirational exotic settings. With their refined esthetics in timeless spaces, whatever their shape or size, all selected tropical dwellings are true dream homes.

The notion of luxury changes over time. What once seemed chic may now seem fussy and excessive. This volume defines luxury living with a conscience. High end doesnat have to mean high impact. Weare invited to explore just how stylish ecological living can be. These magnificent abodes not only provide comfort and beauty but also protect the planet. Such deluxe dwellings combine renewable resources, energy-efficient technology and recycled materials. Top level architects and designers carefully screen every element for glamour and for environmental impact. After all, true luxury demands attention to detail!

What makes a classic piece of furniture? Which living design is timelessly popular and always contemporary - and why? Aesthetic quality as a function of clarity of design, rigorous color and styling are just as important as the durability of high quality materials and perfect workmanship. And of course, if not more important - is the functionality of this furniture that is right from every standpoint. Masters & their Pieces - best of furniture design presents the milestones of style of furnishings and their creators: the bold design of the 1920s, the upswing of the economic miracle in the 1950s, the colorful trendy creations from the 1970s or the restrained designs of the new classics of today and beyond. The most important European furniture designers of the 20th and 21th centuries and their most significant works are prominently displayed.