Asian Elements: Natural Balance in Eastern Design - Hardcover

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