Rizzoli (RCS MediaGroup)

The «great house» of the South inhabits a place of the imagination as much as it does any particular geographic terrain. Margaret Mitchell's Tara from Gone with the Wind, though fictional, stands even now for many Americans as the epitome of the type, with its stately white-columned porticos, shady verandahs, and elegant interiors with graceful proportions. Yet the Southern great house is much more than this. From the bookish if slightly irregular Neoclassicism of Mount Vernon to the aristocratic European splendor of Biltmore, Great Houses of the South documents through vibrant new photography the many manifestations that this mythic, highly individualized architecture has taken while richly nuanced text narrates a great American story of tradition, aspiration and reinvention.

Fresh perspectives on how good design can create stylish yet ecologically sound living spaces in small-scale homes. Anyone who has faced the challenges of limited living space will find inspiration in this survey of the latest trends in environmentally sensitive, small-scale residential designs. More than fifty residential spaces are profiled — from woodsy houses and repurposed barns to cool apartments and urban lofts — both inside and out. Most of the projects were designed by up-and-coming architects, and each design proves that small-scale efficiency as well as beautiful, thoughtful design can overcome the apparent constraints of a small setting. Environmental impact is a growing concern, so each project was chosen because of its ecological sensitivity. Each case history describes the challenges confronting the designer and the solutions. Creating color schemes to enhance the feeling of openness, taking advantage of high ceilings to make multiple levels, and using collapsible furniture and sliding doors to maximize space are some of the design solutions that can be applied in any situation. Filled with beautiful color photographs and helpful floorplans, this book is a remarkable showcase of how good design can transform any small space into a comfortable, modern — and environmentally sensitive — home.

France's foremost interior designer showcases his signature table settings designed to brighten any occasion. Internationally acclaimed interior designer Alberto Pinto sets the paradigm for creating the perfect setting for entertaining, from large events to intimate, informal ones. Here, he explores the complete spectrum of stylish table settings. Pinto has designed table settings for every type of occasion, from formal corporate affairs to intimate evenings a deux. Profiled here are hundreds of successful designs sure to inspire anyone planning an event. Pinto shows how to create a desired mood or ambiance through the use of color combinations, finishes, textures, architectural flourishes, and floral arrangements, in styles ranging from minimalist simplicity to classic elegance.

A luxurious showcase of the finest homes in the oldest neighborhoods of Los Angeles and environs. This volume offers an exclusive look into the classic homes and gardens in the legendary neighborhoods in and around Los Angeles. Famed for its lavish homes and celebrity residents, one finds here a panorama of richly detailed architectural styles, from Victorian, Tudor, and Georgian, to Spanish Colonial, Art Deco, and Streamline Moderne. Shown here is the estate of the great Hollywood producer and director Cecil B. DeMille, the former Danny Kaye house in Beverly Hills, and the wonderful Arts and Crafts masterwork by Greene and Greene — the Gamble House — in Pasadena. These works and others illustrate the wide range of period-revival styles popular in Southern California during its Golden Age of Expansion from 1899 to 1938. Lush, all-new color photographs capture the grandeur of these homes and their exquisite gardens in the present day.

This elaborate volume, authored by the designer's son, is a splendid celebration of one of the world's most inventive design minds. Combining whimsy and elegance, Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988) transformed everyday objects like cups, scarves, and screens into works of art featuring his idiosyncratic leitmotifs, such as the hand, the female face, and luminescent fish. Additionally, he created a wide range of works, including idealized architectural fantasy drawings, book designs, and provocative nudes, as well as the decor for the luxury liner Andrea Doria. Perhaps most famous for dazzling pieces of trompe l'oeil furniture, Fornasetti was rediscovered in the 1980s and has remained much sought-after by collectors worldwide. Featuring 2,800 illustrations, many never before published, the monograph is designed to be an artist's book that reflects as faithfully as possible Fornasetti's own approach to design. Fornasetti's work is organized by type and includes paintings, sculptures and etchings, furniture, graphics, textiles, glass, screens, trays, and ceramics, as well as smaller categories. With unique and exhaustive access to the archives, this epic undertaking covers detailed technical, biographical, and bibliographical information, including a list of exhibitions and a register of the complete works. A must-have for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

An extraordinary collectible, Kenzo creatively presents forty years of the Paris-based fashion house, founded by Japanese designer Kenzo Takada and now in a resurgence under artistic director Antonio Marras. Established in 1970 by Kenzo Takada, who had arrived in Paris from Japan in 1965, Kenzo is one of the great French houses that transformed global fashion in the latter half of the twentieth century. Now under the artistic directorship of Antonio Marras, KENZO has again achieved critical and popular acclaim. Marras draws from the rich vein of Kenzo tradition as it engages the spirit of the new century. Armed with an unmatched vocabulary in prints and textiles, Marras mines both East and West, the present and the past, to create a collection that evokes, reveres, and reinvents the intentions of its founder. The highlights of Takada's tenure until his retirement in 1999 are also documented here. The first monograph on KENZO, this lavish volume features the romantic textiles, envelopes, and pop-ups for which the house's fashion collection invitations are known and is an art object in and of itself.

This catalogue of the Palladio and His Legacy exhibition, centred on original drawings and books by the most significant and influential architect in the western world, Andrea Palladio (1508-80), examines his personal development and architecture, his influence on others achieved through his I Quattro Libri dell'Architettura, the subsequent dissemination of his teachings through translations and pattern books in Britain and America, and the influence of Palladianism on architecture in the New World. The promulgation of Palladian principles resulted in new and original interpretations that took firm hold in America, influencing both grand formal buildings and smaller utilitarian structures. The drawings are supported by numerous architectural models. Three large examples — the Pantheon, Villa Rotunda, and Jefferson's unrealized design for the White House — programmatically illustrate the journey from Rome to America. Smaller models along with rare architectural texts and pattern books, through which Palladio's ideas were primarily transmitted, reinforce the themes of the book.

Suzanne Kasler is known for her classically inspired rooms, pretty palettes, and comfortable spaces. She brings Southern charm, European sensibility, and a respect for architectural details to her interiors. Her neutral palette, spiced with hits of color, creates warm spaces that are elegant yet inviting. Inspired by fashion, Kasler uses a scarf as a throw, adds grosgrain or satin banding to the bottom of a chair cover, accents draperies with Chanel-like piped borders, or embellishes a bed frame with delicate handpainted patterns. It is these exquisite haute couture details that drive her design aesthetic. Kasler's melange of antiques, midcentury pieces, and modern furniture makes her layered interiors attractive and livable. Lavishly illustrated, this beautiful volume showcases a range of Kasler's projects, from a luxurious Georgian mansion in Atlanta's Buckhead to a sophisticated farmhouse in Tennessee and a beach house in Watersound, Florida. Offering a wealth of original design ideas that are refreshing and full of verve, Inspired Interiors is a welcome addition to any library of interior design books.

Designed and built in only 15 months, the restructuring of the former Arsenale at La Maddalena in Sardinia, was initiated with the purpose of hosting the 2009 G8 Summit, the scope of work included reclaiming and rebuilding an abandoned and contaminated site of 155 thousand square meters. The convention centre is composed series of business and recreational buildings that transformed the area into one of the major nautical hubs of the western Mediterranean. An entirely new port was completed with infrastructure for sailing, tourism, and nautical training. This book presents this extraordinary feat, narrating the collective endeavors of the architects, engineers, developers, technicians, contractors, government officials and the over 1,600 workers that worked round the clock to complete a project dedicated to the rebirth and economic development.

The first major monograph on MacArthur «Genius Grant» recipient JosiahMcElheny. McElheny is a unique figure among artists of his generation: hisprimary medium is glass. Over the last 15 years he has created anextraordinary body of work exploring the relationship between art, history,and narrative. Known for his room-size installations of glass sculptures,the artist's work is as rich visually as it is conceptually. Withcontributions by some of the most important writers and scholarstoday(including curator and writer Louise Neri, art critic Dave Hickey, curator Helen Molesworth, and cosmologist David Weinberg) this is the mostcomprehensive consideration of the artist's work to date.

With vivid colors, bold simplicity, and the use of stone, stucco, and tile, the Patmos house of renowned interior designer John Stefanidis is a source of inspiration for homeowners and decorators worldwide. John Stefanidis has created a quintessential island house in Patmos, Greece. Its bold use of Mediterranean colors, natural materials, and crisp, clean lines epitomize this comfortable yet sophisticated style, which is surprisingly easy to evoke at home. Sun-drenched rooms make use of such materials as tile, stone, and stucco. One of the hallmarks of the house is its emphasis on indoor/outdoor living: spaces such as the garden rooms and the breakfast terrace are outside, yet are thought of as parts of the house. The exquisite gardens are further evidence of a style that easily flows from the inside to the outside of this beautiful and inspiring home. In his own words, Stefanidis explains how the house has evolved over many years, reflecting the designer's love for the island, his original use of vibrant color, his eclectic and cosmopolitan aesthetic, and a desire to combine comfort with style. With two hundred vibrant photographs, the book demonstrates how the picturesque scenery of an island retreat and its rich history and culture provide inspiration for present-day living.

The first book to document the Tokyo-based architectural firm, one of the most innovative practices working today. Achieving near cult status among architectural students around the world, Yoshiharu Tsukamoto and Momoyo Kaijima of Atelier Bow-Wow have built a career confronting the challenges posed by dense urban environments. Their city houses — enclosed in vibrant, idiosyncratic forms — are distinguished by their capacity to accommodate the changing needs of the occupants. A basic feature is the permeability of interior spaces, where public and the more intimate places co-mingle, often in vertical structures with a total floor area that rarely exceeds 200 square meters. Atelier Bow-Wow has a dedicated research division that has published a number of treatises on vernacular architecture. This book will feature their newest research, including plans, as well as explorations on mobile or portable projects. The book includes key projects such as the Mini House, The Sway House, the Juicy House, House and Atelier Bow-Wow, the House Tower, the Aco House, and a house in California for the filmmakers Mike Mills and Miranda July.

A romantic vision of the finest Arts and Crafts architect. Practicing from the turn of the twentieth century to the beginning of the Second World War, Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott exerted a profound influence on English Arts and Crafts architecture and design as well as on the nascent modernist movement. As a leader of the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, Baillie Scott adhered to the philosophy that good design should be made available to everyone and should extend from the planning of towns to the creation of dishes and doorknobs. Baillie Scott maintained a characteristically English dedication to the domestic landscape, designing houses and gardens whose exterior forms and interior details were rooted in a romantic vision of vernacular construction and craftsmanship. But his spatial planning signaled a revolution in the organization of interior space, with the development of the open plan — and the introduction of the demotic, modern living room — around the same time that Frank Lloyd Wright was engaging in similar experiments across the Atlantic. Photographer Ian Macdonald-Smith has captured thirty of the most characteristically innovative and charming extant houses designed by Baillie Scott, as well as their delightful gardens, in spectacular full-color photographs taken for this book that express the vibrant craftsmanship and prescient planning of this early-twentieth-century master.

An exquisite tribute to Italy's most important contemporary model and actress. As a model, Monica Bellucci graced the covers of magazines such as Elle and Esquire before achieving success as an actress whose notable appearances include roles in Bram Stoker's Dracula, The Matrix Reloaded, The Passion of the Christ, and The Matrix Revolutions. This glamorous volume features 150 of the most exquisite, sensual photographs of Bellucci throughout her twenty-year career taken by the world's most important photographers, including Peter Lindbergh, Helmut Newton, Fabrizio Ferri, Richard Avedon, and Ellen von Unwerth. Monica Bellucci will appear in the 2010 Disney film The Sorcerer's Apprentice with Nicolas Cage.

Extraordinary works of art by major Venetian masters seen for the first time in all their restored splendor. This book presents a number of wonderful art masterpieces housed at the Accademia Galleries in Venice and recently restored with the financial support of Save Venice Inc. Their restoration becomes an occasion for looking at the works of art from a different point of view, discovering new and previously hidden details. An essay by David Rosand (professor at Columbia University and chairman of the Wallach Art Gallery Committee) sheds new light on famous paintings such as The Annunciation by Paolo Veronese and The Deposition by Tintoretto. Save Venice, founded in 1967 in response to the terrible damage caused by the flood of the preceding November, selects projects to sponsor according to their artistic merit and urgency of need. So far, the committee has completed more than 200 restorations.

The inimitable style of renowned French interior designer Madeleine Castaing, chronicled in-depth for the first time. While many were drumming to the beat of modernism in the early — and mid-twentieth century, French antiquaire and decorator Madeleine Castaing created her own look that was a unique blend of neoclassicism, Proustian romanticism, and pure wit. Her distinctive aesthetic vision has inspired tastemakers on both sides of the Atlantic, and her devotees — both then and now — are legion. Ocelot carpeting, opaline blue, coolie lampshades, and an eclectic mix of neoclassical furnishings ranging from English Regency to Napoleon III all formed part of the vocabulary of le style Castaing. This lavishly illustrated volume — the first on her work — explores in-depth the elements of her style, and examines how she crafted interiors so emotive that visitors felt that they had stepped into a Balzac novel or a Proustian recollection. Her entire life and career are chronicled, from her early years in Montparnasse, the epicenter of artistic activity in Paris, to her incomparable country house Leves and her legendary shop on rue Jacob in Paris.

The definitive book on the legendary decorator Billy Baldwin, known as the Dean of American Decorating, famous for his classical taste, streamlined modernism, and brilliant use of color. In the tradition of Rizzoli's Albert Hadley and David Hicks, this is the first fully illustrated account of the career of Billy Baldwin (1903-1983), one of the most important decorators of the twentieth century, whose work has influenced contemporary designers from Bunny Williams to Jeffrey Bilhuber. A native of Baltimore, Baldwin's work caught the eye of eminent New York decorator Ruby Ross Wood. She invited him to join her firm, saying his work stood out like a beacon of light in the boredom of the houses around it. Baldwin's style was a revelation — simultaneously classical and modernist, tailored and clean, yet dramatically colored, and above all American. An enemy of clutter and conspicuous wealth, he favored natural materials and comfortable furniture. The drama in his rooms often came from color, as seen in the dark brown lacquered walls of Cole Porter's library or the scarlet cotton print that covered Diana Vreeland's apartment. Immensely charming, Baldwin was a popular addition to the high society of New York. His clients included Bill and Deeda Blair, Babe and Bill Paley, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. With a foreword by Baldwin's former student Albert Hadley, and enriched by never-before-published transcripts of four 1974 lectures that Baldwin gave at the Cooper-Hewitt, this is an important book for anyone interested in interior design.

The first book to survey the work of this iconic designer, known for her serene new American classic look. One of today's most influential designers, Victoria Hagan exploded onto the scene in 1988 when New York magazine devoted the cover of its design issue to one of her rooms. Since then she has become renowned for her intelligent integration of architectural and interior design, her refined use of materials, her sophisticated color palette, and her strong silhouettes. Always looking to the view, Hagan effortlessly makes a close connection of interior spaces to the surrounding landscape. The houses profiled--ranging from elegant urban residences to casual weekend retreats — reveal Hagan's unerring attention to what Proust called the unexpected detail, which makes her interiors beautiful as well as timeless. Throughout, Hagan discourses on the spirit of cherished objects — a print of birds in flight, a vintage star-shaped mirror, or a chair with an unusual silhouette — that add soul and modernity. With stunning photography and personal insights into Hagan's design philosophy, Victoria Hagan: Interior Portraits is an artful and inspiring collection of this design superstar's oeuvre.

Much of the fun of wrapping stylish gifts is sorting through and selecting the raw materials — paper or fabric, bag or box, ribbon, yarn, twine, or any special embellishments. The variety of materials available is amazing and inspiring. This creative book includes projects using a wide selection of papers (both hand-painted and commercially available), ribbons, fresh flowers, rubber stamping, stickers, quilling, and other special adornments. We have gathered beautiful, festive wrapping ideas from individual paper crafters and gift wrappers across the country. A gift is all the more delightful when contained in a thoughtful, creative package — and this book captures that concept perfectly. Materials range from simple bags and boxes to elegant packages. The personal touch of a specially-wrapped gift lets the recipient feel the joy and pleasure you had creating it. Start playing with paper. Anything can happen. Stretch your imagination and creativity. Create something from your heart. And have fun!

The final word on the language of urban planning and design. The Language of Towns and Cities is a landmark publication that clarifies the language by which we talk about urban planning and design. Everyday words such as avenue, boulevard, park, and district, as well as less commonly used words and terms such as sustainability, carbon-neutral, or Bilbao Effect are used with a great variety of meanings, causing confusion among citizens, city officials, and other decision-makers when trying to design viable neighborhoods, towns, and cities. This magnificent volume is the fruit of more than a decade of research and writing in an effort to ameliorate this situation. Abundantly illustrated with over 2,500 photographs, drawings, and charts, The Language of Towns and Cities is both a richly detailed glossary of more than seven hundred words and terms commonly used in architecture and urban planning, and a compendium of great visual interest. From A and B streets to Zero Lot and Zeitgeist, the book is at once comprehensive and accessible. An essential work for architects, urban planners, students of design, and all those interested in the future of towns and cities, this is destined to become a classic in its field.

A visual history of counterculture music T-shirts, spanning the defining era of indie music. Ripped is the first book to document the shirts of the post-punk and indie period, after the submission of 1960s rock 'n' roll to mass popularity and before the onset of ironic consumerism. Carefully selected from the archives of vintage fashion collector Cesar Padilla, the 200 T-shirts in this book are classic examples of rare and extremely limited shirts created by and for the very bands who embodied the true essence of the DIY and indie movements — from The Ramones to Sonic Youth, John Cale, Talking Heads, Madonna, X, Pil, The Germs, and many others. Each shirt has been photographed in all its gritty, sweat-stained glory just as it was found — on the street, in a thrift store, or inherited from a friend. Introduced by Lydia Lunch, the book includes recollections and ruminations from musicians, fashion designers, and pop culture personalities on the enigmatic and enduring appeal of the rock band T-shirt.

Leading interior designer and owner of Hollyhock, Los Angeles's renowned antiques and decorative arts mecca, Suzanne Rheinstein is known for her relaxed, elegant style. Style maker and interior designer Suzanne Rheinstein has a keen appreciation for special luxuries. She is a master at taking an eclectic mix of furnishings from the past and arranging them in a fresh, inspiring way. Elegant simplicity and attention to detail are the hallmarks of her look. A timeless quality pervades every room she designs. Rheinstein feels that how you live your life every day is much more important than getting your house together for a special occasion. Beautifully photographed, this inspiring volume shows examples of her work, ranging from a brick farmhouse in the Virginia countryside and a sophisticated rustic getaway overlooking the Big Wood River in Sun Valley to a year-round shingled residence on the beach in Newport Bay, as well as her own homes — a gracious Georgian Revival in Los Angeles and a New York City prewar pied-a-terre. They exemplify her talent for creating attractive homes that make living and entertaining extremely pleasurable.

Weekend Retreats is a celebration of the intimate narratives of retreat and relaxation—from charming coastal New England houses to restive woodland retreats. Lifestyle meets design know-how and inspiration in this thoughtful collection of design influences and singular approaches to well-lived style that will inspire all those wishing to style their country homes. Whether your idea of serenity abounds in rustic antiques or a plethora of well-curated oil paintings and designer throw pillows, the homes featured are distinctively enjoyed and the histories of design decisions are unraveled in savvy detail. This collection features not only beautifully styled rooms but also playful gardenscapes where the owners entertain and enjoy their retreats away from the inconveniences of modern life. Every space is a playground for the owners, and their tastes and whimsies are reflected in their unique colors, textures, and designs. The book includes modern country style interiors with glimpses of vintage antiques and casual elegance. From objects collected from travels abroad to artifacts of the good life, Weekend Retreats will provide escape from the ordinary.

Mixing gorgeous interiors with sparkling social history, this is the first book on the visionary women whose work gave us the timeless, essential principles of modern interior decorating. In 1904, Elsie de Wolfe was given a contract to design the interiors of the Colony Club. Their success launched de Wolfe’s career and the entire field of professional interior decoration. Soon other women followed, known collectively (for their privileged backgrounds) as the Lady Decorators. This book focuses on the extraordinary, glamorous interiors of these influential designers, as well as their decorating theory and maxims, from Rose Cumming’s electric color combinations («Parrots are blue and green. Why shouldn’t fabric be?») to Nancy Lancaster’s refined English-country-house look («She liked for the sun to get to... materials. She wanted them to go shabby and live a life of their own.»). A witty and readable treatise on the principles of decorating, as well as a luxurious visual resource, this book will be an essential addition to every decorating library. Also including: Dorothy Draper, Elsie Cobb Wilson, Ruby Ross Wood, Frances Elkins, Eleanor Brown, Sister Parish, Syrie Maugham, Madeleine Castaing.