Contemporary Thai [Hardcover]

Wongvipa Devahastin na Ayudhya (Author), Wongvipa (Author), Luca Invernizzi Tettoni (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2001

Thailand is known for its beautiful handicrafts, both traditional and contemporary. It is no wonder that some of the most beautifully decorated homes in the world can be found here. Contemporary Thai is a veritable explosion of design, color, material, form and function, as breathtaking rooms take shape around the "found" object. As we range from Chiang Mai in the north to metropolitan Bangkok, from gardens to dining rooms and verandahs, we are treated to an amazing array of contemporary items-modernist furniture, table settings, light fixtures and furnishings-that combine old traditions, new styles and the texture and look of indigenous materials. Cutting edge, elegant and a lot of fun, Contemporary Thai is the perfect book for anyone looking to add a distinctive touch to their home decor.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

These books use beautiful color photographs to reveal the interiors of homes found in their respective countries. Private Sydney and South Africa provide a glimpse at contemporary interior design as practiced in each place, in some cases incorporating items from the native locale. Tropical Living and Contemporary Thai highlight the vernacular furniture, fabric, floor coverings, and decorative accessories of their respective countries in addition to showing contemporary interiors. Purchase where there is an interest in contemporary interior design.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“Offers a rich spectrum of decorating choices for the contemporary homeowner.” -- North Carolina Builder/Architect

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Periplus Editions (May 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9625938281
• ISBN-13: 978-9625938288
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,001,386 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow, do I love Thai style now!!!, March 5, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Contemporary Thai (Hardcover)

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.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blending the Past with the New, April 16, 2001

By 

CKK (San Ramon, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Contemporary Thai (Hardcover)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Visually Stimulating, November 19, 2001

By 

Lawrence Ferguson (Columbia, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Contemporary Thai (Hardcover)

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.