India: Decoration, Interiors, Design (Hardcover)

by Henry Wilson (Author) "Pencil-sharpening and procrastination must be the twin banes of anyone attempting to write anything that endeavors to embrace India in its entirety..." (more)
Key Phrases: munnu kasliwal, faith singh, jaya wheaton, Art Deco, Raseel Gujral Ansal, Sheesh Mahal (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
India has a mysterious style and exciting color palette all its own, one that reflects the vibrant diversity of its people, traditions, and design. From the Mughal invasion in the twelfth century to the arrival of the British in the eighteenth century, India has survived a turbulent history, yet retains a sense of originality and cultural identity that transcends the diverse influences that it has absorbed.



India: Decoration, Interiors, Design celebrates the beauty of Indian style and interior influence, focusing on the northwest areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Each section of this remarkable resource is devoted to homes of a specific type: merchant houses, forts and palaces, tribal, revival, and modern; but all the attention is focused on the delightful details, innovative patterns, and extraordinary motifs that define each style. Hundreds of gorgeous photographs specially commissioned for this book explore the unique architecture, furniture, wall decorations, textiles, and rugs popular in Indian homes across the entire social spectrum.



The final section, covering contemporary homes, details how this rich artistic heritage has been adapted and updated to the new century. Readers will see dwellings ranging from Faith Singh’s home in Jaipur, which richly integrates the block-printed fabrics she produces in her shops, to Amit Ambalal’s 1970s home in Ahmedabad which uses a distinct modular construction in concrete and wood.



What’s more, India also includes practical ideas for translating Indian motifs into today’s home, with dozens of ready-to-use patterns and color palettes for Indian-style stenciling, borders, needlepoint, embroidery, paint effects, and more. Whether one is fascinated by Indian design, culture, artwork, or history, India provides a never-ending treasury of resplendent photographs, classic artwork, and inspirational design ideas.





• Over 300 extraordinary, specially commissioned photographs of outstanding Indian interiors and decorative arts

• A beautifully produced guide to the latest trends for East-meets-West interiors

• Provides practical advice and easy-to-use ideas for translating Indian motifs into home decorating

• Inspires the reader in the use of Indian colors, fabrics, and decorative arts in interior design

About the Author
Henry Wilson is a professional writer and photographer whose two passions are India and interiors. He lives in London, England.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; First American Edition edition (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823025136
• ISBN-13: 978-0823025138
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #567,903 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Eclectic - Exotic - Inspiring, August 23, 2005

By	C. Haley (Portsmouth, NH) - See all my reviews

Detailed photographs capture the beauty and diversity of India.

Inspiring mix of design styles: from the intricate carvings of a merchant's haveli in Ahmedabad to the tasteful remodeling of a 15th century fortified palace transformed into a modernist hotel, every page delights.

There are elements of tribal origins and nods to colonial history. Bold, colorful decorated patterns of the tribal people contrast with the formal colonial influences of British raj. An adventurous soul will revel in the beauty and sense of place this book brings. It blends colors, textures, and light in a thousand ways.

4.0 out of 5 stars Rich and sensual India, June 4, 2009

By	Ms. Jyoti Thomas (Austria) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love this book, full of beautiful colour plates illustrating interiors and designs of India. This book gives a lovely overview of Indian Interior design covering architecture, furniture, colours, textiles, rugs and decorations.
There are different sections covering forts and palaces, tribal, modern, merchant houses and revival interior design so one gets a fantastic overview from the traditional to the present day. The photography is wonderful and the colours are rich and sensual, a feast for the eyes.
J Thomas

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dreams of faraway, February 22, 2007

By	Lucinda G. Thatcher "dog slave" (Mesa, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love the book. Shows a modern view of India with strong traditions in the past. I always enjoy seeing how others live. I would strongly recommend the book for paople who are interested in our world and how we liveon it.