Caribbean Style - Softcover

Transport yourself across the ocean to the Caribbean with this visual feast of photographs of the islands homes. From colonial splendour to the smallest shanty cabin, the tropics spring to life with the vibrancy of the flora and fauna echoed in the islander's homes. Brightly painted shutters and verandahs reflect the blue of the sky, the aquamarine of the sea, the gold of the sun. Out of place these colours may be over here but, in the glorious islands of Guadeloupe, Haiti and Jamaica amongst a few, they blend effortlessly, reflecting the islanders zest for life. The photographs of Gilles de Chabenex superbly illustrate the diversity of island homes. European influences mix with Latin American and native styles, bringing an eclectic mix to the towns and villages of these little heavens on earth. From stucco-fronted, coral-brick mansions to corrugated iron-roofed wooden shacks, the interiors actually reflect each other in style, with old colonial furniture, stone or wooden floors and luscious flower arrangements collected from the wayside or garden. Outside, the verandahs are decked with orchids, bougainvillea, dracaena and crotons in colourful abundance, offering inspiration for the new-found interest in tropical gardens over here. For a true taste of tropical temptation, look no further. This melange of photographs and text will entice the most recalcitrant traveller to visit these vibrant ocean jewels. And for the adventurous, it offers a feast of decorating ideas and inspirations. - Lucy Watson

The Caribbean. The place immediately brings to mind specific colours, arranged in a specific way. Blue above, blue below. White for the beach, green for the coconut palms. Dominating all, the gold of the sun. Caribbean Style adds to that palette by recreating in over 600 spectacular colour photographs and an illuminating text, the houses, gardens and lifestyle of this exotic region. Newly available in paperback, this lavish book offers a proviously unseen view of the islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Barthelemy, Antigua. Nevis, Montserrat, Barbados, Haiti and Jamaica. It highlights plantation houses, striking contemporary houses with inviting gardens, and colourful town houses. On each page there are eyecatching ideas for design and decoration, and an architectural notebook provides plans and information on different types of houses on the various islands. This captivating portrait of the Caribbean explodes with an intense profusion of images, colours and ideas: you will almost feel the gentle breezes, inhale the soft fragrance of tropical flowers and luxuriate in the warmth of the sun.