Books: 5 of the Best for November 2014

French born designer Robert Couturier has since the mid 80’s established a reputation for his bold and witty fusion of traditional and contemporary styles from his New York base. There is plenty to inspire you in this latest offering by Rizzoli with a wide variety of projects, ranging from Couturier’s own country residence in the neoclassical style, modern apartments and a romantic Mexican villa.

The immensely charming group of villages on the far end of Long Island has always had an enduring appeal with their charming seaside houses and village life. This is where stressed out millionaires have traditionally sought and found rest and relaxation, like modern day metropolitan Marie Antoinettes, play-acting at a bucolic cottage lifestyle, with all the mod cons and styling that money can buy. In fact the Hamptons has some of the highest real estate values in the whole of the US, and many leading American designers – some of whom are featured in this book – have created a level of style and luxury rarely concentrated in such a small area. The architecture, interiors and gardens of 19 houses are featured in designs by Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan, John Barman, Fox-Nahem, Thad Hayes, Tony Ingrao, Todd Merrill, Roman & Williams, and Joe d’Urso.

This long awaited book on the designs of Alidad graphically demonstrates the evolution of Turquerie (although as a Persian he may take issue with that!) in the Western tradition – that enduring fascination in Europe for the rich exoticism for the near orient. An ambivalent enchantment that was usually accompanied with fear and trepidation, and embraced the arts, architecture, music and fashion. Alidad’s masterful creations bridge gaps between cultures and time, harmonising the formerly (and all too sadly currently) antagonistic. His virtuoso styling is as unmistakably distinctive as it is rich and this book is a beautiful window on his art.