Product Description

In a frenzied modern world, the concept of the home as a place of retreat and tranquility is increasingly seductive. Thus "Peaceful Spaces" is born, offering chic and accessible solutions with which to develop your spiritual sanctuary. "Peaceful Spaces" is not about creating a temple to minimalism; rather it is about building a personal oasis of calm-a place where you can escape from the clutter and consumerism of the outside world without rejecting the comforts that make a home into a haven. Inspiration is drawn from the spirituality of the East, combining Oriental simplicity with our basic human need to connect with the rhythms of the natuarl world. The first step is to clear space and banish clutter, throwing out the possessions that you no longer need. The next stage is to take the blank canvas you have created and to build on that using a soft colour palette, natural materials, and carefully chosen and positioned furnishings and accessories. "Peaceful Spaces" then presents inspirational ways in which to apply these basic tenets to the key areas of the modern home-spaces for living, eating, sleeping, bathing, and working, as well as spaces for enjoying the outdoors. Whether your home is a minimal urban loft or a relaxed, pared-down country retreat, this serene style creates spaces that are soothing rather than stark. Tranquility has never felt, or looked, so good.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3241438 in Books
• Published on: 2002-02-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 144 pages

About the Author
Alice Whately is a freelance journalist, writer, and editor. She contributes regularly to newspapers and magazines, including the Mail on Sunday, the South China Morning Post, Conde Nast Traveller (UK), and Harpers & Queen. A former decor editor at Elle, Alice has also written for the London Times, ES magazine, and BeMe.com (homes and interiors website) and is the author of Contemporary Eastern.

Customer Reviews

tranquil pictures, nice advice
'Peaceful Spaces' is composed of two parts. The first half is a truly wonderful collection of decorative rooms and principles telling you how to make your own rooms look really nice. The idea is to get rid of clutter and excess furnishings, and then artfully arange carefully chosen furnishings & decorations to build a cohesive, peaceful room. Some of the rooms are a bit too spartan for my tastes, but most are simply wonderful. This book isn't about decorating style (e.g., country or modern) but how to use shape, texture, color, and materials to compose an inspiring display. 'Peaceful Spaces' touches upon Feng Shui, Zen, and Japeneese decorating style.

The second half of the book applies the principles to different rooms of the house & office.

If decorating your house were an art class, then most books teach technique (e.g., how to do faux painting, how to decorate in the country style, how to recover a sofa, how to choose colors); whereas this book teaches composition (e.g., how to put the pieces together into a pleasing ensamble). My experience with art classes & decorating books is that actual advice on composition is very, very rare. This book is a gem!

Lives up 100% to its title. Ten stars
Looking for a book that actually was what it said and this book did not disappoint. Peaceful spaces galore and into a haven of calm and tranquility are what it delivers.

Page 10: 'By questioning the purpose of everything you own, you will quickly realize that it is you, rather than the stuff that surrounds you, that must take center stage in the home.' Page 13: 'Next look at your furniture and fixtures and ask yourself what you could do without. If you are scrupulously honest, you may well discover that many things you thought were indispensable to domestic bliss are, in fact, easily dispensed with.'

Page 18 'continuity of color prevents fragmentation' I have found to be one main asset when it comes to creating calm and tranquility and the author knows their stuff well. As is the authors thoughtfulness in showing a variety of spaces and abodes from city to suburbia, country and mountains. Something for everyone. Well laid out and a book one will probably use as a reference for decades since the ideas are not 'fad' but timeless.

In the back of the book starting on page 138 there are sources galore listed both international and here in the states. Where possible she includes their websites which is so helpful. The book was well worth the price.

Inspiring
Photos and advice combine to introduce a clutter-free, peaceful way of life. I was looking for some inspiration as to how I can simplify my life and stop keeping so many knick-knacks out. This book is helping me realize how important it is--and how good you'll feel--when you finally decide to clear up your space. If you already know a little bit about Fung Shui, it'll add to the positive effects of this book.