Where is paradise: at the end of the earth<br>or at home on the sofa? For many, the word<br>paradise conjures up images of a sunny<br>beach with palm trees. For others, it might<br>mean pristine nature, a lively city with<br>much to see and do, lazing in a hammock,<br>or relaxing anywhere with a cool sea breeze.<br>All of these versions of paradise can be<br>found in the tropics.<br>Tropical regions around the globe have<br>always offered an extraordinarily diverse<br>range of impressions and inspirations. Yet<br>only recently have countries such as Brazil,<br>Colombia, Thailand, and Australia begun<br>to gain international recognition as go-to<br>sources for contemporary design ideas.<br>Today, the tropics offer style aficionados at<br>least as many, if not more, new things to<br>discover than classic design destinations<br>such as Italy or Scandinavia with their<br>established brands.<br>Living Under the Sun is the first comprehensive<br>showcase of modern tropical living<br>styles and their designers. Presenting tropical<br>interiors at the nexus of timeless tradition<br>and self-confident freshness, the book<br>brings their colors and elegantly easy-going<br>ambience to life. It captures the refreshingly<br>different coziness of rooms that seem<br>to flow seamlessly into the exteriors surrounding<br>them and are thus ideally suited<br>to local climates and weather occurrences<br>such as tropical storms.<br>Living Under the Sun features striking living<br>and working spaces in Asian homes,<br>African apartments, and Latin American<br>haciendas that meld aesthetics with functionality<br>in exceptional ways. The book also<br>explores the myriad stylistic devices that<br>characterize tropical interior design such<br>as precious woods, natural stone tiles, colorful<br>glass mosaics, and abundant vegetation<br>in the form of orchids, ferns, and other<br>lush plants. It includes stunning examples<br>of shady green patios, stylish terraces, and<br>enviable gardens.<br>Readers of Living Under the Sun are sure<br>to revel in the tropical charm of the book's<br>select interiors, décor, and design. Perhaps<br>they will even be inspired to create their<br>own paradise at home.