Product Details

• Published on: 2002-06-27
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 216 pages

From Amazon.com
With its reputation for excess and exoticism, it's not surprising that Hong Kong boasts lushly extravagant interiors filled with a combination of authentic Chinese elements and opulent Western decor. Short on text but strong on vivid photographs, Private Hong Kong showcases 25 extraordinary residences, including the secluded country estate of an entrepreneur, an architect's sophisticated minimalist loft, the superbly outfitted yacht of a marble dealer (complete with marble vanities, of course), and the island's largest home, the palatial governor's mansion. Few who peruse this book will have the means to approach anything close to this scale of decorating, and many of these interiors are extravagantly overdone, but the confluence of Eastern artifacts overlaid with Western opulence makes for a visual treat. --Amy Handy

From Library Journal
These two books take different approaches to viewing Asian interior design. Tettoni presents a visual sourcebook to residential design in southeast Asia showing traditional as well as contemporary design in such countries as Bali, Malaysia, Sumatra, and the Philippines. Beginning with a review of the traditional, native dwellings in this area, he devotes the majority of this lavishly illustrated book to the contemporary interpretation of traditional and colonial living both in interiors and in landscaping. At the end he looks at various furniture and accessories?such as Indonesian furniture and lacquerware?that define the traditional decorating styles. Benge visits the homes of affluent Hong Kong residents?from Chris Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong, to socialites Kai Bong and Brenda Chau?giving a glimpse at the Hong Kong lifestyle just before the city's turnover to the Chinese. Yachts, gardens, and nightclubs are also photographed, with most showing a definite modern design style with a just dash of Asian detail. Tettoni's book is the better choice for those patrons seeking examples of affordable, Asian-influenced style.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ingram
Few places on earth match the island of Hong Kong for visual drama. Its setting is stunning, and its architecture of contrasts is irresistible. Illustrated with specially commissioned photos by internationally renowned interior photographer Fritz von der Schulenburg, this book showcases the cream of the island's residential architecture and interior design, spanning a range of distinctive styles. 300 full-color illustrations.

Customer Reviews

Private Hong Kong
The book though lavish in its pictures,,,,is a study in bad taste.