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Product Description
Product Description
"Space Matters" is a unique design book that will demystify the question of why some spaces work and some don't; it presents interior design based in the ancient Indian design science of Vastu. Vastu is the only design philosophy in the world that uses the human body as the guiding force in the use of space. It is the precursor to Feng-Shui and a sister science to Yoga and Ayurveda. What Yoga is for the body, Vastu is for the place in which you live.In the author's modern adaptation of Vastu, the reader will understand that space matters in a deep fundamental way, as does the use of lighting, colour and materials. Even the shape of objects and the placement of furniture in a room contribute to our wellbeing or lack of wellbeing. The goal is to create interior environments that appeal to us visually and viscerally, to the mind, body and soul. Through 5 chapters, Kathleen Cox takes us through the principles as they apply to home design. Extensive examples of Vastu principles at work are presented through the author's own designs and those of 11 of the most prestigious contemporary architects and designers working today including Sarah Susanka (creator of the Not-So-Big House series), Paula Baker-LaPorte (founder of EcoNest in Sante Fe and Doug Atherly (Kinari Design, London). As a group, these are some the foremost promoters of green design.This is not merely another catalogue of great design work. The author presents questions and answers, before and after photos and images specifically designed to clearly explain the principles of Vastu at work in the home. The "home as sanctuary" movement continues to grow in popularity and importance. Today, we want our living space to promote a sense of calm and well-being. Working with Vastu makes this possible for everyone.
About the Author
Kathleen Cox is the foremost proponent of Vastu in the US. She is the author of two previous non-illustrated books on the subject: The Power of Vastu Living: Welcoming Your Soul into Your Home (Fireside 2002) and Vastu Living (Marlowe 2000). She consults for both private clients (such as Christy Turlington) and commercial clients, and has a burgeoning lecture circuit program. She lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Her web site is www.vastuliving.com.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Hardcover
This is a lovely book. The writing is as gorgeous as the photography and the interiors. And the content is a fascinating introduction to Vastu. I love this holistic approach to interior design, focussing not only on how your home looks, but also how it feels. If you value good design, well-being and your home, you'll love this book.
I was inspired and motivated by this thoroughly enjoyable read.
I was inspired and motivated by this thoroughly enjoyable read.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
9 reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Space Matters....so find a place for this book!
13 Oct 2007
Format:Hardcover
Space Matters...and so does time. This is a deeply personal exploration of living space and it requires you to slow down and pay attention. If you can't do that in general and with this book in particular, then you'll never succeed in reshaping "your place," the euphemism Cox says people employ when they don't feel too affectionate toward their domicile, in whatever form it takes. She demonstrates how to reduce the clutter and not just simplify but balance, according to vastu principles which she thoroughly understands and you will grasp, too, by the end.
The beautiful photography well represents the points made, particularly with respect to the play of light, the use of scale and the importance of arrangement. She visits each room in the house and stresses their typical pitfalls and how to enhance their function and purpose. For example, all the extraneous things so often found in the kitchen may explain why so many of us eat standing up these days. Hmmmm.....so that's it. I'm guilty as charged.
What moved me in many places was the understated but powerful use of color as a background. I'm sure I'll always have trouble picking paint, but at least I can better appreciate how a soft pumpkin color can pull many elements together.
I highly recommend this book for those who need a soft hand to guide them (and who doesn't??). It's instructive, but it's also contemplative. All budgets could accommodate the design principles laid forth, too, because it's not about grand stuff, but carefully and sparingly chosen accents.
The beautiful photography well represents the points made, particularly with respect to the play of light, the use of scale and the importance of arrangement. She visits each room in the house and stresses their typical pitfalls and how to enhance their function and purpose. For example, all the extraneous things so often found in the kitchen may explain why so many of us eat standing up these days. Hmmmm.....so that's it. I'm guilty as charged.
What moved me in many places was the understated but powerful use of color as a background. I'm sure I'll always have trouble picking paint, but at least I can better appreciate how a soft pumpkin color can pull many elements together.
I highly recommend this book for those who need a soft hand to guide them (and who doesn't??). It's instructive, but it's also contemplative. All budgets could accommodate the design principles laid forth, too, because it's not about grand stuff, but carefully and sparingly chosen accents.
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful
not a vastu book
12 Jan 2008
Format:Hardcover
I bought this book based on the reviews, as I was looking for a book that incorporated the theory of vastu. While it does have beautiful photography, I was very disappointed, as this is a book mostly about interior design, with very, very little discussion of vastu principles and theory. It is quite conclusive; for example, the author will point out that a room that is pictured in the book is vastu compliant, but she fails to discuss why. Also, many of the photos are of rooms that are rather austere and depressing. Earthy, yes, but living around so much gray and brown is not very uplifting to my spirit. I read this book from cover to cover and found it very superficial. For vastu theory and beautiful photos, check out Sherry Silverman's excellent book: Vastu: Transcendental Design in Harmony With Nature, which I have also read cover-to-cover, and from which I learned much more than I did in Cox's book.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Filled with insight
18 Nov 2007
Format:Hardcover
Wonderful book. Kathleen Cox (I heard her speak at a design convention) writes from the heart about the meaning of home. One review on the back says the book puts soul into design--and she does this by explaining why we need to decorate a home so it doesn't just please the eye but the body and mind. This may sound strange or coy. But when you read each chapter and see what she means--her reasoning makes perfect sense. I also appreciated the way she tackles the issue of clutter--she provides a solid definition of clutter that can really help people recognize it and actually do something about it. If you are planning to redo your home, which is what we're about to do, read this book--and interior designers should keep it on their desk--and loan it out to their clients!!!!
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