New Seaside Interiors

In case you've been living in a cave the last ten years, let me introduce you to TASCHEN, the publishers of some of the most beautiful books in the world. Meant to luxuriate over, inspire, and look fabulous on a coffee table, shelf, or next to your bed, these volumes are as much works of art as they are informative- necessities that should play a large part in every gay man's d?cor.

New Seaside Interiors is no exception.

Perhaps because it was edited by a member of the Taschen family, NSI seems to stand above other large-format volumes on "dream homes," inspiring awe, an enormous respect for the architecture and design industry, and (I'm not too proud to say it) indeed a bit of jealousy. From the very first page (the most incredible view- literally- of a perfectly azure sea just over the edge of an infinity pool), you're taken on a journey of luxurious, elegant, and incredibly well designed seaside abodes that are all second to none.

From Mediterranean casual to traditional island, tropical sophistication to mid-century modern, cottage chic to indigenously inspired, every fabulous style you could imagine is represented- and lavishly so. Each of the captivating homes featured is beautifully presented in large photos, including sweeping landscapes as well as lush details (the pillows alone in one house in particular are enough to send me into a design coma). Accompanying information on the home's location, architect and designer, inspiration, and details is both resourceful and interesting.

Ms. Taschen has selected magnificent specimens of design, all based around the common thread of the love of the sea. Homes from diverse locales including Italy, Mexico, Denmark, Capri, Brazil and Martha's Vineyard (among others) come together brilliantly to demonstrate the intense emotional power of design- and extreme inspiration provided by the sea!

A fabulous addition to anyone's collection, New Seaside Interiors scores a perfect '10' among art books.