Modern Rustic: Ideas for a Natural Lifestyle (Living etc) Book

The fact that Modern Rustic is published in association with interiors magazine Livingetc might suggest that this is a mass-market look. In fact it could have comfortably carried any of the up-market, eclectic interior magazine titles.The terracotta pot with chipped green glaze against the backdrop of a deep ocean blue wall is an appropriate image with which to introduce Ali Hanan's vision of a "rural haven" on the cover. The fascinating historical account of the birth of modern design and the gradual relegating of everything country to a design backseat, makes this as much a readable as a visual book. Hanan cleverly weaves facts with opinion, arguing that after years of design pressure, even urban homes long to become "places for re-energising, for nurturing body, mind and soul". By showing that rustic living, with its emphasis on natural, durable materials like wood, tiles, stone is applicable to eco-living, Hanan brings us even closer to choosing this as a lifestyle. Whilst much of the style depends on antiques and the textural qualities of old objects, Hanan demonstrates that it can also be created with new materials.Chris Tubbs provides precise photography, with a good combination of nostalgic country shots and modern details, all of which conspires to produce a stunning look.--Lorna VRead More