Essential Southwest

Southwest style is as much a way of life as it is a look. And Essential Southwest is devoted to showcasing both. It is inspirational - filled with ideas for creating the ultimate Southwest-style haven, indoors as well as out. It's informative - with concise text offering details on materials, design elements, plants and more. And it's visually compelling - with pages filled with dynamic color photography by regular contributors to Phoenix Home & Garden magazine.While diverse in appearance, homes and gardens that reflect the essence of Southwest style have certain characteristics that make them regionally relevant. These include appropriate building materials, such as adobe, brick and stone, along with a relaxed atmosphere and colors, furnishings, accessories, art and architectural elements that speak to the Southwest's varied cultural heritage.Essential Southwest is dived into two sections: Part I is devoted to homes, and Part II focused on gardens. In addition to offering up-close and comprehensive look at very special projects by some of the area's most talented design professionals, it includes a Forward by renowned Arizona architect Vernon Swaback, along with a glossary of terms that are common to the region, and contact information to the various builders, designers, landscapers and architects involved.Whether you live in the Southwest or just wish you did, this book would make a fine addition to your personal library.