Palm Beach Living

By Jennifer Ash Rudick, photography by Nick Mele, Vendome Press, $155 What better way to escape the dreariness of winter than by leafing through a book like this? It’s a colourful, slightly crazy, highly patterned exploration of a collection of extravagant Palm Beach, US, homes. Many Kiwis might find it all a bit much with houses full of exotic furnishings, dazzling antique textiles, clashes of pattern and stucco walls in vibrant colours. But there are a smattering of simpler modernist homes and some rustic elements. As the author explains, the owners of opulent Palm Beach homes have traditionally been slightly eccentric and philanthropic, inspired by the natural beauty of their subtropical surroundings, and attest to the beauty that can be achieved when the only limitation is one’s imagination. There’s certainly a lot of inspiration (which may not lead to emulation however) to be found given the similarity of parts of New Zealand’s landscape and climate to Palm Beach, and a shared passion for good indoor-outdoor living. The book itself is big and bold with a hefty price tag but will keep you captivated – if the heady Palm Beach look is your thing.