Island Whimsy: Designing a Paradise by the Sea, Hardcover

The chapters of this book are organized around the different ways Kemble sought to braid her family's story into the larger landscape of Playa Grande and to provide inspiration, joy, and respite to all who come. Fantasy looks at the way she used whimsical, dreamlike elements--from the latticework cabanas by the pool to the lamb statues on the property who mow the lawns--throughout the property to create a sense of play and possibility. Light, Salt, Air describes how she went about bringing the most precious elements of the beach into the homes themselves, creating a feeling of flow and permeability, and reminding visitors constantly of where they are. In the Jungle looks at the design cues she took from the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest surrounding Playa Grande to create an alluring tension between chaos and refinement. Sweet & Dark examines the surprising color combinations that tango into life in the tropics--whether in the form of tribal prints in hot Gauguin colors mixed with Jordan-almond pastels or handmade objects like a papier-mâché lobster mask that brings a shout of spirit to a room. Finally, Texture focuses on the powerful impact that thoughtfully layered materials--from rough, local coquina stone and painted antique wicker to the smooth polished cotton of Dutch wax prints--have on a space.

Throughout this lovingly crafted book, ideas abound for anyone decorating a sunny home or fantasizing about spending time in one. Kemble shares inspiration for creating a sense of openness to the sea, sand, and sky; offering places to wash sandy feet or perfect viewing spots for a sunset-saturated drink; and infusing spaces with invitation, welcome, and magic.

About author(s):Celerie Kemble is a partner in Kemble Interiors, Inc., a decorating firm founded in 1982. Celerie has been featured in Architectural Digest (including as an AD100 Designer), Elle Décor (where she is a perennial member of the A-List), House Beautiful, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, The Wall Street Journal, Town & Country, Veranda, and more. Her previous design books include To Your Taste and Black & White (and a Bit in Between). She lives between Palm Beach and New York with her three children.