Brussels: The Art of Living

"The beautiful exteriors and often subdued interiors shown [here] have at least one thing in common," declares the introduction to this gorgeous volume, "they were designed with love. Love in its Brussels variety--efficient, realistic, without any concessions to dishonesty, ugliness, imitativeness or kitsch and wholly devoted to making the art of living more enjoyable." Lavishly illustrated with nearly 300 color photos of marvelous urban landscapes and exquisitely appointed rooms, this is an expertly guided tour of a fascinating city and its residences. Celebrating the region's history, elegance, traditions, and craftsmanship, the book lovingly explores a place of contrasts: baroque splendor and mid-20th-century concrete, the undulations of art nouveau and the starkness of sleek modernism, the sprawling parks and densely built streets, but everywhere an admiration for the telling detail, the stylish touch. Those planning a trip to this intriguing destination will also enjoy the resource section describing hotels, restaurants, museum, and shopping sites, but you don't have to wait for an opportunity to travel there--soak up the ambience right now with this beautiful book, and find inspiration to bring some of that ambience into your own life. --Amy Handy