BOOK REVIEW
THE NEW HACIENDA
by Karen Witynski and Joe P. Carr
Gibbs Smith, Publisher, Layton, UT (www.gibbs-smith.com)
Haciendas are to Mexico
what castles are to Spain. They're unique and in their quiet, serene
beauty a bit romantic. Karen Witynski and Joe P. Carr, sensitive to the
charm of old haciendas and their influence on contemporary design, take
their readers behind the scenes as they open the doors to Mexico's
haciendas to reveal antiques, artifacts and creative interiors.
Originally built in from
the 16th to the 19th centuries to grow sugar, henequen, coffee and wheat
and to mine silver and produce mescal, many of Mexico's haciendas have
been transformed itno country homes, resorts, and art centers.
Witynski and Carr
introduce their readers to the romantic world of old haciendas through
intriguing text and spectacular photographs. Beginning with the origins
of these old haciendas, they discuss the different types, their
furnishings, architectural elements, restorations, and their influence
on contemporary design, the basic concept of their book. In their
chapter on hacienda kitchens, they even offer a few traditional recipes.
The authors show how the
use of natural materials like stone, wood and brick lives on in the
design of today's interiors. Their book shows how designers and
architects have found inspiration in the old haciendas, as well as how
they've integrated Mexican elements into new home on both sides of the
border.
Both lovers of Mexican
culture and art, as well as contemporary design, will cherish this book.
It's one to keep on the shelf to read again and again. |