When Celerie Kemble laid eyes on a wild swath of jungle in the Dominican Republic next to mint green water and an endless stretch of golden sand, she fell madly in love. Against all odds, she designed a home away from home there, an island retreat suffused with light and air, full of indoor and outdoor rooms for relaxation. Drawing inspiration from a childhood where whimsy was part of her home s foundation, she blended meaningful, unique, and surprising design choices and details into these spaces. There is the lacy tragaluz fretwork above the doors that lets in breezes and echoes the Victorian influences in a town near the property. There are the artisanal tiles with patterns reminiscent of the strangely beautiful flora of the jungle. There are the sweet pastel-coloured bungalows and the art, objects, and textiles in dark hues reminiscent of a Gauguin painting. Throughout this lovingly crafted book about Kemble s own island design journey, 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 a sense of welcome, invitation, and magic. Bunny Williams s An Affair with a House meets India Hicks s Island Style in this gorgeously photographed, open-hearted volume.

About the Author
Celerie Kemble is a partner in Kemble Interiors, Inc., a decorating firm founded by her mother, Mimi McMakin, in 1982. After graduating from Harvard, Kemble built her own design practice with clients including Tory Burch and Lela Rose. She has been featured in Coastal Living, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest (including as an AD100 designer), luxe., Veranda, Traditional Home, and more. Her previous design books include To Your Taste and Black and White (and a Bit in Between).

Reviews
"Escape on a journey with ELLE Decor A-List designer Celerie Kemble, whose Island Whimsy will take you to her unforgettable tropical refuge in the Dominican Republic." -ELLEDECOR.COM

"The tastemaking decorator, known for whimsical elegance, reveals a paradise of ideas for indoor/outdoor living that is as comfortable as it is transporting." -LOVEHAPPENSMAG.COM

"Throughout this lovingly crafted book, ideas abound for anyone decorating a house at the beach or fantasizing about spending time in one. Celerie 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." -THEGLAMPAD.COM

"The book recounts Kemble's deeply personal and creative journey designing Playa Grande and bringing this labor of love to life." -INTERIORDESIGNMASTERCLASS.COM

"Entirely dedicated to Playa Grande, the property Kemble designed in the Dominican Republic, this tome reflects a rare opportunity to create a sense of place from the raw jungle and pristine coastline, from design to conception." -SOCIETY TEXAS

"In Celerie Kemble's latest book, ISLAND WHIMSY: DESIGNING A PARADISE BY THE SEA, she draws the reader in, inviting them into a laid back, beautiful treat." -SPLENDID SASS



Book Information
ISBN 9780847862191
Author Celerie Kemble
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Rizzoli International Publications
Publisher Rizzoli International Publications