Life meets art Inside the homes of the world's most creative people

Architecture writer Lubell (Gathering: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson) presents a gorgeous compilation of interiors from the homes of famous artists past and present as a way of exhibiting each creator's "power and legacy." Homes showcased date as far back as Albrecht Dürer's burgher house built in 1420, and continue to the present with Diana von Furstenburg's New York City penthouse and Tommy Hilfiger's Golden Beach, Fla., mansion. Lubell visits abodes from more than 30 countries, such as Salvador Dalí's house in Spain, David Bowie and Iman's vacation spot in St. Vincent, and Yves Saint Laurent's retreat in Morocco. Accompanying the photographs of each is Lubell's lively commentary on the space and the artists' personal lives. In Rudyard Kipling's England residence, for instance, "Oriental rugs, large globes, terra-cotta Hindu statues, and books from afar--reflect Kipling's strong affinities with the East. Each room tells a story." Lubell also explains how the homes influenced their owners (Georgia O'Keeffe's New Mexico house inspired more than two dozen of her paintings). Lubell thoughtfully indicates which sites are open to visitors, such as Mark Twain's Hartford, Conn., mansion, and which remain private, like Giorgio Armani's winter house in Switzerland. This inspired and aesthetically pleasing survey is perfect for anyone seeking interior design inspiration . (Oct.)