The richness of the golden teak timber of the hard furnishings, floors, furniture and ceilings has been off set by soft furnishings in muted beige tones and contrasting textures of local cotton rugs, bed covers and upholstery. The local handmade Mae Rim ceramic tiles are also in beige tones cooling down the richness of the timber trims in both the wet areas of the bathroom and entrance foyer. The focal point of the bedroom is the armoire, positioned opposite the bed. These are in bright primary colors, either blue, red or green, with an intricate antique gold stencil effect on all exposed surfaces. The accent colors in the cabinets are echoed in mirror frames, lamps and silk cushions around the room. The private dining 'sala' again uses the natural

Enclosed behind the guest pavilion's baths and beyond the master bedroom, is a secluded garden where a locally carved wooden elephant head is set into a Thai-style niche.

Interior design for the Regent Resort Chiang Mai was undertaken by the Abacus Design group of Bangkok. 'With Thai architecture, it's impossible to assess where the interior ends and the exterior begins,' says John Lightbody, president of Abacus Design. The overall theme for the resort is based on the designs, materials and colors of the Lanna style which has been used throughout the resort including all the public areas and the guest pavilions. Around the Chiang Mai region, Lanna fabrics are being produced in much the same way and to the same style as they were 700 years ago, as are the Lanna-style paintings depicting traditional rural life. This has enabled Abacus to not only create an exciting design concept for the resort, but also incorporate into it an authentic Lanna atmosphere throughout.

The sensitivity to Lanna culture is apparent in the rooms, each of which is unique. To offset the richness of the teak, Lightbody, a British-born, 26 year resident of Thailand, used muted colors and understated raw cottons. He also integrated northern Thai crafts, like celadon pottery and stenciled cabinets, into the overall motifs.

One of his biggest challenges was to design a series of chairs, which are not traditionally used in Thai houses. 'In the end, I borrowed a bit from Burma and a bit from the colonial style.' he explains.

The Regent group believes a successful design combines comfort with elegance, and function and practicality with aesthetic pleasure. Attention to detail is evident in the interior design throughout The Regent Chiang Mai, from the spacious and welcoming public areas to the comfortable and private guest pavilions.