Book excerpt: Japanese Obi or "sashes" are colorful pieces of fabric that can be used to great effect in interior decorating as well as traditional Japanese dress. In Design with Japanese Obi, the authors present the obi as it is being used in interiors today, demonstrating simple yet striking techniques for making these exquisite kimono sashes the centerpiece of any room's decor. The focus is on seven key uses for obi that are applicable to nearly any setting imaginable, such as: Artistic table arrangements Dining room accents Framing enhancements Fabric coverings These and other dramatic and innovative uses of obi in interior design and decoration are presented along with such essentials as color coordination, fabric shaping, and accessories for hanging obi. The vivid photographs in this book present some of the most elegant interiors the authors have found, from Tokyo to Washington D.C., and show the obi being used in today's homes to create a sumptuous, refined, and modern ambiance.