Barbra Streisand reveals 'My Passion for Design'

Barbra Streisand's passions have been well documented over the years. For nearly five decades, the star has been known for her acting, singing, directing, unwavering support for political causes and perfectionism.

But now in a surprisingly personal, informal and engaging new book, "My Passion for Design" (Viking, $60), she reveals her love for architecture and her extensive furniture and art collections.

Make no mistake: This book is all Barbra, down to the handwritten notes and photos (principal photography by Streisand herself). She covers her intense relationship with furniture, her early apartments in New York City, her love for natural light and artisans who make things by hand, and her love of color. Not a fan of primary colors (except for pure lipstick red), she prefers subtle hues and monochromatic rooms. Finding just the right color is a frequent topic - from long discussions with her gardener about choosing flowers to the watery blue "color of the sea" shade with a hint of green she selected for her screening room. In her pond outside, she allows only black and white fish.

Shots before and during the construction of her dream compound on the Southern California coast show how she created a country stream out of concrete and rebar, and used a soft blanket of Boston ivy to make the stone walls on her main house feel less new.

While adding a design studio or basement-level street with shops are probably not part of your next renovation, Streisand's fans will enjoy a glimpse inside her world and the old movie shots and magazine covers that are included. Design enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed interiors and lush gardens.

This article appeared on page L - 6 of the San Francisco Chronicle